Dam management system, remote control station, and dam management method

Abstract

To provide a dam management system, remote control station, and dam management method that enable continuous operation of a dam even if a communication line malfunction occurs when monitoring and controlling the dam remotely. [Solution] A dam management system according to one embodiment comprises a dam management control device that controls equipment related to dam management, and a remote control station connected to the dam management control device via a communication line and capable of remotely operating the equipment related to dam management. The dam management control device comprises a line speed measuring means and a mode selection means. The line speed measuring means measures the line speed of the communication line. Based on the line speed, the mode selection means selects either a first communication mode, which communicates at the normal communication rate, or a second communication mode, which communicates with a limited communication rate compared to the first communication mode, as a communication mode for data communication between the dam management control device and the remote control station.

Description

Technical Field

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[0003]

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a dam management system, a remote operation station, and a dam management method.

Background Art

[0002] A control processing facility for dam management (hereinafter referred to as "dam controller") is a facility that monitors and controls a dam, and is installed and operated in a dam management office provided beside the dam embankment. Since dams are constructed in mountainous areas, there are cases where dam administrators cannot access the dam management office due to restrictions on entering the mountains during snowfall seasons. Therefore, in recent years, dam controllers are also installed in a remote office (remote operation station) away from the dam management office, and the administrator uses the dam controller at the remote operation station to monitor and control the dam, so as to continuously operate the dam.

[0003] <000001​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​[Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2002-217949 [Non-patent literature]

[0006] [Non-Patent Document 1] Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, "Standard Design Specifications and Commentary for Control Processing Equipment for Dam Management (August 2016)" [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] Therefore, the problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a dam management system, a remote control station, and a dam management method that enable continuous operation of a dam even if a communication line malfunction occurs when monitoring and controlling a dam remotely. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A dam management system according to one embodiment comprises a dam management control device that controls equipment related to dam management, and a remote control station connected to the dam management control device via a communication line and capable of remotely operating the equipment related to dam management. The dam management control device includes a line speed measuring means and a mode selection means. The line speed measuring means measures the line speed of the communication line. Based on the measured line speed, the mode selection means selects either a first communication mode, which communicates at the normal communication rate, or a second communication mode, which communicates with a limited communication rate compared to the first communication mode, as a communication mode for data communication between the dam management control device and the remote control station. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] A diagram showing the configuration of the dam management system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] A block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a discharge control device according to the same embodiment. [Figure 3]A flowchart showing an example of a process for selecting a communication mode of the dam management system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] A flowchart showing another example of a process for selecting a communication mode of the dam management system according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] A diagram showing an example of a display screen of the dam management system according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] A table showing the importance of each data related to dam management according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] A diagram showing an example of a screen related to dam management according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] A diagram showing an example of a screen for setting data to be communicated in the degenerate operation mode according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] A diagram showing the configuration of the dam management system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] A block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the discharge operation device according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] A flowchart showing an example of a process for selecting a communication line and a communication mode of the dam management system according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] A flowchart showing another example of a process for selecting a communication line and a communication mode of the dam management system according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] A table showing a list of conditions for selecting a communication line and a communication mode of the dam management system according to the embodiment.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, each embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. (First Embodiment) First, the first embodiment will be described.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the dam management system according to the first embodiment.

[0012] The dam management system according to the first embodiment is composed of a dam management office provided near the dam and a remote operation office provided at a location away from the dam management office.

[0013] A dam management control device (hereinafter referred to as "dam controller") for performing water level and discharge management of the dam is provided in the dam management office.

[0014] The dam controller has a control system LAN2 which is a network to which a device for controlling the dam is connected, and an information system LAN5 which is a network to which a device for exchanging information regarding the dam is connected. Also, as controls within the dam controller, there are an automatic control operated by a discharge operation device described later and a manual control operated by a remote manual operation device 4 described later.

[0015] First, the configuration regarding the automatic control will be described.

[0016] To the control system LAN2, a storage water level (positive) measuring device 1A, a storage water level (auxiliary) measuring device 1B, an input / output processing device 3, and a remote manual operation device 4 are connected. Also, to the control system LAN2, a first discharge operation device 10 for performing discharge volume operation and a second discharge operation device 20 are connected, and the first discharge operation device 10 and the second discharge operation device 20 are also connected to the information system LAN5. Here, the first discharge operation device 10 and the second discharge operation device 20 function as redundant systems with respect to each other's devices.

[0017] Furthermore, an information input / providing device 6 and a display device 7 are connected to the information system LAN5.

[0018] The first discharge operation device 10 and the second discharge operation device 20 control various facilities of the dam by providing control data including a start command, a gate opening command, a closing command, or a target opening degree, etc., to the input / output processing device 3 via the control system LAN2 according to the operation of the administrator. When a set value is input by the administrator, the first discharge operation device 10 and the second discharge operation device 20 transmit control data to the input / output processing device 3 according to the set value.

[0019] The first discharge control device 10 and the second discharge control device 20 are implemented, for example, as an industrial computer (Factory Automation PC: FA-PC). The display screen of the FA-PC displays the same information as the information displayed on the display device 7.

[0020] The reservoir water level (positive) measuring device 1A and the reservoir water level (negative) measuring device 1B are a pair of devices that perform calculation processing to measure the reservoir water level based on measurement data received from reservoir water level gauges (not shown) connected to each device. The reservoir water level data measured by the reservoir water level (positive) measuring device 1A is transmitted as reservoir water level (positive) data to the first discharge control device 10 and the second discharge control device 20. Similarly, the reservoir water level data measured by the reservoir water level (negative) measuring device 1B is transmitted as reservoir water level (negative) data to the first discharge control device 10 and the second discharge control device 20. The reservoir water level (positive) data and reservoir water level (negative) data are used as dam quantity data, and are switched and used as needed.

[0021] The input / output processing unit 3 controls various dam facilities by outputting control data received from the first discharge operation device 10 or the second discharge operation device 20 to an operation panel (not shown). The input / output processing unit 3 also transmits information received from the various dam facilities, such as information indicating the opening degree of the dam gates, monitoring information including discharge volume, and information including alarms, to the first discharge operation device 10 and the second discharge operation device 20. The input / output processing unit 3 is a device for remotely controlling various dam facilities and is implemented, for example, as a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller).

[0022] The information input / providing device 6 is used to input various types of information into the dam management system and to provide various types of information to the dam management system. The various types of information input into the information input / providing device 6 include rainfall data, river data, weather data, earthquake data, water quality data, dam body data, etc.

[0023] The display device 7 has the function of connecting to and operating a general-purpose monitor on the dam management office side. The display device 7 displays various information input to the information input / providing device 6, as well as information transmitted to the first discharge operation device 10 or the second discharge operation device 20.

[0024] Next, we will describe the configuration related to manual control systems.

[0025] The remote manual control device 4 is a device for remotely controlling flood control operations from the dam management office in case of failure of the first discharge control device 10 or the second discharge control device 20. Specifically, the remote manual control device 4 outputs operation commands such as stop commands, open commands, close commands, or target opening degrees to the gates or valves of various facilities in response to input from the control device connected to the remote manual control device 4 or from the touch panel on the remote manual control device 4. The remote manual control device 4 also transmits information such as gate opening degrees, monitoring information including discharge volume, and information including alarms received from the water utilization discharge facilities to the first discharge control device 10 and the second discharge control device 20. The remote manual control device 4 is a device for remotely controlling various facilities of the dam and can be implemented as a PLC, for example.

[0026] The remote transmission device 41 is connected to the remote transmission device 43 in the remote control center in a communication manner, and transmits the control data received from the remote transmission device 43 to the remote manual control device 4. The line connecting the remote transmission device 41 and the remote transmission device 43 (the manual transmission line 44 described later) may be an optical line, an analog line, a multiplex radio, or any other type.

[0027] Next, I will explain the configuration of the remote control station.

[0028] The remote control station is equipped with a remote control device 30, a remote LAN 31, a display device 32, a remote manual control device 42, and a remote transmission device 43.

[0029] The remote control device 30 is a device that allows remote operation of various devices on the dam management office side from the remote control station. The remote control device 30 is a device that can execute various processes performed by the discharge control devices 10 and 20. When the administrator inputs set values, control data based on the set values ​​is transmitted to the first discharge control device 10 and the second discharge control device 20, thereby enabling the administrator to remotely monitor and control (operate) the dam from the remote control station. The remote control device 30 is also a device that can be implemented as, for example, an FA-PC. The display screen of the FA-PC of the remote control device 30 displays the same information as the information displayed on the display device 32.

[0030] The display device 32 has the function of connecting to and operating a general-purpose monitor on the remote control station side. The display device 32 displays the setting values ​​entered in the remote control device 30 and various information transmitted from the dam management office side to the remote control device 30 via the remote LAN 31.

[0031] The remote LAN 31 is connected to the information LAN 5 on the dam management office side by a wired line such as an optical fiber line, enabling the exchange of control data and monitoring data between the dam management office side and the remote operation center side. The line connecting the remote LAN 31 and the information LAN 5 (the automatic transmission line 8 described later) may be a wireless line such as an analog line or multiplex wireless in addition to the wired line mentioned above. The remote LAN 31 is connected to the remote operation device 30, the display device 32, and the remote transmission device 43.

[0032] The remote manual control device 42 is a device for performing remote manual flood control operations, which are normally operated using the remote manual control device 4, from a remote control station. The remote manual control device 42 has the same functions as the remote manual control device 4 on the dam management office side. Specifically, the remote manual control device 42 receives operation commands such as stop commands, open commands, close commands, or target opening degrees for the gates or valves of the water release facility in response to input from an operating device or touch panel connected to the remote manual control device 42. Information indicating the various commands input to the remote manual control device 42 is transmitted to the remote transmission device 43 as control data.

[0033] The remote transmission device 43 is a transmission device for transmitting control data entered by the administrator's operation in the remote manual operation device 42 to the remote transmission device 41.

[0034] Next, I will explain the connection between the dam control center and the remote control station.

[0035] The automatic transmission line 8 connecting the information system LAN 5 and the remote system LAN 31 on the remote control station side, and the manual transmission line 44 connecting the remote transmission device 41 and the remote transmission device 43 are logically separate transmission lines, but physically they may be a single multiplexed line. This multiplexed line may consist of any of the following communication lines: optical line, analog line, or multiplexed wireless. In addition, in communication on the automatic transmission line 8, for example, control data which is multiplexed manual system control signals and automatic system control signals is communicated.

[0036] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the first discharge control device 10 according to the first embodiment. Since the second discharge control device 20 and the remote control device 30 have the same functional configuration as the first discharge control device 10, the explanation of the functional configurations of the second discharge control device 20 and the remote control device 30 is omitted here.

[0037] The first discharge operation device 10 comprises a control unit 11, a communication unit 12, a line speed measurement unit 13, a mode selection unit 14, a screen display unit 15, a setting unit 16, and an operation unit 17.

[0038] The first discharge control device 10 consists of a computer equipped with, for example, a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or MPU (Micro Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), and RAM (Random Access Memory). The first discharge control device 10 is also connected to the second discharge control device 20 and the remote control device 30 via a wired line such as an optical fiber line.

[0039] The control unit 11 performs various controls on the first discharge operation device 10.

[0040] The communication unit 12 communicates with various devices connected via the control system LAN 2 and the information system LAN 5, including the second discharge operation device 20 and the remote control device 30. The communication unit 12 also communicates with the remote control device 30 according to the communication mode selected in the mode selection unit 14, which will be described later.

[0041] The line speed measurement unit 13 measures the line speed of the communication line connected to the remote control device 30. Specifically, the line speed measurement unit 13 measures the line speed of the communication line by sending and receiving the same file bidirectionally to and from the remote control device 30 and measuring the time taken for transmission and reception. In the mode selection unit 14, which will be described later, the line speed of the communication line may be used as the value of a single measurement, or the line speed of the communication line may be used as the average value of the results of multiple measurements.

[0042] The mode selection unit 14 selects either the normal mode or the degraded operation mode as the communication mode for data communication between the first discharge operation device 10 and the remote operation device 30, based on the communication speed of the communication line measured by the line speed measurement unit 13.

[0043] The normal mode is a communication mode in which communication between the first discharge control device 10 and the remote control device 30 is performed at the normal communication volume. The degraded operation mode is a communication mode in which communication between the first discharge control device 10 and the remote control device 30 is performed with a limited communication volume compared to the normal mode, and is a communication mode for transmitting the minimum data necessary to operate the dam management system. The conditions under which the mode selection unit 14 selects a communication mode will be described later.

[0044] The screen display unit 15 controls the display screen of the first discharge operation device 10 and the screen display device 7.

[0045] The setting unit 16 sets the type of data to be communicated in degraded operation mode and the communication frequency of said data. The setting unit 16 also sets a threshold value related to the line speed that the mode selection unit 14 uses as a criterion for selecting a communication mode.

[0046] The control unit 17 is an input interface (e.g., a mouse or keyboard) that accepts dam management operations from the administrator. As will be described in detail later, dam management operations include, for example, operations to change the type of data communicated in the degraded operation mode by the administrator, and the frequency of such data communication.

[0047] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the process for selecting the communication mode of the dam management system according to the first embodiment. The process of selecting the communication mode shown in Figure 3 is mainly performed by one of the following devices: the first discharge control device 10, the second discharge control device 20, or the remote control device 30. Here, we will explain the case where the process of selecting the communication mode is performed by the first discharge control device 10. In Figure 3, we assume that the normal mode is selected as the communication mode for data communication between the first discharge control device 10 and the remote control device 30.

[0048] In step S1, the screen display unit 15 displays the currently selected communication mode on the display screen and display device 7 of the first discharge operation device 10. At the time of step S1, the normal mode is selected, so the display screen and display device 7 of the first discharge operation device 10 show that the normal mode is selected. At this time, the remote control device 30 also shows on its display screen and display device 32 that the normal mode is selected.

[0049] In step S2, the line speed measurement unit 13 refers to a timer (not shown) to determine whether a certain amount of time has elapsed since the last line speed measurement. If the determination is made and it is determined that a certain amount of time has elapsed since the last line speed measurement (Yes in step S2), the line speed measurement unit 13 executes the process in step S3, which will be described later. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S2 that a certain amount of time has not elapsed since the last line speed measurement (No in step S2), the process returns to step S1 and the same process is executed again.

[0050] In step S3, the line speed measurement unit 13 measures the line speed of the communication line connected to the remote control device 30. At this time, the line speed measured in step S3 is also shared with the remote control device 30.

[0051] In step S4, the screen display unit 15 displays the line speed measured in step S3 on the display screen and display device 7 of the first discharge operation device 10. At this time, the line speed is also displayed on the display screen and display device 32 of the remote control device 30.

[0052] In step S5, the mode selection unit 14 determines whether the value of the communication line speed is greater than a preset threshold. If the determination is made and the value of the communication line speed is greater than the threshold (Yes in step S5), the process returns to step S1 and the same process is executed again. On the other hand, if the determination in step S5 is made and the value of the communication line speed is less than or equal to the threshold (No in step S5), the mode selection unit 14 executes the process in step S6, which will be described later.

[0053] In step S6, the mode selection unit 14 changes the communication mode for data communication between the first discharge control device 10 and the remote control device 30 from normal mode to degraded operation mode in order to continue remote operation of the dam. Once the process in step S6 is executed and the communication mode between the first discharge control device 10 and the remote control device 30 is changed to degraded operation mode, the first discharge control device 10 terminates the process shown in the flowchart.

[0054] At this point, when the communication mode between the first discharge control device 10 and the remote control device 30 is changed from normal mode to degraded operation mode, the first discharge control device 10 sends a notification to the remote control device 30 indicating that the communication mode has been changed from normal mode to degraded operation mode. As a result, the first discharge control device 10 shares information about the currently selected communication mode with the remote control device 30.

[0055] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing another example of the process for selecting the communication mode of the dam management system according to the first embodiment. The process of selecting the communication mode shown in Figure 4 is mainly performed by one of the following devices: the first discharge control device 10, the second discharge control device 20, or the remote control device 30. Here, we will explain the case where the process of selecting the communication mode is performed by the first discharge control device 10. In Figure 4, it is assumed that the degraded operation mode is selected as the communication mode for data communication between the first discharge control device 10 and the remote control device 30.

[0056] In step S11, the screen display unit 15 displays the currently selected communication mode on the display screen and display device 7 of the first discharge operation device 10. At the time of step S11, the degraded operation mode is selected, so the display screen and display device 7 of the first discharge operation device 10 indicate that the degraded operation mode is selected. At this time, the remote control device 30 also indicates on its display screen and display device 32 that the degraded operation mode is selected.

[0057] In step S12, the line speed measurement unit 13 refers to a timer (not shown) to determine whether a certain amount of time has elapsed since the last line speed measurement. If the determination is made and it is determined that a certain amount of time has elapsed since the last line speed measurement (Yes in step S12), the line speed measurement unit 13 executes the process described in step S13. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S12 that a certain amount of time has not elapsed since the last line speed measurement (No in step S12), the process returns to step S11 and the same process is executed again.

[0058] In step S13, the line speed measurement unit 13 measures the line speed of the communication line connected to the remote control device 30. At this time, the line speed measured in step S13 is also shared with the remote control device 30.

[0059] In step S14, the screen display unit 15 displays the line speed measured in step S13 on the display screen and display device 7 of the first discharge operation device 10. At this time, the line speed is also displayed on the display screen and display device 32 of the remote control device 30.

[0060] In step S15, the mode selection unit 14 determines whether the value of the communication line speed is below a preset threshold. If the determination is made and the value of the communication line speed is below the threshold (Yes in step S15), the process returns to step S11 and the same process is executed again. On the other hand, if the determination in step S15 is made and the value of the communication line speed is above the threshold (No in step S15), the mode selection unit 14 executes the process in step S16, which will be described later.

[0061] In step S16, the mode selection unit 14 changes the communication mode for data communication between the first discharge control device 10 and the remote control device 30 from degraded operation mode to normal mode, because remote operation of the dam is possible even with normal communication volume. Once the process in step S16 is executed and the communication mode between the first discharge control device 10 and the remote control device 30 is changed to normal mode, the first discharge control device 10 terminates the process shown in the flowchart.

[0062] At this point, when the communication mode between the first discharge control device 10 and the remote control device 30 is changed from degraded operation mode to normal mode, the first discharge control device 10 sends a notification to the remote control device 30 indicating that the communication mode has been changed from degraded operation mode to normal mode. As a result, the first discharge control device 10 shares information about the currently selected communication mode with the remote control device 30.

[0063] In this explanation, the processes shown in Figures 3 and 4 are described in the case where they are performed by the first discharge control device 10. However, the processes shown in Figures 3 and 4 may also be performed by the second discharge control device 20 or the remote control device 30. For example, if the processes shown in Figures 3 and 4 are performed by the second discharge control device 20, then "first discharge control device 10" in the above explanation of Figures 3 and 4 should be read as "second discharge control device 20".

[0064] Furthermore, if the processes shown in Figures 3 and 4 are performed by the remote control device 30, then in the above-mentioned explanations of Figures 3 and 4, "first discharge control device 10" should be read as "remote control device 30," and "remote control device 30" should be read as "first discharge control device 10" or "second discharge control device 20." In this case, further, in the explanations of steps S1 and S4 in Figure 3, "display device 7" should be read as "display device 32," and in the explanations of steps S11 and S14 in Figure 4, "display device 7" should be read as "display device 32."

[0065] Figure 5 shows an example of a display screen of the dam management system according to the first embodiment. In Figure 5, the display screen of the first discharge operation device 10, the display device 7, the display screen of the remote control device 30, and the communication status screen 100 showing the communication status are shown as examples of screen displays shown on the display device 32. Here, it is assumed that data communication is taking place between the first discharge operation device 10 and the remote control device 30.

[0066] As shown in Figure 5, the communication status screen 100 includes a communication mode field 101 and a line speed field 102.

[0067] The communication mode column 101 indicates the currently selected communication mode between the first discharge control device 10 and the remote control device 30.

[0068] The line speed column 102 indicates the line speed of the communication line connecting the first discharge operation device 10 and the remote operation device 30.

[0069] The communication status screen 100 in Figure 5 shows that as of 15:59:56 on Thursday, April 6, 2017, automatic control is in progress by the first discharge control device 10 or the remote control device 30, the dam is undergoing maintenance, the first discharge control device 10 or the remote control device 30 has control rights, the degraded operation mode is selected as the communication mode between the first discharge control device 10 and the remote control device 30, and the line speed is XXX Mbps.

[0070] Figure 6 is a table showing the importance of each data related to dam management according to the first embodiment. The discharge control devices 10 and 20 have pre-stored data that links the data type, the importance level of the data, and the description (remarks) of the data. A "○" indicates high importance, and a "×" indicates low importance. High-importance data is communicated between the discharge control devices 10 and 20 and the remote control device 30 even in degraded operation mode. In contrast, low-importance data is not communicated between the discharge control devices 10 and 20 and the remote control device 30 in degraded operation mode, and is only communicated in normal mode.

[0071] In the first row L1 of the table in Figure 6, the data type "dam data", importance "○", and remarks "storage water level, discharge rate, etc." are linked to each other. According to this, data of type "dam data" is of high importance and includes data such as storage water level and discharge rate, and is communicated between the discharge control devices 10, 20 and the remote control device 30 even in degraded operation mode.

[0072] In the fourth row (L4) of the table in Figure 6, the data type "weather data" and the importance level "×" are linked to each other. This indicates that data of type "weather data" has low importance and is not communicated between the discharge control devices 10 and 20 and the remote control device 30 in degraded operation mode.

[0073] Although we have specifically explained the first row L1 and the fourth row L4 of the table in Figure 6, the same principles apply to the other rows as well.

[0074] Figure 7 shows an example of a screen related to dam management according to the first embodiment. Figure 7 shows an example of a screen related to dam management displayed on the display screen of the first discharge control device 10, the display device 7, the display screen of the remote control device 30, and the display device 32, specifically a rainfall list screen 200 showing rainfall data. Here, it is assumed that data is being communicated between the first discharge control device 10 and the remote control device 30.

[0075] As shown in Figure 7, the rainfall list screen 200 includes the communication status screen 100 and the rainfall table screen 210 within the screen.

[0076] In the communication status screen 100 of Figure 7, as of 16:04:41 on Tuesday, November 20, 2018, the degraded operation mode is selected as the communication mode between the first discharge operation device 10 and the remote operation device 30, and the line speed is shown to be "XXX Mbps".

[0077] The rainfall table screen 210 includes a setting value column 211 and an observation value column 212. The setting value column 211 shows the setting values ​​for rainfall for each observation station. In the example in Figure 7, the setting value column 211 shows the hourly rainfall limit, the cumulative rainfall limit, and the no-rainfall judgment time set for rainfall stations 01 to 05. The setting value column 211 also shows the hourly rainfall limit, the cumulative rainfall limit, and the no-rainfall judgment time set for the average amount of rain that fell in the basin (basin average rainfall). In the example in Figure 7, it is shown that the hourly rainfall limit is set to "10 mm", the cumulative rainfall limit to "40 mm", and the no-rainfall judgment time to "2 hours" are set for all of these.

[0078] The observation value column 212 shows the rainfall value at regular intervals and the cumulative rainfall value. In the example in Figure 7, the display interval for rainfall data is set to "1 hour," so the hourly rainfall value and the cumulative rainfall value are displayed in the observation value column 212. However, in the example in Figure 7, a situation without rainfall is assumed, so the hourly and cumulative rainfall values ​​are shown as "-".

[0079] Furthermore, the rainfall data shown in Figure 7 is of high importance, as shown in Figure 6, and is therefore displayed on both the display screen and display device 32 of the remote control device 30 at the remote control station, as well as on the display screen and display device 7 of the first discharge control device 10 at the dam management office. In contrast, data of low importance is not transmitted to the remote control station and is not displayed on the display screen and display device 32 of the remote control device 30.

[0080] In this way, by not transmitting low-priority data and communicating only the minimum data necessary to operate the dam management system, communication between the discharge control devices 10 and 20 on the dam management office side and the remote control device 30 on the remote control station side can be maintained, and the dam can be operated remotely even if the communication line speed decreases.

[0081] Furthermore, conventionally, when communication line speed decreased due to a communication line malfunction, administrators had to undergo training or read operation manuals, which was burdensome for administrators. However, in this embodiment, the communication mode between the discharge operation devices 10 and 20 on the dam management office side and the remote control device 30 is automatically switched, eliminating the need for administrators to take action and reducing their burden.

[0082] Figure 8 shows an example of a screen for setting the data to be communicated during the degraded operation mode according to the first embodiment. Figure 8 shows an example of the display screen of the first discharge control device 10, the display device 7, the display screen of the remote control device 30, and the display device 32, and shows the setting list screen 300 as an example of a screen for setting data to be communicated during degraded operation mode.

[0083] As shown in Figure 8, the settings list screen 300 includes the communication status screen 100 and the settings table 310. The communication status screen 100 in Figure 8 is the same as the communication status screen 100 in Figure 5, so its explanation is omitted here.

[0084] The settings table 310 includes a threshold setting field 311 and a data setting field 312. The threshold setting field 311 is a field for setting the line speed threshold that serves as the basis for selecting the communication mode. The line speed threshold can be set to a value less than 1 Mbps, for example, if the normal line speed between the discharge control devices 10,20 and the remote control device 30 is 1 Mbps. In the example in Figure 8, "700 kbps" is set as the line speed threshold. When the line speed falls below this value, the degraded operation mode is selected as the communication mode, and when the line speed exceeds this value, the normal mode is selected as the communication mode.

[0085] The data setting field 312 allows you to set whether or not to communicate data that is of low importance and is not communicated in degraded operation mode, even in degraded operation mode. As shown in Figure 6 above, the low-importance data is initially set to "×" in the data setting field 312. When the communication requirement is changed to "〇", this data will be communicated even in degraded operation mode. In addition, the data setting field 312 allows you to set the communication frequency for data that is set to "〇". The communication frequency can be set to, for example, once an hour, once every 10 minutes, once every minute, etc.

[0086] In the example shown in Figure 8, under No. "1" in the data setting field 312, the classification is "Water Quality Observation Information," the data item is "Water Temperature," communication requirement is "○," and the communication frequency is "1 minute." This indicates that the water temperature data included in the water quality observation information associated with No. "1" is set to be communicated at a communication frequency of every minute, even in degraded operation mode.

[0087] Although this explanation specifically describes the data for No. "1" in the data setting section 312 of Figure 8, the same principles apply to other data.

[0088] The line speed threshold set in the threshold setting field 311 and the data setting field 312, the requirement for data communication, and the frequency of data communication are shared between the discharge operation devices 10 and 20 and the remote operation device 30.

[0089] In this way, even data of low importance can be communicated in degraded operation mode by changing the settings.

[0090] (Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, a dam management system was described in which communication between the discharge control devices 10 and 20 on the dam management office side and the remote control device 30 on the remote control station side is performed via a single line. However, since a failure of the communication line may make it impossible to continue dam management, it is desirable that communication between the discharge control devices 10 and 20 on the dam management office side and the remote control device 30 on the remote control station side be performed via multiple lines.

[0091] Therefore, in the second embodiment, a dam management system will be described in which communication between the discharge control devices 10 and 20 on the dam management office side and the remote control device 30 on the remote control station side is carried out using multiple communication lines.

[0092] Figure 9 shows an example of the configuration of a dam management system according to the second embodiment. Here, the parts described in the first embodiment will be omitted from the explanation, and the differences will be described.

[0093] In the second embodiment, the automatic transmission line 8 connecting the information system LAN 5 on the dam management office side and the remote system LAN 31 on the remote control station side is composed of multiple communication lines. In addition, the manual transmission line 44 connecting the remote transmission device 41 and the remote transmission device 43 is composed of multiple communication lines.

[0094] On the dam management office side, in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment described above, an antenna 9 for wireless communication (i.e., sending and receiving radio waves) is provided. Antenna 9 is connected to the information system LAN 5 and enables wireless communication between the discharge control devices 10 and 20 on the dam management office side and the remote control device 30 on the remote control station side.

[0095] On the remote control station side, in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment described above, an antenna 33 is also provided. The antenna 33 is connected to the remote LAN 31 and the antenna 9 on the dam management office side, enabling wireless communication between the remote control device 30 on the remote control station side and the discharge control devices 10 and 20 on the dam management office side.

[0096] The same configuration as between the information system LAN 5 and the remote system LAN 31 is provided in the line between the remote transmission device 41 and the remote transmission device 43, and the remote transmission device 41 and the remote transmission device 43 are connected in a wireless communication manner.

[0097] Figure 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the first discharge control device 10 according to the second embodiment. Here, the parts described in the first embodiment will be omitted from the explanation, and the different parts will be described.

[0098] The first discharge control device 10 is connected to the remote control device 30 via a wireless connection by connecting to the antenna 9 on the dam management office side.

[0099] The remote control device 30 is connected to the first discharge control device 10 via a wireless link by connecting to the antenna 33 on the remote control station side.

[0100] Furthermore, the mode selection unit 14 selects a communication line for communication between the first discharge operation device 10 and the remote operation device 30 based on the line speed of each communication line.

[0101] When the communication unit 12 switches the communication line used for communication between the first discharge operation device 10 and the remote operation device 30 to the communication line selected by the mode selection unit 14, it switches the data transmission and reception tasks within the dam management application to perform the communication line switch.

[0102] In the following explanation, wired connections such as fiber optic lines will be referred to as the first communication line, and wireless connections as the second communication line.

[0103] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the process for selecting the communication line and communication mode of the dam management system according to the second embodiment. The process of selecting the communication line and communication mode shown in Figure 11 is mainly performed by one of the following devices: the first discharge control device 10, the second discharge control device 20, or the remote control device 30. Here, we will explain the case where the process of selecting the communication line and communication mode is performed by the first discharge control device 10. In Figure 11, it is assumed that communication between the first discharge control device 10 and the remote control device 30 is performed using the first communication line, and that the normal mode is selected as the communication mode for data communication between the first discharge control device 10 and the remote control device 30.

[0104] In step S21, the screen display unit 15 displays the currently selected communication mode on the display screen and display device 7 of the first discharge operation device 10. At the time of step S21, the normal mode is selected, so the display screen and display device 7 of the first discharge operation device 10 display that the normal mode is selected. At this time, the remote control device 30 also displays on its display screen and display device 32 that the normal mode is selected. In addition, information indicating the currently selected communication line may be further displayed on the display screen and display device 7 of the first discharge operation device 10, and on the display screen and display device 32 of the remote control device 30.

[0105] In step S22, the line speed measurement unit 13 refers to a timer (not shown) to determine whether a certain amount of time has elapsed since the last line speed measurement. If the determination is made and it is determined that a certain amount of time has elapsed since the last line speed measurement (Yes in step S22), the line speed measurement unit 13 executes the process in step S23, which will be described later. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S22 that a certain amount of time has not elapsed since the last line speed measurement (No in step S22), the process returns to step S21 and the same process is executed again.

[0106] In step S23, the line speed measurement unit 13 measures the line speed of the first communication line (hereinafter referred to as the first line speed). At this time, the first line speed measured in the process of step S23 is also shared with the remote control device 30.

[0107] In step S24, the screen display unit 15 displays the first line speed measured in step S23 on the display screen and display device 7 of the first discharge operation device 10. At this time, the remote control device 30 also displays the first line speed on the display screen and display device 32 of the remote control device 30.

[0108] In step S25, the mode selection unit 14 determines whether the value of the first line speed is greater than a preset threshold. If the determination is made and the value of the first line speed is greater than the threshold (Yes in step S25), the process returns to step S21 and the same process is executed again. On the other hand, if the determination in step S25 is made and the value of the first line speed is less than or equal to the threshold (No in step S25), the line speed measurement unit 13 executes the process in step S26, which will be described later.

[0109] In step S26, the line speed measurement unit 13 measures the line speed of the second communication line (hereinafter referred to as the second line speed). At this time, the second line speed measured in the process of step S26 is also shared with the remote control device 30.

[0110] In step S27, the mode selection unit 14 determines whether the value of the second line speed is greater than a threshold. If the determination is made and the value of the second line speed is greater than a threshold (Yes in step S27), the mode selection unit 14 executes the process in step S30, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the determination is made in step S27 and the value of the second line speed is less than or equal to a threshold (No in step S27), the mode selection unit 14 executes the process in step S28, which will be described later.

[0111] In step S28, the mode selection unit 14 changes the communication mode between the first discharge control device 10 and the remote control device 30 from normal mode to degraded operation mode in order to continue the operation of the dam. When the communication mode between the first discharge control device 10 and the remote control device 30 is changed from normal mode to degraded operation mode, the first discharge control device 10 sends a notification to the remote control device 30 that the communication mode has been changed to degraded operation mode. As a result, the first discharge control device 10 shares information about the currently selected communication mode with the remote control device 30.

[0112] In step S29, the mode selection unit 14 determines whether the value of the second line speed is greater than the value of the first line speed. If the determination is made and the value of the second line speed is greater than the value of the first line speed (Yes in step S29), the mode selection unit 14 executes the process of step S30, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the determination is made in step S29 that the value of the second line speed is less than or equal to the value of the first line speed (No in step S29), the first discharge operation device 10 terminates the process shown in the flowchart.

[0113] In step S30, the mode selection unit 14 switches the communication between the first discharge control device 10 and the remote control device 30 from the first communication line to the second communication line. When switching the communication line from the first communication line to the second communication line, the first discharge control device 10 sends a notification to the remote control device 30 that it is switching the communication line from the first communication line to the second communication line. As a result, the first discharge control device 10 shares information about the communication line used for communication between the first discharge control device 10 and the remote control device 30. Once the communication line is switched from the first communication line to the second communication line, the first discharge control device 10 terminates the process shown in the flowchart.

[0114] Thus, even if the value of the first line speed is below the threshold, if the value of the second line speed is greater than the threshold, communication can be continued in normal mode by switching the communication line used for communication between the first discharge control device 10 and the remote control device 30 to the second communication line.

[0115] Furthermore, if the line speed of the communication line connecting the first discharge control device 10 and the remote control device 30 is below a threshold, the system can switch from normal mode to degraded operation mode to transmit only the minimum necessary data and maintain remote dam operation. In addition, if the line speed of another communication line is greater than the line speed of the currently used communication line, the system can switch to the other communication line to achieve more stable communication than using the current communication line.

[0116] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing another example of the process for selecting the communication line and communication mode of the dam management system according to the second embodiment. The process of selecting the communication line and communication mode shown in Figure 12 is mainly performed by one of the following devices: the first discharge control device 10, the second discharge control device 20, or the remote control device 30. Here, we will explain the case where the process of selecting the communication line and communication mode is performed by the first discharge control device 10. In Figure 12, it is assumed that communication between the first discharge control device 10 and the remote control device 30 is performed using the first communication line, and that the degraded operation mode is selected as the communication mode for data communication between the first discharge control device 10 and the remote control device 30.

[0117] In step S41, the screen display unit 15 displays the currently selected communication mode on the display screen and display device 7 of the first discharge operation device 10. At the time of step S41, since the degraded operation mode is selected, the display screen and display device 7 of the first discharge operation device 10 display that the degraded operation mode is selected. At this time, the remote control device 30 also displays on its display screen and display device 32 that the degraded operation mode is selected. Information indicating the currently used communication line may also be displayed on the display screen and display device 7 of the first discharge operation device 10, and on the display screen and display device 32 of the remote control device 30.

[0118] In step S42, the line speed measurement unit 13 refers to a timer (not shown) to determine whether a certain amount of time has elapsed since the last line speed measurement. If the determination is made and it is determined that a certain amount of time has elapsed since the last line speed measurement (Yes in step S42), the line speed measurement unit 13 executes the process in step S43, which will be described later. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S42 that a certain amount of time has not elapsed since the last line speed measurement (No in step S42), the process returns to step S41 and the same process is executed again.

[0119] In step S43, the line speed measurement unit 13 measures the first line speed. At this time, the first line speed measured in the process of step S43 is also shared with the remote control device 30.

[0120] In step S44, the screen display unit 15 displays the first line speed measured in step S43 on the display screen and display device 7 of the first discharge operation device 10. At this time, the remote control device 30 also displays the first line speed on the display screen and display device 32 of the remote control device 30.

[0121] In step S45, the mode selection unit 14 determines whether the value of the first line speed is greater than a preset threshold. If the result of the determination is that the value of the first line speed is greater than the threshold (Yes in step S45), the mode selection unit 14 executes the process in step S50, which will be described later. On the other hand, if in step S45 it is determined that the value of the first line speed is less than or equal to the threshold (No in step S45), the line speed measurement unit 13 executes the process in step S46, which will be described later.

[0122] In step S46, the line speed measurement unit 13 measures the second line speed. At this time, the second line speed measured in the process of step S46 is also shared with the remote control device 30.

[0123] In step S47, the mode selection unit 14 determines whether the value of the first line speed is greater than or equal to the value of the second line speed. If the determination is made and the value of the first line speed is greater than or equal to the value of the second line speed (Yes in step S47), the process returns to step S41 and the same process is executed again. On the other hand, if in step S47 the value of the first line speed is determined to be less than the value of the second line speed, the mode selection unit 14 executes the process in step S48, which will be described later.

[0124] In step S48, the mode selection unit 14 switches the communication between the first discharge control device 10 and the remote control device 30 from the first communication line to the second communication line. When switching the communication line to be used from the first communication line to the second communication line, the first discharge control device 10 sends a notification to the remote control device 30 that it has switched the communication line from the first communication line to the second communication line. As a result, the first discharge control device 10 shares information with the remote control device 30 regarding the communication line used for communication between the first discharge control device 10 and the remote control device 30.

[0125] In step S49, the mode selection unit 14 determines whether the value of the second line speed is greater than a preset threshold. If the determination is made and the value of the second line speed is greater than the threshold (Yes in step S49), the mode selection unit 14 executes the process in step S50, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the determination is made in step S49 and the value of the second line speed is less than the threshold (No in step S49), the first discharge operation device 10 terminates the process shown in the flowchart.

[0126] In step S50, the mode selection unit 14 changes the communication mode between the first discharge control device 10 and the remote control device 30 from degraded operation mode to normal mode. When the communication mode between the first discharge control device 10 and the remote control device 30 is changed from degraded operation mode to normal mode, the first discharge control device 10 sends a notification to the remote control device 30 that the communication mode has been changed from degraded operation mode to normal mode. As a result, the first discharge control device 10 shares information about the currently selected communication mode with the remote control device 30.

[0127] Here, the process in step S49 may be performed after the process in step S46. In this case, if it is determined that the second line speed is greater than the threshold (Yes in step S49), the communication line is switched to the second communication line and the communication mode is changed from degraded operation mode to normal mode. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S49 that the second line speed is less than or equal to the threshold (No in step S49), the process in step S47 is performed, and according to the result of step S47, the communication line to be used for communication between the first discharge control device 10 and the remote control device 30 is selected.

[0128] In this explanation, the processes shown in Figures 11 and 12 are described in the case where they are performed by the first discharge control device 10. However, the processes shown in Figures 11 and 12 may also be performed by the second discharge control device 20 or the remote control device 30. For example, if the processes shown in Figures 11 and 12 are performed by the second discharge control device 20, then "first discharge control device 10" in the above explanation of Figures 11 and 12 should be read as "second discharge control device 20".

[0129] Furthermore, if the processes shown in Figures 11 and 12 are performed by the remote control device 30, then in the above-mentioned explanations of Figures 11 and 12, "first discharge control device 10" should be read as "remote control device 30," and "remote control device 30" should be read as "first discharge control device 10" or "second discharge control device 20." In this case, further, in the explanations of steps S21 and S24 in Figure 11, "display device 7" should be read as "display device 32," and in the explanations of steps S41 and S44 in Figure 12, "display device 7" should be read as "display device 32."

[0130] Figure 13 is a table showing a list of conditions for selecting the communication line and communication mode of the dam management system according to the second embodiment. Figure 13 shows the conditions for the line speed of each communication line when communication is performed using the first communication line between the discharge control devices 10, 20 and the remote control device 30, and the communication line and communication mode used (selected) under those conditions.

[0131] In the first row L11 of the table in Figure 13, the line speed is shown as "First line speed ≤ Second line speed ≤ Threshold", the selected line as "Second communication line", and the communication mode as "Degraded operation mode". According to this, if the value of the first line speed is less than or equal to the value of the second line speed, and the value of the second line speed is less than or equal to the threshold, then the degraded operation mode is selected as the communication mode for data communication between the discharge control devices 10, 20 and the remote control device 30, and the second communication line is selected as the communication line used for communication between the discharge control devices 10, 20 and the remote control device 30.

[0132] In the second row, L12 of the table, the line speed is shown as "First line speed ≤ threshold < Second line speed", the selected line as "Second communication line", and the communication mode as "Normal mode". According to this, when the value of the first line speed is less than or equal to the threshold, and the value of the second line speed is greater than the threshold, the normal mode is selected as the communication mode for data communication between the discharge control devices 10, 20 and the remote control device 30, and the second communication line is selected as the communication line used for communication between the discharge control devices 10, 20 and the remote control device 30.

[0133] Thus, if the first line speed is below the threshold and the value of the second line speed is greater than the value of the first line speed, the second communication line is selected as the communication line used for communication between the first discharge control device 10 and the remote control device 30. On the other hand, as shown from row 2, L12 onwards in the table, if the value of the first line speed is greater than the threshold, or if the value of the first line speed is greater than the value of the second line speed, the first communication line is selected as the communication line used for communication between the discharge control devices 10, 20 and the remote control device 30.

[0134] In Figure 13, row 5, L15, shows the line speed "threshold < first line speed ≤ second line speed", the selected line "first communication line", and the communication mode "normal mode". According to this, if the value of the first line speed is greater than the threshold and the value of the second line speed exceeds the value of the first line speed, normal mode is selected as the communication mode for data communication between the discharge control devices 10, 20 and the remote control device 30, and the first communication line is selected as the communication line used for communication between the discharge control devices 10, 20 and the remote control device 30. In this case, although the value of the second line speed exceeds the value of the first line speed, the value of the first line speed is greater than the threshold, so communication can be performed in normal mode even if the first communication line is used. For this reason, the communication line used for communication between the discharge control devices 10, 20 and the remote control device 30 will continue to be the first communication line without changing the communication line currently in use.

[0135] In addition, in the table in Figure 13, it is also possible to replace "first communication line" with "second communication line" and "second communication line" with "first communication line". When this replacement is made, the flowchart in Figure 13 shows the conditions for the line speed of each communication line when communication is performed using the second communication line, the communication line used under those conditions, and the communication mode selected under those conditions.

[0136] Thus, in the second embodiment, by switching to another communication line before the communication speed of the currently used communication line decreases and the communication mode switches to degraded operation mode, remote operation of the dam can be continued.

[0137] In the second embodiment described above, the case where the two communication lines connected between the discharge operation devices 10, 20 and the remote control device 30 are a wired line and a wireless line was explained, but both communication lines may be wired lines. When switching between the two wired lines, the communication unit 12 switches the IP address to which the discharge operation devices 10, 20 or the remote control device 30 is connected to perform the communication line switch.

[0138] According to at least one embodiment described above, it is possible to provide a dam management system, a remote control station, and a dam management method that enable continuous operation of the dam even if a communication line malfunction occurs when the dam is operated remotely.

[0139] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0140] 1A...Water level (primary) measuring device, 1B...Water level (secondary) measuring device, 2...Control system LAN, 3...Input / output processing device, 4...Remote manual operation device, 5...Information system LAN, 6...Information input / provision device, 7...Display device, 8...Automatic transmission line, 10...First discharge operation device, 11...Control unit, 12...Communication unit, 13...Line speed measurement unit, 14...Mode selection unit, 15...Screen display unit, 16...Setting unit, 17...Operation unit, 20...Second discharge operation device, 30...Remote operation device, 31...Remote system LAN, 32...Display device, 41...Remote transmission device, 42...Remote manual operation device, 43...Remote transmission device, 44...Manual transmission line.

Claims

1. A dam management system comprising a dam management control device for controlling equipment related to dam management, and a remote control station connected to the dam management control device via a communication line and capable of remotely operating the equipment related to dam management, The dam management control device is A means for measuring the line speed of the aforementioned communication line, Based on the measured line speed, the system includes a mode selection means for selecting either a first communication mode, which communicates at the normal communication rate, or a second communication mode, which communicates with a limited communication rate compared to the first communication mode, as the communication mode for communicating data between the dam management control device and the remote control station. Dam management system.

2. The mode selection means selects the first communication mode if the measured line speed is greater than the threshold, and selects the second communication mode if the measured line speed is less than or equal to the threshold. The dam management system according to claim 1.

3. The dam management control device is The dam management control device and the remote control station further include display means for displaying the selected current communication mode and the measured line speed on the dam management control device and the remote control station. The dam management system according to claim 1.

4. The second communication mode is a communication mode for communicating the minimum necessary data for operating the dam management system between the dam management control device and the remote control station. The data communicated in the second communication mode includes at least dam data, rainfall data, river data, control data, system information data, and warning data. The dam management system according to claim 1.

5. The dam management control device is The second communication mode further includes setting means for setting the type of data to be communicated and the communication frequency of said data. The dam management system according to claim 4.

6. The aforementioned line speed measuring means measures the line speed by sending and receiving the same data bidirectionally between the dam management control device and the remote control station, and by measuring the time required to send and receive the same data. The dam management system according to claim 1.

7. The dam management control device and the remote control station are connected via a plurality of communication lines, including a first communication line and a second communication line. The aforementioned line speed measuring means measures the line speed of the first communication line and the second communication line, The mode selection means, when the communication line currently used between the dam management control device and the remote control station is the first communication line, and the first communication mode is selected as the communication mode, if the line speed of the first communication line is below the threshold and the line speed of the second communication line is greater than the threshold, then, while keeping the first communication mode selected as the communication mode, switches the communication line used between the dam management control device and the remote control station from the first communication line to the second communication line. The dam management system according to claim 2.

8. The mode selection means, when the line speed of the first communication line and the line speed of the second communication line are both below the threshold, and the line speed of the first communication line is slower than the line speed of the second communication line, switches the communication line used between the dam management control device and the remote control station from the first communication line to the second communication line. The dam management system according to claim 7.

9. A remote control station that is connected via a communication line to a dam management control device that controls equipment related to dam management, and that can remotely operate the equipment related to dam management, A communication line speed measuring means for measuring the line speed of the aforementioned communication line, Based on the measured line speed, the system includes a mode selection means for selecting either a first communication mode, which communicates at the normal data volume, or a second communication mode, which communicates with a limited data volume compared to the first communication mode, as the communication mode for data communication between the dam management control device and the remote control station. Remote control center.

10. A dam management method in a dam management system having a dam management control device that controls equipment related to dam management and a remote control station, The dam management control device connects the equipment related to the management of the dam to a remote control station via a communication line, To measure the line speed of the aforementioned communication line, Based on the measured line speed, one of the following communication modes is selected for data communication between the dam management control device and the remote control station: a first communication mode that communicates at the normal data volume, or a second communication mode that communicates with a limited data volume compared to the first communication mode. A dam management method that includes the following features.

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