JP6642730B2 - Judgment device and monitoring device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a determination device and a monitoring device.
This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-198790 filed on October 7, 2016, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-112545 (Patent Document 1) discloses the following solar power generation system. That is, the photovoltaic power generation system includes a solar cell group configured by dividing a plurality of provided solar cells into groups having equivalent output characteristics, and a corresponding solar cell group provided for each of the solar cell groups. And a DC / AC converter for converting the output of the maximum power point tracking control means into an AC power.

JP-A-2000-112545

  (1) A determination device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a determination device used for a monitoring system in a photovoltaic power generation system in which output lines from a plurality of solar cell panels are electrically connected to power conversion devices, respectively. Comprises a collection device and a monitoring device that transmits measurement information indicating a measurement result of the corresponding solar cell panel to the collection device via the output line, and the monitoring device periodically or irregularly transmits the measurement information. A monitoring unit that monitors the reception status of the information transmitted to the collection device via the output line in the collection device, and determines an abnormality related to the transmission of the information based on the reception status monitored by the monitoring unit. And a determination unit that performs a determination process of performing the determination.

  (7) The monitoring device according to the present disclosure is a monitoring device used in a photovoltaic power generation system in which an output line from a solar cell panel is electrically connected to a power converter, and indicates a measurement result regarding the solar cell panel. A communication unit that transmits the measurement information by power line communication via the output line, wherein the monitoring device is operable using a first voltage supplied from the output line as a power supply voltage, and Operation is possible using a second voltage supplied from a source other than the line as a power supply voltage.

  One embodiment of the present disclosure can be realized not only as a determination device including such a characteristic processing unit, but also as a monitoring system including the determination device, or as a method having such characteristic processing as steps. It can be realized, or can be realized as a program for causing a computer to execute such steps. Further, one embodiment of the present disclosure can be realized as a semiconductor integrated circuit that realizes part or all of the determination device.

  In addition, one embodiment of the present disclosure can be realized not only as a monitoring device including such a characteristic processing unit, but also as a monitoring system including the monitoring device, or as a method having such characteristic processing as steps. It can be realized, or can be realized as a program for causing a computer to execute such steps. Further, one embodiment of the present disclosure can be realized as a semiconductor integrated circuit that realizes part or all of a monitoring device.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a photovoltaic power generation system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the current collecting unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the solar cell unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the monitoring system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a monitoring device in the monitoring system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing in detail the configuration of the monitoring device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing in detail the configuration of the power supply device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the collection device in the monitoring system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a reception log updated by the monitoring unit in the collection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a modified example of the monitoring system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a current collection box in a modified example of the monitoring system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing in detail a configuration of a repeater in a modification of the monitoring system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating in detail the configurations of the collection device and the determination device in the modified example of the monitoring system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating in detail the configuration of the power supply device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  In recent years, techniques for improving the power generation efficiency of a solar power generation system have been developed.

[Problems to be solved by the present disclosure]
The photovoltaic power generation system described in Patent Literature 1 has a configuration in which generated power is transmitted from a plurality of solar cell panels configured by an aggregate of cells as a minimum unit to a power converter via a power transmission cable. I have.

  When a photovoltaic power generation system is installed, a large site for installing a plurality of solar cell panels is required. For this reason, it is not easy to immediately detect abnormalities such as theft and disconnection of the power transmission cable.

  The present disclosure has been made in order to solve the above-described problem, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a determination device and a monitoring device that can quickly detect an abnormality in a solar power generation system.

[Effects of the present disclosure]
According to the present disclosure, an abnormality in a photovoltaic power generation system can be quickly detected.

[Description of Embodiment of the Present Invention]
First, the contents of the embodiment of the present invention will be listed and described.

  (1) A determination device according to an embodiment of the present invention is a determination device used for a monitoring system in a photovoltaic power generation system in which output lines from a plurality of solar cell panels are each electrically connected to a power conversion device. The monitoring system includes a collection device, and a monitoring device that transmits measurement information indicating a measurement result of the corresponding solar cell panel to the collection device via the output line. Or, a monitoring unit that monitors the reception status of the collection device of the information transmitted to the collection device via the output line on an irregular basis, based on the reception status monitored by the monitoring unit, A determination unit that performs determination processing for determining an abnormality related to transmission.

  As described above, the configuration for monitoring the reception status of the information collection device that periodically or irregularly transmits the information to the collection device from the monitoring device via the output line can be used to monitor information transmission abnormalities such as theft and disconnection of the output line, Further, when a failure or theft of the monitoring device occurs, information is not transmitted from the monitoring device to the collection device, so that the determination device can immediately detect the abnormality. Therefore, an abnormality in the solar power generation system can be quickly detected.

  (2) Preferably, the determination unit determines that the abnormality has occurred when the information from the plurality of monitoring devices is interrupted in the reception status.

  With such a configuration, it is possible to detect occurrence of a specific abnormality when information from a plurality of monitoring devices is interrupted. Specifically, for example, it is unlikely that a plurality of monitoring devices will fail in parallel, so if the information from the plurality of monitoring devices is interrupted, theft of the plurality of monitoring devices, or theft of the output line or The occurrence of disconnection can be determined with higher accuracy.

  (3) Preferably, the determination unit can determine a plurality of types of the abnormalities, and determines the type according to the number of the monitoring devices in which the information is interrupted in the reception status.

  With such a configuration, for example, the possibility that a plurality of monitoring devices will fail in parallel is low, and when information from the plurality of monitoring devices is interrupted, theft of the plurality of monitoring devices or the output line is stolen. Alternatively, the occurrence of the disconnection can be determined with higher accuracy. Further, for example, when information from one monitoring device is interrupted, an abnormality including a failure of the monitoring device can be determined.

  (4) More preferably, when the monitoring unit determines that the information from the plurality of monitoring devices is interrupted, the information from the first monitoring device arrives at the collection device for a predetermined time. If not, it is determined that the information from the first monitoring device has been interrupted, and if the information from the second and subsequent monitoring devices does not arrive at the collection device for a predetermined time shorter than the predetermined time, the It is determined that the information from the second and subsequent monitoring devices has been interrupted.

  With such a configuration, it is possible to carefully determine whether or not information from the first monitoring device has been interrupted, and to quickly determine whether or not information from the second monitoring device has been interrupted. Therefore, the time required for detecting theft of a plurality of monitoring devices or the occurrence of theft or disconnection of the output line can be reduced.

  (5) Preferably, the determination device further includes an alarm unit that outputs an alarm when the determination unit determines that the abnormality has occurred.

  With such a configuration, a warning can be given to an intruder trying to steal the output line or the monitoring device, so that psychological pressure can be given to the intruder to drive the intruder out of the site of the solar power generation system. . Further, since the occurrence of the abnormality can be notified to the administrator, it is possible to prompt the administrator to take a measure for the abnormality.

  (6) Preferably, the determination unit performs the determination process in a state where power operable by the monitoring device is not supplied from the solar cell panel via the output line.

  As described above, for example, the determination process is performed by a configuration in which the determination process is performed in a state where the determination process is difficult to perform in a monitoring system that operates depending on the power supplied from the solar cell panel via the output line. It is possible to prevent a blank period from occurring.

  (7) A monitoring device according to an embodiment of the present invention is a monitoring device used in a photovoltaic power generation system in which an output line from a solar cell panel is electrically connected to a power conversion device, wherein the solar cell panel A communication unit that transmits measurement information indicating a measurement result regarding the power line communication via the output line, wherein the monitoring device is operable using a first voltage supplied from the output line as a power supply voltage. And is operable using a second voltage supplied from a source other than the output line as a power supply voltage.

  With such a configuration, for example, measurement information is transmitted using the voltage from sunrise to sunset when the first voltage is supplied from the output line, and at night when the first voltage is not supplied, during bad weather, or when the first voltage is not supplied. Since the measurement information can be transmitted using the second voltage supplied from other than the output line at the time of maintenance, the transmission destination device can receive the measurement information via the output line without separation between day and night. Then, when an abnormality such as theft and disconnection of the output line, and a failure or theft of the monitoring device occurs, the measurement information is not transmitted from the monitoring device to the transmission destination device. The abnormality can be immediately found based on the abnormality. Therefore, an abnormality in the solar power generation system can be quickly detected.

  (8) Preferably, the communication unit is capable of transmitting information regularly or irregularly by power line communication via the output line, and when operating using the first voltage as a power supply voltage. In comparison, the transmission interval of the information when operating using the second voltage as the power supply voltage is set longer.

  With such a configuration, for example, when the output voltage of the battery is used as the second voltage, the transmission frequency of the measurement information can be reduced, so that the consumption of the battery can be suppressed.

  (9) More preferably, the monitoring device is provided inside a housing, and the second voltage is a system or an external device outside the housing in a state where the first voltage is not supplied from the output line. The power is supplied from a DC power supply outside the housing via a power line.

  With such a configuration, for example, compared to a case where a battery is provided inside the housing, the supply of the second voltage can be centrally managed, so that the maintenance load on the monitoring system can be reduced.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding portions have the same reference characters allotted, and description thereof will not be repeated. Further, at least some of the embodiments described below may be arbitrarily combined.

<First embodiment>
[Configuration of solar power generation system 401]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a photovoltaic power generation system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 1, photovoltaic power generation system 401 includes four current collecting units 60 and PCS 8. PCS 8 includes copper bar 7 and power converter 9.

  In FIG. 1, four current collection units 60 are representatively shown, but more or fewer current collection units 60 may be provided.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the current collecting unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 2, current collecting unit 60 includes four solar cell units 75 and copper bar 72.

  In FIG. 2, four solar cell units 75 are representatively shown, but more or fewer solar cell units 75 may be provided.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the solar cell unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 3, solar cell unit 75 includes four solar cell panels 78 and copper bar 77. Solar cell panel 78 includes a plurality of solar cell panels.

  In FIG. 3, four solar cell panels 78 are representatively shown, but more or fewer solar cell panels 78 may be provided.

  The solar cell panel 78 is, for example, a string in which a plurality of solar cell panels are connected in series. In addition, the solar cell panel 78 is not limited to the configuration including a plurality of solar cell panels, and may be configured to include one solar cell panel.

  In the photovoltaic power generation system 401, output lines 1, 5, and 2, that is, power lines from the plurality of solar cell panels 78 are electrically connected to the PCS 8.

  More specifically, output line 1 of solar cell panel 78 has a first end connected to solar cell panel 78 and a second end connected to copper bar 77. Each output line 1 is integrated into the output line 5 via the copper bar 77. The copper bar 77 is provided inside a connection box 76 which is an example of a housing, for example.

  When receiving the sunlight, solar cell panel 78 converts the energy of the received sunlight into DC power, and outputs the converted DC power to output line 1.

  Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, output line 5 has a first end connected to copper bar 77 and a second end connected to copper bar 72 in corresponding solar cell unit 75. Each output line 5 is integrated into the output line 2 via the copper bar 72. The copper bar 72 is provided, for example, inside a current collecting box 71 which is an example of a housing.

  Referring again to FIG. 1, in photovoltaic power generation system 401, as described above, each output line 1 from a plurality of solar cell panels 78 is integrated into output line 5, and each output line 5 is integrated into output line 2. , Each output line 2 is electrically connected to a PCS 8 which is an example of a power converter.

  More specifically, each output line 2 has a first end connected to copper bar 72 and a second end connected to copper bar 7 in corresponding power collection unit 60. In PCS 8, internal line 3 has a first end connected to copper bar 7 and a second end connected to power converter 9.

  The PCS 8 is provided, for example, inside the container 6. In PCS 8, for example, power conversion unit 9 converts the DC power generated in each solar cell panel 78 into output line 1, copper bar 77, output line 5, copper bar 72, output line 2, copper bar 7, and internal line 3. When the power is received via the power supply, the received DC power is converted into AC power and output to the system.

[Configuration of Monitoring System 301]
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the monitoring system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 4, a monitoring system 301 includes a plurality of monitoring devices 111 and a collection device (determination device) 101.

  In FIG. 4, four monitoring devices 111 provided corresponding to one current collecting unit 60 are representatively shown, but more or fewer monitoring devices 111 may be provided. Further, the monitoring system 301 includes one collection device 101, but may include a plurality of collection devices 101.

  The monitoring system 301 is used for the solar power generation system 401. In the monitoring system 301, sensor information in the monitoring device 111, which is a child device, is transmitted to the collection device 101, which is a parent device, periodically or irregularly.

  The monitoring device 111 is provided in, for example, the power collection unit 60. More specifically, four monitoring devices 111 are provided corresponding to the four solar cell units 75, respectively. Each monitoring device 111 is, for example, electrically connected to the corresponding output line 1 and output line 5.

  The monitoring device 111 measures the current of each output line 1 in the corresponding solar cell unit 75 using a sensor. Further, the monitoring device 111 measures the voltage of each output line 1 in the corresponding solar cell unit 75 using a sensor.

  The collection device 101 is provided, for example, near the PCS 8. More specifically, the collection device 101 is provided, for example, inside the container 6 so as to correspond to the PCS 8, and is electrically connected to the copper bar 7 via a signal line 46. Note that the collection device 101 may be provided outside the container 6.

  The monitoring device 111 and the collection device 101 perform transmission and reception of information by performing power line communication (PLC) via the output lines 2 and 5.

  More specifically, each monitoring device 111 transmits measurement information indicating the measurement results of the current and voltage of the corresponding output line. The collection device 101 collects the measurement results of each monitoring device 111.

  Hereinafter, the direction from the monitoring device 111 to the collection device 101 is referred to as an up direction, and the direction from the collection device 101 to the monitoring device 111 is referred to as a down direction.

  The notification device 171 is, for example, a warning light, and is provided near the container 6. The notification device 171 may be provided near the connection box 76 or may be provided near the current collection box 71. The notification device 171 may be a sound output device.

[Configuration of Monitoring Device 111]
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a monitoring device in the monitoring system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 5, the output line 1, the output line 5 and the copper bar 77 are shown in more detail.

  Referring to FIG. 5, output line 1 includes a plus side output line 1p and a minus side output line 1n. The output line 5 includes a plus output line 5p and a minus output line 5n. The copper bar 77 includes a plus-side copper bar 77p and a minus-side copper bar 77n.

  The copper bar 72 in the current collection box 71 shown in FIG. 2 includes a positive copper bar 72p and a negative copper bar 72n corresponding to the positive output line 5p and the negative output line 5n, respectively.

  Positive output line 1p has a first end connected to corresponding solar cell panel 78 and a second end connected to positive side copper bar 77p. The negative output line 1n has a first end connected to the corresponding solar cell panel 78 and a second end connected to the negative copper bar 77n.

  The plus side output line 5p has a first end connected to the plus side copper bar 77p and a second end connected to the plus side copper bar 72p in the current collection box 71. The negative output line 5n has a first end connected to the negative copper bar 77n and a second end connected to the negative copper bar 72n in the current collection box 71.

  The monitoring device 111 includes a detection unit 11, four current sensors 16, a voltage sensor 17, and a communication unit 14. Note that the monitoring device 111 may further include a larger or smaller number of current sensors 16 according to the number of the output lines 1.

  The monitoring device 111 is provided, for example, near the solar cell panel 78. Specifically, the monitoring device 111 is provided, for example, inside a connection box 76 provided with a copper bar 77 to which the output line 1 to be measured is connected. The monitoring device 111 may be provided outside the connection box 76.

  The monitoring device 111 is electrically connected to, for example, the plus side output line 5p and the minus side output line 5n via the plus side power line 26p and the minus side power line 26n, respectively. Hereinafter, each of the positive power line 26p and the negative power line 26n is also referred to as a power line 26.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing in detail the configuration of the monitoring device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 6, monitoring device 111 includes a detecting unit 11, a processing unit 12, a counter 13, a communication unit 14, a storage unit 15, four current sensors 16, a voltage sensor 17, a DC / And a DC converter 19.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating in detail the configuration of the power supply device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 7, power supply device 121 includes a battery 91 and a charge / discharge control circuit 92.

  With reference to FIGS. 5 to 7, monitoring device 111 is operable using the output voltage of solar cell panel 78 supplied from output line 5 as a power supply voltage, and from other than output lines 1, 2, and 5. Operation is possible using a supplied voltage, in this example, an output voltage of the power supply device 121 as a power supply voltage.

  More specifically, the DC / DC converter 19 boosts or reduces the DC voltage of the solar panel 78 received from the negative output line 5n and the positive output line 5p via the negative power line 26n and the positive power line 26p, respectively. Step down to generate a DC voltage Vc. The DC / DC converter 19 outputs the generated DC voltage Vc to the detection unit 11, the processing unit 12, the counter 13, the communication unit 14, the storage unit 15, the voltage sensor 17, and the external power supply port 18.

  The power supply device 121 is connected to the external power supply port 18 of the monitoring device 111 via a power supply line. Battery 91 in power supply device 121 is, for example, a secondary battery.

  The power supply device 121 is in a state where power that can operate the monitoring device 111 is not supplied from the solar cell panel 78 via the output lines 1 and 5 (hereinafter, also referred to as a non-supply state), such as at night, in bad weather, or during maintenance. ) Is supplied to the monitoring device 111.

  Specifically, charge / discharge control circuit 92 in power supply device 121 switches charging / discharging in accordance with, for example, the level of DC voltage Vc and the level of DC voltage Vb of battery 91. More specifically, for example, when the level of DC voltage Vc is smaller than a predetermined value, charge / discharge control circuit 92 determines that the battery is not supplied, and supplies DC voltage Vb received from battery 91 to a power supply line and an external power supply port. Output to the detection unit 11, the processing unit 12, the counter 13, the communication unit 14, the storage unit 15, and the voltage sensor 17 via 18. On the other hand, for example, when the level of the DC voltage Vc is higher than a predetermined value, the charge / discharge control circuit 92 is in a state where power operable by the monitoring device 111 is supplied from the solar cell panel 78 via the output lines 1 and 5. (Hereinafter, also referred to as a supply state), and charges the battery 91 using the DC voltage Vc until the battery 91 is fully charged.

  Note that the battery 91 is not limited to a configuration that is a secondary battery, and may be a primary battery. In this case, the charge / discharge control circuit 92 does not perform charge control.

  In the monitoring system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the power supply device 121 is configured to be provided inside the connection box 76; however, the configuration is not limited to this.

  The power supply device 121 may be configured to be provided outside the connection box 76, for example. Specifically, in the monitoring system 301, for example, one or more DC power supply devices are provided outside the connection box 76. For example, the DC power supply supplies a DC voltage to monitoring device 111 via a dedicated power line in a non-supply state.

  In the monitoring system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the power supply device 121 is configured to operate using the battery 91 as a power supply. However, the configuration is not limited to this.

  The power supply device 121 may be configured to operate using power from a system outside the connection box 76 as a power supply, for example. Specifically, for example, in a non-supply state, power supply device 121 converts AC power supplied from a system outside connection box 76 via a dedicated power line into DC power, and monitors the converted DC power in a monitoring device. To 111.

  Detecting unit 11, processing unit 12, counter 13, communication unit 14, storage unit 15, and voltage sensor 17 receive from DC / DC converter 19 in a supply state, that is, a state in which DC voltage Vc is output from DC / DC converter 19. It operates with the DC voltage Vc.

  On the other hand, in the non-supply state, that is, when the DC voltage Vc is not output from the DC / DC converter 19, the detection unit 11, the processing unit 12, the counter 13, the communication unit 14, the storage unit 15, and the voltage sensor 17 It operates by the DC voltage Vb received from the power supply device 121 via the power supply.

  Referring to FIG. 6, storage unit 15 registers an ID of a destination device of a measurement information packet (hereinafter, also referred to as a destination ID) described later and period information for calculating a transmittable period of the measurement information packet. Have been. In this example, the ID of the destination device is the ID of the collection device 101. Further, the transmission possible period is provided so as not to overlap with the transmission possible period of another monitoring device 111 in the monitoring system 301, for example.

  The period information includes, for example, reference time ts, length Lp of a transmittable period, and cycle Tpd in which the transmittable period is repeated. The start timing of the transmittable period is obtained, for example, by calculating ts + Tpd × K. Here, K is an integer greater than or equal to zero.

  The counter 13 counts clock pulses generated by, for example, an oscillation circuit using a crystal oscillator or the like, and holds the counted value. This count value indicates, for example, the current time.

  The processing unit 12 calculates the start timing of the transmittable period based on the period information in the storage unit 15. Then, the processing unit 12 monitors the count value of the counter 13 and outputs a measurement command to the detection unit 11 when a predetermined time comes before the calculated start timing.

  The current sensor 16 measures the current of the output line 1. More specifically, the current sensor 16 is, for example, a Hall element type current probe. The current sensor 16 measures a current flowing through the corresponding minus output line 1n, and outputs a signal indicating the measurement result to the detection unit 11. The current sensor 16 may measure a current flowing through the positive output line 1p.

  The voltage sensor 17 measures the voltage of the output line 5. More specifically, voltage sensor 17 measures a voltage between positive power supply line 26p and negative power supply line 26n, and outputs a signal indicating the measurement result to detection unit 11.

  For example, upon receiving a measurement command from the processing unit 12, the detection unit 11 performs signal processing such as averaging and filtering on each measurement signal received from each of the current sensors 16 and the voltage sensor 17 according to the received measurement command. The measured signal is converted into a digital signal, and the converted digital signal is output to the processing unit 12 as a response to the measurement command.

  The processing unit 12 creates measurement information indicating a measurement result regarding the corresponding solar cell panel 78. More specifically, the processing unit 12 measures the measurement value indicated by each digital signal received from the detection unit 11, the ID of the corresponding current sensor 16 (hereinafter, also referred to as the current sensor ID), and the ID of the voltage sensor 17 (hereinafter, referred to as the current sensor ID). The measurement information including the voltage sensor ID) and the ID of the monitoring device 111 of itself (hereinafter, also referred to as monitoring device ID) is created.

  When the start timing comes, the processing unit 12 obtains the destination ID from the storage unit 15, and performs measurement in which the transmission source ID is its own monitoring device ID, the transmission destination ID is the destination ID, and the data part is the measurement information. Create an information packet. Then, the processing unit 12 outputs the created measurement information packet to the communication unit 14. Note that the processing unit 12 may include the sequence number in the measurement information packet.

  The communication unit 14 transmits measurement information by power line communication via the output lines 5 and 2. More specifically, when receiving the measurement information packet from the processing unit 12, the communication unit 14 transmits the received measurement information packet to the collection device 101 periodically, specifically, at every cycle Tpd.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the collection device in the monitoring system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 8, the output line 2, the internal line 3 and the copper bar 7 are shown in more detail.

  Referring to FIG. 8, output line 2 includes a plus side output line 2p and a minus side output line 2n. The internal line 3 includes a plus-side internal line 3p and a minus-side internal line 3n. Copper bar 7 includes a positive copper bar 7p and a negative copper bar 7n.

  Positive-side output line 2p has a first end connected to positive-side copper bar 72p and a second end connected to positive-side copper bar 7p in current collecting box 71 of corresponding current collecting unit 60. The negative output line 2n has a first end connected to the negative copper bar 72n and a second end connected to the negative copper bar 7n in the current collection box 71 of the corresponding current collection unit 60.

  Positive side internal line 3p has a first end connected to positive side copper bar 7p and a second end connected to PCS8. The negative internal line 3n has a first end connected to the negative copper bar 7n and a second end connected to the PCS8.

  The collection device 101 includes a PLC communication unit 42, a processing unit 43, a LAN (Local Area Network) communication unit 44, a storage unit 45, a counter 47, and a determination device 181. The determination device 181 includes a monitoring unit 41, a determination unit 48, and an alarm unit 49.

  The operation of the counter 47 is the same as that of the counter 13 in the monitoring device 111 shown in FIG.

  The collection device 101 is used for a monitoring system 301 in a solar power generation system 401 including a plurality of solar cell panels 78.

  More specifically, the PLC communication unit 42 in the collection device 101 can perform power line communication via the output lines 2 and 5 with the monitoring device 111.

  Specifically, the PLC communication unit 42 can transmit and receive information via the output lines 2 and 5. Specifically, the PLC communication unit 42 performs power line communication with the monitoring device 111 via the signal line 46 and the output lines 2 and 5.

  More specifically, the PLC communication unit 42 is electrically connected to the plus-side copper bar 7p and the minus-side copper bar 7n via the plus-side signal line 46p and the minus-side signal line 46n, which are the signal lines 46, respectively. .

  For example, the PLC communication unit 42 receives various packets from the plurality of monitoring devices 111 via the output lines 2 and 5, the copper bars 7 and 72, and the signal line 46.

  The PLC communication unit 42 receives measurement information from the plurality of monitoring devices 111. More specifically, the PLC communication unit 42 receives, for example, measurement information packets periodically transmitted from the plurality of monitoring devices 111 via the output lines 5 and 2 and outputs the received measurement information packets to the processing unit 43. I do.

  When receiving the measurement information packet from the PLC communication unit 42, the processing unit 43 acquires the measurement information from the received measurement information packet. Then, the processing unit 43 obtains a count value indicating the current time from the counter 47, and outputs the measurement information including the obtained count value to the ID of the monitoring device 111 included in the measurement information (hereinafter, also referred to as a sender ID). .) And stored in the storage unit 45.

  The LAN communication unit 44 transmits and receives information to and from the server 151 via, for example, a LAN.

  For example, when receiving the measurement information request from the server 151 via the LAN communication unit 44, the processing unit 43 acquires the measurement information and the corresponding sender ID stored in the storage unit 45 and sends the request to the server 151 via the LAN communication unit 44. Send.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a reception log updated by the monitoring unit in the collection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 9, monitoring unit 41 of determination device 181 monitors the reception status of measurement information transmitted periodically from monitoring device 111 via output lines 5 and 2 at collection device 101.

  More specifically, the monitoring unit 41 monitors, for example, the communication operation of the PLC communication unit 42, and acquires a count value from the counter 47 every time the PLC communication unit 42 receives the measurement information packet. Is written in the reception log LR1 in association with the sender ID included in the measurement information packet.

  The monitoring unit 41 determines whether or not the measurement information from the monitoring device 111 has been interrupted, for example, based on the content of the reception log LR1.

  Specifically, for example, when the measurement information from the first monitoring device 111 does not arrive at the collection device 101 for a predetermined time Tw1, the monitoring unit 41 stops the measurement information from the first monitoring device 111. Is determined.

  More specifically, the monitoring unit 41 monitors, for example, the count value of the counter 47 and the addition status of the time stamp corresponding to each sender ID.

  When there is a sender ID to which a new time stamp is not added until a predetermined time Tw1 has elapsed from the time indicated by the latest time stamp, the monitoring unit 41 interrupts the measurement information from the monitoring device 111 having the sender ID. Judge that

  When the monitoring unit 41 determines that the measurement information from the plurality of monitoring devices 111 is interrupted, for example, the measurement information from the second and subsequent monitoring devices 111 is shorter than the predetermined time Tw1 in the collection device 101. If the predetermined time Tw2 has not arrived, it is determined that the measurement information from the second and subsequent monitoring devices 111 has been interrupted.

  More specifically, when the monitoring unit 41 determines that the measurement information from the first monitoring device 111 has been interrupted, the monitoring unit 41 outputs a new time stamp until a predetermined time Tw2 elapses from the time indicated by the latest time stamp. If there is another sender ID that is not added, it is determined that the measurement information from the monitoring device 111 having the other sender ID, that is, the second monitoring device 111 is interrupted.

  The monitoring unit 41 outputs a determination result to the determination unit 48 each time it determines that the measurement information from the monitoring device 111 has been interrupted.

  Referring to FIG. 8 again, the determination unit 48 performs a determination process of determining an abnormality in the photovoltaic power generation system 401, specifically, an abnormality related to information transmission based on the reception status monitored by the monitoring unit 41.

  More specifically, for example, in both the supply state and the non-supply state, the determination unit 48 determines the abnormality of the monitoring device 111 and the connection abnormality of the output lines 2 and 5 based on the content of the determination result received from the monitoring unit 41. Is determined. Specifically, the determination unit 48 determines an abnormality such as a failure or theft of the monitoring device 111 and a disconnection or theft of the output lines 2 and 5, for example.

  The determination unit 48 can determine, for example, a plurality of types of abnormalities regarding information transmission. Specifically, the determination unit 48 determines the type of abnormality in the photovoltaic power generation system 401, for example, according to the number of the monitoring devices 111 whose measurement information is interrupted in the reception status.

  Specifically, for example, when the measurement information from one monitoring device 111 is interrupted in the reception state, the determination unit 48 determines that a failure or theft of the monitoring device 111 or disconnection or theft of the output line 5 has occurred. It is determined that it has been performed.

  On the other hand, for example, when the measurement information from the plurality of monitoring devices 111 is interrupted in parallel in the reception state, the determination unit 48 determines that the plurality of monitoring devices 111 are unlikely to fail in parallel. Of the monitoring device 111, disconnection or theft of the plurality of output lines 5, or disconnection or theft of the output line 2 has occurred.

  Note that the determination target of the determination unit 48 is not limited to the failure and theft of the monitoring device 111, and the disconnection and theft of the output lines 2 and 5, but may be the theft of the connection box 76 and the current collection box 71.

  When determining that the monitoring device 111 has failed or stolen, or that the output lines 2 and 5 have been disconnected or stolen, the determining unit 48 outputs determination information indicating the determination result to the alarm unit 49.

  The warning unit 49 outputs a warning, for example, when the determination unit 48 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the photovoltaic power generation system 401.

  More specifically, when receiving the determination information from the determination unit 48, the alarm unit 49 transmits the received determination information to the wireless terminal device held by the user via the LAN communication unit 44. Thereby, the user can recognize that an abnormality has occurred in the photovoltaic power generation system 401.

  In addition, the warning unit 49 transmits a warning command to the notification device 171 according to the determination information.

  Referring again to FIG. 4, when receiving a warning command from collection device 101, notification device 171 turns on a warning lamp.

[Modification 1 of monitoring system 301]
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a modified example of the monitoring system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 10, monitoring system 302, which is a modification of monitoring system 301, further includes a repeater 131 as compared to monitoring system 301 shown in FIG.

  The operations of the collection device 101 and the monitoring device 111 in the monitoring system 302 are the same as those of the collection device 101 and the monitoring device 111 in the monitoring system 301 shown in FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 6 again, storage unit 15 registers the ID of relay device 131 of the measurement information packet (hereinafter, also referred to as relay ID), destination ID, and period information.

  The processing unit 12 acquires the relay ID and the destination ID from the storage unit 15, the source ID is its own monitoring device ID, the destination ID is the destination ID, the relay destination is the relay ID, and the data part is Create a measurement information packet that is measurement information. Then, the processing unit 12 outputs the created measurement information packet to the communication unit 14.

  When receiving the measurement information packet from the processing unit 12, the communication unit 14 transmits the received measurement information packet to the repeater 131 every cycle Tpd.

[Configuration of Repeater 131]
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a current collection box in a modified example of the monitoring system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 11, output line 2, output line 5, and copper bar 72 are shown in more detail.

  Referring to FIG. 11, current collecting box 71 is provided with copper bar 72, power supply device 122, and repeater 131. The operation of the power supply device 122 is the same as that of the power supply device 121 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing in detail a configuration of a repeater in a modification of the monitoring system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 12, repeater 131 includes a processing unit 82, a communication unit 84, and a DC / DC converter 89.

  The operations of the communication unit 84 and the DC / DC converter 89 are the same as those of the communication unit 14 and the DC / DC converter 19 in the monitoring device 111 shown in FIG.

  The repeater 131 is operable using the output voltage of the solar cell panel 78 supplied from the output line 5 as a power supply voltage, and a voltage supplied from a source other than the output lines 1, 2, 5, and 5, in this example, a power supply device It is operable using the output voltage of the power supply 122 as a power supply voltage.

  More specifically, DC / DC converter 89 boosts or reduces the DC voltage of solar cell panel 78 received from negative side copper bar 72n and positive side copper bar 72p via negative side power line 36n and positive side power line 36p, respectively. Step down to generate a DC voltage Vc. The DC / DC converter 89 outputs the generated DC voltage Vc to the processing unit 82, the communication unit 84, and the external power supply port 88.

  Power supply device 122 is connected to external power supply port 88 via a power supply line, for example.

  When DC voltage Vc is output from DC / DC converter 89, processing unit 82 and communication unit 84 operate with DC voltage Vc received from DC / DC converter 89.

  On the other hand, when DC voltage Vc is not output from DC / DC converter 89, processing unit 82 and communication unit 84 operate with DC voltage Vb received from power supply device 122 via external power supply port 88.

  In the monitoring system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the power supply device 122 is configured to be provided inside the current collection box 71; however, the configuration is not limited to this.

  The power supply device 122 may be configured to be provided outside the current collection box 71, for example. Specifically, in the monitoring system 301, for example, one or more DC power supply devices are provided outside the current collection box 71. The DC power supply device supplies a DC voltage to the repeater 131 via a dedicated power line, for example, in a state where power operable by the repeater 131 is not supplied from the solar cell panel 78 via the output lines 1 and 5, that is, in a non-supply state. Supply.

  In the monitoring system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the power supply device 122 is configured to operate using the battery 91 as a power supply. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

  The power supply device 122 may be configured to operate using power from a system outside the current collection box 71 as a power supply, for example. Specifically, for example, in a non-supply state, power supply device 122 converts AC power supplied from a system outside current collection box 71 via a dedicated power line to DC power, and relays the converted DC power. Machine 131.

  The communication unit 84 can transmit and receive information via the output lines 5 and 2. Specifically, the communication unit 84 performs power line communication with the collection device 101 and the monitoring device 111 via the power line 36 and the output lines 5 and 2.

  When receiving the measurement packet from the monitoring device 111 via the output line 5, the power supply line 36 and the communication unit 84, the processing unit 82 transmits the received measurement packet to the collection device 101 via the communication unit 84, the power supply line 36 and the output line 2. Perform relay processing for transmission.

[Modification 2 of Monitoring System 301]
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating in detail the configurations of the collection device and the determination device in a modification of the monitoring system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 13, collection device 101 in a modification of monitoring system 301 includes a PLC communication unit 42, a processing unit 43, a LAN communication unit 44, a storage unit 45, and a counter 47.

  The operations of the PLC communication unit 42, the processing unit 43, the LAN communication unit 44, the storage unit 45, and the counter 47 in the collection device 101 are similar to the operations of the PLC communication unit 42, the processing unit 43, the LAN communication unit 44 in the collection device 101 illustrated in FIG. This is the same as the storage unit 45 and the counter 47, respectively.

  The determining device 181 in the modified example of the monitoring system 301 further includes a LAN communication unit 50 as compared with the determining device 181 shown in FIG.

  The operations of the monitoring unit 41, the determination unit 48, and the alarm unit 49 in the determination device 181 are the same as those of the monitoring unit 41, the determination unit 48, and the alarm unit 49 in the determination device 181 illustrated in FIG.

  The LAN communication unit 50 in the determination device 181 transmits and receives information to and from the collection device 101 and other devices via, for example, a LAN.

  The processing unit 43 in the collection device 101 obtains a count value from the counter 47 every time a measurement information packet is received from the monitoring device 111 via the PLC communication unit 42, and a time stamp indicating the obtained count value. The reception log information including the sender ID included in the measurement information packet is transmitted to the determination device 181 via the LAN communication unit 44.

  The processing unit 43 also periodically transmits count information indicating the count value of the counter 47 to the determination device 181 via the LAN communication unit 44, for example.

  When receiving the reception log information from the collection device 101 via the LAN communication unit 50, the monitoring unit 41 of the determination device 181 associates the time stamp included in the received reception log information with the sender ID included in the reception log information. To the reception log LR1.

  The monitoring unit 41 determines whether or not the measurement information from the monitoring device 111 is interrupted based on, for example, the count information received from the collection device 101 and the content of the reception log LR1.

  Note that the monitoring device according to the first embodiment of the present invention has a configuration in which measurement information is periodically created and transmitted to the collection device 101, but the present invention is not limited to this. The monitoring device 111 may be configured to generate measurement information irregularly and transmit it to the collection device 101.

  Further, the monitoring system according to the first embodiment of the present invention has a configuration in which a plurality of monitoring devices 111 are provided, but the configuration is not limited to this. The monitoring system 301 may have a configuration in which one monitoring device 111 is provided.

  In the determination device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the determination unit 48 is configured to perform the determination process in both the supply state and the non-supply state. However, the configuration is not limited to this. The determination unit 48 may be configured to perform the determination process in one of the supply state and the non-supply state.

  By the way, the solar power generation system described in Patent Literature 1 has a configuration in which generated power is transmitted from a plurality of solar cell panels configured by an aggregate of cells as a minimum unit to a power converter via a power transmission cable. Has become.

  When a photovoltaic power generation system is installed, a large site for installing a plurality of solar cell panels is required. For this reason, it is not easy to immediately detect abnormalities such as theft and disconnection of the power transmission cable.

  On the other hand, in the collection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the solar power generation system 401 in which the output lines 1, 5, and 2 from the plurality of solar cell panels 78 are electrically connected to the PCS 8 respectively. Is used for the monitoring system 301 in FIG. In the monitoring system 301, the monitoring device 111 transmits measurement information indicating a measurement result regarding the corresponding solar cell panel 78 to the collection device 101 via the output lines 5 and 2. The monitoring unit 41 monitors the reception status of the information transmitted from the monitoring device 111 via the output lines 5 and 2 regularly or irregularly in the collection device 101. Then, the determination unit 48 performs a determination process of determining an abnormality related to information transmission based on the reception status monitored by the monitoring unit 41.

  As described above, the configuration for monitoring the reception status of the information transmitted from the monitoring device 111 to the collection device 101 via the output lines 5 and 2 regularly or irregularly in the collection device 101 causes an abnormality in information transmission, such as an output error. If the theft and disconnection of the lines 2 and 5 and the failure and theft of the monitoring device 111 occur, information is no longer transmitted from the monitoring device 111 to the collection device 101. Therefore, the collection device 101 must immediately detect the abnormality. Can be. Therefore, an abnormality in the solar power generation system can be quickly detected.

  In the collection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the determination unit 48 determines that the abnormality has occurred when the information from the plurality of monitoring devices 111 is interrupted in the reception status. I do.

  With such a configuration, it is possible to detect occurrence of a specific abnormality when information from the plurality of monitoring devices 111 is interrupted. Specifically, for example, since the possibility that the plurality of monitoring devices 111 will fail in parallel is low, if the information from the plurality of monitoring devices 111 is interrupted, the theft of the plurality of monitoring devices 111 or the output line The occurrence of the theft or disconnection of 2, 5 can be determined with higher accuracy.

  Further, in the collection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the determination unit 48 can determine a plurality of types of the abnormalities, and according to the number of the monitoring devices 111 whose information is interrupted in the reception status. To determine the type of abnormality.

  With such a configuration, for example, the possibility that the plurality of monitoring devices 111 will fail in parallel is low. Therefore, when the information from the plurality of monitoring devices 111 is interrupted, the theft or output of the plurality of monitoring devices 111 is performed. The occurrence of the theft or disconnection of the lines 2 and 5 can be determined with higher accuracy. Further, for example, when information from one monitoring device 111 is interrupted, an abnormality including a failure of the monitoring device 111 can be determined.

  In addition, in the collection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, when the monitoring unit 41 determines that the information from the plurality of monitoring devices 111 is interrupted, the information from the first monitoring device 111 If the first monitoring device 111 does not arrive at the collection device 101 for the predetermined time Tw1, it is determined that the information from the first monitoring device 111 has been interrupted. When the information from the second and subsequent monitoring devices 111 does not arrive at the collection device 101 for a predetermined time Tw2 shorter than the predetermined time Tw1, the monitoring unit 41 interrupts the information from the second and subsequent monitoring devices 111. Judge.

  With such a configuration, it is possible to carefully determine whether or not the information from the first monitoring device 111 has been interrupted, and to quickly determine whether or not the information from the second monitoring device 111 has been interrupted. Therefore, the time required to detect theft of the plurality of monitoring devices 111 or the theft or disconnection of the output lines 2 and 5 can be reduced.

  Further, in the collection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the alarm unit 49 outputs an alarm when the determination unit 48 determines that the abnormality has occurred.

  With such a configuration, a warning can be given to an intruder trying to steal the output lines 2 and 5 or the monitoring device 111, so that psychological pressure such as driving the intruder out of the site of the photovoltaic power generation system 401 is given. Can be given. Further, since the occurrence of the abnormality can be notified to the administrator, it is possible to prompt the administrator to take a measure for the abnormality.

  Further, in the collection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the determination unit 48 performs the determination process in a state where the power operable by the monitoring device 111 is not supplied from the solar cell panel 78 via the output lines 1 and 5. I do.

  As described above, for example, the monitoring system that operates depending on the power supplied from the solar cell panel 78 via the output lines 1 and 5 performs the determination process in a state where the determination process is difficult to perform. It is possible to prevent a blank period in which no processing is performed from occurring.

  The monitoring device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is used in a solar power generation system 401 in which output lines 1, 5, and 2 from a solar cell panel 78 are electrically connected to a PCS 8. The communication unit 14 transmits measurement information indicating a measurement result regarding the solar cell panel 78 by power line communication via the output lines 5 and 2. The monitoring device 111 is operable using the first voltage supplied from the output line 5 as the power supply voltage, and uses the second voltage supplied from other than the output lines 1, 2, 5 as the power supply voltage. Operable with

  With such a configuration, for example, measurement information is transmitted using the voltage from sunrise to sunset when the first voltage is supplied from the output line 5, and at night when the first voltage is not supplied or during bad weather. Alternatively, at the time of maintenance, the measurement information can be transmitted using the second voltage supplied from other than the output lines 1, 2, and 5, so that the measurement information can be transmitted through the output lines 5 and 2 in the collection device 101 without separation between day and night. Can be received. Then, when an abnormality such as theft and disconnection of the output lines 2 and 5 and a failure and theft of the monitoring device 111 occur, the measurement information is not transmitted from the monitoring device 111 to the collection device 101. Can be found immediately. Therefore, an abnormality in the solar power generation system can be quickly detected.

  Further, the monitoring device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is provided inside a housing. The second voltage is supplied via a power line from a system outside the housing or a DC power supply outside the housing in a state where the first voltage is not supplied from the output line 5.

  With such a configuration, for example, compared to a case where a battery is provided inside the housing, the supply of the second voltage can be centrally managed, so that the maintenance load on the monitoring system can be reduced.

  Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding portions have the same reference characters allotted, and description thereof will not be repeated.

<Second embodiment>
This embodiment relates to a monitoring system in which the information transmission interval is variable as compared with the monitoring system according to the first embodiment. The contents other than those described below are the same as those of the monitoring system according to the first embodiment.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating in detail the configuration of the power supply device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 14, power supply device 123 includes battery 91 and charge / discharge control circuit 93.

  The operations of battery 91 and charge / discharge control circuit 93 are the same as those of battery 91 and charge / discharge control circuit 92 in power supply device 121 shown in FIG.

  For example, when outputting the DC voltage Vb received from the battery 91 to the monitoring device 111, the charge / discharge control circuit 93 transmits the activated discharge signal to the monitoring device 111. On the other hand, when, for example, the DC voltage Vb received from the battery 91 is not output to the monitoring device 111, the charge / discharge control circuit 93 transmits a deactivated discharge signal to the monitoring device 111.

  Referring to FIG. 6 again, storage unit 15 stores, for example, period information including reference time ts, length Lp of a transmittable period, period Tpd for non-discharge, and period Tpn for discharge. I have. Here, the cycle Tpn is larger than the cycle Tpd.

  The processing unit 12 operates using the output voltage of the power supply device 123 as the power supply voltage, for example, as compared with the case where the processing unit 12 operates using the output voltage of the solar cell panel 78 supplied from the output line 5 as the power supply voltage. The transmission interval of the information when it is longer.

  For example, the processing unit 12 switches between a discharge-time transmission mode and a non-discharge-time transmission mode. More specifically, for example, when the discharge signal received from power supply device 123 is activated, processing unit 12 sets the transmission mode at the time of discharge, and when the discharge signal is inactivated, Set the transmission mode at discharge.

  In the non-discharge transmission mode, the processing unit 12 sets a transmittable period for each cycle Tpd based on the period information, and performs the following processing when the set transmittable period start timing comes.

  That is, the processing unit 12 acquires the destination ID from the storage unit 15 and creates a measurement information packet in which the transmission source ID is its own monitoring device ID, the transmission destination ID is the destination ID, and the data part is the measurement information. Then, the created measurement information packet is output to the communication unit 14.

  When receiving the measurement information packet from the processing unit 12, the communication unit 14 transmits the received measurement information packet to the collection device 101 at every cycle Tpd.

  In the discharge-time transmission mode, the processing unit 12 sets a transmittable period for each cycle Tpn based on the period information, and performs the following processing when the start timing of the set transmittable period comes.

  That is, the processing unit 12 creates a connection confirmation packet in which the transmission source ID is its own monitoring device ID, the transmission destination ID is the destination ID, and the data part is null, and communicates the created connection confirmation packet. Output to the unit 14.

  Here, the data amount of the connection confirmation packet is smaller than the data amount of the measurement information packet. Thereby, the communication load on the monitoring system 301 can be reduced.

  Upon receiving the connection confirmation packet from the processing unit 12, the communication unit 14 transmits the received connection confirmation packet to the collection device 101 at every cycle Tpn.

  Note that the processing unit 12 is configured to create a connection confirmation packet and transmit it via the communication unit 14 in the discharge-time transmission mode, but the present invention is not limited to this. The processing unit 12 may be configured to create a measurement information packet and transmit it via the communication unit 14 in the transmission mode during discharge. However, a configuration using a connection confirmation packet having a small data amount is preferable because the communication load on the monitoring system 301 can be reduced.

  Further, the processing unit 12 is configured to set the transmission mode at the time of discharge and the transmission mode at the time of non-discharge based on the active state of the discharge signal. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The processing unit 12 may be configured to set the discharge-time transmission mode and the non-discharge-time transmission mode based on time.

  More specifically, the processing unit 12 monitors the time period during which its own monitoring device 111 can operate based on the output voltage from the solar cell panel 78 (hereinafter, also referred to as the operable time period), and monitors its own output voltage. A time period during which the device 111 is difficult to operate (hereinafter, also referred to as an operation difficult time period) is set.

  For example, when the current time indicated by the counter 13 is included in the operation difficult time zone, the processing unit 12 sets the discharge transmission mode. Further, for example, when the current time indicated by the counter 13 is included in the operable time zone, the processing unit 12 sets the non-discharge-time transmission mode.

  Referring to FIG. 8 again, monitoring unit 41 monitors the reception status of measurement information packets or connection confirmation packets transmitted from monitoring device 111 via output lines 5 and 2 at collection device 101 at regular intervals. .

  As described above, in the monitoring device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the communication unit 14 can transmit information periodically or irregularly by power line communication via the output lines 5 and 2. Then, the transmission interval of information when operating using the second voltage as the power supply voltage is set to be longer than when operating using the first voltage as the power supply voltage.

  With such a configuration, for example, when the output voltage of the battery 91 is used as the second voltage, the transmission frequency of the measurement information can be reduced, so that the consumption of the battery 91 can be suppressed.

  Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the monitoring system according to the first embodiment, and thus detailed description will not be repeated here.

  In addition, some or all of the components and operations of each device according to the first embodiment and the second embodiment of the present invention can be appropriately combined.

  The above embodiment is to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  The above description includes the features described below.

[Appendix 1]
A determination device used for a monitoring system in a photovoltaic power generation system in which output lines from a plurality of solar cell panels are each electrically connected to a power conversion device,
The monitoring system includes a collection device, and a monitoring device that transmits measurement information indicating a measurement result of the corresponding solar cell panel to the collection device via the output line,
A monitoring unit that monitors reception status in the collection device, of information transmitted from the monitoring device to the collection device via the output line at regular or irregular intervals,
Based on the reception status monitored by the monitoring unit, comprising a determination unit that performs determination processing to determine an abnormality related to the transmission of the information,
The monitoring unit creates a reception log indicating the reception time at which the information was received by the collection device, and based on the created reception log, determines whether or not the information is interrupted,
The determining unit, when the monitoring unit determines that the information is interrupted, determines that the monitoring device has failed or stolen, or that the output line has been disconnected or stolen.

[Appendix 2]
A monitoring device used in a solar power generation system in which an output line from a solar cell panel is electrically connected to a power conversion device,
A communication unit that transmits measurement information indicating a measurement result related to the solar cell panel by power line communication via the output line,
The monitoring device is operable using a first voltage supplied from the output line as a power supply voltage, and operable using a second voltage supplied from a source other than the output line as a power supply voltage. ,
The voltage source of the first voltage is an output of the solar cell panel,
The monitoring device, wherein the voltage source of the second voltage is an external power supply based on power from a battery or a system.

1,2,5 Output line 3 Internal line 6 Container 7 Copper bar 8 PCS
Reference Signs List 9 power conversion unit 11 detection unit 12 processing unit 13 counter 14 communication unit 15 storage unit 16 current sensor 17 voltage sensor 18 external power supply port 19 DC / DC converter 26 power line 36 power line 41 monitoring unit 42 PLC communication unit 43 processing unit 44 LAN communication unit 45 storage unit 46 signal line 47 counter 48 judgment unit 49 alarm unit 60 current collection unit 71 current collection box 72 copper bar 75 solar cell unit 76 connection box 77 copper bar 78 solar cell panel 82 processing unit 84 communication unit 88 External power supply port 89 DC / DC converter 91 Battery 92, 93 Charge / discharge control circuit 101 Collection device (judgment device)
111 monitoring device 121,122,123 power supply device 131 repeater 151 server 171 notification device 301,302 monitoring system 401 solar power generation system

Claims (4)

A determination device used for a monitoring system in a photovoltaic power generation system in which output lines from a plurality of solar cell panels are each electrically connected to a power conversion device,
The monitoring system includes a collection device, and a monitoring device that transmits measurement information indicating a measurement result of the corresponding solar cell panel to the collection device via the output line,
A monitoring unit that monitors the reception status in the collection device, of the measurement information transmitted to the collection device via the output line at regular or irregular intervals from the monitoring device,
A determination unit that performs a determination process of determining an abnormality related to transmission of the measurement information based on the reception status monitored by the monitoring unit,
The determination unit, in the reception state, when the measurement information from the monitoring device is interrupted, determines that the abnormality has occurred ,
The determination unit is capable of determining a plurality of types of the abnormalities, and determines the type according to the number of the monitoring devices in which the measurement information is interrupted in the reception situation . The monitoring unit, when determining that the measurement information from the plurality of monitoring devices has been interrupted, when the measurement information from the first monitoring device does not arrive at the collection device for a predetermined time, If it is determined that the measurement information from the second monitoring device has been interrupted and the measurement information from the second and subsequent monitoring devices has not arrived at the collection device for a predetermined time shorter than the predetermined time, the second The determination device according to claim 1, wherein the determination device determines that the measurement information from a subsequent monitoring device has been interrupted. The determination device further includes:
The determination device according to claim 1, further comprising an alarm unit that outputs an alarm when the determination unit determines that the abnormality has occurred. The determination unit, the monitoring device operable power performs the determination process in a state that is not supplied through the output lines from the solar cell panel, according to any one of claims 1 to 3 Judgment device .

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