JP7036067B2 - Control methods and programs for photovoltaic power generation systems, photovoltaic power generation processing equipment, and photovoltaic power generation processing equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a system for photovoltaic power generation and a processing device.

In recent years, photovoltaic power generation systems that are also interconnected with commercial power systems have become widespread. The amount of power generated by a solar cell changes according to the amount of solar radiation and temperature that change from moment to moment, but since the solar cell has a predetermined current-voltage characteristic, the output current of the solar cell when the power generation efficiency is the best. And the output voltage also changes every moment according to the amount of solar radiation and the temperature. Therefore, in general, in a photovoltaic power generation system, a process called maximum power point tracking (MPPT) control is performed so that the maximum power is output from the solar cell. In this process, the output voltage at which the electric power output from the solar cell is maximized is searched for, and the output voltage of the solar cell is adjusted to be the voltage value.

For example, in Patent Document 1, a power functioning as an inverter in a photovoltaic power generation system and individually controlling the output voltage of each of a plurality of solar cell modules to optimize the total power output from all the solar cell modules. The conditioner is listed.

As described above, in a photovoltaic power generation system including a plurality of solar cell modules, it is common to have a configuration in which a plurality of control circuits corresponding to each solar cell module are provided in a power conditioner (that is, an inverter). That is, the voltage (and current) of the entire photovoltaic power generation system is controlled by the power conditioner. This is the same even when a series circuit (hereinafter, also referred to as a string) including one or more solar cell modules is controlled for each string.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2017-78876

With the above-mentioned conventional technology, it is not possible to control the output voltage (voltage, current) for each individual solar cell module. For this reason, in a photovoltaic power generation system equipped with many solar cell modules, waste is generated by collectively controlling with a power conditioner, and even if some accident occurs in each solar cell module, only the solar cell module is concerned. There is a problem that it cannot be separated individually.

As a countermeasure to such a problem, it is conceivable to install a device (hereinafter, also referred to as an optimizer) equipped with a DC / DC converter for controlling the output voltage in each solar cell module.

Even when such a photovoltaic power generation system is constructed, it is the power conditioner that outputs AC power to the power system, so each optimizer and the power conditioner must be properly linked. For example, MPPT control cannot be performed properly.

There are a plurality of manufacturers that supply equipment related to the photovoltaic power generation system, and the solar cells, optimizers, and the like supplied by these manufacturers have various performances and specifications. Therefore, it is difficult to properly execute MPPT control when devices having various specifications are mixed.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and in a photovoltaic power generation system, the power output from the system is optimized according to the performance and specifications of the devices constituting the solar cell module. The purpose is to provide technology that can be used.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention adopts the following configuration.

The solar power generation system according to the present invention is a solar power generation system including one or more solar cell modules that generate a DC current and a processing device that is communicatively and electrically connected to the solar cell module. The processing device includes an inverter unit that converts a DC current generated by the solar cell module into an AC current and outputs the current, and the solar cell module based on the communication content between the processing device and the solar cell module. It is characterized by including a recognition unit that recognizes the presence / absence and the type of the solar cell module, and a control unit that controls the output from the inverter unit according to the recognized content.

In the present specification, the term "solar cell module" does not mean only a solar panel composed of a plurality of solar cells (cells), but also refers to a string in which a plurality of solar panels are connected in series, a solar cell and an optimizer. It is used in the sense that it also includes an electric circuit provided. In addition, the "communication content" here includes the fact that communication is not possible. Further, the "type" of the solar cell module does not only indicate the so-called model number, but also includes standards, specifications, components, performance, and the like.

By providing the above configuration, the performance and specifications of the solar cell in the photovoltaic power generation system, whether or not the solar cell module is equipped with an optimizer, and if so, what is the performance and specifications of the optimizer? Since the control can be performed according to the type of the solar cell module such as the one, the power generation by the system can be optimized.

Further, the recognition unit may recognize the presence / absence of the solar cell module and the type of the solar cell module by acquiring identification information that can identify the type of the solar cell module. Here, the "identification information" is information that can identify the type of the solar cell module, and is information that directly indicates the configuration of the solar cell module (presence or absence of an optimizer, etc.), specifications of the optimizer, and performance. It may be an identification symbol, an identification number, etc. associated with this information.

Further, the identification information includes information on any one of the type of one or more components of the solar cell module, the attributes of one or more components of the solar cell module, or the topology of the solar cell module. May be good. The topology referred to here is a connection mode of the solar cell modules in the photovoltaic power generation system, the number of solar cell modules connected to the processing device, and whether or not the solar cell modules are equipped with an optimizer. , Information indicating the correspondence between the solar cell module and the optimizer, etc.

Further, the identification information indicates that one or more components of the solar cell module are an optimizer as a DC / DC converter connected to one or more solar cells constituting the solar cell module, and / or. It may include information indicating how many solar cell modules the optimizer is connected to.

Further, when the identification information indicates that the optimizer is connected to the solar cell module, the control unit uses the solar cell to the optimizer so that the output from the inverter unit is optimized. The maximum power tracking process of the module may be executed.

Further, the solar power generation system further has a storage means, and the recognition unit may acquire the identification information from the storage means. The storage means may be provided in the processing device, or may be a device separate from the processing device. With such a configuration, the presence / absence of the solar cell module and the type of the solar cell module can be recognized without obtaining identification information from the response signal each time the control is performed.

Further, the processing device further includes a communication unit that transmits an inquiry signal to the solar cell module according to a plurality of predetermined communication protocols, and the recognition unit is one or more of the inquiry signals transmitted by the communication unit. By acquiring the response signal transmitted from the solar cell module in response to, the presence / absence of the solar cell module and the type of the solar cell module may be recognized. Further, the recognition unit may acquire the response signal via the communication unit.

Further, if the communication unit cannot receive the response signal from the solar cell module after transmitting the inquiry signal to the solar cell module, the inquiry having a content different from the inquiry signal already transmitted. The signal may be transmitted again. In this way, the processing device can efficiently make a communication connection with the solar cell module by various communication methods.

Further, the communication unit selects the communication protocol when the inquiry signal that has been responded from the solar cell module is generated as the specific communication protocol, and based on the specific communication protocol, the processing device and the sun. A communication connection with the battery module may be established. With such a configuration, the processing device can stably and efficiently communicate with the solar cell module after establishing the communication connection.

Further, when the recognition unit cannot acquire the response signal via the communication unit, the recognition unit requests a referenceable storage means or a user for identification information capable of identifying the type of the solar cell module. , The process of determining that the solar cell module that cannot acquire the response signal does not have an optimizer, and the process of ignoring the solar cell module that cannot acquire the response signal may be executed.

With such a configuration, the photovoltaic power generation system can be operated even when the processing device is connected to a solar cell module that cannot communicate.

Further, the control unit may execute the maximum power tracking process of the solar cell module so that the output from the inverter unit is optimized. With such a configuration, even if there is a solar cell module that does not have an optimizer, or if the optimizer that the solar cell module has cannot perform optimization of the total output of the entire system, MPPT control can be performed in the processing device. By executing it, the output of the entire system can be optimized.

Further, the solar power generation processing device according to the present invention is a processing device that is communicatively and electrically connected to one or more solar cell modules that generate a direct current, and the direct current generated by the solar cell module is used. A recognition unit that recognizes the presence / absence of the solar cell module and the type of the solar cell module based on the communication content between the inverter unit that converts the current into an AC current and outputs the solar cell module, and the recognized content. It is provided with a control unit that controls the output from the inverter in response to the above.

Further, the control method of the solar power generation processing apparatus according to the present invention is a process of communicating and electrically connecting with one or more solar cell modules that generate a DC current, and converting the DC current into an AC current and outputting the current. A method for controlling the conversion of the DC current to an AC current in the apparatus, in which the solar cell module is inquired about the presence / absence of the solar cell module and the type of the solar cell module. Based on the step of transmitting, the step of recognizing the presence / absence of the solar cell module and the type of the solar cell module based on the content of the response to the inquiry signal, and the step of recognizing the type of the solar cell module, and based on the recognized content, the DC current is used as described above. It has a step of controlling the conversion to an AC current.

Further, the present invention can be regarded as a program for causing a control device to execute the above method, and a computer-readable recording medium in which such a program is recorded non-temporarily.

In addition, each of the above configurations and processes can be combined with each other to construct the present invention as long as no technical contradiction occurs.

According to the present invention, in a photovoltaic power generation system, it is possible to provide a technique capable of optimizing the electric power output from the system according to the performance and specifications of the devices constituting the solar cell module.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a photovoltaic power generation system according to an application example. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a photovoltaic power generation system including a plurality of solar cell modules in an application example. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing executed by the control device according to the application example. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of system configuration detection processing performed by the control device according to the first embodiment at the start of daytime operation. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a subroutine when the recognition unit according to the first embodiment inquires about the configuration contents to the solar cell module. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing performed by the recognition unit according to the modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the processing subroutine performed by the recognition unit according to the modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the photovoltaic power generation system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the photovoltaic power generation system according to the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the photovoltaic power generation system according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a processing flow of a subroutine of system configuration confirmation processing performed by the recognition unit according to the fourth embodiment.

Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<Application example>
[About the configuration of the entire system]
The present invention can be applied to, for example, a photovoltaic power generation system as shown in FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of a photovoltaic power generation system 10 according to this application example. The photovoltaic power generation system 10 according to this application example includes a solar panel 121, a solar cell module 12 including an optimizer 122 for controlling the output voltage of the solar panel 121, and a power conditioner 11 connected to an AC power supply 13. It has a structure to have.

In addition, although only one set of the solar panel 121 and one set of the optimizer 122 is described in FIG. 1, a plurality of solar cell modules 12 may actually exist. In this case, it is preferable to assign a unique address to each solar cell module so that the power conditioner 11 can distinguish each solar cell module. FIG. 2 shows an example of a system configuration in such a case.

As shown in FIG. 2, the power conditioner 11 includes a solar cell module 12a, a solar cell module 12b, and a solar panel 121a, a solar panel 121b, a solar panel 121c, and a set of an optimizer 122a, an optimizer 122b, and an optimizer 122c, respectively. The solar cell module 12c is connected.

The optimizer 122a, the optimizer 122b, and the optimizer 122c may be different models or partially different from each other. Further, the models may be of different manufacturers. The same applies to the solar panel 121a, the solar panel 121b, and the solar panel 121c.

In this way, even if the photovoltaic power generation system 10 has a plurality of solar panels, one control device (for example, an optimizer) does not control them all at once, but individually corresponds to each solar panel. It is configured to be equipped with a control device.

[Individual elements that make up the system]
The power conditioner 11 is connected to a control device 111 including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a storage device, various input / output means, communication means, etc., an inverter 112 that converts direct current into alternating current, a solar cell module 12, and an alternating current power supply 13. It has a power transmission path to be used. Further, the control device 111 includes each functional module of the control unit 101, the recognition unit 102, the communication unit 103, and the storage unit 104. These functional modules may be realized, for example, by the CPU executing a program recorded in the storage device.

The control unit 101 controls the power conversion in the inverter 112, that is, the output of the power from the photovoltaic power generation system 10, in cooperation with other elements constituting the photovoltaic power generation system 10, such as the optimizer 122.

The recognition unit 102 acquires information about the solar cell module 12 and recognizes the presence / absence and type of the solar cell module 12 connected to the power conditioner 11. Here, the type of the solar cell module 12 does not only indicate the so-called model number, but also includes standards, specifications, components, performance, and the like. Specifically, how many solar cell modules 12 are connected to the power conditioner 11, whether or not the solar cell module 12 has an optimizer, what is the performance and specifications of the optimizer, and so on. It may be included.

The communication unit 103 includes communication means, transmits an inquiry signal to the solar cell module 12 according to a plurality of predetermined communication protocols, and receives a response signal from the solar cell module 12. Further, the communication unit 103 can communicate not only with the solar cell module 12 but also with an external electronic device. As the communication means, either a wireless communication means or a wired communication means can be adopted, and a plurality of different communication means may be provided. Further, a power line carrier communication means may be included as one of the wired communication means.

The storage unit 104 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory), a non-volatile storage device (for example, a hard disk drive, a flash memory), and the like. The storage unit 104 stores information about the type of the solar cell module 12, a communication protocol referred to by the communication unit 103, and the like.

In this application example, the power conditioner 11 corresponds to the processing device of the present invention, and the inverter 112 corresponds to the inverter unit of the present invention.

The solar panel 121 is a module in which a plurality of solar cells that generate a direct current by being irradiated with sunlight are combined, and a module using a desired known technique can be adopted.

The optimizer 122 includes a DC / DC converter and a control device including a CPU and the like, and controls the voltage output from the connected solar panel 121 by performing voltage conversion by the DC / DC converter.

[About the processing executed by the power conditioner]
Subsequently, the flow of processing performed by the power conditioner 11 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing executed by the power conditioner 11.

The power conditioner 11 is roughly classified into a system configuration detection process of the photovoltaic power generation system 10 and a power generation amount control process while the solar panel 121 is irradiated with sunlight (hereinafter, also referred to as daytime operation). Execute. As shown in FIG. 2, the power conditioner 11 first executes a process of detecting the configuration of the photovoltaic power generation system 10 at the start of daytime operation (step S101). Specifically, the recognition unit 102 acquires information on the type of the solar cell module 12 connected to the power conditioner 11, and what kind of solar cell module 12 is connected to the power conditioner 11 (or). Is it not connected?) Is recognized.

Next, when the recognition unit 102 recognizes that the solar cell module 12 connected to the power conditioner 11 includes the optimizer 122, the recognition unit 102 provides information on the attributes (for example, specifications, performance, etc.) of the optimizer 122. Acquire and recognize (step S102).

Next, the control unit 101 performs power generation limit setting and MPPT control setting based on the type of the solar cell module 12 recognized by the recognition unit 102 and the attributes of the optimizer 122 (step S103).

The power generation limit setting is a setting for controlling the output voltage of the solar panel 121 so that the power output from the solar panel 121 does not exceed the allowable value that can be processed by the power conditioner 11. .. The power generation efficiency of the solar panel 121 increases or decreases according to the balance between the output voltage and the output current of the solar cell module of the solar panel 121, and the relationship between the power output by the solar panel 121 and the output voltage is output at a certain output voltage. Draw a mountain-shaped curve where the power peaks. Since the output voltage of the solar panel 121 can be controlled by adjusting the step-up / down ratio of the voltage by the optimizer 122, when the output power of the solar panel 121 exceeds the allowable value of the power conditioner 11, the optimizer 122 controls the output voltage. It is possible to reduce the power generation efficiency of the solar panel 121 and suppress the output power.

Further, the MPPT control setting is a setting for controlling the output voltage of the solar panel 121 so that the electric power output from the solar panel 121 becomes the maximum value. The optimizer 122 can maximize the output power from the solar panel 121 by performing maximum power tracking processing such as a mountain climbing method.

After completing the processes up to step S103, the control unit 101 controls the operation of the optimizer 122 and the inverter 112 until the end of the daytime operation based on the detected system configuration and the set control settings (step 104).

As described above, according to the photovoltaic power generation system 10 according to this application example, MPPT control for each solar cell module is possible, and the system can be used according to the performance and specifications of the devices constituting the solar cell module. The output power can be optimized.

Next, a more detailed example of the embodiment for carrying out the present invention will be described. However, unless otherwise specified, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, and the like of the components described in this embodiment are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to those alone.

<Embodiment 1>
Since the configuration of the photovoltaic power generation system according to the present embodiment is the same as that of the photovoltaic power generation system 10 according to FIG. 2 described in the application example, detailed description thereof is omitted, and each component is also referred to as the application example. The same reference numerals will be used for explanation, and the details of the processing flow performed by the power conditioner 11 will be described below.

[About system configuration detection processing]
The processing performed by the power conditioner 11 in the present embodiment is the same as the processing described in the application example, but the details of the processing in step S101, that is, the processing for detecting the system configuration will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the system configuration detection process performed by the power conditioner 11 at the start of daytime operation.

In the system detection process, first, the recognition unit 102 performs a process of confirming whether or not the preset information about the system configuration is stored in the storage unit 104 (steps S201 and S202). Here, the pre-set information about the system configuration may be, for example, information when the system detection process is performed before, or information registered in advance by the manufacturer or the user.

If it is determined in step S202 that the storage unit 104 stores the preset information about the system configuration, the recognition unit 102 acquires and applies the preset information (step S203), and configures the system configuration. Determine (step S206).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S202 that the storage unit 104 does not store the preset information about the system configuration, the recognition unit 102 is configured in each solar cell module 12 via the communication unit 103. (Step S204). The details of the process in step S204 will be described later. In the following, the configuration inquiry will be described as requesting identification information.

Next, the recognition unit 102 determines whether or not all the connected solar cell modules 12 have been subjected to inquiry processing (step S205). Here, all solar cell modules 1
If it is determined that the inquiry process has been performed in 2, the system configuration is determined based on the response content from each solar cell module 12 (step S206), and the series of processes is completed. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S205 that the inquiry processing has not yet been performed on all the solar cell modules 12, the process returns to step S204 and the subsequent processing is repeated.

[About connected device confirmation processing]
Subsequently, a detailed flow of the process performed by the recognition unit 102 in step S204 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a subroutine when the recognition unit 102 inquires the solar cell module 12 of the configuration contents.

The recognition unit 102 first transmits an inquiry signal by wireless communication to one of the connected solar cell modules 12, for example, the solar cell module 12a. Specifically, for example, an inquiry is made by wireless communication of the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) standard (step S211). On the other hand, when the response signal including the identification information is transmitted from the solar cell module 12a (that is, when there is a response), the process proceeds to step S214. The above Wi-Fi is just an example of wireless communication, and in addition to this, communication may be performed by ZigBee (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), infrared communication, or the like.

On the other hand, if the inquiry is not answered in step S211, the process proceeds to step S212, and further, an inquiry signal is transmitted to the solar cell module 12a by wired communication such as SCSI (Small Computer System Interface). In the following, it is described that there is no response from the solar cell module, including the case where the response signal cannot be received due to the circumstances on the side of the power conditioner 11. In step S212, if there is a response from the solar cell module 12a, the process proceeds to step S214, and if there is no response, the process proceeds to step S213.

In step S213, the inquiry signal is transmitted to the solar cell module 12a by the PLC (Power Line Communication) that superimposes the communication signal on the power line and transmits the communication signal. Here, if there is a response from the solar cell module 12a, the process proceeds to step S214, and if there is no response, the process proceeds to step S215. As the PLC method, a desired known method such as an amplitude shift keying method or a frequency shift keying method can be used.

In step S214, the configuration of the solar cell module 12a is added to the system configuration based on the content of the response signal, and a series of processes is completed. On the other hand, when the process proceeds to step S215, the solar cell module 12a is ignored and the series of processes is terminated.

In each step from steps S211 to S213, inquiries may be made by a plurality of communication protocols. For example, in step 211, if there is no response to the Wi-Fi communication inquiry, the inquiry is further made by ZigBee, and if there is no response, the inquiry signal is further transmitted by Bluetooth. May be good. The same applies to the other steps.

According to the configuration of the photovoltaic power generation system 10 as described in the first embodiment as described above, when the system configuration information is already possessed, the system can be quickly applied at the start of daytime operation by applying the configuration. The configuration can be determined. Further, when there is no existing system configuration information, the identification information is inquired to each solar cell module 12 by using a plurality of communication protocols, so that the possibility of acquiring the identification information can be increased. Further, if the communication using the protocol having a high communication speed is prioritized, the delay can be avoided and the system configuration can be determined.

[Modification example]
In the above-described first embodiment, the process of confirming whether or not there is existing system configuration information is performed at the beginning of the system configuration detection routine, but each solar cell module 12 does not perform such a process. The process may be such that an inquiry signal is transmitted to. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing flow according to a modified example of the photovoltaic power generation system 10 according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 6, the recognition unit 102 of this modification first performs a process of inquiring about the configuration of the connected solar cell module 12 (step S301). Since the processing of the subroutine in step S301 is the same as in steps S211 to S215 of the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

Next, the recognition unit 102 performs a process of determining whether or not all the connected modules have been inquired (step S302). Here, if all the modules have not been inquired, the process of returning to S301 and making an inquiry to the solar cell module 12 that has not made an inquiry is repeated.

On the other hand, when the inquiry is made to all the solar cell modules 12 in step S302, the process proceeds to step S303 to determine whether or not there is a solar cell module 12 having no response. Here, if it is determined that all the solar cell modules 12 have responded, the process proceeds to step S305 to determine the system configuration. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S303 that there is a solar cell module 12 that has not responded, the process proceeds to step S304 to acquire the identification information of the solar cell module 12 that has not responded.

Next, the flow of the process for acquiring the identification information of the solar cell module 12 that did not respond in step S304 will be described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the subroutine in step S304. The recognition unit 102 first refers to the storage unit 104 (step S311), and confirms whether or not it has the identification information regarding the unresponsive solar cell module 12 (step S312). Here, if the identification information related to the unresponsive solar cell module 12 can be acquired from the storage unit 103, the process proceeds to step S317, and based on the information, the type information related to the unresponsive solar cell module 12 is obtained. Add to system configuration.

On the other hand, if the identification information related to the unresponsive solar cell module 12 cannot be acquired in step S312, the process proceeds to step S313 to inquire the identification information from the external DB via the communication unit 103. Then, the recognition unit 102 performs a process of determining whether or not the identification information related to the unresponsive solar cell module 12 can be acquired from the external DB (step S314), and if it can be acquired, proceeds to step S317.

On the other hand, if the identification information related to the unresponsive solar cell module 12 cannot be acquired in step S314, the recognition unit 102 warns the user that there is a solar cell module 12 for which the identification information cannot be acquired. Notify (step S315). Specifically, an error message may be displayed on the display screen of the power conditioner 11, a voice alarm may be output from the speaker, or an alarm may be transmitted to the user's mobile terminal. May be good. Further, the notification may be given by a combination of these.

After notifying the user in step S315, the recognition unit 102 waits for the input of information by the user, and when the information is input by the user (step S316), the process proceeds to step S317, and the recognition unit 102 proceeds to step S317 and is not based on the information. The type information relating to the response solar cell module 12 is added to the system configuration.

Then, in step S317, when the type information related to the unresponsive solar cell module 12 is added to the system configuration, a series of subroutines is terminated.

According to the configuration such as the photovoltaic power generation system 10 according to the present modification as described above, the configuration of the entire system is configured after acquiring identification information for all the solar cell modules 12 connected to the power conditioner 11. Since it can be determined, the accuracy of the system configuration recognized by the recognition unit 102 can be improved. Therefore, the control unit 101 can control the inverter 112 more appropriately.

It is also possible to post the order in which the processes of step S302 are executed in the present modification example so that the processes are performed after step S304. That is, instead of performing a subroutine to confirm the configuration of the unresponsive solar cell module after sending an inquiry signal to all the solar cell modules, if there is an unresponsive solar cell module, each time there is an unresponsive solar cell module. , You may want to execute a subroutine to check the configuration.

<Embodiment 2>
It should be noted that the power conditioner 11 can be connected to various types of solar cell modules other than those shown in the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing a photovoltaic power generation system 20 according to another embodiment of the present invention. In the following, the same reference numerals will be used for the same configurations and processes as in the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 8, the photovoltaic power generation system 20 of the present embodiment has three solar cell modules 22, a power conditioner 11, and an AC power supply 13. That is, in the solar power generation system 20 according to the present embodiment, the configuration of the solar cell module 22 is different from that of the first embodiment, and the other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

Each of the solar cell module 22a, the solar cell module 22b, and the solar cell module 22c is not a configuration in which an optimizer is provided as an external device, but is a solar panel in which an optimizer is integrally incorporated. With such a configuration, the space for installing the solar cell module 22 can be reduced and the management cost of the equipment constituting the system can be reduced as compared with the configuration in which the optimizer is provided as a separate body.

<Embodiment 3>
Further, FIG. 9 shows a photovoltaic power generation system 30 according to still another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 9, in the photovoltaic power generation system 30 of the present embodiment, two solar cell modules, a solar cell module 32a and a solar cell module 32b, are connected to the power conditioner 11.

The solar cell module 32a has a configuration in which three solar panels 321a are connected to one optimizer 322a, and the solar cell module 32b is also configured to have three solar panels 321b connected to one optimizer 322b. It has a structure of The three solar panels 321a are connected in series, respectively, and form a so-called string. The same applies to the solar panel 321b. With such a configuration, the optimizers 322a and 322b can control the output voltage of the solar panel 321 in string units.

<Embodiment 4>
Next, the solar power generation system 40 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the photovoltaic power generation system 40 according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the photovoltaic power generation system 40 is connected to a power conditioner 43 connected to an AC power supply 43, an optimizer 422a and 422b connected to the power conditioner 43, and a solar panel 421c and an optimizer 422a. The solar panel 421a and the solar panel 421b connected to the optimizer 422b are provided.

In the present embodiment, the optimizer 422a and the solar panel 421a constitute the solar cell module 42a, and the optimizer 422b and the solar panel 421b constitute the solar cell module 42b. The solar panel 421c is not connected to the optimizer, and only the solar panel 421c constitutes one solar cell module.

The power conditioner 43 includes a control device 411, an inverter 412 that converts direct current into alternating current, and a chopper circuit 413 that converts direct current voltage. Of these, the configurations other than the chopper circuit 413 are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted. Further, the control device 411 includes each functional module of the control unit 401, the recognition unit 402, the communication unit 403, and the storage unit 404.

The control unit 401 controls the output voltage of the solar panel 421c via the chopper circuit 413. That is, the control unit 401 and the chopper circuit 413 function as an optimizer for the solar panel 421c.

In the present embodiment, the system configuration detection process executed by the recognition unit 402 is substantially the same as in the case of the first embodiment, but the subroutine in the system configuration inquiry is slightly different from the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of the subroutine in the system configuration inquiry according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, the recognition unit 402 first inquires about the identification information from the solar cell module by wireless communication via the communication unit 403 (step 411). Here, if there is a response to the inquiry, the process proceeds to step S415, the information regarding the type of the solar cell module is added to the system configuration, and the series of processes is completed.

On the other hand, when the response signal to the inquiry signal transmitted in step S411 is not received, the recognition unit 402 inquires about the identification information by wire communication (step S412). Here, if there is a response to the inquiry, the process proceeds to step S415, the information regarding the type of the solar cell module is added to the system configuration, and the series of processes is completed.

On the other hand, when the response signal to the inquiry signal transmitted in step S412 is not received, the recognition unit 402 further inquires the identification information by PLC (step S413). Here, if there is a response to the inquiry, the process proceeds to step S415, the information regarding the type of the solar cell module is added to the system configuration, and the series of processes is completed.

On the other hand, when the response signal to the inquiry signal transmitted in step S413 is not received, the recognition unit 402 determines that the connected solar cell module does not have an optimizer, and ends a series of processes. (Step S414).

Then, for the solar cell module determined not to have the optimizer, the control unit 401 controls the output voltage including the MPPT via the chopper circuit 413 during the daytime operation.

According to the present embodiment having the above configuration, even if the solar cell module provided with the optimizer and the solar cell module not provided with the optimizer are mixed, the control for optimizing the output power of the entire system can be performed. can.

<Others>
Each of the above embodiments is merely an example of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the above specific embodiment. The present invention can be variously modified and combined within the scope of its technical idea. For example, it is possible to configure a system in which the solar cell modules of the first embodiment and the second embodiment are mixed. Further, a part of the plurality of solar cell modules may be a string solar cell module as shown in the third embodiment. Further, it is also possible to configure a photovoltaic power generation system by combining the configuration of the solar cell module of the second or third embodiment and the configuration of the fourth embodiment.

Further, the process of detecting the system configuration of the first embodiment may be combined with the process of the modified example. Specifically, after step S205 of the first embodiment, a subroutine for confirming the configuration of the solar cell module that did not respond may be performed. At this time, since the reference to the storage unit 103 has already been executed, only the inquiry to the external DB and the alarm notification to the user may be performed. Other combinations of processing can be freely performed as long as there is no contradiction.

Further, in each of the above embodiments, among the communication protocols used in the inquiry processing, the communication protocol when there is a response from the solar cell module is defined as a specific communication protocol for subsequent communication, and the storage unit. The communication connection between the power conditioner and the solar cell module may be established.

One aspect of the present invention is a solar cell having one or more solar cell modules (12) that generate a DC current and a processing device (11) that is communicatively and electrically connected to the solar cell module. In the system (10), the processing device converts the DC current generated by the solar cell module into an AC current and outputs the inverter unit (112), and the communication content between the processing device and the solar cell module. Based on the above, a recognition unit (102) that recognizes the presence / absence of the solar cell module and the type of the solar cell module, and a control unit (101) that controls the output from the inverter unit according to the recognized contents. ), And is a solar power generation system.

Further, another aspect of the present invention is a photovoltaic power generation processing apparatus (11) that is communicatively and electrically connected to one or more solar cell modules (12) that generate a DC current, and is the solar cell. Based on the communication content between the inverter unit (112) that converts the DC current generated by the battery module into an AC current and outputs it to the solar cell module, the presence or absence of the solar cell module and the type of the solar cell module are determined. It is a photovoltaic power generation processing apparatus including a recognition unit (102) for recognition and a control unit (101) for controlling an output from the inverter unit according to the recognized content.

Further, another aspect of the present invention is a solar power generation processing apparatus that is communically and electrically connected to one or more solar cell modules that generate a DC current, and converts the DC current into an AC current and outputs the current. In a method for controlling the conversion of the DC current into an AC current, an inquiry signal for inquiring about the presence / absence of the solar cell module and the type of the solar cell module is transmitted to the solar cell module. Step (S204), the step of recognizing the presence / absence of the solar cell module and the type of the solar cell module based on the response content to the inquiry signal (S206), and based on the recognized content. A control method for a solar power generation processing apparatus comprising the step (S104) for controlling the conversion of the DC current to the AC current.

1, 2, 3, 4, 10 ... Solar power generation system 11, 41 ... Power conditioner 111, 411 ... Control device 112, 412 ... Inverter 101, 401 ... Control unit 102, 402 ... Recognition unit 103, 403 ... Communication unit 104, 405 ... Storage unit 12, 22, 32, 42 ... Solar cell module 121, 321, 421 ... Solar panel 122, 322, 422 ... Solar panel 122, 322, 422・ ・ ・ Optimizer 13, 43 ・ ・ ・ AC power supply 416 ・ ・ ・ Chopper circuit

Claims (15)

A photovoltaic system comprising one or more solar cell modules that generate direct current and a processing device that is communicatively and electrically connected to the solar cell module.
The processing device is
An inverter unit that converts the direct current generated by the solar cell module into an alternating current and outputs it.
A recognition unit that recognizes the presence / absence of the solar cell module and the type of the solar cell module based on the communication content between the processing device and the solar cell module.
A control unit that controls the output from the inverter unit in response to the recognized content, and a control unit.
A solar power generation system. The recognition unit recognizes the presence / absence of the solar cell module and the type of the solar cell module by acquiring identification information that can identify the type of the solar cell module.
The solar power generation system according to claim 1, wherein the solar power generation system is characterized in that. The identification information includes information on any one of the type of one or more components of the solar cell module, the attributes of one or more components of the solar cell module, or the topology of the solar cell module.
The solar power generation system according to claim 2, wherein the solar power generation system is characterized in that. The identification information is
One or more components of the solar cell module is an optimizer as a DC / DC converter connected to one or more solar cells constituting the solar cell module, and / or the optimizer is a number of the suns. Including that it is information indicating whether it is connected to the battery,
The solar power generation system according to claim 3, wherein the solar power generation system is characterized in that. When the identification information indicates that the optimizer is connected to the solar cell module,
The control unit causes the optimizer to execute the maximum power tracking process of the solar cell module so that the output from the inverter unit is optimized.
The solar power generation system according to claim 4, wherein the solar power generation system is characterized in that. Has more memory,
The recognition unit acquires the identification information from the storage means.
The solar power generation system according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the solar power generation system is characterized in that. The processing device further comprises a communication unit that transmits an inquiry signal to the solar cell module according to a plurality of predetermined communication protocols.
The recognition unit obtains a response signal transmitted from the solar cell module in response to one or more inquiry signals transmitted by the communication unit, whereby the presence / absence of the solar cell module and the presence / absence of the solar cell module and the solar cell module. Recognize the type,
The solar power generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the solar power generation system is characterized in that. If the communication unit cannot receive the response signal from the solar cell module after transmitting the inquiry signal to the solar cell module, the communication unit transmits the inquiry signal having a content different from the inquiry signal already transmitted. , Send again,
The solar power generation system according to claim 7, wherein the solar power generation system is characterized in that. The communication unit
The communication protocol when the inquiry signal in response to the response from the solar cell module is generated is selected as the specific communication protocol.
Establishing a communication connection between the processing device and the solar cell module based on the specific communication protocol.
The solar power generation system according to claim 8, wherein the solar power generation system is characterized in that. The recognition unit acquires the response signal via the communication unit.
The solar power generation system according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the solar power generation system is characterized in that. When the recognition unit cannot acquire the response signal via the communication unit, the recognition unit
A process of requesting a referenceable storage means or a user for identification information that can identify the type of the solar cell module.
The process of determining that the solar cell module that cannot acquire the response signal does not have an optimizer.
Processing that ignores the solar cell module that cannot acquire the response signal,
To execute one of the processes of
The solar power generation system according to claim 10, wherein the solar power generation system is characterized in that. The control unit executes the maximum power tracking process of the solar cell module so that the output from the inverter unit is optimized.
The solar power generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that. A photovoltaic power generation processing device that is communicatively and electrically connected to one or more solar cell modules that generate direct current.
An inverter unit that converts the direct current generated by the solar cell module into an alternating current and outputs it.
A recognition unit that recognizes the presence / absence of the solar cell module and the type of the solar cell module based on the communication content with the solar cell module.
A control unit that controls the output from the inverter unit in response to the recognized content, and a control unit.
Is equipped with
A photovoltaic power generation processing device characterized by this. A method of controlling the conversion of a direct current into an alternating current in a processing device that is communicatively and electrically connected to one or more solar cell modules that generate a direct current and that converts the direct current into an alternating current and outputs the current. And,
A step of transmitting an inquiry signal to the solar cell module for inquiring about the presence / absence of the solar cell module and the type of the solar cell module, and
A step of recognizing the presence / absence of the solar cell module and the type of the solar cell module based on the content of the response to the inquiry signal, and
A step of controlling the conversion of the direct current to the alternating current based on the recognized content, and
A method of controlling a photovoltaic power generation processing device. A program for causing a photovoltaic power generation processing apparatus to perform the processing of each step according to claim 14.

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