Pressure control support device, water distribution system, pressure control support program, and pressure control support method

Abstract

To provide a pressure control support device for assisting an operation manager to reduce excess pressure based on an estimated value of pressure at an end.SOLUTION: A pressure control support device 1 according to the embodiment provides support information that supports monitoring or control of a water distribution station, and includes: a pressure estimation model generator 1F generating an estimation model that estimates distribution pressure of at least one of multiple ends of a distribution pipe network in a distribution area; a pressure estimation unit 1G that calculates an estimated value of pressure at the end using the estimation model; an excess pressure calculation unit 1K that calculates excess pressure for each end based on at least the estimated value of pressure at the end and a control value; and an excess pressure display data generation unit 1 L and an end pressure display data generation unit 1 H, which generate data for displaying the excess pressure at each end and the estimated value of pressure at the end, respectively.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a pressure control assistance device, a water distribution system, a pressure control assistance program, and a pressure control assistance method. [Background technology]

[0002] In water distribution pipe networks managed by water utilities, there is a need to appropriately control the end pressure to protect the distribution pipes and save energy. In order to appropriately control the end pressure, it was necessary to either build a pipe network model for estimating the end pressure or to permanently install an end pressure measuring device. However, when installing an end pressure measuring device, the installation cost of a permanent end pressure measuring device that can withstand long-term operation is high, and in some cases it is physically impossible to install it in some locations. In addition, when building the pipe network models proposed in the past, the cost required to collect the necessary data is high.

[0003] For these reasons, it has been difficult for small and medium-sized water suppliers, for example, to install end-use pressure measuring devices or build pipe network models, making it difficult to grasp situations in which excess pumping energy or water leakage is occurring. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-79320 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Previously, technologies have been proposed to estimate terminal pressure, for example, using AI technology. However, the obtained terminal pressure value is merely an estimate, and for the operation manager who manages the water distribution pressure, it is psychologically difficult to actually reduce the distribution pressure based on the estimate and reduce surplus pressure. In addition, while it is relatively easy to grasp the terminal pressure and surplus pressure at multiple points using estimated values ​​using conventional methods, grasping / reducing surplus pressure in the entire water distribution area including these multiple points has not been considered until now.

[0006] The embodiments of the present invention have been developed in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and aim to provide a pressure control support device, a water distribution system, a pressure control support program, and a pressure control support method that support an operation manager who manages the water distribution pressure in a water distribution area based on an estimated value of the terminal pressure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A pressure control support device according to an embodiment is a device that provides support information for supporting monitoring or control of a water distribution plant, and includes a pressure estimation model generation unit that generates an estimation model for estimating a pressure at at least one of a plurality of terminals of a water distribution pipe network in a water distribution area, a pressure estimation unit that calculates an estimated value of the pressure at the terminal using the estimation model, an excess pressure calculation unit that calculates an excess pressure for each of the terminals based on at least the estimated value of the pressure at the terminal and a management value, and a display data generation unit that generates data that displays the excess pressure and the estimated value for each of the terminals. The surplus pressure calculation unit further calculates the surplus pressure for each of the terminals based on an expected error in the estimated value. . [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of a water distribution system including a pressure control support device of the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the pressure control assistance device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3]FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining an example of an operation for generating an estimation model of the end pressure at the estimation point in the pressure control support device of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an estimation model generated by the pressure estimation model generating unit. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining an example of an operation of the pressure control assistance device according to the first embodiment, which calculates and visualizes a pressure target value using an estimation model. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the end pressure and the surplus pressure displayed by the end pressure display data generating unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the pressure target value displayed by the pressure target value display data generating unit. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of an inference basis explanation displayed by the inference basis explanation unit. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining an example of an operation of the pressure control support device of the first embodiment to estimate the terminal pressure at the estimation point, calculate the surplus pressure and the pressure target value, and visualize them. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display of input and simulation results in the pressure change simulation section. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining an example of an operation of the pressure control assistance device according to the first embodiment, which calculates and visualizes error information using an estimation model. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of error information display by the estimation model explanation unit. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a pressure control assistance device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of a water distribution system including a pressure control support device of the third embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a pressure control assistance device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining an example of an operation of regenerating an estimation model after it is determined that the estimation model should be regenerated in the pressure control assistance device of the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, a pressure control assistance device, a water distribution system, a pressure control assistance program, and a pressure control assistance method according to first to third embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of a water distribution system including a pressure control support device of the first embodiment. The water distribution system 100 is a system that includes a pressure control support device 1, a monitoring and control device 2, one or more water distribution plants 3, one or more end pressure measuring devices 4, and a display device 8, and supplies water to one or more consumers 6 via a water distribution pipe network 5. Note that in Fig. 1, water distribution plants 31 and 32 are shown as examples of the one or more water distribution plants 3, end pressure measuring devices 41 and 42 are shown as examples of the one or more end pressure measuring devices 4, and consumers 61 to 63 are shown as examples of the one or more consumers 6. The numbers of water distribution plants 3, end pressure measuring devices 4, and consumers 6 may be different from those in the example of Fig. 1.

[0011] The pressure control support device 1, the monitoring control device 2, each water distribution plant 3, and each terminal pressure measuring device 4 are configured to be able to communicate with each other. The water distribution system 100 may also include a water supply facility (not shown) such as a water supply plant.

[0012] The pressure control support device 1 provides information (hereinafter referred to as "support information") that supports the control or monitoring of the monitoring control device 2 that monitors or controls the water distribution plant 3. Specifically, the pressure control support device 1 acquires terminal pressure information indicating the measurement value (actual value) of the terminal pressure of the water distribution pipe network 5 from each terminal pressure measuring device 4.

[0013] The pressure control support device 1 acquires water distribution plant information indicating various quantities related to each water distribution plant (hereinafter referred to as "water distribution plant quantities") from each water distribution plant 3. The water distribution plant information indicates the operating status of the water distribution plant that distributes water to the water distribution pipe network. The water distribution plant information includes, for example, measurement values ​​(actual values) acquired at the water distribution plant or water conveyance plant, such as the water distribution flow rate at the water distribution plant or water conveyance plant, and the water distribution pressure of the distributed water.

[0014] The pressure control assistance device 1 acquires information on the water distribution system 100 (hereinafter referred to as "monitoring information") from the monitoring control device 2. The monitoring information indicates the results of monitoring the water distribution system 100 that distributes water from a water distribution pipe network 5 to consumers 6. The monitoring information includes different information depending on the type of sensors installed. The sensors installed may differ depending on the business operator. For example, a sensor indicating the opening degree of a stop valve for cutting off the flow of water in a part of the water distribution pipe network, a valve for changing the water pressure in the pipe midway and a sensor indicating the valve opening degree, a sensor indicating the water pressure in the pipe or the flow rate in the pipe, etc. may be installed. It should be noted that the sensors are not limited to these, and any other sensors may be installed.

[0015] The pressure control support device 1 generates support information based on the acquired terminal pressure information, water distribution plant information, and monitoring information. For example, the support information includes an estimated value of the terminal pressure at each terminal of the water distribution pipe network 5. The support information may also include information generated based on the estimated value of the terminal pressure, a determination result based on the estimated value of the terminal pressure, and the like.

[0016] The monitoring and control device 2 is a device that monitors or controls the water distribution plant 3 using the support information provided by the pressure control support device 1. For example, the monitoring and control device 2 adjusts the number of operating water distribution pumps and the output strength at each water distribution plant 3, and monitors the water level of the water distribution reservoir, which is the water supply source.

[0017] The water distribution plant 3 is a facility that has various equipment (not shown), such as a water distribution reservoir that stores water to be supplied to consumers 6, and a water distribution pump that sends the water from the water distribution reservoir to the water distribution pipe network 5, and supplies the water from the water distribution reservoir to each consumer 6 via the water distribution pipe network 5. The various equipment owned by the water distribution plant 3 is monitored and controlled by the monitoring and control device 2. In addition, the water distribution plant 3 transmits water distribution plant information indicating various quantities (water distribution plant quantities) that can be observed at the facility itself to the pressure control support device 1.

[0018] In general, the terminal pressure of the water distribution pipe network 5 is considered to be highly correlated with the water distribution flow rate or water distribution pressure of the pump at the water distribution plant 3. Therefore, the water distribution plant information includes at least information indicating the water distribution flow rate or water distribution pressure of the pump. In addition, the terminal pressure of the water distribution pipe network 5 is considered to be correlated with the water level of the water reservoir at the water distribution plant 3, so the water distribution plant information may include information indicating the water level of the water reservoir.

[0019] The terminal pressure measuring device 4 is a device that measures the terminal pressure of the water distribution pipe network 5. The terminal pressure measuring device 4 is temporarily installed at the terminal of the water distribution pipe network 5. The terminal is a location in the water distribution pipe network 5 where pressure is measured or estimated. The location of the terminal is specified in advance. For example, the terminal may be a location in the water distribution pipe network 5 where there is a high possibility or risk of low pressure. For example, the terminal may be a location where it is considered that a pressure sufficient to convey water to the consumer 6 is secured even at other points in the water distribution pipe network 5 if the pressure at the terminal is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold. The predetermined threshold may be, for example, a value lower than any other location in the water distribution pipe network, or a value specified in advance. For example, the terminal may be a location that is considered to have a high contribution rate in improving the accuracy of an estimation model for estimating the terminal pressure of other terminals. The terminal may be any location that is specified in advance.

[0020] The terminal pressure measuring device 4 transmits terminal pressure information indicating the measured value of the terminal pressure to the pressure control support device 1. The terminal pressure is the pressure at the terminal. In addition, the user of the pressure control assistance device 1 and water supply system of this embodiment may be, for example, an operation manager or a provider of the device / system, a water utility company, or a business operator contracted by a water utility company. The display device 8 is a video output device for presenting a video based on a video signal output from the pressure control assistance device 1. The display device 8 is, for example, an output device such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display, a liquid crystal display, or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. The display device 8 may be included in the pressure control assistance device 1 (i.e., it may be a display unit (not shown) of the pressure control assistance device 1), or may be included in the monitoring and control device 2, and may be configured to present a video based on a video signal output from the monitoring and control device 2.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the pressure control assistance device according to the first embodiment. The pressure control support device 1 is a computing device that includes at least one processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory in which a program executed by the processor is recorded, an auxiliary storage device, and a bus that communicatively connects each component, and is capable of realizing various functions by executing the program.

[0022] The pressure control assistance device 1 can function as a device including a communication unit (not shown), an input unit (not shown), a display unit (not shown), a storage unit (not shown), and a control unit (not shown) by executing a program. All or part of the functions of the pressure control assistance device 1 may be realized using hardware such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Examples of the computer-readable recording medium include portable media such as a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM, and a CD-ROM, and storage devices such as a hard disk built into a computer system. The program may be transmitted via an electric communication line.

[0023] The communication unit is, for example, a network interface. The communication unit communicates with the monitoring control device 2, the water distribution plant 3, and the terminal pressure measuring device 4. The communication unit may communicate using a communication method such as a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), a wired LAN, Bluetooth (registered trademark), or LTE (Long Term Evolution) (registered trademark).

[0024] The input unit may be configured using an input device such as a touch panel, a mouse, and a keyboard. The input unit may be an interface for connecting the input device to the pressure control assistance device 1. In this case, the input unit generates input data (for example, instruction information indicating instructions to the pressure control assistance device 1) from an input signal inputted at the input device, and inputs the input data to the pressure control assistance device 1.

[0025] The display unit is an output device such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, etc. The display unit may be an interface for connecting an output device (e.g., display device 8) to the pressure control assistance device 1. In this case, the display unit generates a video signal from video data and outputs the video signal to a video output device connected to itself.

[0026] The storage unit stores various types of information used to provide support information to the monitoring and controlling device 2. The storage unit is configured using a storage device such as a magnetic hard disk device or a semiconductor storage device. The storage unit may include a terminal pressure information storage unit 1B, a water distribution information storage unit 1C, and a setting information storage unit 1A, which will be described later. The storage unit may be included in the pressure control support device 1, or may be externally attached to the pressure control support device 1 and configured to be able to communicate various types of information with the monitoring and controlling device 2.

[0027] The control unit controls the operation of each unit of the pressure control assistance device 1. The control unit can be realized by, for example, a device equipped with a processor such as a CPU and a memory such as a RAM. The control unit can realize the functions of each processing block of the pressure control assistance device 1, including the information acquisition unit 1D, by executing a program, by software, or by a combination of software and hardware.

[0028] The pressure control support device 1 includes a setting information memory unit 1A, a terminal pressure information memory unit 1B, a water distribution information memory unit 1C, an information acquisition unit 1D, an estimation basis explanation unit 1E, a pressure estimation model generation unit 1F, a pressure estimation unit 1G, a terminal pressure display data generation unit 1H, an error information calculation unit 1I, an estimation model explanation unit 1J, an excess pressure calculation unit 1K, an excess pressure display data generation unit 1L, a pressure target value derivation unit 1M, a pressure target value display data generation unit 1N, a simulation condition input unit 1O, a pressure change effect derivation unit 1P, and a pressure change simulation unit 1Q.

[0029] The setting information storage unit 1A stores information on the control value of the terminal pressure as well as location information, names, and related information of water distribution stations, valves, terminals, etc., which are necessary for displaying maps and system diagrams. The information acquisition unit 1D acquires various types of information used to provide support information. Specifically, the information acquisition unit 1D acquires water distribution plant information from each water distribution plant 3. The information acquisition unit 1D acquires monitoring information from the monitoring control device 2. The information acquisition unit 1D acquires terminal pressure information from each terminal pressure measuring device 4.

[0030] The information acquisition unit 1D records the acquired water distribution plant information and monitoring information in the water distribution information storage unit 1C. The information acquisition unit 1D records the acquired terminal pressure information in the terminal pressure information storage unit 1B. The information acquisition unit 1D periodically and repeatedly acquires the water distribution plant information, monitoring information, and terminal pressure information at a predetermined timing, thereby periodically recording the water distribution plant information, monitoring information, and terminal pressure information in the terminal pressure information storage unit 1B and the water distribution information storage unit 1C, and accumulating the information.

[0031] The pressure estimation model generating unit 1F generates an estimation model using the water distribution information recorded in the water distribution information storage unit 1C and the terminal pressure information accumulated in the terminal pressure information storage unit 1B for a specified period as learning data. An estimation model may be generated for each terminal point, or one estimation model may be generated for all terminal points. The pressure estimation model generating unit 1F applies machine learning techniques or the like for generating or updating a classifier by supervised learning.

[0032] The pressure estimation model generation unit 1F learns the relationship between the distribution plant information and monitoring information contained in the water distribution information and the terminal pressure information of the water distribution pipe network 5 by performing machine learning processing based on the learning data. More specifically, the pressure estimation model generation unit 1F generates an estimation model indicating the relationship between the distribution plant information and monitoring information contained in the water distribution information, using the distribution plant information and monitoring information in the water distribution information as explanatory variables and the terminal pressure information of the water distribution pipe network 5 as a target variable. The pressure estimation model generation unit 1F outputs data such as parameters representing the generated classifier to the pressure estimation unit 1G as a learning result. Hereinafter, the learning of the above relationship will be referred to as "learning of terminal pressure" as necessary.

[0033] The pressure estimation unit 1G estimates the terminal pressure corresponding to the given water distribution information based on the relationship between the water distribution plant quantities in the water distribution information learned by the pressure estimation model generation unit 1F, the monitoring information, and the terminal pressure of the water distribution pipe network 5. The pressure estimation unit 1G can estimate the terminal pressure for the terminal whose terminal pressure has been learned by the pressure estimation model generation unit 1F.

[0034] The terminal pressure display data generating unit 1H generates data to display the terminal pressure value obtained by the estimation by the pressure estimating unit 1G on, for example, the screen of the display device 8 via the output unit. In order to make it easy for the operation manager to understand, the terminal pressure value is not simply displayed as a numerical value, but is visualized in a graph such as a trend graph or a bar graph.

[0035] The estimation basis explanation unit 1E generates information that explains how the estimation result of the pressure estimation unit 1G was obtained, and generates data to be displayed on, for example, the screen of the display device 8 via the output unit. For example, when the estimation model is generated using a decision tree, it is possible to show how the estimation result was obtained by visualizing, for example, which path on the decision tree corresponds to which path an input value of the estimation model corresponds, by highlighting the path.

[0036] The error information calculation unit 1I calculates the degree of error that the estimation model generated by the pressure estimation model generation unit 1F may include in the estimated value by statistically collecting actual error data. The water distribution information recorded in the water distribution information storage unit 1C and the terminal pressure information stored in the terminal pressure information storage unit 1B for a different period not used as learning data for the estimation model are used as evaluation data. The estimated value of the terminal pressure obtained based on the water distribution information is compared with the actual measured value stored as the terminal pressure information, and the error is calculated. The error information calculation unit 1I calculates not only the error between the estimated value and the actual measured value for each time, but also the average absolute error and maximum error during the specified period upon receiving a designation of the statistical target period. The error information calculation unit 1I also calculates the expected error for each terminal point, which is necessary for calculating the surplus pressure. The expected error means the error expected in the estimated value.

[0037] The error information calculation unit 1I calculates the error information for each end point and for each time. The time granularity at which the error information calculation unit 1I calculates the error information may be in units of one hour or one minute. The time granularity is determined in advance as a design parameter.

[0038] The estimation model explanation unit 1J generates data for displaying the error information output by the error information calculation unit 1I via the output unit, for example, on the screen of the display device 8. In addition, the estimation model explanation unit 1J displays explanation information representing text, charts, or the like explaining the estimation model, for example, on the screen of the display device 8 via the output unit.

[0039] The surplus pressure calculation unit 1K can calculate the surplus pressure for each end based on at least the estimated value of the end pressure at each end point and the lower limit value of the control of each end pressure. In this embodiment, the surplus pressure calculation unit 1K calculates the surplus pressure for each end point from the end pressure value of each end point obtained by the estimation of the pressure estimation unit 1G, the estimated error of each end point calculated by the error information calculation unit 1I, and the lower limit value of the control of each end pressure recorded in the setting information storage unit 1A. Specifically, it can be calculated as follows: surplus pressure = (end pressure value - lower limit value of control) - estimated error. By considering the estimated error, it is possible to reduce the risk that the surplus pressure based on the estimated value will be a value larger than the actual surplus pressure.

[0040] The surplus pressure calculation unit 1K calculates the surplus pressure of the entire water distribution area from the surplus pressure of each terminal point. Specifically, the smallest surplus pressure value among all terminal points in the water distribution area is set as the surplus pressure of the entire water distribution area.

[0041] The surplus pressure display data generating unit 1L generates data to display at least one of the surplus pressure for each terminal point and the surplus pressure for the entire water distribution area calculated by the surplus pressure calculating unit 1K, for example, on the screen of the display device 8 via the output unit. Note that the surplus pressure can be visualized not only as a simple numerical value but also as a graph such as a trend graph or a bar graph so that the operation manager can easily understand it. Also, the surplus pressure and the terminal pressure are visualized side by side or superimposed on the same screen so that the operation manager can easily understand the relationship between the surplus pressure and the terminal pressure.

[0042] The pressure target value derivation unit 1M derives a pressure target value from the current surplus pressure value calculated by the surplus pressure calculation unit 1K and the current water distribution pressure value of each water distribution plant. Specifically, the pressure target value derivation unit 1M can derive a pressure target value for each water distribution plant as the difference obtained by subtracting the surplus pressure of the entire water distribution area from the current water distribution pressure (pressure target value = current water distribution pressure - surplus pressure of the entire water distribution area).

[0043] The pressure target value display data generating unit 1N generates data displaying the current water distribution pressure value and the pressure target value of each water distribution plant. Based on the displayed values, the operation manager can reduce the water distribution pressure of each water distribution plant from the current value to the pressure target value, thereby reducing the burden on the pipes, reducing water leakage, and reducing the energy required for water distribution while maintaining a stable water supply.

[0044] In the pressure change simulation described later, water distribution information including water distribution pressure values ​​for a specified time period (e.g., 24 hours) from the past to the present, monitoring information (corresponding to the input of the estimation model), terminal pressure values ​​(corresponding to the output of the estimation model), and surplus pressure are extracted to derive the terminal pressure and surplus pressure values ​​when the water distribution pressure is changed.In addition, a leakage reduction rate is derived as the effect of changing the water distribution pressure.

[0045] The simulation condition input unit 1O acquires conditions to be specified for executing a pressure change simulation from the operation manager via the input unit. The simulation condition input unit 1O acquires the simulation target period (24 hours from what date and time) and the amount of change in water distribution pressure for each hour (for example, -0.05 MPa at 2 o'clock, -0.03 MPa at 3 o'clock, etc.).

[0046] The pressure change simulation unit 1Q retrieves the water distribution information and monitoring information (corresponding to the input of the estimation model) for the target period acquired by the simulation condition input unit 1O from the storage unit. The pressure change simulation unit 1Q receives as input the value obtained by changing the water distribution pressure of the water distribution plant 3 for the target period based on the amount of change in water distribution pressure for each hour (water distribution pressure setting change information) acquired by the simulation condition input unit 1O, and outputs the estimated value of the terminal pressure and the surplus pressure.

[0047] The pressure change effect deriving unit 1P derives the effect of changing the water distribution pressure based on the simulation results of the pressure change simulation unit 1Q. Specifically, it calculates the leakage reduction rate (XX%) from the average terminal pressure before the change and the average terminal pressure after the change of all terminals in the water distribution area.

[0048] FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining an example of an operation for generating an estimation model of the end pressure at the estimation point in the pressure control support device of the first embodiment. Here, the pressure control support device of the first embodiment will be described by way of an example in which an estimation model of the terminal pressure at an estimation point in a water distribution area where water is distributed from three water distribution plants (first water distribution plant to third water distribution plant) is generated. Note that the estimation point refers to the location where the terminal pressure is estimated.

[0049] The information acquisition unit 1D acquires end pressure information from each end pressure measuring device 4, water distribution plant information from each water distribution plant 3, and monitoring information from the monitoring control device 2 (step SA1). The water distribution plant information is, for example, the water distribution flow rate of the first water distribution plant, the discharge pressure of the first pipe of the first water distribution plant, the discharge pressure of the second pipe of the first water distribution plant, the water distribution flow rate of the second water distribution plant, the discharge pressure of the first pipe of the second water distribution plant, the discharge pressure of the second pipe of the second water distribution plant, the water distribution flow rate of the third water distribution plant, the discharge pressure of the first pipe of the third water distribution plant, the discharge pressure of the second pipe of the third water distribution plant, the water distribution flow rate of the water conveying plant, the discharge pressure of the first pipe of the water conveying plant, and the discharge pressure of the second pipe of the water conveying plant. The monitoring information is, for example, the opening degree of the water stop valve at the first point.

[0050] The information acquisition unit 1D records the acquired terminal pressure information in the terminal pressure information storage unit 1B. The information acquisition unit 1D records the acquired water distribution plant information and monitoring information in the water distribution information storage unit 1C. By repeatedly acquiring such information for a certain period of time, the pressure control support device 1 accumulates the terminal pressure information, water distribution plant information, and monitoring information (step SA2). In this embodiment, it is assumed that each piece of information acquired every hour is accumulated for 28 days. Hereinafter, the accumulated terminal pressure information, water distribution plant information, and monitoring information are divided into two, each for 14 days, with the first 14 days being referred to as learning data and the latter 14 days being referred to as evaluation data.

[0051] The pressure estimation model generation unit 1F uses the learning data to generate an estimation model by learning the relationship between past water distribution information (water distribution station information and monitoring information) stored in the water distribution information storage unit 1C as an explanatory variable and the terminal pressure information stored in the past terminal pressure information storage unit 1B as an objective variable (step SA3). Specifically, the pressure estimation model generation unit 1F generates an estimation model by machine learning using the above-mentioned water distribution information (water distribution flow rate of the first water distribution plant, discharge pressure of the first pipe of the first water distribution plant, discharge pressure of the second pipe of the first water distribution plant, water distribution flow rate of the second water distribution plant, discharge pressure of the first pipe of the second water distribution plant, discharge pressure of the second pipe of the second water distribution plant, water distribution flow rate of the third water distribution plant, discharge pressure of the first pipe of the third water distribution plant, discharge pressure of the second pipe of the third water distribution plant, water distribution flow rate of the water supply plant, discharge pressure of the first pipe of the water supply plant, discharge pressure of the second pipe of the water supply plant, and the opening degree of the stop valve at the first point) and the time when the water distribution information was acquired as explanatory variables and the terminal pressure of the estimation point as a target variable. In this embodiment, the pressure estimation model generation unit 1F generates an estimation model by using, for example, a decision tree algorithm.

[0052] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an estimation model generated by the pressure estimation model generating unit. The estimation model explanation unit 1J generates data for displaying explanatory information, such as text or charts explaining the estimation model, on the screen of the display device 8 via the output unit. The obtained estimation model is visualized, for example, as shown in FIG. 4. In the decision tree, the terminal pressure is estimated by judging the explanatory variable values ​​with a threshold value. The terminal node of the decision tree indicates an estimated value of the terminal pressure at the estimation point. The decision tree is one aspect of explanatory information. Note that the number of samples of the learning data or the value of MSE (Mean Squared Error) may be displayed at each node or terminal node in FIG. 4.

[0053] The error information calculation unit 1I uses the generated estimation model and the evaluation data to obtain an estimate of the terminal pressure, and calculates the error between the actual measurement value and the estimated value. The error information calculation unit 1I also collects statistics on the errors of the evaluation data over 14 days, and calculates the average absolute error and maximum error for each terminal point. Furthermore, the error information calculation unit 1I calculates the average absolute error and maximum error for each terminal point and for each time. Of these, for example, the maximum error is set as the expected error for each terminal point and for each time based on the designation in the setting parameters (step SA4).

[0054] Next, we will explain an example of the operation of the pressure control support device of the first embodiment, estimating the terminal pressure at an estimated point in a water distribution area where water is distributed from three water distribution plants (the first water distribution plant to the third water distribution plant), calculating the surplus pressure, calculating the target pressure value, and visualizing them.

[0055] FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining an example of an operation of the pressure control assistance device according to the first embodiment, which calculates and visualizes a pressure target value using an estimation model. The pressure estimation unit 1G acquires the water distribution plant information and the monitoring information from the water distribution information storage unit 1C (steps SB1 and SB2). The water distribution plant information is, for example, the water distribution flow rate of the first water distribution plant, the discharge pressure of the first pipe of the first water distribution plant, the discharge pressure of the second pipe of the first water distribution plant, the water distribution flow rate of the second water distribution plant, the discharge pressure of the first pipe of the second water distribution plant, the discharge pressure of the second pipe of the second water distribution plant, the water distribution flow rate of the third water distribution plant, the discharge pressure of the first pipe of the third water distribution plant, the discharge pressure of the second pipe of the third water distribution plant, the water distribution flow rate of the water conveying plant, the discharge pressure of the first pipe of the water conveying plant, and the discharge pressure of the second pipe of the water conveying plant. The monitoring information is, for example, the opening degree of the water stop valve at the first point. Note that, although Figure 5 shows a procedure in which water distribution plant information is acquired (step SB1) and then monitoring information is acquired (step SB2), the order of steps SB1 and SB2 may be reversed, and steps SB1 and SB2 may be performed simultaneously.

[0056] The pressure estimation unit 1G estimates the end pressure using the estimation model with the values ​​acquired in steps SB1 and SB2 as input (step SB3).

[0057] Next, the pressure estimation unit 1G obtains the lower limit of the terminal pressure control from the setting information storage unit 1A to calculate the surplus pressure (step SB4), and obtains the expected error calculated by the error information calculation unit 1I (step SB5). The pressure estimation unit 1G calculates the surplus pressure for each terminal and the surplus pressure for the entire water distribution area from the estimated value of the terminal pressure, the lower limit of the control, and the expected error (step SB6).

[0058] The pressure target value derivation unit 1M derives a pressure target value for each water distribution plant from the surplus pressure in the entire water distribution area and the current water distribution pressure of the water distribution plant acquired from the water distribution information storage unit 1C (step SB7).

[0059] As a result of these, the terminal pressure display data generating unit 1H generates data to display the terminal pressure, the surplus pressure display data generating unit 1L generates data to display the surplus pressure in the entire water distribution area, and the pressure target value display data generating unit 1N generates data to display the pressure target value, via the output unit, for example, on the screen of the display device 8 (step SB8).

[0060] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the end pressure and the surplus pressure displayed by the end pressure display data generating unit. The top of Figure 6 shows graph G1, which indicates the water distribution pressure and flow rate (corresponding to the input for the estimation model), the middle graph G2, which indicates the estimated values ​​of the terminal pressure at each terminal point, and the bottom graph G3, which indicates the surplus pressure in the entire water distribution area and the estimated error by time.The time axis (horizontal axis) of each graph is aligned to visualize the values ​​for the most recent 24 hours.

[0061] By presenting related information to the operations manager in this way so that it can be compared, the operations manager can understand what water distribution information and monitoring information the terminal pressure estimate was based on, what the terminal pressure condition was, and how much excess pressure existed at what time.

[0062] 6 also shows a water distribution area map MP. The water distribution area map MP shows a schematic diagram of the positional relationship between the water distribution plants (first water distribution plant to third water distribution plant) included in the water distribution area corresponding to the terminal pressure and excess pressure shown in the graph, and the terminal ac. For example, the operation manager may select one of the terminals ac shown in the water distribution area map MP on the screen of the display device 8, and the graph corresponding to the selected terminal may be displayed in an emphasized manner.

[0063] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the pressure target value displayed by the pressure target value display data generating unit. Fig. 7 shows the current water distribution pressure and pressure target value for each water distribution plant. It also shows the lower limit of control at the terminal, the estimated terminal pressure, and the expected surplus pressure from that. The operation manager can adjust the water distribution pressure taking into account the estimated terminal pressure value and the expected surplus pressure shown. Finally, the estimation basis explanation unit 1E displays the estimation basis (step SB9).

[0064] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of an inference basis explanation displayed by the inference basis explanation unit. Here, the nodes on the relevant path are highlighted to show which path in the decision tree the estimated value was obtained from. In this case, we can see that the path in the decision tree passed through False at the node that determines whether the third distribution plant_flow rate is 331.5 or less, and passed through True at the node that determines whether the first distribution plant_discharge pressure of the second pipe is 0.575 or less.

[0065] It can also be seen that the value of the estimated terminal pressure is 0.3824. The method of highlighting in the explanation of the estimation basis may be, for example, a thick line for drawing the nodes on the path, a change in color or brightness, or any other display mode. In this way, by visualizing the contents of the estimation model and displaying them in conjunction with the estimation results, the operation manager can understand the estimation basis, and the degree of satisfaction can be increased.

[0066] Next, the operation of estimating the terminal pressure at the estimation point, calculating the surplus pressure and the pressure target value, and visualizing them will be described for the pressure control assistance device of the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining an example of an operation of the pressure control support device of the first embodiment to estimate the terminal pressure at the estimation point, calculate the surplus pressure and the pressure target value, and visualize them.

[0067] First, the operation manager inputs the simulation conditions via the input unit. The simulation conditions are the target period and the amount of change in the water distribution pressure at each time. This specifies the target period that is the basis for the simulation (step SC1).

[0068] The simulation condition input unit 1O acquires the input simulation conditions, and calculates a tentative water distribution pressure setting value from the water distribution plant's water distribution pressure value for the target period and the amount of change in water distribution pressure (step SC2). The pressure change simulation unit 1Q inputs the tentative water distribution pressure setting value (water distribution pressure setting change information) and estimates the terminal pressure using an estimation model (step SC3), and calculates the surplus pressure for each terminal and the surplus pressure for the entire water distribution area from the estimated terminal pressure value (step SC4). Note that the processes of estimating the terminal pressure and calculating the surplus pressure may be executed internally by the pressure estimation unit 1G or the surplus pressure calculation unit 1K.

[0069] Next, the pressure change effect deriving unit 1P derives the pressure change effect based on the estimated value of the end pressure (step SC5). Finally, the pressure change simulation unit 1Q generates data to display the distribution pressure, terminal pressure, surplus pressure, and pressure change effect before and after the pressure change, for example, on the screen of the display device 8 via the output unit (step SC6).

[0070] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display of input and simulation results in the pressure change simulation section. The top of Fig. 10 is graph G4 showing the simulation settings, and the bottom of Fig. 10 is graph G5 showing the simulation results. The terminal pressure and surplus pressure can be switched between display by the operation of the operation manager. When the pressure change amount is specified by a broken line in the top graph G4, the expected leakage reduction rate is 9.9%, which is displayed near the bottom graph G5.

[0071] Next, an example of the operation of calculating and visualizing error information regarding the pressure control assistance device of the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining an example of an operation of the pressure control assistance device according to the first embodiment, which calculates and visualizes error information using an estimation model.

[0072] The error information calculation unit 1I acquires parameters related to the designation of the error calculation method from the setting information storage unit 1A and determines the error calculation method (step SD1). The error information calculation unit 1I determines the learning data and the evaluation data based on the determined error calculation method (step SD2).

[0073] As an example of the error calculation method, a first method is a method in which an estimation model is generated using 14 days of learning data, and error information between the estimated value and the true value for the 14 days of evaluation data is calculated. For example, a second method is a method in which an estimation model is generated using 14 days of learning data, and the same 14 days of data is used as a substitute for evaluation data to calculate error information between the estimated value and the true value. In the case of the second method, the reliability of the error information is reduced, but the collection period of the evaluation data is shortened, which has the advantage that actual operation can be started sooner.

[0074] In the following, an example in which the first method is determined as the error calculation method will be described. That is, the error information calculation unit 1I generates an estimation model using the learning data, and calculates an estimate value for the evaluation data (step SD3).

[0075] The error information calculation unit 1I calculates the error between the estimated value and the true value using the first method (step SD4). The error information calculation unit 1I also performs statistics on the calculation results, calculates the mean absolute error and the maximum error for each terminal, and calculates the mean absolute error and the maximum error for each terminal and for each time (step SD5). Finally, the estimation model explanation unit 1J generates data to display the calculated error information, for example, on the screen of the display device 8 via the output unit (step SD6).

[0076] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of error information display by the estimation model explanation unit. Graph G6 in the upper part of Fig. 12 displays the average absolute error and maximum error for each end in a bar graph. The screen allows the user to specify a time using a pull-down menu, and graph G6 displays the error at 10 o'clock. If no time is specified using the pull-down menu, graph G6 may display the statistical error for all times.

[0077] The middle graph G7 shows the mean absolute error and maximum error for each time at the specified end point.

[0078] The graph G8 at the bottom shows the trend of the estimated and measured end pressures at the specified end points. The error is shown in the form of a graph. The difference between the estimated value and the actual measured value is also displayed for each time point, allowing you to distinguish between positive and negative errors.

[0079] By displaying error information in this way, the operations manager can grasp errors for multiple terminals using graph G6, and can grasp detailed error information for a terminal of particular interest using graphs G7 and G8. By checking error information such as differences in error depending on the terminal location, differences in error depending on the time, and the direction of the error (plus / minus), the operations manager can consider lowering the water distribution pressure, recognizing that the estimated value for terminal pressure contains errors.

[0080] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a pressure control support device, a water distribution system, a pressure control support program, and a pressure control support method that support an operation manager who manages the water distribution pressure in a water distribution area based on an estimated value of the terminal pressure.

[0081] In the above-described first embodiment, an example in which a decision tree algorithm is adopted as the machine learning method is described, but the machine learning method is not limited to the decision tree algorithm. For example, other methods such as deep learning, linear regression, random forest, etc. may be adopted as the machine learning method. Also, a plurality of methods may be combined.

[0082] In this embodiment, the type of error calculated by the error information calculation unit 1I is not limited to the mean absolute error or maximum error, but may be other types of error such as the average error, minimum error, or RMSE (Root Mean Square Error).

[0083] In addition, in this embodiment, the expected error calculated by the error information calculation unit 1I is not limited to the maximum error, but may be the mean absolute error, the minimum error, or a value calculated based on multiple error values.

[0084] In this embodiment, the method of calculating the surplus pressure of the entire water distribution area is not limited to the minimum surplus pressure among all the terminal points. It may be calculated by targeting only the surplus pressure of some terminal points, or it may be calculated by other methods such as finding the average surplus pressure instead of the minimum.

[0085] In addition, in this embodiment, the target period of the simulation is not limited to one day. It may be two days or seven days, or several days that are not consecutive may be intentionally extracted and used as the target of the simulation. The target period of the simulation may be a period from a specified time to a specified time. In this embodiment, the pressure setting for the simulation is not limited to hourly units, but may be in 30-minute units or 2-hour units, for example.

[0086] In addition, in this embodiment, the calculation method of the leakage reduction rate is one example, and other calculation methods may be used. In addition, the use of the pressure at the terminal point as the basis for deriving the leakage reduction rate is one example, and the pressure at another point, such as the water distribution pressure, may be used as the basis. The leakage reduction rate may have a range, such as XX% to YY%.

[0087] In addition, in this embodiment, the pressure change effect is not limited to the leakage reduction rate. Effects other than the leakage reduction rate may be shown as the pressure change effect, and may be displayed together with the leakage reduction rate. Examples other than the leakage reduction rate include the leakage reduction amount and various cost reduction amounts. For example, the reduction amount of electricity costs for water pumps and salt addition equipment, chemical costs at water purification plants, etc. may be used as the pressure change effect.

[0088] In addition, in this embodiment, a water distribution plant is mentioned as an inflow point of water into a water distribution area, and attention is paid to the water distribution pressure and water distribution flow rate of the water distribution plant, but the water inflow point is not necessarily limited to the water distribution plant. In reality, in addition to the water distribution plant, a valve capable of controlling the pressure of the inflow point of the water distribution area can also be considered as a water inflow point in the same way as the water distribution plant.

[0089] In the present embodiment, the path in the estimation of the decision tree algorithm is given as the explanation of the reason, but the present invention is not limited to presenting internal information of the algorithm as the reason. For example, the explanation of the reason may be presented by presenting a number of past cases with similar input values ​​and showing values ​​similar to the current estimation result. In either case, the same effects as those of the first embodiment described above can be obtained.

[0090] Next, the pressure control support device, the water distribution system, the pressure control support program, and the pressure control support method of the second embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same components as those of the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described.

[0091] FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a pressure control assistance device according to the second embodiment. The pressure control support device 1 of the first embodiment described above presents support information to the operation manager, who decides whether or not to reflect the information in the actual control. In contrast, the pressure control support device 1 of the present embodiment has a mechanism for automatically controlling the water distribution pressure by outputting the control target value of the water distribution pressure to the controller as control information.

[0092] That is, in this embodiment, the pressure control support device 1 further includes a control information output unit 1R and a controller CTR. The controller CTR may be included in the pressure control support device 1, or may be provided outside the pressure control support device 1 as a component of the water distribution system. The control information output unit 1R outputs the pressure target value calculated by the pressure target value derivation unit 1M to the controller CTR.

[0093] The controller CTR controls the water distribution pressure according to the water distribution pressure target value received from the control information output unit 1 R. The controller CTR is, for example, a calculation device including a processor and a memory in which a program executed by the processor is recorded.

[0094] The pressure control support device 1 of this embodiment has the same configuration as the pressure control support device 1 of the first embodiment described above except for the above. In this embodiment, for example, after a certain period of operation using the pressure control support device 1 of the first embodiment described above, if the psychological hurdle of the operation manager to actually reduce the water distribution pressure based on the estimated value and reduce the excess pressure is lowered, the water distribution pressure can be controlled to reduce the excess pressure without the intervention of the operation manager. For the operation manager, appropriate water distribution pressure control is possible without bothering with the operator, which has the advantage of allowing the operator to use the freed-up time for other tasks.

[0095] In other words, according to this embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment described above can be obtained, and it is possible to provide a pressure control support device, a water distribution system, a pressure control support program, and a pressure control support method that support an operation manager who manages the water distribution pressure in a water distribution area based on an estimated value of the terminal pressure.

[0096] Next, a pressure control assistance device, a water distribution system, a pressure control assistance program, and a pressure control assistance method according to a third embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of a water distribution system including a pressure control support device of the third embodiment.

[0097] The water distribution system of the present embodiment differs from the pressure control support device of the above-described first embodiment in that the water distribution system of the present embodiment further includes a mechanism for re-learning the pressure estimation model. The pressure estimation model may not be able to estimate the terminal pressure with sufficient accuracy due to changes in the water distribution network / water distribution area over the medium to long term caused by population increases / decreases, town development, etc. In such a case, the water distribution system of this embodiment is configured to re-learn the pressure estimation model.

[0098] Specifically, the water distribution system of this embodiment is different from the above-described first embodiment in that it further includes a permanent terminal pressure measuring device 7. For the terminal point where the permanent terminal pressure measuring device 7 is installed, there is no need to estimate the terminal pressure, and actual measured values ​​can be collected.

[0099] FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a pressure control assistance device according to the third embodiment. The pressure control support device 1 of this embodiment differs from the above-described first embodiment in that it further includes a pressure estimation model regeneration unit 1S and a pressure estimation model regeneration determination unit 1T. The differences from the pressure control support device 1 of the first embodiment will be described below.

[0100] The pressure estimation model regeneration determination unit 1T detects a certain level of change in the situation based on information suggesting that the situation in the water distribution area has changed, and determines that the pressure estimation model should be regenerated. The result of the determination by the pressure estimation model regeneration determination unit 1T is displayed via the output unit, for example, on the screen of the display device 8, so that the operation manager can understand it. (The notification may be made by email, or a message may be sent to a person other than the operation manager to encourage maintenance to the device / system provider.)

[0101] The pressure estimation model regeneration unit 1S regenerates the estimation model using water distribution information, monitoring information, and terminal pressure information for a specified period, for example, based on the judgment result of the pressure estimation model regeneration judgment unit 1T, or when it receives a command to regenerate the pressure estimation model by operation of the operation manager. The pressure control assistance device 1 of this embodiment is similar to that of the above-described first embodiment except for the above-mentioned configuration.

[0102] FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining an example of an operation of regenerating an estimation model after it is determined that the estimation model should be regenerated in the pressure control assistance device of the third embodiment. First, the information acquisition unit 1D acquires information for grasping the change in the situation of the water distribution area (step SE1). The pressure estimation model regeneration determination unit 1T constantly acquires terminal pressure information from the permanent terminal pressure measuring device 7 as information for monitoring the change in the situation of the water distribution area, for example, and records it in the terminal pressure information storage unit 1B.

[0103] The pressure estimation model regeneration judgment unit 1T calculates the error between the actual measurement value at the end point acquired from the permanent end pressure measuring device 7 and the estimated value obtained by estimating the end pressure at the same point. Next, the pressure estimation model regeneration judgment unit 1T acquires the error statistics target period length from the setting parameters recorded in the setting information storage unit 1A. For example, it is set to 7 days. The pressure estimation model regeneration judgment unit 1T collects statistics of the error between the actual measurement value and the estimated value for the latest 7 days and calculates the mean absolute error. This value is compared with the mean absolute error obtained by calculating the error information when the estimation model was generated, and if the error is more than twice as large (more than a predetermined threshold value), it is judged that the estimation model should be regenerated (step SE2). In other words, the degree of deviation between the error at the beginning of the generation of the estimation model and the current error is used as a judgment factor.

[0104] Next, the information acquisition unit 1D acquires actual measured values ​​of the terminal pressure at the estimation point from the terminal pressure measuring devices 41, 42 installed at the terminal points for a certain period of time in order to regenerate the estimation model, and records them in the terminal pressure information storage unit 1B.

[0105] The pressure estimation model regeneration unit 1S regenerates (re-learns) the estimation model using the water distribution information, the monitoring information, and the terminal pressure information (the newly acquired actual measured value) (step SE3).

[0106] Thereafter, similarly to steps SA1-SB9 shown in Fig. 5, the pressure estimation unit 1G estimates the end pressure using the regenerated estimation model, derives the end pressure, surplus pressure, pressure target value, and explanation of reasons, and generates data to be displayed (step SE4). Also, similarly to steps SD1-SD6 shown in Fig. 8, error information is calculated, and data to be displayed is generated (step SE5).

[0107] As described above, according to this embodiment, by providing a configuration that allows the estimation model to be re-learned and updated in response to changes in the situation in the water distribution area, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the accuracy of estimations made by the estimation model and to avoid a divergence between the estimated value and the actual measured value.

[0108] In other words, according to this embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment described above can be obtained, and it is possible to provide a pressure control support device, a water distribution system, a pressure control support program, and a pressure control support method that support an operation manager who manages the water distribution pressure in a water distribution area based on an estimated value of the terminal pressure.

[0109] In addition, there may be no pressure estimation model regeneration judgment unit, and after the judgment work is performed by the operation manager or the like, the operation manager or the like may input a trigger via the input unit, which causes the pressure estimation model regeneration unit 1S to start the re-learning process.

[0110] In addition, in this embodiment, the criteria (conditions) for determining the deviation of the mean absolute error are not limited, and the threshold for determining the deviation is not limited to 2 times, but may be 1.5 times or 3 times. Also, the threshold does not have to be a ratio, and may be determined by the difference being equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. Also, other errors such as maximum error and minimum error may be used instead of the mean absolute error.

[0111] Furthermore, the information used to determine the discrepancy is not limited to the error information between the estimated value and the actual measured value at the terminal point where the permanent terminal pressure measuring device 7 is installed. For example, it is also possible to determine the discrepancy based on information such as population, number of water-supplied households, number of terminal points, daily water distribution amount, hourly water distribution amount, and information combining these.

[0112] As described above, according to the first to third embodiments, a pressure control support device, a water distribution system, a pressure control support program, and a pressure control support method can be provided to assist an operation manager in reducing excess pressure based on an estimated terminal pressure.

[0113] Specifically, in the first to third embodiments, the surplus pressure is calculated based on the estimated pressure value at each end point and information on the expected error that the estimated value may contain, thereby reducing the risk of compromising a stable water supply when the distribution pressure is reduced based on the estimated value, thereby lowering the psychological hurdle for operation managers regarding controlling the distribution pressure based on the estimated value.

[0114] In the first to third embodiments, the surplus pressure in the entire water distribution area is derived from the surplus pressure at multiple end points. Furthermore, by presenting the target values ​​of the water distribution pressure at multiple inflow points to the water distribution area to the operation manager based on the derived surplus pressure, the operation manager can realize surplus pressure reduction considering not only one point but the entire water distribution area.

[0115] In addition, in the first to third embodiments, it is possible to simulate the terminal pressure and surplus pressure when the water distribution pressure is lowered. This allows the operation manager to understand the impact before actually lowering the water distribution pressure and to consider how much to lower the water distribution pressure at his discretion, thereby lowering the psychological hurdle of controlling the water distribution pressure based on an estimated value.

[0116] Furthermore, according to the first to third embodiments, by presenting the operation manager with the simulation results as well as the effects and benefits (e.g., leakage reduction rate XX%) that can be obtained by lowering the water distribution pressure, the operation manager can proactively reduce excess pressure.

[0117] Furthermore, according to the first to third embodiments, by visualizing error information that may be contained in the estimated value output by the estimation model and presenting it to the operations manager, the operations manager can understand and accept the risks of controlling water distribution pressure based on estimated values, such as the magnitude of error, and the psychological hurdle of controlling water distribution pressure based on estimated values ​​can be lowered.

[0118] Furthermore, according to the first to third embodiments, by presenting information that explains how the estimated results were obtained, it is possible to increase the reliability and acceptability of the operation manager in the estimated values, and it is possible to lower the psychological hurdle for the operation manager in controlling the water distribution pressure based on the estimated values.

[0119] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. [Appendix 1] A device for providing support information for supporting monitoring or control of a water distribution plant, A pressure estimation model generation unit that generates an estimation model for estimating a pressure at at least one of a plurality of terminals of the water distribution pipe network in the water distribution area; a pressure estimation unit that calculates an estimate of the pressure at the distal end using the estimation model; an excess pressure calculation unit that calculates an excess pressure for each of the terminals based on at least the estimated value of the pressure at the terminal and a control value; A pressure control assistance device comprising: a display data generating unit that generates data displaying the excess pressure and the estimated value for each of the terminals. [Appendix 2] The pressure control support device according to claim 1, wherein the surplus pressure calculation unit further calculates the surplus pressure for each of the terminals based on an expected error in the estimated value. [Appendix 3] The pressure control support device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the surplus pressure calculation unit further calculates the surplus pressure of the entire water distribution area from the surplus pressure for each terminal. [Appendix 4] The pressure control assistance device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the display data generation unit generates data displaying the excess pressure for each of the terminals. [Appendix 5] The pressure control support device described in Appendix 3, wherein the display data generation unit generates data displaying at least one of the surplus pressure for each terminal and the surplus pressure for the entire water distribution area. [Appendix 6] The pressure control support device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the display data generation unit generates data for comparatively displaying at least two or more of the estimated value for each end, the excess pressure for each end, and an expected error in the estimated value. [Appendix 7] The pressure control support device described in Appendix 3, wherein the display data generation unit generates data that comparatively displays at least two or more of the estimated value for each terminal, the excess pressure for each terminal, an expected error in the estimated value, and the excess pressure for the entire water distribution area. [Appendix 8] A pressure target value derivation unit derives a pressure target value of the water distribution pressure at each of the inflow points based on the excess pressure of the entire water distribution area and a current value of the water distribution pressure at one or more water inflow points for the water distribution area, A pressure control support device described in any one of Appendix 3, Appendix 5 and Appendix 7, wherein the display data generation unit generates data displaying either the pressure target value or the difference between the distribution pressure at the inflow point and the pressure target value. [Appendix 9] A pressure target value derivation unit derives a pressure target value of the water distribution pressure at each of the inflow points based on the excess pressure for each of the terminals and a current value of the water distribution pressure at one or more water inflow points for the water distribution area, A pressure control support device described in any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 7, wherein the display data generation unit generates data displaying either the pressure target value or the difference between the distribution pressure at the inflow point and the pressure target value. [Appendix 10] A pressure control support device as described in Appendix 8 or Appendix 9, further comprising a control information output unit that outputs control information to a controller that controls the water distribution pressure at the end so that the water distribution pressure at each of the inflow points approaches the pressure target value. [Appendix 11] A pressure change simulation unit that simulates a situation in which the water distribution pressure setting is changed based on the actual value of the water distribution pressure at the inflow point of the water distribution area during a target period from the past to the simulation time point; An input unit that receives input of a pressure change amount or a changed water distribution pressure value with respect to the actual value of the water distribution pressure at the inflow point as water distribution pressure setting change information from a user, The pressure change simulation unit calculates simulation results for at least one of the distribution pressure at the inflow point after the distribution pressure setting is changed, the pressure at the end, and the surplus pressure, over the entire target period based on the distribution pressure setting change information, and generates data to display the results. [Appendix 12] A pressure control assistance device as described in Appendix 11, further comprising a pressure change effect calculation unit that calculates and displays the effect obtained when the water distribution pressure at the inflow point is changed based on the water distribution pressure setting change information. [Appendix 13] The pressure control assistance device of claim 12, wherein the effect obtained when the water distribution pressure at the inflow point is changed is a leakage reduction rate. [Appendix 14] an error information calculation unit that calculates information on an error that may be included in the estimated value output by the estimation model, using one or more error calculation methods specified by a user; 14. The pressure control assistance device according to claim 1, further comprising: an estimation model explanation unit that generates data indicating information of the error. [Appendix 15] 15. The pressure control assistance device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising a pressure estimation model regeneration unit that regenerates the estimation model in response to a trigger by a user input. [Appendix 16] a pressure estimation model regeneration determination unit that determines that the estimation model should be re-learned based on information indicating that the situation in the water distribution area has changed; 15. The pressure control assistance device according to claim 1, further comprising: a pressure estimation model regeneration unit that regenerates the estimation model based on a determination result of the pressure estimation model regeneration determination unit. [Appendix 17] Further comprising a permanent terminal pressure measuring device installed at at least some of the terminals, A pressure control assistance device as described in Appendix 16, wherein the pressure estimation model regeneration determination unit determines that the estimation model should be re-learned when it detects that the difference between the actual measured value obtained from the permanent terminal pressure measuring device and the estimated value of the pressure in at least a portion of the terminal satisfies a predetermined condition. [Appendix 18] A water distribution system that supplies water from one or more water distribution plants to one or more consumers through a water distribution pipe network, A pressure control assistance device according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 17; A water distribution system comprising: a monitoring and control device that monitors or controls the water distribution plant using the support information provided from the pressure control support device. [Appendix 19] 19. The water distribution system of claim 18, further comprising a display device that displays the data generated by the display data generation unit. [Appendix 20] Computer, A pressure estimation model generating means for generating an estimation model for estimating a pressure at at least one of a plurality of terminals of a water distribution pipe network in a water distribution area; a pressure estimation means for calculating an estimate of the pressure at the distal end using the estimation model; an excess pressure calculation means for calculating an excess pressure for each of the terminals based on at least the estimated value of the pressure at the terminal and a control value; a pressure control assistance program that functions as a display means for generating data displaying the excess pressure and the estimated value for each of the terminals. [Appendix 21] generating an estimation model for estimating a pressure at at least one of a plurality of ends of the water distribution network within the water distribution district; calculating an estimate of the distal pressure using the estimation model; Calculating an excess pressure for each of the terminals based on at least the estimated pressure value and a control value of the pressure at the terminals; generating data indicative of the excess pressure and the estimate for each of the extremities; [Explanation of symbols]

[0120] 1...pressure control support device, 1A...setting information storage unit, 1B...terminal pressure information storage unit, 1C...water distribution information storage unit, 1D...information acquisition unit, 1E...estimation basis explanation unit, 1F...pressure estimation model generation unit, 1G...pressure estimation unit, 1H...terminal pressure display data generation unit, 1I...error information calculation unit, 1J...estimation model explanation unit, 1K...surplus pressure calculation unit, 1L...surplus pressure display data generation unit, 1M...pressure target value derivation unit, 1N...pressure target value display data generation unit, 1O... Simulation condition input unit, 1P...pressure change effect derivation unit, 1Q...pressure change simulation unit, 1R...control information output unit, 1S...pressure estimation model regeneration unit, 1T...pressure estimation model regeneration judgment unit, 2...monitoring control device, 3, 31, 32...water distribution plant, 4, 41, 42...terminal pressure measuring device, 5...water distribution pipe network, 6, 61-63...consumers, 7...permanent terminal pressure measuring device, 8...display device, 100...water distribution system, G1-G8...graph, ac...terminal

Claims

1. A device for providing support information for assisting in monitoring or controlling a water distribution plant, comprising: a pressure estimation model generating unit that generates an estimation model for estimating a pressure at at least one of a plurality of terminals of the water distribution pipe network in the water distribution area; a pressure estimation unit that calculates an estimate of the pressure at the distal end using the estimation model; an excess pressure calculation unit that calculates an excess pressure for each of the terminals based on at least the estimated value of the pressure at the terminal and a control value; a display data generating unit that generates data that displays the excess pressure and the estimated value for each of the terminals, The surplus pressure calculation unit further calculates the surplus pressure for each of the terminals based on an expected error in the estimated value.

2. A device for providing support information for assisting in monitoring or controlling a water distribution plant, comprising: a pressure estimation model generating unit that generates an estimation model for estimating a pressure at at least one of a plurality of terminals of the water distribution pipe network in the water distribution area; a pressure estimation unit that calculates an estimate of the pressure at the distal end using the estimation model; an excess pressure calculation unit that calculates an excess pressure for each of the terminals based on at least the estimated value of the pressure at the terminal and a control value; a display data generating unit that generates data that displays the excess pressure and the estimated value for each of the terminals, A pressure target value derivation unit derives a pressure target value of the water distribution pressure at each of the inflow points based on the excess pressure for each of the terminals and a current value of the water distribution pressure at one or more water inflow points for the water distribution area, The display data generation unit generates data displaying either the pressure target value or the difference between the current value of the water distribution pressure at the inflow point and the pressure target value, in the pressure control support device.

3. A device for providing support information for assisting in monitoring or controlling a water distribution plant, comprising: a pressure estimation model generating unit that generates an estimation model for estimating a pressure at at least one of a plurality of terminals of the water distribution pipe network in the water distribution area; a pressure estimation unit that calculates an estimate of the pressure at the distal end using the estimation model; an excess pressure calculation unit that calculates an excess pressure for each of the terminals based on at least the estimated value of the pressure at the terminal and a control value; a display data generating unit that generates data that displays the excess pressure and the estimated value for each of the terminals, A pressure change simulation unit that simulates a situation in which the water distribution pressure setting is changed based on the actual value of the water distribution pressure at the inflow point of the water distribution area during a target period from the past to the simulation time point; An input unit that receives input of a pressure change amount or a changed water distribution pressure value with respect to the actual value of the water distribution pressure at the inflow point as water distribution pressure setting change information from a user, The pressure change simulation unit is a pressure control support device that calculates the results of a simulation over the entire target period for at least one or more items of the pressure at the end and the surplus pressure when the distribution pressure value after the distribution pressure setting change is set to the distribution pressure value at the inflow point based on the distribution pressure setting change information, and generates data to display the results.

4. A device for providing support information for assisting in monitoring or controlling a water distribution plant, comprising: a pressure estimation model generating unit that generates an estimation model for estimating a pressure at at least one of a plurality of terminals of the water distribution pipe network in the water distribution area; a pressure estimation unit that calculates an estimate of the pressure at the distal end using the estimation model; an excess pressure calculation unit that calculates an excess pressure for each of the terminals based on at least the estimated value of the pressure at the terminal and a control value; a display data generating unit that generates data that displays the excess pressure and the estimated value for each of the terminals, an error information calculation unit that calculates information on an error that may be included in the estimated value output by the estimation model, using one or more error calculation methods designated by a user; The pressure control assistance device further comprises an estimation model explanation unit that generates data indicating information on the error.

5. The pressure control support device according to claim 1 , wherein the surplus pressure calculation unit further calculates the surplus pressure in the entire water distribution area from the surplus pressure for each of the terminals.

6. The pressure control support device according to claim 5 , wherein the display data generation unit generates data that displays at least one of the surplus pressure for each terminal and the surplus pressure for the entire water distribution area.

7. The pressure control support device of claim 5, wherein the display data generation unit generates data that comparatively displays at least two or more of the estimated value for each terminal, the excess pressure for each terminal, the expected error in the estimated value, and the excess pressure for the entire water distribution area.

8. A pressure target value derivation unit derives a pressure target value of the water distribution pressure at each of the inflow points based on the excess pressure of the entire water distribution area and a current value of the water distribution pressure at one or more water inflow points into the water distribution area, A pressure control support device as described in any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the display data generation unit generates data displaying either the pressure target value or the difference between the current value of the water distribution pressure at the inflow point and the pressure target value.

9. A pressure control support device as described in claim 2 or claim 8, further comprising a control information output unit that outputs control information to a controller that controls the water distribution pressure at the end so that the water distribution pressure at each of the inflow points approaches the pressure target value.

10. The pressure control assistance device according to claim 3 , further comprising a pressure change effect calculation unit that calculates and displays the effect obtained when the water distribution pressure at the inflow point is changed based on the water distribution pressure setting change information.

11. The pressure control assistance device according to claim 10, wherein the effect obtained when the water distribution pressure at the inflow point is changed is a leakage reduction rate.

12. A water distribution system that supplies water from one or more water distribution plants to one or more consumers via a water distribution pipe network, The pressure control assistance device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, A water distribution system comprising: a monitoring and control device that monitors or controls the water distribution plant using the support information provided from the pressure control support device.

13. The water distribution system according to claim 12, further comprising a display device that displays the data generated by the display data generating unit.

14. A pressure control assistance program that causes a computer to function as the pressure control assistance device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

15. generating an estimation model for estimating a pressure at at least one of a plurality of ends of the water distribution network within the water distribution area; calculating an estimate of the distal pressure using the estimation model; Calculating an excess pressure for each of the terminals based on at least the estimated pressure value of the terminal, a probabilistic error in the estimated pressure value, and a control value; generating data indicative of the excess pressure and the estimate for each of the extremities;

16. generating an estimation model for estimating a pressure at at least one of a plurality of ends of the water distribution network within the water distribution area; calculating an estimate of the distal pressure using the estimation model; Calculating an excess pressure for each of the terminals based on at least the estimated pressure value and a control value of the pressure at the terminals; deriving a pressure target value for the water distribution pressure at each of the inflow points based on the excess pressure for each of the terminals and a current value of the water distribution pressure at one or more water inflow points for the water distribution area; generating data indicative of the excess pressure and the estimate for each of the termini; A pressure control support method, which generates data indicating either the pressure target value or a difference between the current value of the water distribution pressure at the inflow point and the pressure target value.

17. generating an estimation model for estimating a pressure at at least one of a plurality of ends of the water distribution network within the water distribution area; calculating an estimate of the distal pressure using the estimation model; Calculating an excess pressure for each of the terminals based on at least the estimated pressure value and a control value of the pressure at the terminals; generating data indicative of the excess pressure and the estimate for each of the termini; Accepting an input of a pressure change amount or a changed water distribution pressure value with respect to an actual value of the water distribution pressure at the inflow point of the water distribution area as water distribution pressure setting change information from a user; A simulation is performed to determine the state of the water distribution pressure when the water distribution pressure setting is changed based on the actual value of the water distribution pressure at the inflow point during the target period from the past to the simulation time point. A pressure control support method which calculates simulation results for at least one or more items of the pressure at the end and the surplus pressure, when the distribution pressure value after the change in the distribution pressure setting is set to the distribution pressure value at the inflow point based on the distribution pressure setting change information, over the entire target period, and generates data displaying the results.

18. generating an estimation model for estimating a pressure at at least one of a plurality of ends of the water distribution network within the water distribution area; calculating an estimate of the distal pressure using the estimation model; Calculating an excess pressure for each of the terminals based on at least the estimated pressure value and a control value of the pressure at the terminals; generating data indicative of the excess pressure and the estimate for each of the termini; Calculating information on errors that may be included in the estimated value output by the estimation model using one or more error calculation methods designated by a user; A pressure control assistance method that generates data indicative of information about the error.

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