Power conversion device, power conversion system, and control method for power conversion device

Abstract

This power conversion device performs power conversion on input power and outputs converted power. This power conversion device is provided with: a housing; a first board that is disposed in the housing and includes a conversion circuit for performing power conversion; a heat-generating component that is electrically connected to the conversion circuit and generates heat due to operation of the power conversion device; an external-air introduction fan that cools at least one of the first board and the heat-generating component by introducing external air into the housing; a second board that includes a control circuit for adjusting the amount of air introduced into the housing by controlling the drive state of the external-air introduction fan; and a first storage unit that stores drive information including a relationship between the drive state of the external-air introduction fan and a noise value. The control circuit controls the drive state of the external-air introduction fan on the basis of the drive information stored in the first storage unit so that the noise value is equal to or less than an allowable noise value, which is a noise value that is allowable.

Description

Power conversion device, power conversion system, and method for controlling power conversion device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power conversion device, a power conversion system, and a method for controlling a power conversion device.

[0002] Power conversion devices that convert input power into power and output it often include a fan for dissipating heat generated during the power conversion. Operation of the fan generates noise from the power converter. It is desirable to reduce the noise generated by the power conversion device. For communication devices equipped with a cooling fan, a structure for suppressing noise generated during fan operation has been proposed (see, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2007-19256 (Patent Document 1)).

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-19256

[0004] A power conversion device according to the present disclosure converts input power into power and outputs the converted power. The power conversion device includes a housing, a first substrate disposed within the housing and including a conversion circuit for converting power, a heat-generating component electrically connected to the conversion circuit and generating heat as the power conversion device operates, an outside air introduction fan for cooling at least one of the first substrate and the heat-generating component by introducing external air into the housing, a second substrate including a control circuit for controlling the operating state of the outside air introduction fan to adjust the amount of air introduced into the housing, and a first storage unit for storing drive information including a relationship between the operating state of the outside air introduction fan and a noise level. The control circuit controls the operating state of the outside air introduction fan based on the drive information stored in the first storage unit so that the noise level is equal to or less than an allowable noise level.

[0005] A control method for a power conversion device according to the present disclosure is a control method for a power conversion device that includes a housing, a first substrate disposed within the housing and including a conversion circuit that performs power conversion, a heat-generating component electrically connected to the conversion circuit and that generates heat as the power conversion device operates, an outside air introduction fan that cools at least one of the first substrate and the heat-generating component by introducing outside air into the housing, and a first storage unit that stores drive information including a relationship between a drive state of the outside air introduction fan and a noise level, and that converts input power into output power. This control method for a power conversion device includes the steps of determining an allowable noise level, determining a drive state of the outside air introduction fan that will result in a noise level equal to or lower than the allowable noise level based on the drive information stored in the first storage unit, and driving the outside air introduction fan in the determined drive state of the outside air introduction fan.

[0006] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle charging / discharging system. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of a vehicle charging / discharging device in a first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic side view showing the configuration of a vehicle charging / discharging device in the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle charging / discharging device. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a method for controlling a vehicle charging / discharging device. FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of a vehicle charging / discharging device in a second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic side view showing the configuration of a vehicle charging / discharging device in the second embodiment.

[0007] [Problem to be Solved by the Present Disclosure] As described above, it is preferable to reduce noise generated by a power converter due to fan operation. Meanwhile, increasing the output of the power converter can improve the efficiency of a power conversion system including the power converter. Increasing the output of the power converter increases heat generation associated with power conversion, which tends to increase the operating noise of fans for cooling substrates including conversion circuits, and heat-generating components such as coil components and semiconductor elements. By increasing the output of the power converter within a noise level range that is below an allowable noise level (allowable noise level), it is possible to improve the efficiency of power conversion while maintaining appropriate quietness. One objective of the present disclosure is to provide a power conversion device, a power conversion system, and a control method for a power conversion device that facilitate operation within a noise level range that is below the allowable noise level.

[0008] [Effects of the Present Disclosure] According to the power conversion device, power conversion system, and control method for a power conversion device of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a power conversion device, power conversion system, and control method for a power conversion device that facilitates operation within a range where the noise level is equal to or lower than the allowable noise level.

[0009] [Description of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described. A power conversion device according to the present disclosure converts input power and outputs the converted power. The power conversion device includes a housing, a first substrate disposed within the housing and including a conversion circuit for converting power, a heat-generating component electrically connected to the conversion circuit and generating heat as the power conversion device operates, an outside air introduction fan for cooling at least one of the first substrate and the heat-generating component by introducing external air into the housing, a second substrate including a control circuit for controlling the operating state of the outside air introduction fan to adjust the amount of air introduced into the housing, and a first storage unit for storing drive information including a relationship between the operating state of the outside air introduction fan and a noise level. The control circuit controls the operating state of the outside air introduction fan based on the drive information stored in the first storage unit so that the noise level is equal to or lower than an allowable noise level.

[0010] In the power conversion device disclosed herein, a control circuit controls the drive state of the outside air introduction fan based on drive information stored in the first storage unit so that the noise level is below the allowable noise level. As a result, the power conversion device disclosed herein can provide a power conversion device that easily operates within a range where the noise level is below the allowable noise level. Here, the drive information may be, for example, a table specifying the relationship between each drive state of the outside air introduction fan and the noise level, or a function specifying the relationship between the drive state of the outside air introduction fan and the noise level. Furthermore, the drive state of the outside air introduction fan may be, for example, one or both of the rotation speed per unit time of the outside air introduction fan and the number of outside air introduction fans being driven. The allowable noise level may be, for example, a noise level allowable by local ordinances or regulations applicable to the area where the power conversion device is installed. More specifically, the allowable noise level may be, for example, 35 to 40 dB, 45 to 50 dB, or the like. Furthermore, the allowable noise level input by the user of the power conversion device may be stored in the first storage unit.

[0011] The power conversion device may further include a temperature detection unit that detects the temperature inside the housing. The control circuit may control the driving state of the outside air introduction fan based on information about the temperature inside the housing detected by the temperature detection unit. In this way, taking the temperature inside the housing into consideration makes it easier to more appropriately drive the outside air introduction fan. The temperature detection unit is preferably disposed adjacent to the heat-generating component inside the housing so as to measure the temperature of the heat-generating component. Examples of heat-generating components include coil components such as transformers and reactors, and semiconductor elements such as diodes and transistors.

[0012] In the power conversion device, the control circuit may control the conversion circuit to reduce the output power when it is determined based on the drive information that the noise level corresponding to the appropriate drive state of the outside air introduction fan, which is derived based on the temperature inside the housing detected by the temperature detection unit, exceeds the allowable noise level. This makes it easy to keep the temperature inside the housing within an appropriate temperature range while maintaining the noise level at or below the allowable noise level.

[0013] In the above power conversion device, the power conversion device may further include a temperature detection unit that detects a temperature inside the housing. The control circuit may control the conversion circuit to reduce the output power based on information about the temperature inside the housing detected by the temperature detection unit. In this way, the output is reduced taking the temperature inside the housing into consideration, making it easier to keep the noise level below the allowable noise level.

[0014] In the power conversion device, the temperature detector may further detect the temperature outside the housing. By detecting the temperature outside the housing in this way, the temperature of the air introduced into the housing by the outside air introduction fan can be determined. As a result, the driving state of the outside air introduction fan can be more appropriately controlled.

[0015] The power conversion device may include a plurality of outside air introduction fans. The control circuit may control the number of outside air introduction fans to be operated. This configuration makes it easy to appropriately control the noise and cooling state of the power conversion device.

[0016] The power conversion device may further include a second storage unit that stores allowable noise level information including a relationship between time and allowable noise level, and a time acquisition unit that acquires time information. The control circuit may also control the drive state of the outside air introduction fan based on the allowable noise level information stored in the second storage unit so that the noise level is equal to or less than the allowable noise level. This configuration makes it easy to operate the power conversion device while maintaining appropriate quietness according to the time of day.

[0017] In the power conversion device, the second storage unit may store allowable noise level information in which the allowable noise level is lower at night than during the day. Generally, quieter operation is required at night than during the day. By setting the allowable noise level at night to be lower than the allowable noise level during the day, more appropriate quietness can be achieved for the power conversion device.

[0018] In the power conversion device, the time acquisition unit may acquire time information from an external source via at least one of wired communication and wireless communication. This eliminates the need to house a component with a clock function inside the housing. As a result, the number of components to be housed inside the housing can be reduced.

[0019] The power converter may further include a noise measurement unit that measures a noise level. When the noise level measured by the noise measurement unit exceeds an allowable noise level, the control circuit may perform at least one of control to change the driving state of the outside air introduction fan so as to reduce the noise generated by the outside air introduction fan and control to reduce the output power. When the measured noise level exceeds the allowable noise level, changing the driving state of the outside air introduction fan so as to reduce the noise generated by the outside air introduction fan can maintain the quietness of the power converter. Furthermore, reducing the output power reduces heat generated in the conversion circuit, etc., and can reduce the operating frequency and rotation speed of the outside air introduction fan, thereby suppressing noise. By performing one of these controls, or preferably both, it becomes easy to maintain the noise level below the allowable noise level while keeping the temperature inside the housing within an appropriate temperature range.

[0020] The power conversion device may further include an internal circulation fan disposed inside the housing for circulating air within the housing. The control circuit may control only the outside air introduction fan of the outside air introduction fan and the internal circulation fan based on the drive information. In this way, limiting the fans controlled based on the drive information to the outside air introduction fan makes it easier to control the fans.

[0021] The power conversion device may further include a heat sink thermally connected to the first substrate and configured to dissipate heat from the first substrate. This configuration enables efficient cooling of the first substrate.

[0022] When the power conversion device is connected to a vehicle including a storage battery and to a power grid, the outside air introduction fan may be driven by power from the power grid when charging the storage battery and when discharging the storage battery, and the outside air introduction fan may be driven by power from the storage battery when discharging the storage battery. In this way, by switching the power supply source when charging or discharging the storage battery starts, the outside air introduction fan can be driven appropriately.

[0023] A power conversion system according to the present disclosure includes a power conversion device, a vehicle connected to the power conversion device and including a storage battery, and a power grid connected to the power conversion device. The power conversion device is the power conversion device according to the present disclosure. The power conversion system according to the present disclosure employs the power conversion device according to the present disclosure, which can easily operate within a noise level range below an allowable noise level. As a result, the power conversion system according to the present disclosure can provide a power conversion system that can easily operate within a noise level range below an allowable noise level.

[0024] A control method for a power conversion device according to the present disclosure includes a housing, a first substrate disposed within the housing and including a conversion circuit for performing power conversion, a heat-generating component electrically connected to the conversion circuit and generating heat as the power conversion device operates, an outside air introduction fan for cooling at least one of the first substrate and the heat-generating component by introducing outside air into the housing, and a first storage unit for storing drive information including a relationship between a drive state of the outside air introduction fan and a noise level, and the control method for a power conversion device performs power conversion on input power and outputs the power, the control method comprising the steps of: determining an allowable noise level; determining a drive state of the outside air introduction fan that will result in a noise level equal to or lower than the allowable noise level based on the drive information stored in the first storage unit; and driving the outside air introduction fan in the determined drive state of the outside air introduction fan.

[0025] In the control method for a power conversion device disclosed herein, the drive state of the outside air introduction fan is determined based on the drive information stored in the first storage unit so that the noise level is equal to or lower than the allowable noise level. As a result, the control method for a power conversion device disclosed herein can provide a control method for a power conversion device that facilitates operation within a range where the noise level is equal to or lower than the allowable noise level.

[0026] [Details of the embodiment of the present invention] Next, embodiments of a power conversion device and a power conversion system according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that in the following drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0027] (First embodiment) (1) Configuration of a vehicle charging / discharging system Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle charging / discharging system. Referring to Fig. 1, a vehicle charging / discharging system 100, which is a power conversion system, includes a vehicle charging / discharging device 1, which is a power conversion device, a vehicle 2 (such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle) connected to the vehicle charging / discharging device 1 and including a storage battery 4, and a power grid 7 connected to the vehicle charging / discharging device 1.

[0028] The vehicle charging / discharging device 1 includes a housing 20 and a connection unit 10 exposed to the outside of the housing 20. The connection unit 10 includes a connector 11 (a charging / discharging gun) and a cable 12 that electrically connects the connector 11 to a conversion circuit (described later) housed within the housing 20. The vehicle 2 includes a charge / discharge port 3. The storage battery 4 and the charge / discharge port 3 are connected by a wiring 99A. By coupling the connector 11 to the charge / discharge port 3, the storage battery 4 can be charged and discharged.

[0029] The power system 7 includes, for example, residential power transmission and distribution equipment 7A installed in the residence 6, and commercial power transmission and distribution equipment 7B through which a power transmission and distribution company supplies power to the residential power transmission and distribution equipment 7A. The vehicle charging and discharging device 1 and the residential power transmission and distribution equipment 7A are connected by wiring 99B. The residential power transmission and distribution equipment 7A and the commercial power transmission and distribution equipment 7B are connected by wiring 99C. The residential power transmission and distribution equipment 7A is connected to electrical appliances 8 installed in the residence 6 by wiring 99D. The residential power transmission and distribution equipment 7A and the electrical appliances 8 are connected to, for example, a Home Energy Management System (HEMS; not shown) installed in the residence 6.

[0030] (2) Configuration of vehicle charging / discharging device Next, the configuration of vehicle charging / discharging device 1 will be described. Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the vehicle charging / discharging device in embodiment 1. Fig. 3 is a schematic side view showing the configuration of the vehicle charging / discharging device in embodiment 1. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the vehicle charging / discharging device. In Figs. 2 and 3, the X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, and Z-axis direction correspond to the width direction, depth direction, and height direction of vehicle charging / discharging device 1, respectively. The X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, and Z-axis direction are mutually orthogonal. Vehicle charging / discharging device 1 in embodiment 1 is a power conversion device that performs power conversion on input power and outputs the power. 2 to 4, the vehicle charging / discharging device 1 includes a housing 20, a conversion board 31 as a first board, a control board 32 as a second board, a first heat-generating component 41, a second heat-generating component 42, a plurality of (three in this embodiment) outside air introduction fans 51, a plurality of (two in this embodiment) internal circulation fans 52, a first memory unit 61, a second memory unit 62, a time acquisition unit 65, a temperature detection unit 71, a noise measurement unit 72, and a heat sink 80.

[0031] The heat sink 80 is disposed within the housing 20. The heat sink 80 includes a plate-shaped portion 81 and a plurality (a large number) of fins 82. The plate-shaped portion 81 includes a first main surface 81A and a second main surface 81B located on the opposite side of the first main surface 81A in the thickness direction. The fins 82 are formed on the second main surface 81B and protrude in the thickness direction of the plate-shaped portion 81 (the depth direction of the housing 20; the Y-axis direction).

[0032] The conversion board 31 is disposed within the housing 20. The conversion board 31 is disposed on a first main surface 81A of the plate-shaped portion 81 of the heat sink 80. The conversion board 31 includes a base substrate 31A made of an insulating material (resin) and a conversion circuit 31B formed on the surface of the base substrate 31A and performing power conversion. The conversion board 31 is a printed circuit board having a power conversion function. A first heat-generating component 41 is disposed on the conversion circuit 31B. Examples of the first heat-generating component 41 include semiconductor elements such as diodes and transistors. The second heat-generating component 42 is disposed on the first main surface 81A of the plate-shaped portion 81 of the heat sink 80. Examples of the second heat-generating component 42 include coil components such as transformers and reactors. A coil component may be disposed on the conversion board 31. A semiconductor element may be disposed on the plate-shaped portion 81 of the heat sink 80. The heat sink 80 is thermally connected to the conversion board 31 and the second heat-generating component 42. The first heat-generating component 41 and the second heat-generating component 42 generate heat in conjunction with power conversion. The first heat-generating component 41 and the second heat-generating component 42 are electrically connected to the conversion circuit 31B. The heat sink 80 dissipates heat from the conversion board 31 (heat from the first heat-generating component 41) and the second heat-generating component 42.

[0033] The three outside air intake fans 51 are arranged inside the housing 20, aligned along the inner wall of the housing 20 in the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the housing 20. The outside air intake fans 51 cool the conversion board 31 by introducing outside air into the housing 20. More specifically, when the outside air intake fans 51 are driven, outside air is drawn in through an air intake port (not shown) formed in the housing 20 adjacent to the outside air intake fan 51 and sent toward the fins 82 of the heat sink 80 along the arrow α. The air that comes into contact with the fins 82 further flows in the width direction (X-axis direction) of the housing 20 along the arrow α and is released to the outside through an exhaust port (not shown) formed in the housing 20. As a result, heat generated in the first heat-generating component 41 and the second heat-generating component 42 is released to the outside of the housing 20, and the temperature inside the housing 20 (particularly the first heat-generating component 41 and the second heat-generating component 42) is maintained within an appropriate temperature range.

[0034] The control board 32 is disposed within the housing 20. The control board 32 includes a base board 32A made of an insulating material (resin) and a control circuit 32B formed on the surface of the base board 32A and controlling the outside air introduction fan 51 and other components. The control board 32 is a printed circuit board having the function of controlling the outside air introduction fan 51 and other components. The control board 32 is housed within the housing 20 so that the control circuit 32B and the conversion circuit 31B face each other. The control circuit 32B controls the driving state of the outside air introduction fan 51 to adjust the amount of air introduced into the housing 20.

[0035] The first storage unit 61, the second storage unit 62, and the time acquisition unit 65 are installed on the control circuit 32B. The first storage unit 61 stores drive information including the relationship between the drive state of the outside air introduction fan 51 and a noise level. The control circuit 32B controls the drive state of the outside air introduction fan 51 based on the drive information stored in the first storage unit 61 so that the noise level is equal to or lower than the allowable noise level, which is an allowable noise level. The second storage unit 62 stores allowable noise level information including the relationship between time and the allowable noise level. The second storage unit 62 may store allowable noise level information in which the allowable noise level is lower during nighttime hours than during daytime hours. The allowable noise level information may be stored in advance in the second storage unit 62 when the vehicle charging / discharging device 1 is shipped, or may be input by a user and stored in the second storage unit 62, or both. The allowable noise level information stored in the second storage unit 62 may be changeable by the user.

[0036] The time acquiring unit 65 acquires time information. The time acquiring unit 65 may acquire the time information from a component having a clock function arranged inside the housing 20, or may acquire the time information from an external source via at least one of wired communication and wireless communication. The control circuit 32B controls the driving state of the outside air introduction fan 51 based further on the allowable noise level information stored in the second storage unit 62 so that the noise level is equal to or less than the allowable noise level. The control circuit 32B may control the number of outside air introduction fans 51 to be operated out of the three outside air introduction fans 51, or the rotation speed per unit time of the outside air introduction fans 51, or may control both of these.

[0037] Vehicle charging / discharging device 1 further includes temperature detection unit 71. Temperature detection unit 71 includes an internal thermometer 71A that detects the temperature inside housing 20 and an external thermometer 71B that detects the temperature outside housing 20. Control circuit 32B controls the driving state of outside air introduction fan 51 based on information about the temperatures inside and outside housing 20 detected by internal thermometer 71A.

[0038] The control circuit 32B controls the conversion circuit 31B to reduce the output power when it is determined based on the drive information that the noise value corresponding to the appropriate drive state of the external air intake fan 51, derived based on the temperature inside the housing 20 detected by the temperature detection unit 71 and the temperature outside the housing 20, exceeds the allowable noise value.

[0039] In addition, instead of the above control, the control circuit 32B may control the driving state of the outside air intake fan 51 so that the noise level is below the allowable noise level, and then control the conversion circuit 31B to reduce the output power if the temperature inside the housing 20 detected by the internal thermometer 71A exceeds an appropriate temperature range.

[0040] Vehicle charging / discharging device 1 further includes noise measurement unit 72 that measures a noise level. Noise measurement unit 72 is installed, for example, on the outer surface of housing 20, and measures the noise level generated by vehicle charging / discharging device 1. When the noise level measured by noise measurement unit 72 exceeds the allowable noise level, control circuit 32B executes at least one of control to change the driving state of outside air introduction fan 51 so as to reduce the noise generated by outside air introduction fan 51, and control to reduce the output power.

[0041] Vehicle charging / discharging device 1 further includes internal circulation fan 52 that is disposed inside housing 20 and circulates air within housing 20. In the present embodiment, vehicle charging / discharging device 1 includes multiple (two) internal circulation fans 52. In the present embodiment, control circuit 32B controls only outside air introduction fan 51 of outside air introduction fan 51 and internal circulation fan 52 based on the drive information. In another embodiment, control circuit 32B may control both outside air introduction fan 51 and internal circulation fan 52 based on the drive information.

[0042] (3) Control of Vehicle Charging / Discharging Device Next, an example of control of vehicle charging / discharging device 1 will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing a control method for a vehicle charging / discharging device. Referring to Figure 5, in the control method for vehicle charging / discharging device 1 according to this embodiment, first, in step S11, it is determined whether charging / discharging of storage battery 4 of vehicle 2 has started. If charging / discharging has not started (NO in step S11), the control ends.

[0043] On the other hand, if charging / discharging has started (YES in step S11), the step of acquiring time information is executed in step S12. In step S12, referring to FIG. 4, the time information acquired by time acquisition unit 65 is transmitted to control circuit 32B.

[0044] Next, step S13 is executed to determine an allowable noise level. In step S13, the allowable noise level is determined by control circuit 32B based on allowable noise level information (information including the relationship between time and allowable noise level) stored in second storage unit 62 and time information acquired by time acquisition unit 65. More specifically, the allowable noise level that is allowable at the time when charging / discharging is performed is determined.

[0045] Next, a step of detecting temperature is executed as step S14. In step S14, referring to FIG. 4, information on the temperatures inside and outside the housing 20 detected by the internal thermometer 71A and the external thermometer 71B of the temperature detection unit 71 is transmitted to the control circuit 32B.

[0046] Next, step S15 is executed to determine the necessary fan drive state. In step S15, the necessary drive state of the outside air introduction fan 51 is determined based on the temperature information acquired in step S14. More specifically, the appropriate rotation speed and operation number of the outside air introduction fan 51 (how many outside air introduction fans 51 should be driven) are determined taking into consideration the degree of cooling required by components that preferably operate within a predetermined temperature range, such as the conversion circuit 31B inside the housing 20, and the temperature of the introduced outside air. Steps S14 and S15 may be performed after steps S12 and S13, before steps S12 and S13, or simultaneously with steps S12 and S13.

[0047] Next, in step S16, it is determined whether the noise level corresponding to the drive state of the outside air introduction fan 51 determined in step S15 is equal to or lower than the allowable noise level determined in step S13. If the noise level is not equal to or lower than the allowable noise level (NO in step S16), control to reduce the output is performed in step S17. Specifically, the control circuit 32B changes the drive state of the conversion circuit 31B to lower the charge / discharge output. This suppresses heat generation from the first heat-generating component 41 and the second heat-generating component 42, thereby lowering the temperature inside the housing 20. Then, step S14 is performed again.

[0048] On the other hand, if the noise level is equal to or lower than the allowable noise level (YES in step S16), step S18 is performed to drive the outside air introduction fan 51 in the determined drive state. Referring to FIG. 1 , when charging the storage battery 4, the outside air introduction fan 51 is driven by power from the power grid 7 at the start of charging. On the other hand, when discharging the storage battery 4, the outside air introduction fan 51 is driven by power from the storage battery 4 at the start of discharging.

[0049] In the above procedure, after the step of detecting the temperature is executed in step S14, the necessary fan driving state is first determined in step S15, and it is determined in step S16 whether the noise level is below the allowable noise level. If the noise level is not below the allowable noise level, control to reduce the output is executed in step S17. However, instead of this, a step of driving the outside air intake fan 51 so that the noise level is below the allowable noise level is first executed in step S18, and then the step of detecting the temperature is executed in step S14. If the temperature inside the housing 20 detected by the internal thermometer 71A exceeds an appropriate temperature range, control to reduce the output power may be executed in step S17.

[0050] Next, the noise level is measured in step S19. In step S19, information on the noise level measured by noise measurement unit 72 is sent to control circuit 32B, as shown in FIG.

[0051] Next, in step S20, it is determined whether the noise level measured in step S19 is equal to or lower than the allowable noise level determined in step S13. If the measured noise level is equal to or lower than the allowable noise level (YES in step S20), the process returns to step S12, and step S12 and the subsequent steps are repeatedly executed as described above.

[0052] On the other hand, if the measured noise value exceeds the allowable noise value (NO in step S20), step S21 performs at least one of control to reduce the output and control to change the drive state of outside air introduction fan 51. More specifically, if the measured noise value exceeds the allowable noise value, control circuit 32B may (A) perform at least one of control to reduce the number of rotations per unit time of outside air introduction fan 51 and control to reduce the number of outside air introduction fans 51 that are driven so as to reduce the noise generated by outside air introduction fan 51, or alternatively or in addition to this, (B) perform control to change the drive state of conversion circuit 31B and reduce the output.

[0053] Next, in step S22, it is determined whether charging and discharging are complete. If charging and discharging are complete (YES in step S22), the control ends. On the other hand, if charging and discharging are not complete (NO in step S22), the control returns to step S12, and the steps from step S12 onwards are repeatedly executed as described above.

[0054] (4) Advantages of First Embodiment In vehicle charging / discharging device 1 of the present embodiment, control circuit 32B controls the driving state of outside air introduction fan 51 based on the driving information stored in first storage unit 61 so that the noise level is equal to or lower than the allowable noise level. As a result, vehicle charging / discharging device 1 of the present embodiment can easily operate within a range in which the noise level is equal to or lower than the allowable noise level.

[0055] Furthermore, vehicle charging / discharging device 1 of the present embodiment includes temperature detection unit 71 (internal thermometer 71A) that detects the temperature inside housing 20. Control circuit 32B controls the drive state of outside air introduction fan 51 based additionally on information about the temperature inside housing 20 detected by temperature detection unit 71. While this configuration is not essential to the power converter of the present disclosure, taking the temperature inside housing 20 into consideration in this manner makes it easier to make the drive state of outside air introduction fan 51 more appropriate.

[0056] Furthermore, in vehicle charging / discharging device 1 of the present embodiment, control circuit 32B controls conversion circuit 31B to reduce the output power when it is determined, based on the drive information, that the noise level corresponding to the appropriate drive state of outside air introduction fan 51, derived based on the temperature inside housing 20 detected by temperature detection unit 71, exceeds the allowable noise level. While this configuration is not essential for the power converter of the present disclosure, employing this configuration makes it easy to maintain the temperature inside housing 20 within an appropriate temperature range while maintaining the noise level at or below the allowable noise level.

[0057] Furthermore, in vehicle charging / discharging device 1 of the present embodiment, temperature detection unit 71 includes an external thermometer 71B that detects the temperature outside housing 20. Although this configuration is not essential to the power converter of the present disclosure, by detecting the temperature outside housing 20 in this manner, it is possible to grasp the temperature of the air introduced into housing 20 by outside air introduction fan 51. As a result, it is possible to more appropriately control the driving state of outside air introduction fan 51.

[0058] Furthermore, vehicle charging / discharging device 1 of the present embodiment includes multiple outside air introduction fans 51. Control circuit 32B controls the number of outside air introduction fans 51 to be operated among the multiple outside air introduction fans 51. While this configuration is not essential for the power converter of the present disclosure, employing this configuration makes it easier to appropriately control the noise and cooling state of vehicle charging / discharging device 1.

[0059] Vehicle charging / discharging device 1 of the present embodiment also includes second storage unit 62 that stores allowable noise level information including the relationship between time and allowable noise level, and time acquisition unit 65 that acquires time information. Control circuit 32B controls the driving state of outside air introduction fan 51 based on the allowable noise level information stored in second storage unit 62 so that the noise level is equal to or less than the allowable noise level. While this configuration is not essential for the power converter of the present disclosure, employing it makes it easier to operate the power conversion device while maintaining appropriate quietness according to the time of day.

[0060] In the vehicle charging / discharging device 1 of this embodiment, the second storage unit 62 may store allowable noise level information in which the allowable noise level is lower at night than during the day. This configuration is not essential for the power converter of the present disclosure, but by setting the allowable noise level at night to be lower than the allowable noise level during the day, more appropriate quietness can be imparted to the power conversion device.

[0061] Furthermore, in vehicle charging / discharging device 1 of the present embodiment, time acquiring unit 65 may acquire time information from an external source via at least one of wired communication and wireless communication. This eliminates the need to accommodate a component with a clock function inside housing 20. As a result, the number of components to be accommodated inside housing 20 can be reduced.

[0062] Vehicle charging / discharging device 1 of the present embodiment further includes noise measurement unit 72 that measures a noise level. When the noise level measured by noise measurement unit 72 exceeds the allowable noise level, control circuit 32B performs at least one of control to change the driving state of outside air introduction fan 51 so as to reduce the noise generated by outside air introduction fan 51 and control to reduce the output power. While this configuration is not essential for the power converter of the present disclosure, employing this configuration makes it easier to maintain the temperature inside housing 20 within an appropriate temperature range while maintaining the noise level at or below the allowable noise level.

[0063] Furthermore, the vehicle charging / discharging device 1 of this embodiment includes an internal circulation fan 52 that is disposed inside the housing 20 and circulates air within the housing 20. Of the outside air introduction fan 51 and the internal circulation fan 52, the control circuit 32B controls only the outside air introduction fan 51 based on drive information. While this configuration is not essential for the power converter of the present disclosure, employing this configuration can facilitate fan control. The control circuit 32B may also control both the outside air introduction fan 51 and the internal circulation fan 52 based on drive information.

[0064] Furthermore, the vehicle charging / discharging device 1 of this embodiment includes a heat sink 80 that is thermally connected to the conversion board 31 and dissipates heat from the conversion board 31. Although this configuration is not essential for the power converter of the present disclosure, employing this configuration makes it possible to efficiently cool the conversion board 31.

[0065] Furthermore, when the vehicle charging / discharging device 1 of this embodiment is connected to the vehicle 2 including the storage battery 4 and to the power grid 7, when charging the storage battery 4, the outside air introduction fan 51 is driven by power from the power grid 7 at the start of charging, and when discharging the storage battery 4, the outside air introduction fan 51 is driven by power from the storage battery 4 at the start of discharging. This configuration is not essential for the power converter of the present disclosure, but by employing it, it is possible to appropriately drive the outside air introduction fan 51.

[0066] In addition, the vehicle charging / discharging system 100 of this embodiment includes the vehicle charging / discharging device 1 of this embodiment, which can easily operate within a range in which the noise value is below the allowable noise value, making it a vehicle charging / discharging system that can easily operate within a range in which the noise value is below the allowable noise value.

[0067] Furthermore, in the control method for vehicle charging / discharging system 100 of the present embodiment, the drive state of outside air introduction fan 51 is determined based on the drive information stored in first storage unit 61 so that the noise level is equal to or lower than the allowable noise level. As a result, the control method for vehicle charging / discharging system 100 of the present embodiment makes it easy to operate vehicle charging / discharging system 100 within a range in which the noise level is equal to or lower than the allowable noise level.

[0068] Second Embodiment Next, a vehicle charging / discharging device, which is a power conversion device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, will be described. FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the vehicle charging / discharging device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic side view showing the configuration of the vehicle charging / discharging device according to the second embodiment. FIGS. 6 and 7 correspond to FIGS. 2 and 3 of the first embodiment, respectively. Referring to FIGS. 6 to 7 and 2 to 3, the vehicle charging / discharging device 1 according to the second embodiment basically has the same structure as the vehicle charging / discharging device 1 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, and achieves the same effects. However, the vehicle charging / discharging device 1 according to the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the structure of the housing 20 and the arrangement of components within the housing 20. The following mainly describes the differences from the first embodiment.

[0069] 6 and 7 , housing 20 of embodiment 2 includes main body 21 and cooling device housing 22 connected to main body 21. Cooling device housing 22 is connected to main body 21 in the depth direction (Y-axis direction) of housing 20. Cooling device housing 22 includes fan housing 22A that protrudes to the side opposite to the side on which main body 21 is located in the depth direction (Y-axis direction) of housing 20. Fan housing 22A is located at the upper end of cooling device housing 22 in the height direction (Z-axis direction) when vehicle charging / discharging device 1 is installed.

[0070] The fan housing section 22A houses the outside air introduction fan 51. The heat sink 80 is disposed in the housing 20 such that the first main surface 81A of the plate-shaped section 81 is located in the main body section 21, and the second main surface 81B and the fins 82 are located in the cooling device housing section 22. All of the components that were disposed in the housing 20 in the first embodiment, except for the outside air introduction fan 51 and the heat sink 80, are disposed in the main body section 21.

[0071] When the vehicle charging / discharging device 1 is installed, an air intake port (not shown) is formed at the lower end in the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the cooling device accommodating section 22, and an exhaust port (not shown) is formed on the wall surface opposite the main body section 21 of the fan accommodating section 22A.

[0072] The two outside air introduction fans 51 are arranged side by side in the width direction (X-axis direction) of the housing 20 along the inner wall of the fan housing 22A within the fan housing 22A. When the outside air introduction fans 51 are driven, air is discharged to the outside from an exhaust port (not shown) formed in the fan housing 22A adjacent to the outside air introduction fans 51. Accordingly, outside air flows into the cooling device housing 22 from an air intake port formed at the lower end of the cooling device housing 22 in the height direction (Z-axis direction) and is sent toward the fins 82 of the heat sink 80 along arrow β. The air that comes into contact with the fins 82 further flows in the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the cooling device housing 22 along arrow β and is released to the outside from an exhaust port (not shown) formed in the fan housing 22A. As a result, the heat generated in the first heat-generating component 41 and the second heat-generating component 42 is released to the outside of the housing 20, and the temperature inside the housing 20 (especially the first heat-generating component 41 and the second heat-generating component 42) is maintained within an appropriate temperature range.

[0073] Even when the structure of the vehicle charging / discharging device 1 of this embodiment is adopted, the same effect as in embodiment 1 can be obtained by controlling the vehicle charging / discharging device 1 using the same control method as in embodiment 1.

[0074] In the above-described embodiment, a vehicle charging / discharging device, a vehicle charging / discharging system, and a method for controlling a vehicle charging / discharging device have been described as examples of the power conversion device, power conversion system, and method for controlling a power conversion device of the present disclosure, but the applicable power conversion device and power conversion system are not limited to these. For example, the power conversion device, power conversion system, and method for controlling a power conversion device of the present disclosure can also be applied to a power conditioner, which is a power conversion device, and a system including such a power conditioner.

[0075] It should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and are not limiting in any respect. The scope of the present invention is defined not by the above description but by the claims, and it is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0076] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Vehicle charging / discharging device, 2 Vehicle, 3 Charging / discharging port, 4 Storage battery, 6 Residence, 7 Power system, 7A Domestic power transmission / distribution equipment, 7B Business power transmission / distribution equipment, 8 Electrical appliance, 10 Connection portion, 11 Connector, 12 Cable, 20 Housing, 21 Main body, 22 Cooling device accommodating portion, 22A Fan accommodating portion, 31 Conversion board, 31A Base board, 31B Conversion circuit, 32 Control board, 32A Base board, 32B Control circuit, 41 First heat-generating component, 42 Second heat-generating component, 51 Outside air intake fan, 52 Internal circulation fan, 61 First memory unit, 62 Second memory unit, 65 Time acquisition unit, 71 Temperature detection unit, 71A Internal thermometer, 71B External thermometer, 72 Noise measurement unit, 80 Heat sink, 81 Plate-shaped portion, 81A First main surface, 81B Second main surface, 82 fins, 99A to 99D wiring, 100 vehicle charging / discharging system, S11 to S22 steps, α, β arrows.

Claims

1. A power conversion device that performs power conversion on input power and outputs the converted power, comprising: a housing; a first substrate disposed within the housing and including a conversion circuit that performs power conversion; a heat-generating component electrically connected to the conversion circuit and generating heat as the power conversion device operates; an outside air introduction fan that cools at least one of the first substrate and the heat-generating component by introducing external air into the interior of the housing; a second substrate including a control circuit that adjusts the amount of air introduced into the interior of the housing by controlling the driving state of the outside air introduction fan; and a first storage unit that stores driving information including the relationship between the driving state of the outside air introduction fan and the noise value. The control circuit controls the driving state of the outside air introduction fan based on the driving information stored in the first storage unit such that the noise value is equal to or less than an allowable noise value, which is an acceptable noise value.

2. The power conversion device further includes a temperature detection unit that detects the temperature inside the housing. The control circuit controls the driving state of the outside air introduction fan further based on the temperature information inside the housing detected by the temperature detection unit. The power conversion device according to claim 1.

3. When the noise value corresponding to the appropriate driving state of the outside air introduction fan derived based on the temperature inside the housing detected by the temperature detection unit exceeds the allowable noise value as determined based on the driving information, the control circuit controls the conversion circuit to reduce the output power. The power conversion device according to claim 2.

4. The power conversion device further includes a temperature detection unit that detects the temperature inside the housing. The control circuit controls the conversion circuit to reduce the output power based on the temperature information inside the housing detected by the temperature detection unit. The power conversion device according to claim 1.

5. The temperature detection unit further detects the temperature outside the housing. The power conversion device according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

6. The power conversion device includes a plurality of the outside air introduction fans. The control circuit controls the number of the outside air introduction fans to be operated among the plurality of outside air introduction fans. The power conversion device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The power conversion device further includes a second storage unit that stores allowable noise value information including the relationship between time and the allowable noise value, and a time acquisition unit that acquires time information. The control circuit controls the driving state of the outside air introduction fan based on the allowable noise value information stored in the second storage unit so that the noise value is equal to or less than the allowable noise value. The power conversion device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The power conversion device according to claim 7, wherein the second storage unit stores the allowable noise value information in which the allowable noise value is lower in the nighttime time zone than in the daytime time zone.

9. The power conversion device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the time acquisition unit acquires the time information from the outside through at least one of wired communication and wireless communication.

10. The power conversion device further includes a noise measurement unit that measures a noise value. When the noise value measured by the noise measurement unit exceeds the allowable noise value, the control circuit performs at least one of control to change the driving state of the outside air introduction fan so that the noise generated by the outside air introduction fan is reduced, and control to reduce the output power. The power conversion device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The power conversion device further includes an internal circulation fan that is disposed inside the housing and circulates air inside the housing. The control circuit controls only the outside air introduction fan based on the driving information among the outside air introduction fan and the internal circulation fan. The power conversion device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The power conversion device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further including a heat sink that is thermally connected to the first substrate and dissipates the heat of the first substrate.

13. When the power conversion device is connected to a vehicle including a storage battery and a power grid, when charging the storage battery, the outside air introduction fan is driven by the power from the power grid at the start of charging. When discharging from the storage battery, the outside air introduction fan is driven by the power from the storage battery at the start of discharging. The power conversion device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A power conversion system comprising: a power conversion device; a vehicle connected to the power conversion device and including a storage battery; and a power system connected to the power conversion device, wherein the power conversion device is the power conversion device according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A control method for a power conversion device that includes a housing, a first substrate disposed within the housing and including a conversion circuit that performs power conversion, a heat generating component that is electrically connected to the conversion circuit and generates heat as the power conversion device operates, an outside air introduction fan that cools at least one of the first substrate and the heat generating component by introducing outside air into the interior of the housing, and a first storage unit that stores drive information including a relationship between a drive state of the outside air introduction fan and a noise value, the method comprising: determining an allowable noise value; determining a drive state of the outside air introduction fan that is equal to or less than the allowable noise value based on the drive information stored in the first storage unit; and driving the outside air introduction fan in the determined drive state.

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