JP7725905B2 - Storage battery unit and storage battery device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a storage battery unit and storage battery device with variable storage capacity.

Power generation systems equipped with solar power generation modules and the like, and battery storage systems connected to power grids that supply commercial power, are well known. Battery storage systems constitute distributed power sources at consumers' facilities and are configured to store the power generated by the power generation system or store the power supplied from the power grid during times when rates are lower, such as at night, so that the stored power can be supplied to loads when needed. Battery storage systems are available in a variety of forms, including separate types in which a battery device incorporating a battery module is separated from a power conditioner with a power conversion unit that performs power conversion related to the charging and discharging of the battery device, and integrated types in which the battery module and power conversion unit are integrated.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-196185

When a storage battery system is configured as a separate system, storage battery devices are installed according to the consumer's power needs and the configuration and scale of the distributed power source. Manufacturers, distributors, and other businesses that provide storage battery devices to consumers have had to individually prepare multiple types of storage battery devices with different storage capacities (kWh) (e.g., 5 kWh, 10 kWh, 15 kWh, etc.) to accommodate the consumer's power needs. Businesses that provide storage battery devices have had to hold inventory of storage battery devices manufactured for each capacity, and managing this product inventory has presented challenges.

For example, the size, weight, and price of a battery storage device increase relatively in proportion to the storage capacity. For this reason, a 15 kWh battery storage device requires a relatively larger storage space than a 5 kWh battery storage device. Furthermore, the packaged weight of a 15 kWh battery storage device is heavy, exceeding 150 kg, so there are many constraints on storing inventory. If the storage period is prolonged, the battery modules built into the battery storage device will inevitably deteriorate. For small-scale retailers, it can be difficult to manage inventory of multiple types of battery storage devices with different storage capacities (kWh).

To reduce the number of different battery capacity types, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example, it is possible to configure battery devices with single-capacity battery modules and increase or decrease the number of battery devices depending on the consumer's power situation, thereby providing the storage capacity desired by the consumer. However, this configuration requires the power conditioner to be equipped with a power conversion unit corresponding to the number of battery devices, which increases the cost of the power conditioner and may also lead to incorrect wiring when connecting multiple battery devices to the power conditioner. It also creates new challenges, such as having to keep a stock of different types of power conditioners corresponding to the number of battery devices.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide technology that simplifies inventory management of storage battery devices, prevents incorrect wiring during connection, and enables variable storage capacity.

One aspect of the disclosed technology for solving the above problem is:
A storage battery unit that houses at least one storage battery module having a unit capacity in a housing,
a first terminal connected to one of the positive and negative terminals of a first storage battery module; and a second terminal connected to the other of the positive and negative terminals of the first storage battery module;
a third terminal connected to one of the positive electrode side or the negative electrode side of a second storage battery module and a fourth terminal connected to the other of the positive electrode side or the negative electrode side of the second storage battery module are disposed on the same housing surface;
the first terminal and the fourth terminal are arranged on one end side of the housing surface such that a polarity of the first storage battery module connected to the first terminal differs from a polarity of the second storage battery module connected to the fourth terminal, and the second terminal and the third terminal are arranged on the other end side of the housing surface such that a polarity of the first storage battery module connected to the second terminal differs from a polarity of the second storage battery module connected to the third terminal;
The first terminal and the fourth terminal are disposed so that a first distance between the first terminal and the fourth terminal and a second distance between the second terminal and the third terminal satisfy a predetermined condition.
It is characterized by:

This allows for the construction of a storage battery device that uses storage battery units 12, each having a storage battery module with a unit capacity within a housing, as a structural unit, allowing for variable storage capacity in accordance with the consumer's power requirements and the configuration and scale of the distributed power source. The positive and negative terminals connected to the storage battery modules built into the storage battery unit 12 are positioned within a single housing surface to prevent incorrect connection. For example, the storage capacity obtained by serially connecting the second and third terminals located on the other end (e.g., lower side) of the connector arrangement surface of two storage battery modules 12b housed in the storage battery unit 12 can be provided to the outside via the first and fourth terminals located on one end (e.g., upper side) of the connector arrangement surface. A storage battery device that uses storage battery units 12 as structural units allows for easy inventory management, minimizes storage constraints due to size and weight, and prevents incorrect connection.

In one embodiment of the disclosed technology, a connection cable is provided with a first mating terminal at one end that mates with the first terminal and a second mating terminal at the other end that mates with the second terminal, the first mating terminal being matable with the third terminal and the second mating terminal being matable with the fourth terminal, wherein the second distance is a distance at which the second terminal and the third terminal can be connected by the connection cable, the length of which is predetermined, and a distance at which the first terminal and the second terminal, and the third terminal and the fourth terminal, cannot be connected, and the first distance is a distance at which the first terminal and the fourth terminal cannot be connected by the connection cable. This allows a storage battery device to be constructed with a dedicated DC connection cable 14, the length of which is predetermined, for connecting the positive terminal connected to one storage battery module and the negative terminal connected to the other storage battery module. The dedicated DC connection cable 14 does not connect the positive terminal connected to one storage battery module located at one end (e.g., the upper side) of the connector placement surface to the negative terminal connected to the other storage battery module, but connects the negative terminal connected to one storage battery module located at the other end (e.g., the lower side) of the connector placement surface to the positive terminal connected to the other storage battery module. As a result, a storage capacity twice the unit capacity can be provided when storage battery modules of the same unit capacity are directly connected. Furthermore, incorrect connection to the storage battery unit 12 when assembling the storage battery device can be prevented.

In one embodiment of the disclosed technology, a connection cable may include a first mating terminal at one end that fits with the first terminal and a second mating terminal at the other end that fits with the second terminal, the first mating terminal being matable with the third terminal and the second mating terminal being matable with the fourth terminal, the first distance being a distance that allows the first terminal to be connected to the fourth terminal by the connection cable having a predetermined length for connecting the second terminal to the third terminal, and a circuit for interrupting an overcurrent may be provided in a connection path between an electrode of the first storage battery module connected to the first terminal or the second terminal, or in a connection path between an electrode of the second storage battery module connected to the third terminal or the fourth terminal. Thus, even if a storage battery module in a series-connected storage battery unit is short-circuited due to incorrect connection of a DC connection cable 14, the overcurrent flowing in the path can be interrupted, thereby protecting the storage battery module.

In addition, in one embodiment of the disclosed technology,
A storage battery unit that houses at least one storage battery module having a unit capacity in a housing,
a first terminal connected to one of the positive and negative terminals of a first storage battery module; and a second terminal connected to the other of the positive and negative terminals of the first storage battery module;
a third terminal and a fourth terminal connected to the third terminal by a wiring are disposed on the same housing surface;
the first terminal and the fourth terminal are arranged on one end side of the housing surface, and the second terminal and the third terminal are arranged on the other end side of the housing surface,
The first terminal and the fourth terminal are disposed so that a first distance between the first terminal and the fourth terminal and a second distance between the second terminal and the third terminal satisfy a predetermined condition.
It is characterized by:

Even in this configuration, a storage battery device can be constructed in which the storage battery unit 12 is used as a structural unit, and the storage capacity can be varied according to the unit capacity of the storage battery module, depending on the consumer's power situation, the configuration and scale of the distributed power source, etc., thereby preventing incorrect connection.

In addition, in one embodiment of the disclosed technology,
A storage battery unit that houses at least one storage battery module having a unit capacity in a housing,
a first housing surface on which a first terminal connected to one of the positive and negative sides of a first storage battery module and a second terminal connected to the other of the positive and negative sides of the first storage battery module are disposed;
a second housing surface on which a third terminal connected to one of the positive electrode side or the negative electrode side of a second storage battery module and a fourth terminal connected to the other of the positive electrode side or the negative electrode side of the second storage battery module are disposed;
the first terminal is disposed on one end side of the first housing surface, the second terminal is disposed on the other end side of the first housing surface, the fourth terminal is disposed on one end side of the second housing surface, and the third terminal is disposed on the other end side;
the polarity of the first storage battery module connected to a first terminal arranged on one end side of the first housing surface is different from the polarity of the second storage battery module connected to a fourth terminal arranged on one end side of the second housing surface;
The first terminal and the second terminal arranged on the first housing surface, and the third terminal and the fourth terminal arranged on the second housing surface are connection cables each having a predetermined length, and each having a first mating terminal at one end that fits into the first terminal and a second mating terminal at the other end that fits into the second terminal, and the first mating terminal is arranged at a distance that prevents connection by a connection cable configured to be matable with the third terminal and the second mating terminal is matable with the fourth terminal.
It is characterized by:

Even with this configuration, a storage battery device can be constructed using the storage battery units 12 as building blocks, allowing for variable storage capacity depending on the unit capacity of the storage battery modules, the power consumption situation of the consumer, the configuration and scale of the distributed power source, etc. Furthermore, terminals (e.g., first terminal, second terminal) connected to the electrodes (positive and negative) of one storage battery module 12b1 can be arranged on one of the multiple housing surfaces that make up the housing of the storage battery unit 12, and terminals (e.g., third terminal, fourth terminal) connected to the electrodes (positive and negative) of the other storage battery module 12b2 can be arranged separately on another housing surface different from the above housing surface. When building a storage battery device using storage battery units 12 as building blocks, contractors and others can visually identify the destinations of the inter-unit connections via DC cables 14, thereby improving the prevention of incorrect connections.

In one embodiment of the disclosed technology, the first housing surface and the second housing surface may form opposing surfaces of a housing that houses the first storage battery module and the second storage battery module. This allows terminals connected to the electrodes of the first and second storage battery modules 12b to be arranged separately on each of the opposing housing surfaces of the storage battery unit 12. In a storage battery device that uses storage battery units 12 as its constituent units, for example, it is possible to separate the terminal group connected to the electrodes of the first storage battery module 12b on one opposing side (e.g., the left side) and the terminal group connected to the electrodes of the first storage battery module 12b on the other opposing side (e.g., the right side). This further enhances the effectiveness of preventing incorrect connection between units using DC cables 14 and is expected to improve work efficiency.

In one embodiment of the disclosed technology, a third terminal and a fourth terminal connected to the third terminal by wiring may be arranged on the second housing surface. Even in this configuration, the effectiveness of preventing incorrect connections between units using the DC connection cable 14 can be further enhanced.

In one embodiment of the disclosed technology, the first and second terminals arranged on the first housing surface and the third and fourth terminals arranged on the second housing surface may be configured as terminals of a single type, and the first and second mating terminals provided on the connection cable may be configured as mating terminals that can be mated with the terminals of the single type. As a result, when connecting units of a storage battery device whose constituent units are storage battery units 12, the connectors provided on both ends of the DC connection cable 14a are configured as identical connectors, eliminating the need to check the cable orientation (the type of connector that can be mated with terminals T1, T2, such as male or female), improving workability. Furthermore, cost reductions can be expected by consolidating the types of components used for connecting units.

In addition, in one embodiment of the disclosed technology,
A storage battery apparatus including a plurality of storage battery units according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
a connection cable having a first fitting terminal at one end adapted to fit into the first terminal and a second fitting terminal at the other end adapted to fit into the second terminal, the first fitting terminal being adapted to be able to fit into the third terminal, and the second fitting terminal being adapted to be able to fit into the fourth terminal;
a second terminal arranged on a housing surface of a first storage battery unit and a first terminal arranged on a housing surface of a second storage battery unit, and a third terminal arranged on a housing surface of the first storage battery unit and a fourth terminal arranged on a housing surface of the second storage battery unit are connected by the connection cable, the length of which is specified in advance, to connect the second terminal and the third terminal;
It is characterized by:

This allows the construction of a storage battery device with variable storage capacity, using the storage battery units 12 and DC connection cables 14 as the basic components. Storage battery devices are easy to manage because at least one type of storage battery unit 12 and one type of connection cable 14 can be managed as inventory, minimizing storage battery device storage constraints due to size and weight. The storage battery device uses dedicated DC connection cables 14 with pre-defined lengths to connect the storage battery modules 12b in multiple storage battery units 12 in series, allowing the consumer to build the storage capacity they desire. Furthermore, because multiple storage battery units 12 are connected using dedicated DC connection cables 14, incorrect connections are prevented.

In addition, in one embodiment of the disclosed technology,
A storage battery apparatus including a plurality of storage battery units according to any one of claims 5 to 8,
a connection cable having a first fitting terminal at one end adapted to fit into the first terminal and a second fitting terminal at the other end adapted to fit into the second terminal, the first fitting terminal being adapted to be able to fit into the third terminal, and the second fitting terminal being adapted to be able to fit into the fourth terminal;
a second terminal arranged on the first housing surface of the first storage battery unit and a first terminal arranged on the first housing surface of the second storage battery unit, and a fourth terminal arranged on the second housing surface of the first storage battery unit and a third terminal arranged on the second housing surface of the second storage battery unit are connected by the connection cable, the length of which is predetermined to connect the second terminal arranged on the first housing surface of the first storage battery unit and the first terminal arranged on the first housing surface of the second storage battery unit;
It is characterized by:

Even in this configuration, a storage battery device with variable storage capacity can be constructed using the storage battery units 12 and DC connection cables 14 as basic components. Storage battery devices are easy to manage because at least one type of storage battery unit 12 and one type of DC connection cable 14 can be managed as inventory, minimizing storage constraints on the storage battery device due to size and weight. The storage battery device uses dedicated DC connection cables 14 with predetermined lengths to connect the storage battery modules 12b in multiple storage battery units 12 in series, allowing the consumer to build the storage capacity they desire. Furthermore, multiple storage battery units 12 are connected via dedicated DC connection cables 14 to terminal groups located separately on different housing surfaces, improving workability and preventing incorrect connections.

In one embodiment of the disclosed technology, the mount includes a first terminal arranged on a first housing surface and a second terminal arranged on a second housing surface opposite the first housing surface, the first terminal arranged on the first housing surface and the second terminal arranged on the second housing surface being connected by a wiring mechanism, and the first terminal arranged on the first housing surface of the mount and the second terminal arranged on the first housing surface of the second storage battery unit, and the second terminal arranged on the second housing surface of the mount and the third terminal arranged on the second housing surface of the second storage battery unit, may be further connected by the connection cable. As a result, in the storage battery unit 12 combined with the mount (fixture 13a), for example, one storage battery module 12b1 and the other storage battery module 12b2 can be connected in series via the wiring mechanism of the mount, thereby omitting the DC connection cable 14 connecting the storage battery modules. In a storage battery device whose basic configuration is a storage battery unit 12, a stand (fixture) 13a, and a DC connection cable 14, the DC connection cable 14 can be used to connect only to terminal groups that are separately arranged on different housing surfaces of multiple storage battery units 12, which is expected to further improve workability and prevent incorrect connections.

Furthermore, in one embodiment of the disclosed technology, the first and second mating terminals of the connection cable may be configured as the same mating terminal. As a result, when connecting units of a storage battery device whose constituent units are storage battery units 12, the connectors provided on both ends of the DC connection cable 14a are configured as the same connector, eliminating the need to check the cable orientation (the type of connector that can be mated with terminals T1, T2, such as male or female), improving workability. Furthermore, cost reductions can be expected by consolidating the types of parts used for connecting units.

This invention provides technology that simplifies inventory management of battery devices, prevents incorrect wiring during connection, and allows for variable storage capacity.

1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a distributed power supply system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a separate-type storage battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of another configuration of a separated-type storage battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a storage battery device according to an embodiment of the present invention; 1 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of terminals T1 and T2 provided on the same housing surface of a storage battery unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating configuration examples of a storage battery device according to an embodiment of the present invention in other capacity forms. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a connection configuration between storage battery units in a first modified example of the present invention. 10 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a storage battery device according to a second modified example of the present invention. FIG. 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of the configuration of a storage battery device according to a second modified example of the present invention in another capacity form. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a storage battery device according to a third modified example of the present invention. 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of the configuration of a storage battery device according to a third modified example of the present invention in another capacity form. 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating another configuration of a storage battery device according to Modification 3 of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a storage battery device according to a fourth modified example of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a storage battery device according to a fifth modified example of the present invention. 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of the configuration of a storage battery device according to variant 5 of the present invention in another capacity form. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a storage battery device according to a sixth modified example of the present invention. A diagram illustrating inter-unit connections in a storage battery equipment according to variant 6 of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a storage battery device according to variant 6 of the present invention in another capacity form. A diagram illustrating inter-unit connections in a storage battery equipment according to variant 7 of the present invention.

[Application example]
Hereinafter, application examples of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a distributed power system 200 according to an application example of the present invention. The distributed power system 200 according to this application example is a hybrid power system including a power generation system 150 including a photovoltaic power generation module 70 and a storage battery system 100 connected to a power grid 90 supplied with commercial power. The storage battery system 100 includes a storage battery device 40 incorporating a storage battery module 41 and a power conditioner 50 (hereinafter also referred to as "PCS 50"). The storage battery device 40 and the power conditioner 50 constitute a separate storage battery system. The power generation system 150 includes a power conditioner 60 (hereinafter also referred to as "PCS 60") and a photovoltaic power generation module 70. The power conditioner 60 includes a unidirectional DC/DC converter 61 that converts DC power generated by the photovoltaic power generation module 70 to a predetermined voltage. 1, the PCS 60 constituting the power generation system 150 and the PCS 50 of the battery system 100 are configured as separate housings, but the PCS 50 of the battery system 100 may be configured to be housed in the same housing as the PCS 60 constituting the power generation system 150. Also, the PCS 50 of the battery system 100 may house the unidirectional DC/DC converter 61 constituting the power generation system 150 in the same housing, and may have a function equivalent to the control function of the PCS 60. An appropriate form can be adopted depending on the configuration, scale, etc. of the distributed power source at the consumer.

As shown in Figure 2, in a separate-type battery system 100, after the battery system is constructed, it is possible to replace the battery device 40 depending on the power situation, the configuration and scale of the distributed power source, etc. For example, after constructing a battery system 100 that uses battery device 40#1 with a storage capacity of 5 kWh, it becomes possible to replace battery device 40#1 with battery device 40#2 or battery device 40#3 depending on an increase in load, etc. In a separate-type battery system 100, the wiring between the battery device 40 and the PCS 50 is connected one-to-one, so the possibility of incorrect wiring occurring when installing the wiring between the battery device 40 and the PCS 50 after replacement is extremely low.

However, as mentioned above, manufacturers, distributors, and other businesses that provide storage battery devices to consumers were required to prepare multiple types of storage battery devices 40#1 to 40#3 with different storage capacities (kWh) individually in order to respond to the consumers' power needs. As a result, businesses that provide storage battery devices were forced to hold inventory of storage battery devices manufactured for each capacity, and managing this product inventory became an issue.

As shown in Figure 3 (1), a storage battery device 40a may be configured with a single-capacity storage battery module 41a and connected in parallel to a PCS 50a that constitutes the storage battery system 100. However, in this configuration, to compensate for power loss due to the wiring connecting the PCS 50a and the multiple storage battery devices 40a and for variations in the capacity of each storage battery module, it is necessary to provide power conversion units 54a to 54c dedicated to the storage battery devices 40a within the PCS 50a. Because a power conversion unit 54 is provided according to the number of connected storage battery devices 40a, costs on the PCS side increase in proportion to the number of connected storage battery devices 40a. This also creates issues such as having to maintain a new inventory of power conditioners 50a of different types corresponding to the number of storage battery devices 40a, and there is a risk of incorrect wiring occurring when constructing the storage battery system 100 and connecting the multiple storage battery devices 40a to the PCS 50a.

As shown in FIG. 3(2), a storage battery device 40b may be configured with a single-capacity storage battery module 41b and connected in parallel to the bidirectional DC/DC converter 51 of the PCS 50 constituting the storage battery system 100. However, in this configuration, the storage battery device 40b would need to include a power conversion unit 42b, which would increase costs. Additionally, the inclusion of the power conversion unit 42b would inevitably increase the housing size of the storage battery device 40b. Although the number of capacity types is reduced, this requires a relatively large storage space and increases the package weight for inventory management. Furthermore, when constructing a storage battery system 100 using storage battery devices 40b, there is a risk of incorrect wiring between the multiple storage battery devices 40b and the bidirectional DC/DC converter 51.

As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 , a storage battery device 10 according to this application example is basically configured with a battery protection unit (BPU) 11, a storage battery unit (BMA) 12, and a fixture 13. The storage battery device is configured to have a variable storage capacity depending on the customer's power requirements and the configuration and scale of the distributed power source. The storage battery unit 12 includes a pair of storage battery modules 12b1 and 12b2, each having a capacity of 2.5 kWh, formed by dividing a 5 kWh storage battery module 41 into two. A male connection terminal T2 is connected to the positive electrode of the storage battery module 12b1, and a female connection terminal T1 is connected to the negative electrode of the storage battery module 12b1. The same applies to the storage battery module 12b2, and the terminals T1 and T2 are arranged on the connector arrangement surface of each storage battery unit so as to satisfy predetermined spacing conditions (separation distances "X", "Y", "Z", and "L"). Then, the storage battery units 12 are connected to each other or the terminals T1-T2 within the storage battery units 12 using a dedicated DC connection cable 14 that is pre-defined to a predetermined fixed length so that at least the terminals T1-T2 arranged at separation distances "X", "Y", and "Z" are connectable to each other, but the terminals T1-T2 arranged at separation distance "L" are not connectable to each other.

The storage battery device 10 according to this application example includes at least one type of BPU 11, one type of storage battery unit 12, one type of fixture 13, one type of DC connection cable 14,
By simply having one type of I/F connection cable 15 in stock, it is possible to provide a storage battery equipment 10 with multiple types of power storage capacities according to the number of storage battery units 12. Furthermore, since a pair of storage battery modules built into a storage battery unit 12 can be connected in series or in series with a storage battery module of another storage battery unit 12, the storage battery equipment 10 and the power conditioner (PCS) 50 can be connected with one-to-one connection wiring, preventing incorrect wiring. Furthermore, since the DC connection cable 14 enables predetermined connections between storage battery units 12 and within the storage battery unit 12, incorrect connections can be prevented when expanding capacity.

Example 1
Specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<System Configuration>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a distributed power system 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The distributed power system 200 according to this embodiment is a hybrid power system including a power generation system 150 equipped with a photovoltaic power generation module 70 and a storage battery system 100 connected to a power grid 90 supplied with commercial power. The storage battery system 100 includes a storage battery device 40 incorporating a storage battery module 41 and a power conditioner 50 (hereinafter also referred to as "PCS 50"). The storage battery device 40 and the power conditioner 50 constitute a separate storage battery system. The power generation system 150 includes a power conditioner 60 (hereinafter also referred to as "PCS 60") and a photovoltaic power generation module 70. The power conditioner 60 includes a unidirectional DC/DC converter 61 that converts DC power generated by the photovoltaic power generation module 70 to a predetermined voltage. The power generation system 150 may be configured as a power generation system other than a photovoltaic power generation system. Other types of power generation systems include power generation systems that use natural energy such as wind power and hydraulic power, and private power generation systems that use fuel.

The PCS 50 of the storage battery system 100 according to this embodiment includes a bidirectional DC/DC converter 51 and a bidirectional inverter INV 52, which are connected to each other via a DC bus 53. The INV 52 converts, for example, commercial AC power supplied from a power grid 90 into predetermined DC power (AC/DC) and outputs the converted power to the DC bus 53, and also converts the DC power supplied to the DC bus 53 into AC power and outputs the converted power to the power grid 90 or a load 80 installed in a customer's facility. In the PCS 50, the bidirectional DC/DC converter 51 is connected to the storage battery module 41 of the storage battery device 40, and the INV 52 is connected to the power grid 90 and the load 80 installed in the customer's facility via wiring equipment including a distribution board in the customer's facility. The bidirectional DC/DC converter 51 and the INV 52 are also connected to a unidirectional DC/DC converter 61 of the PCS 60 constituting the power generation system 150 via the DC bus 53. The unidirectional DC/DC converter 61 of the PCS 60 is connected to the photovoltaic power generation module 70. The hatched arrows in Fig. 1 indicate the flow of power.

As shown by the hatched arrows in Figure 1, the bidirectional DC/DC converter 51 converts the voltage of the DC power supplied to the DC bus 53 via the INV 52 and the unidirectional DC/DC converter 61 based on control commands from the PCS 50, and charges the storage battery modules 41 of the storage battery equipment 40. Similarly, the bidirectional DC/DC converter 51 converts the voltage of the discharged power discharged from the storage battery modules 41 of the storage battery equipment 40, and outputs it to the DC bus 53.

Furthermore, the unidirectional DC/DC converter 61 of the power generation system 150 performs voltage conversion of the DC power generated by the solar power generation module 70 based on control commands from the PCS 60, and outputs the converted power to the DC bus 53. The PCS 60 of the power generation system 150 performs maximum power point tracking (MPPT) so that the unidirectional DC/DC converter 61 operates at the maximum power (value of current x voltage) point where the power generation output of the solar power generation module 70 is at its maximum, or at the optimal operating point.

In Figure 1, the PCS 60 constituting the power generation system 150 and the PCS 50 of the battery system 100 are each configured as separate housings, but the PCS 50 of the battery system 100 may be configured to be housed in the same housing as the PCS 60 constituting the power generation system 150. Furthermore, the PCS 50 of the battery system 100 may house the unidirectional DC/DC converter 61 constituting the power generation system 150 in the same housing, and have functions equivalent to the control functions of the PCS 60. An appropriate configuration can be adopted depending on the configuration, scale, etc. of the distributed power source at the consumer.

Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a separate-type battery system. In Figure 2, battery devices 40#1 to 40#3 represent battery devices with different storage capacities (kWh), and each battery device includes (contains) battery modules 41#1 to 41#3 with different storage capacities. For example, battery device 40#1 has a storage capacity of 5 kWh, while battery devices 40#2 and 40#3 have storage capacities of 10 kWh and 15 kWh, respectively. In separate-type battery system 100, one of battery devices 40#1 to 40#3 is installed depending on the customer's power needs and the configuration and scale of the distributed power source.

As shown in Figure 2, in a separate-type battery system 100, after the battery system is constructed, it is possible to replace the battery device 40 depending on the power situation, the configuration and scale of the distributed power source, etc. For example, after constructing a battery system 100 that uses battery device 40#1 with a storage capacity of 5 kWh, it becomes possible to replace battery device 40#1 with battery device 40#2 or battery device 40#3 depending on an increase in load, etc. In a separate-type battery system 100, the wiring between the battery device 40 and the PCS 50 is connected one-to-one, so the possibility of incorrect wiring occurring when installing the wiring between the battery device 40 and the PCS 50 after replacement is extremely low.

However, as mentioned above, manufacturers, distributors, and other businesses that provide storage battery devices to consumers were required to prepare multiple types of storage battery devices 40#1 to 40#3 with different storage capacities (kWh) individually in order to respond to the consumers' power needs. As a result, businesses that provide storage battery devices were forced to hold inventory of storage battery devices manufactured for each capacity, and managing this product inventory became an issue.

Figure 3 illustrates another configuration of a separate-type battery system. Figures 3(1) and (2) illustrate examples of battery system 40 configurations that allow for a reduction in the capacity type of the battery system 40. Figure 3(1) shows an example of a configuration in which the battery system 40a is configured with battery modules 41a of a single capacity and can be connected in parallel to the PCS 50a that constitutes the battery system 100. By configuring the battery system 40a with battery modules 41a of a single capacity (e.g., 5 kWh), the number of battery systems 40a connected in parallel to the PCS 50a can be increased or decreased to provide the battery system 100 with the desired power capacity for the consumer. For example, adding two or three battery systems 40a can provide a storage capacity of 10 kWh or 15 kWh. By managing inventory only for battery systems 40a of a single capacity, the business operator can build a battery system with a storage capacity that suits the consumer's power needs, etc.

However, as shown in FIG. 3(1), to compensate for power loss due to the wiring connecting the PCS 50a and the multiple storage battery devices 40a and for variations in the capacity of each storage battery module, it is necessary to provide power conversion units 54a to 54c dedicated to the storage battery devices 40a within the PCS 50a. The power conversion units 54a to 54c are, for example, configured with bidirectional DC/DC converters with a different conversion capacity than the bidirectional DC/DC converter 51. In the storage battery system 100 configuration shown in FIG. 3(1), the number of power conversion units 54 is determined based on the number of connected storage battery devices 40a, resulting in an increase in costs on the PCS 20a side in proportion to the number of connected storage battery devices 40a. This also creates issues such as having to maintain a new inventory of power conditioners 20a of different types corresponding to the number of storage battery devices 40a, and there is also a risk of incorrect wiring occurring when constructing the storage battery system 100.

Figure 3 (2) shows an example of a configuration in which the storage battery device 40b is configured with a single-capacity storage battery module 41b and connected in parallel to the bidirectional DC/DC converter 51 of the PCS 50 that constitutes the storage battery system 100. Each storage battery device 40b is provided with a power conversion unit 42b to compensate for variations in the capacity of each storage battery module. The power conversion unit 42b is configured, for example, with a bidirectional DC/DC converter that has a different conversion capacity from the bidirectional DC/DC converter 51.

Even in the configuration shown in Figure 3 (2), the storage battery device 40b can be configured with a storage battery module 41b of a single capacity (e.g., 5 kWh) and a power conversion unit 42b. Therefore, by increasing or decreasing the number of storage battery devices 40b that can be connected in parallel, it is possible to provide a storage battery system 100 with the power capacity desired by the consumer. For example, by adding two or three storage battery devices 40b, a storage capacity of 10 kWh or 15 kWh can be provided. By limiting inventory management to storage battery devices 40b with such single capacity, the business operator can build a storage battery system with a storage capacity that suits the consumer's power situation, etc. Furthermore, because the storage battery device 40b is equipped with a power conversion unit 42b to compensate for power loss due to the connecting wiring, there is no need to maintain a new inventory of power conditioners 20 of different types corresponding to the number of storage battery devices 40b, as in the configuration shown in Figure 3 (1).

However, because the storage battery device 40b includes a power conversion unit 42b, costs are relatively higher compared to the storage battery device 40a shown in FIG. 3(1). Additionally, the inclusion of the power conversion unit 42b inevitably increases the housing size of the storage battery device 40b. Although the capacity types of the storage battery device are reduced, a relatively larger storage space is required compared to the storage battery device 40a shown in FIG. 3(1), and the packaging weight for inventory management also increases. Furthermore, when constructing the storage battery system 100 using the storage battery device 40b, there is a risk of incorrect wiring occurring in the wiring connecting the multiple storage battery devices 40b and the PCS 50.

<Storage battery device configuration>
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a storage battery system 10 according to this embodiment. The storage battery system 10 according to this embodiment is a storage battery system that allows for variable storage capacity depending on the customer's power requirements and the configuration and scale of distributed power sources. As shown in FIG. 4 , the storage battery system 10 according to this embodiment includes a battery protection unit (hereinafter also referred to as BPU) 11, battery module assemblies (BMA; 12#1, 12#2), and a fixture 13 for securing the storage battery system 10 to the customer's facility. The BPU 11 and the battery module assemblies 12#1, 12#2 are configured to be housed in their own individual housings. Hereinafter, the battery module assemblies will also be referred to as storage battery units, and the battery module assemblies (12#1, 12#2) will also be collectively referred to as storage battery units 12.

In the storage battery device 10 according to this embodiment, the storage battery unit 12 includes two storage battery modules (12b1, 12b2) and a monitoring unit (MBMS) 12a that monitors the storage battery status (e.g., SOC, etc.) related to charging and discharging of the storage battery unit. The storage battery unit 12 is formed, for example, by dividing the storage battery module 41 shown in FIG. 1 into two storage battery modules, and these two divided storage battery modules constitute a single-capacity storage battery unit 12. For example, a 5 kWh storage battery module 41 is divided into two to form a pair of storage battery modules (12b1, 12b2) each having a capacity of 2.5 kWh. The 2.5 kWh storage battery modules (12b1, 12b2) are then housed in the same housing to form a storage battery unit 12 with a storage capacity of 5 kWh. In the storage battery equipment 10 according to this embodiment, the capacity of each storage battery unit 12 is set as the base capacity, and multiple storage battery units 12 are connected in series according to the consumer's power situation, making it possible to provide a storage battery system with the desired storage capacity of the consumer. The configuration illustrated in Figure 4 is an example of a storage battery equipment 10 having a storage capacity of 10 kWh, configured by connecting two storage battery units 12 with a base capacity of 5 kWh in series. Hereinafter, the storage battery modules (12b1, 12b2) will be collectively referred to as storage battery module 12b.

A male connection terminal T2 is connected to the positive electrode side of the storage battery module 12b constituting the storage battery unit 12, and a female connection terminal T1 is connected to the negative electrode side. The terminals T1 and T2 connected to the storage battery module 12b1 and the terminals T1 and T2 connected to the storage battery module 12b2 are disposed, for example, on the same surface of a housing that houses the storage battery unit 12. For example, if the housing that houses the storage battery unit 12 is configured as a rectangular hexahedron, the terminals T1 and T2 connected to the storage battery module 12b1 and the terminals T1 and T2 connected to the storage battery module 12b2 are disposed on one surface that constitutes the hexahedron. Hereinafter, the housing surface on which the terminals T1 and T2 connected to each storage battery module are disposed is also referred to as the connector placement surface. In this embodiment, the storage battery module 12b1 corresponds to an example of a “first storage battery module,” and the storage battery module 12b2 corresponds to an example of a “second storage battery module.” Furthermore, the terminals T1 and T2 connected to the positive and negative electrodes of the storage battery module 12b1 correspond to an example of "a first terminal connected to one of the positive and negative sides of the first storage battery module, and a second terminal connected to the other of the positive and negative sides of the first storage battery module," and the terminals T1 and T2 connected to the positive and negative electrodes of the storage battery module 12b2 correspond to an example of "a third terminal connected to one of the positive and negative sides of the second storage battery module, and a fourth terminal connected to the other of the positive and negative sides of the first storage battery module."

Figure 5 illustrates the relative arrangement of terminals T1 and T2 provided on the same housing surface of the battery unit 12. In Figure 5, the connector arrangement surface of battery unit 12#1 and the connector arrangement surface of battery unit 12#2 are shown aligned vertically, with the connector arrangement surface of battery unit 12#1 positioned on the upper side. In battery unit 12#1, terminal T2, which is connected to the positive terminal of battery module 12b1, and terminal T1, which is connected to the negative terminal of battery module 12b2, are aligned horizontally above the connector arrangement surface. Terminal T1, which is connected to the negative terminal of battery module 12b1, and terminal T2, which is connected to the positive terminal of battery module 12b2, are aligned horizontally below the connector arrangement surface. The positions of terminals T1 and T2 connected to each battery module 12b are the same on the connector arrangement surface of battery unit 12#2. A connector terminal T6 for connecting the monitoring unit (MBMS) 12a is provided on the connector arrangement surface of each storage battery unit 12. In this embodiment, the upper side of the connector arrangement surface corresponds to an example of "one end side of the housing surface," and the lower side of the connector arrangement surface corresponds to an example of "the other end side of the housing surface."

On the connector arrangement surface of battery unit 12#1, terminals T2 and T1, which are arranged side by side in the left-right direction on the upper side, are spaced apart by a distance of "L," while terminals T1 and T2, which are arranged side by side in the left-right direction on the lower side, are spaced apart by a distance of "Y." This arrangement is similar on the connector arrangement surface of battery unit 12#1. Furthermore, between the connector arrangement surfaces of battery unit 12#1 and battery unit 12#2, which are arranged side by side in the vertical direction, the distance between terminal T1, which is located on the lower side of the connector arrangement surface of battery unit 12#1, and terminal T2, which is located on the upper side of the connector arrangement surface of battery unit 12#2, is "X." Similarly, the distance between terminal T2, which is located on the lower side of the connector arrangement surface of battery unit 12#1, and terminal T1, which is located on the upper side of the connector arrangement surface of battery unit 12#2, is "Z." Here, the separation distance represents, for example, the distance between the approximate centers of the areas on the connector arrangement surface where terminals T1 and T2 are provided. In this embodiment, the separation distance between terminals T1 and T2 arranged side by side in the left-right direction on the upper side of the connector arrangement surface is an example of the "first distance," and the separation distance between terminals T1 and T2 arranged side by side in the left-right direction on the lower side is an example of the "second distance."

In the storage battery device 10 according to this embodiment, the storage battery units 12#1 and 12#2 are configured so that the storage battery modules 12b are connected in series using a dedicated DC connection cable 14. One end of the DC connection cable 14 is provided with a connector that can be mated with terminal T1 (e.g., a male connector corresponding to terminal T2), and the other end is provided with a connector that can be mated with terminal T2 (e.g., a female connector corresponding to terminal T1). The DC connection cable 14 is configured to have a predetermined fixed length. In this embodiment, the DC connection cable 14 is an example of a connection cable having a first mating terminal at one end that can be mated with the first terminal and a second mating terminal at the other end that can be mated with the second terminal, wherein the first mating terminal can be mated with the third terminal and the second mating terminal can be mated with the fourth terminal.

For example, the terminal T1 located on the lower side of the connector placement surface of the battery unit 12#1 is connected to the terminal T2 located on the upper side of the connector placement surface of the battery unit 12#2 using the DC connection cable 14. This connects the negative electrode of the battery module 12b1 of the battery unit 12#1 in series with the positive electrode of the battery module 12b1 of the battery unit 12#2. Similarly, the terminal T2 located on the lower side of the connector placement surface of the battery unit 12#1 is connected to the terminal T1 located on the upper side of the connector placement surface of the battery unit 12#2 using the DC connection cable 14. This connects the positive electrode of the battery module 12b2 of the battery unit 12#1 in series with the negative electrode of the battery module 12b2 of the battery unit 12#2. Furthermore, the terminals T1 and T2 located on the lower side of the connector placement surface of each battery unit are connected using a dedicated DC connection cable 14. As a result, the negative electrode side of the storage battery module 12b1 and the negative electrode side of the storage battery module 12b2 built into each storage battery unit are connected in series.

However, terminals T2 and T1, located on the upper side of the connector placement surface of each battery unit, cannot be connected using the dedicated DC connection cable 14. In other words, the distances "X," "Y," and "Z" represent the inter-terminal distances that can be connected using the dedicated DC connection cable 14, which is predefined to a predetermined fixed length. The distance "L" can also be described as the inter-terminal distance that cannot be connected using the DC connection cable 14. Note that two types of connectors with different mating types are provided on both ends of the dedicated DC connection cable 14. Therefore, for example, terminal T1 located on the lower side of the connector placement surface of battery unit 12#1 and terminal T1 located on the upper side of the connector placement surface of battery unit 12#2 cannot be connected via the DC connection cable 14. Similarly, terminal T2 located on the lower side of the connector placement surface of battery unit 12#1 and terminal T2 located on the upper side of the connector placement surface of battery unit 12#2 cannot be connected via the DC connection cable 14. Furthermore, the terminal T1 located on the upper side of the connector arrangement surface of each battery unit and the terminal T1 located on the lower side, and the terminal T2 located on the upper side and the terminal T2 located on the lower side are not connected via the DC connection cable 14. It goes without saying that the positive side (terminal T2) and negative side (terminal T1) of battery module 12b1, and the positive side (terminal T2) and negative side (terminal T1) of battery module 12b2 within the same battery unit cannot be connected by a dedicated DC connection cable 14.

In the storage battery device 10 according to this embodiment, the positions of terminals T1 and T2 arranged on the connector arrangement surface of the storage battery unit 12 are configured to satisfy the separation distances "X," "Y," "Z," and "L." Furthermore, by using a dedicated DC connection cable 14 with a predetermined fixed length, it is possible to prevent incorrect wiring of the storage battery unit 12 during capacity expansion. Furthermore, by using the dedicated DC connection cable 14, it is possible to connect the storage battery module 12b1 of one storage battery unit 12 in series with the storage battery module 12b1 of another storage battery unit 12, and the storage battery module 12b2 of one storage battery unit 12 in series with the storage battery module 12b2 of another storage battery unit 12. Similarly, the storage battery module 12b1 and the storage battery module 12b2 built into the storage battery unit 12 can be connected in series. According to the storage battery device 10 according to this embodiment, the storage battery modules 12b1 and 12b2 built into the storage battery unit 12 can be connected in series to provide a storage battery device with variable capacity.

Returning to FIG. 4 , the monitoring unit (MBMS) 12a of the storage battery unit 12 is a microcomputer unit including a processor (e.g., MPU), memory, a communication interface circuit, etc. The monitoring unit 12a monitors the charging and discharging states of the two storage battery modules 12b1 and 12b2 included in the storage battery unit 12 and adjusts the voltage variations of the storage battery cells constituting each of the storage battery modules 12b1 and 12b2. Examples of such a microcomputer unit include a unit having multiple functional ICs mounted on a board, and a dedicated IC for a system on a chip (SoC) that integrates functions such as the processor (e.g., MPU), memory, and communication interface circuit on a single chip. The memory may include flash memory, RAM, and ROM. The monitoring unit 12a is connected to the communication terminal T6 and is connected to the control unit (RBMS) 11a of the BPU 11 and the monitoring units 12a of other storage battery units 12 via an interface connection cable 15 having a connector terminal that fits into the communication terminal T6. The monitoring unit 12a monitors, for example, the state of the storage battery module 12b that it monitors by I/
The monitoring unit (MBMS) 12a monitors, for example, the voltages of the storage battery cells constituting the storage battery modules 12b1 and 12b2, the module temperatures, and the like as status information related to charging and discharging, and notifies the control unit 11a of the BPU 11 of the status information.

The BPU 11 is a unit that protects the storage battery modules 12b1, 12b2, etc. built into the storage battery unit 12 constituting the storage battery equipment 10 by controlling the cutoff of charging current, discharging current, etc. when overcharging, over-discharging, temperature abnormalities, etc. are detected in the storage battery unit 12. The BPU 11 has a connection interface for connecting to the power conditioner (PCS) 50 when constructing the storage battery system 100. Specifically, it has a DC+ side terminal T3 and a DC- side terminal T4 to which connection wiring for connecting to the bidirectional DC/DC converter 51 of the PCS 50 is connected. It also has an I/F terminal T5 for notifying the PCS 50 of a detected abnormality. The PCS 50 and BPU 11 are connected via communication, for example, a CAN.

The BPU 11 also has a connection interface for connecting to the storage battery unit 12. Specifically, it includes a terminal T1 for connecting to terminal T2 connected to the positive terminal of storage battery module 12b1 of the storage battery unit 12, and a terminal T2 for connecting to terminal T1 connected to the negative terminal of storage battery module 12b2 of the storage battery unit 12. It also includes a communication terminal T6 for acquiring status information of storage battery module 12b via the monitoring unit 12a of the storage battery unit 12. Terminal T1 of the BPU 11 is connected to terminal T2 connected to the positive terminal of storage battery module 12b1 of the storage battery unit 12, and terminal T2 of the BPU 11 is connected to terminal T1 connected to the negative terminal of storage battery module 12b2 of the storage battery unit 12, using a dedicated DC connection cable 14. Furthermore, the communication terminal T6 of the BPU 11 is connected to the communication terminal T6 connected to the monitoring unit 12a of the storage battery unit 12 via an I/F connection cable 15.

The BPU 11 includes a control unit (RBMS) 11a, a power supply 11b, a relay Ry, a circuit breaker CB, and a fuse F. The power supply 11b is an internal power supply for driving the control unit 11a. The power supply 11b generates drive power from the stored power of the storage battery units 12 connected via terminals T1 and T2, for example, and supplies this power to the control unit 11a. The control unit 11a is a microcomputer unit such as an SoC (System on a Chip) that controls the operation of the entire storage battery equipment 10 based on status information notified from each storage battery unit 12 that makes up the storage battery equipment 10. The control unit 11a includes a processor (such as an MPU), memory, a communication interface circuit, etc. The memory includes flash memory, RAM, ROM, etc.

The control unit 11a's function is to cut off charging and discharging currents when overcharging, overdischarging, temperature abnormalities, etc. are detected in the storage battery unit 12, thereby protecting the storage battery modules built into the storage battery unit. The control unit 11a also functions to notify the PCS 50 that constitutes the storage battery system 100 of abnormalities detected in the storage battery equipment 10. The control unit 11a calculates the SOC (State of Charge) and SOH (State of Health) of the storage battery equipment 10 based on, for example, status information notified from the monitoring unit (MBMS) 12a of each storage battery unit, the amount of input and output power via the DC+ side terminal T3 and the DC- side terminal T4, etc. The control unit 11a also manages information related to maintenance and warranty, such as the number of charge and discharge cycles of the storage battery equipment 10. The control unit 11a notifies the PCS 50 of the connected storage battery system 100 of the above information via the I/F terminal T5.

The relay Ry, circuit breaker CB, and fuse F constitute a protection circuit for protecting the storage battery module 12b and the like when overcharging, overdischarging, temperature abnormalities, etc. are detected. One end of the relay Ry is connected to the DC+ terminal T3, and the other end is connected to one end of the circuit breaker CB. The other end of the circuit breaker CB is connected to a terminal T1 for connection with a terminal T2 connected to the positive electrode of the storage battery module 12b1 of the storage battery unit 12. One end of the fuse F is connected to the DC- terminal T4, and the other end is connected to one end of the circuit breaker CB. The other end of the circuit breaker CB, one end of which is connected to the fuse F, is connected to a terminal T2 for connection with a terminal T1 connected to the negative electrode of the storage battery module 12b2 of the storage battery unit 12.

In the protection circuit, for example, based on control by the control unit 11a, the cutoff of charging current, discharging current, etc. is controlled by opening the contacts of relay Ry and cutting off circuit breaker CB. Furthermore, overcurrent flowing through each storage battery unit is cut off by melting fuse F. Circuit breaker CB may be manually turned on/off, or turned off when an overcurrent is detected.

In the battery storage device 10 shown in Figure 4, terminal T2 of the BPU 11 is connected to terminal T1 connected to the negative electrode side of battery module 12b2 of battery unit 12#1, and terminal T1 of the BPU 11 is connected to terminal T2 connected to the positive electrode side of battery module 12b1 of battery unit 12#1 via a DC connection cable 14. Terminal T2 connected to the positive electrode side of battery module 12b2 of battery unit 12#1 is connected to terminal T1 connected to the negative electrode side of battery module 12b2 of battery unit 12#2, and terminal T1 connected to the negative electrode side of battery module 12b1 of battery unit 12#1 is connected to terminal T2 connected to the positive electrode side of battery module 12b1 of battery unit 12#2 via a DC connection cable 14. In storage battery unit 12#2, terminal T2 connected to the positive electrode side of storage battery module 12b2 and terminal T1 connected to the negative electrode side of battery module 12b1 are connected via DC connection cable 14. The monitoring unit 12a of storage battery unit 12#1 and the monitoring unit 12a of storage battery unit 12#2 are connected using an I/F connection cable 15.

As a result, the battery module 12b2 of battery unit 12#1, the battery module 12b2 of battery unit 12#2, the battery module 12b1 of battery unit 12#2, and the battery module 12b1 of battery unit 12#1 are connected in series to provide a battery device 10 with a storage capacity of 10 kWh. The battery device 10 is connected to the bidirectional DC/DC converter 51 of the PCS 50 via one-to-one connection wiring, which reduces wiring errors during wiring installation.

6A and 6B are diagrams illustrating configuration examples of the storage battery equipment 10 according to this embodiment in other capacity configurations. Fig. 6A illustrates a configuration of the storage battery equipment 10 including one BPU 11, three storage battery units (12#1, 12#2, and 12#3), and a fixture 13. Fig. 6B illustrates a configuration of the storage battery equipment 10 including one BPU 11, one storage battery unit 12, and a fixture 13. In the configuration illustrated in Fig. 6A, a storage capacity of 15 kWh can be provided by connecting three storage battery units 12, each with a basic capacity of 5 kWh, in series. In the configuration illustrated in Fig. 6B, a storage capacity of 5 kWh can be provided by a single storage battery unit 12.

6(1), the terminal T2 of the BPU 11 and the terminal T1 connected to the negative electrode side of the storage battery module 12b2 of the storage battery unit 12#1, and the terminal T1 of the BPU 11 and the terminal T2 connected to the positive electrode side of the storage battery module 12b1 of the storage battery unit 12#1 are connected via the DC connection cable 14. In addition, the terminal T2 connected to the positive electrode side of the storage battery module 12b2 of the storage battery unit 12#1 and the terminal T1 connected to the negative electrode side of the storage battery module 12b2 of the storage battery unit 12#2, and the terminal T1 connected to the negative electrode side of the storage battery module 12b1 of the storage battery unit 12#1 and the terminal T2 connected to the positive electrode side of the storage battery module 12b1 of the storage battery unit 12#2 are connected via the DC connection cable 14.
A terminal T2 connected to the positive electrode side of the battery module 12b2 in the storage battery unit 12#2 is connected to a terminal T1 connected to the negative electrode side of the battery module 12b2 in the storage battery unit 12#3 via a DC connection cable 14. Furthermore, a terminal T2 connected to the positive electrode side of the battery module 12b2 in the storage battery unit 12#2 is connected to a terminal T1 connected to the negative electrode side of the battery module 12b2 in the storage battery unit 12#3, and a terminal T1 connected to the negative electrode side of the battery module 12b1 in the storage battery unit 12#2 is connected to a terminal T2 connected to the positive electrode side of the battery module 12b1 in the storage battery unit 12#3 via a DC connection cable 14. In the storage battery unit 12#3, a terminal T2 connected to the positive electrode side of the battery module 12b2 is connected to a terminal T1 connected to the negative electrode side of the battery module 12b1 in the storage battery unit 12#3 via a DC connection cable 14. The monitoring unit 12a of the storage battery unit 12#1 and the monitoring unit 12a of the storage battery unit 12#2, and the monitoring unit 12a of the storage battery unit 12#2 and the monitoring unit 12a of the storage battery unit 12#3 are connected using an I/F connection cable 15.

As a result, the battery module 12b2 of battery unit 12#1, the battery module 12b2 of battery unit 12#2, the battery module 12b2 of battery unit 12#3, the battery module 12b1 of battery unit 12#3, the battery module 12b1 of battery unit 12#2, and the battery module 12b1 of battery unit 12#1 are connected in series to provide a battery device 10 with a storage capacity of 15 kWh. Even in this configuration, the battery device 10 is connected to the bidirectional DC/DC converter 51 of the PCS 50 via one-to-one connection wiring, thereby reducing wiring errors during wiring installation.

In the configuration shown in Figure 6 (2), terminal T2 of the BPU 11 is connected to terminal T1 connected to the negative electrode side of storage battery module 12b2 of the storage battery unit 12, and terminal T1 of the BPU 11 is connected to terminal T2 connected to the positive electrode side of storage battery module 12b1 of the storage battery unit 12 via a DC connection cable 14. In the storage battery unit 12, terminal T2 connected to the positive electrode side of storage battery module 12b2 is connected to terminal T1 connected to the negative electrode side of battery module 12b1 via the DC connection cable 14. The control unit 11a of the BPU 11 and the monitoring unit 12a of the storage battery unit 12 are connected via an I/F connection cable 15. In the configuration shown in Figure 6 (2), storage battery module 12b2 and storage battery module 12b1 of the storage battery unit 12 are connected in series to provide a storage battery device 10 with a storage capacity of 5 kWh. The storage battery device 10 is connected to the bidirectional DC/DC converter 51 of the PCS 50 via a one-to-one connection wiring.

As explained above, the storage battery equipment 10 according to this embodiment can provide a storage battery equipment that has at least a BPU 11 and storage battery units 12 as basic components and that can vary the storage capacity to 5 kWh, 10 kWh, 15 kWh, etc., depending on the power situation of the consumer and the configuration and scale of the distributed power source. The storage battery equipment 10 does not need to be equipped with a power conversion unit such as a bidirectional DC/DC converter, and the power conditioner (PCS) 50 connected to the storage battery equipment 10 does not need to be equipped with a power conversion unit such as a bidirectional DC/DC converter, so there is no increase in the cost of the storage battery system 100. Furthermore, businesses and the like can easily use, for example, one type of BPU 11, one type of storage battery unit 12, one type of fixture 13, and one
By simply having different types of DC connection cables 14 in stock, it is possible to provide a storage battery equipment 10 with different types of power storage capacities according to the number of storage battery units 12. According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a storage battery equipment that is easy to manage in stock, minimizes restrictions on storage of storage battery equipment due to size and weight, and can suppress deterioration of storage battery modules due to prolonged storage periods.

Furthermore, with the storage battery equipment 10 according to this embodiment, multiple types of power storage capacities can be configured by connecting a pair of storage battery modules built into the storage battery unit 12 in series or by connecting the storage battery modules of other storage battery units 12 in series. Therefore, in the storage battery system 100, the storage battery equipment 10 and the power conditioner (PCS) 50 can be connected by one-to-one connection wiring. For example, even when the power storage capacity is increased in response to an increase in load, the PCS 50 and the storage battery equipment 10 can be connected by one-to-one connection wiring. With the storage battery equipment 10 according to this embodiment, incorrect wiring when connecting the storage battery equipment 10 and the PCS 50 during wiring construction can be suppressed.

Furthermore, with the storage battery device 10 according to this embodiment, the terminals T1 and T2 connected to a pair of storage battery modules 12b1 and 12b2 can be positioned on the connector arrangement surface of the storage battery unit 12 so as to satisfy the positional relationship of separation distances "X," "Y," "Z," and "L." Furthermore, terminals T1 and T2 can be connected between storage battery units 12 or within a storage battery unit 12 using a dedicated DC connection cable 14 that is pre-specified to a predetermined fixed length so that at least terminals T1 and T2 positioned at separation distances "X," "Y," and "Z" are connectable, but terminals T1 and T2 positioned at separation distance "L" are not connectable. The storage battery device 10 according to this embodiment prevents incorrect connection of storage battery units 12 when expanding capacity.

<Modification 1>
In the storage battery device 10 according to the embodiment, the terminals T1 and T2 on the connector arrangement surface of the storage battery unit 12 are arranged so as to satisfy the positional relationship of the separation distances "X", "Y", "Z", and "L". In Modification 1, for example, the condition for the separation distance "L" can be relaxed, and the terminals T1 and T2 connected to the pair of storage battery modules 12b1 and 12b2 can be arranged on the connector arrangement surface. However, because the condition for the separation distance "L" is relaxed, there is a risk of incorrect connection occurring at the location corresponding to this condition. However, for example, the storage battery module 12 can be protected from overcurrent by adding a fuse or the like to the connection path.

Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the connection between storage battery units in Variation 1. Figure 7 (1) illustrates the relative positional relationship between terminals T1 and T2 on the connector arrangement surface, and Figure 7 (2) illustrates the connection between storage battery units.

As shown in FIG. 7(1), on the connector arrangement surface of the storage battery unit 12 according to Variation 1, terminals T1 and T2 are arranged so as to satisfy the same positional relationship of the separation distances "X," "Y," and "Z" as in the embodiment. However, the requirement for the separation distance "L" between terminals T2 and T1, which are arranged side by side in the left-right direction on the upper side of the connector arrangement surface, is relaxed. Each storage battery unit 12#1, 12#2 is provided with a fuse F1, which is a protection circuit for protecting the storage battery module 12 from overcurrent that may occur in the event of improper connection. As shown in FIG. 7(1), fuse F1 is provided, for example, between the positive electrode side of storage battery module 12b1 and terminal T2. Note that fuse F1 may be located between the negative electrode side of storage battery module 12b1 and terminal T1, between the positive electrode side of storage battery module 12b2 and terminal T2, or between the negative electrode side of storage battery module 12b2 and terminal T1.

As shown in FIG. 7 (2), in the first modification, the battery unit 12#1 and the battery unit 12#2 are configured so that the battery modules 12b are connected in series using dedicated DC connection cables 14. For example, the terminal T1 located on the lower side of the connector mounting surface of the battery unit 12#1 is connected to the terminal T2 located on the upper side of the connector mounting surface of the battery unit 12#2 using the DC connection cable 14. This connects the negative electrode side of the battery module 12b1 of the battery unit 12#1 to the positive electrode side of the battery module 12b1 of the battery unit 12#2 in series. Similarly, the terminal T2 located on the lower side of the connector mounting surface of the battery unit 12#1 is connected to the terminal T1 located on the upper side of the connector mounting surface of the battery unit 12#2 using the DC connection cable 14. This connects the positive electrode side of the battery module 12b2 of the battery unit 12#1 to the negative electrode side of the battery module 12b2 of the battery unit 12#2 in series. Furthermore, terminals T1 and T2 arranged on the lower side of the connector arrangement surface of each storage battery unit are connected using a dedicated DC connection cable 14. This connects the negative electrode side of storage battery module 12b1 and the negative electrode side of storage battery module 12b2 built into each storage battery unit in series.

In the event of an improper connection between terminals T1 and T2, which are arranged side by side in the left-right direction on the upper side of the connector arrangement surface of the storage battery unit 12, fuse F1, which is provided between the positive electrode side of storage battery module 12b1 and terminal T2, will blow, providing protection from overcurrent. Even in the form of variant 1, although the addition of fuse F1 results in increased costs and power loss, a storage battery device 10 that achieves the same effects as the embodiment can be provided.

<Modification 2>
The storage battery equipment 10 according to the embodiment is configured to have at least a BPU 11 and a storage battery unit 12 as basic components, and to have variable storage capacity such as 5 kWh, 10 kWh, and 15 kWh. Here, it is also possible to include a pair of storage battery modules 12b1 and 12b2 that constitute the storage battery unit 12 within the BPU 11. In Modification 2, the storage battery equipment is configured in a form in which a pair of storage battery modules 12b1 and 12b2 are included within the BPU 11.

Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of a storage battery device 10a according to Modification 2. As shown in Figure 8, in the storage battery device 10a according to Modification 2, a BPU 21 is configured including a pair of storage battery modules 12b1 and 12b2. In the configuration of the storage battery device 10a shown in Figure 8, two storage battery units 12#1 and 12#2, each with a basic capacity of 5 kWh, are connected in series to the BPU 21, thereby providing a storage capacity of 15 kWh. Below, differences from the storage battery device 10 according to the embodiment will be mainly explained.

In BPU21, the positive electrode side of storage battery module 12b1 is connected to one end of circuit breaker CB, which constitutes the protection circuit, and the negative electrode side is connected to terminal T1. Similarly, the negative electrode side of storage battery module 12b2 is connected to the other end of circuit breaker CB, and the positive electrode side is connected to terminal T2. The other configuration of BPU21 is the same as that of BPU11.

In the battery system 10a according to the second modification, terminal T2 of the BPU 21 is connected to terminal T1, which is connected to the negative terminal of battery module 12b2 of battery unit 12#1, and terminal T1 of the BPU 21 is connected to terminal T2, which is connected to the positive terminal of battery module 12b1 of battery unit 12#1, via DC connection cable 14. The connection between battery unit 12#1 and battery unit 12#2 is the same as in the battery system 10 of the embodiment. As a result, battery module 12b2 of the BPU 21, battery module 12b2 of battery unit 12#1, battery module 12b2 of battery unit 12#2, battery module 12b1 of battery unit 12#2, battery module 12b1 of battery unit 12#1, and battery module 12b1 of the BPU 21 are connected in series to provide a battery system 10a with a storage capacity of 15 kWh. In the second modified embodiment, the storage battery device 10a is also connected to the bidirectional DC/DC converter 51 of the PCS 50 via one-to-one connection wiring, which reduces wiring errors during wiring installation.

9A and 9B are diagrams illustrating an example of the configuration of a storage battery device 10a according to Modification 2 in another capacity configuration. FIG. 9A illustrates a storage battery device 10a including one BPU 21, one storage battery unit 12, and a fixture 13. FIG. 9B illustrates a storage battery device 10a including one BPU 21, one storage battery unit 12, and a fixture 13.
9A and 9B illustrate examples of a storage battery system 10a including a BPU 21 and a fixture 13. In the configuration shown in Fig. 9A, a storage capacity of 10 kWh is provided by connecting the BPU 21 and the storage battery units 12 in series, and in the configuration shown in Fig. 9B, a storage capacity of 5 kWh can be provided by the BPU 21. Note that the storage battery system 10a according to the second modification may be configured without the fixture 13 shown in Fig. 9A.

In the configuration shown in Figure 9 (1), terminal T2 of the BPU 21 is connected to terminal T1 connected to the negative electrode side of storage battery module 12b2 of storage battery unit 12, and terminal T1 of the BPU 12 is connected to terminal T2 connected to the positive electrode side of storage battery module 12b1 of storage battery unit 12 via DC connection cable 14. In storage battery unit 12, terminal T2 connected to the positive electrode side of storage battery module 12b2 is connected to terminal T1 connected to the negative electrode side of storage battery module 12b1 via DC connection cable 14. As a result, storage battery module 12b2 of BPU 21, storage battery module 12b2 of storage battery unit 12, storage battery module 12b1 of storage battery unit 12, and storage battery module 12b1 of BPU 21 are connected in series to provide a storage battery device 10a with a storage capacity of 10 kWh.

In the configuration shown in Figure 9 (2), terminal T2 connected to the positive electrode side of storage battery module 12b2 of BPU 21 and terminal T1 connected to the negative electrode side of storage battery module 12b1 are connected via DC connection cable 14. As a result, storage battery module 12b2 and storage battery module 12b1 built into BPU 21 are connected in series to provide a storage battery device 10a with a storage capacity of 5 kWh. Even in other capacity configurations, the storage battery device 10a of variant 2 is connected to the bidirectional DC/DC converter 51 of PCS 50 via one-to-one connection wiring, thereby reducing incorrect wiring during wiring installation.

<Modification 3>
In the storage battery equipment 10a according to the second modification, the capacity of the storage battery modules 12 built into the BPU 21 and the storage battery units 12 can also be set to 5 kWh. In the third modification, the storage battery equipment is configured in such a manner that a single 5 kWh storage battery module 12b3 is included in the BPU 21 and the storage battery units 12. In this modification, the storage battery module 12b3 corresponds to an example of a "first storage battery module," and the terminals T1 and T2 connected to the positive and negative electrodes of the storage battery module 12b3 correspond to an example of a "first terminal connected to one of the positive and negative electrodes of the first storage battery module, and a second terminal connected to the other of the positive and negative electrodes of the first storage battery module."

Figure 10 is a block diagram showing the general configuration of a storage battery device 10b according to Variation 3. As shown in Figure 10, the storage battery device 10b according to Variation 3 is configured with a BPU 31 and storage battery units 22, each including a single storage battery module 12b3 with a storage capacity of 5 kWh. In the configuration of the storage battery device 10b shown in Figure 10, two storage battery units 22#1 and 22#2, each with a basic capacity of 5 kWh, are connected in series to the BPU 31, thereby providing a storage capacity of 15 kWh. Below, differences from the storage battery device 10a according to Variation 2 will be mainly described.

In BPU31, the positive electrode of storage battery module 12b3 is connected to one end of circuit breaker CB, which constitutes the protection circuit, and the negative electrode is connected to terminal T1. The other end of circuit breaker CB is connected to terminal T2 via connection wiring 12b4. In variant 3, this configuration makes it possible to provide a storage battery device 10b equivalent to the storage battery device 10 of the embodiment and the storage battery device 10a of variant 2 using a single storage battery module 12b3 with a storage capacity of 5 kWh. The other configuration of BPU31 is the same as that of BPU11.

Similar to BPU 31, battery units 22#1 and 22#2 also incorporate a single battery module 12b3 having a storage capacity of 5 kWh. That is, terminal T2 connected to the positive electrode of battery module 12b3 is disposed on the upper side of the connector placement surface, and terminal T1 connected to the negative electrode of battery module 12b3 is disposed on the lower side. Terminal T1 connected to one end of connection wiring 12b4 is disposed on the upper side of the connector placement surface, and terminal T2 connected to the other end of connection wiring 12b4 is disposed on the lower side of the connector placement surface.

In the storage battery equipment 10b according to Variation 3, terminal T2 of the BPU 31 is connected to terminal T1 connected to the connection wiring 12b4 of storage battery unit 22#1, and terminal T1 of the BPU 31 is connected to terminal T2 connected to the positive electrode side of storage battery module 12b3 of storage battery unit 22#1, each via a DC connection cable 14. Terminal T2 connected to connection wiring 12b4 of storage battery unit 22#1 is connected to terminal T1 connected to connection wiring 12b4 of storage battery unit 22#2, and terminal T1 connected to the negative electrode side of storage battery module 12b3 of storage battery unit 22#1 is connected to terminal T2 connected to the positive electrode side of storage battery module 12b3 of storage battery unit 22#2, each via a DC connection cable 14. In storage battery unit 22#2, terminal T2 connected to connection wiring 12b4 is connected to terminal T1 connected to the negative electrode side of storage battery module 12b3, each via a DC connection cable 14.

As a result, the battery module 12b3 of battery unit 22#2, the battery module 12b3 of battery unit 22#2, and the battery module 12b3 of BPU 31 are connected in series to provide a battery system 10b with a storage capacity of 15 kWh. Even in the third variant, the battery system 10b is basically composed of at least the BPU 31 and the battery unit 22, and can provide a battery system with an adjustable storage capacity of 5 kWh, 10 kWh, or 15 kWh. Furthermore, even in the third variant, the battery system 10b is connected to the bidirectional DC/DC converter 51 of the PCS 50 via a one-to-one connection wiring, thereby reducing wiring errors during wiring installation.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example configuration of a storage battery system 10b according to Modification 3 in another capacity configuration. FIG. 11(1) illustrates a configuration of a storage battery system 10b including one BPU 31, one storage battery unit 22, and a fixture 13. FIG. 11(2) illustrates a configuration of a storage battery system 10b including one BPU 31 and a fixture 13. In the configuration of FIG. 11(1), a 10 kWh storage capacity is provided by the series connection of the BPU 31 and the storage battery unit 22. In the configuration of FIG. 11(2), a 5 kWh storage capacity is provided by the BPU 31. Note that in Modification 3, the storage battery system 10b may also be configured without the fixture 13 shown in FIG. 11.

In the configuration shown in Figure 11 (1), terminal T2 of BPU 31 is connected to terminal T1 of storage battery unit 22, and terminal T2 of BPU 31 is connected to terminal T2 connected to the positive electrode side of storage battery module 12b3 of storage battery unit 22, via DC connection cable 14. In storage battery unit 22, terminal T2 connected to one end of connection wiring 12b4 is connected to terminal T1 connected to the negative electrode side of storage battery module 12b3, via DC connection cable 14. As a result, storage battery module 12b3 of storage battery unit 22 and storage battery module 12b3 of BPU 31 are connected in series, providing storage battery device 10b with a storage capacity of 10 kWh.

In the configuration shown in Figure 11 (2), terminal T2 of the BPU 31 and terminal T1 connected to the negative pole of the storage battery module 12b3 are connected via a DC connection cable 14. As a result, a 5 kWh storage battery device 10b is provided, which has the storage capacity of the storage battery module 12b3 built into the BPU 31. Even in other capacity configurations, the storage battery device 10b according to variant 3 is connected to the bidirectional DC/DC converter 51 of the PCS 50 via one-to-one connection wiring, thereby reducing wiring errors during wiring installation.

As another embodiment of the third modification, for example, a storage battery system 10b may be configured by combining the BPU 11 constituting the storage battery system 10 according to the embodiment with the storage battery units 22. Fig. 12 is a diagram illustrating the capacity configuration of a configuration example of the storage battery system 10b according to the third modification, in which the BPU 11 and the storage battery units 22 are combined. Fig. 12(1) shows a storage battery system including one BPU 11, three storage battery units 22, and a fixture 13, and configured to have a capacity of 15 kW.
12(b) illustrates a configuration of the storage battery system 10b that provides a storage capacity of 10 kWh. Also, Fig. 12(2) illustrates a configuration that includes one BPU 11, two storage battery units 22, and a fixture 13 and provides a storage capacity of 10 kWh. Fig. 12(3) illustrates a configuration that includes one BPU 11, one storage battery unit 22, and a fixture 13 and provides a storage capacity of 5 kWh. In Fig. 12, the storage battery system 10b can also be configured without the fixture 13.

In the configuration shown in Figure 12(1), three battery units 22#1, 22#2, and 22#3, each with a base capacity of 5 kWh, are connected in series to the BPU 11. In Figure 12(1), terminal T2 of the BPU 11 is connected to terminal T1 connected to the connection wiring 12b4 of battery unit 22#1, and terminal T1 of the BPU 11 is connected to terminal T2 connected to the positive terminal of battery module 12b3 of battery unit 22#1, respectively, via DC connection cables 14. Terminal T2 connected to connection wiring 12b4 of battery unit 22#1 is connected to terminal T1 connected to connection wiring 12b4 of battery unit 22#2, and terminal T1 connected to the negative terminal of battery module 12b3 of battery unit 22#1 is connected to terminal T2 connected to the positive terminal of battery module 12b3 of battery unit 22#2, respectively, via DC connection cables 14. Similarly, terminal T2 connected to connection wiring 12b4 of storage battery unit 22#2 and terminal T1 connected to connection wiring 12b4 of storage battery unit 22#3, terminal T1 connected to the negative electrode side of storage battery module 12b3 of storage battery unit 22#2 and terminal T2 connected to the positive electrode side of storage battery module 12b3 of storage battery unit 22#3 are each connected via DC connection cable 14. In storage battery unit 22#3, terminal T2 connected to connection wiring 12b4 and terminal T1 connected to the negative electrode side of storage battery module 12b3 are connected via DC connection cable 14.

As a result, the battery module 12b3 of battery unit 22#1, the battery module 12b3 of battery unit 22#2, and the battery module 12b3 of battery unit 22#1 are connected in series to provide a battery device 10b with a storage capacity of 15 kWh.

In the configuration shown in Figure 12 (2), two storage battery units 22#1 and 22#2, each with a basic capacity of 5 kWh, are connected in series to the BPU 11. As in Figure 12 (1), the BPU 11 is connected to storage battery unit 22#1, and storage battery unit 22#1 is connected to storage battery unit 22#2 via a DC connection cable 14. In storage battery unit 22#2, terminal T2, connected to connection wiring 12b4, is connected to terminal T1, connected to the negative pole of storage battery module 12b3, via the DC connection cable 14. This connects storage battery module 12b3 of storage battery unit 22#1 and storage battery module 12b3 of storage battery unit 22#2 in series, providing a storage battery system 10b with a storage capacity of 10 kWh.

In the configuration shown in Figure 12 (3), similarly to Figure 12 (1), the BPU 11 and the storage battery unit 22 are connected via the DC connection cable 14, and in the storage battery unit 22, the terminal T2 connected to the connection wiring 12b4 and the terminal T1 connected to the negative side of the storage battery module 12b3 are connected via the DC connection cable 14. As a result, the terminal T2 connected to the positive side of the storage battery unit 22 with a basic capacity of 5 kWh and the terminal T1 connected to the negative side are connected to the BPU 11 via the DC connection cable 14, and a storage battery system 10b having a storage capacity of 5 kWh is provided. Even in the configuration shown in Figure 12, the storage battery system 10b can be provided as a storage battery system with a variable storage capacity of 5 kWh, 10 kWh, or 15 kWh, based on at least the BPU 11 and the storage battery unit 22, and the PCS
Since the power supply 50 can be connected one-to-one to the bidirectional DC/DC converter 51, incorrect wiring during wiring work can be prevented.

<Modification 4>
FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a storage battery system 10c according to Modification 4. FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a system configuration with a storage capacity of 20 kWh that can operate two series-connected storage battery units 12 by further connecting them in parallel. The storage battery system 10c according to Modification 4 includes a BPU 32 including an expansion circuit for parallel connection, instead of the BPU 11 constituting the storage battery system 10 of the embodiment. The storage battery system 10c according to Modification 4 also provides a storage battery system having a basic configuration of storage battery units 12 and a fixture 13. Differences from the storage battery system 10 of the embodiment will be mainly described below.

The BPU32 in variant 4 includes, in its expansion circuit, terminal T1a connected to terminal T1 via internal wiring, terminal T2a connected to terminal T2 via internal wiring, and communication terminal T6a connected to communication terminal T6 via internal wiring (communication line). To enhance safety in parallel connections, a fuse or the like may be provided in the wiring path between terminal T1 and terminal T1a or between terminal T2 and terminal T2a. Terminal T1a, terminal T2a, and communication terminal T6a are each composed of the same components as terminal T1, terminal T2, and communication terminal T6. The other components of BPU32 are the same as those of BPU11.

In the storage battery equipment 10c according to the fourth modification, the terminal T2 of the BPU 32 is connected to the terminal T1 connected to the negative electrode side of the storage battery module 12b2 of the storage battery unit 12#1, and the terminal T1 of the BPU 32 is connected to the terminal T2 connected to the positive electrode side of the storage battery module 12b1 of the storage battery unit 12#1, respectively, via the DC connection cable 14. The connection between the storage battery unit 12#1 and the storage battery unit 12#2 is the same as in the storage battery equipment 10 of the embodiment.
Furthermore, terminal T2a of BPU 32 is connected to terminal T1 connected to the negative electrode side of storage battery module 12b2 of storage battery unit 12#3, and terminal T1a of BPU 32 is connected to terminal T2 connected to the positive electrode side of storage battery module 12b1 of storage battery unit 12#3, respectively, via DC connection cable 14. The connection between storage battery unit 12#3 and storage battery unit 12#4 is similar to the connection between storage battery unit 12#1 and storage battery unit 12#2 in the storage battery equipment 10 of the embodiment.

As a result, the battery module 12b2 of battery unit 12#1, the battery module 12b2 of battery unit 12#2, the battery module 12b1 of battery unit 12#2, and the battery module 12b1 of battery unit 12#1 are connected in series, and a battery with a storage capacity of 10 kWh is connected between terminals T1 and T2 of BPU 32. Furthermore, the battery module 12b2 of battery unit 12#3, the battery module 12b2 of battery unit 12#4, the battery module 12b1 of battery unit 12#4, and the battery module 12b1 of battery unit 12#3 are connected in series, and a battery with a storage capacity of 10 kWh is connected between terminals T1a and T2a of BPU 32. A 10 kWh storage battery connected between terminals T1 and T2 of BPU 32 and a 10 kWh storage battery connected between terminals T1a and T2a of BPU 32 are connected in parallel through the internal wiring of the BPU, providing a storage battery device 10b with a total storage capacity of 20 kWh.

In addition, even in the fourth variant, the PCS 50 is connected to the bidirectional DC/DC converter 51 via a one-to-one connection wiring, which helps prevent incorrect wiring during wiring installation.

<Modification 5>
In the storage battery devices shown in the embodiment and the first to fourth modifications, the BPU (11, 21, 31, 32) and the fixture (13) combined with the storage battery unit (12, 22)
may also have a connection function equivalent to the DC connection cable 14.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a storage battery system 10d according to Modification 5. FIG. 14 illustrates an example of an apparatus configuration including a fixture 13a equipped with a module connection mechanism 13a1 in its basic configuration. In the storage battery system 10d shown in FIG. 14, a terminal T2 connected to the positive electrode side of the storage battery module 12b2 of the storage battery unit 12#2 and a terminal T1 connected to the negative electrode side of the storage battery module 12b1 are connected in series via the module connection mechanism 13a1. Similarly to the storage battery system 10 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, a storage battery system 10d having a storage capacity of 10 kWh is provided, which is composed of two storage battery units 12#1 and 12#2, each having a basic capacity of 5 kWh. The following mainly describes differences from the storage battery system 10 of the embodiment, but the differences are not limited to the fixture 13a equipped with the module connection mechanism 13a1.
This can be applied to any of the storage battery devices shown in Modifications 1 to 4.

The module connection mechanism 13a1 has, for example, a connector that can be fitted to terminal T1 (e.g., a male connector corresponding to terminal T2) and a connector that can be fitted to terminal T2 (e.g., a female connector corresponding to terminal T1), and is configured so that the connectors are connected via connection wiring within the frame (fixture) 13a.

14 , the terminal T2 of the BPU 11 is connected to a terminal T1 connected to the negative electrode side of the storage battery module 12b2 of the storage battery unit 12#1, and the terminal T1 of the BPU 11 is connected to a terminal T2 connected to the positive electrode side of the storage battery module 12b1 of the storage battery unit 12#1, via a DC connection cable 14. In addition, the terminal T2 connected to the positive electrode side of the storage battery module 12b2 of the storage battery unit 12#1 is connected to a terminal T1 connected to the negative electrode side of the storage battery module 12b2 of the storage battery unit 12#2, and the terminal T1 connected to the negative electrode side of the storage battery module 12b1 of the storage battery unit 12#1 is connected to a terminal T2 connected to the positive electrode side of the storage battery module 12b1 of the storage battery unit 12#2, via a DC connection cable 14. Then, terminal T2 connected to the positive electrode side of storage battery module 12b2 of storage battery unit 12#2 and terminal T1 of fixture 13a, and terminal T1 connected to the negative electrode side of storage battery module 12b1 of storage battery unit 12#2 and terminal T2 of fixture 13a are connected via DC connection cable 14.

As a result, the storage battery module 12b2 of the storage battery unit 12#1, the storage battery module 12b2 of the storage battery unit 12#2, the storage battery module 12b1 of the storage battery unit 12#2, and the storage battery module 12b1 of the storage battery unit 12#1 are connected in series via the DC connection cable 14 and the module connection mechanism 13a1.
In the fifth modified example, the BPU 11 of the storage battery device 10d and the bidirectional DC/DC converter 51 of the PCS 50 are connected by one-to-one connection wiring, which reduces wiring errors during wiring installation.

Furthermore, in the fifth modified example, terminal T1 connected to the negative electrode side of storage battery module 12b2 of storage battery unit 12#2 and terminal T2 connected to the positive electrode side of storage battery module 12b1 of storage battery unit 12#2 are configured to be connected via module connection mechanism 13a1. Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, etc., it is possible to relax the constraints on the separation distance "Y" between terminals T1 and T2, which are arranged side by side in the left-right direction on the lower side of the connector arrangement surface of storage battery unit 12.

That is, the distance "X" between the terminal T1 arranged on the lower side of the connector arrangement surface of the battery unit 12#1 and the terminal T2 arranged on the upper side of the connector arrangement surface of the battery unit 12#2 can be set to a distance between the terminals that can be connected by a DC connection cable 14 that is predefined to a predetermined fixed length. Similarly, the distance "Z" between the terminal T2 arranged on the lower side of the connector arrangement surface of the battery unit 12#1 and the terminal T1 arranged on the upper side of the connector arrangement surface of the battery unit 12#2 can be set to a distance between the terminals that can be connected by a DC connection cable 14 that is predefined to a predetermined fixed length. Furthermore, the distance "Y" between the terminals T1 and T2 arranged side by side in the left-right direction on the lower side of the connector arrangement surface of each battery unit 12 is set to a distance between the terminals that cannot be connected by a DC connection cable 14 that is predefined to a predetermined fixed length.

For example, the distance "Y" between terminals T1 and T2, which are arranged side by side in the left-right direction on the lower side of the connector arrangement surface of the storage battery unit 12, can be adjusted to the distance "L" between terminals T2 and T1, which are arranged side by side in the left-right direction on the upper side, so that they cannot be connected using a DC connection cable 14 with a predetermined fixed length. This arrangement prevents improper connections, such as short circuits, within the same unit. Even when multiple storage battery units 12 are used, the length of the DC connection cable 14 can be visually compared with the distance between each terminal on the connector arrangement surface between the storage battery units 12, making it possible to clearly identify the connection points using the DC connection cable 14 and prevent improper connection of the storage battery units 12 in the storage battery device 10d.

15A and 15B are diagrams illustrating configuration examples of a storage battery system 10d according to Modification 5 in another capacity configuration. Fig. 15A illustrates a configuration of a storage battery system 10d including one BPU 11, three storage battery units (12#1, 12#2, and 12#3), and a fixture 13a, while Fig. 15B illustrates a configuration of a storage battery system 10d including one BPU 11, one storage battery unit 12, and a fixture 13a.
In the configuration (1), a storage capacity of 15 kWh is provided by connecting in series the BPU 11, three battery units (12#1, 12#2, 12#3) with a basic capacity of 5 kWh, and the fixture 13a. In the configuration of Figure 15 (2), a storage capacity of 5 kWh is provided by connecting in series the BPU 11, the battery unit 12 with a basic capacity of 5 kWh, and the fixture 13a.

In the configuration of FIG. 15(1), the terminal T2 connected to the positive terminal of the battery module 12b2 of the battery unit 12#3 and the terminal T1 of the fixture 13a are connected to the positive terminal of the battery module 12b2 of the battery unit 12#3.
A terminal T1 connected to the negative electrode side of the storage battery module 12b1 is connected to a terminal T2 of the fixture 13a via a DC connection cable 14.
In the battery unit 12#3 shown in FIG. 6(1), the module connection mechanism 13a1 connects the terminal T2 connected to the positive electrode side of the battery module 12b2 in the battery unit 12#3 in series with the terminal T1 connected to the negative electrode side of the battery module 12b1. The other connections are the same as those in the battery device 10 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 6(1).

As a result, the storage battery module 12b2 of the storage battery unit 12#1, the storage battery module 12b2 of the storage battery unit 12#2, the storage battery module 12b2 of the storage battery unit 12#3, the storage battery module 12b1 of the storage battery unit 12#3, the storage battery module 12b1 of the storage battery unit 12#2, and the storage battery module 12b1 of the storage battery unit 12#1 are connected in series via the DC connection cable 14 and the module connection mechanism 13a1. In the configuration shown in Figure 15 (1), a storage battery system 10d having a storage capacity of 15 kWh and including one type of BPU 11, one type of storage battery unit 12 with a basic capacity of 5 kWh, one type of fixture 13a, and one type of DC connection cable 14 as its basic configuration is provided.

In the configuration of FIG. 15(2), the terminal T2 connected to the positive electrode side of the battery module 12b2 of the battery unit 12 and the terminal T1 of the fixture 13a are connected to the negative electrode side of the battery module 12b1 of the battery unit 12 and the terminal T2 of the fixture 13a are connected to the positive electrode side of the battery module 12b2 of the battery unit 12.
are connected via a DC connection cable 14. In the fixture 13a, a module connection mechanism 13a1 connects a terminal T2 connected to the positive electrode side of the storage battery module 12b2 of the storage battery unit 12 in series with a terminal T1 connected to the negative electrode side of the storage battery module 12b1. The other connections are the same as those of the storage battery equipment 10 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 6(2).

15(2), a storage battery module 12b2 of a storage battery unit 12 and a storage battery module 12b1 of a storage battery unit 12 are connected in series via a DC connection cable 14 and a module connection mechanism 13a1. A storage battery system 10d having a storage capacity of 15 kWh and a basic configuration including one type of BPU 11, one type of storage battery unit 12 with a basic capacity of 5 kWh, one type of fixture 13a, and one type of DC connection cable 14 is provided.

<Modification 6>
As described in the fifth modification, the module connection mechanism 13a1 is provided in the fixture 13a.
By providing the terminals (T1, T2) on the connector arrangement surface of one or more storage battery units 12 constituting the variable-capacity storage battery system 10d, the degree of freedom in the arrangement of the terminals (T1, T2) can be increased. That is, the terminals (T1, T2) can be arranged at terminal-to-terminal distances "X" and "Z" connectable with a DC connection cable 14 of a predetermined fixed length. This makes it impossible to connect terminals using the DC connection cable 14 within the same storage battery unit, and allows terminal-to-terminal connections only between separate units constituting the storage battery system 10d (between a BPU and a storage battery module, between storage battery modules, between storage battery modules, and between a storage battery module and a fixture). In other words, the terminals (T1, T2) connected to one storage battery module of the storage battery unit 12 and the terminals (T1, T2) connected to the other storage battery module or the terminals (T1, T2) connected to the connection wiring 12b4 can be arranged on different housing surfaces. The storage battery device 10e of the sixth modification is configured so that the terminals (T1, T2) relating to the terminal-to-terminal connection between the units are arranged on different housing surfaces.

Fig. 16 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a storage battery equipment 10e according to Modification 6. Fig. 16 shows a BPU 11, a storage battery unit 12, a fixture 13a, and a DC
The storage battery device 10e shown in the figure has a storage capacity of 15 kWh and is basically configured with a connection cable 14. The units constituting the storage battery device 10e are the same as those in Modification 5. The following mainly describes the differences from the storage battery device 10d in Modification 5, but the arrangement of the terminals (T1, T2) related to the terminal-to-terminal connections in the storage battery device can be applied to any of the storage battery devices shown in the embodiment and Modifications 1 to 4 whose basic configuration includes a fixture 13a equipped with a module connection mechanism 13a1.

In Figure 16, the dashed-dotted rectangular frames 10e1 and 10e2 represent terminal groups related to inter-unit connection in the storage battery device 10e. Rectangular frame 10e1 is, for example, a terminal group related to the series connection of storage battery modules 12b1 that make up the storage battery units (12#1, 12#2, 12#3), and rectangular frame 10e2 is a terminal group related to the series connection of storage battery modules 12b2. Note that in Figure 16, the communication terminals T6 of each storage battery unit connected by I/F connection cable 15 are configured to be included within rectangular frame 10e2, but the communication terminal group may also be included within rectangular frame 10e1.

In the storage battery device 10e according to variant 6, the terminal group shown in rectangular frame 10e1 and the terminal group shown in rectangular frame 10e2 are arranged on different housing surfaces. For example, the terminal group shown in rectangular frame 10e1 is arranged on the left side of the storage battery unit 12, and the terminal group shown in rectangular frame 10e2 is arranged on the right side of the storage battery unit 12.

Figure 17 is a diagram illustrating the inter-unit connections of the storage battery device 10e in Variation 6. Figure 17 illustrates the left side view, front view, and right side view of a 15-kWh storage battery device 10e composed of storage battery units 12#1, 12#2, and 12#3 with a basic capacity of 5 kWh. As shown in the left side view, the terminal group shown in rectangular frame 10e1 is aligned and arranged on the left side of the storage battery device 10e so as to satisfy a predetermined separation distance. Here, the predetermined separation distance is the distance M (corresponding to separation distance "Y") between the terminals connecting the units that allows connection with a DC connection cable 14. However, terminals T1 and T2 of the same storage battery unit 12 are arranged so as to satisfy the distance N at which connection with a DC connection cable 14 is impossible. Similarly, as shown in the right side view, the terminal group shown in rectangular frame 10e2 is aligned and arranged on the right side of the storage battery device 10e so as to satisfy the predetermined separation distance.

16 and 17 , on the left side of the battery equipment 10e, the terminal T1 of the BPU 11 and the terminal T2 connected to the positive electrode side of the battery module 12b1 of the battery unit 12#1, the terminal T1 connected to the negative electrode side of the battery module 12b1 of the battery unit 12#1 and the terminal T2 connected to the positive electrode side of the battery module 12b1 of the battery unit 12#2 are connected via the DC connection cable 14. Similarly, the terminal T1 connected to the negative electrode side of the battery module 12b1 of the battery unit 12#2 and the terminal T2 connected to the positive electrode side of the battery module 12b1 of the battery unit 12#3 are connected via the DC connection cable 14.
3a is connected to a terminal T2 via a DC connection cable 14.

On the right side of the battery equipment 10e, the terminal T2 of the BPU 11 is connected to the terminal T1 connected to the negative electrode of the battery module 12b2 of the battery unit 12#1, and the terminal T2 connected to the positive electrode of the battery module 12b2 of the battery unit 12#1 is connected to the terminal T1 connected to the negative electrode of the battery module 12b2 of the battery unit 12#2 via a DC connection cable 14. Similarly, the terminal T2 connected to the positive electrode of the battery module 12b2 of the battery unit 12#2 is connected to the terminal T1 connected to the negative electrode of the battery module 12b2 of the battery unit 12#3, and the terminal T2 connected to the positive electrode of the battery module 12b1 of the battery unit 12#3 is connected to the terminal T1 of the fixture 13a via the DC connection cable 14.
and terminal T1 are connected via a module connection mechanism 13a1.

In the storage battery device 10e according to Variation 6, the terminal group for the series connection of the storage battery module 12b1 constituting the storage battery unit (12#1, 12#2, 12#3), indicated by rectangular frame 10e1, can be arranged separately on the left side, while the terminal group for the series connection of the storage battery module 12b2, indicated by rectangular frame 10e2, can be arranged separately on the right side. This effectively prevents misconnections between units using DC cables 14 during installation. Furthermore, because the terminal group indicated by rectangular frame 10e1 and the terminal group indicated by rectangular frame 10e2 can be arranged separately on different housing surfaces, workability when connecting units using DC cables 14 is improved. The communication terminals T6 of each storage battery unit connected by I/F connection cable 15 may be arranged on the left side, front housing surface, or rear housing surface. The communication terminals T6 group, the terminals indicated by rectangular frame 10e1, and the terminals indicated by rectangular frame 10e2 are each located on different housing surfaces, further improving workability when connecting units.

Fig. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a storage battery equipment 10e according to Modification Example 6 in another capacity configuration. Fig. 18(1) illustrates a configuration of a storage battery equipment 10e that includes one BPU 11, two storage battery units (12#1, 12#2), and a fixture 13a and provides a capacity of 10 kWh, and Fig. 18(2) illustrates a configuration of a storage battery equipment 10e that includes one BPU 11, one storage battery unit 12, and a fixture 13a and provides a capacity of 5 kWh.

In Figure 18 (1), the dashed-dotted rectangular frames 10e1 and 10e2 represent terminal groups related to inter-unit connection in the storage battery device 10e. Rectangular frame 10e1 is, for example, a terminal group related to the series connection of storage battery modules 12b1 of storage battery units (12#1, 12#2), and rectangular frame 10e2 is a terminal group related to the series connection of storage battery modules 12b2. The same is true in Figure 18 (2). Note that in Figures 18 (1) and (2), the communication terminal groups T6 of each storage battery unit connected by I/F connection cable 15 are configured to be included in rectangular frame 10e2, but the communication terminal groups may also be included on the rectangular frame 10e1 side.

As explained in Figures 16 and 17, the terminal group shown in rectangular frame 10e1 and the terminal group shown in rectangular frame 10e2 are located on different housing surfaces. For example, the terminal group shown in rectangular frame 10e1 is located on the left side of the storage battery unit 12, and the terminal group shown in rectangular frame 10e2 is located on the right side of the storage battery unit 12. Needless to say, even in the 5 kWh and 10 kWh configurations, terminals T1 and T2 of the same storage battery unit 12 are positioned so that they cannot be connected via a DC connection cable 14.

18(1), on the left side of the battery equipment 10e, the terminal T1 of the BPU 11 and the terminal T2 connected to the positive electrode side of the battery module 12b1 of the battery unit 12#1, and the terminal T1 connected to the negative electrode side of the battery module 12b1 of the battery unit 12#1 and the terminal T2 connected to the positive electrode side of the battery module 12b1 of the battery unit 12#2 are connected via the DC connection cable 14. In addition, the terminal T1 connected to the negative electrode side of the battery module 12b1 of the battery unit 12#2 and the terminal T
2 are connected via a DC connection cable 14.
On the right side of the battery equipment 10e, the terminal T2 of the BPU 11 and the terminal T1 connected to the negative electrode side of the battery module 12b2 of the battery unit 12#1, and the terminal T2 connected to the positive electrode side of the battery module 12b2 of the battery unit 12#1 and the terminal T1 connected to the negative electrode side of the battery module 12b2 of the battery unit 12#2 are connected via a DC connection cable 14. The terminal T2 connected to the positive electrode side of the battery module 12b1 of the battery unit 12#2 and the terminal T1 of the frame (fixture) 13a are connected via a DC connection cable 14.
In the fixture 13a, the terminal T2 and the terminal T1 are connected via a module connection mechanism 13a1.

Even in the 10 kWh capacity configuration shown in Figure 18 (1), the battery device 10e can be configured so that the terminal group for the series connection of the battery module 12b1 that constitutes the battery unit (12#1, 12#2) is located on the left side, and the terminal group for the series connection of the battery module 12b2 is located on the right side.

In addition, in the configuration shown in Figure 18 (2), on the left side of the storage battery device 10e, the terminal T1 of the BPU 11 and the terminal T2 connected to the positive electrode side of the storage battery module 12b1 of the storage battery unit 12, and the terminal T1 connected to the negative electrode side of the storage battery module 12b1 of the storage battery unit 12 and the terminal T2 of the frame (Fixture) 13a are connected via a DC connection cable 14.
Similarly, on the right side of the battery device 10e, a terminal T2 of the BPU 11 is connected to a terminal T1 connected to the negative electrode side of the battery module 12b2 of the battery unit 12, a terminal T2 connected to the positive electrode side of the battery module 12b2 of the battery unit 12 is connected to a terminal T3 of the fixture 1.
18(2) 。 In the storage battery device 10e, the terminals related to the series connection of the storage battery module 12b1 constituting the storage battery unit 12 can be arranged separately on the left side surface side, and the terminals related to the series connection of the storage battery module 12b2 can be arranged separately on the right side surface side.

In the storage battery device 10e according to Variation 6, even in the 5 kWh and 10 kWh capacity configurations, the terminal group indicated by rectangular frame 10e1 and the terminal group indicated by rectangular frame 10e2 can be arranged separately on different housing surfaces. This prevents incorrect connection between units using DC cables 14 during installation and improves workability when connecting units. Furthermore, the communication terminals T6 of each storage battery unit connected by I/F connection cable 15 may be arranged on the left side, front housing surface, or rear housing surface. For example, by arranging the communication terminals T6, the terminal group indicated by rectangular frame 10e1, and the terminal group indicated by rectangular frame 10e2 on different housing surfaces, workability when connecting units can be further improved.

<Modification 7>
As explained in the sixth modification, when the terminal group indicated by the rectangular frame 10e1 and the terminal group indicated by the rectangular frame 10e2 are separately arranged on different housing surfaces, the types of terminals for inter-unit connection can be the same. That is, the terminals T1 and T2 of the BPU 11, the terminal T2 connected to the positive side and the terminal T1 connected to the negative side of the storage battery module 12b1 of the storage battery unit 12, the terminal T2 connected to the positive side and the terminal T1 connected to the negative side of the storage battery module 12b2, the terminals T1 and T2 of the fixture 13a,
2 can all be configured with the same terminal type. For example, the above terminals can be configured with a common female connector, and the units can be connected to each other by a DC connection cable 14a having male connectors at both ends that mate with the female connectors. Similarly, the above terminals can be configured with a common male connector, and the units can be connected to each other by a DC connection cable 14a having female connectors at both ends that mate with the male connectors. In the storage battery equipment 10f according to the seventh modification, the types of terminals used to connect the units are standardized to the same type, and separate units (between a BPU and a storage battery module, between storage battery modules, between storage battery modules, and between a storage battery module and a fixture) can be connected to each other by using a DC connection cable 14a having connectors at both ends that mate with the terminals.

Figure 19 is a diagram illustrating the inter-unit connections of a storage battery device 10f in Variant 7. Figure 19 illustrates left, front, and right side views of a 15 kWh capacity storage battery device 10f composed of storage battery units 12#1, 12#2, and 12#3, each with a basic capacity of 5 kWh. As shown in the left side view, the terminal group included in rectangular frame 10e1 of Variant 6 is aligned and arranged on the left side of the storage battery device 10f so as to satisfy a predetermined separation distance. As shown in the right side view, the terminal group included in rectangular frame 10e2 is aligned and arranged on the right side of the storage battery device 10f so as to satisfy a predetermined separation distance. The predetermined replacement distance is the same as in Variant 6.

However, as described above, the terminals T1 and T2 of the BPU 11, the terminal T2 connected to the positive electrode side and the terminal T1 connected to the negative electrode side of the storage battery module 12b1 of the storage battery unit 12, the terminal T2 connected to the positive electrode side and the terminal T1 connected to the negative electrode side of the storage battery module 12b2, and the terminals T1 and T2 of the frame (fixture) 13a are all unified into a common connector terminal type. Then, both ends of the DC connection cable 14a are configured to be provided with connector terminals that can be fitted into the unified connector terminal type.

On the left side of the storage battery equipment 10f, a terminal T1 of the BPU 11 and a terminal T2 connected to the positive electrode side of the storage battery module 12b1 of the storage battery unit 12#1, a terminal T1 connected to the negative electrode side of the storage battery module 12b1 of the storage battery unit 12#1 and a terminal T2 connected to the positive electrode side of the storage battery module 12b1 of the storage battery unit 12#2 are connected to each other by a DC connection cable 14.
Similarly, the terminal T1 connected to the negative electrode side of the storage battery module 12b1 of the storage battery unit 12#2 and the terminal T2 connected to the positive electrode side of the storage battery module 12b1 of the storage battery unit 12#3 are connected via a DC connection cable 14a, and the terminal T1 connected to the negative electrode side of the storage battery module 12b1 of the storage battery unit 12#3 and the terminal T2 of the fixture 13a are connected via a DC connection cable 14a.
On the right side of the battery equipment 10f, the terminal T2 of the BPU 11 is connected to the terminal T1 connected to the negative electrode of the battery module 12b2 of the battery unit 12#1 via a DC connection cable 14a. The terminal T2 connected to the positive electrode of the battery module 12b2 of the battery unit 12#1 is connected to the terminal T1 connected to the negative electrode of the battery module 12b2 of the battery unit 12#2 via a DC connection cable 14a. Similarly, the terminal T2 connected to the positive electrode of the battery module 12b2 of the battery unit 12#2 is connected to the terminal T1 connected to the negative electrode of the battery module 12b2 of the battery unit 12#3 via a DC connection cable 14a. The terminal T2 connected to the positive electrode of the battery module 12b1 of the battery unit 12#3 is connected to the terminal T1 of the fixture 13a via a module connection mechanism 13a1.

As a result, the storage battery equipment 10f according to the seventh modification can achieve the same effects as the storage battery equipment 10e shown in the sixth modification. Furthermore, because the connectors provided on both ends of the DC connection cable 14a are identical, there is no need to check the orientation of the cable (the type of connector that can be fitted to the terminals T1, T2, such as male or female), further improving workability. Furthermore, because the terminals for connecting at least the separate units that make up the storage battery equipment 10f (between the BPU and storage battery modules, between storage battery modules, and between the storage battery module and the fixture) can be consolidated, cost reductions can be expected due to component consolidation.

(others)
The above-described embodiment is merely an example, and the disclosure of the present embodiment may be appropriately modified and implemented without departing from the spirit thereof. The processes and means described in the present disclosure may be freely combined and implemented as long as no technical contradiction occurs.

Furthermore, processing described as being performed by one device may be shared and executed by multiple devices. Alternatively, processing described as being performed by different devices may be executed by a single device. The hardware configuration used to realize each function can be flexibly changed. For example, the power conditioner (PCS) 50 that makes up the battery storage system 100 may be configured to include one or more battery storage units 12. The control unit of the PCS 50 has the functionality of the control unit 11a of the BPU 11, and can perform charge and discharge control based on information regarding charge and discharge notified from each battery storage unit 12.

In the following, the constituent elements of the present invention will be described with reference to the reference numerals in the drawings in order to make it possible to compare the constituent elements of the present invention with the configurations of the embodiments.
<Invention 1>
A storage battery unit (12, 22) that houses at least one storage battery module (12b1, 12b2, 12b3) having a unit capacity in a housing,
a first terminal (T1, T2) connected to one of the positive and negative sides of a first storage battery module (12b1, 12b2, 12b3); and a second terminal (T1, T2) connected to the other of the positive and negative sides of the first storage battery module (12b1, 12b2, 12b3);
a third terminal (T1, T2) connected to one of the positive and negative sides of the second storage battery modules (12b1, 12b2, 12b3) and a fourth terminal (T1, T2) connected to the other of the positive and negative sides of the second storage battery modules (12b1, 12b2, 12b3) are arranged on the same housing surface;
the first terminals (T1, T2) and the fourth terminals (T1, T2) are arranged on one end side of the housing surface such that the polarity of the first storage battery module (12b1, 12b2, 12b3) connected to the first terminals (T1, T2) is different from the polarity of the second storage battery module (12b1, 12b2, 12b3) connected to the fourth terminals (T1, T2), and the second terminals (T1, T2) and the third terminals (T1, T2) are arranged on the other end side of the housing surface such that the polarity of the first storage battery module (12b1, 12b2, 12b3) connected to the second terminals (T1, T2) is different from the polarity of the second storage battery module (12b1, 12b2, 12b3) connected to the third terminals (T1, T2);
The first terminals (T1, T2) and the fourth terminals (T1, T2) are arranged so that a first distance between the first terminals (T1, T2) and the fourth terminals (T1, T2) and a second distance between the second terminals (T1, T2) and the third terminals (T1, T2) satisfy a predetermined condition.
A storage battery unit (12, 22).

10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 40, 40a, 40b Storage battery device 11, 21, 31, 32 BPU
12, 22 Storage battery unit 12b1, 12b2, 12b3, 41, 41a, 41b Storage battery module 13, 13a Frame 13a1 Module connection mechanism 14, 14a DC connection cable 15 I/F connection cable 42b, 51, 54a, 54b, 54c Bidirectional DC/DC converter 50 Power conditioner (PCS)
52 INV (bidirectional inverter)
53 DC bus 60 Power conditioner (PCS)
61 Unidirectional DC/DC converter 70 Photovoltaic power generation module (PV)
80 Load 90 Power system 100 Storage battery system 150 Power generation system 200 Distributed power system T1, T2, T3, T4 Terminals (for connection)
T5, T6 terminals (for communication)

Claims (11)

A storage battery unit that houses at least one storage battery module having a unit capacity in a housing,
a first terminal connected to one of the positive and negative terminals of a first storage battery module; and a second terminal connected to the other of the positive and negative terminals of the first storage battery module;
a third terminal connected to one of the positive electrode side or the negative electrode side of a second storage battery module and a fourth terminal connected to the other of the positive electrode side or the negative electrode side of the second storage battery module are disposed on the same housing surface;
the first terminal and the fourth terminal are arranged on one end side of the housing surface such that a polarity of the first storage battery module connected to the first terminal differs from a polarity of the second storage battery module connected to the fourth terminal, and the second terminal and the third terminal are arranged on the other end side of the housing surface such that a polarity of the first storage battery module connected to the second terminal differs from a polarity of the second storage battery module connected to the third terminal;
When the distance between the first terminal and the fourth terminal is a first distance and the distance between the second terminal and the third terminal is a second distance,
the second distance is a distance that allows connection by a connection cable having a predetermined length for connecting the second terminal and the third terminal, the connection cable having a first mating terminal at one end that fits into the first terminal and a second mating terminal at the other end that fits into the second terminal, the first mating terminal being matable with the third terminal and the second mating terminal being matable with the fourth terminal, and the first distance is a distance that does not allow connection between the first terminal and the second terminal, and between the third terminal and the fourth terminal, and the first distance is a distance that does not allow connection between the first terminal and the fourth terminal by the connection cable;
A storage battery unit characterized by: A storage battery unit that houses at least one storage battery module having a unit capacity in a housing,
a first terminal connected to one of the positive and negative terminals of a first storage battery module; and a second terminal connected to the other of the positive and negative terminals of the first storage battery module;
a third terminal connected to one of the positive electrode side or the negative electrode side of a second storage battery module and a fourth terminal connected to the other of the positive electrode side or the negative electrode side of the second storage battery module are disposed on the same housing surface;
the first terminal and the fourth terminal are arranged on one end side of the housing surface such that a polarity of the first storage battery module connected to the first terminal differs from a polarity of the second storage battery module connected to the fourth terminal, and the second terminal and the third terminal are arranged on the other end side of the housing surface such that a polarity of the first storage battery module connected to the second terminal differs from a polarity of the second storage battery module connected to the third terminal;
When the distance between the first terminal and the fourth terminal is a first distance and the distance between the second terminal and the third terminal is a second distance,
the first distance is a distance that allows the first terminal and the fourth terminal to be connected by a connection cable having a predetermined length for connecting the second terminal and the third terminal,
a circuit for interrupting an overcurrent is provided in a connection path between the electrode of the first storage battery module connected to the first terminal or the second terminal, or in a connection path between the electrode of the second storage battery module connected to the third terminal or the fourth terminal. A storage battery unit that houses at least one storage battery module having a unit capacity in a housing,
a first terminal connected to one of the positive and negative terminals of a first storage battery module; and a second terminal connected to the other of the positive and negative terminals of the first storage battery module;
a third terminal and a fourth terminal connected to the third terminal by a wiring are disposed on the same housing surface;
the first terminal and the fourth terminal are arranged on one end side of the housing surface, and the second terminal and the third terminal are arranged on the other end side of the housing surface,
When the distance between the first terminal and the fourth terminal is a first distance and the distance between the second terminal and the third terminal is a second distance,
the second distance is a distance that allows connection by a connection cable having a predetermined length for connecting the second terminal and the third terminal, the connection cable having a first mating terminal at one end that fits into the first terminal and a second mating terminal at the other end that fits into the second terminal, the first mating terminal being matable with the third terminal and the second mating terminal being matable with the fourth terminal, and the first distance is a distance that does not allow connection between the first terminal and the second terminal, and between the third terminal and the fourth terminal, and the first distance is a distance that does not allow connection between the first terminal and the fourth terminal by the connection cable;
A storage battery unit characterized by: A storage battery unit that houses at least one storage battery module having a unit capacity in a housing,
a first housing surface on which a first terminal connected to one of the positive and negative sides of a first storage battery module and a second terminal connected to the other of the positive and negative sides of the first storage battery module are disposed;
a second housing surface on which a third terminal connected to one of the positive electrode side or the negative electrode side of a second storage battery module and a fourth terminal connected to the other of the positive electrode side or the negative electrode side of the second storage battery module are disposed;
the first terminal is disposed on one end side of the first housing surface, the second terminal is disposed on the other end side of the first housing surface, the fourth terminal is disposed on one end side of the second housing surface, and the third terminal is disposed on the other end side;
the polarity of the first storage battery module connected to a first terminal arranged on one end side of the first housing surface is different from the polarity of the second storage battery module connected to a fourth terminal arranged on one end side of the second housing surface;
The first terminal and the second terminal arranged on the first housing surface, and the third terminal and the fourth terminal arranged on the second housing surface are connection cables each having a predetermined length, and each having a first mating terminal at one end that fits into the first terminal and a second mating terminal at the other end that fits into the second terminal, and the first mating terminal is arranged at a distance that prevents connection by a connection cable configured to be matable with the third terminal and the second mating terminal is matable with the fourth terminal.
A storage battery unit characterized by: The battery unit according to claim 4 , wherein the first housing surface and the second housing surface constitute opposing surfaces of a housing that houses the first storage battery module and the second storage battery module. The battery unit according to claim 4 or 5 , wherein a third terminal and a fourth terminal connected to the third terminal by a wire are arranged on the second housing surface. 7. A storage battery unit according to claim 4, wherein the first terminal and the second terminal arranged on the first housing surface and the third terminal and the fourth terminal arranged on the second housing surface are composed of terminals of a single type, and the first mating terminal and the second mating terminal provided on the connection cable are composed of mating terminals that can be mated with the terminals of the single type. A storage battery apparatus including a plurality of storage battery units according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
a connection cable having a first fitting terminal at one end adapted to fit into the first terminal and a second fitting terminal at the other end adapted to fit into the second terminal, the first fitting terminal being adapted to be able to fit into the third terminal, and the second fitting terminal being adapted to be able to fit into the fourth terminal;
a second terminal arranged on a housing surface of a first storage battery unit and a first terminal arranged on a housing surface of a second storage battery unit, and a third terminal arranged on a housing surface of the first storage battery unit and a fourth terminal arranged on a housing surface of the second storage battery unit are connected by the connection cable whose length is specified in advance to connect the second terminal and the third terminal;
A storage battery device characterized by: A storage battery apparatus including a plurality of storage battery units according to any one of claims 4 to 7 ,
a connection cable having a first fitting terminal at one end adapted to fit into the first terminal and a second fitting terminal at the other end adapted to fit into the second terminal, the first fitting terminal being adapted to be able to fit into the third terminal, and the second fitting terminal being adapted to be able to fit into the fourth terminal;
a second terminal arranged on the first housing surface of the first storage battery unit and a first terminal arranged on the first housing surface of the second storage battery unit, and a fourth terminal arranged on the second housing surface of the first storage battery unit and a third terminal arranged on the second housing surface of the second storage battery unit are connected by the connection cable, the length of which is predetermined to connect the second terminal arranged on the first housing surface of the first storage battery unit and the first terminal arranged on the first housing surface of the second storage battery unit;
A storage battery device characterized by: a mount in which the first terminal is arranged on a first housing surface and the second terminal is arranged on a second housing surface opposite to the first housing surface, and the first terminal arranged on the first housing surface and the second terminal arranged on the second housing surface are connected by a wiring mechanism;
The storage battery device of claim 9, wherein the first terminal arranged on the first housing surface of the stand and the second terminal arranged on the first housing surface of the second storage battery unit, and the second terminal arranged on the second housing surface of the stand and the third terminal arranged on the second housing surface of the second storage battery unit are further connected by the connection cable. 11. The storage battery device according to claim 9 , wherein the first fitting terminal and the second fitting terminal of the connection cable are configured as the same fitting terminal.