TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a power distribution network monitoring system and a power distribution network monitoring device for detecting abnormalities in a power distribution network.

BACKGROUND ART

Recent years have seen the use of a measurement device that is attached to the power lines constituting a power distribution network and measures a physical quantity by converting it into a current value with a current transformer (CT).

For instance, Patent Literature 1 discloses a configuration of a measurement device for accurately sensing the current flowing through a power line that is part of a power distribution network.

By constructing a power distribution network monitoring system that makes use of such a measurement device to enable electrical measurement of the power lines that make up the power distribution network, a system can be provided for dealing with electricity theft, in which power is taken off from the power lines without permission, for example.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

Patent Literature 1: JP-A 2014-178238

SUMMARY

Technical Problem

However, the following problems are encountered with the above-mentioned conventional power distribution network monitoring system.

With the power distribution network monitoring system disclosed in the above-mentioned publication, there is the risk that the data collection relays or the like used for receiving a measurement result from a current sensor and transmitting it to a management center or the like may be broken, destroyed, stolen, or the like due to natural phenomena such as storms or to mischief perpetrated by people.

An object of the present invention is to provide a power distribution network monitoring system and a power distribution network monitoring device capable of effectively detecting the occurrence of abnormalities related to data collection relays that receive data related to measurement results from measuring instruments installed on power lines.

Solution to Problem

The power distribution network monitoring system according to the first invention comprises a plurality of measuring instruments, a data collection relay, an imaging unit, and an abnormality detector. The measuring instruments are installed at predetermined positions on the power lines constituting a power distribution network and perform electrical measurement of the power lines. The data collection relay receives data related to measurement results from the plurality of measuring instruments. The imaging unit is disposed near the data collection relay and captures an image including the data collection relay. The abnormality detector uses the image captured by the imaging unit to detect an abnormality in the data collection relay.

Here, in a system that detects various abnormalities that occur in a data collection relay by using an image that includes the data collection relay that receives data related to measurement results from the measuring instruments installed on the power lines constituting a power distribution network, an abnormality detector receives image data including the data collection relay, and detects the presence or absence of an abnormality from a change in the appearance of the data collection relay and its housing.

That is, with this power distribution network monitoring system, for example, images including the data collection relay captured by the imaging unit at regular time intervals are used, and when a change occurs in the appearance of the data collection relay or its housing, it is determined that some kind of abnormality has occurred in the data collection relay.

Here, for example, one data collecting relay is provided for a plurality of measuring instruments, and is provided in order to receive data related to the results measured by the plurality of measuring instruments, and transmit this data to a management center or the like.

Abnormalities in the data collection relay include, for example, damage, theft, or failure of a data collection relay, damage or theft of the housing in which the data collection relay is installed, and so forth.

The imaging unit is an imaging means such as a monitoring camera, for example, and may be provided in a one-to-one correspondence with respect to the data collection relay that is used to detect the occurrence of an abnormality, or just one imaging unit may be provided for a plurality of data collection relays.

Also, communication between the imaging unit and the abnormality detector is not limited to direct communication, and may be indirect communication via a relay or the like. Furthermore, communication between the imaging unit and the abnormality detector may be wireless communication or wired communication.

Furthermore, the abnormality detector may be provided inside the measuring instrument, the data collection relay, or the imaging unit, or may be provided inside some other device.

Consequently, when the data collection relay is normal, no change in the appearance of the data collection relay is observed, but when a change in appearance is detected by comparing the image captured immediately before with the latest image, it is concluded that some kind of abnormality has occurred in the data collection relay, and it is determined that there is an abnormality.

As a result, an abnormality occurring in the data collection relay that receives data related to the measurement results from the measuring instruments installed on the power lines constituting the power distribution network can be effectively detected by using an image captured by the imaging unit disposed near the data collection relay.

The power distribution network monitoring system according to the second invention is the power distribution network monitoring system according to the first invention, wherein the imaging units are provided in a one-to-one correspondence with respect to the data collection relays.

Here, imaging units are disposed in a one-to-one correspondence with data collection relays that receive data related to measurement results from a plurality of measuring instruments attached to the power lines constituting a power distribution network.

Consequently, compared to a configuration in which a plurality of data collection relays are imaged by a single imaging unit, providing a dedicated imaging unit for each data collection relay allows changes in the appearance and so forth of the data collection relay to be more effectively detected, so as to detect abnormalities.

The power distribution network monitoring system according to the third invention is the power distribution network monitoring system according to the first or the second invention, wherein the imaging unit transmits unique ID information assigned to each of the imaging units, along with data for the image.

Here, in addition to the image data transmitted from the imaging unit, unique ID information assigned to each imaging unit is also transmitted.

Consequently, when there is a change in the appearance or the like of a data collection relay based on the image received from the imaging unit, the abnormality detector confirms the ID information of the imaging unit in which the appearance or the like has changed, which makes it possible to easily recognize which imaging unit imaged the data collection relay in which an abnormality has occurred.

The power distribution network monitoring system according to the fourth invention is the power distribution network monitoring system according to any of the first to the third inventions, wherein the abnormality detector receives data related to the measurement result measured in the measuring instrument from the data collection relay, determines whether or not the data has been received a predetermined number of times within a predetermined length of time, and detect abnormalities related to the measuring instruments.

Here, for example, data about the measurement result in the measuring instrument is set to be transmitted from the data collection relay to the abnormality detector each time a predetermined length of time elapses, and if the measurement results have not be received a predetermined number of times (such as ten) within a predetermined length of time (such as 60 minutes), it is concluded that some kind of abnormality has occurred in the measuring instrument, the data collection relay, or the power distribution network.

Here, in addition to a power outage in the power distribution network, examples of abnormalities that can occur in the power distribution network include failure, damage, or theft of the measuring instrument or data collection relay, and a communication failure between the data collection relay and the abnormality detector.

Also, the data related to the measurement result transmitted from the data collection relay may be, for example, data about the measurement result for the current or voltage of the power line, or data about the effective value of AC calculated from the measurement value.

Also, communication between the data collection relay and the abnormality detector may be wireless communication or wired communication.

Consequently, when the measuring instrument, the data collection relay, and the power distribution network are normal, the data of the measurement result can be received a predetermined number of times within a predetermined length of time, but if it is not received a predetermined number of times, it is concluded that some kind of abnormality has occurred, and it is determined that there is an abnormality.

As a result, in addition to the detection of abnormalities using an image, the occurrence of abnormalities can also be accomplished depending on whether or not data related to the measurement result has been properly received, making it possible to detect the occurrence of abnormalities in the power distribution network over a wider range.

The power distribution network monitoring system according to the fifth invention is the power distribution network monitoring system according to the fourth invention, wherein the plurality of measuring instruments perform electrical measurement of the power lines each time a predetermined length of time elapses.

Here, a plurality of measuring instruments installed in the power lines constituting the power distribution network measure the current, voltage, etc., of the power lines each time a predetermined length of time has elapsed.

Consequently, measurement results measured at predetermined time intervals are received from a plurality of measuring instruments by the abnormality detector via the data collection relay, so when some kind of abnormality occurs in the power distribution network, the occurrence of that abnormality can be easily detected by confirming how many times the measurement result has been received.

The power distribution network monitoring system according to the sixth invention is the power distribution network monitoring system according to the fourth or fifth invention, wherein the measuring instruments transmit unique ID information assigned to each of the measuring instruments, along with data related to the measurement result.

Here, in addition to the data related to the measurement result, the measuring instruments also transmit unique ID information assigned to each measuring instrument.

Consequently, when the abnormality detector does not receive data the predetermined number of times within the predetermined length of via through the data collecting relay, which measuring instrument is related to the occurrence of the abnormality can be easily confirmed by the abnormality detector by confirming the ID information of the measuring instrument that has not received the data the predetermined number of times.

The power distribution network monitoring system according to the seventh invention is the power distribution network monitoring system according to the fourth or fifth invention, wherein the measuring instrument transmits position information indicating the place where the measuring instrument is installed, along with data related to the measurement result.

Here, in addition to the data related to the measurement result, the measuring instrument also transmits position information indicating the installation location of the measuring instrument.

Consequently, if the data has not been received the predetermined number of times within the predetermined length of time via the data collection relay, the abnormality detector confirms the position information about the installation position of the measuring instrument that has not received the data the predetermined number of times, which makes it possible to easily recognize at which location the measuring instrument related to the occurrence of an abnormality is installed.

The power distribution network monitoring system according to the eighth invention is the power distribution network monitoring system according to the fourth or fifth invention, wherein the measuring instrument transmits time information indicating the date and time when the measurement was performed in the measuring instrument, along with data related to the measurement result.

Here, in addition to the data related to the measurement result, the measuring instrument also transmits information about the time at which the measurement was performed by the measuring instrument.

Consequently, if the data has not been received the predetermined number of times within the predetermined length of time via the data collection relay, the abnormality detector confirms a blank in the measurement time of the measuring instrument in which data has not been received the predetermined number of times, which makes it possible to easily recognize the time at which the abnormality occurred.

The power distribution network monitoring system according to the ninth invention is the power distribution network monitoring system according to any of the first to the eighth inventions, wherein the data collection relay includes a first data collection relay that receives data related to the measurement results from the plurality of measuring instruments installed in a first area, and a second data collection relay that receives data related to the measurement results from the plurality of measuring instruments installed in a second area.

Here, one data collection relay (the first or second data collection relay) is installed in each area (the first and second areas) in which the plurality of measuring instruments are installed.

Consequently, the power distribution network can be divided into a plurality of areas, and abnormalities managed in each, by confirming in which area is installed the data collection relay connected to the measuring instrument and the imaging unit from which the data has been received.

The power distribution network monitoring system according to the tenth invention is the power distribution network monitoring system according to any of the first to the ninth inventions, further comprising a storage unit that stores image data received from the imaging unit, data related to the measurement results of the plurality of measuring instruments received from the data collection relay, and a detection result of the abnormality.

Here, the power distribution network monitoring system is provided with a storage unit for storing the image data received from the imaging unit, the data related to the measurement results of the plurality of measurement components received from the data collection relay, and the detection result of the abnormality.

Consequently, it is possible to refer to past images, data related to measurement results, and the detection results of abnormalities and to take measures such as inspecting and repairing the data collection relay or the measuring instrument in which the abnormality has occurred.

The power distribution network monitoring system according to the eleventh invention is the power distribution network monitoring system according to any of the first to the tenth inventions, wherein the abnormalities include failure, theft, or damage of the data collection relay or measurement instrument, a power outage in the power distribution network, and communication failure between the measurement instrument, the data collection relay, and the abnormality detector.

Here, examples of abnormalities that are detected by this power distribution network monitoring system include failure, theft, or damage of a data collection relay that can be detected using an image, failure, theft, or damage of a measuring instrument or a data collection relay that can be detected from data related to the measurement results received from the measuring instruments, a power outage in the power distribution network, and communication failure between the measuring instruments, the data collection relays, and the abnormality detector.

Consequently, when some kind of abnormality occurs in the power distribution network, the occurrence of various kinds of abnormality can be easily detected by checking the image captured by the imaging unit or the number of receptions from the data collection relay.

The power distribution network monitoring system according to the twelfth invention is the power distribution network monitoring system according to any of the first to the eleventh inventions, further comprising a reporting unit that gives a report related to an abnormality in the event that the abnormality detector determines that there is an abnormality.

Here, when the abnormality detector determines that there is an abnormality, the reporting unit reports that an abnormality has occurred.

Here, the method for reporting by the reporting unit includes displaying text information advising of the occurrence of an abnormality on the display unit, and emitting voice information or an alarm sound.

Consequently, a manager who has received a report from the reporting unit can take measures such as inspecting and repairing the measuring instrument or data collection relay in which the abnormality has occurred.

The power distribution network monitoring device according to the thirteenth invention comprises an imaging unit and an abnormality detector. The imaging unit is disposed near a data collection relay, which is installed at a predetermined position on a power line constituting a power distribution network and receives data related to measurement results from a plurality of measuring instruments that perform electrical measurement of the power line, and captures an image that includes the data collection relay. The abnormality detector uses the image captured by the imaging unit to detect an abnormality in the data collection relay.

Here, in a device that detects various abnormalities that occur in a data collection relay, which receives data related to measurement results from measuring instruments installed on power lines constituting a power distribution network, by using an image that includes the data collection relay, the abnormality detector receives image data including the data collection relay, and determines whether or not there is an abnormality from a change in the appearance of the data collection relay or its housing.

That is, this power distribution network monitoring device uses images including the data collection relay that have been captured by the imaging unit at predetermined time intervals, for example, and determines that some kind of abnormality has occurred in the data collection relay if there is a change in the appearance of the data collection relay or its housing.

Here, one data collecting relay is provided for a plurality of measuring instruments, for example, and is provided to receive data related to the results measured by the plurality of measuring instruments, and transmit this data to a management center or the like.

Abnormalities in the data collection relay include, for example, damage, theft, or failure of the data collection relay, and damage or theft of the housing in which the data collection relay is installed.

Also, the imaging unit may be an imaging means such as a monitoring camera, for example, and may be provided in a one-to-one correspondence with respect to the data collection relay that is to be monitored to detect the occurrence of abnormalities, or one imaging unit may be provided to a plurality of data collection relays.

Also, communication between the imaging unit and the abnormality detector is not limited to direct communication, and may instead be indirect communication via a relay or the like. Furthermore, communication between the imaging unit and the abnormality detector may be wireless communication or wired communication.

Furthermore, the abnormality detector may be provided inside the measuring instrument, the data collection relay, or the imaging unit, or may be provided inside some other device.

Consequently, if a data collection relay is normal, there will be no change in the appearance of the data collection relay, but if a comparison of the image captured immediately before and the latest image reveals a change in appearance, it is concluded that some kind of abnormality has occurred in the data collection relay, it is determined that there is an abnormality.

As a result, abnormalities occurring in the data collection relays that receive data related to the measurement results from the measuring instruments installed on the power lines constituting the power distribution network can be effectively detected by using images captured by the imaging units disposed near the data collection relays.

Advantageous Effects

With the power distribution network monitoring system according to the present invention, the occurrence of abnormalities related to data collection relays installed on power lines can be effectively detected.

