Control unit and distribution board system

Abstract

To provide a control unit and a distribution board system that are capable of improving convenience.SOLUTION: A control unit 1 includes an identification unit 11 and a shutoff control unit 12. In an autonomous operation, the identification unit 11 identifies a branch breaker X1 as a non-power-supply target among a plurality of branch breakers 5 included in a distribution board 2. In the autonomous operation, the distribution board 2 that is supplied with power from at least one of a system power source PS1 and a distributed power source PS2 and supplies power to a load LD electrically connected thereto is not supplied with power from the system power source PS1, but supplied with power from the distributed power source PS2. The shutoff control unit 12 shuts off an electric circuit L4 between the branch breaker X1 as the non-power-supply target identified by the identification unit 11 and the load LD.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a control unit and a distribution board system. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a control unit for controlling branch breakers and a distribution board system.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a breaker control system including a breaker and breaker control means. The breaker controls the power supply state for at least one electrical device used within a predetermined area indoors. The breaker control means controls the conduction state and the cutoff state of the breaker. The breaker control means is composed of power failure state detection means and power-on state restart detection means for the breaker due to the recovery of the power failure state.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, when the power supply from the grid power source is interrupted (i.e., a power failure occurs), the distribution board may be connected so that power is supplied from a distributed power source that generates or stores power at the power consumption location to the branch breaker instead of the grid power source. In this case, it is necessary to determine, during construction, the branch breaker to which the distributed power source supplies power among a plurality of branch breakers. That is, there is a problem of low convenience.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a control unit and a distribution board system that can improve convenience.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A control unit according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a specification unit and a circuit breaker control unit. The specification unit identifies a branch breaker that is not to be powered among a plurality of branch breakers included in the distribution board during independent operation. In independent operation, power is supplied from at least one of the grid power supply and distributed power supply to the loads to which the power is electrically connected, but the distribution board is not supplied with power from the grid power supply and is supplied with power from the distributed power supply. The circuit breaker control unit disconnects the circuit between the branch breaker that is not to be powered identified by the specification unit and the load. During independent operation, the specification unit obtains the total amount of power supplied from the distributed power supply to each of the plurality of branch breakers. The specified unit, during the autonomous operation, The total amount of the supplied power shall be less than or equal to the amount of power that can be supplied by the distributed power source, regularly The unit identifies the branch circuit breakers that are not to be powered. The distributed power source includes a storage battery. The amount of power that can be supplied is an amount based on the remaining power of the distributed power source, which is the amount obtained by dividing the remaining power by the time for which independent operation is desired to continue. The control unit further includes a setting unit that pre-sets the branch circuit breakers that are not to be powered in association with the remaining power. The identification unit identifies the branch circuit breakers that are not to be powered according to the remaining power, based on the settings of the setting unit. A control unit according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a specification unit and a circuit breaker control unit. The specification unit identifies a branch breaker that is not to be powered among a plurality of branch breakers included in the distribution board during independent operation. In independent operation, power is supplied from at least one of the grid power supply and distributed power supply to the loads to which the power is electrically connected, but the distribution board is not supplied with power from the grid power supply and is supplied with power from the distributed power supply. The circuit breaker control unit disconnects the circuit between the branch breaker that is not to be powered identified by the specification unit and the load. During independent operation, the specification unit obtains the total amount of power supplied from the distributed power supply to each of the plurality of branch breakers. The specified unit, during the autonomous operation, The total amount of the supplied power shall be less than or equal to the amount of power that can be supplied by the distributed power source, regularlyThe branch circuit breakers that are not to be powered are identified. The distributed power source includes a storage battery. The amount of power that can be supplied is an amount based on the remaining power of the distributed power source, which is the amount obtained by dividing the remaining power by the time for which independent operation is desired to continue. The identification unit identifies the branch circuit breakers that are not to be powered, starting with the branch circuit breakers with relatively high power consumption among the plurality of branch circuit breakers, according to the remaining power. A control unit according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a specification unit and a circuit breaker control unit. The specification unit identifies a branch breaker that is not to be powered among a plurality of branch breakers included in the distribution board during independent operation. In independent operation, power is supplied from at least one of the grid power supply and distributed power supply to the loads to which the power is electrically connected, but the distribution board is not supplied with power from the grid power supply and is supplied with power from the distributed power supply. The circuit breaker control unit disconnects the circuit between the branch breaker that is not to be powered identified by the specification unit and the load. During independent operation, the specification unit obtains the total amount of power supplied from the distributed power supply to each of the plurality of branch breakers. The specified unit, during the autonomous operation, The total amount of the supplied power shall be less than or equal to the amount of power that can be supplied by the distributed power source, regularly The branch circuit breakers that are not to be powered are identified. The distributed power source includes power generation equipment. The amount of power that can be supplied is an amount based on the amount of power generated by the distributed power source, and is the amount obtained by dividing the amount of power generated by the time for which independent operation is desired to continue. The control unit further includes a setting unit that pre-sets the branch circuit breakers that are not to be powered in correspondence with the amount of power generated. The identification unit identifies the branch circuit breakers that are not to be powered according to the amount of power generated, based on the settings of the setting unit. A control unit according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a specification unit and a circuit breaker control unit. The specification unit identifies a branch breaker that is not to be powered among a plurality of branch breakers included in the distribution board during independent operation. In independent operation, power is supplied from at least one of the grid power supply and distributed power supply to the loads to which the power is electrically connected, but the distribution board is not supplied with power from the grid power supply and is supplied with power from the distributed power supply. The circuit breaker control unit disconnects the circuit between the branch breaker that is not to be powered identified by the specification unit and the load. During independent operation, the specification unit obtains the total amount of power supplied from the distributed power supply to each of the plurality of branch breakers. The specified unit, during the autonomous operation, The total amount of the supplied power shall be less than or equal to the amount of power that can be supplied by the distributed power source, regularly The branch circuit breakers that are not to be powered are identified. The distributed power source includes power generation equipment. The amount of power that can be supplied is an amount based on the amount of power generated by the distributed power source, and is the amount obtained by dividing the amount of power generated by the time for which independent operation is desired to continue. The identification unit identifies the branch circuit breakers that are not to be powered, starting with the branch circuit breakers with relatively high power consumption among the plurality of branch circuit breakers, according to the amount of power generated. A control unit according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a specification unit and a circuit breaker control unit. In independent operation, the specification unit identifies non-powered branch breakers among a plurality of branch breakers included in the distribution board. The branch circuit breaker is identified. In the standalone operation, power is supplied from at least one of the grid power supply and the distributed power supply, and the distribution board that supplies power to electrically connected loads is not supplied with power from the grid power supply but is supplied with power from the distributed power supply. The interruption control unit interrupts the circuit between the branch circuit breaker that is not powered, identified by the identification unit, and the load. During the standalone operation, the identification unit obtains the total amount of power supplied from the distributed power supply to each of the plurality of branch circuit breakers. The specified unit, during the autonomous operation, The total amount of the supplied power shall be less than or equal to the amount of power that can be supplied by the distributed power source, regularlyThe unit identifies the branch circuit breakers that are not to be powered. The distributed power source includes power generation equipment and storage batteries. The amount of power that can be supplied is an amount based on the power amount, which is at least one of the amount of power generated and the remaining power of the distributed power source, and is the amount obtained by dividing the power amount by the time for which independent operation is desired to continue. The control unit further includes a setting unit that pre-sets the branch circuit breakers that are not to be powered in correspondence with the power amount. The identification unit identifies the branch circuit breakers that are not to be powered according to the power amount, based on the settings of the setting unit. A control unit according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a specification unit and a circuit breaker control unit. The specification unit identifies a branch breaker that is not to be powered among a plurality of branch breakers included in the distribution board during independent operation. In independent operation, power is supplied from at least one of the grid power supply and distributed power supply to the loads to which the power is electrically connected, but the distribution board is not supplied with power from the grid power supply and is supplied with power from the distributed power supply. The circuit breaker control unit disconnects the circuit between the branch breaker that is not to be powered identified by the specification unit and the load. During independent operation, the specification unit obtains the total amount of power supplied from the distributed power supply to each of the plurality of branch breakers. The specified unit, during the autonomous operation, The total amount of the supplied power shall be less than or equal to the amount of power that can be supplied by the distributed power source, regularly The branch circuit breakers that are not to be powered are identified. The distributed power source includes power generation equipment and storage batteries. The amount of power that can be supplied is an amount based on the power amount, which is at least one of the amount of power generated and the remaining power of the distributed power source, and is the amount obtained by dividing the power amount by the time for which independent operation is desired to continue. The identification unit identifies the branch circuit breakers that are not to be powered, starting with the branch circuit breakers with relatively high power consumption among the plurality of branch circuit breakers, according to the power amount.

[0007] A distribution board system according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises the control unit described above, a distribution board, and a switch. The switch switches between a first state in which power is supplied from at least the grid power supply among the grid power supply and the distributed power supply, and a second state in which independent operation is performed. The distribution board includes a main circuit breaker to which the power is supplied from the grid power supply. The main circuit breaker is provided between the grid power supply and the switch. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, there is an advantage in that convenience can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control unit according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a front view of the enclosure of the distribution board shown above. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control unit according to a first modified example of Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control unit according to a second modified example of Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control unit according to a third modified example of Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control unit according to another modified example of Embodiment 1. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control unit according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control unit according to a first modified example of Embodiment 2. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control unit according to a second modified example of Embodiment 2. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control unit according to a third modified example of Embodiment 2.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] (1) Embodiment 1 (1-1) Outline Hereinafter, the outline of the control unit 1 according to Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 1.

[0011] The control unit 1 in Embodiment 1 controls the connection state between each of a plurality of branch breakers 5 included in a distribution board 2 that supplies power to a load LD that is electrically connected and supplied with power from at least one of a system power source PS1 and a distributed power source PS2. That is, the control unit 1 controls whether or not to cut off the electric circuit between each of the plurality of branch breakers 5 and the load LD electrically connected to the branch breaker 5.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the control unit 1 includes a specifying unit 11 and a cutoff control unit 12. The specifying unit 11 specifies a non-power supply target branch breaker X1 among the plurality of branch breakers 5 in an independent operation in which power is not supplied from the system power source PS1 but is supplied from the distributed power source PS2 to the distribution board 2. The cutoff control unit 12 cuts off the electric circuit L4 between the non-power supply target branch breaker X1 specified by the specifying unit 11 and the load LD.

[0013] In a general distribution board, it is necessary to select a branch breaker to which the distributed power source supplies power during construction from among a plurality of branch breakers in independent operation, and it is difficult to change the branch breaker to which the distributed power source supplies power after construction. That is, there is a problem that it is difficult to change the distributed power source so that it can supply power to an appropriate branch breaker according to the situation, and the degree of freedom after construction is low.

[0014] On the other hand, in Embodiment 1, after installation, the branch breaker X1 that is not powered, which is identified by the specific unit 11, can be changed to change the branch breaker 5 to which the distributed power supply PS2 supplies power, depending on the situation. In other words, the control unit 1 of Embodiment 1 has the advantage of improving convenience. In this disclosure, "convenience" refers to the degree to which it is easy to use, and "improving convenience" means making it easier to use.

[0015] (1-2) Detailed configuration (1-2-1) Distribution board system The detailed configuration of the distribution board system 100 of Embodiment 1 will be described below with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

[0016] As shown in Figure 1, the distribution board system 100 comprises a control unit 1, a distribution board 2, and a switch 3. In Embodiment 1, the control unit 1 and the switch 3 are housed in a housing 20 of the distribution board 2, which will be described later.

[0017] (1-2-2) Distribution board (whole) Distribution board 2 is installed in customer facilities such as detached houses, apartment buildings, factories, shops, offices, office buildings, commercial buildings, stadiums, hospitals, and schools. Distribution board 2 distributes power supplied from at least one of the grid power supply PS1 and the distributed power supply PS2 to multiple loads LD in the customer facility. Distribution board 2 is installed in residences such as detached houses and apartment buildings.

[0018] System power supply PS1 refers to power supplied by power providers such as electric power companies through distribution lines. On the other hand, distributed power supply PS2 differs from system power supply PS1 in that it refers to small-scale power supplies that are installed in a distributed manner for each consumer and supplied through distribution lines laid to the consumer.

[0019] In Embodiment 1, the distributed power source PS2 includes a power generation device 71 and a storage battery 72. That is, Embodiment 1 will be described using an example in which three types of power sources are provided: a grid power source PS1, a power generation device 71, and a storage battery 72, as shown in Figure 1. The power generation device 71 is a device that generates electricity, for example, a device that generates electricity using natural energy such as solar power, wind power, hydropower, or geothermal energy. In this disclosure, the power generation device 71 is assumed to be a device that generates electricity using solar power. The storage battery 72 is a device that performs charging and discharging. The power generation device 71 and the storage battery 72 are connected to a converter 8.

[0020] As shown in Figure 1, the distribution board 2 includes a main circuit breaker 4 to which power is supplied from the grid power supply PS1, a plurality of branch circuit breakers 5 that distribute power on the load LD side of the main circuit breaker 4, a interconnection circuit breaker 6 connected to the primary circuit (main circuit L1) of the main circuit breaker 4, and a switch 3 inserted between the main circuit breaker 4 and each of the plurality of branch circuit breakers 5 on the secondary side of the main circuit breaker 4. In other words, the main circuit breaker 4 is installed between the grid power supply PS1 and the switch 3. In the example shown in Figure 2, the distribution board 2 includes 10 branch circuit breakers 5.

[0021] As shown in Figure 2, the distribution board 2 comprises a rectangular box-shaped housing 20. A rectangular opening 20a is formed on the front of the housing 20, and a cover (not shown) is attached to the opening 20a so as to be able to open and close. The cover is movable between a closed position that covers the opening 20a and an open position that exposes the opening 20a to the front. The housing 20 can be attached, for example, to a building wall or column.

[0022] The enclosure 20 houses a main circuit breaker 4, a interconnection circuit breaker 6, a switch 3, multiple branch circuit breakers 5, and a control unit 1. The main circuit breaker 4, interconnection circuit breaker 6, switch 3, multiple branch circuit breakers 5, and control unit 1 are attached to the bottom plate of the enclosure 20 (a plate member facing the opening 20a) either directly or via mounting members. Figure 2 shows an example of the arrangement of the main circuit breaker 4, interconnection circuit breaker 6, switch 3, multiple branch circuit breakers 5, and control unit 1 inside the enclosure 20. This arrangement can be changed as appropriate.

[0023] As shown in Figure 1, the grid power supply PS1 is connected to the main circuit breaker 4 via the main circuit L1. The main circuit breaker 4 is connected to the switch 3 via the main circuit L2. The main circuit breaker 4 conducts and interrupts the main circuit L2 between the main circuit breaker 4 and the switch 3. Specifically, the primary terminal of the main circuit breaker 4 is connected to the main circuit L1. The secondary terminal of the main circuit breaker 4 is connected to the main circuit L2 inside the housing 20. The main circuits L1 and L2 are composed of busbars, wires, etc. As an example, the main circuit breaker 4 has a ground fault detection function, and when this ground fault detection function detects a ground fault, it interrupts the main circuit L2.

[0024] Furthermore, the main circuit breaker 4 has an operating lever 41 (see Figure 2) for controlling the conduction and interruption of the main circuit L2. The main circuit breaker 4 is configured to switch from a state where the main circuit L2 is conducting to a state where it is interrupted, and from a state where the main circuit L2 is interrupted to a state where it is conducting, in response to manual operation of the operating lever 41. For example, after a ground fault is detected and the main circuit breaker 4 interrupts the main circuit L2, a user of the distribution board system 100 (e.g., a resident) can operate the operating lever 41 to restore the main circuit L2 to a state where it is conducting once safety has been confirmed.

[0025] As shown in Figure 1, the main circuit L2, connected to the secondary terminal of the main circuit breaker 4, branches into multiple branch circuits L3 within the housing 20 via a switch 3. Multiple branch circuit breakers 5 are connected to each of the multiple branch circuits L3. Each of the multiple branch circuit breakers 5 is connected to a load LD through a circuit L4 (hereinafter also referred to as branch circuit L4). Each of the multiple branch circuit breakers 5 conducts or interrupts the branch circuit L4 between the branch circuit breaker 5 and the load LD of the customer facility. Specifically, the primary terminal of the branch circuit breaker 5 is connected to the branch circuit L3 that branches off from the main circuit L2. The secondary terminal of the branch circuit breaker 5 is connected to a branch circuit L4 that is brought out outside the housing 20. The load LD of the customer facility is connected to the branch circuit L4 that is brought out outside the housing 20. Branch circuits L3 and L4 are composed of busbars, wires, etc.

[0026] Load LD includes electrical equipment directly connected to branch circuit L4, as well as electrical equipment indirectly connected to branch circuit L4 via outlets connected to branch circuit L4. Electrical equipment includes, for example, EV chargers, heating appliances, cooking appliances, lighting fixtures, heat source equipment, and air conditioning equipment.

[0027] The main circuit breaker 4 and the interconnection circuit breaker 6 are both connected to the main circuit L1. The interconnection circuit breaker 6 forms a path to supply power generated by the power generation equipment 71 to the main circuit L1 on the primary side of the main circuit breaker 4, or forms a path to use power received from the grid power source PS1 to charge the storage battery 72.

[0028] The interconnection breaker 6 has contacts inside its case that electrically connect and disconnect the main circuit L1 and the connecting line L5. The interconnection breaker 6 further includes an operating lever 61 (see Figure 2) for turning the contacts on or off. When there is electrical conduction between the grid power source PS1 and the distributed power source PS2, it becomes possible to supply the power generated by the power generation equipment 71 to the main circuit L1 on the primary side of the main breaker 4, or to use the power received from the grid power source PS1 to charge the storage battery 72. The interconnection breaker 6 has a function to detect short-circuit current or overload current flowing through the contacts, and when it detects a short-circuit current or overload current, it opens the contacts to protect the connecting line L5.

[0029] Switch 3 switches between a first state in which power is supplied from at least the grid power supply PS1 of the grid power supply PS1 and distributed power supply PS2, and a second state in which it operates independently. Specifically, switch 3 is an electromagnetic contactor (a relay with contacts that have a large current capacity) equipped with switching contacts (so-called C contacts), and selects between a first state in which the main breaker 4 is connected to all branch breakers 5, and a second state in which the main breaker 4 is disconnected from all branch breakers 5.

[0030] More specifically, as shown in Figure 1, the switch 3 has a first contact 31 connected to the main circuit breaker 4 via the main circuit L2, a second contact 32 connected to the converter 8 via the connecting line L6, and a third contact 33 connected to each of the multiple branch circuit breakers 5 via the branch circuit L3. When the first state is selected, the switch 3 conducts the first contact 31 and the third contact 33, connecting the main circuit breaker 4 to all the branch circuit breakers 5. On the other hand, when the second state is selected, the switch 3 conducts the second contact 32 and the third contact 33, disconnecting the main circuit breaker 4 from all the branch circuit breakers 5 and connecting the converter 8 to all the branch circuit breakers 5.

[0031] When switch 3 selects the first state, power supplied from grid power supply PS1 is supplied to the load LD outside the enclosure 20 via the main circuit L1, main breaker 4, switch 3, and branch breaker 5. Furthermore, when switch 3 selects the first state, power supplied from distributed power supply PS2 is supplied to the load LD outside the enclosure 20 via connection line L5, interconnection breaker 6, main breaker 4, switch 3, and branch breaker 5. On the other hand, when switch 3 selects the second state, power supplied from distributed power supply PS2 is supplied to the load LD outside the enclosure 20 via connection line L6, converter 8, switch 3, and branch breaker 5.

[0032] The distribution board 2 of Embodiment 1 has a switching determination unit 91. The switching determination unit 91 determines whether to switch the switch 3 to either a first state or a second state based on whether or not power is supplied from the grid power supply PS1, and controls the switch 3. More specifically, the switching determination unit 91 determines to switch the switch 3 to the first state if power is supplied from the grid power supply PS1, and to switch the switch 3 to the second state if power is not supplied from the grid power supply PS1. The distribution board 2 of Embodiment 1 has the switching determination unit 91 inside the housing 20. In other words, the switching determination unit 91 is housed in the housing 20 of the distribution board 2. Therefore, the switching determination unit 91 determines whether or not power is supplied from the grid power supply PS1 by monitoring the voltage applied to the first contact 31 of the switch 3, which is connected to the grid power supply PS1 via the main breaker 4.

[0033] The distributed power source PS2 supplies the power converted and output by the converter 8 to the distribution board 2. In the illustrated example, the power generation equipment 71 and the storage battery 72, which are the distributed power source PS2, are each connected to the converter 8 via the circuit L7. The converter 8 converts the power generated by the power generation equipment 71 or the power discharged by the storage battery 72 into power suitable for the distribution board 2, and converts the power input from the interconnection breaker 6 of the distribution board 2 into power suitable for charging the storage battery 72.

[0034] The converter 8 includes a converter and an inverter. The converter is installed in the path connecting the inverter to the power generation equipment 71 and the battery 72. The converter has the function of a DC / DC converter that converts the input power into power of a predetermined voltage value and outputs it. The converter outputs electrical energy (generated power or stored power) output from the power generation equipment 71 or the battery 72 to the inverter via the DC / DC converter, and the inverter converts the DC power into AC power and outputs it to the distribution board 2. On the other hand, the converter outputs electrical energy (power supplied from the grid power supply PS1) output from the interconnection breaker 6 of the distribution board 2 to the inverter via the DC / DC converter, and the inverter converts the DC power into AC power and outputs it to the battery 72.

[0035] The converter 8 includes a first connection part connected to the interconnection breaker 6 and a second connection part connected to the second contact 32 of the switch 3.

[0036] The first connection point is connected to the grid power supply PS1 via the interconnection breaker 6, enabling interconnection operation. Specifically, the first connection point is connected to the interconnection breaker 6 via the connection line L5, and is connected to the main circuit L1, which is the primary side of the main breaker 4, via the interconnection breaker 6. Hereinafter, the first connection point in the converter 8 will be referred to as the "interconnection terminal". The interconnection terminal handles power input and output. The power input from the interconnection terminal originates from the grid power supply PS1, and the power output from the interconnection terminal originates from the power generated by the power generation equipment 71 or the power discharged from the storage battery 72. In this disclosure, "interconnection operation" means operating in which the grid power supply PS1 and the distributed power supply PS2 are connected in parallel, and power is supplied to the distribution board 2 from at least the grid power supply PS1. That is, in "interconnection operation", power may be supplied to the distribution board 2 from only the grid power supply PS1, or power may be supplied to the distribution board 2 from both the grid power supply PS1 and the distributed power supply PS2.

[0037] On the other hand, the second connection point is connected to the second contact 32 of the switch 3 via the connection line L6, enabling independent operation. The second connection point does not output power to the second contact 32 of the switch 3 during periods when power can be received from the grid power supply PS1, and outputs power to the second contact 32 of the switch 3 during periods when power cannot be received from the grid power supply PS1. Whether or not power can be received from the grid power supply PS1 is determined by the converter 8 using the voltage between the terminals at the connection terminal. Hereinafter, the second connection point in the converter 8 will be referred to as the "independent terminal". In this disclosure, "independent operation" means supplying power from the distributed power supply PS2 to the distribution board 2 while disconnected from the grid power supply PS1, and operating in a way that power is not supplied to the distribution board 2 from the grid power supply PS1 but from the distributed power supply PS2.

[0038] (Branch circuit breaker) The following describes the detailed configuration of branch circuit breaker 5.

[0039] Each of the multiple branch circuit breakers 5, as shown in Figure 1, has a switch 51, a detection unit 52, a communication unit 53, a control unit 54, an operation unit 55, and a calculation unit 56.

[0040] Switch 51 conducts and disconnects the branch circuit L4 between the branch breaker 5 having the switch 51 and the load LD connected to the branch breaker 5. In other words, switch 51 switches the electrical connection and disconnection between the changeover 3 and the load LD connected to the branch breaker 5 having the switch 51. The switch 51 of Embodiment 1 includes a first switch 511 and a second switch 512. The first switch 511 and the second switch 512 are connected in series in the branch circuit L4.

[0041] The first switch 511 is a mechanical switch and, for example, has a tripping mechanism. Specifically, the first switch 511 includes fixed contacts and movable contacts that constitute the contacts, and the contacts of the first switch 511 are inserted into the branch circuit L4. In the first switch 511, when a short-circuit current or an overload current is detected by the detection unit 52 (described later), the tripping mechanism trips the movable contacts and opens the contacts. As an example, the first switch 511 includes an electromagnet that trips the movable contacts when current flows through it, and when a short-circuit current or an overload current is detected by the detection unit 52, current flows through the electromagnet, opening the contacts.

[0042] Similarly, the second switch 512 is a mechanical switch and, for example, has a tripping mechanism. In Embodiment 1, the first switch 511 also serves as the second switch 512. In other words, the first switch 511 and the second switch 512 are a single mechanical switch. Based on the control information I3 output from the interruption control unit 12 of the control unit 1 (described later), the tripping mechanism of the second switch 512 pulls off the movable contact, opening the contact.

[0043] The detection unit 52 is positioned in the branch circuit L4 and is configured to detect short-circuit current or overload current, etc. The first switch 511 opens its contacts when the detection unit 52 detects a short-circuit current or overload current, etc.

[0044] The communication unit 53 has the function of a communication interface for communicating with the second communication unit 132 of the control unit 1, which will be described later, by wire or wireless means, for example. The control unit 54 controls the second switch 512 based on the control information I3 received from the control unit 1 by the communication unit 53, and the second switch 512 conducts or disconnects the branch circuit L4 according to the control content of the control unit 54. For example, when the control unit 54 conducts the branch circuit L4, it sends current to the electromagnet of the first switch 511, which also serves as the second switch 512, thereby pulling off the movable contact of the first switch 511 and opening the contact.

[0045] For example, the communication unit 53 is a communication module capable of wireless communication compliant with communication standards such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark). Alternatively, the communication unit 53 may be a communication module capable of wired communication compliant with communication standards such as wired LAN (Local Area Network).

[0046] The operating unit 55 is configured to operate the continuity and interruption of the branch circuit L4 using the first switch 511 and the second switch 512. In other words, the branch breaker 5 is configured to switch from a state where the branch circuit L4 is continuing to a state where it is interrupted, and from a state where the branch circuit L4 is interrupted to a state where it is continuing, in response to manual operation of the operating lever.

[0047] For example, after the detection unit 52 detects a short-circuit current or an overload current and the first switch 511 shuts off the branch circuit L4, if the user of the distribution board system 100 (e.g., a resident) confirms safety, they can operate the operating lever to restore the branch circuit L4 to a conductive state. Also, after the second switch 512 shuts off the branch circuit L4 based on the control information I3 output from the shut-off control unit 12, if the user of the distribution board system 100 wishes to supply power to the load LD connected to the shut-off branch circuit L4, they can operate the operating lever to restore the branch circuit L4 to a conductive state.

[0048] The calculation unit 56 calculates the power consumption of the branch breaker 5 having the calculation unit 56. The calculation unit 56 in Embodiment 1 is located on the primary side of the branch breaker 5. Specifically, the calculation unit 56 in Embodiment 1 is located in the branch circuit L3 at a location outside the housing of the branch breaker 5 that houses at least the switch 51. In this disclosure, "power consumption of the branch breaker 5" refers to the total power consumed by the load LD connected to the branch breaker 5. Specifically, the calculation unit 56 is the instantaneous value of the power consumed by the load LD. The calculation unit 56 may also calculate the total power consumed by the load LD within a predetermined period (for example, 1 hour, 1 day, 1 week, etc.). The calculation unit 56 may also calculate the total power actually consumed by the load LD, or it may calculate an estimated value of the total power that the load LD will consume in the future.

[0049] (1-2-3) Control Unit As shown in Figure 1, the control unit 1 comprises a specific unit 11, a blockage control unit 12, and a communication unit 13.

[0050] The control unit 1 preferably includes, for example, a computer system. In the computer system, a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or MPU (Micro Processing Unit) reads and executes a program stored in memory. This enables the realization of functions such as the specific unit 11 and the cutoff control unit 12. The computer system primarily includes a processor that operates according to a program as its hardware configuration. The type of processor is not limited as long as it can realize its function by executing a program. The processor consists of one or more electronic circuits, including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or an LSI (Large Scale Integration). Here, we refer to them as ICs and LSIs, but the name changes depending on the degree of integration, and they may also be called system LSIs, VLSIs (Very Large Scale Integrations), or ULSIs (Ultra Large Scale Integrations). Field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) that are programmed after the LSI is manufactured, or reconfigurable logic devices that allow for the reconfiguration of junction relationships within the LSI or the setup of circuit compartments within the LSI, can also be used for the same purpose. Multiple electronic circuits may be integrated on a single chip or provided on multiple chips. Multiple chips may be integrated into a single device, or they may be provided in multiple devices.

[0051] In independent operation, the identification unit 11 identifies the branch breakers X1 that are not to be powered out from among the multiple branch breakers 5. In the example shown in Figure 2, there are 10 branch breakers 5, and the identification unit 11 identifies 2 of the 10 branch breakers 5 as branch breakers X1 that are not to be powered out.

[0052] As shown in Figure 1, the identification unit 11 receives setting information I1 regarding the non-powered branch breaker X1 from the external device A1 and identifies the non-powered branch breaker X1 based on the setting information I1. The external device A1 accepts an operation by a user of the distribution board system 100 to set (select) at least one branch breaker 5 out of multiple branch breakers 5 as the non-powered branch breaker X1, and based on this operation, creates setting information I1 and transmits it to the third communication unit 133 of the control unit 1. The identification unit 11 receives the setting information I1 received from the external device A1 at the third communication unit 133 and identifies the branch breaker 5 that has been pre-set by the external device A1 as the non-powered branch breaker X1 from among the multiple branch breakers 5 based on the setting information I1. This configuration has the advantage of making it easier for users of the distribution board system 100 to set the non-powered branch breaker X1.

[0053] The tripping control unit 12 trips the branch circuit L4 (see Figure 1) between the branch breaker X1, which is not powered as identified by the identification unit 11, and the load LD. More specifically, the tripping control unit 12 transmits control information I3 indicating that it will trip the branch circuit L4 between the branch breaker X1, which is not powered as identified by the identification unit 11, and the load LD, to the branch breaker X1 via the second communication unit 132, which will be described later.

[0054] As shown in Figure 1, the communication unit 13 includes a first communication unit 131, a second communication unit 132, and a third communication unit 133. The first communication unit 131 has the function of a communication interface for communicating with the communication unit of a distributed power supply PS2 (power generation equipment 71 and storage battery 72) by wire or wireless connection. The second communication unit 132 has the function of a communication interface for communicating with the communication unit 53 in each of the multiple branch breakers 5 by wire or wireless connection. The third communication unit 133 has the function of a communication interface for communicating with an external device A1 (see Figure 1) by wire or wireless connection. For example, the first communication unit 131, the second communication unit 132, and the third communication unit 133 are communication modules capable of wireless communication compliant with communication standards such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The first communication unit 131, the second communication unit 132, and the third communication unit 133 may also be communication modules capable of wired communication compliant with communication standards such as wired LAN.

[0055] In this disclosure, "external device A1" refers to, for example, an information terminal owned by a user (e.g., a resident) of the distribution board system 100, or a device (terminal) installed at a customer facility for the purpose of managing and monitoring the amount of electricity used (electricity consumption, generation, storage, etc.) at the customer facility. Specifically, the information terminal referred to here is a smartphone or a tablet computer. The information terminal may also be, for example, a laptop computer or a wearable device such as a smartwatch.

[0056] In Embodiment 1, the identification unit 11 identifies a pre-set branch breaker 5 from among the multiple branch breakers 5 as a branch breaker X1 that will not be powered when independent operation is started. More specifically, when the identification unit 11 detects that independent operation has started, it identifies a pre-set branch breaker 5 from among the multiple branch breakers 5 as a branch breaker X1 that will not be powered. That is, the timing at which the identification unit 11 identifies a pre-set branch breaker 5 as a branch breaker X1 that will not be powered is the timing at which the identification unit 11 detects that independent operation has started. With this configuration, at the timing when independent operation is started, the tripping control unit 12 can trip the branch circuit L4 between the pre-set branch breaker X1 that will not be powered and the load LD. As a result, by setting a branch breaker 5 connected to an unnecessary load LD as a branch breaker X1 that will not be powered, the power supplied by the distributed power supply PS2 can be efficiently reduced from the timing when independent operation is started. Furthermore, in a typical distribution board, in order to efficiently reduce the power supplied by the distributed power source PS2, it was necessary to connect the unnecessary and non-urgent load LD to the branch breaker selected during construction as a branch breaker that the distributed power source does not supply power to. However, in Embodiment 1, the branch breaker 5 connected to the unnecessary and non-urgent load LD can be set as a branch breaker X1 that is not powered after construction, so the unnecessary and non-urgent load LD can be connected to any branch breaker 5. In other words, the control unit 1 in Embodiment 1 has the advantage of being able to further improve convenience.

[0057] The identification unit 11 receives power information I2 regarding the status of the distributed power supply PS2 from the distributed power supply PS2 and identifies the branch breaker X1 that is not to be powered based on the power information I2. More specifically, the identification unit 11 detects that independent operation has started by receiving the power information I2 from the distributed power supply PS2 via the first communication unit 131 and identifies the branch breaker X1 that is not to be powered. When independent operation starts, the distributed power supply PS2 transmits the power information I2 to the first communication unit 131 of the control unit 1. This configuration has the advantage that the identification unit 11 is less likely to falsely detect that independent operation has started.

[0058] In Embodiment 1, the distributed power source PS2 includes a power generation facility 71 and a storage battery 72. Therefore, the power source information I2 includes independent operation information indicating that the power generation facility 71 and the storage battery 72 have started independent operation, power generation information relating to the amount of power generated by the power generation facility 71, and remaining power information relating to the remaining power of the storage battery 72.

[0059] (1-3) Modified examples of Embodiment 1 Embodiment 1 described above is merely one of many embodiments of this disclosure. Embodiment 1 can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the objectives of this disclosure are achieved. The following modifications may be implemented by combining them as appropriate. Components similar to those in Embodiment 1 described above are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description is omitted.

[0060] (1-3-1) First Modification of Embodiment 1 In the above-described embodiment 1, the identification unit 11 receives power information I2 regarding the status of the distributed power supply PS2 from the distributed power supply PS2, and identifies the branch breaker X1 that is not to be powered based on the power information I2. However, as shown in Figure 3, the identification unit 11a may also receive power information I2a from the switch 3a, and identify the branch breaker X1 that is not to be powered based on the power information I2a.

[0061] As shown in Figure 3, the distribution board system 100a comprises a control unit 1a, a distribution board 2, and a switch 3a.

[0062] Similar to switch 3, switch 3a switches between a first state in which power is supplied from at least the grid power supply PS1 of the grid power supply PS1 and distributed power supply PS2, and a second state in which it performs independent operation. When switch 3a switches from the first state to the second state, it transmits power information I2a to the fourth communication unit 134 of the control unit 1a. In the first modified example of Embodiment 1, the power information I2a includes independent operation information indicating that the power generation equipment 71 and the storage battery 72 have started independent operation.

[0063] The control unit 1a comprises a specific unit 11a, a blockage control unit 12a, and a communication unit 13a.

[0064] The communication unit 13a includes a second communication unit 132, a third communication unit 133, and a fourth communication unit 134. The communication unit 13a differs from the communication unit 13 in that it includes a fourth communication unit 134 instead of a first communication unit 131. The fourth communication unit 134 has the function of a communication interface for communicating with the switch 3a, for example, by wire or wireless. The fourth communication unit 134 may also be a communication module capable of wired communication compliant with communication standards such as wired LAN.

[0065] The identification unit 11a receives power information I2a from the switch 3a and identifies the branch breaker X1 that is not to be powered based on the power information I2a. More specifically, the identification unit 11a detects that independent operation has started based on the power information I2a received from the switch 3a by the fourth communication unit 134 and identifies a pre-set branch breaker 5 among the multiple branch breakers 5 as the branch breaker X1 that is not to be powered. This configuration has the advantage that it does not require a configuration to communicate with the control unit 1a in the distributed power supply PS2 (power generation equipment 71 and storage battery 72).

[0066] The interruption control unit 12a, like the interruption control unit 12, interrupts the branch circuit L4 between the branch breaker X1, which is not to be powered, and the load LD, as identified by the identification unit 11a. More specifically, the interruption control unit 12a, like the interruption control unit 12, transmits control information I3 to the branch breaker X1, which is not to be powered, via the second communication unit 132, indicating that it will interrupt the branch circuit L4 between the branch breaker X1, which is not to be powered, and the load LD, as identified by the identification unit 11a. With this configuration, in the first modification of Embodiment 1, a branch breaker 5 connected to an unnecessary or non-urgent load LD can be set as a branch breaker X1 not to be powered after installation, so the unnecessary or non-urgent load LD can be connected to any branch breaker 5. In other words, the control unit 1a in the first modification of Embodiment 1 has the advantage of improving convenience, just like the control unit 1.

[0067] (1-3-2) Second modified example of Embodiment 1 In the control unit 1 of the above-described embodiment 1, the identification unit 11 receives power information I2 regarding the status of the distributed power supply PS2 from the distributed power supply PS2, and identifies the branch breaker X1 that is not to be powered based on the power information I2. However, as shown in Figure 4, the control unit 1b further includes a monitoring unit 14 that monitors the input voltage of the power input to the switch 3 from the distributed power supply PS2, and a determination unit 15 that determines the status of the distributed power supply PS2 based on the monitoring results of the monitoring unit 14, and the identification unit 11b may identify the branch breaker X1 that is not to be powered based on the determination results of the determination unit 15.

[0068] As shown in Figure 4, the distribution board system 100b comprises a control unit 1b, a distribution board 2, a switch 3, and a voltage sensor 92. The voltage sensor 92 measures the input voltage of the power input to the switch 3 from the distributed power supply PS2. More specifically, the voltage sensor 92 shown in Figure 4 is located on the connecting line L6 that connects the converter 8 and the switch 3, measures the input voltage of the power input to the switch 3 from the distributed power supply PS2, and transmits input voltage information I4 related to the measured input voltage to the fifth communication unit 135 of the control unit 1b, which will be described later.

[0069] The control unit 1b comprises a specific unit 11b, a blocking control unit 12b, a communication unit 13b, a monitoring unit 14, and a determination unit 15.

[0070] The communication unit 13b includes a second communication unit 132, a third communication unit 133, and a fifth communication unit 135. The communication unit 13b differs from the communication unit 13 in that it has a fifth communication unit 135 instead of a first communication unit 131. The fifth communication unit 135 has the function of a communication interface for communicating with the voltage sensor 92, for example, by wire or wireless. The fifth communication unit 135 may also be a communication module capable of wired communication compliant with communication standards such as wired LAN.

[0071] The monitoring unit 14 monitors the input voltage of the power supplied to the switch 3 from the distributed power supply PS2 based on the input voltage information I4 received from the voltage sensor 92 via the fifth communication unit 135. The determination unit 15 determines the status of the distributed power supply PS2 based on the monitoring results of the monitoring unit 14. More specifically, the determination unit 15 determines that independent operation has started if the input voltage monitored by the monitoring unit 14 is above a preset threshold, and determines that independent operation has not started if the input voltage monitored by the monitoring unit 14 is below a preset threshold. The determination unit 15 outputs the determination result to the identification unit 11b.

[0072] The identification unit 11b identifies the branch breaker X1 that is not to be powered based on the determination result of the determination unit 15. More specifically, when the identification unit 11b receives a determination result that the determination unit 15 has determined that independent operation has started, it detects that independent operation has started and identifies a pre-set branch breaker 5 from among the multiple branch breakers 5 as the branch breaker X1 that is not to be powered. This configuration has the advantage that it does not require a configuration for communicating with the control unit 1b to be provided in the distributed power source PS2 (power generation equipment 71 and storage battery 72).

[0073] The interruption control unit 12b, like the interruption control unit 12, interrupts the branch circuit L4 between the branch breaker X1, which is not to be powered, and the load LD, as identified by the identification unit 11b. More specifically, the interruption control unit 12b, like the interruption control unit 12, transmits control information I3 to the branch breaker X1, which is not to be powered, via the second communication unit 132, indicating that it will interrupt the branch circuit L4 between the branch breaker X1, which is not to be powered, and the load LD, as identified by the identification unit 11b. With this configuration, in the second modification of Embodiment 1, a branch breaker 5 connected to an unnecessary or non-urgent load LD can be set as a branch breaker X1 not to be powered after installation, so the unnecessary or non-urgent load LD can be connected to any branch breaker 5. In other words, the control unit 1b of the second modification of Embodiment 1 has the advantage of improving convenience, just like the control unit 1.

[0074] (1-3-3) Third modified example of Embodiment 1 In the above-described embodiment 1, the identification unit 11 receives setting information I1 regarding the branch breaker X1 that is not to be powered from the external device A1, and identifies the branch breaker X1 that is not to be powered based on the setting information I1. However, as shown in Figure 5, the control unit 1c further includes a setting unit 16 for pre-setting the branch breaker X1 that is not to be powered, and the identification unit 11c identifies the branch breaker 5 that has been pre-set by the setting unit 16 from among the multiple branch breakers 5 as the branch breaker X1 that is not to be powered.

[0075] As shown in Figure 5, the distribution board system 100c comprises a control unit 1c, a distribution board 2, and a switch 3. The control unit 1c comprises a specific unit 11c, a circuit breaker control unit 12c, and a communication unit 13c.

[0076] Communication unit 13c includes the first communication unit 131 and the second communication unit 132. Communication unit 13c differs from communication unit 13 in that it does not include the third communication unit 133.

[0077] The setting unit 16 pre-sets the branch breaker X1 that will not receive power. More specifically, the setting unit 16 receives an operation from a user of the distribution board system 100c to set (select) at least one branch breaker 5 out of the multiple branch breakers 5 as the branch breaker X1 that will not receive power, and pre-sets the branch breaker X1 that will not receive power. Based on the settings made by the setting unit 16, the identification unit 11c identifies the branch breaker 5 that has been pre-set by the external device A1 as the branch breaker X1 that will not receive power.

[0078] The interruption control unit 12c, like the interruption control unit 12, interrupts the branch circuit L4 between the branch breaker X1, which is not to be powered, and the load LD, as identified by the identification unit 11c. More specifically, the interruption control unit 12c, like the interruption control unit 12, transmits control information I3 to the branch breaker X1, which is not to be powered, via the second communication unit 132, indicating that it will interrupt the branch circuit L4 between the branch breaker X1, which is not to be powered, and the load LD, as identified by the identification unit 11c. With this configuration, in the third modification of Embodiment 1, a branch breaker 5 connected to an unnecessary or non-urgent load LD can be set as a branch breaker X1 not to be powered after installation, so the unnecessary or non-urgent load LD can be connected to any branch breaker 5. In other words, the control unit 1c of the third modification of Embodiment 1 has the advantage of improving convenience, similar to the control unit 1. Furthermore, the first modification of Embodiment 1 has the advantage that it is not necessary to provide the control unit 1c with a configuration for communicating with an external device A1 (see Figure 1).

[0079] (1-3-4) Other Modifications of Embodiment 1 The following are some variations of Embodiment 1 described above. These variations may be implemented in combination as appropriate.

[0080] In the above-described embodiment 1, the control unit 1 is housed inside the housing 20 of the distribution board 2. However, as shown in Figure 6, the control unit 1 may not be housed inside the housing 20 of the distribution board 2a, but may be housed in a separate housing from the housing 20.

[0081] In the above-described embodiment 1, the distribution board 2 includes a circuit breaker 6 and a switch 3. However, as shown in Figure 6, the distribution board 2a does not necessarily include a circuit breaker 6 and a switch 3. That is, the circuit breaker 6 and the switch 3 may be provided separately from the distribution board 2a. In other words, the circuit breaker 6 and the switch 3 may not be housed inside the casing 20 of the distribution board 2a, but may be housed in a separate casing from the casing 20.

[0082] More specifically, as shown in Figure 6, the distribution board system 100d may include a control unit 1, a distribution board 2a, and a switching unit 93. The distribution board 2a includes a main circuit breaker 4 and a plurality of branch circuit breakers 5, and the switching unit 93 includes a main circuit breaker 931, a interconnection circuit breaker 6, a switch 3, and a switching determination unit 91. The primary terminal of the main circuit breaker 931 is connected to the main circuit L1. The secondary terminal of the main circuit breaker 931 is connected to the first contact 31 of the switch 3 via the main circuit L2a. The main circuit breaker 931 conducts and interrupts the main circuit L2a between the main circuit breaker 931 and the switch 3. The third contact 33 of the switch 3 is connected to the primary terminal of the main circuit breaker 4 via the main circuit L2b.

[0083] In the above-described embodiment 1, the first switch 511 and the second switch 512 are a single mechanical switch. However, the first switch 511 and the second switch 512 may be a single semiconductor switch, such as a FET (Field Effect Transistor), an IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor), a bipolar transistor, or a solid-state relay (SSR).

[0084] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment 1, the first switch 511 also serves as the second switch 512, but it may be a different switch from the second switch 512. That is, the first switch 511 may be a separate mechanical switch from the mechanical switch that is the second switch 512. In the above case, the first switch 511 and the second switch 512 are connected in series in the branch circuit L4.

[0085] That is, the first switch 511 may be a mechanical switch and the second switch 512 may be a semiconductor switch, or the first switch 511 may be a semiconductor switch and the second switch 512 may be a mechanical switch. Also, both the first switch 511 and the second switch 512 may be mechanical switches or semiconductor switches.

[0086] In the above-described embodiment 1, the switch 3 is an electromagnetic contactor equipped with a C contact, but it may also be an electromagnetic contactor equipped with an A contact. The switch 3 only needs to have the function of switching between a first state in which power is supplied from at least the grid power supply PS1 of the grid power supply PS1 and the distributed power supply PS2, and a second state in which it operates independently, and its structure is not limited.

[0087] In the above-described embodiment 1, the switching determination unit 91 is housed in the casing 20 of the distribution board 2. However, the switching determination unit 91 may not be housed in the casing 20 of the distribution board 2 and may be a separate unit from the distribution board 2. In this case, the switching determination unit 91 determines whether or not power is supplied from the grid power supply PS1 by monitoring the current at a position close to the grid power supply PS1 with respect to the connection point between the main breaker 4 and the interconnection breaker 6 in the main circuit L1. As an example, the switching determination unit 91 may be located in a terminal installed at a customer facility for the purpose of managing and monitoring the amount of electricity (amount of electricity used, amount of electricity generated, amount of electricity stored, etc.) at the customer facility.

[0088] (2) Embodiment 2 (2-1) Overview The distribution board system 100e according to Embodiment 2 will be described below with reference to Figure 7. Components similar to those in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0089] In the distribution board system 100 of Embodiment 1, the identification unit 11 of the control unit 1 identifies a pre-set branch breaker 5 from among the multiple branch breakers 5 as a branch breaker X1 that will not be powered when independent operation is started. On the other hand, in the distribution board system 100e of Embodiment 2, the identification unit 11e of the control unit 1e identifies a pre-set branch breaker 5 from among the multiple branch breakers 5 as a branch breaker X1 that will not be powered during independent operation.

[0090] The distribution board system 100e of Embodiment 2 differs from the distribution board system 100 of Embodiment 1 in that, during standalone operation, it identifies branch breakers X1 that are not to be powered according to the amount of power that can be supplied by the distributed power source PS2.

[0091] (2-2) Detailed configuration (2-2-1) Distribution board system The detailed configuration of the distribution board system 100e of Embodiment 2 will be described below with reference to Figure 7.

[0092] As shown in Figure 7, the distribution board system 100e comprises a control unit 1e, a distribution board 2, and a switch 3. In Embodiment 1, the control unit 1e and the switch 3 are housed in the casing 20 of the distribution board 2. In Embodiment 2, similar to Embodiment 1, the distributed power source PS2 includes a power generation facility 71 and a storage battery 72.

[0093] (2-2-2) Control Unit As shown in Figure 7, the control unit 1e comprises a specific unit 11e, a blockage control unit 12e, a communication unit 13e, and a setting unit 16a.

[0094] The communication unit 13e includes the first communication unit 131 and the second communication unit 132. The communication unit 13e differs from the communication unit 13 in that it does not include the third communication unit 133.

[0095] The specific unit 11e acquires the total amount of power supplied from the distributed power source PS2 to each of the multiple branch breakers 5 during independent operation. More specifically, during independent operation, the specific unit 11e receives power supply information I5 from each of the multiple branch breakers 5 via the second communication unit 132, and acquires the total amount of power supplied from the distributed power source PS2 to each of the multiple branch breakers 5 based on the power supply information I5. During independent operation, the specific unit 11e acquires the total amount of power supplied based on the power supply information I5 at predetermined intervals. The power supply information I5 referred to here is information regarding the power consumption of each of the multiple branch breakers 5, calculated by the calculation unit 56. As described above, the "power consumption of the branch breaker 5" as referred to in this disclosure is the total power consumed by the load LD to which the branch breaker 5 is connected. In other words, the "power consumption of branch breaker 5" during independent operation refers to the total power that the distributed power supply PS2 supplies to the load LD via each of the multiple branch breakers 5, and that the load LD consumes.

[0096] The identification unit 11e identifies the branch breakers X1 that are not to be powered during standalone operation so that the total amount of supplied power is less than or equal to the amount of power that the distributed power source PS2 can supply. More specifically, the identification unit 11e identifies the branch breakers X1 that are not to be powered during standalone operation so that the total amount of supplied power acquired based on the supplied power information I5 is less than or equal to the amount of power that the distributed power source PS2 can supply. The identification unit 11e identifies the branch breakers X1 that are not to be powered at predetermined intervals during standalone operation. This configuration has the effect of being able to interrupt the branch circuit L4 between the branch breakers X1 that are not to be powered and the load LD, according to the amount of power that the distributed power source PS2 can supply. In other words, the control unit 1e has the effect of being able to change the branch breakers 5 that supply power according to the amount of power that the distributed power source PS2 can supply, in accordance with the situation. That is, the control unit 1e of embodiment 2 has the advantage of being able to improve convenience. For example, during standalone operation, if the total amount of power supplied increases due to an increase in the number of power-consuming loads LD, the branch circuit breakers 5 supplying power can be changed to suit the situation according to the power that the distributed power source PS2 can supply.

[0097] Since the distributed power source PS2 includes a power generation facility 71 and a battery 72, the amount of power that can be supplied is based on the power energy amount, which is at least one of the amount of power generated and the remaining power of the distributed power source PS2. In other words, the amount of power that can be supplied is based on the power energy amount, which is at least one of the amount of power generated by the power generation facility 71 and the remaining power of the battery 72. In Embodiment 2, it is assumed that the power energy amount is both the amount of power generated and the remaining power of the distributed power source PS2. Specifically, it is assumed that the power energy amount is the sum of the amount of power generated and the remaining power of the distributed power source PS2. That is, the amount of power that can be supplied is, as an example, the amount of power energy amount, which is the sum of the amount of power generated and the remaining power of the distributed power source PS2, divided by the time for which independent operation is desired to continue.

[0098] The specific unit 11e receives power information I2b from the distributed power source PS2 via the first communication unit 131, detects that the system is operating independently based on the power information I2b, and acquires the amount of power. The power information I2b includes independent operation information indicating that the power generation equipment 71 and the battery 72 have started independent operation, power generation information relating to the amount of power generated by the power generation equipment 71, and remaining power information relating to the remaining power of the battery 72.

[0099] The setting unit 16a pre-sets the branch breakers X1 that are not to be powered, corresponding to the power output. More specifically, the setting unit 16a pre-sets the branch breakers 5 to which loads LD with low necessity and urgency are connected, in descending order of power output, as branch breakers X1 that are not to be powered, corresponding to the power output.

[0100] The identification unit 11e identifies the branch breakers X1 that are not to be powered according to the amount of power supplied, based on the settings of the setting unit 16a. That is, the identification unit 11e identifies the branch breakers X1 that are not to be powered according to the amount of power supplied, so that the total amount of power supplied, acquired based on the power supply information I5, is less than or equal to the amount of power that can be supplied. Specifically, the identification unit 11e identifies the branch breakers 5 as branch breakers X1 that are not to be powered, in descending order of the amount of power supplied, so that the total amount of power supplied, acquired based on the power supply information I5, is less than or equal to the amount of power that can be supplied. As a result, the tripping control unit 12e trips the branch circuit L4 between the branch breaker X1 that is not to be powered, identified by the identification unit 11e, and the load LD, thus having the effect of being able to trip the branch circuit L4 according to the amount of power that can be supplied. As a result, there is an advantage in that it becomes easier to continue independent operation until the desired time.

[0101] (2-3) Modified form of Embodiment 2 Embodiment 2 described above is merely one of many embodiments of this disclosure. Embodiment 2 can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the objectives of this disclosure are achieved. The following modifications may be implemented by combining them as appropriate. Components similar to those in Embodiment 2 described above are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description is omitted.

[0102] (2-3-1) First modified example of Embodiment 2 In the above-described embodiment 2, the distributed power source PS2 includes a power generation facility 71 and a storage battery 72, but as shown in Figure 8, it may include the power generation facility 71 but not the storage battery 72.

[0103] As shown in Figure 8, the distribution board system 100f comprises a control unit 1f, a distribution board 2, and a switch 3. In the first modified example of Embodiment 2, the distributed power source PS2 includes power generation equipment 71 but does not include a storage battery 72.

[0104] As shown in Figure 8, the control unit 1f comprises a specific unit 11f, a blockage control unit 12f, a communication unit 13e, and a setting unit 16b.

[0105] The identification unit 11f identifies the branch breakers X1 that are not to be powered during independent operation so that the total amount of power supplied is less than or equal to the amount of power that can be supplied by the distributed power source PS2. In the first modified example of Embodiment 2, since the distributed power source PS2 includes the power generation equipment 71, the amount of power that can be supplied is an amount based on the amount of power generated by the distributed power source PS2. That is, as an example, the amount of power that can be supplied is the amount obtained by dividing the amount of power generated by the distributed power source PS2 by the time for which independent operation is desired to continue.

[0106] The specific unit 11f receives power information I2c from the distributed power source PS2 (power generation equipment 71) via the first communication unit 131, detects that the system is operating independently based on the power information I2c, and acquires the amount of power generated. The power information I2c includes independent operation information indicating that the power generation equipment 71 has started independent operation, and power generation information relating to the amount of power generated by the power generation equipment 71.

[0107] The setting unit 16b pre-sets the branch breakers X1 that are not to be powered, corresponding to the amount of power generated by the power generation equipment 71. More specifically, the setting unit 16b pre-sets the branch breakers 5 to which loads LD with low necessity and urgency are connected, in descending order of the amount of power generated by the power generation equipment 71, as branch breakers X1 that are not to be powered, corresponding to the amount of power generated by the power generation equipment 71.

[0108] The identification unit 11f identifies the branch breakers X1 that are not to be powered according to the amount of power generated by the power generation equipment 71, based on the settings of the setting unit 16b. That is, the identification unit 11f identifies the branch breakers X1 that are not to be powered according to the amount of power generated by the power generation equipment 71, so that the total amount of power supplied acquired based on the power supply information I5 is less than or equal to the amount of power that can be supplied. Specifically, the identification unit 11f identifies the branch breakers 5 associated with the power generation equipment 71 as branch breakers X1 that are not to be powered, in order of the amount of power generated by the power generation equipment 71, so that the total amount of power supplied acquired based on the power supply information I5 is less than or equal to the amount of power that can be supplied.

[0109] According to the above configuration, the branch circuit L4 between the non-powered branch breaker X1 and the load LD can be shut off according to the amount of power generated by the power generation equipment 71. In other words, the control unit 1f can change the branch breaker 5 that supplies power according to the amount of power generated by the power generation equipment 71. That is, the control unit 1f of the first modified embodiment of the second embodiment has the advantage of improving convenience. Furthermore, the shut-off control unit 12f shuts off the branch circuit L4 between the non-powered branch breaker X1 and the load LD identified by the identification unit 11f, thus having the advantage of being able to shut off the branch circuit L4 according to the available power. As a result, it has the advantage of making it easier to continue independent operation for the desired time.

[0110] (2-3-2) Second modified example of Embodiment 2 In the above-described embodiment 2, the distributed power source PS2 includes a power generation facility 71 and a storage battery 72, but as shown in Figure 9, it may include the storage battery 72 and not include the power generation facility 71.

[0111] As shown in Figure 9, the distribution board system 100g comprises a control unit 1g, a distribution board 2, and a switch 3. In the second modified example of Embodiment 2, the distributed power source PS2 includes a storage battery 72 but does not include the power generation equipment 71.

[0112] As shown in Figure 9, the control unit 1g comprises a specific unit 11g, a blockage control unit 12g, a communication unit 13e, and a setting unit 16c.

[0113] The specific unit 11g identifies the branch circuit breakers X1 that are not to be powered during independent operation so that the total amount of power supplied is less than or equal to the amount of power that can be supplied by the distributed power source PS2. In the second modified example of Embodiment 2, since the distributed power source PS2 includes a storage battery 72, the amount of power that can be supplied is an amount based on the remaining power of the distributed power source PS2. That is, as an example, the amount of power that can be supplied is the amount obtained by dividing the remaining power of the distributed power source PS2 by the time for which independent operation is desired to continue.

[0114] The specific unit 11g receives power information I2d from the distributed power supply PS2 (storage battery 72) via the first communication unit 131, detects that the system is operating independently based on the power information I2d, and acquires the power amount. The power information I2d includes independent operation information indicating that the storage battery 72 has started independent operation, and power remaining information regarding the remaining power of the storage battery 72.

[0115] The setting unit 16c pre-sets the branch breakers X1 that are not to receive power, corresponding to the remaining power of the battery 72. More specifically, the setting unit 16c pre-sets the branch breakers 5 to which loads LD with low necessity and urgency are connected, in descending order of the remaining power of the battery 72, as branch breakers X1 that are not to receive power, corresponding to the remaining power of the battery 72.

[0116] The identification unit 11g identifies the branch breakers X1 that are not to be powered, based on the settings of the setting unit 16c, according to the remaining power of the storage battery 72. Specifically, the identification unit 11g identifies the branch breakers X1 that are not to be powered, according to the remaining power of the storage battery 72, so that the total amount of supplied power acquired based on the power supply information I5 is less than or equal to the amount of power that can be supplied. More specifically, the identification unit 11g identifies the branch breakers 5 associated with each branch breaker 5 as branch breakers X1 that are not to be powered, in order of the largest remaining power of the storage battery 72, so that the total amount of supplied power acquired based on the power supply information I5 is less than or equal to the amount of power that can be supplied.

[0117] According to the above configuration, the branch circuit L4 between the non-powered branch breaker X1 and the load LD can be shut off according to the remaining power of the storage battery 72. In other words, the distributed power supply PS2 can change the branch breaker 5 to which power is supplied according to the remaining power of the storage battery 72, in accordance with the situation. That is, the control unit 1g of the second modified embodiment 2 has the advantage of improving convenience. Furthermore, the shut-off control unit 12g shuts off the branch circuit L4 between the non-powered branch breaker X1 and the load LD identified by the identification unit 11g, thus having the advantage of being able to shut off the branch circuit L4 according to the available power. As a result, there is the advantage of being able to continue independent operation for the desired time.

[0118] (2-3-3) Third modified example of Embodiment 2 In the above-described embodiment 2, the amount of power that can be supplied is an amount based on the power supply amount, which is at least one of the amount of power generated by the power generation equipment 71 and the remaining power of the storage battery 72, but it may also be an amount based on the converted power amount, which is the amount of power that the converter 8 can output.

[0119] As shown in Figure 10, the distribution board system 100h comprises a control unit 1h, a distribution board 2, and a switch 3. In the second modified embodiment of Embodiment 2, similar to Embodiment 2, the distributed power source PS2 includes a power generation facility 71 and a storage battery 72.

[0120] As shown in Figure 10, the control unit 1h comprises a specific unit 11h, a blockage control unit 12h, a communication unit 13e, and a setting unit 16d.

[0121] The identification unit 11h identifies the branch breakers X1 that are not to be powered during independent operation such that the total amount of supplied power is less than or equal to the amount of power that can be supplied by the distributed power source PS2. In the second modification of Embodiment 2, the amount of power that can be supplied is an amount based on the converted power amount, which is the amount of power that the converter 8 can output. That is, as an example, the amount of power that can be supplied is the amount obtained by dividing the converted power amount, which is the amount of power that the converter 8 can output, by the time for which independent operation is desired to continue.

[0122] The specific unit 11h receives power information I2e from the converter 8 via the first communication unit 131, detects that the system is operating independently based on the power information I2e, and acquires the power energy. The power information I2e includes independent operation information indicating that the power generation equipment 71 and the storage battery 72 have started independent operation, and converted power information relating to the amount of power converted by the converter 8.

[0123] The setting unit 16d pre-sets the branch breakers X1 that are not to be powered, corresponding to the amount of power converted by the converter 8. More specifically, the setting unit 16d pre-sets the branch breakers 5 to which loads LD with low necessity and urgency are connected, in descending order of the amount of power converted by the converter 8, as branch breakers X1 that are not to be powered, corresponding to the amount of power converted by the converter 8.

[0124] The identification unit 11h identifies the branch breakers X1 that are not to be powered, based on the settings of the setting unit 16d, according to the amount of power converted by the converter 8. That is, the identification unit 11h identifies the branch breakers X1 that are not to be powered, according to the amount of power converted by the converter 8, so that the total amount of power supplied, acquired based on the power supply information I5, is less than or equal to the amount of power that can be supplied. Specifically, the identification unit 11h identifies the branch breakers 5 associated with each branch breaker 5 as branch breakers X1 that are not to be powered, in descending order of the amount of power converted by the converter 8, so that the total amount of power supplied, acquired based on the power supply information I5, is less than or equal to the amount of power that can be supplied.

[0125] According to the above configuration, the branch circuit L4 between the non-powered branch breaker X1 and the load LD can be shut off according to the amount of power converted by the converter 8. In other words, the distributed power supply PS2 can change the branch breaker 5 to which power is supplied according to the amount of power converted by the converter 8, in accordance with the situation. That is, the control unit 1h of the third modified example of Embodiment 2 has the advantage of improving convenience. Furthermore, the shut-off control unit 12h shuts off the branch circuit L4 between the non-powered branch breaker X1 and the load LD identified by the identification unit 11h, thus having the effect of shutting off the branch circuit L4 according to the available power. Therefore, there is an advantage in that it is easier to continue independent operation for the desired time. Moreover, this configuration has the advantage that there is no need to provide a configuration for communication with the control unit 1h in the distributed power supply PS2.

[0126] (2-3-4) Other Modifications of Embodiment 2 The following are some variations of the above-described embodiment. These variations may be implemented in combination as appropriate.

[0127] In the above-described embodiment 2, the identification unit 11e acquires the total amount of power supplied from the distributed power source PS2 to each of the multiple branch breakers 5 during standalone operation. However, the identification unit 11e may acquire the power supplied from at least the grid power source PS1 to each of the multiple branch breakers 5 during grid-connected operation. That is, the identification unit 11e may acquire the power supplied from only the grid power source PS1, or from both the grid power source PS1 and the distributed power source PS2 to each of the multiple branch breakers 5 during grid-connected operation. In this case, during grid-connected operation, the identification unit 11e identifies the branch breaker 5 among the multiple branch breakers 5 that is supplied with power exceeding a preset threshold as the branch breaker X1 to be not powered. The threshold here is set to be less than or equal to the amount of power that the distributed power source PS2 can supply. It is desirable that the threshold be set to be smaller than the amount of power that the distributed power source PS2 can supply. With this configuration, when independent operation is started, the tripping control unit 12e can pre-tap the branch circuit L4 between the non-powered branch breaker X1 and the load LD, where the supplied power exceeds a threshold. For example, if the current value of the power that the distributed power supply PS2 can supply is 10A, and assuming that 3A of current is supplied to one load LD during grid-connected operation, if power is supplied to another load LD consuming an additional 8A of current after independent operation is started, the current value will exceed the current value of the power that the distributed power supply PS2 can supply. To avoid this situation, when independent operation is started, the branch circuit L4 between the other load LD consuming an additional 8A of current and the branch breaker 5 connected to that other load LD is pre-tap. In the above case, the threshold is preferably 7A, for example.

[0128] Furthermore, the identification unit 11e may acquire the total amount of power supplied from at least the grid power source PS1 to each of the multiple branch breakers 5 during grid-connected operation. In this case, the identification unit 11e identifies the branch breakers X1 that are not to be powered so that the total amount of power supplied during grid-connected operation is less than or equal to the amount of power that can be supplied by the distributed power source PS2. With this configuration, when standalone operation is started, the tripping control unit 12e can pre-tap the branch circuit L4 between the branch breaker X1 that is not to be powered and the load LD.

[0129] In the above-described embodiment 2, the specific unit 11e receives power supply information I5 from each of the multiple branch breakers 5. However, the specific unit 11e may also receive power supply information I5 from a power measuring unit that is provided in the part of the branch circuit L3 (see Figure 7) before it branches and measures the power before it is branched and supplied to each of the multiple branch breakers 5. The power supply information I5 referred to here is information about the power before it is branched and supplied to each of the multiple branch breakers 5.

[0130] Furthermore, the specific unit 11e may receive power supply information I5 from the converter 8 or the distributed power supply PS2. The power supply information I5 referred to here is information regarding the power output by the converter 8 or the distributed power supply PS2 to the distribution board 2.

[0131] The control units 1e to 1h of the above-described embodiment 2 do not necessarily have setting units 16a to 16d. More specifically, as shown in Figure 7, in the control unit 1e when the distributed power supply PS2 includes a power generation facility 71 and a storage battery 72, the identification unit 11e may identify a branch breaker X1 to be not powered from among the multiple branch breakers 5 that have relatively high power consumption, according to the amount of power supply. Specifically, the identification unit 11e receives information on the power consumption of each of the multiple branch breakers 5 received from each of the multiple branch breakers 5 by the second communication unit 132, and obtains the power consumption at each of the multiple branch breakers 5. The "power consumption" referred to here is the total power consumed by the load LD connected to each of the multiple branch breakers 5, calculated by the calculation unit 56. For example, during standalone operation, if the total amount of supplied power increases due to an increase in the number of power-consuming loads LD, the branch circuit L4 between the branch breaker 5 with relatively high power consumption and the load LD can be shut off according to the power supply capacity of the distributed power source PS2.

[0132] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, in a control unit 1f where the distributed power source PS2 includes power generation equipment 71 but does not include a storage battery 72, the identification unit 11f may identify the branch breaker X1 to be not powered from among the multiple branch breakers 5 that have relatively high power consumption, according to the amount of power generated by the power generation equipment 71. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 9, in a control unit 1g where the distributed power source PS2 includes storage battery 72 but does not include power generation equipment 71, the identification unit 11g may identify the branch breaker X1 to be not powered from among the multiple branch breakers 5 that have relatively high power consumption, according to the remaining power of the storage battery 72. Similarly, as shown in Figure 10, in a control unit 1h where the amount of power that can be supplied is based on the amount of power converted by the converter 8, the identification unit 11h may identify the branch breaker X1 to be not powered from among the multiple branch breakers 5 that have relatively high power consumption, according to the amount of power converted by the converter 8.

[0133] According to the above configuration, each of the interruption control units 12e to 12f can interrupt the branch circuit L4 between the non-powered branch breaker X1 with high power consumption and the load LD, which has the advantage of making it easier to continue independent operation for the desired time.

[0134] (summary) The control unit (1, 1a~1h) of the first embodiment comprises a specification unit (11, 11a~11h) and a circuit breaker control unit (12, 12a~12h). In standalone operation, the specification unit (11, 11a~11h) identifies a branch breaker (X1) that is not to be powered among a plurality of branch breakers (5) included in the distribution board (2, 2a). In standalone operation, the distribution board (2, 2a), which supplies power to loads (LD) that are electrically connected to power supplied from at least one of the grid power supply (PS1) and distributed power supply (PS2), is not supplied with power from the grid power supply (PS1) but is supplied with power from the distributed power supply (PS2). The circuit breaker control unit (12, 12a~12h) interrupts the circuit (L4) between the branch breaker (X1) that is not to be powered, identified by the specification unit (11, 11a~11h), and the load (LD).

[0135] The above configuration has the advantage of improving convenience.

[0136] In the control unit (1, 1a~1d) of the second embodiment, in the first embodiment, the identification unit (11, 11a~11d) identifies a predetermined branch breaker (5) from among the multiple branch breakers (5) as a branch breaker (X1) that is not to be powered when independent operation is started.

[0137] The above configuration has the advantage of being able to further improve convenience.

[0138] In the third embodiment, the control unit (1c) further includes a setting unit (16) for pre-setting branch breakers (X1) that are not to be powered, as in the second embodiment.

[0139] The above configuration has the advantage that it does not require a configuration in the control unit (1c) for communicating with an external device (A1).

[0140] In the fourth embodiment, the control unit (1, 1a, 1b, 1d) in the second embodiment receives setting information (I1) regarding a branch breaker (X1) that is not to be powered from an external device (A1), and identifies the branch breaker (X1) that is not to be powered based on the setting information (I1).

[0141] The above configuration has the advantage of making it easier for users to configure branch circuit breakers (X1) that are not intended to supply power.

[0142] In the fifth embodiment, the control unit (1e to 1h) in the first embodiment has a specific unit (11e to 11h) that, during standalone operation, obtains the total amount of power supplied from the distributed power source (PS2) to each of the multiple branch breakers (5), and identifies the branch breakers (X1) that are not to be powered so that the total amount of power supplied is less than or equal to the amount of power that the distributed power source (PS2) can supply.

[0143] According to the above configuration, the distributed power supply (PS2) has the advantage that the branch circuit breakers (5) supplying power can be changed to suit the situation according to the power that the distributed power supply (PS2) can supply.

[0144] In the control unit (1g) of the sixth embodiment, in the fifth embodiment, the distributed power supply (PS2) includes a storage battery (72). The amount of power that can be supplied is an amount based on the remaining power of the distributed power supply (PS2). The unit further includes a setting unit (16c) for pre-setting branch breakers (X1) that are not to be powered in correspondence with the remaining power. The identification unit (11g) identifies the branch breakers (X1) that are not to be powered according to the remaining power, based on the settings of the setting unit (16c).

[0145] The above configuration has the advantage of making it easier to continue autonomous driving until the desired time.

[0146] In the control unit (1g) of the seventh embodiment, in the fifth embodiment, the distributed power supply (PS2) includes a storage battery (72). The amount of power that can be supplied is an amount based on the remaining power of the distributed power supply (PS2). The identification unit (11g) identifies the branch breakers (X1) to be not powered from among the multiple branch breakers (5) that have relatively high power consumption, according to the remaining power.

[0147] The above configuration has the advantage of making it easier to continue autonomous driving until the desired time.

[0148] In the eighth embodiment, the control unit (1f) in the fifth embodiment includes a distributed power source (PS2) which comprises a power generation facility (71). The amount of power that can be supplied is an amount based on the amount of power generated by the distributed power source (PS2). The unit further includes a setting unit (16b) which pre-sets branch breakers (X1) that are not to be powered in correspondence with the amount of power generated. The identification unit (11f) identifies the branch breakers (X1) that are not to be powered according to the amount of power generated, based on the settings of the setting unit (16b).

[0149] The above configuration has the advantage of making it easier to continue autonomous driving until the desired time.

[0150] In the control unit (1f) of the ninth embodiment, in the fifth embodiment, the distributed power source (PS2) includes a power generation facility (71). The amount of power that can be supplied is an amount based on the amount of power generated by the distributed power source (PS2). The identification unit (11f) identifies the branch breakers (X1) that are not to be powered from among the multiple branch breakers (5) that have relatively high power consumption, according to the amount of power generated.

[0151] The above configuration has the advantage of making it easier to continue autonomous driving until the desired time.

[0152] In the control unit (1e) of the tenth embodiment, in the fifth embodiment, the distributed power source (PS2) includes a power generation facility (71) and a storage battery (72). The amount relating to the available power is an amount based on the power energy amount, which is at least one of the amount of power generated and the remaining power of the distributed power source (PS2). The unit further includes a setting unit (16a) for pre-setting branch breakers (X1) that are not to be powered in association with the power energy amount. The identification unit (11e) identifies the branch breakers (X1) that are not to be powered according to the power energy amount, based on the settings of the setting unit (16a).

[0153] The above configuration has the advantage of making it easier to continue autonomous driving until the desired time.

[0154] In the control unit (1e) of the eleventh embodiment, in the fifth embodiment, the distributed power source (PS2) includes a power generation facility (71) and a storage battery (72). The amount relating to the available power is an amount based on the power source energy, which is at least one of the amount of power generated and the remaining power of the distributed power source (PS2). The identification unit (11e) identifies a branch breaker (X1) to be not powered from among a plurality of branch breakers (5) that have relatively high power consumption, according to the power source energy.

[0155] The above configuration has the advantage of making it easier to continue autonomous driving until the desired time.

[0156] In the control unit (1h) of the twelfth embodiment, in the fifth embodiment, the distributed power supply (PS2) supplies the power converted and output by the converter (8) to the distribution board (2, 2a). The amount of power that can be supplied is an amount based on the converted power amount, which is the amount of power that the converter (8) can output. The unit further includes a setting unit (16d) for pre-setting branch breakers (X1) that are not to be powered in association with the converted power amount. The identification unit (11h) identifies the branch breakers (X1) that are not to be powered according to the converted power amount, based on the settings of the setting unit (16d).

[0157] The above configuration has the advantage of making it easier to maintain autonomous operation for the desired duration. Furthermore, this configuration also has the advantage of eliminating the need to provide a communication configuration with the control unit (1h) in the distributed power supply (PS2).

[0158] In the 13th embodiment, the control unit (1h) in the 5th embodiment supplies the power converted and output by the converter (8) to the distribution board (2, 2a) via a distributed power supply (PS2). The amount of power that can be supplied is based on the converted power amount, which is the amount of power that the converter (8) can output. The identification unit (11h) identifies, from among a plurality of branch breakers (5), a branch breaker (X1) that is not to be powered, according to the converted power amount.

[0159] The above configuration has the advantage of making it easier to continue autonomous driving until the desired time.

[0160] In the 14th embodiment, the control unit (1e to 1h) in the first embodiment has a specific unit (11e to 11h) that acquires the power supplied from the grid power source (PS1) to each of the multiple branch breakers (5) during grid-connected operation in which power is supplied from the grid power source (PS1). During grid-connected operation, the specific unit (11e to 11h) identifies each of the multiple branch breakers (5) that is supplied with power exceeding a preset threshold as a branch breaker (X1) that is not to be powered.

[0161] According to the above configuration, when independent operation begins, the circuit breaker control unit (12e~12h) has the advantage of being able to pre-cut the circuit (L4) between the branch breaker (X1) that is not powered and the load (LD).

[0162] In the 15th embodiment, the control unit (1, 1c~1h) in any one of the 1st to 14th embodiments has a specific unit (11, 11c~11h) that receives power information (I2, I2c~I2e) regarding the status of the distributed power supply (PS2) from the distributed power supply (PS2), and identifies the branch circuit breaker (X1) that is not to be powered based on the power information (I2, I2c~I2e).

[0163] The above configuration has the advantage that the specific unit (11, 11c~11h) is less likely to falsely detect that autonomous operation has started.

[0164] In the sixteenth embodiment, the control unit (1a), in any one of the first to fourteenth embodiments, has a locating unit (11a) that receives power information (I2a) regarding the status of the distributed power supply (PS2) from the switch (3a), and identifies the branch breaker (X1) that is not to be powered based on the power information (I2a). The switch (3a) switches between a first state in which power is supplied to the distribution board (2, 2a) from at least the grid power supply (PS1) of the grid power supply (PS1) and the distributed power supply (PS2), and a second state in which it operates independently.

[0165] The above configuration has the advantage that it does not require a configuration for communicating with the control unit (1a) in the distributed power supply (PS2).

[0166] The control unit (1b) of the 17th embodiment further comprises a monitoring unit (14) and a determination unit (15) in any one of the first to 14th embodiments. The monitoring unit (14) monitors the input voltage of the power input to the switch (3) from the distributed power supply (PS2). The switch (3) switches between a first state in which power is supplied to the distribution board (2, 2a) from at least the grid power supply (PS1) of the grid power supply (PS1) and the distributed power supply (PS2), and a second state in which it operates independently. The determination unit (15) determines the state of the distributed power supply (PS2) based on the monitoring result of the monitoring unit (14). The identification unit (11b) identifies the branch breaker (X1) that is not to be powered based on the determination result of the determination unit (15).

[0167] The above configuration has the advantage that it does not require a configuration for communicating with the control unit (1b) in the distributed power supply (PS2).

[0168] The 18th embodiment of the distribution board system (100, 100a~100h) comprises a control unit (1, 1a~1h) of any one of the 1st to 17th embodiments, a distribution board (2, 2a), and a switch (3, 3a). The switch (3, 3a) switches between a first state in which power is supplied from at least the grid power supply (PS1) of the grid power supply (PS1) and distributed power supply (PS2), and a second state in which it operates independently. The distribution board (2, 2a) includes a main circuit breaker (4) to which power is supplied from the grid power supply (PS1). The main circuit breaker (4) is installed between the grid power supply (PS1) and the switch (3, 3a).

[0169] The above configuration offers the advantage of providing a distribution board system with a high degree of flexibility after installation. [Explanation of symbols]

[0170] 100, 100a~100h Distribution board system 1. 1a~1h Control Unit 11, 11a~11h Specific part 12, 12a~12h Interruption control unit 14 Monitoring Department 15 Judgment section 16, 16a~16d Settings section 2, 2a Distribution board 3, 3a Switch 4. Main circuit breaker 5 Branch circuit breaker 6-way circuit breaker 71 Power generation equipment 72 Storage batteries 8 Converters A1 External device I1 Configuration Information I2, I2a~I2e Power Information L4 electrical circuit (branch electrical circuit) LD load PS1 grid power supply PS2 distributed power supply X1 Branch circuit breaker for non-powered applications

Claims

1. In a standalone operation in which power is supplied from at least one of a grid power source and a distributed power source to an electrically connected load, and the distribution board that supplies the power is not supplied from the grid power source but is supplied from the distributed power source, the distribution board includes a unit that identifies the branch breakers that are not to be powered among a plurality of branch breakers, The system includes a circuit breaker control unit that interrupts the circuit between the branch breaker that is not powered and the load, which has been identified by the specified unit, The specified part is, During the aforementioned independent operation, the total amount of power supplied from the distributed power source to each of the multiple branch circuit breakers is obtained. During the aforementioned independent operation, the branch circuit breakers that are not receiving power are periodically identified so that the total amount of supplied power is less than or equal to the amount of power that can be supplied by the distributed power source. The aforementioned distributed power source includes a storage battery, The amount of available power is based on the remaining power of the distributed power source, and is the amount obtained by dividing the remaining power by the time for which independent operation is desired to continue. The system further includes a setting unit for pre-setting the branch circuit breakers that are not to be powered in correspondence with the remaining power amount, The specified unit identifies the non-powered branch circuit breaker according to the remaining power amount, based on the settings of the setting unit. Control unit.

2. In a standalone operation in which power is supplied from at least one of a grid power source and a distributed power source to an electrically connected load, and the distribution board that supplies the power is not supplied from the grid power source but is supplied from the distributed power source, the distribution board includes a unit that identifies the branch breakers that are not to be powered among a plurality of branch breakers, The system includes a circuit breaker control unit that interrupts the circuit between the branch breaker that is not powered and the load, which has been identified by the specified unit, The specified part is, During the aforementioned independent operation, the total amount of power supplied from the distributed power source to each of the multiple branch circuit breakers is obtained. During the aforementioned independent operation, the branch circuit breakers that are not receiving power are periodically identified so that the total amount of supplied power is less than or equal to the amount of power that can be supplied by the distributed power source. The aforementioned distributed power source includes a storage battery, The amount of available power is based on the remaining power of the distributed power source, and is the amount obtained by dividing the remaining power by the time for which independent operation is desired to continue. The specified unit identifies the branch breakers that will not be supplied with power from among the multiple branch breakers, based on the remaining power, starting with those with relatively high power consumption. Control unit.

3. In a standalone operation in which power is supplied from at least one of a grid power source and a distributed power source to an electrically connected load, and the distribution board that supplies the power is not supplied from the grid power source but is supplied from the distributed power source, the distribution board includes a unit that identifies the branch breakers that are not to be powered among a plurality of branch breakers, The system includes a circuit breaker control unit that interrupts the circuit between the branch breaker that is not powered and the load, which has been identified by the specified unit, The specified part is, During the aforementioned independent operation, the total amount of power supplied from the distributed power source to each of the multiple branch circuit breakers is obtained. During the aforementioned independent operation, the branch circuit breakers that are not receiving power are periodically identified so that the total amount of supplied power is less than or equal to the amount of power that can be supplied by the distributed power source. The aforementioned distributed power source includes power generation equipment, The amount of electricity that can be supplied is an amount based on the amount of electricity generated by the distributed power source, and is the amount obtained by dividing the amount of electricity generated by the time for which independent operation is desired to continue. The system further includes a setting unit for pre-setting the branch breakers that are not to be powered in correspondence with the amount of power generated, The specified unit identifies the non-powered branch breaker according to the amount of power generated, based on the settings of the setting unit. Control unit.

4. In a standalone operation in which power is supplied from at least one of a grid power source and a distributed power source to an electrically connected load, and the distribution board that supplies the power is not supplied from the grid power source but is supplied from the distributed power source, the distribution board includes a unit that identifies the branch breakers that are not to be powered among a plurality of branch breakers, The system includes a circuit breaker control unit that interrupts the circuit between the branch breaker that is not powered and the load, which has been identified by the specified unit, The specified part is, During the aforementioned independent operation, the total amount of power supplied from the distributed power source to each of the multiple branch circuit breakers is obtained. During the aforementioned independent operation, the branch circuit breakers that are not receiving power are periodically identified so that the total amount of supplied power is less than or equal to the amount of power that can be supplied by the distributed power source. The aforementioned distributed power source includes power generation equipment, The amount of electricity that can be supplied is an amount based on the amount of electricity generated by the distributed power source, and is the amount obtained by dividing the amount of electricity generated by the time for which independent operation is desired to continue. The specified unit identifies the branch breakers that are not to be supplied with power, based on the amount of power generated, starting with the branch breakers with relatively high power consumption among the multiple branch breakers. Control unit.

5. A load that is powered and electrically connected by at least one of the grid power supply and distributed power supply. In an independent operation in which the distribution board that supplies the aforementioned power is not supplied with power from the grid power source but is supplied with power from the distributed power source, the distribution board includes an identification unit that identifies the branch breakers that are not to be powered among a plurality of branch breakers, The system includes a circuit breaker control unit that interrupts the circuit between the branch breaker that is not powered and the load, which has been identified by the specified unit, The specified part is, During the aforementioned independent operation, the total amount of power supplied from the distributed power source to each of the multiple branch circuit breakers is obtained. During the aforementioned independent operation, the branch circuit breakers that are not receiving power are periodically identified so that the total amount of supplied power is less than or equal to the amount of power that can be supplied by the distributed power source. The aforementioned distributed power source includes power generation equipment and storage batteries, The amount of available power is based on the amount of power generated by the distributed power source, which is at least one of the amount of power generated and the remaining power, and is the amount obtained by dividing the amount of power generated by the amount of power to be continued by the time for which independent operation is desired. The system further includes a setting unit for pre-setting the branch circuit breakers that are not to be powered in correspondence with the power amount of the power supply, The specified unit identifies the non-powered branch circuit breaker according to the power supply amount based on the settings of the setting unit. Control unit.

6. In a standalone operation in which power is supplied from at least one of a grid power source and a distributed power source to an electrically connected load, and the distribution board that supplies the power is not supplied from the grid power source but is supplied from the distributed power source, the distribution board includes a unit that identifies the branch breakers that are not to be powered among a plurality of branch breakers, The system includes a circuit breaker control unit that interrupts the circuit between the branch breaker that is not powered and the load, which has been identified by the specified unit, The specified part is, During the aforementioned independent operation, the total amount of power supplied from the distributed power source to each of the multiple branch circuit breakers is obtained. During the aforementioned independent operation, the branch circuit breakers that are not receiving power are periodically identified so that the total amount of supplied power is less than or equal to the amount of power that can be supplied by the distributed power source. The aforementioned distributed power source includes power generation equipment and storage batteries, The amount of available power is based on the amount of power generated by the distributed power source, which is at least one of the amount of power generated and the remaining power, and is the amount obtained by dividing the amount of power generated by the amount of power to be continued by the time for which independent operation is desired. The specified unit identifies the branch breakers that are not to be powered, based on the amount of power from the power supply, starting with the branch breakers with relatively high power consumption among the multiple branch breakers. Control unit.

7. The aforementioned identification unit, when the independent operation is started, identifies a pre-set branch breaker among the multiple branch breakers as the branch breaker to be not powered. A control unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The system further includes a setting unit for pre-setting the branch circuit breakers that are not to be powered. The control unit according to claim 7.

9. The specified part is, The setting information regarding the non-powered branch circuit breaker is received from an external device. Based on the aforementioned setting information, identify the branch circuit breaker that is not to be powered. The control unit according to claim 7.

10. The specified part is, During grid-connected operation in which the power is supplied from the grid power source, the power supplied from the grid power source to each of the plurality of branch breakers is acquired. During the aforementioned interconnection operation, among the multiple branch breakers, the branch breaker to which the supplied power exceeds a preset threshold is identified as the branch breaker not to be powered. A control unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

11. The specified part is, The distributed power source receives power information regarding the status of the distributed power source, Based on the aforementioned power supply information, identify the branch circuit breaker that is not to be powered. A control unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

12. The specified part is, The distribution board receives power information regarding the state of the distributed power sources from a switch that switches between a first state in which power is supplied from at least the grid power source among the grid power source and the distributed power sources, and a second state in which the distributed power sources are operated independently. Based on the aforementioned power supply information, identify the branch circuit breaker that is not to be powered. A control unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

13. The distribution board has a switch that switches between a first state in which power is supplied from at least the grid power among the grid power supply and the distributed power supply, and a second state in which it operates independently, and a monitoring unit that monitors the input voltage of the power input from the distributed power supply, The system further comprises a determination unit that determines the state of the distributed power supply based on the monitoring results of the aforementioned monitoring unit, The identification unit identifies the branch breaker that is not to be powered based on the determination result of the determination unit. A control unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

14. A control unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The aforementioned distribution board, The system includes a switch that switches between a first state in which power is supplied from at least the grid power supply and the distributed power supply, and a second state in which independent operation is performed. The distribution board includes a main circuit breaker from which the power is supplied from the grid power supply, The main circuit breaker is installed between the power grid and the switch. Distribution board system.

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