Discharge-compatible system

Abstract

The present invention provides a discharge handling system capable of performing appropriate handing in accordance with the situation when an arc discharge occurs.　This discharge handling system has a power module, a power conversion device, and an arc discharge detection device. The arc discharge detection device has an arc discharge detection unit for detecting the occurrence of an arc discharge between the power module and the power conversion device. The arc discharge detection device monitors the number of arc discharges detected by the arc discharge detection unit and the discharge times of the arc discharges at every elapse of monitoring time and is configured by comprising a determination unit for determining the necessity of maintenance within a predetermined period on the condition that any of the following conditions (1) to (3) are satisfied. (1) The number of arc discharges in the monitoring time is 1 to a frequency threshold value, inclusive. (2) Each of the discharge times of the arc discharges in the monitoring time is a first determination time or less. (3) The total discharge time of the arc discharges in the monitoring time is a second determination time or less.

Description

Technical Field

[0004] , , , , , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a discharge response system corresponding to arc discharge.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in power generation equipment such as solar power generation equipment and fuel cell power generation equipment, fires may occur due to arc discharge between the positive electrode cable and the negative electrode cable or at the contact part. In the case of solar power generation equipment, since direct current power is generated by solar cell modules and the generated direct current power is supplied to the power conditioner (hereinafter, also simply referred to as a power converter), once arc discharge occurs between the solar cell module and the power converter, there is a problem that the arc discharge tends to continue. In addition, a power storage module that temporarily stores the power generated by the solar cell module also supplies direct current power to the power converter side when supplying power to an external system. Therefore, once arc discharge occurs between the power storage module and the power converter, there is a problem that the arc discharge tends to continue.

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[0005] However, even if an arc discharge occurs in a solar power generation system, the discharge may naturally subside or stop due to melting or loss of the generating part, or due to reduced power generation depending on sunlight conditions. Therefore, the occurrence of an arc discharge does not necessarily lead to a fire. Consequently, if maintenance is performed every time an arc discharge is detected based on conventional standards, it results in an excessive number of unnecessary emergency responses, placing an undue burden on maintenance companies. Furthermore, for users, the increased frequency of maintenance can cause anxiety and financial distrust.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a discharge response system that can take appropriate action according to the situation when an arc discharge occurs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the inventors investigated the correlation between the occurrence of arc discharge and the occurrence of fire caused by arc discharge, and discovered that the risk of fire caused by arc discharge tends to be higher when the discharge time of the arc discharge is long or when the arc discharge occurs intermittently multiple times. In other words, we discovered that when the number of arc discharges within a certain period is small, or when the total discharge time of the arc discharge is short, the risk of fire tends to be low because the arc discharge is not occurring continuously. We also found that when the discharge time of a single arc discharge is short, the risk of fire tends to be low because the arc discharge converges or stops instantaneously.

[0008] Based on the above findings, the inventors have conducted research and derived one aspect of the present invention, which is a discharge-responding system comprising a power module, a power converter, and an arc discharge detection device, wherein the arc discharge detection device has an arc discharge detection unit that detects the occurrence of arc discharge between the power module and the power converter, and the arc discharge detection device monitors the number of arc discharges detected by the arc discharge detection unit and the discharge time of the arc discharge each time a monitoring period has elapsed, and includes a determination unit that determines whether maintenance is required within a predetermined period, provided that any of the following conditions (1) to (3) are met. (1) The number of arc discharges during the monitoring period is one or more and less than or equal to the threshold number. (2) The discharge time of each arc discharge during the monitoring time is less than or equal to the first determination time. (3) The total discharge time of the arc discharge during the monitoring time is less than or equal to the second determination time.

[0009] In this context, "power modules" refer to modules related to the generation, storage, and supply of electricity. These include not only power generation modules such as solar cell modules equipped with solar cells and fuel cell modules equipped with fuel cells, but also energy storage modules equipped with secondary batteries.

[0010] According to this configuration, it is possible to determine whether appropriate maintenance is necessary based on the fire risk, enabling appropriate responses to the situation when an arc discharge occurs. As a result, unnecessary emergency responses by maintenance companies can be reduced, and the number of unnecessary maintenance sessions can be decreased. Consequently, excessive burdens on maintenance companies can be prevented, and the psychological anxiety and financial distrust that users may experience can be mitigated.

[0011] A preferred configuration is that the power module is one of a solar cell module, a fuel cell module, or an energy storage module.

[0012] A preferred configuration is that the determination unit determines whether maintenance is necessary within the predetermined period, provided that all of the conditions (1) to (3) above are met.

[0013] According to this approach, the necessity of maintenance can be determined based on conditions with a lower risk of fire, allowing for a more accurate assessment of fire risk while reducing the frequency of unnecessary maintenance.

[0014] A preferred configuration is that the determination unit determines whether maintenance is required within a period shorter than the predetermined period, on the condition that the number of arc discharges during the monitoring period exceeds the threshold number.

[0015] A preferred configuration is that the determination unit determines whether maintenance is required within a period shorter than the predetermined period, on the condition that the discharge time during the monitoring period exceeds the first determination time.

[0016] A preferred configuration is that the determination unit determines whether maintenance is required within a period shorter than the predetermined period, on the condition that the total discharge time of the arc discharge during the monitoring period exceeds the second determination period.

[0017] Based on the above circumstances, maintenance can be carried out promptly when there is a high risk of fire, thus suppressing the occurrence of fires caused by arc discharge.

[0018] A preferred configuration is one in which there are multiple power generation facilities, each having the power module, the power converter, and the arc discharge detection device, and each power generation facility is connected to a management server via a network, with the determination unit located on the management server.

[0019] In this configuration, multiple power generation facilities are connected to a management server, and a decision-making unit is provided on the management server side. Therefore, there is no need to provide a decision-making unit in each power generation facility, which reduces the manufacturing cost of each power generation facility.

[0020] A preferable aspect is that the arc discharge detection device is connected to a management server via a network, the arc discharge detection device has a communication status confirmation unit capable of transmitting or receiving data to / from the management server, the arc discharge detection device executes a communication confirmation operation on condition that the arc discharge is detected by the arc discharge detection unit, and in the communication confirmation operation, the communication status confirmation unit transmits or receives data to / from the management server every time a confirmation time elapses.

[0021] According to this aspect, since the communication confirmation operation is executed from the time when the arc discharge is first detected, it is possible to confirm whether the current communication state is maintained while suppressing the load on the management server. Therefore, prompt response can also be made during emergency maintenance.

[0022] A preferable aspect is that the arc discharge detection device has an arc discharge notification unit that notifies the occurrence of the arc discharge, and the arc discharge notification unit does not directly notify the occurrence of the arc discharge when all of the conditions (1) to (3) are satisfied.

[0023] "Not directly notify the occurrence of the arc discharge" as used herein means not directly performing a notification that associates the occurrence of the arc discharge such as "during arc discharge occurrence".

[0024] According to this aspect, when the risk of fire occurrence is low, the user is not directly notified of the occurrence of the arc discharge, so it is possible to suppress giving the user a mental sense of uneasiness by notifying the occurrence of the arc discharge.

[0025] A preferable aspect is that it has an operator terminal, and the operator terminal includes an operation side notification unit that notifies maintenance within the predetermined period when the determination unit determines that maintenance is required within the predetermined period. <着

[0026] According to this configuration, by having maintenance contractors carry worker terminals, if the decision-making unit determines that maintenance is required within a predetermined period, the worker-side notification unit will notify the maintenance within that period, making it easier to coordinate the date and time of maintenance.

[0027] One aspect of the present invention is a discharge-responding system comprising a power module, a power converter, and an arc discharge detection device, wherein the arc discharge detection device comprises an arc discharge detection unit that detects the occurrence of an arc discharge between the power module and the power converter, an arc discharge interruption unit that interrupts the arc discharge between the power module and the power converter, and a power conversion control unit capable of forcibly stopping the power converter, wherein the arc discharge detection device monitors the number of arc discharges detected by the arc discharge detection unit and the discharge duration of the arc discharge at each monitoring time, the arc discharge interruption unit interrupts the arc discharge on the condition that any of the following conditions (4) to (6) are met, and the system determines whether maintenance is required within a predetermined period on the condition that all of the following conditions (7) to (9) are met. (4) The number of arc discharges during the monitoring period exceeds the threshold. (5) The discharge time of each arc discharge during the monitoring time exceeds the first determination time. (6) The total discharge time of the arc discharge during the monitoring period exceeds the second determination time. (7) The number of arc discharges during the monitoring period is one or more. (8) The arc discharge between the power module and the power converter is not interrupted by the arc discharge interruption unit. (9) The power conversion device has not been forcibly stopped by the power conversion control unit.

[0028] According to this configuration, it is possible to determine whether appropriate maintenance is necessary based on the fire risk, enabling appropriate responses to the situation when an arc discharge occurs. As a result, unnecessary emergency responses by maintenance companies can be reduced, and the number of unnecessary maintenance sessions can be decreased. Consequently, excessive burdens on maintenance companies can be prevented, and the psychological anxiety and financial distrust that users may experience can be mitigated. [Effects of the Invention]

[0029] According to the discharge response system of the present invention, it is possible to take appropriate action according to the situation when an arc discharge occurs. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0030] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram of the discharge-compatible system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a flowchart of the discharge detection operation of the discharge-compatible system. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating the discharge detection operation of the discharge-compatible system. [Figure 4] Figure 2 is a flowchart of the communication verification process. [Figure 5] Figure 1 is a flowchart of the maintenance decision operation for the discharge response system. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart of the maintenance decision operation of the discharge response system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart of the communication confirmation operation of the discharge-compatible system according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] Figure 7 is a flowchart of the discharge detection operation of the discharge-compatible system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0031] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below.

[0032] The discharge response system 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figure 1, has one or more power generation equipment 2, a management server 3, and worker terminals 5, and each power generation equipment 2, the management server 3, and the worker terminals 5 are interconnected via a network 6 such as the Internet or an intranet. As shown in Figure 1, power generation equipment 2 is equipped with a solar cell module 10 (power module), an arc discharge detection device 11, and a power converter 12. The power generation equipment 2 is a power supply device to which an external load 7 is connected to a power converter 12, and which supplies power generated by the solar cell module 10 to the external load 7 from the power converter 12.

[0033] The solar cell module 10 is a photoelectric conversion device that converts light energy into electrical energy, and is a power generation module that generates DC power. The solar cell module 10 comprises multiple solar cell strings, each consisting of one or more solar cell panels electrically connected in series, and each solar cell string is connected in parallel to the power converter 12.

[0034] The arc discharge detection device 11 is an arc monitoring device that monitors the occurrence of arc discharges. Its hardware configuration includes a central processing unit consisting of a control unit that controls each device and a processing unit that performs calculations on the data, a computer that has a storage device for storing data, an input device for receiving data from the outside, and an output device for outputting data to the outside. As shown in Figure 1, the arc discharge detection device 11 comprises, as its main components, an arc discharge detection unit 20, an arc discharge interruption unit 21, a power conversion control unit 22, a discharge count measurement unit 23, a discharge time measurement unit 24, a communication status confirmation unit 25, a detection-side notification unit 26 (arc discharge notification unit), and a detection-side communication unit 27.

[0035] The arc discharge detection unit 20 is the part that detects arc discharge in the electrical circuit from the solar cell module 10 to the external load 7. The arc discharge detection unit 20 in this embodiment is provided between the solar cell module 10 and the power converter 12, and is capable of detecting arc discharges that occur between the solar cell module 10 and the power converter 12.

[0036] The arc discharge interruption section 21 is a part that interrupts the arc discharge between the solar cell module 10 and the power converter 12 when an arc discharge occurs between the solar cell module 10 and the power converter 12. The arc discharge interruption unit 21 includes a series arc discharge interruption unit for interrupting series arc discharges and a parallel arc discharge interruption unit for interrupting parallel arc discharges.

[0037] The power conversion control unit 22 is the part that controls the power conversion device 12, and is capable of forcibly stopping the power conversion device 12. The discharge count measurement unit 23 is the part that measures the number of arc discharges detected by the arc discharge detection unit 20. The discharge time measurement unit 24 is the part that measures the time it takes for the arc discharge detected by the arc discharge detection unit 20 to occur. The communication status confirmation unit 25 is a part that confirms whether the communication between the power generation equipment 2 and the management server 3 is functioning normally by sending data to the management server 3 and receiving data from the management server 3. The detection-side notification unit 26 is a part of the power generation equipment 2 that notifies the user of the occurrence of an arc discharge. The method of notification to the user by the detection-side notification unit 26 is not particularly limited and may include a visual notification method using images, videos, etc., an auditory notification method using sound, etc., or a tactile notification method using vibration, etc. The detection-side communication unit 27 is a part that can communicate with the network 6 via wireless or wired means to exchange data.

[0038] The power conversion device 12 is a device that converts power between DC power and AC power, and in this embodiment, it is a power conditioner that converts DC power to AC power.

[0039] Management server 3 is a server that manages the operating status of each power generation facility 2. Management Server 3 is a computer with a hardware configuration consisting of a central processing unit comprising a control unit that controls each device and an arithmetic unit that performs calculations on the data, a storage device for storing data, an input device for receiving data from the outside, and an output device for outputting data to the outside. As shown in Figure 1, the management server 3 mainly comprises a decision unit 50, a schedule adjustment unit 51, and a management-side communication unit 52.

[0040] The judgment unit 50 is the part that determines whether maintenance is necessary and when maintenance should be performed, according to the risk of fire caused by arc discharge in each power generation equipment 2. The scheduling adjustment unit 51 is the part that adjusts the schedules of maintenance workers who perform maintenance work based on the results determined by the judgment unit 50. The management-side communication unit 52 is a component that can communicate with the network 6 via wireless or wired means.

[0041] Operator terminal 5 is a portable or fixed terminal owned by the maintenance worker. The worker terminal 5 is a computer with a hardware configuration consisting of a central processing unit comprising a control unit that controls each device and an arithmetic unit that performs calculations on the data, a storage device for storing data, an input device for receiving data from the outside, and an output device for outputting data to the outside. As shown in Figure 1, the worker terminal 5 mainly consists of a worker-side notification unit 60 and a worker-side communication unit 61. The work-side notification unit 60 is the part that notifies maintenance workers of the timing for maintenance work. The method of notification to maintenance workers by the work-side notification unit 60 is not particularly limited and may include a visual notification method such as images or videos, an auditory notification method such as sound, or a tactile notification method such as vibration. The operational communication unit 61 is a part that can communicate with the network 6 via wireless or wired means to exchange data.

[0042] Next, the discharge operation in the discharge-responsive system 1 of the present invention will be explained using the flowcharts in Figures 2 to 5.

[0043] The discharge response operation in this embodiment involves a discharge detection operation performed by the power generation equipment 2 and a maintenance decision operation performed by the management server 3.

[0044] (Discharge detection operation) The discharge detection operation is performed repeatedly while power generation equipment 2 is in operation. In the discharge detection operation, first, as shown in Figure 2, the counter n (hereinafter also referred to as count n) is reset (n=0) (step S1-1), and the timer is turned on (step S1-2). Then, the arc discharge detection unit 20 checks whether an arc discharge is occurring between the solar cell module 10 and the power converter 12 (step S1-3).

[0045] In step S1-3, if no arc discharge occurs (Yes in step S1-3), check whether the monitoring time T1 has elapsed since the timer was turned on in step S1-2 (step S1-4).

[0046] The monitoring time T1 at this time can be changed as appropriate based on the status of the power generation equipment 2, but from the viewpoint of suppressing the risk of fire due to arc discharge, it is preferably 3 minutes or more and 20 minutes or less, and more preferably 5 minutes or more and 15 minutes or less.

[0047] If the monitoring time T1 has elapsed since the timer was turned on (Yes in step S1-4), proceed to step S1-5 in Figure 3 to check if the counter n is less than or equal to the count threshold m (step S1-5). That is, check if the number of times an arc discharge occurred n is less than or equal to the count threshold m.

[0048] The threshold number m at this time can be changed as appropriate based on the status of the power generation equipment 2 and the length of the monitoring time T1, but from the viewpoint of suppressing the risk of fire due to arc discharge, it is preferable that it be between 2 and 10 times, and more preferably between 3 and 5 times.

[0049] If the counter n is less than or equal to the count threshold m (Yes in step S1-5), check whether the total discharge time of the arc discharge is less than or equal to the determination time T3 (second determination time) (step S1-6).

[0050] The judgment time T3 at this time can be changed as appropriate based on the status of the power generation equipment 2 and the length of the monitoring time T1, but from the viewpoint of suppressing the risk of fire due to arc discharge, it is preferable that it be less than or equal to the monitoring time T1, and between 1 / 5 and 1 / 2 of the monitoring time T1. The judgment time T3 can be set, for example, to 5 seconds or more and 20 seconds or less.

[0051] In step S1-6, if the total discharge time is less than or equal to the determination time T3 (Yes in step S1-6), the arc discharge detection device 11 sends various measurement data to the management server 3 (step S1-7) and resets the timer (step S1-8).

[0052] Furthermore, the various measurement data transmitted to the management server 3 at this time include the number of arc discharges during the monitoring time T1, the duration of each arc discharge, the total duration of the arc discharge, whether or not the arc discharge was interrupted by the arc discharge interruption unit 21, and whether or not the power converter 12 was forcibly stopped by the power conversion control unit 22.

[0053] Furthermore, in the discharge detection operation, if an arc discharge occurs in steps S1-3 of Figure 2 (No in step S1-3), it is checked whether the flag is off (step S1-9).

[0054] In step S1-9, if the flag is off (Yes in step S1-9), the communication confirmation operation is performed (step S1-10).

[0055] The communication confirmation operation is an operation to check the communication status with the management server 3, and is performed in parallel with the discharge detection operation flow. Specifically, in the communication confirmation operation, as shown in Figure 4, first the second timer is turned on (step S2-1), and then it is checked whether the confirmation time T4 has elapsed since the second timer was turned on (step S2-2).

[0056] In this case, the confirmation time T4 is longer than the monitoring time T1, and can be set to, for example, more than 12 hours and less than or equal to 2 days.

[0057] In step S2-2, if the confirmation time T4 has elapsed since the second timer was turned on (Yes in step S2-2), then communication is confirmed by receiving data from or sending data to the management server 3 (step S2-3).

[0058] In step S2-3, if communication with the management server 3 is possible (Yes in step S2-3), the second timer is reset (step S2-4).

[0059] On the other hand, if communication with the management server 3 is not possible in step S2-3 (No in step S2-3), the administrator managing the management server 3 is requested to repair the communication (step S2-5), and the second timer is reset (step S2-4). The above is the communication confirmation operation, which is performed repeatedly and independently of the discharge detection operation.

[0060] Returning to the flowchart in Figure 2, when the communication confirmation operation is started in step S1-10, the flag is turned on (step S1-11), and it is checked whether the discharge time of the arc discharge is less than or equal to the determination time T2 (first determination time) (step S1-12).

[0061] In this case, the judgment time T2 can be changed as appropriate based on the status of the power generation equipment 2, the length of the monitoring time T1, the length of the judgment time T3, etc., but from the viewpoint of suppressing the risk of fire due to arc discharge, it is preferable that the judgment time T2 is less than or equal to the judgment time T3, and is between 1 / 5 and 1 / 2 of the judgment time T3. For example, the judgment time T2 can be set to 1 second or more and 10 seconds or less.

[0062] In step S1-12, if the discharge time of the arc discharge is less than or equal to the determination time T2 (Yes in step S1-12), the counter n is set to n+1 (step S1-13), and the process proceeds to step S1-4.

[0063] On the other hand, if the discharge time of the arc discharge exceeds the determination time T2 (first determination time) in step S1-12 (No in step S1-12), the process proceeds to step S1-14 in Figure 3 to confirm whether it is a series arc discharge.

[0064] In step S1-14, if the arc discharge is a series arc discharge (Yes in step S1-14), the series arc discharge interruption unit of the arc discharge interruption unit 21 interrupts the series arc discharge, and the power conversion control unit 22 forcibly stops the power conversion device 12 (step S1-15), and the process proceeds to step S1-7.

[0065] In this case, it is preferable that the detection-side notification unit 26 detects a series arc discharge, interrupts the series arc discharge, and notifies the user that the power converter 12 has been forcibly stopped.

[0066] On the other hand, if step S1-14 is a parallel arc discharge rather than a series arc discharge (No in step S1-14), the parallel arc discharge interruption section of the arc discharge interruption section 21 interrupts the parallel arc discharge (step S1-16), and the process proceeds to step S1-7.

[0067] At this time, the detection-side notification unit 26 detects the parallel arc discharge and notifies the user that the parallel arc discharge has been shut off.

[0068] In step S1-4 of Figure 2, if the monitoring time T1 has not elapsed since the timer was turned on (No in step S1-4), the process proceeds to step S1-3.

[0069] In steps S1-5 of Figure 3, if the counter n exceeds the count threshold m (No in step S1-5), and in step S1-6, if the total discharge time exceeds the determination time T3 (second determination time) (No in step S1-6), the process proceeds to step S1-14.

[0070] In step S1-9 of Figure 2, if the flag is ON (No in step S1-9), proceed to step S1-12.

[0071] (Maintenance judgment action) Next, the management server 3, which received various measurement data in step S1-7 of the discharge detection operation, executes a maintenance decision operation. In other words, in the maintenance decision operation, first, as shown in Figure 5, it is confirmed whether counter n is 0 based on various measurement data (step S3-1).

[0072] In step S3-1, if counter n is 0 (Yes in step S3-1), the determination unit 50 determines that no arc discharge has occurred between the solar cell module 10 and the power converter 12, and that maintenance is not required at this time. The determination unit 50 then notifies the maintenance worker via the worker terminal 5 that maintenance is not required at this time (step S3-2).

[0073] On the other hand, if counter n is not 0 in step S3-1 (No in step S3-1), check whether counter n is less than or equal to the count threshold m (step S3-3).

[0074] In step S3-3, if the counter n is less than or equal to the count threshold m (Yes in step S3-3), it is checked whether the discharge time of each arc discharge is less than or equal to the determination time T2 (step S3-4).

[0075] In step S3-4, if the discharge time of each arc discharge is less than or equal to the determination time T2 (Yes in step S3-4), then it is checked whether the total discharge time of the arc discharge is less than or equal to the determination time T3 (step S3-5).

[0076] In step S3-5, if the total discharge time of the arc discharge is less than or equal to the determination time T3 (Yes in step S3-5), the determination unit 50 determines that the risk of fire is low and early maintenance is unnecessary, the scheduling adjustment unit 51 adjusts the date and time of maintenance within a predetermined period, notifies the maintenance worker via the worker terminal 5 from the management server 3, and requests the maintenance worker to perform maintenance within the predetermined period (step S3-6).

[0077] At this time, the scheduling unit 51 sets the date and time of the maintenance within a predetermined period in accordance with the maintenance worker's schedule. The predetermined period at this time can be set appropriately according to the conditions of the arc discharge, but it is preferable to have a period of one week to one month. Furthermore, the specified period may be the same as the normal maintenance period, or it may be shorter than the normal maintenance period.

[0078] If, in step S3-3, the counter n exceeds the count threshold m, if, in step S3-4, the discharge time of each arc discharge exceeds the determination time T2, and in step S3-5, the total discharge time of the arc discharge exceeds the determination time T3, the determination unit 50 determines that there is a high risk of fire and that urgent maintenance is required, and notifies the maintenance worker via the worker terminal 5 from the management server 3 that urgent maintenance is required and requests the maintenance worker to perform the maintenance immediately (step S3-7). In other words, maintenance is requested in a shorter time than the predetermined period in step S3-6.

[0079] According to the discharge response system 1 of this embodiment, the arc discharge detection device 11 monitors the number of arc discharges n detected by the arc discharge detection unit 20 and the discharge time of the arc discharges each time a monitoring time T1 has elapsed. The determination unit 50 determines whether maintenance is required within a predetermined period based on the following conditions: the number of arc discharges n in the monitoring time T1 is 1 or more and is less than or equal to the number threshold m; the discharge time of each arc discharge in the monitoring time T1 is less than or equal to the determination time T2; and the total discharge time of the arc discharges in the monitoring time T1 is less than or equal to the determination time T3. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether appropriate maintenance is necessary according to the risk of fire, and to take appropriate action according to the situation when an arc discharge occurs. In other words, it is possible to reduce unnecessary emergency responses by maintenance companies and reduce the number of unnecessary maintenance. As a result, it is possible to prevent placing an excessive burden on maintenance companies and to suppress causing mental anxiety and financial distrust among users.

[0080] According to the discharge response system 1 of this embodiment, the detection-side notification unit 26 of the arc discharge detection device 11 does not directly notify the user of the occurrence of an arc discharge if the number of arc discharges during the monitoring time T1 is one or more and less than or equal to the number threshold m, the discharge time of each arc discharge is less than or equal to the determination time T2, and the total discharge time of arc discharges during the monitoring time T1 is less than or equal to the determination time T3. In other words, when the risk of fire is low, the detection-side notification unit 26 does not directly notify the user of the occurrence of an arc discharge, thereby suppressing the psychological anxiety caused to the user by the occurrence of an arc discharge.

[0081] By the way, if the management server 3 periodically communicates and manages whether or not arc discharges occur at multiple power generation facilities 2, multiple accesses to the management server 3 will be made periodically from multiple power generation facilities 2. Therefore, depending on the number of power generation facilities 2 and the capacity of the management server 3, the communication paths between the power generation facilities 2 and the network 6, or between the management server 3 and the network 6, may overflow, and it is conceivable that information may be delayed in an emergency. In this regard, by setting the start time of periodic communication to the point when the arc discharge detection unit 20 first detects an arc discharge, it is thought that the amount of communication between the power generation equipment 2 and the management server 3 can be greatly reduced. However, on the other hand, there is a problem in that it is difficult to determine whether the communication between the power generation equipment 2 and the management server 3 is still in a state where communication is possible. Therefore, according to the discharge response system 1 of this embodiment, a communication confirmation operation is performed from the moment an arc discharge is first detected. In the communication confirmation operation, data is transmitted or data is received each time a confirmation time T4, which is longer than the monitoring time T1, is elapsed to confirm whether communication is possible. As a result, the load on the management server 3 can be suppressed, and it is possible to confirm whether the communication state is maintained regardless of the discharge detection operation, enabling a quick response even in emergencies. Furthermore, according to the discharge-responding system 1 of this embodiment, if communication is impossible during the communication confirmation operation, a request is made to the administrator managing the management server 3 to repair the communication, thereby enabling the communication status to be repaired quickly.

[0082] Next, a discharge-responding system according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0083] The discharge response system of the second embodiment differs from the discharge response system of the first embodiment in its maintenance judgment operation. In the maintenance decision operation of the second embodiment, first, as shown in Figure 6, it is confirmed whether counter n is 0 based on various measurement data (step S4-1).

[0084] If the counter n is 0 in step S4-1 (Yes in step S4-1), then no arc discharge has occurred between the solar cell module 10 and the power converter 12, so the determination unit 50 determines that maintenance is not required at this time, and the management server 3 notifies the maintenance worker via the worker terminal 5 that maintenance is not required at this time (step S4-2).

[0085] On the other hand, if the counter n is not 0 in step S4-1 (No in step S4-1), it is checked whether the series arc discharge has not been interrupted by the series arc discharge interruption unit of the arc discharge interruption unit 21, or whether the power converter 12 has been forcibly stopped by the power conversion control unit 22 (step S4-3).

[0086] In step S4-3, if the series arc discharge is not interrupted by the series arc discharge interruption unit of the arc discharge interruption unit 21, or if the power converter 12 is not forcibly stopped by the power conversion control unit 22 (Yes in step S4-3), then it is checked whether the parallel arc discharge is not interrupted by the parallel arc discharge interruption unit of the arc discharge interruption unit 21 (step S4-4).

[0087] In step S4-4, if the parallel arc discharge is not interrupted by the parallel arc discharge interruption unit of the arc discharge interruption unit 21 (Yes in step S4-4), the determination unit 50 determines that the risk of fire is low and early maintenance is unnecessary, and the scheduling adjustment unit 51 adjusts the date and time of maintenance within a predetermined period. Then, the management server 3 notifies the maintenance worker via the worker terminal 5 and requests the maintenance worker to perform maintenance within the predetermined period (step S4-5).

[0088] In step S4-3, if the series arc discharge is interrupted by the series arc discharge interruption unit of the arc discharge interruption unit 21, or if the power converter 12 is forcibly stopped by the power conversion control unit 22 (No in step S4-3), or if the parallel arc discharge is interrupted by the parallel arc discharge interruption unit of the arc discharge interruption unit 21 (No in step S4-4), the determination unit 50 determines that there is a high risk of fire and that urgent maintenance is required, and the management server 3 notifies the maintenance worker via the worker terminal 5 that urgent maintenance is required and requests the maintenance worker to perform the maintenance immediately (step S4-6).

[0089] Next, a discharge-responding system according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0090] The discharge-responding system of the third embodiment differs from the discharge-responding system of the first embodiment in its communication confirmation operation and discharge detection operation.

[0091] (Communication confirmation operation) The communication confirmation operation in the third embodiment is an operation that is performed independently of the discharge detection operation, and is a periodic communication confirmation operation that is performed periodically regardless of whether or not an arc discharge occurs in the power generation equipment 2.

[0092] In the communication confirmation operation of the third embodiment, first, when the power generation equipment 2 is installed, as shown in Figure 7, it is confirmed whether communication with the management server 3 is possible by receiving data from the management server 3 or sending data to the management server 3 (step S5-1).

[0093] In step S5-1, if communication with the management server 3 is possible (Yes in step S5-1), the system receives a communication confirmation time from the management server 3 to check if communication will be possible next time (step S5-2), and sets the communication confirmation time (step S5-3).

[0094] At this time, the communication confirmation time is determined individually for each power generation facility 2 by the management server 3 so as not to overlap with communication with other power generation facilities 2. In other words, the management server 3 sets communication confirmation times that are distributed and assigned to each power generation facility 2 so as not to increase the amount of communication due to communication with multiple power generation facilities 2.

[0095] If a communication confirmation time is set in step S5-3, the system waits until the communication confirmation time arrives. When the communication confirmation time arrives (Yes in step S5-4), the system proceeds to step S5-1 to check if communication is possible.

[0096] On the other hand, if communication with the management server 3 is not possible in step S5-1 (No in step S5-1), the administrator managing the management server 3 is requested to restore communication (step S5-5).

[0097] (Discharge detection operation) The discharge detection operation of the third embodiment shares many steps with the discharge detection operation of the first embodiment, and some steps differ from the communication confirmation operation of the first embodiment. Therefore, steps that are the same as those of the discharge detection operation of the first embodiment are given the same step numbers and their explanations are omitted. The discharge detection operation in the third embodiment is performed repeatedly during the operation of the power generation equipment 2, similar to the discharge detection operation in the first embodiment.

[0098] In the discharge detection operation of the third embodiment, first, as shown in Figure 8, the counter n is reset (step S1-1), and the timer is turned on (step S1-2). Then, the arc discharge detection unit 20 checks whether an arc discharge is occurring between the solar cell module 10 and the power converter 12 (step S1-3).

[0099] In step S1-3, if an arc discharge occurs (No in step S1-3), the system checks whether communication with the management server 3 is possible by receiving data from or sending data to the management server 3 (step S6-1).

[0100] If communication is possible in step S6-1 (Yes in step S6-1), proceed to step S1-12.

[0101] On the other hand, if communication with the management server 3 is not possible in step S6-1 (No in step S6-1), a request is made to the administrator managing the management server 3 to restore communication (step S6-2), and the process proceeds to step S1-12.

[0102] According to the discharge-responding system of this embodiment, the management server 3 determines distributed communication confirmation times so that communication between other power generation equipment 2 and the management server 3 does not overlap, and sends the communication confirmation time to each power generation equipment 2, so that each power generation equipment 2 sets its own communication confirmation time. Therefore, communication failures due to excessive communication volume are less likely to occur.

[0103] According to the discharge response system of this embodiment, the communication status with the management server 3 can be checked at the time an arc discharge occurs, or communication can be checked periodically (for example, once a day), so that a response can be quickly made even if an arc discharge occurs that could lead to a fire.

[0104] In the first embodiment described above, the discharge detection operation performed the following steps in order: comparison of the number of arc discharges n during monitoring time T1 with the count threshold m, and comparison of the total discharge time of arc discharges during monitoring time T1 with the determination time T3. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The following steps may also be performed: comparison of the total discharge time of arc discharges during monitoring time T1 with the determination time T3, and comparison of the number of arc discharges n during monitoring time T1 with the count threshold m.

[0105] In the first embodiment described above, the maintenance decision operation performed the following steps in this order: comparison of the number of arc discharges n during monitoring time T1 with the count threshold m, comparison of the discharge time of each arc discharge during monitoring time T1 with the decision time T2, and comparison of the total discharge time of arc discharges during monitoring time T1 with the decision time T3. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The order of these comparisons is not particularly limited.

[0106] In the second embodiment described above, the presence or absence of interruption of the series arc discharge by the series arc discharge interruption unit or the forced shutdown of the power converter 12 by the power conversion control unit 22 was confirmed first, followed by confirmation of whether or not the parallel arc discharge was interrupted by the parallel arc discharge interruption unit. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the presence or absence of interruption of the parallel arc discharge by the parallel arc discharge interruption unit may be confirmed first, followed by confirmation of whether or not the series arc discharge was interrupted by the series arc discharge interruption unit or the forced shutdown of the power converter 12 by the power conversion control unit 22.

[0107] In the first embodiment described above, the detection-side notification unit 26 did not directly notify the user of the occurrence of an arc discharge when the arc discharge detection unit 20 detected an arc discharge, the number of arc discharges n during the monitoring time T1 was less than or equal to the count threshold m, the discharge time of each arc discharge was less than or equal to the determination time T2, and the total discharge time of the arc discharges during the monitoring time T1 was less than or equal to the determination time T3. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The detection-side notification unit 26 may directly notify the user of the occurrence of an arc discharge even in such cases. Similarly, in the second embodiment described above, the detection-side notification unit 26 did not directly notify the user of the occurrence of an arc discharge when the arc discharge detection unit 20 detected an arc discharge, and the series arc discharge was not interrupted by the series arc discharge interruption unit of the arc discharge interruption unit 21, or the power converter 12 was not forcibly stopped by the power conversion control unit 22, and the parallel arc discharge was not interrupted by the parallel arc discharge interruption unit of the arc discharge interruption unit 21. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The detection-side notification unit 26 may also directly notify the user of the occurrence of an arc discharge in such cases.

[0108] In the embodiment described above, the power generation equipment 2 and the management server 3 were provided separately, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The power generation equipment 2 and the management server 3 may be integrated.

[0109] In the embodiment described above, the decision unit 50 was provided in the management server 3, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The decision unit 50 may also be provided in the power generation equipment 2.

[0110] In the embodiment described above, the power generation equipment 2 was a photovoltaic power generation equipment equipped with a solar cell module 10 as a power module, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The power generation equipment 2 may be other power generation equipment, such as a fuel cell power generation equipment equipped with a fuel cell module as a power module. In this case, the occurrence of arc discharge between the fuel cell module and the power converter 12 can be addressed by replacing the solar cell module 10 with a fuel cell module. Similarly, it may be a battery storage system equipped with an energy storage module as a power module. In this case, the occurrence of arc discharge between the energy storage module and the power converter 12 can be addressed by replacing the solar cell module 10 with an energy storage module.

[0111] In the third embodiment described above, the communication confirmation operation verifies whether the power generation equipment 2 is in a state where it can communicate with the management server 3, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In the communication confirmation operation, the management server 3 may also verify whether it is in a state where it can communicate with the power generation equipment 2. In this case, it is preferable that the management server 3 determines the communication confirmation time so that communication between the management server 3 and other power generation equipment 2 does not overlap, and when the communication confirmation time for each power generation equipment 2 arrives, it confirms whether it is in a state where it can communicate by sending data to the corresponding power generation equipment 2 or receiving data from the power generation equipment 2.

[0112] As an example of applying the above-described embodiment, the interval between the occurrence times of arc discharges detected by the arc discharge detection unit 20 during monitoring time T1 may also be added to the criteria for determining the maintenance period. In other words, if the interval between the occurrence times of arc discharges is short, the risk of fire tends to be high, so the maintenance timing can be brought forward. Conversely, if the interval between the occurrence times of arc discharges is long, the risk of fire tends to be low, so the maintenance timing can be extended.

[0113] In the embodiments described above, the components can be freely substituted or added between each embodiment, as long as they fall within the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0114] 1. Discharge-compatible system 3. Management Server 5. Worker terminal 6 Network 10. Solar cell modules (power modules) 11. Arc discharge detection device 12 Power converter 20 Arc discharge detection unit 25 Communication Status Confirmation Unit 26 Detection-side notification unit (arc discharge notification unit) 50 Judgment Department

Claims

1. It has a power module, a power converter, and an arc discharge detection device. The arc discharge detection device has an arc discharge detection unit that detects the occurrence of an arc discharge between the power module and the power converter. The arc discharge detection device monitors the number of arc discharges detected by the arc discharge detection unit and the discharge time of the arc discharges at each interval of the monitoring period. A discharge-responding system equipped with a determination unit that determines whether maintenance is required within a predetermined period, provided that all of the following conditions (1) to (3) are met. (1) The number of arc discharges during the monitoring period is one or more, and less than or equal to the threshold number. (2) The discharge time of each arc discharge during the monitoring time is less than or equal to the first determination time. (3) The total discharge time of the arc discharge during the monitoring time is less than or equal to the second determination time.

2. The discharge-compatible system according to claim 1, wherein the power module is one of a solar cell module, a fuel cell module, and an energy storage module.

3. The discharge response system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the determination unit determines whether maintenance is required within a period shorter than the predetermined period, on the condition that the number of arc discharges during the monitoring period exceeds the threshold number.

4. The discharge response system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the determination unit determines whether maintenance is required within a period shorter than the predetermined period, on the condition that the discharge time during the monitoring period exceeds the first determination time.

5. A power module comprising a power converter and an arc discharge detection device, The arc discharge detection device has an arc discharge detection unit that detects the occurrence of an arc discharge between the power module and the power converter. The arc discharge detection device monitors the number of arc discharges detected by the arc discharge detection unit and the discharge time of the arc discharges at each interval of the monitoring period. It is equipped with a determination unit that determines whether maintenance is necessary within a predetermined period, provided that any of the following conditions (1) to (3) are met. The discharge response system includes a determination unit that determines whether maintenance is required within a period shorter than the predetermined period, on the condition that the total discharge time of the arc discharge during the monitoring period exceeds the second determination period. (1) The number of arc discharges during the monitoring period is one or more, and less than or equal to the threshold number. (2) The discharge time of each arc discharge during the monitoring time is less than or equal to the first determination time. (3) The total discharge time of the arc discharge during the monitoring time is less than or equal to the second determination time.

6. The power generation equipment comprises multiple power modules, power converters, and arc discharge detection devices. Each power generation facility is connected to a management server via a network. The discharge response system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the determination unit is provided in the management server.

7. A power module, a power converter, and an arc discharge detection device, The arc discharge detection device has an arc discharge detection unit that detects the occurrence of an arc discharge between the power module and the power converter. The arc discharge detection device monitors the number of arc discharges detected by the arc discharge detection unit and the discharge time of the arc discharges at each interval of the monitoring period. It is equipped with a determination unit that determines whether maintenance is necessary within a predetermined period, provided that any of the following conditions (1) to (3) are met. The aforementioned arc discharge detection device is connected to a management server via a network. The arc discharge detection device has a communication status confirmation unit that can transmit or receive data to or from the management server. The arc discharge detection device performs a communication confirmation operation on the condition that the arc discharge is detected by the arc discharge detection unit. In the aforementioned communication confirmation operation, the communication status confirmation unit sends or receives data to the management server each time a confirmation period has elapsed, in a discharge-compatible system. (1) The number of arc discharges during the monitoring period is one or more, and less than or equal to the threshold number. (2) The discharge time of each arc discharge during the monitoring time is less than or equal to the first determination time. (3) The total discharge time of the arc discharge during the monitoring time is less than or equal to the second determination time.

8. The arc discharge detection device has an arc discharge notification unit that notifies the occurrence of the arc discharge, The discharge response system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the arc discharge notification unit does not directly notify of the occurrence of the arc discharge when all of the conditions (1) to (3) above are met.

9. The worker has a terminal, The discharge-responding system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the worker terminal is equipped with a worker-side notification unit that notifies the worker of maintenance within the predetermined period when the determination unit determines that maintenance is required within the predetermined period.

10. It has a power module, a power converter, and an arc discharge detection device. The arc discharge detection device includes an arc discharge detection unit that detects the occurrence of an arc discharge between the power module and the power converter, an arc discharge interruption unit that interrupts the arc discharge between the power module and the power converter, and a power conversion control unit that can forcibly stop the power converter. The arc discharge detection device monitors the number of arc discharges detected by the arc discharge detection unit and the duration of the arc discharge at each interval of the monitoring period. The arc discharge interruption unit interrupts the arc discharge on the condition that any of the following conditions (4) to (6) are met. A discharge-responding system equipped with a determination unit that determines whether maintenance is required within a predetermined period, provided that all of the following conditions (7) to (9) are met. (4) The number of arc discharges during the monitoring period exceeds the threshold number. (5) The discharge time of each arc discharge during the monitoring time exceeds the first determination time. (6) The total discharge time of the arc discharge during the monitoring period exceeds the second determination time. (7) The number of arc discharges during the monitoring period is one or more. (8) The arc discharge between the power module and the power converter is not interrupted by the arc discharge interruption unit. (9) The power conversion device is not forcibly stopped by the power conversion control unit.

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