Portable battery switch box
The portable battery switch box addresses the high cost and complexity of conventional emergency power systems by providing a low-cost, easy-to-install solution that maintains power to specific loads during outages, using a portable battery and optional solar panel for extended power supply.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- AI-COMMUNICATIONS INC
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-29
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-22
AI Technical Summary
Conventional emergency power supply systems for homes during disasters are expensive, require large-scale construction, and are not widely adopted due to high costs and complex installations, necessitating a more affordable and easier-to-install solution.
A portable battery switch box that connects a portable battery to a target branch switch in a distribution board, allowing it to be interposed between the branch switch and a specific load, with switches to manage power flow and safety, and optionally includes a solar power generation panel for charging.
Enables low-cost, quick installation of emergency power supply systems that maintain power to specific loads during outages, reducing hardware costs and enhancing safety, with the option of using solar power to extend battery life.
Smart Images

Figure 0007849771000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The invention of the present application relates to a technology for taking countermeasures against power outages that may be caused by large-scale disasters.
Background Art
[0002] In recent years, cases where the lifelines of regions have suffered great damage due to natural disasters such as large earthquakes and floods have occurred frequently, and it has become an urgent issue to take complete countermeasures. In particular, the number of cases where large-scale power outages occur due to damage to power plants and damage to power transmission and distribution networks has been increasing, and the importance of countermeasures against them has been called for. When a power outage due to a disaster occurs, although there are few cases that require a long time to restore, it often takes several days. During that time, an inconvenient life without electricity is inevitable. In many cases, people take refuge in evacuation shelters equipped with emergency power supply equipment, but they often hesitate from the perspective of privacy and end up staying at home where there is no electricity.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0003]
Patent Document 1
Patent Document 2
Patent Document 3
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0004] Considering the problems mentioned above, measures are being taken to install emergency power supply equipment in ordinary homes to cope with power outages during disasters. However, conventional emergency power supply equipment is very expensive, requires the installation of a power supply system to switch from grid power, and is a large-scale construction project. For example, if a generator is used as an emergency power supply, it is connected to the upstream side (grid side) of the distribution board and switched on during a power outage. However, a large generator is required to supply the entire load downstream of the distribution board, resulting in an expensive and large-scale construction project. While some systems replace generators with solar panels and batteries, similarly, large and expensive batteries are needed to power the entire load during a power outage, and the installation is extensive. Often, specially configured (non-standard) distribution boards are required, resulting in high costs and complex installation. In addition, some systems install so-called V2H (Vehicle to Home) systems, allowing electric vehicles or plug-in hybrid vehicles to be used as batteries, but these multi-functional systems are inevitably expensive and large-scale. Due to these various circumstances, despite the recognized need, emergency power supply systems have not become widespread. The present invention was made with the above-mentioned challenges in emergency power supply measures during disasters in mind, and aims to provide an emergency power supply system that is low-cost, easy to install, and safer. [Means for solving the problem]
[0005] To solve the above problems, this specification discloses an invention for a portable battery switch box. The disclosed portable battery switch box is a switch box used when attaching a portable battery to a target branch switch, which is a branch switch in a distribution board installed in a building and is installed for supplying power to a specific load. This portable battery switch box is equipped with a main input terminal connected to the target branch switch, a load terminal connected to a specific load, a battery input terminal connected to the input terminal of the portable battery, and a battery output terminal connected to the output terminal of the portable battery. Furthermore, wiring is provided that connects the main input terminal to the battery input terminal and wiring that connects the battery output terminal to the load terminal, making it possible to install the portable battery so that it is interposed between the target branch switch and the specific load, and the portable battery is connected in series with the target load. Furthermore, a switch and wiring are provided to short-circuit the main input terminal and the load terminal when the portable battery is removed. Furthermore, an additional switch is provided on the wiring connecting the main input terminal and the battery input terminal, allowing selection of short-circuiting and opening the circuit. Furthermore, in order to solve the above problems, a switch box for a portable battery according to another invention is disclosed in this specification. The switch box for a portable battery according to the disclosed other invention is a switch box used when attaching a portable battery to a target branch switch, which is a branch switch in a distribution board installed in a building and is installed for supplying power to a specific load. This portable battery switch box includes: The device is equipped with a main input terminal connected to the target branch switch, a load terminal connected to a specific load, a battery input terminal connected to the input terminal of a portable battery, and a battery output terminal connected to the output terminal of a portable battery. Furthermore, this portable battery switch box has a built-in switch and is provided with a main internal line that connects the main input terminal to the load terminal via the switch, a battery input line that branches off from the main internal line and short-circuits the battery input terminal to the main input terminal, and a battery output line that connects the battery output terminal to the load terminal via the switch. The switch shorts the main input terminal to the load terminal and disconnects the battery output terminal from the load terminal when there is no power outage, and disconnects the main input terminal from the load terminal and shorts the battery output terminal to the load terminal when there is a power outage. Furthermore, an additional switch is provided on the battery input line that allows selection of short-circuiting and opening the track. [Effects of the Invention]
[0006] As explained below, the portable battery switch box according to the disclosed invention allows the portable battery to be charged during normal times (when there is no power outage) and to be used to supply power to a specific load during a power outage. Therefore, electricity can be used at the specific load until the portable battery's charge reaches zero. This makes it possible to use the minimum amount of electricity necessary during disasters. Even when the portable battery is removed, power to the specific load is maintained by the switch operation during normal times (when there is no power outage), so there are no problems with power usage at the specific load. Furthermore, installation can be completed inexpensively and quickly, and the hardware cost can be significantly reduced. Therefore, power outage countermeasures during disasters can be implemented at a low cost. Furthermore, an additional switch is provided on the wiring connecting the main input terminal and the battery input terminal, allowing selection of short-circuiting and opening the circuit, thereby enhancing safety when the portable battery is removed. A configuration in which the additional switch is housed in the same box case as the main switch and operated from the outside of the case, similar to the main switch, offers advantages in terms of installation and operability. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0007] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of a power outage countermeasure set using the portable battery switch box of the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram showing the wiring configuration when the portable battery is removed. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of an automatic switch configuration. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram of a power outage countermeasure set using the portable battery switch box of the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0008] Next, embodiments for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as embodiments) will be described. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a power outage countermeasure set using the portable battery switch box of the first embodiment. The power outage countermeasure kit shown in Figure 1 is a kit installed during the construction of a building to add a function to secure power using a storage battery in the event of a power outage. As shown in Figure 1, this power outage countermeasure kit consists of a switch box 1, a portable storage battery 2, a solar power generation panel 3, main wiring 41, 42, etc., according to the first embodiment. The switch box 1 has a box case 15, which is provided with a main input terminal 100 and a load terminal 101. The power outage countermeasure kit described below is intended for residential use such as detached houses and apartments, but it may also be installed in non-residential buildings such as offices and government offices.
[0009] As shown in Figure 1, this power outage countermeasure kit is installed on the downstream side (load side) of the distribution board 8. More specifically, it is installed on one branch switch 81 in the distribution board 8. As is well known, the distribution board 8 is connected to the power transmission and distribution network provided by the power company and receives power supply. The power outage countermeasure kit is installed by interposing it between the said branch switch 81 and the specific load 9 that is powered by said branch switch 81.
[0010] During building construction, electrical wiring work typically involves temporary wiring after the structural work is completed, followed by final wiring after the interior work is finished. A distribution board is installed at the location where the grid power is supplied, and power lines to each load (each room) are connected to the output terminals of each branch switch on the distribution board. Then, power receiving terminals such as outlets are installed at each load. The installation of this power outage protection kit is carried out during normal power distribution work. That is, instead of directly connecting the power supply line to the specific load 9 at a single branch switch 81, the installation is completed simply by connecting it with the power outage protection kit in between. Specifically, one end of the first main wiring 41 is connected to a single branch switch 81, and the other end of the first main wiring 41 is connected to the main input terminal 100 on the switch box 1. In addition, one end of the second main wiring 42 is connected to the load terminal 101 on the switch box 1, and the other end is connected to the specific load 9.
[0011] In the following explanation, the branch switch 81 to which the power outage countermeasure kit is installed will be referred to as the target branch switch. The specific load 9 supplied by the target branch switch 81 is a load that is powered by the portable battery 2 during a power outage. In buildings such as houses, power is distributed to each room by the distribution board 8, but the specific load 9 is selected from rooms with a high priority for power supply during a power outage (for example, the living room). In other words, wiring work is carried out by installing the power outage countermeasure kit in the target branch switch 81 that supplies power to the room with a high priority for power supply during a power outage.
[0012] This power outage countermeasure set basically consists of a portable battery 2 connected in series between the target branch switch 81 and the specific load 9. Specifically, the input terminal 21 of the portable battery 2 is connected to the target branch switch 81 by the first main wiring 41, and the output terminal 22 of the portable battery 2 is connected to the specific load 9 by the second main wiring 42. Therefore, the portable battery 2 and the specific load 9 are in series, with the portable battery 2 being the upstream side.
[0013] The portable battery 2 includes an input terminal for AC 100V (hereinafter referred to as the AC input terminal) 21 and an output terminal for AC 100V (hereinafter referred to as the AC output terminal) 22. An input-side AC cable 24 is connected to the AC input terminal 21, and an output-side AC cable 25 is connected to the AC output terminal 22. Further, the portable battery 2 includes a DC input terminal 23 for connecting to the solar power generation panel 3. And the portable battery 2 has a power storage mode selection switch 20 for switching whether to use the power from the AC input terminal 21 (AC mode), the power from the DC input terminal 23 (DC mode), or a hybrid (HB) mode of storing power with both powers. In the case of the hybrid mode of storing power with both powers, the power storage from the DC input terminal 23 is prioritized to obtain an energy-saving effect. In the hybrid mode, when the power from the solar power generation panel 3 disappears at night or the like, power storage is performed with AC power (grid power). As shown in FIG. 1, the switch box 1 is provided with a battery input terminal 103 to which an input-side AC cable 24 extending from the portable battery 2 is connected, and a battery output terminal 104 to which an output-side AC cable 25 extending from the portable battery 2 is connected.
[0014] A main switch 10 is disposed in the box case 15. The main switch 10 includes two selection terminals 11, 12 and one common terminal 13. One of the selection terminals is the first selection terminal 11 connected to the target branch switch 81 via the main input terminal 100 and the first main wiring 41. The other is the second selection terminal 12 connected to the battery output terminal 104. The main switch 10 includes an operation part such as a lever (not shown in FIG. 1), and the operation part is exposed on the outer surface (for example, the front surface) of the box case 15. The state where the first selection terminal 11 is short-circuited to the common terminal 13 and the second selection terminal 12 is opened from the common terminal 13, and the state where the first selection terminal 11 is opened from the common terminal 13 and the second selection terminal 12 is short-circuited to the common terminal 13 can be switched by operating the operation part.
[0015] As shown in Fig. 1, the first selection terminal 11 is connected to the main input terminal 100, and a battery input line 43 that is connected to the AC input terminal 21 of the portable battery 2 is connected thereto. The common terminal 13 of the main switch 10 is connected to the specific load 9 via the load terminal 101 and the second main wiring 42. The main switch 10 is in the state shown in Fig. 1 unless the portable battery 2 is removed. Hereinafter, this state is referred to as the normal state. In the normal state, the main switch 10 short - circuits the second selection terminal 12 and the common terminal 13.
[0016] As shown in Fig. 1, an additional switch 16 is provided on the battery input line 43. The additional switch 16 is a switch that can select between short - circuiting and opening the battery input line 43. The additional switch 16 is provided as a safety device for the battery input terminal 103. The additional switch 16 also has an operation part such as a lever (not shown), and the operation part is exposed on the outer surface (for example, the front surface) of the switch box 15. By operating the operation part, the short - circuiting and opening of the battery input line 43 can be switched.
[0017] The portable battery 2 has a so - called pass - through function. That is, the AC input terminal 21 and the AC output terminal 22 are internally configured such that they are always short - circuited regardless of the charge / discharge state and regardless of which input mode is selected. Therefore, when the main switch 10 is in the normal state as shown in Fig. 1, the power from the target branch switch 81 reaches the second selection terminal 12 via the first main wiring 41, the first selection terminal 11, the AC input terminal 21, inside the portable battery 2, and the AC output terminal 22, and is supplied to the specific load 9 via the common terminal 13, the load terminal 101, and the second main wiring 42.
[0018] The portable battery 2, although not shown in the diagram, includes a power outage detection circuit and an automatic power supply circuit. The power outage detection circuit detects when the power supply voltage becomes zero while the input AC cable 24 is connected to the AC input terminal 21 (detects a power outage), and also detects when the power supply voltage recovers after the power outage detection (detects the resolution of the power outage). The automatic power supply circuit automatically starts supplying power (outputs AC 100V to the AC output terminal 22) when the power outage detection circuit detects a power outage. These functions are the same as those of a so-called uninterruptible power supply (UPS).
[0019] Furthermore, the portable battery 2 using the switch box of the first embodiment is equipped with a reverse power flow prevention circuit and has a reverse power flow prevention function. Reverse power flow prevention is a function that prevents the stored power from flowing in the reverse direction. In other words, it is a function that prevents power from flowing out of the AC input terminal 21. As a portable battery 2 having such configurations, for example, the DELTA2 sold by EcoFlow Technology Japan Co., Ltd. can be used.
[0020] In the configuration shown in Figure 1, when the portable battery 2 is removed, the main switch 10 is operated. This point will be explained with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the wiring state when the portable battery is removed. To remove the portable battery 2, first operate the main switch 10 and the additional switch 16 to the state shown in Figure 2. That is, the first selection terminal 11 is short-circuited to the common terminal 13, and the additional switch 16 is opened. Hereinafter, this state will be referred to as the release state. By setting it to the release state, the portable battery 2 is disconnected from the specific load 9 and also from the target branch switch 81. System power from the target branch switch 81 flows directly from the first selection terminal 11 to the common terminal 13 via the main switch 10, and is supplied directly to the specific load 9. After setting it to this state, disconnect the AC cables 24 and 25 that were connected to the switch box 1 and remove the portable battery 2 from the switch box 1. If the solar power generation panel 3 is connected to the DC input terminal 23, it is acceptable to leave it as is, but if you are taking the portable battery 2 outdoors, disconnect the DC cable 31 from the DC input terminal 23.
[0021] The operation of this type of power outage preparedness kit is explained below. The power outage countermeasure set is installed during the construction of the building as described above. Specifically, one end of the first main wiring 41 is connected to the target branch switch 81, and the other end of the first main wiring 41 is connected to the main input terminal 100 on the switch box 1. The second main wiring 42 has one end connected to the load terminal 101 on the switch box 1 and the other end connected to the specific load 9. The main switch 10 is set to the normal state. The additional switch 16 is set to a short circuit state. Furthermore, the portable battery 2 is attached to the switch box 1 by connecting the respective AC cables 24 and 25. The solar power generation panel 3 is connected to the DC input terminal 23 of the portable battery 2 using the DC cable 31. The power storage mode selection switch 20 on the portable battery 2 is often set to AC mode or hybrid mode.
[0022] Once the installation is complete as described above, the grid power from the target branch switch 81 flows through the first selection terminal 11 of the main switch 10 into the portable battery 2, and is supplied to the specific load 9 via the second selection terminal 12 of the main switch 10. At this time, the portable battery 9 is also charged. Furthermore, if the power storage mode selection switch 20 is set to hybrid mode or DC mode, the portable battery 9 is charged by the solar power generation panel 3 during the daytime on sunny days.
[0023] In this situation, if a power outage occurs due to a large-scale disaster, the power supply from the grid to the distribution board 8 is interrupted, and the power supply from the target branch switch 81 is lost. The power outage detection circuit in the portable battery 2 detects this, and the automatic power supply circuit operates, generating an output voltage at the AC output terminal 22 and starting power supply. That is, power from the portable battery 2 is supplied to the specific load 9, and power supply to the specific load 9 (for example, the living room) continues. When the power outage is resolved, the power outage detection circuit of the portable battery 2 detects the restoration of power, and the automatic power supply circuit stops the output of stored power. Then, the pass-through function of the portable battery 2 resumes the supply of grid power to the specific load 9. Furthermore, if it is sunny during the daytime when there is a power outage, the solar power generation panel 3 will store power in the portable battery 2 in parallel. Therefore, the time until the portable battery 2 runs out of charge is extended.
[0024] When removing the portable battery 2 for outdoor use, the main switch 10 is switched from the normal state shown in Figure 1 to the unlocked state shown in Figure 2. The additional switch 16 is also opened. Then, the AC cables 24 and 25 are unplugged, as well as the DC cable 31 connected to the solar power generation panel 3. This removes the portable battery 2 from the switch box 1 and the solar power generation panel 3, making it possible to take it outdoors. In this example, since the solar power generation panel 3 is also portable, it is possible to take it outdoors together with the portable battery 2 and use it for solar power generation.
[0025] With this type of power outage preparedness kit, the portable battery 2, which is normally charged (when there is no power outage), supplies power to the specific load 9 during a power outage. Therefore, electricity can be used for the specific load 9 until the charge of the portable battery 2 runs out. This makes it possible to use the minimum necessary amount of electricity during a disaster. In this case, the idea is to supply power to selected specific loads 9 during a power outage, rather than to the entire load in the building. Therefore, there is no need to use large, expensive, high-capacity batteries, and thus inexpensive portable batteries 2 are used.
[0026] Furthermore, since the installation is completed simply by attaching the switch box 1, to which the portable battery 2 and solar power generation panel 3 are connected, to the target branch switch 81 via the first main wiring 41, the installation is extremely inexpensive and can be completed in a short period of time. Moreover, because it is a set that combines the simple structure of the switch box 1 with the inexpensive portable battery 2 and solar power generation panel 3, the hardware cost can be made significantly cheaper. As a result, power outage countermeasures during disasters can be implemented at a low cost. Furthermore, there is no need to install a specially configured distribution board 8; a standard, off-the-shelf unit suffices. This also contributes to achieving low-cost power outage countermeasures.
[0027] Furthermore, the inclusion of an additional switch 16 enhances safety when the portable battery 2 is removed. Without the additional switch 16, although the grid power from the target branch switch 81 is supplied to the target load 9, that voltage is also applied to the battery input terminal 103. In this case, if the battery input terminal 103 were to short-circuit for any reason, an overcurrent would flow, which the target branch switch 81 would detect and cut off the power supply. This would result in the power supply to the specific load 9 being cut off, creating a so-called tripped circuit breaker. In this embodiment, since the additional switch 16 is provided, when the portable battery 2 is removed, leaving the additional switch 16 open prevents the grid power voltage from being applied to the battery input terminal 103, thus eliminating the risk of a short circuit. Furthermore, since these additional switches 16 are housed within the same box case 15 and operated from the outside of the case, just like the switch 10, they offer advantages in terms of installation and operability. In other words, all that is required is to fix the box case 15 to a wall or the like and wire it as described above, and operation can be easily performed on the box case 15.
[0028] Furthermore, the portable battery 2 can be detached and used for outdoor leisure activities, offering a double benefit. The portability of the battery also has another advantage: it can be taken to another location indoors during a power outage and used as needed. For example, if the toilet can only be flushed electrically and the power cable is plugged into an outlet, the portable battery 2 can be taken to the toilet, the power cable connected to the AC output terminal 22 of the portable battery 2, and the toilet can be flushed. In other words, it offers a triple benefit.
[0029] Furthermore, this power outage countermeasure kit is equipped with a solar power generation panel 3, which can store power in the portable battery 2. This allows for delaying the time it takes for the portable battery 2 to run out of charge during a power outage, making it particularly suitable for prolonged power outages. Moreover, since the solar power generation panel 3 is also portable, it can be taken outdoors and used together with the portable battery 2, extending the usage time (time until the portable battery 2 runs out of charge) outdoors. If the solar power generation panel 3 is not portable, it may be mounted on the roof or wall of a building such as a house.
[0030] Furthermore, since the portable battery 2 is equipped with a reverse power flow prevention function, it prevents the stored power from accidentally flowing into the grid. In Figure 1, if the stored power flows out from the AC input terminal 21 of the portable battery 2, it will reach the distribution board 8 via the first selection terminal 11 of the main switch 10 and flow back into the grid. In this case, if the owner who installed the power outage countermeasure set has applied to the power company for power, the reverse power flow will be permitted as surplus power sold back to the power company. However, if no power application has been made, it is necessary to prevent the reverse power flow. In other words, this power outage countermeasure set is ideal because it allows for emergency power supply measures during power outages while using solar power generation panels as a completely self-consumption type power generation system, and it can be easily introduced as no power application is required. Furthermore, if the portable battery 2 does not have a reverse power flow prevention function, a configuration may be adopted in which a reverse power flow detection sensor is installed on the line downstream of the target branch switch 81, and a circuit breaker is installed on the line to the battery input terminal 103 (for example, on the battery input line 43). When the reverse power flow detection sensor detects reverse power flow, the circuit breaker automatically opens the line to cut off the reverse power flow. A configuration in which the circuit breaker also serves as an additional switch 16 may also be adopted.
[0031] In the configuration of the first embodiment described above, it is also conceivable to adopt an automatic switch configuration for the main switch 10 that automatically deactivates when the portable battery 2 is removed. This point will be explained in more detail using Figure 3. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an automatic switch configuration.
[0032] In the example shown in Figure 3, a socket 71 to which the input AC cable 24 is attached is provided as a battery input terminal 103, and a swing rod 72 is provided as a component that is linked to the socket 71. A spring member 73 is fixed to the back of one end of the swing rod 72 (opposite the socket 71), and a main switch 10 is connected to the other end. The swing rod 72 is able to swing around a rotation axis approximately in the center. The socket 71 is movable in the direction toward the spring member 73 within a retainer (not shown). Furthermore, a stopper 74 is attached to the retainer to prevent the socket 71 from coming out when it is installed.
[0033] When the input AC cable 24 is connected, the socket 71 is pushed out as shown in Figure 3(1) and its position is held by the stopper 74. In this state, the spring member 73 is compressed via the oscillating rod 72, and the oscillating rod 72 acts as a lever to pull the shorting plate of the main switch 10, causing the shorting plate to short-circuit the first selection terminal 11 and the common terminal 13. When removing the input AC cable 24, manually release the stopper 74 before pulling out the input AC cable 24. This causes the swing rod 72 to swing in the opposite direction due to the action (restoring force) of the spring member 73, and the shorting plate of the main switch 10 short-circuits the second selection terminal 12 and the common terminal 13. Furthermore, the additional switch 16 can also be made into an automatic switch. In this case, the additional switch 16 can be made into a switch that operates automatically in conjunction with the main switch 10.
[0034] In the example above, the socket 71 for the input AC cable 24 is equipped with an automatic switch, but the socket for the output AC cable 25 may also be equipped with an automatic switch, or both may be equipped with manual switches. If both are equipped with automatic switches, the input AC cable 24 and the output AC cable 25 may be made into a single unit such as a harness, and the socket to which it is attached may be equipped with the structure described above. In addition to the above, various other configurations of automatic switches are conceivable, and the switch may not be mechanical but may be operated electronically using sensors or the like. In any case, if there is no automatic switch, if the portable battery 2 is removed without operating the main switch 10, the power supply to the specific load 9 will be cut off, resulting in a state similar to a tripped circuit breaker. However, if an automatic switch configuration is used, there is no need to worry about forgetting to operate the main switch 10, which is preferable.
[0035] Next, a portable battery switch box and a power outage countermeasure set using this portable battery switch box will be described according to the second embodiment. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a power outage countermeasure set using the portable battery switch box of the second embodiment. This power outage countermeasure set is also installed by being interposed between the target branch switch 81 and the specific load 9 in the distribution board 8 of a house, and comprises the switch box 1 of the second embodiment, a portable battery 2, and a solar power generation panel 3. What distinguishes this power outage countermeasure set from the one shown in Figure 1 is that when charging, the portable battery 2 is in a parallel relationship with the specific load 9.
[0036] As shown in Figure 4, in the second embodiment, the box-internal main line 411 and the battery input line 43 are provided by branching off from the line connected to the first main wiring 41. The box-internal main line 411 extends from the branching point and is connected to the load terminal 101 via the main switch 14. The battery output terminal 104 is also connected to the load terminal 101 via the main switch 14. The main switch 14 is normally in a state where the box-internal main line 411 and the load terminal 101 are short-circuited (hereinafter referred to as the battery off state) when there is no power outage, and in the event of a power outage, the box-internal main line 411 is released from the load terminal 101 and the battery output terminal 104 is short-circuited to the load terminal 101 (hereinafter referred to as the battery on state).
[0037] As can be seen from Figure 4, when the main switch 14 is turned on, the portable battery 2 and the specific load 9 are connected in series. That is, the portable battery 2 is in parallel with the specific load 9 when charging, but is in series with the specific load 9 when discharging. The portable battery 2 is connected to the target branch switch 81 on the input side, but in the event of a power outage, the power supply becomes zero to detect the power outage, and power is output from the AC output terminal 22 and supplied to the specific load 9. The main switch 14 is a manual switch equipped with an operating part such as a lever, but it may also be a switch that automatically turns on and off based on a signal from a sensor that detects power outages. The power outage detection sensor can be installed inside the distribution board 8 or on the first main wiring 41.
[0038] As shown in Figure 4, in the second embodiment as well, an additional switch 15 is provided on the battery input line 43. Here too, the additional switch 16 switches between short-circuiting and opening the battery input line 43, and similarly includes an operating part such as a lever (not shown) exposed on the outer surface of the box case 15. When removing the portable battery 2, the additional switch 15 is operated to open the battery input line 43. Therefore, even if the battery input terminal 103 is accidentally short-circuited, no overcurrent will flow, and the target branch switch 81 will not interrupt the power supply circuit.
[0039] In each of the above configurations, the portable battery 2 is equipped with a DC input terminal 23 and is directly connected to the solar power generation panel 3. However, portable batteries without a DC input terminal 23 can also be used. When using a portable battery without a DC input terminal 23, an inverter is installed in between to convert the DC voltage output from the solar power generation panel 2 to AC 100V AC, and the inverter is connected to the switch box 1. Inside the switch box 1, there is a power storage changeover switch that switches between storing power in the portable battery 2 or in the solar power generation panel 3 using grid power.
[0040] In the above case, if the portable battery 2 is connected in series with a specific load 9 as shown in Figure 1, operating the power transfer switch to connect the portable battery 2 to the solar power generation panel 2 will interrupt the power supply to the specific load 9. Therefore, a bypass line is provided connecting the first main wiring to the second main wiring, and a switch on this bypass line is set to turn on in conjunction with the power transfer switch. However, when AC charging the portable battery 2 using grid power and the solar power generation panel 3 simultaneously, the power transfer switch is not provided, and the bypass line and the switch on the bypass line are unnecessary.
[0041] In the above-described power outage countermeasures sets, it was explained that there is only one specific load 9, but there may be multiple specific loads 9. In this case, in addition to a configuration where one power outage countermeasure set is interposed for one specific load 9, there may also be a configuration where one power outage countermeasure set is provided for multiple specific loads 9. That is, the second main wiring 41 from switch box 1 may branch into multiple branches, each connected to a specific load 9. When using multiple power outage countermeasures sets, the solar power generation panels may be shared among the power outage countermeasures sets. For example, the power supply line from one solar power generation panel may be branched into two to supply power to each portable battery, or a switch may be provided for one solar power generation panel to select one of the portable batteries to supply power to.
[0042] The power outage countermeasure kits described above can be suitably used not only in ordinary homes but also in offices and government offices. For example, government offices that play a central role in responding to disasters need to ensure that a minimum amount of power (such as power for communication with relevant parties) is available even during a power outage. The power outage countermeasure kits can be implemented for this purpose. Furthermore, while it was explained that the power outage countermeasures sets described above are installed during the building's construction, it is also possible to install them retrofitting after construction. For example, they can be retrofitted to existing distribution boards in detached houses or apartment buildings after their construction.
[0043] Furthermore, solar panels are not necessarily required in a power outage preparedness kit; a kit without solar panels is also acceptable. In this case, the power outage preparedness kit consists of a switch box 1 and a portable battery 2. Furthermore, the method of attaching any of the power outage countermeasure kits to the distribution board 8 is a type of power outage countermeasure method, and the installation and use of the power outage countermeasure kit can be understood as an invention of a power outage countermeasure method. Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the operating parts of the main switches 10, 14 and the additional switch 16 are not limited to levers, but may be switches of other configurations such as push-button switches or rotary switches. [Explanation of Symbols]
[0044] 1 Switch box 100 Main input terminal 101 Load terminal 102 Panel terminals 103 Battery input terminal 104 Battery output terminal 10 Main switch 11 First selection terminal 12 Second selection terminal 13 Common terminals 14 Main switch 15 Box Cases 16 Additional switches 2 Portable battery 3. Solar power panels 41. First main wiring 411 Main line inside box 42 Second main wiring 43 Battery input line 44 Battery output line 8 Distribution board 81 Target branch switch 9 Specific load
Claims
1. A portable battery switch box used when attaching a portable battery to a target branch switch, which is a branch switch in a distribution panel installed in a building and is installed for supplying power to a specific load, The system is provided with a main input terminal connected to the target branch switch, a load terminal connected to a specific load, a battery input terminal connected to the input terminal of a portable battery, and a battery output terminal connected to the output terminal of a portable battery. Wiring is provided connecting the main input terminal to the battery input terminal and wiring connecting the battery output terminal to the load terminal, allowing the portable battery to be installed in series with the target load by being interposed between the target branch switch and the specific load. When the portable battery is removed, a switch and wiring are provided to short-circuit the main input terminal and the load terminal. A portable battery switch box characterized by having an additional switch on the wiring connecting the main input terminal and the battery input terminal that allows selection of short-circuiting and opening the circuit.
2. A portable battery switch box used when attaching a portable battery to a target branch switch, which is a branch switch in a distribution panel installed in a building and is installed for supplying power to a specific load, The system is provided with a main input terminal connected to the target branch switch, a load terminal connected to a specific load, a battery input terminal connected to the input terminal of a portable battery, and a battery output terminal connected to the output terminal of a portable battery. It has a built-in switch. The main wiring inside the box, with the main input terminal connected to the load terminal via a switch, A battery input wire is branched from the main wire inside the box and shorted to the main input terminal, The battery output line connects the battery output terminal to the load terminal via a switch. A system is in place, The switch shorts the main input terminal to the load terminal and disconnects the battery output terminal from the load terminal when there is no power outage, and disconnects the main input terminal from the load terminal and shorts the battery output terminal to the load terminal when there is a power outage. A portable battery switch box characterized by having an additional switch on the battery input line that allows selection of short-circuiting and opening the line.
3. It has a box case, and the aforementioned switch is housed inside the box case. The aforementioned additional switch is also housed inside the box case. The portable battery switch box according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the operating part of the switch and the operating part of the additional switch are exposed on the outer surface of the box case.
Citation Information
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