This application claims the benefit of Japanese Priority Patent Application JP
2014-162362 filed August 8, 2014, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein
by reference.
Technical Field
[0002] The present disclosure relates to a power supply device, a method of supplying
power, and a power supply system.
Background Art
[0003] There is known an uninterruptible power supply provided with a storage battery for
continuing to provide power from the storage battery to equipment connected thereto
for a predetermined time without causing power failure even when the power from an
input power source is interrupted. Techniques are developed for extending such a
power supply into each consumer and supplying power to the consumers when an ab
normality occurs in supplying power due to power failure, shortage of storage battery
capacity, or other reasons (see PTLs 1 and 2).
Citation List
Patent Literature
[0004] PTL 1: JP 201 1-205871A
PTL 2: JP 2013-090560A
Summary
Technical Problem
[0005] When consumers supply power to each other, it is desirable for the sake of efficiency
to use direct-current power in consideration of supply of power from a storage battery.
When consumers supply direct-current power to each other, a network is formed
among consumers and the supply of power is controlled using constant commu
nication. A network router is necessary to be supplied with power in a stable manner.
[0006] Therefore, according to an embodiment of the present disclosures, there is provided a
novel and improved power supply device, method of supplying power, and power
supply system, capable of supplying power to a network router performing constant
communication in a stable manner when consumers supply direct-current power to
each other by forming a network among consumers.
Solution to Problem
[0007] In one embodiment, there is provided a power interchange system for distributing
direct current (DC) electrical power. The power interchange system comprises a
plurality of nodes comprising a first node and a second node. The first node comprises
a first communication device and a first power source to power the first commu
nication device. The second node comprises a second communication device and a
second power source to power the second communication device. The power in
terchange system further comprises a wired cable connecting the first node and the
second node. The wired cable comprises at least one first wire to convey DC power
from the first power source of the first node to the second node to power the second
communication device or from the second power source of the second node to the first
node to power the first communication device.
[0008] In another embodiment, there is provided a method of operating a first node of a
power interchange system comprising a plurality of nodes. Each node of the plurality
of nodes comprises a communication device and a storage battery. The method
comprises supplying power from a first storage battery of the first node to a first com
munication device of the first node and, in a case that power from the first storage
battery is unavailable to power the first communication device, receiving power at the
first node from a second storage battery of a second node and powering the first com
munication device using power from the second storage battery.
[0009] In a further embodiment, there is provided an apparatus to transmit and/or receive
power in a power interchange system. The apparatus comprises a communication
device, a power source connected to the communication device to power the commu
nication device, a power terminal to transmit DC power to the power interchange
system from the power source and/or to receive DC power from the power interchange
system, the power terminal being connected to the power source, and a network
terminal to transmit and/or receive control signals relating to transmission and/or
receipt of power via the power interchange system and to receive DC power via the
power interchange system. The network terminal is connected to at least one network
port of the communication device and to a power supply of the communication device.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
[0010] According to one or more of embodiments of the present disclosure described above,
it is possible to provide a novel and improved power supply device, method of
supplying power, and power supply system, capable of supplying power to a network
router in a stable manner when consumers supply direct-current power to each other by
forming a network among consumers.
[001 1] Note that the effects described above are not necessarily limited, and along with or
instead of the effects, any effect that is desired to be introduced in the present specification
or other effects that can be expected from the present specification may be
exhibited.
Brief Description of Drawings
[0012] [fig. 1]FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrated to describe an overall configuration example of a
power transmission and reception control system according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure.
[fig.2]FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrated to describe pin arrangement of a network
connector in the 10Base-T.
[fig.3]FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrated to describe pin arrangement of a network
connector in the 10Base-T.
[fig.4]FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrated to describe an overview of how to supply directcurrent
power to a network router.
[fig.5]FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrated to describe an exemplary configuration of a power
supply device 120 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure
[fig.6]FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrated to describe an exemplary operation of a power
transmission and reception control system using a power supply device 120 according
to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[fig.7]FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrated to describe an exemplary operation of a power
transmission and reception control system using a power supply device 120 according
to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[fig.8]FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrated to describe an exemplary operation of a power
transmission and reception control system using a power supply device 120 according
to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[fig.9]FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrated to describe an exemplary configuration of the
power supply device 120 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure
[fig. 10]FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrated to describe an exemplary operation of a power
transmission and reception control system using a power supply device 120 according
to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[fig. 11]FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrated to describe an exemplary operation of a power
transmission and reception control system using a power supply device 120 according
to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[fig. 12]FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrated to describe an exemplary operation of a power
transmission and reception control system using a power supply device 120 according
to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Description of Embodiments
[0013] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in
detail with reference to the appended drawings. Note that, in this specification and the
appended drawings, structural elements that have substantially the same function and
structure are denoted with the same reference numerals, and repeated explanation of
these structural elements is omitted.
[0014] The description will be made in the following order.
1. Embodiment of Present Disclosure
1.1. Background
1.2. Exemplary Configuration of System
1.3. Exemplary Configuration of Device
1.4. Exemplary Operation
2. Conclusion
[0015] <1. Embodiment of present Disclosure>
(1.1. Overview)
A background of a technology according to an embodiment of the present disclosure
will be described prior to the description of an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0016] The description is based on the assumption that an environment becomes in
creasingly popular in which each consumer is provided with a battery server having a
storage battery, the storage battery stores power using a commercial power supply or
power generated from a natural energy source such as solar, wind, and geothermal, and
the power stored in the storage battery drives electrical appliances. With the spread of
such environment, a power interchange system is designed for interchanging power
between consumers, as described above. When power is insufficient in a battery server
of a consumer, the power interchange system allows a battery server of a consumer
having extra power to supply power to the battery server of the consumer having in
sufficient power. When consumers supply power to each other, it is preferable, for the
sake of efficiency, to supply direct-current power in consideration of the supply of
power from a storage battery.
[0017] When consumers supply direct-current power to each other, it is desirable to form a
network among consumers and to control the supply of power using constant commu
nication. A network router is necessary to be supplied with power in a stable manner.
When consumers supply direct-current power to each other, it is considered that the
power may not be supplied with power from the existing commercial alternatingcurrent
power source. Thus, a network router is preferably configured to operate with
direct-current power received from a battery server, not from a commercial power
source.
[0018] When consumers supply the direct-current power to each other, the consumers may
be located far away from each other. Thus, the network router preferably com
municates in a wired manner. When consumers supply the direct-current power to each
other, it is preferable to configure a network in which consumers are connected in a
daisy chain on the assumption that consumers are located far away from each other.
[0019] For example, 10Base-T is one of the communication standards. The 10Base-T has a
transmission rate lower than 100Base-T or 1000Base-T by up to 10 Mbps, but it may
be constructed at low cost. The 10Base-T has a maximum transmission length of 100
meters over one cable segment. Thus, as long as the distance between consumers is
within 100 meters, it is possible to communicate between consumers without in
terposing a network router between consumers when consumers supply the directcurrent
power to each other.
[0020] However, when consumers supply the direct-current power to each other, consumers
may be connected to each other in a daisy chain configuration and a network may be
configured in such a way that a network router operates with direct-current power
received from a battery server, not from a commercial power source. In this case, it is
necessary to take measures against the following events.
[0021] If even one battery server is stopped due to factors such as failure, the supply of
power to a network router will be interrupted. The interruption of the supply of power
to a network router stops the network router.
[0022] In the case where consumer are connected to each other in a daisy chain con
figuration, if one network router is stopped, the entire network is stopped because
without a bypass path. In other words, if even one battery server is stopped due to
factors such as failure, the entire network is stopped, thereby failing to control the
entire system.
[0023] As described above, the 10Base-T has a maximum transmission length of 100 meters
over one cable segment. However, to connect between consumers located more than
100 meters away from each other, it is necessary to construct an expensive commu
nication system using an optical fiber cable.
[0024] When consumers (nodes) have different ground levels from each other, an excessive
current may flow into a node from an adjacent one, resulting in probably burnout of a
cable.
[0025] The present inventors have made extensive studies to achieve a technology capable
of significantly reducing the occurrence of power interruption to a network router and
allowing a network having a daisy chain configuration to be constructed at low cost
while avoiding the problematic events described above. As a result, the present
inventors have developed the technology capable of significantly reducing the oc
currence of power interruption to a network router and allowing a network having a
daisy chain configuration to be constructed at low cost as well, which will be described
below.
[0026] The technical background of an embodiment of the present disclosure has been
described above. Next, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in
detail. An exemplary configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure will be described.
[0027] (1.2. Exemplary System Configuration)
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrated to describe an overall configuration example of the
power transmission and reception control system according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure. FIG. 1 illustrates an overall configuration example of the power
transmission and reception control system that interchanges direct-current power
between battery servers having their own storage batteries. An overall configuration
example of the power transmission and reception control system according to an em
bodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 1.
[0028] As shown in FIG. 1, the power transmission and reception control system 1 is con
structed to mutually supply direct-current power as necessary among battery servers
provided in the respective consumers (four in FIG. 1). A consumer 10a is provided
with a battery server 100a. Similarly, a consumer 10b, a consumer 10c, and a consumer
lOd are provided with a battery server 100b, a battery server 100c, and a battery server
lOOd, respectively. Each of the battery servers 100a to lOOd has a rechargeable battery
provided inside or outside of each battery server.
[0029] The battery servers 100a to lOOd are connected to a direct-current bus line 20 over
which direct-current power is mutually supplied among the battery servers as
necessary. Each of the battery servers 100a to lOOd is provided with a bidirectional
DC-to-DC converter that converts voltage of a battery and voltage of the direct-current
bus line 20 from one level to another.
[0030] The consumers 10a to lOd may be provided with solar panels 200a to 200d, r e
spectively. Each of the solar panels 200a to 200d receives irradiation of sunlight and
generates electric power. The solar panels 200a to 200d are configured so that the
generated electric power may be stored in the respective batteries provided in the
battery servers 100a to lOOd. In the present embodiment, the consumers 10a to lOd are
provided with the solar panels 200a to 200d, respectively. However, the battery servers
100a to lOOd may be configured to store power generated by natural energy, such as
wind, geothermal, and biomass, other than sunlight.
[0031] The consumers 10a to lOd are provided with controllers 300a to 300d, respectively.
The controllers 300a to 300d are used to control the transmission and reception of
direct-current power to and from the battery servers 100a to lOOd via the direct-current
bus line 20. How to control the transmission and reception of direct-current power to
and from the battery servers 100a to lOOd via the direct-current bus line 20 by the con
trollers 300a to 300d is not limited to a particular method, and an example thereof is as
follows.
[0032] The power transmission and reception control system 1 according to the present embodiment
may include a mechanism for arbitrating power transmission and reception
among the battery servers 100a to lOOd in such a way that only one of the battery
servers 100a to lOOd connected to the direct-current bus line 20 has the right to control
the transmission and reception of direct-current power over the direct-current bus line
20.
[0033] In other words, the power transmission and reception control system 1 according to
the present embodiment may have a mechanism that allows only the batter server
having the control right among the battery servers 100a to lOOd to instruct other
battery servers to transmit power stored in their own batteries or to receive power for
charging their own batteries, and that prevents a battery server having no control right
from performing the power transmission and reception without permission or in
struction.
[0034] To allow the controllers 300a to 300d to control the transmission and reception of
direct-current power to and from the battery servers 100a to lOOd via the direct-current
bus line 20, the consumers 10a to lOd are respectively provided with network routers
110a to 1lOd. If each of the consumers 10a to lOd is referred to as a node, then the
network routers 110a to 1lOd may serve as a relay device used to connect nodes to
each other in a daisy chain configuration. Thus, the network router 110b is connected
to the network router 110a via a network cable 30a, and the network router 110b is
connected to the network router 110c via a network cable 30b. The network router
110c is connected to the network router 110b via the network cable 30b, and the
network router 110c is connected to the network router 1lOd via a network cable 30c.
[0035] The network routers 110a to 1lOd transmits and receives information on transfer of
direct-current power by the battery servers 100a to lOOd to and from the consumers
10a to lOd. Examples of the information on transfer of direct-current power by the
battery servers 100a to lOOd may include amount of power supply, particulars of
power (electric current and voltage), and duration of power supply (start time and end
time). The information on transfer of direct-current power by the battery servers 100a
to lOOd is not limited to a particular format. The format of information is defined in the
power transmission and reception control system 1. The network routers 110a to 1lOd
respectively operate with direct-current power received from the battery servers 100a
to lOOd, not from a commercial alternating-current power source.
[0036] In the present embodiment, as a network standard, a standard, such as 10Base-T, that
can be constructed at low costs is used, although it has a lower transmission rate. As
the network cables 30a to 30c, an Ethernet (registered trademark) cable is used.
[0037] In the 10Base-T, the pin arrangement of a network connector having the network
cables 30a to 30c inserted into the network connector will be described. FIGS. 2 and 3
are diagrams illustrated to describe the pin arrangement of the network connector in
the 10Base-T. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the network connector in the 10Base-T is a
connector referred to so-called 8P8C in which there are eight connection positions and
all of them are connected. An example of the 8P8C connector includes RJ-45. As
shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, in the 10Base-T, pins #1, #2, #3, and #6 are predetermined to
be used for communication. In the 10Base-T, pins #4, #5, #7, and #8 are not used for
communication.
[0038] In the present embodiment, it is characterized in that the power is able to be supplied
to the network routers 110 to 1lOd via the network cables 30a to 30c using pins #4, #5,
#7, and #8 which are not used for communication in the 10Base-T.
[0039] The power is able to be supplied to the network routers 110 to 1lOd via the network
cables 30a to 30c using pins that are not used for communication in the 10Base-T.
Thus, for example, when the supply of power from the battery server 100c to the
network router 110c is interrupted due to a factor such as failure of the battery server
100c, it is possible to continue to receive power from the battery server 100b or lOOd
of an adjacent node via the network cable 30b or 30c.
[0040] The supply of power to the network router 110c from the battery server 100b or lOOd
of the adjacent nodes via the network cable 30b or 30c can be continued, and thus it is
possible to prevent the network router 110c from being interrupted.
[0041] In the present embodiment, the power is able to be supplied to the network routers
110a to 1lOd via the network cables 30b and 30c using pins that are not used for com
munication in the 10Base-T. Thus, when the distance between nodes exceeds a
maximum communicable distance defined in the 10Base-T, it is possible to connect
nodes, which are spaced apart from each other by a distance exceeding the maximum
communicable distance, by connecting network routers in a daisy chain.
[0042] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrated to describe an overview of how to supply directcurrent
power to a network router. FIG. 4 illustrates three nodes (node n-1, node n, and
node n+1) for the sake of description. Each of the nodes is provided with the network
router 110.
[0043] The node n is connected with the adjacent nodes n+1 and n-1 via the network cable
30. The node n is supplied with power through a pin #4 from the node n+1 and a pin
#7 from the node n-1. The node n receives power from the nodes n+1 and n-1 via a
diode. The node n is supplied with power generated from a DC-to-DC converter in its
own node via a diode. The node n supplies the direct-current power, which is received
from its own node and the nodes n+1 and n-1 as described above, to the network router
110.
[0044] The node n connects a signal line from the node n+1 and the node n-1 to the network
router 110. The network router 110 of the node n is connected to a controller 300 (not
shown in FIG. 4) of its own node.
[0045] In the present embodiment, the power supply voltage used to operate the network
router 110 is set to 48 V. The power supply voltage used to operate the network router
is generally set to be a low voltage, for example, 12 V, but when nodes are connected
using a thin wire such as network cable and power is supplied over an Ethernet
connection, voltage drop occurs.
[0046] In the present embodiment, the power supply voltage that is set to 48 V is converted
into 12 V by a DC-to-DC converter in its own node, and then is supplied to the
network router 110 to drive the network router 110. The voltage of 48 V is an output
voltage of a typical household storage battery, and the output of the battery server 100
can be used without any conversion. Thus, it is not necessary to provide an additional
circuitry to operate the network router 110.
[0047] An overall configuration example of the power transmission and reception control
system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure has been described. Next,
an example of a device used to supply power to the network router 110 will be
described in detail.
[0048] (1.3. Exemplary Configuration of Device)
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrated to describe an exemplary configuration of a power
supply device 120 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The power
supply device 120 illustrated in FIG. 5 is an example of a device used to supply power
to the network router 110 of the node n. An exemplary configuration of the power
supply device 120 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be
described with reference to FIG. 5.
[0049] As shown in FIG. 5, the power supply device 120 according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure is configured to include connectors 130a to 130f and a DC-to-DC
converter 140. Although the power supply device 120 according to an embodiment of
the present disclosure is configured to include the controller 300 therein as shown in
FIG. 5, the controller 300 may not be included in the power supply device 120.
[0050] The connector 130a is a connector used to connect with the network cable 30. In the
present embodiment, the connector 130a is a connector used to connect with the
adjacent node n-1 via the network cable 30. The connector 130a is configured to
exchange data with the adjacent node n-1 using pins #1, #2, #3, and #6 defined in the
10Base-T. The connector 130a is configured to transmit and receive direct-current
power to and from the adjacent node n-1 using pins #4, #5, #7, and #8.
[0051] The connector 130a is configured to receive the direct-current power of 48 V from
the adjacent node n-1 through the pin #4, and to transmit the direct-current power of 48
V to the adjacent node n-1 through the pin #7. The connector 130a is configured to be
supplied with the ground (GND) potential through the pins #5 and #8. The pin #4 is
connected to a diode used to prevent the direct-current power of 48 V of its own node
from being transmitted to the node n-1 through the pin #4.
[0052] The connector 130c is a connector used to connect with the network cable 30. In the
present embodiment, the connector 130c is a connector used to connect with the
adjacent node n+1 via the network cable 30. The connector 130c is configured to
exchange data with the adjacent node n+1 using pins #1, #2, #3, and #6 defined in the
10Base-T, which is similar to the connector 130a. The connector 130c is configured to
transmit and receive direct-current power to and from the adjacent node n+1 using pins
#4, #5, #7, and #8.
[0053] The connector 130c is configured to receive the direct-current power of 48 V from
the adjacent node n+1 through the pin #7, and to transmit the direct-current power of
48 V to the adjacent node n+1 through the pin #4. The connector 130c is configured to
be supplied with the ground (GND) potential through the pins #5 and #8. The pin #7 is
connected to a diode used to prevent the direct-current power of 48 V of its own node
from being transmitted to the node n+1 through the pin #7.
[0054] In other words, the power supply device 120 according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure supplies the direct-current power to the node n-1 through a set of
pins #7 and #8 (Pair 7), and supplies the direct-current power to the node n+1 through
a set of pins #4 and #5 (Pair 4). This arrangement of the power supply device 120
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is similarly applied to other
nodes.
[0055] In the present embodiment, although the power supply device 120 is configured to
supply the direct-current power to the node n-1 through a set of pins #7 and #8 (Pair 7)
and supply the direct-current power to the node n+1 through a set of pins #4 and #5
(Pair 4), the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to such example.
[0056] The connector 130b is a connector used to connect with the controller 300. The
connector 130b does not perform transmission and reception of power but performs
only the exchange of data, which is different from the connectors 130a and 130c. Thus,
the connector 130b is configured to only be able to exchange data with the adjacent
node n-1 using pins #1, #2, #3, and #6 defined in the 10Base-T.
[0057] The DC-to-DC converter 140 converts the direct-current power received from its
own node and the nodes n+1 and n-1 into the direct-current power to be supplied to the
network router 110. In the present embodiment, the direct-current power of 48 V
received from its own node and the nodes n+1 and n-1 is converted into the directcurrent
power of 12 V to be supplied to the network router 110. The DC-to-DC
converter 140 supplies the direct-current power of 12 V to the network router 110 and
outputs the ground potential to the pin #8 of each of the connectors 130d, 130e, and
130f.
[0058] The connectors 130d, 130e, and 130f are connectors used to connect with the
network router 110. The connector 130d is configured to provide the data received
from the adjacent node n-1 to the network router 110 through the pins #1, #2, #3, and
#6 of the connector 130a. The connector 130d is also configured to transmit the data
outputted from the network router 110 to the adjacent node n-1 through the pins #1, #2,
#3, and #6 of the connector 130a.
[0059] The connector 130e is configured to provide the data received from the controller
300 to the network router 110 through the pins #1, #2, #3, and #6 of the connector
130b. The connector 130e is also configured to transmit the data outputted from the
network router 110 to the controller 300 through the pins #1, #2, #3, and #6 of the
connector 130b.
[0060] The connector 130f is configured to provide the data received from the adjacent node
n+1 to the network router 110 through the pins #1, #2, #3, and #6 of the connector
130c. The connector 130e is also configured to transmit the data outputted from the
network router 110 to the adjacent node n+1 through the pins #1, #2, #3, and #6 of the
connector 130b.
[0061] The power supply device 120 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure
has the configuration shown in FIG. 5. Thus, the power supply device 120 is able to
receive the direct-current power form the adjacent nodes n-1 and n+1 via the network
cable 30, convert the direct-current power into a voltage suitable for the operation of
the network router 110, and supply the direct-current power to the network router 110.
[0062] Even when the supply of power from its own node is interrupted, the power supply
device 120 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure having the con
figuration shown in FIG. 5 allows the direct-current power to be received form the
adjacent nodes n-1 and n+1 via the network cable 30, thereby supplying the power to
the network router 110 without interruption.
[0063] An exemplary configuration of the power supply device 120 according to an em
bodiment of the present disclosure has been described with reference to FIG. 5. Next,
an exemplary operation of the power transmission and reception control system using
the power supply device 120 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will
be described.
[0064] (1.4. Exemplary Operation)
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrated to describe an exemplary operation of the power
transmission and reception control system using the power supply device 120
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 illustrates four nodes n-2,
n-1, n, and n+1. Each node shown in FIG. 6 supplies the direct-current power to the
network router 110 of its own node and supplies the direct-current power to adjacent
nodes through Pair 4 and Pair 7 as described above.
[0065] Here is illustrated a case where the power fails to be supplied to the network router
110 of its own node due to the failure of a battery server or the depletion of a battery
server in the node n-1 and node n. In a case where the power fails to be supplied to the
network router 110 of its own node in the node n-1 and node n, the node n-1 and node
n receive the direct-current power from the node n-2 and node n+1, respectively, and
they supply the power to the network router 110 of their own nodes, as shown in FIG.
7.
[0066] In this way, in a case where the power fails to be supplied to the network router 110
of its own node, the direct-current power is received from an adjacent node, and thus it
can be seen that it is possible to supply the power to the network router 110 without in
terruption.
[0067] There is illustrated another exemplary operation. As described above, the 10Base-T
has a maximum transmission length of 100 meters over one cable segment. Thus, by
providing the power supply device 120 according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure to relay between consumers, it is possible to perform data communication
between consumers through the 10Base-T, even when the distance between consumers
exceeds 100 meters.
[0068] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrated to describe an exemplary operation of the power
transmission and reception control system using the power supply device 120
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 illustrates two nodes n
and n+1. The distance between the node n and the node n+1 shown in FIG. 8 is
assumed to be 300 meters. Each of the nodes shown in FIG. 8 is configured to supply
the direct-current power to the network router 110 of its own node and supply the
direct-current power to an adjacent network router 110.
[0069] When the distance between the node n and the node n+1 is 300 meters, the
connection and data transmission between nodes using one network cable through the
10Base-T may not be possible. While, by providing two network routers 110 in
terposed between nodes for relaying, it is possible to transmit data between the node n
and the node n+1 through the 10Base-T.
[0070] The two network routers 110 interposed between nodes receive the direct-current
power from the node n and the node n+1, and thus the necessity of providing a battery
server therebetween is eliminated, and the data communication between consumers
through the 10Base-T is possible even when the distance between consumers exceeds
100 meters.
[0071] The power supply device 120 of each node may have a configuration for preventing
backflow of an electric current from the power supply device 120 of another node.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrated to describe an exemplary configuration of the power
supply device 120. The power supply device 120 shown in FIG. 9 is different from the
power supply device 120 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure shown
in FIG. 5 in that the pin #5 of the connector 130a and the pin #8 of the connector 130c
are provided with a diode. This diode is used to separate the ground level between their
respective adjacent nodes and to prevent backflow of an electric current from the
adjacent nodes.
[0072] The power supply device 120 shown in FIG. 9 is provided with a diode use to
separate the ground level between adjacent nodes and to prevent an electric current
from the adjacent nodes from flowing backward from the ground (GND) to the
network router 110. Thus, the diode included as an additional component in the con
figuration shown in FIG. 9 may function as an example of a separation unit according
to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As the separation unit according to an em
bodiment of the present disclosure, other elements than a diode may be used.
[0073] The power supply device 120 of each node is provided with a diode used to prevent
the backflow of electric current from the power supply device 120 of other node as
shown in FIG. 9, and thus it is possible to prevent the backflow of electric current from
the ground level that may arise when the nodes have different ground levels from each
other, and the ground level between nodes can be separated.
[0074] There will be described advantageous effects obtained by allowing the power supply
device 120 to be provided with a diode used to prevent the backflow of electric current
from the power supply device 120 of other node.
[0075] FIGS. 10 to 12 are diagrams illustrated to describe an exemplary operation of the
power transmission and reception control system using the power supply device 120
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIGS. 10 to 12 illustrate three
nodes n-1, n, and n+1. There is illustrated a battery of 48 V included in each of the
nodes n-1, n, and n+1, for supplying the power to the network router 110.
[0076] When the power supply device 120 of the node n supplies the power to the nodes n-1
and n+1, the power is supplied from the node n to the nodes n-1 and n+1 along the path
shown in FIG. 11. In other words, the direct-current power is supplied from the node n
to the nodes n-1 through a set of pins #7 and #8 (Pair 7), and the direct-current power
is supplied from the node n to the nodes n+1 through a set of pins #4 and #5 (Pair 4).
[0077] In normal operation, as shown in FIG. 11, the electric current flows from the power
supply device 120 of the node n to the node n-1, and the electric current flows from the
power supply device 120 of the node n-1 to the node n. However, for example, if the
ground level of the node n is higher than that of the node n-1 (e.g., when the node n
has a ground level of 10 V and the node n-1 has a ground level of 0 V), the electric
current flows from the power supply device 120 of the node n to the node n-1 along the
opposite path during normal operation. When the ground level is different between
nodes as described above, an electric current may flow into a node from an adjacent
one and the amount of flowing electric current is excessive, resulting in probably
burnout of a network cable connected between nodes.
[0078] Thus, the power supply device 120 of each node is provided with a diode used to
prevent the backflow of an electric current, and thus even when the ground level is
different between nodes, it is possible to prevent the backflow of an electric current as
shown in FIG. 12. In other words, by separating the ground level of each node, the
power supply device 120 of each node can prevent an excessive current from flowing
even when the ground level is different between nodes for some reasons.
[0079] <2. Conclusion>
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure as described above, there is
provided a power supply device for supplying the direct-current power to a network
router of its own node in a network in which a plurality of nodes are connected in a
daisy chain. The power supply device according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure is configured to be able to receive the direct-current power from an adjacent
node via a network cable or supply the direct-current power to an adjacent node via a
network cable.
[0080] The power supply device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure
transmits and receives the direct-current power to and from an adjacent node via a
network cable. Thus, when the power fails to be supplied to the network router 110 of
its own node due to the failure of a battery server or the depletion of a battery in its
own node, the power supply device according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure allows the network router 110 of its own node to be continued to operate
without interruption by receiving the power supplied from an adjacent node.
[0081] Similarly to that described above, when the power fails to be supplied to the network
router 110 in an adjacent node due to the failure of a battery server or the depletion of a
battery in the relevant node, the operation of the network router 110 at the relevant
node can be continued by supplying the power to the adjacent node.
[0082] In the power supply device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a
path used to receive the direct-current power from an adjacent node via a network
cable is different from a path used to supply the direct-current power to the same node
via a network cable. A path used to receive the direct-current power from two adjacent
nodes via a network cable is different for each node. By defining paths for transmitting
and receiving the direct-current power as described above, the power supply device
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is able to transmit and receive
the direct-current power to and from adjacent nodes by avoiding collision of supply of
power.
[0083] The power supply device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is
configured to receive the direct-current power from an adjacent node via a network
cable and to supply the direct-current power to a network router. Thus, when the nodes
are spaced apart from each other by a distance exceeding the maximum communicable
distance, the data transmission between nodes is possible. In other words, a network
router is interposed between nodes and a power supply device of a node supplies the
direct-current power to the network router, and thus the data transmission between
nodes is possible.
[0084] It should be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications, com
binations, sub-combinations and alterations may occur depending on design re
quirements and other factors insofar as they are within the scope of the appended
claims or the equivalents thereof.
[0085] In addition, the effects described in the present specification are merely illustrative
and demonstrative, and not limitative. In other words, the technology according to the
present disclosure can exhibit other effects that are evident to those skilled in the art
along with or instead of the effects based on the present specification.
[0086] The present technology may be configured as below:
(1) A power interchange system for distributing direct current (DC) electrical power,
the power interchange system comprising:
a plurality of nodes comprising a first node and a second node, wherein the first node
comprises a first communication device and a first power source to power the first
communication device, and wherein the second node comprises a second commu
nication device and a second power source to power the second communication device;
and
a wired cable connecting the first node and the second node, wherein the wired cable
comprises at least one first wire to convey DC power from the first power source of the
first node to the second node to power the second communication device or from the
second power source of the second node to the first node to power the first commu
nication device.
(2) The power interchange system according to (1), wherein:
the first power source comprises a first storage battery; and
the second power source comprises a second storage battery.
(3) The power interchange system according to (2), wherein:
the first power source further comprises at least one first generator;
the first node is arranged to store in the first storage battery electrical energy
generated by the at least one first generator;
the second power source further comprises at least one second generator; and
the second node is arranged to store in the second storage battery electrical energy
generated by the at least one second generator.
(4) The power interchange system according to (3), wherein:
the power interchange system further comprises a power bus to convey DC power
between nodes of the plurality of nodes;
each node of the plurality of nodes comprises at least a part of at least one residential
and/or commercial building and a power source to supply electrical power to electrical
components of the at least the part of the at least one residential and/or commercial
building of the node; and
the power interchange system is adapted to distribute, via the power bus, DC power
between the at least one residential and/or commercial building of each node of the
plurality of nodes.
(5) The power interchange system according to (4), wherein:
the first node further comprises a first battery server to control transmission of DC
power from the first node and/or receipt of DC power at the first node via the power
bus, wherein the first battery server is configured to control the transmission and/or
receipt in accordance with control messages received at the first battery server via the
first communication device;
the second node further comprises a second battery server to control transmission of
DC power from the second node and/or receipt of DC power at the second node via the
power bus, wherein the second battery server is configured to control the transmission
and/or receipt in accordance with control messages received at the second battery
server via the second communication device; and
wherein the first communication device and the second communication device are
configured to send and/or receive control messages via at least one second wire of the
wired cable.
(6) The power interchange system according to (5), further comprising:
a third node comprising a third communication device, a third storage battery, a third
generator, and a third battery server; and
a second wired cable connecting the first node and the third node,
wherein the second wired cable comprises at least one third wire to convey power from
the first power source of the first node to the third node to power the third commu
nication device and from the third power source of the third node to the first node to
power the first communication device;
wherein the second wired cable comprises at least one fourth wire; and
wherein the first communication device and the third communication device are
configured to send and/or receive control messages via at least one fourth wire of the
second wired cable.
(7) The power interchange system according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein:
the power interchange system further comprises a power bus to convey DC power
between nodes of the plurality of nodes;
each node of the plurality of nodes comprises a communication device to transmit and/
or receive control messages to control distribution of DC power via the power bus; and
the communication devices of the plurality of nodes are communicatively linked in a
chain, wherein communication devices of adjacent nodes in the chain are directly
connected via the wired cable.
(8) The power interchange system according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein:
the wired cable comprises at least one second wire to convey network messages;
the first communication device comprises a network port and the at least one second
wire is connected to the network port; and
the first communication device comprises a power supply terminal and the at least one
first wire is connected to the power supply terminal.
(9) The power interchange system according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the at
least one first wire is connected to the first communication device via at least one
diode.
(10) The power interchange system according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein:
the at least one first wire is arranged to convey DC power at a first voltage level;
the first communication device is arranged to receive input power at a second voltage
level that is different from the first voltage level; and
the first node comprises a DC-to-DC voltage converter, the DC-to-DC voltage
converter being connected to the first communication device and to the at least one
first wire.
(11) The power interchange system according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein the
wired cable is a 10Base-T cable.
(12) The power interchange system according to any one of (1) to (12), wherein:
the first communication device is a first network router; and
the second communication device is a second network router.
(13) A method of operating a first node of a power interchange system comprising a
plurality of nodes, each node of the plurality of nodes comprising a communication
device and a storage battery, the method comprising:
supplying power from a first storage battery of the first node to a first communication
device of the first node; and
in a case that power from the first storage battery is unavailable to power the first com
munication device, receiving power at the first node from a second storage battery of a
second node and powering the first communication device using power from the
second storage battery.
(14) The method according to (13), wherein receiving power at the first node from the
second storage battery of the second node in a case that power from the first storage
battery is unavailable to power the first communication device comprises receiving
power at the first node from the second storage battery of the second node when the
first storage battery is depleted.
(15) The method according to any one of (13) to (14), wherein:
the first node further comprises a first battery server regulating distribution of power in
the first node, to the first node from the power interchange system, and from the first
node to the power interchange system; and
receiving power at the first node from the second storage battery of the second node
when power available from the first storage battery is unavailable to power the first
communication device comprises receiving power at the first node from the second
storage battery of the second node when the first battery server has failed.
(16) The method according to any one of (13) to (15), wherein:
receiving power at the first node from the second storage battery of the second node
comprises receiving power at the first node via at least one first wire of a network
cable directly connecting the first communication device to a second communication
device of the second node; and
the network cable further comprises at least one second wire to convey control
messages relating to distribution of power in the power interchange system between
the first communication device and the second communication device.
(17) The method according to (16), wherein receiving power at the first node via the at
least one first wire of the network cable further comprises receiving the power via a
DC-to-DC voltage converter connected between the at least one first wire and the first
communication device.
(18) An apparatus to transmit and/or receive power in a power interchange system, the
apparatus comprising:
a communication device;
a power source connected to the communication device to power the communication
device;
a power terminal to transmit DC power to the power interchange system from the
power source and/or to receive DC power from the power interchange system, the
power terminal being connected to the power source; and
a network terminal to transmit and/or receive control signals relating to transmission
and/or receipt of power via the power interchange system and to receive DC power via
the power interchange system, the network terminal being connected to at least one
network port of the communication device and to a power supply of the commu
nication device.
(19) The apparatus according to (18), wherein:
the network terminal comprises at least one pin by which to receive the DC power
from the power interchange system; and
the apparatus further comprises at least one diode connecting the at least one pin to the
power supply of the communication device.
(20) The apparatus according to (19), further comprising:
at least one DC-to-DC voltage converter connecting the at least one pin to the power
supply of the communication device.
(21)_ The apparatus according to any one of (18) to (20), further comprising:
a battery server to control transmission of DC power to the power interchange system
from the power source and/or receipt of DC power from the power interchange system
in accordance with the control signals.
(22) An electrical component for use with a power interchange system, the power in
terchange system distributing direct current (DC) electrical power, the electrical
component comprising:
a power input terminal to receive power from a storage battery; and
a cable terminal to connect to a wired cable of the power interchange system, the wired
cable comprising a plurality of wires and the cable terminal comprising a plurality of
pins, the plurality of pins comprising at least one first pin and at least one second pin,
wherein the electrical component is configured to receive via the at least one first pin
signals relating to the power interchange system and wherein the electrical component
is configured to receive via the at least one second pin DC power,
wherein the electrical component is configured to draw power from the at least one
second pin in a case that power is unavailable via the power input terminal.
Reference Signs List
20 direct-current bus line
30 network cable
100a to lOOd battery server
110 network router
120 power supply device
130a to 130f connector
140 DC-to-DC converter

Claims
[Claim 1] A power interchange system for distributing direct current (DC)
electrical power, the power interchange system comprising:
a plurality of nodes comprising a first node and a second node, wherein
the first node comprises a first communication device and a first power
source to power the first communication device, and wherein the
second node comprises a second communication device and a second
power source to power the second communication device; and
a wired cable connecting the first node and the second node, wherein
the wired cable comprises at least one first wire to convey DC power
from the first power source of the first node to the second node to
power the second communication device or from the second power
source of the second node to the first node to power the first commu
nication device.
[Claim 2] The power interchange system of claim 1, wherein:
the first power source comprises a first storage battery; and
the second power source comprises a second storage battery.
[Claim 3] The power interchange system of claim 2, wherein:
the first power source further comprises at least one first generator;
the first node is arranged to store in the first storage battery electrical
energy generated by the at least one first generator;
the second power source further comprises at least one second
generator; and
the second node is arranged to store in the second storage battery
electrical energy generated by the at least one second generator.
[Claim 4] The power interchange system of claim 3, wherein:
the power interchange system further comprises a power bus to convey
DC power between nodes of the plurality of nodes;
each node of the plurality of nodes comprises at least a part of at least
one residential and/or commercial building and a power source to
supply electrical power to electrical components of the at least the part
of the at least one residential and/or commercial building of the node;
and
the power interchange system is adapted to distribute, via the power
bus, DC power between the at least one residential and/or commercial
building of each node of the plurality of nodes.
[Claim 5] The power interchange system of claim 4, wherein:
WO 2016/021174 PCT/JP2015/003891
the first node further comprises a first battery server to control
transmission of DC power from the first node and/or receipt of DC
power at the first node via the power bus, wherein the first battery
server is configured to control the transmission and/or receipt in ac
cordance with control messages received at the first battery server via
the first communication device;
the second node further comprises a second battery server to control
transmission of DC power from the second node and/or receipt of DC
power at the second node via the power bus, wherein the second battery
server is configured to control the transmission and/or receipt in ac
cordance with control messages received at the second battery server
via the second communication device; and
wherein the first communication device and the second communication
device are configured to send and/or receive control messages via at
least one second wire of the wired cable.
[Claim 6] The power interchange system of claim 5, further comprising:
a third node comprising a third communication device, a third storage
battery, a third generator, and a third battery server; and
a second wired cable connecting the first node and the third node,
wherein the second wired cable comprises at least one third wire to
convey power from the first power source of the first node to the third
node to power the third communication device and from the third
power source of the third node to the first node to power the first com
munication device;
wherein the second wired cable comprises at least one fourth wire; and
wherein the first communication device and the third communication
device are configured to send and/or receive control messages via at
least one fourth wire of the second wired cable.
[Claim 7] The power interchange system of claim 1, wherein:
the power interchange system further comprises a power bus to convey
DC power between nodes of the plurality of nodes;
each node of the plurality of nodes comprises a communication device
to transmit and/or receive control messages to control distribution of
DC power via the power bus; and
the communication devices of the plurality of nodes are commu
nicatively linked in a chain, wherein communication devices of
adjacent nodes in the chain are directly connected via the wired cable.
[Claim 8] The power interchange system of claim 1, wherein:
WO 2016/021174 PCT/JP2015/003891
the wired cable comprises at least one second wire to convey network
messages;
the first communication device comprises a network port and the at
least one second wire is connected to the network port; and
the first communication device comprises a power supply terminal and
the at least one first wire is connected to the power supply terminal.
[Claim 9] The power interchange system of claim 1, wherein the at least one first
wire is connected to the first communication device via at least one
diode.
[Claim 10] The power interchange system of claim 1, wherein:
the at least one first wire is arranged to convey DC power at a first
voltage level;
the first communication device is arranged to receive input power at a
second voltage level that is different from the first voltage level; and
the first node comprises a DC-to-DC voltage converter, the DC-to-DC
voltage converter being connected to the first communication device
and to the at least one first wire.
[Claim 11] The power interchange system of claim 1, wherein the wired cable is a
10Base-T cable.
[Claim 12] The power interchange system of claim 1, wherein:
the first communication device is a first network router; and
the second communication device is a second network router.
[Claim 13] A method of operating a first node of a power interchange system
comprising a plurality of nodes, each node of the plurality of nodes
comprising a communication device and a storage battery, the method
comprising:
supplying power from a first storage battery of the first node to a first
communication device of the first node; and
in a case that power from the first storage battery is unavailable to
power the first communication device, receiving power at the first node
from a second storage battery of a second node and powering the first
communication device using power from the second storage battery.
[Claim 14] The method of claim 13, wherein receiving power at the first node from
the second storage battery of the second node in a case that power from
the first storage battery is unavailable to power the first communication
device comprises receiving power at the first node from the second
storage battery of the second node when the first storage battery is
depleted.
WO 2016/021174 PCT/JP2015/003891
[Claim 15] The method of claim 13, wherein:
the first node further comprises a first battery server regulating di s
tribution of power in the first node, to the first node from the power in
terchange system, and from the first node to the power interchange
system; and
receiving power at the first node from the second storage battery of the
second node when power available from the first storage battery is un
available to power the first communication device comprises receiving
power at the first node from the second storage battery of the second
node when the first battery server has failed.
[Claim 16] The method of claim 13, wherein:
receiving power at the first node from the second storage battery of the
second node comprises receiving power at the first node via at least one
first wire of a network cable directly connecting the first commu
nication device to a second communication device of the second node;
and
the network cable further comprises at least one second wire to convey
control messages relating to distribution of power in the power in
terchange system between the first communication device and the
second communication device.
[Claim 17] The method of claim 16, wherein receiving power at the first node via
the at least one first wire of the network cable further comprises
receiving the power via a DC-to-DC voltage converter connected
between the at least one first wire and the first communication device.
[Claim 18] An apparatus to transmit and/or receive power in a power interchange
system, the apparatus comprising:
a communication device;
a power source connected to the communication device to power the
communication device;
a power terminal to transmit DC power to the power interchange
system from the power source and/or to receive DC power from the
power interchange system, the power terminal being connected to the
power source; and
a network terminal to transmit and/or receive control signals relating to
transmission and/or receipt of power via the power interchange system
and to receive DC power via the power interchange system, the
network terminal being connected to at least one network port of the
communication device and to a power supply of the communication
WO 2016/021174 PCT/JP2015/003891
device.
[Claim 19] The apparatus of claim 18, wherein:
the network terminal comprises at least one pin by which to receive the
DC power from the power interchange system; and
the apparatus further comprises at least one diode connecting the at
least one pin to the power supply of the communication device.
[Claim 20] The apparatus of claim 19, further comprising:
at least one DC-to-DC voltage converter connecting the at least one pin
to the power supply of the communication device.
[Claim 21] The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising:
a battery server to control transmission of DC power to the power in
terchange system from the power source and/or receipt of DC power
from the power interchange system in accordance with the control
signals.
[Claim 22] An electrical component for use with a power interchange system, the
power interchange system distributing direct current (DC) electrical
power, the electrical component comprising:
a power input terminal to receive power from a storage battery; and
a cable terminal to connect to a wired cable of the power interchange
system, the wired cable comprising a plurality of wires and the cable
terminal comprising a plurality of pins, the plurality of pins comprising
at least one first pin and at least one second pin, wherein the electrical
component is configured to receive via the at least one first pin signals
relating to the power interchange system and wherein the electrical
component is configured to receive via the at least one second pin DC
power,
wherein the electrical component is configured to draw power from the
at least one second pin in a case that power is unavailable via the power
input terminal.