JP7658882B2 - Power System - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a power system.

In recent years, a technology has been proposed for placing solar cells (hereinafter referred to as PV (Photovoltaic) cells) on the surface of slats in blind devices with slats. In such a technology, a technology has also been proposed to prevent damage to the lead wires used to extract power from the PV cells (for example, Patent Document 1).

International Publication No. 2020/116413

However, because the blind device is attached to a window with a specified space, there may be cases where it is not possible to secure sufficient space near the blind device, making it difficult to install a PCS (Power Conditioning System) for PV cells near the blind device.

Against this background, the inventors conducted extensive research and discovered that it was necessary to devise a mechanism for appropriately extracting electricity from the PV cells of the blind device.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a power system that makes it possible to appropriately extract power from the PV cells of a blind device.

The first feature is that the power system includes a blind device that is attached to a window in a specified space and has a slat on which a solar cell is arranged, and a specific DC converter that converts the voltage of the power output from the solar cell between the blind device and a power conditioner that converts the power output from the solar cell.

The present invention provides a power system that allows appropriate extraction of power from the PV cells of a blind device.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a power management system 1 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a facility 100 according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a blind device 140 according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the EMS 160 according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a connection configuration of the blind device 140 according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a connection configuration of a blind device 140 according to an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a connection configuration of a blind device 140 according to an embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a connection configuration of the blind device 140 according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a connection configuration of a blind device 140 according to an embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a connection configuration of the blind device 140 according to the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a connection configuration of a blind device 140 according to an embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a connection configuration of a blind device 140 according to the first modified example. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a connection configuration of a blind device 140 according to the first modified example. FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining a connection configuration of a blind device 140 according to the third modified example.

The following describes the embodiments with reference to the drawings. In the following description of the drawings, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals. However, the drawings are schematic.

[Embodiment]
(Power Management System)
A power management system according to an embodiment will be described below. The power management system may be simply referred to as a power system.

As shown in FIG. 1, the power management system 1 has a facility 100. The power management system 1 may include a power management server 200.

Here, the facility 100 and the power management server 200 are configured to be able to communicate with each other via a network 11. The network 11 may include the Internet, a dedicated line such as a VPN (Virtual Private Network), or a mobile communication network.

The facility 100 is connected to the power grid 12 and may receive power from the power grid 12 or may supply power to the power grid 12. Power from the power grid 12 to the facility 100 may be referred to as forward flow power, purchased power, or demand power. Power from the facility 100 to the power grid 12 may be referred to as reverse flow power or sold power. In FIG. 1, facilities 100A to 100C are illustrated as examples of the facility 100.

Although not particularly limited, facility 100 may be a facility such as a residence, a facility such as a store, or a facility such as an office. Facility 100 may be an apartment building including two or more residences. Facility 100 may be a complex including at least two or more of the following facilities: residences, stores, and offices. Details of facility 100 will be described later (see FIG. 2).

The power management server 200 may be managed by a business operator such as a local power company. The local power company may be a power company operated by a local government or the like. The power management server 200 is a server managed by a business operator such as a power generation business operator, a power transmission and distribution business operator, a retail business operator, or a resource aggregator. The resource aggregator may be a power business operator that adjusts the power supply and demand balance of the power system 12 in a VPP (Virtual Power Plant). The adjustment of the power supply and demand balance may include a transaction (hereinafter, negawatt trading) in which reduced power of the demand power (flow power) of the facility 100 is exchanged for value. The adjustment of the power supply and demand balance may include a transaction in which increased power of reverse flow power is exchanged for value. The resource aggregator may be a power business operator that provides reverse flow power to a power generation business operator, a power transmission and distribution business operator, a retail business operator, or the like in a VPP.
(facility)

The facility according to the embodiment will be described below. As shown in FIG. 2, the facility 100 has a solar cell device 110, a power storage device 120, a fuel cell device 130, a blind device 140, a load device 150, and an EMS (Energy Management System) 160. The facility 100 may also have a measuring device 170.

The solar cell device 110 is a distributed power source that generates power in response to light such as sunlight. For example, the solar cell device 110 is composed of a PCS (Power Conditioning System) and a solar panel. In an embodiment, the solar cell device 110 may be an example of a power generation device installed in the facility 100.

The power storage device 120 is a distributed power source that charges and discharges power. For example, the power storage device 120 is composed of a PCS and a power storage cell. In an embodiment, the power storage device 120 may be an example of a power storage device installed in the facility 100.

The fuel cell device 130 is a distributed power source that generates electricity using fuel. For example, the fuel cell device 130 is composed of a PCS and a fuel cell.

For example, the fuel cell device 130 may be a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC; Solid Oxide Fuel Cell), a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC; Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell), a phosphoric acid fuel cell (PAFC; Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cell), or a molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC; Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell).

The blind device 140 is a device that is attached to a window in a specified space, and is a device that has solar cells (hereinafter, PV (Photovoltaic) cells). The specified space is, for example, a room in the facility 100. The blind device 140 is a device that can block sunlight into the specified space in which it is installed. The blind device 140 may be attached inside the specified space from the window, or may be attached outside the specified space from the window. Specifically, the blind device 140 is a device that has multiple slats and operates the multiple slats using a motor or the like.

The slats have a rectangular front surface and a rectangular back surface. The rectangular front surface may be a convex surface that is curved so as to protrude slightly (hereinafter, the convex surface). The rectangular back surface may be a concave surface that is curved so as to be slightly recessed (hereinafter, the concave surface). The control of the slats may include control of at least one of rolling up the slats, unrolling the slats, and adjusting the angle of the slats. The control of the slats may also include control of some of the multiple slats. That is, the control of the slats may include control of a predetermined number of the multiple slats.

The blind device 140 may be a horizontal type in which slats extending horizontally relative to the ground or floor surface are arranged vertically relative to the ground or floor surface, or a vertical type in which slats extending vertically relative to the ground or floor surface are arranged horizontally relative to the ground or floor surface. The blind device 140 may be referred to as an electric blind. The blind device 140 may be referred to as an electric blind with PV.

In the embodiment, the blind device 140 has slats on which PV cells are arranged. The PV cells are arranged on the surfaces of the slats. Specifically, the PV cells are arranged on the convex surfaces of the slats. The PV cells may also be arranged on the concave surfaces of the slats, or on both the convex and concave surfaces of the slats. Therefore, the blind device 140 may be considered as an example of a distributed power source that generates electricity in response to light such as sunlight. Details of the blind device 140 will be described later (see FIG. 3).

The load device 150 is a device that consumes power. For example, the load device 150 may include an air conditioner that adjusts the temperature of a specified space, or may include a lighting device that adjusts the illuminance of a specified space. The air conditioner and the lighting device are examples of specified devices that adjust the environment of a specified space. The air conditioner and the lighting device may be considered to be devices that are affected by the operation of the blind device 140. The load device 150 may include video equipment, audio equipment, a refrigerator, a washing machine, a personal computer, etc.

The EMS 160 manages the power for the facility 100. The EMS 160 may control the solar cell device 110, the power storage device 120, the fuel cell device 130, the blind device 140, and the load devices 150. In the embodiment, the EMS 160 is illustrated as an example of a device that receives control commands from the power management server 200, but such a device may be referred to as a Gateway or simply as a control unit. Details of the EMS 160 will be described later (see FIG. 4).

The measuring device 170 measures the forward flow power from the power system 12 to the facility 100. The measuring device 170 may also measure the reverse flow power from the facility 100 to the power system 12. For example, the measuring device 170 may be a smart meter belonging to a power company. The measuring device 170 may transmit an information element indicating the measurement result (integrated value of forward flow power or reverse flow power) in a first interval (e.g., 30 minutes) to the EMS 160 at each first interval. The measuring device 170 may transmit an information element indicating the measurement result in a second interval (e.g., 1 minute) that is shorter than the first interval to the EMS 160.

(Blind device)
The following describes a window blind device according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the window blind device 140 includes a communication unit 141, a slat 142, and a control unit 143.

The communication unit 141 is configured by a communication module. The communication module may be a wireless communication module that complies with standards such as IEEE802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, ZigBee, Wi-SUN, LTE, 5G, and 6G, or may be a wired communication module that complies with standards such as IEEE802.3.

For example, the communication unit 141 controls communication between the blind device 140 and the EMS 160. In other words, the communication unit 141 communicates with the EMS 160. Such communication is performed using a protocol that conforms to the second protocol. In the following, ECHONET Lite (registered trademark) is mainly used as an example of the second protocol.

First, the information elements included in the messages used in the communication may include information elements for identifying the operation mode of the blind device 140.

Such messages may include a message (e.g., a SET command) instructing the blind device 140 to be controlled in an operating mode, or may include a message (e.g., a GET command) requesting the operating mode applied to the blind device 140. Such messages may include a message (e.g., a GET response command, an INF command) informing the blind device 140 of the operating mode applied to the blind device 140. The GET response command is a command sent in response to a GET command, and the INF command is a message sent autonomously by the blind device 140.

The SET command includes information elements that allow the blind device 140 to specify the operation mode of the blind device 140. The GET response command and the INF command include information elements that allow the EMS 160 to specify the operation mode of the blind device 140.

The slats 142 are components that adjust the amount of sunlight in the space in which the blind device 140 is installed. PV cells may be arranged on the surface of the slats 142.

The control unit 143 may include at least one processor. The at least one processor may be configured as a single integrated circuit (IC), or may be configured as multiple circuits (such as integrated circuits and/or discrete circuits) communicatively connected.

Specifically, the control unit 143 controls the blind device 140. For example, the control unit 143 may execute at least one of the controls of winding up the slats 142, unwinding the slats 142, and adjusting the angle of the slats 142. The control unit 143 may also control some of the multiple slats 142. In other words, the control unit 143 may control a predetermined number of the multiple slats.

(EMS)
The EMS according to the embodiment will be described below. As shown in FIG.

The first communication unit 161 is configured by a communication module. The communication module may be a wireless communication module that complies with standards such as IEEE802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, ZigBee, Wi-SUN, LTE, 5G, and 6G, or may be a wired communication module that complies with standards such as IEEE802.3.

For example, the first communication unit 161 communicates with the power management server 200 via the network 11. As described above, the first communication unit 161 communicates according to the first protocol. For example, the first communication unit 161 receives a first message from the power management server 200 according to the first protocol. The first communication unit 161 transmits a first message response to the power management server 200 according to the first protocol.

The second communication unit 162 is configured by a communication module. The communication module may be a wireless communication module that complies with standards such as IEEE802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, ZigBee, Wi-SUN, LTE, 5G, and 6G, or may be a wired communication module that complies with standards such as IEEE802.3.

For example, the second communication unit 162 communicates with devices included in the facility 100 (the solar cell device 110, the power storage device 120, the fuel cell device 130, or the blind device 140). As described above, the second communication unit 162 communicates according to the second protocol. For example, the second communication unit 162 transmits a second message to the distributed power source according to the second protocol. The second communication unit 162 receives a second message response from the distributed power source according to the second protocol. As described above, the second message may be a message including an information element for identifying the operation mode of the blind device 140.

The control unit 163 may include at least one processor. The at least one processor may be configured as a single integrated circuit (IC), or may be configured as multiple circuits (such as integrated circuits and/or discrete circuits) communicatively connected.

Specifically, the control unit 163 controls each component installed in the EMS 160. For example, the control unit 163 instructs the blind device 140 to set the operation mode by transmitting a second message.

(Connection configuration of blind device)
The connection configuration of the blind device 140 according to the embodiment will be described below. The connection configuration of the blind device 140 may be considered as a configuration for extracting power from the PV cells of the blind device 140. In the following, a case in which blind devices 140A to 140C are installed as the blind device 140 will be illustrated as an example.

As shown in FIG. 5, in the connection configuration of the blind device 140, a DC/DC converter 180, a connection unit 191, a DC/DC converter 192, an inverter 193, a distribution board 194, and a load device 150 are installed. In other words, the facility 100 may have a DC/DC converter 180, a connection unit 191, a DC/DC converter 192, an inverter 193, and a distribution board 194.

The DC/DC converter 180 is an example of a specific DC converter that converts the voltage of the power (DC power) output from the PV cell. Note that DC is a term that means direct current. For example, the DC/DC converter 180 boosts the voltage of the DC power output from the PV cell to a first voltage.

Here, the DC/DC converter 180 is installed near the blind device 140. The DC/DC converter 180 may be considered to be part of the blind device 140. The DC/DC converter 180 is provided separately for the blind device 140. For example, the DC/DC converter 180 may include a DC/DC converter 180A used for the blind device 140A, a DC/DC converter 180B used for the blind device 140B, and a DC/DC converter 180C used for the blind device 140C.

The connection unit 191 connects the power lines extending from each blind device 140 (DC/DC converter 180). The connection unit 191 is a concentrator for the power lines.

The DC/DC converter 192 converts the voltage of the power (DC power) output from the DC/DC converter 180. For example, the DC/DC converter 192 boosts the voltage of the DC power output from the DC/DC converter 180 to a second voltage. The second voltage may be higher than the first voltage.

The inverter 193 converts the DC power output from the DC/DC converter 192 into AC power. Note that AC is a term that means alternating current.

Here, the DC/DC converter 192 and the inverter 193 may constitute the PCS 19. The PCS 19 is an example of a power conditioner that converts the power output from the PV cell. The PCS 19 may be a PCS dedicated to the blind device 140, or may be a PCS shared with at least one of the solar cell device 110, the power storage device 120, and the fuel cell device 130.

The distribution board 194 branches the power system 12 into one or more power lines. The distribution board 194 may include a breaker that cuts off power from or to the power system 12. For example, within the facility 100, a load device 150 is placed under the control of the distribution board 194. Within the facility 100, a solar cell device 110, a power storage device 120, a fuel cell device 130, and the like may be placed under the control of the distribution board 194.

As described above, the DC/DC converter 180 is installed separately from the PCS 19. The DC/DC converter 180 is connected to the power line between the PCS 19 and the blind device 140. In other words, the DC/DC converter 180 converts the voltage of the DC power output from the PV cells between the PCS 19 and the blind device 140. The DC/DC converter 180 may be small compared to the PCS 19, and the installation space constraints for the DC/DC converter 180 may be small.

Under these assumptions, we will explain variations in the connection configuration. In the following, to simplify the explanation, we will use one blind device 140 as an example.

(Connection configuration 1)
6 , in connection configuration 1, the blind device 140 has a first motor 145 for changing the opening degree of the slats 142 and a second motor 146 for changing the angle of the slats 142. The first motor 145 and the second motor 146 are examples of motors that operate the slats 142. The opening degree of the slats 142 is the degree to which the slats 142 are rolled up (or unrolled).

In connection configuration 1, a DC/DC converter 185 and a DC/DC converter 186 are installed. The DC/DC converter 185 is an example of a motor DC converter that converts the voltage of the power supplied to the first motor 145. For example, the DC/DC converter 185 may step down the voltage of the power supplied from the PCS 19, or may step up the voltage of the power supplied from the PV cell. The DC/DC converter 186 is an example of a motor DC converter that converts the voltage of the power supplied to the second motor 146. For example, the DC/DC converter 186 may step down the voltage of the power supplied from the PCS 19, or may step up the voltage of the power supplied from the PV cell.

Here, DC/DC converter 185 and DC/DC converter 186 are connected between the PV cell and DC/DC converter 180 (connection point P1). DC/DC converter 180 converts the voltage of the power from the PV cell to the PCS 19, as well as the voltage of the power from the PCS 19 to the first motor 145 and the second motor 146. In other words, DC/DC converter 180 is a bidirectional DC/DC converter.

A mechanism for preventing reverse flow of power from the DC/DC converter 180 to the PV cell may be provided between the PV cell and the connection point P1.

With this configuration, when the power generated by the PV cells is used as the power source for the first motor 145 and the second motor 146, voltage conversion by the DC/DC converter 180 can be omitted, so there is little loss in the power generated by the PV cells.

(Connection configuration 2)
7 , in connection configuration 2, the blind device 140 has a first motor 145 for changing the opening degree of the slats 142 and a second motor 146 for changing the angle of the slats 142. The first motor 145 and the second motor 146 are examples of motors that operate the slats 142.

In connection configuration 2, a DC/DC converter 185 and a DC/DC converter 186 are installed. The DC/DC converter 185 is an example of a motor DC converter that converts the voltage of the power supplied to the first motor 145. For example, the DC/DC converter 185 may step down the voltage of the power supplied from the PCS 19, and may step up or step down the voltage of the power supplied from the DC/DC converter 180. The DC/DC converter 186 is an example of a motor DC converter that converts the voltage of the power supplied to the second motor 146. For example, the DC/DC converter 186 may step down the voltage of the power supplied from the PCS 19, and may step up or step down the voltage of the power supplied from the DC/DC converter 180.

Here, DC/DC converter 185 and DC/DC converter 186 are connected between DC/DC converter 180 and PCS 19 (connection point P2). DC/DC converter 180 converts the voltage of the power from the PV cell to PCS 19 without converting the voltage of the power from PCS 19 to blind device 140. In other words, DC/DC converter 180 is a one-way DC/DC converter.

With this configuration, when the power generated by the PV cells is used as the power source for the first motor 145 and the second motor 146, voltage conversion by the DC/DC converter 180 is required, which results in a loss of power generated by the PV cells, but the cost of the DC/DC converter 180 can be reduced. In addition, the reverse flow of power from the PCS 19 to the PV cells is also reduced.

(Connection configuration 3)
The following mainly describes the differences between the connection configuration 3 and the above-mentioned connection configuration 1. As shown in Fig. 8, in the connection configuration 3, the blind device 140 has a battery 147 that stores power that can be supplied to the first motor 145 and the second motor 146, in addition to the components of the connection configuration 1.

In connection configuration 3, in addition to connection configuration 1, a DC/DC converter 187 is installed. The DC/DC converter 187 is an example of a battery direct current converter that converts the voltage of the power related to the battery 147. The DC/DC converter 187 converts the voltage of the power output from the battery 147 and also converts the voltage of the power to the battery 147. In other words, the DC/DC converter 187 is a bidirectional DC/DC converter. For example, the DC/DC converter 187 may boost the voltage of the power output from the battery 147. The DC/DC converter 187 may step down the voltage of the power supplied from the PCS 19, or may boost the voltage of the power supplied from the PV cell.

Here, the DC/DC converter 187 is connected between the PV cell and the DC/DC converter 180 (connection point P1). The DC/DC converter 180 converts the voltage of the power from the PV cell to the PCS 19, as well as the voltage of the power from the PCS 19 to the battery 147. In other words, the DC/DC converter 180 is a bidirectional DC/DC converter.

A mechanism for preventing reverse flow of power from the DC/DC converter 180 to the PV cell may be provided between the PV cell and the connection point P1.

With this configuration, when the power generated by the PV cells is used as the power to be stored in the battery 147, the voltage conversion by the DC/DC converter 180 can be omitted, so there is little loss of the power generated by the PV cells.

(Connection configuration 4)
The following mainly describes the differences between the connection configuration 4 and the above-mentioned connection configuration 2. As shown in Fig. 9, in the connection configuration 4, the blind device 140 has a battery 147 that stores power that can be supplied to the first motor 145 and the second motor 146, in addition to the components of the connection configuration 2.

In connection configuration 4, in addition to connection configuration 2, a DC/DC converter 187 is installed. The DC/DC converter 187 is an example of a battery direct current converter that converts the voltage of the power related to the battery 147. The DC/DC converter 187 converts the voltage of the power output from the battery 147 and also converts the voltage of the power to the battery 147. In other words, the DC/DC converter 187 is a bidirectional DC/DC converter. For example, the DC/DC converter 187 may boost the voltage of the power output from the battery 147. The DC/DC converter 187 may step down the voltage of the power supplied from the PCS 19, and may step up or step down the voltage of the power supplied from the DC/DC converter 180.

Here, the DC/DC converter 187 is connected between the DC/DC converter 180 and the PCS 19 (connection point P2). The DC/DC converter 180 converts the voltage of the power from the PV cell to the PCS 19 without converting the voltage of the power from the PCS 19 to the blind device 140. In other words, the DC/DC converter 180 is a one-way DC/DC converter.

With this configuration, when the power generated by the PV cells is used as the power to be stored in the battery 147, voltage conversion by the DC/DC converter 180 is required, which results in a loss of power generated by the PV cells, but the cost of the DC/DC converter 180 can be reduced. In addition, the reverse flow of power from the PCS 19 to the PV cells is also reduced.

(Connection configuration 5)
10 , in connection configuration 1, the blind device 140 has a first motor 145 for changing the opening degree of the slats 142 and a second motor 146 for changing the angle of the slats 142. The first motor 145 and the second motor 146 are examples of motors that operate the slats 142. The opening degree of the slats 142 is the degree to which the slats 142 are rolled up (or unrolled).

In connection configuration 5, an inverter 198 is installed. The inverter 198 is an example of an inverter that converts power to the first motor 145 and the second motor 146. For example, the inverter 198 converts AC power supplied from the power system 12 into DC power, and converts AC power output from the PCS 19 into DC power.

Here, the inverter 198 is connected between the PCS 19 and the power system 12 (here, the distribution board 194) (connection point P3). The DC/DC converter 180 converts the voltage of the power from the PV cells to the PCS 19 without converting the voltage of the power from the PCS 19 to the blind device 140. In other words, the DC/DC converter 180 is a one-way DC/DC converter.

According to such a configuration, when the power generated by the PV cells is used as the power source for the first motor 145 and the second motor 146, power conversion by the PCS 19 and the inverter 198 is involved, so a loss of power generated by the PV cells occurs, but it is possible to reduce the cost of the DC/DC converter 180. Also, the wiring related to the first motor 145 and the second motor 146 is simple.
(Connection configuration 6)

In connection configuration 6, the differences from connection configuration 5 described above will be mainly described. As shown in FIG. 11, in connection configuration 6, in addition to connection configuration 5, the blind device 140 has a battery 147 that stores power that can be supplied to the first motor 145 and the second motor 146.

In connection configuration 6, DC/DC converter 180X and DC/DC converter 180Y are installed as DC/DC converter 180. DC/DC converter 180X is an example of a first DC converter that converts the voltage of the power from the PV cells to the PCS 19. DC/DC converter 180Y is an example of a second DC converter that converts the voltage of the power from the PV cells to the battery 147.

In connection configuration 6, in addition to connection configuration 5, a DC/DC converter 187 is installed. The DC/DC converter 187 is an example of a battery direct current converter that converts the voltage of the power related to the battery 147. The DC/DC converter 187 converts the voltage of the power output from the battery 147 and also converts the voltage of the power to the battery 147. In other words, the DC/DC converter 187 is a bidirectional DC/DC converter. For example, the DC/DC converter 187 may boost the voltage of the power output from the battery 147. The DC/DC converter 187 may step down the voltage of the power supplied from the inverter 198, and may step up or step down the voltage of the power supplied from the DC/DC converter 180Y.

Here, the DC/DC converter 180Y is connected between the DC/DC converter 187 and the inverter 198 (connection point P4). The DC/DC converter 180Y may be connected between the first motor 145 and the inverter 198 (connection point P4). The DC/DC converter 180Y may be connected between the second motor 146 and the inverter 198 (connection point P4).

According to this configuration, when the power generated by the PV cells is used as the power to be stored in the battery 147, the power conversion of the PCS 19 and the inverter 198 can be omitted, so the loss of the power generated by the PV cells is smaller than in connection configuration 5. Furthermore, when the power generated by the PV cells is used as the power source for the first motor 145 and the second motor 146, the power conversion of the PCS 19 and the inverter 198 can be omitted, so the loss of the power generated by the PV cells is smaller than in connection configuration 5.

Note that in connection configuration 6, a case has been described in which the battery 147 and the DC/DC converter 187 are included, but the battery 147 and the DC/DC converter 187 may be omitted.

(Action and Effects)
In the embodiment, the DC/DC converter 180 that converts the voltage of the power output from the PV cells of the window shade device 140 is installed separately from the PCS 19 and is connected between the PCS 19 and the window shade device 140. With this configuration, it is possible to suppress an increase in the current flowing through the power line between the DC/DC converter 180 and the PCS 19, and it is possible to appropriately extract power from the PV cells. Furthermore, since the DC/DC converter 180 can be made smaller than the PCS 19, there are fewer restrictions on the installation space for the DC/DC converter 180.

Although not particularly limited, the connection configuration of the above embodiment is useful in cases where a large number of blind devices 140 are installed.

[Modification 1]
Modification 1 of the embodiment will be described below. Differences from the embodiment will be mainly described below.

In Modification Example 1, other variations in the connection configuration of the blind device 140 are described.

First, as shown in FIG. 12, the blind device 140 may be directly connected to the connection 191 (PCS19) without going through the DC/DC converter 180 described above. In such a case, it should be noted that the current flowing through the power line between the blind device 140 (PV cell) and the PCS19 may increase.

Secondly, as shown in FIG. 13, a PCS19 may be set near each blind device 140. For example, PCS19A may be installed near blind device 140A, PCS19B may be installed near blind device 140B, and PCS19C may be installed near blind device 140C. In such a case, it should be noted that there may be significant constraints on the installation space for PCS19.

[Modification 2]
The second modification of the embodiment will be described below, focusing mainly on the differences from the embodiment.

Although not specifically mentioned in the embodiment, the operation modes of the blind device 140 may include at least one of the operation modes (first operation mode to fifth operation mode) shown below.

The first operating mode is an operating mode in which the angle of the slats 142 is adjusted to maximize the power generated by the PV cells. In other words, in the first operating mode, the power generated by the PV cells is prioritized over the sunlight entering a specified space.

The second operating mode is an operating mode in which the angle of the slat 142 that maximizes the power generation of the PV cell is searched for. Specifically, in the second operating mode, the angle of the slat 142 that maximizes the power generation of the PV cell is searched for by measuring the power generation of the PV cell while gradually changing the angle of the slat 142. The slat 142 whose angle is changed in the second operating mode may be part of the multiple slats 142 provided in the blind device 140.

The third operation mode is an operation mode in which the angle of the slats 142 is adjusted based on at least one of the illuminance and the temperature of a specified space. Specifically, in the third operation mode, the angle of the slats 142 may be adjusted so that the illuminance of the specified space becomes a target illuminance. The sensor that detects the illuminance may be provided in the blind device 140, or may be configured to be able to communicate with the blind device 140. The target illuminance may be set by the user. In the third operation mode, the angle of the slats 142 may be adjusted so that the temperature of the specified space becomes a target temperature. The sensor that detects the temperature may be provided in the blind device 140, or may be configured to be able to communicate with the blind device 140. The target temperature may be set by the user.

The fourth operating mode is an operating mode in which the angle of the slats 142 is adjusted to maximize the illuminance in a given space. In other words, in the fourth operating mode, sunlight in a given space is prioritized over the power generated by the PV cells.

The fifth operating mode is an operating mode in which the angle of the slats 142 is adjusted based on the power consumption of a specified device and the power generated by the PV cells. In other words, the fifth operating mode is an operating mode in which the power obtained by subtracting the power generated by the PV cells from the power consumption of a specified device is minimized. The fifth operating mode may also be considered to be an operating mode in which the power obtained by subtracting the power consumption of a specified device from the power generated by the PV cells is maximized.

[Modification 3]
The third modification of the embodiment will be described below, focusing mainly on the differences from the embodiment.

In the above embodiment, a case was exemplified in which a battery 147 that stores power that can be supplied to the first motor 145 and the second motor 146 of each blind device 140 is installed for each blind device 140.

In contrast, in the third modified example, as shown in FIG. 14, in addition to the configuration shown in FIG. 5 described above, a battery 147X is installed to store power that can be supplied to the first motor 145 and the second motor 146 of each of the two or more blind devices 140. In other words, the battery 147X may be considered to be a battery shared by the two or more blind devices 140.

The battery 147X may be connected between the connection portion 191 and the DC/DC converter 192. The DC/DC converter 192 may be a bidirectional DC/DC converter.

[Other embodiments]
Although the present invention has been described by the above-mentioned embodiment, the description and drawings forming a part of this disclosure should not be understood as limiting the present invention. From this disclosure, various alternative embodiments, examples and operating techniques will become apparent to those skilled in the art.

In the above disclosure, the case where the first motor 145 and the second motor 146 operate on DC power has been exemplified. However, the above disclosure is not limited to this. The first motor 145 and the second motor 146 may operate on AC power. For example, in at least one of the connection configurations 1 to 4 (see FIGS. 6 to 9), the first motor 145 and the second motor 146 may be connected to the distribution board 194 like the load 150. In such a case, the DC/DC converter 185 and the DC/DC converter 186 may be omitted. In at least one of the connection configurations 5 to 6 (see FIGS. 10 to 11), the first motor 145 and the second motor 146 may be connected to the connection point P3 like the load 150. In such a case, the inverter 198 may be omitted. Note that in the connection configuration 6 (see FIG. 11), when the inverter 198 is omitted, the DC/DC converter 187 and the DC/DC converter 180Y may not be connected to the connection point P4. DC/DC converter 187 and DC/DC converter 180Y may be integrated into one DC/DC converter.
Although not particularly limited, the operation mode may be read as an operation state.

The above disclosure has mainly described ECHONET Lite. However, the above disclosure is not limited thereto. The above disclosure is also applicable to other protocols such as SEP2.0 and KNX.

Although not specifically mentioned in the above disclosure, at least some of the functions of EMS160 may be executed by a server located on network 11. In other words, EMS160 may be provided by a cloud service.

1...Power management system, 11...Network, 12...Power system, 19...PCS, 100...Facility, 110...Solar cell device, 120...Electricity storage device, 130...Fuel cell device, 140...Blind device, 141...Communication unit, 142...Slat, 143...Control unit, 145...First motor, 146...Second motor, 147...Battery, 150...Load device, 160...EMS, 161...First communication unit, 162...Second communication unit, 163...Control unit, 170...Measuring device, 180...DC/DC converter, 185...DC/DC converter, 186...DC/DC converter, 187...DC/DC converter, 191...Connection unit, 192...DC/DC converter, 193...Inverter, 198...Inverter, 200...Power management server

Claims (6)

A blind device attached to a window in a predetermined space and having a slat on which a solar cell is arranged;
A specific DC converter is provided between a power conditioner that converts the power output from the solar cell and the blind device, and converts the voltage of the power output from the solar cell;
The blind device includes a motor for operating the slats;
a motor DC converter that converts the voltage of the power to the motor is connected between the solar cell and the specific DC converter;
A power system, wherein the specific DC converter converts the voltage of the power from the solar cell to the power conditioner, as well as the voltage of the power from the power conditioner to the motor DC converter. A blind device attached to a window in a predetermined space and having a slat on which a solar cell is arranged;
A specific DC converter is provided between a power conditioner that converts the power output from the solar cell and the blind device, and converts the voltage of the power output from the solar cell;
The blind device includes a motor for operating the slats;
A motor DC converter that converts a voltage of power to the motor is connected between the specific DC converter and the power conditioner,
The specific DC converter converts the voltage of the power from the solar cell to the power conditioner without converting the voltage of the power from the power conditioner to the blind device. 1. An electric power system comprising:
A blind device attached to a window in a predetermined space and having a slat on which a solar cell is arranged;
A specific DC converter is provided between a power conditioner that converts the power output from the solar cell and the blind device, and converts the voltage of the power output from the solar cell;
The blind device includes a motor for operating the slats;
the power system includes a battery that stores power that can be supplied to the motor;
a battery-to-DC converter for converting a voltage of power related to the battery is connected between the solar cell and the specific DC converter;
A power system, wherein the specific DC converter converts the voltage of the power from the solar cell to the power conditioner, as well as the voltage of the power from the power conditioner to the battery DC converter. 1. An electric power system comprising:
A blind device attached to a window in a predetermined space and having a slat on which a solar cell is arranged;
A specific DC converter is provided between a power conditioner that converts the power output from the solar cell and the blind device, and converts the voltage of the power output from the solar cell;
The blind device includes a motor for operating the slats;
the power system includes a battery that stores power that can be supplied to the motor;
a battery-to-DC converter that converts a voltage of power related to the battery is connected between the specific DC converter and the power conditioner;
The specific DC converter converts the voltage of the power from the solar cell to the power conditioner without converting the voltage of the power from the power conditioner to the blind device. A blind device attached to a window in a predetermined space and having a slat on which a solar cell is arranged;
A specific DC converter is provided between a power conditioner that converts the power output from the solar cell and the blind device, and converts the voltage of the power output from the solar cell;
The blind device includes a motor for operating the slats;
An inverter that converts power to the motor is connected between the power conditioner and a power grid,
The specific DC converter converts the voltage of the power from the solar cell to the power conditioner without converting the voltage of the power from the power conditioner to the blind device. a battery that stores power that can be supplied to the motor;
6. The power system according to claim 5, wherein the specific DC converter includes a first DC converter that converts a voltage of power from the solar cell to the power conditioner, and a second DC converter that converts a voltage of power from the solar cell to the battery.