Network system and method for configuring network architecture

Abstract

A network architecture of this network system is provided with: a network layer governing a power network overall and a local network layer for governing a local network of the power network, in cyberspace; a grid layer for governing a power grid and physical layer for governing constituent elements of the power grid, in physical space; a layer for governing a information communication network corresponding to the network layer and a layer for governing an information communication network corresponding to the local network layer, in cyberspace; and a layer for governing an information communication network corresponding to the grid layer and a layer for governing an information communication network corresponding to the physical layer, in physical space.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a network system and a method for configuring a network architecture.

Background Art

[0002] Smart cities and compact cities that realize Society 5.0 by highly integrating the cyber space and physical space of CPS (Cyber Physical System) are expected to realize the efficiency and sophistication of functions and services possessed by cities and regions, and to achieve both the solution of issues that society should aim for such as decarbonization and economic development through the transformation of the industrial structure by digital transformation and the like.

[0003] Against the backdrop of the increase in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investment that takes into account the three elements of environment, society, and governance, and the adoption of the "2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development" (Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)) at the United Nations Summit in September 2015, the number of companies joining RE100 (Renewable Energy 100%), which declares to conduct business operations using only renewable energy, is also increasing.

[0004] The global smart city market is estimated to reach a cumulative scale of 310 trillion yen over the 20-year period from 2010 to 2030. In the core energy-related market, the market scale is expected to be approximately 72 trillion yen for smart grid-related, approximately 31 trillion yen for next-generation vehicles such as EV (Electric Vehicle), and approximately 38 trillion yen for renewable energy-related. Therefore, smart city projects are being promoted in many countries and regions, and some of them have already started to move.

[0005] Patent Document 1 below proposes a system in which distributed power sources including solar power generation, wind power generation, storage batteries, and power storage systems for electricity, social infrastructure including EVs and charging stations, HEMS (Home Energy Management System) and BEMS (Building Energy Management System), and power plants are connected to each other via a communication grid and a power grid. In particular, Patent Document 1 proposes a social infrastructure control system that connects various infrastructures to a cloud computing system via an optical communication network and comprehensively controls the social infrastructure by SCMS (Smart Community Management System).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] In existing large-scale social infrastructure systems such as power networks and information and communication networks like the power grid, since their system operations are centrally controlled, they are vulnerable to natural disasters and the like, the scale of damage is likely to expand, and therefore, there is a concern that the recovery period will be prolonged. In the CPS that realizes Society 5.0, it is desired to strengthen the resilience of both networks by integrating the power and information and communication network infrastructures necessary for highly integrating the cyber space and the physical space.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to provide a network system in which a power network and an information and communication network are more highly integrated and resilience is enhanced, and a method for configuring a network architecture.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] One aspect of the present invention is a network system having a network architecture in which an information communication network and a power network are defined in a physical space and a cyber space, wherein the network architecture includes, in the cyber space, a network layer that defines the entire power network composed of a plurality of power grids, a local network layer that defines a local network which is a plurality of power grid groups forming a part of the power network, in the physical space, a grid layer that defines the power grid, a physical layer that defines components of the power grid, in the cyber space, a first layer that defines the information communication network corresponding to the network layer, a second layer that defines the information communication network corresponding to the local network layer, in the physical space, a third layer that defines the information communication network corresponding to the grid layer, and a fourth layer that defines the information communication network corresponding to the physical layer.

[0010] The local network layer may define autonomous decentralized cooperative control regarding power supply and demand or lending.

[0011] The network layer may define centralized control regarding power supply and demand or lending.

[0012] The grid layer may define at least one of the topology of the power grid, the connection with power elements constituting the power grid, the energy management system of the power grid, the cooperation with the power system, and the connection between the power grids.

[0013] The physical layer may define at least one function or performance of a power generation device or a power storage device, a power converter, and a DC bus as power elements constituting the power grid, or the connection between the power grid and the power system.

[0014] The first layer may define cloud computing including a cloud server.

[0015] The second layer may define the functions of MEC (Mobile Edge Computing) and a radio base station.

[0016] The third layer may define a radio base station including MEC, a distributed antenna, and the topology of power elements that constitute the information and communication network.

[0017] The fourth layer may define the physical RAN (Radio Access Network) configuration including the electromagnetic wave environment in the information and communication network.

[0018] One aspect of the present invention is a method for configuring a network architecture that integrates a power network and an information and communication network that define a power network and an information and communication network in a physical space and a cyber space. In the cyber space, a network layer that defines the entire power network composed of a plurality of power grids is defined. In the cyber space, a local network layer that defines a local network, which is a plurality of power grid groups that form a part of the power network, is defined. In the physical space, a grid layer that defines the power grid is defined. In the physical space, a physical layer that defines the components of the power grid is defined. In the cyber space, a first layer that defines the information and communication network corresponding to the network layer is defined. In the cyber space, a second layer that defines the information and communication network corresponding to the local network layer is defined. In the physical space, a third layer that defines the information and communication network corresponding to the grid layer is defined. In the physical space, a fourth layer that defines the information and communication network corresponding to the physical layer is defined. This is a method for configuring a network architecture.

Effect of the Invention

[0019] According to the present invention, in a network system, a network architecture in which a power network and an information communication network in a physical space and a cyber space are defined includes: a network layer that defines the entire power network composed of a plurality of power grids in the cyber space; a local network layer that defines a local network which is a plurality of power grid groups forming a part of the power network in the cyber space; a grid layer that defines the power grid in the physical space; a physical layer that defines the components of the power grid in the physical space; a first layer that defines the information communication network corresponding to the network layer in the cyber space; a second layer that defines the information communication network corresponding to the local network layer in the cyber space; a third layer that defines the information communication network corresponding to the grid layer in the physical space; and a fourth layer that defines the information communication network corresponding to the physical layer in the physical space. Thereby, since the power network and the information communication network are more highly integrated, the mutual cooperation of the networks is enhanced, and a network system with enhanced resilience can be realized.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited by the embodiments described below. Furthermore, in the description of the drawings, the same parts are appropriately given the same reference numerals.

[0022] (Embodiment) <Configuration of Architecture> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a network architecture according to an embodiment. The network architecture 1000 models an information communication network 1010 defined in a cyber space 1100 and a physical space 1200, and a power network 1020. Note that in the present embodiment, the communication standard for information communication is 5G (5th generation mobile communication system) or B (Beyond) 5G. Note that 5G has features of "ultra-high speed", "ultra-low latency", and "a large number of simultaneous connections". Regarding "ultra-low latency", for example, a communication delay time of about 1 millisecond or less is guaranteed. B5G is a mobile communication system of a generation after 5G.

[0023] In the above modeling, for the power network 1020, the network architecture 1000 includes a network layer 1021, a local network layer 1022, a grid layer 1023, a physical layer 1024, and a lower layer 1025. Predetermined protocols and interfaces are defined and connected between these layers.

[0024] The local network layer 1022 defines a local network that is a plurality of power grid groups forming a part of the power network. The power grid group includes a plurality of power grids. A power grid is an element constituting the power network 1020 and has a bus type, star type, ring type, or mesh type topology. Each grid is composed of power elements. This definition includes, for example, a definition regarding autonomous decentralized cooperative control related to power supply and demand or lending. Autonomous decentralized cooperative control will be described later.

[0025] The network layer 1021 defines the entire power network 1020 formed by a plurality of local networks. The power network 1020 is composed of a plurality of power grids. This definition includes, for example, the definition of centralized control regarding power supply and demand or lending. Centralized control will be described later.

[0026] The grid layer 1023 defines the power grid. It defines at least one of the topology of the power grid, the connection between the grids and power elements that make up the power grid, the Energy Management System (EMS) of the power grid, the cooperation with the power system, and the connection between power grids. Here, in this embodiment, the power grid is a grid having a bus type, star type, ring type, or mesh type topology, and may be described as a DC grid as appropriate.

[0027] The physical layer 1024 defines the components of the power grid. The physical layer 1024 defines, for example, the functions and performances of the generated power, power supply, power storage, and power consumption of the power elements that make up the DC grid. This definition includes, for example, the definition of the functions or performances of at least one of the power generation equipment or power storage equipment, power converters, and DC baselines as power elements that make up the power grid, and the definition of the connection between the power grid and the power system.

[0028] The lower layer 1025 defines the smart infrastructure. The smart infrastructure is the equipment where the components of the power network 1020 and the components of the information communication network 1010 are installed, and architectural and civil engineering elements such as roads.

[0029] In the above modeling, regarding the information communication network 1010, the network architecture 1000 includes the first layer 1011, the second layer 1012, the third layer 1013, the fourth layer 1014, and the fifth layer 1015. Predetermined protocols and interfaces are defined and connected between these layers.

[0030] The second layer 1012 defines the information communication network 1010 corresponding to the local network layer 1022. This definition includes, for example, the definition of MEC (Mobile Edge Computing) and the functions of radio base stations. Also, in the cyber space 1100, a predetermined protocol and interface are defined and connected between the second layer 1012 and the local network layer 1022.

[0031] The first layer 1011 defines the information communication network 1010 corresponding to the network layer 1021. This definition includes, for example, the definition of cloud computing including cloud servers such as data centers. Also, in the cyber space 1100, a predetermined protocol and interface are defined and connected between the first layer 1011 and the network layer 1021.

[0032] The third layer 1013 defines the information communication network 1010 corresponding to the grid layer 1023. This definition includes, for example, the definition of radio base stations including MEC that constitutes the information communication network 1010 and the topology of distributed antennas. Radio base stations including MEC and distributed antennas are power elements that require power supply and receive power supply from the above local network layer 1022. Also, in the physical space 1200, a predetermined protocol and interface are defined and connected between the third layer 1013 and the grid layer 1023.

[0033] The fourth layer 1014 defines the information communication network 1010 corresponding to the physical layer 1024. This definition includes, for example, the definition of the physical RAN (Radio Access Network) configuration including the electromagnetic wave environment in the information communication network 1010. Also, the electromagnetic wave environment is an electromagnetic wave environment related to the establishment of communication between a transmitter and a receiver, such as an electromagnetic wave for information communication being affected by a shielding object.

[0034] The fifth layer 1015 defines the information and communication network 1010 corresponding to the lower layer 1025. This definition includes, for example, the regulations regarding the monitoring by 5G / B5G of the smart infrastructure.

[0035] Also, various information and communication elements corresponding to the 5G / B5G communication standards, such as data centers, wireless information and communication terminals like V2N (Vehicle to Network), smartphones, and smart devices like smart glasses, are connected to the fourth layer 1014. A virtual power plant and an inter - field data cooperation infrastructure are connected to the first layer 1011. The inter - field data cooperation infrastructure is a system that enables the handling of big data by linking data scattered in different fields such as autonomous driving, infrastructure, and medical, and enables data utilization and service provision across fields and organizations.

[0036] Such a method of configuring the network architecture 1000 can be realized by defining the network layer 1021, the local network layer 1022, the first layer 1011, and the second layer 1012 in the cyber space 1100, and defining the grid layer 1023, the physical layer 1024, the lower layer 1025, the third layer 1013, the fourth layer 1014, and the fifth layer 1015 in the physical space 1200. Note that the order of definition is not particularly limited to this order.

[0037] Such a network architecture 1000 defines layers with mutual affinity in the layer structure of the information and communication network and the power network, so the mutual cooperation of the networks is enhanced and the resilience is strengthened.

[0038] Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the resilience of a network system constructed based on the network architecture 1000. In Figure 2, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the functions and performance of the network as a network system. The dashed arrow indicates, as an example, the functions and performance of the network system before the Great East Japan Earthquake, and the solid arrow indicates the functions and performance of the network system constructed based on the network architecture 1000.

[0039] As shown by the solid line in Figure 2, in the network system constructed based on the network architecture 1000, due to the occurrence of a disaster, a plurality of subsystems constituting the system stop due to failures or the like, and the functions and performance of the entire system decline. However, in this network system, even if the functions and performance decline, a plurality of subsystems that did not stop due to failures continue to operate through the cooperation between the information communication network and the power network and the autonomous decentralized control of both networks, and the entire system does not stop. If a plurality of failed subsystems are repaired or replaced for the plurality of subsystems operating under autonomous decentralized cooperative control, they will assimilate into the operating subsystems through autonomous decentralized cooperative control and operate as the entire system. Since autonomous decentralized cooperative control can only achieve partial optimization of the system, by combining centralized control, when the entire system operates, overall optimization of the system is implemented, enabling early recovery, enhancing the disaster reduction effect, and strengthening the resilience.

[0040] Here, resilience may be represented by the four Rs, namely, the elements of Robustness, Redundancy, Resourcefulness, and Rapidity. Regarding Robustness, individual elements constituting the network become resistant to disasters, corresponding to the realization of preventive measures, post-disaster recovery, and business continuity. This element is realized by autonomous control described later. Regarding Redundancy, instead of concentrating the network functions in one place, they are dispersed to reduce the impact of external forces. This element is realized by distributed control described later. Regarding Resourcefulness and Rapidity, they correspond to reconstructing the network, including network resources input from the outside after a disaster occurs, for early recovery. This element is realized by autonomous distributed cooperative control described later.

[0041] <Configuration of Network System> FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a network system having a network architecture 1000 according to an embodiment. The network system 100 includes radio base stations 1-1, 1-2, ···, 1-N which are a plurality of radio base stations, distributed antennas 21-1, 21-2, ···, 21-n1, 22-1, 22-2, ···, 22-n2, ···, 2N-1, ···, 2N-nN which are a plurality of distributed antennas, and DC grids 31-1, 31-2, ···, 31-n1, 32-1, 32-2, ···, 32-n2, ···, 3N-1, ···, 3N-nN which are a plurality of DC grids. Here, N, n1, n2, ··· nN are integers of 2 or more.

[0042] The radio base stations 1-1, ···, 1-N are base stations capable of performing wireless communication based on the 5G communication standard. The radio base stations 1-1, ···, 1-N have, as radio base station functions, a control plane (C-Plane) processing function and a user plane (U-Plane) processing function. Hereinafter, the configuration mainly related to the user plane processing function will be described.

[0043] The radio base stations 1-1, ···, 1-N each form cells 4-1, 4-2, ···, 4-N that enable communication with wireless terminals according to the 5G communication standard. The cells 4-1, 4-2, ···, 4-N are communication areas formed by the radio base stations 1-1, ···, 1-N respectively, and are also called macro cells.

[0044] The radio base stations 1-1, ···, 1-N each include a CU (Centralized Unit) / DU (Distributed Unit) or a MEC server as a configuration example of the CU and MEC. The CU / DU or CU performs digital signal processing of information transmitted and received in communication with wireless terminals in 5G communication. The MEC server will be described later.

[0045] In addition, the radio base stations 1-1, ···, 1-N can operate with power supplied from a commercial power grid or power generation equipment using renewable energy, and can also operate with the power of a storage battery that stores the supplied power. Also, the power of the storage battery may be supplied via a power cable as power for the distributed antennas 21-1, 21-2, ···, 21-n1, 22-1, 22-2, ···, 22-n2, ···, 2N-1, ···, 2N-nN to operate.

[0046] The distributed antennas 21-1, 21-2, ···, 21-n1 are connected to the BBU (Base Band Unit) of the radio base station 1-1 in the cell 4-1 by, for example, an optical fiber cable. The distributed antennas 21-1, 21-2, ···, 21-n1 perform transmission and reception processing of radio signals exchanged in 5G wireless communication and have the functions of an RU (Radio Unit) in 5G wireless communication. The distributed antennas 21-1, 21-2, ···, 21-n1 are preferably arranged to cover the entire cell 4-1 so that no dead zone occurs. Similarly, the distributed antennas 22-1, 22-2, ···, 22-n2, ···, 2N-1, ···, 2N-nN are connected to the radio base stations 1-2, ···, 1-N in the cells 4-2, ···, 4-N by, for example, an optical fiber cable, respectively.

[0047] For example, the cell is within a range of a radius of 2 km centered on the radio base station, and the distributed antenna covers a range within a radius of 125 m centered on the distributed antenna. However, the numerical values representing these ranges are illustrative and not limited thereto.

[0048] Note that the 4G BBU (Base Band Unit) function is divided into three parts: CU / DU / RU in 5G. This further promotes RAN virtualization, which enables flexible allocation of computer resources to three different network entities. In the 5G fronthaul, the functions of CU / DU / RU can be divided in various ways according to RAN schemes such as C-RAN and D-RAN (see, for example, the technical report on optical access in the fronthaul of the 5th generation mobile communication system, TR-1079).

[0049] The DC grids 31-1, 31-2, ···, 31-n1, 32-1, 32-2, ···, 32-n2, ···, 3N-1, ···, 3N-nN are respectively arranged in each of the cells 4-1, 4-2, ···, 4-N. When the DC grids arranged in the same cell are grouped together, they may be referred to as a DC grid group. For example, the DC grids 31-1, 31-2, ···, 31-n1 are arranged in the cell 4-1 and constitute the DC grid group 3-1. Similarly, the DC grids 32-1, 32-2, ···, 32-n2, ···, 3N-1, ···, 3N-nN are respectively arranged in the cells 4-2, ···, 4-N and constitute the DC grid groups 3-2, ···, 3-N.

[0050] The DC grids 31-1, 31-2, ···, 31-n1, 32-1, 32-2, ···, 32-n2, ···, 3N-1, ···, 3N-nN each have a configuration similar to that of the DC grid 31-1 shown in FIG. 4, for example.

[0051] In FIG. 3, distributed antennas 21-1, 21-2, ···, 21-n1, 22-1, 22-2, ···, 22-n2, ···, 2N-1, ···, 2N-nN are arranged corresponding to each of the DC grids 31-1, 31-2, ···, 31-n1, 32-1, 32-2, ···, 32-n2, ···, 3N-1, ···, 3N-nN, but the DC grids and the distributed antennas do not necessarily have to be arranged in a particularly corresponding manner. For example, the number of distributed antennas may be more or less than the number of DC grids.

[0052] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the DC grid 31-1 as an example of the configuration of the DC grid. In FIG. 4, a state is also shown in which the DC grid 31-1 is electrically connected to the adjacent DC grid 31-2 via a power gate 5 described later. The DC grid 31-1 is composed of a plurality of power elements 10 and power lines 20 to which each power element 10 is connected. Each power element 10 exchanges power with the connected power line 20. The number of power elements 10 is not particularly limited.

[0053] The power element 10 is, for example, an element capable of power generation, power supply, consumption, or charging, such as a hydrogen station, a power generation facility using renewable energy such as a solar power generation facility or a wind power generation facility, a power generation device, a storage battery, an EV, a power receiving and supplying stand, a ZEB (net Zero Energy Building), a ZEH (net Zero Energy House), and a data center. The storage battery is a stationary storage battery or a storage battery mounted on an EV. Note that the EV includes a BEV and a PHEV. The EV is an example of a movable power element. Such an EV is also called V2G (Vehicle to Grid). Further, the DC grid may supply power to the distributed antenna.

[0054] In addition to the elements related to power generation, power supply, consumption, or charging, the power element 10 includes, for example, a detection unit 11, a control unit 12, a storage unit 13, a communication unit 14, and a power conversion unit 15.

[0055] The detection unit 11 measures the electrical characteristic values (power, current, voltage) of the power transmitted and received with the power line 20 on the power line 20 side. The detection unit 11 can be realized, for example, using a smart meter.

[0056] The control unit 12 performs various arithmetic processes for realizing the functions of the power element 10 and is configured to include, for example, a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The functions of the control unit 12 are realized by the control unit 12 reading various programs from the storage unit 13 and executing them.

[0057] The storage unit 13 includes, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) in which various programs, data, etc. used by the control unit 12 for performing arithmetic processing are stored. Also, the storage unit 13 includes, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory) that is used for storing a work space when the control unit 12 performs arithmetic processing, the results of the arithmetic processing of the control unit 12, the measurement results of the detection unit 11, etc. The storage unit 13 may include an auxiliary storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive).

[0058] The communication unit 14 is configured to include a communication module that performs wireless communication according to the 5G communication standard. The communication unit 14 communicates with the radio base station 1-1 via a distributed antenna corresponding to the connected DC grid, that is, the distributed antenna 21-1 in the case of the DC grid 31-1. The communication unit 14 is an example of a wireless terminal.

[0059] For example, the communication unit 14 transmits information regarding the power state of the power element 10, such as information on power generation capacity, power generation state, power storage capacity, power storage state, or power load, and information on the electrical characteristic values measured by the detection unit 11, to the radio base station 1-1.

[0060] The power conversion unit 15 converts the power transmitted and received by the power element 10. The power conversion unit 15 is, for example, a DC / DC converter.

[0061] Returning to FIG. 3, the network system 100 further includes a plurality of power gates 5. The power gate 5 is provided between adjacent DC grids and has a function of adjusting the amount and direction of the passing power in order to transfer power between the adjacent DC grids. The power gate 5 is provided not only between adjacent DC grids within the DC grid group in the same cell, but also between adjacent DC grids that are arranged in different cells and included in different DC grid groups. For example, the power gate 5 provided between the DC grid 31-n1 and the DC grid 32-1 is an example of the power gate provided between adjacent DC grids that are arranged in different cells and included in different DC grid groups. The power gate 5 can be configured using, for example, a power converter such as a self-excited type that converts power bidirectionally. In addition, the power gate 5 has a function of 5G wireless communication, also functions as a wireless terminal, and communicates with an MEC server described later via a distributed antenna.

[0062] In this way, the DC grid groups 3-1, 3-2, ···, 3-N, and the power gates 5 form a DC power network. Each of the DC grid groups 3-1, 3-2, ···, 3-N is an example of a power local network.

[0063] In this embodiment, the DC grid 31-1 is connected to the transmission line 7 of the commercial power grid via the power converter 6-1 that performs AC / DC conversion, and can be supplied with power. Similarly, the DC grids 32-1, ···, 3N-1 are connected to the transmission line 7 of the power grid via the power converters 6-2, ···, 6-N that perform AC / DC conversion, and can be supplied with power. Therefore, in the network system 100, a power network including the power grid and the DC power network formed by the DC grid group 3-1, 3-2, ···, 3-N is constructed. Note that in the network system 100, each of the DC grid group 3-1, 3-2, ···, 3-N is connected to the transmission line 7 of the power grid, but only any one of the DC grid groups may be connected to the transmission line 7. The DC grid connected to the transmission line 7 is also called an on-grid, and the DC grid not connected to the transmission line 7 is also called an off-grid.

[0064] The network system 100 further includes MEC servers 11-1, 11-2, ···, 11-N provided in each of the wireless base stations 1-1, 1-2, ···, 1-N, and a data center 9 provided in the cloud computing 8 that provides various services via a network such as the Internet. The MEC servers 11-1, 11-2, ···, 11-N each have a configuration similar to that of the MEC server 11-1 shown in FIG. 5, for example.

[0065] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of the MEC server 11-1 as an example of the configuration of the MEC server. The MEC server 11-1 includes a control unit 11a, a storage unit 11b, and a communication unit 11c.

[0066] The control unit 11a performs various arithmetic processes for realizing the functions of the MEC server 11-1, and is configured to include a processor. The functions of the control unit 11a are realized by the control unit 11a reading and executing various programs from the storage unit 11b.

[0067] The storage unit 11b includes, for example, a ROM in which various programs, data, etc. used by the control unit 11a for performing arithmetic processing are stored. Further, the storage unit 11b is used for storing, for example, a work space when the control unit 11a performs arithmetic processing and the results of the arithmetic processing of the control unit 11a, and includes, for example, a RAM. The storage unit 11b may include an auxiliary storage device.

[0068] The communication unit 11c is configured to include a communication module that performs wireless and wired communications. The communication unit 11c communicates with power elements in the DC grids 31-1, 31-2, ···, 31-n1 via the distributed antennas 21-1, 21-2, ···, 21-n1 within the cell 4-1 formed by the wireless base station 1-1.

[0069] Similar to the MEC server, the data center 9 includes a control unit, a storage unit, and a communication unit. The control unit performs various arithmetic processes for realizing the functions of the data center 9. The storage unit stores various information for realizing the functions of the data center 9. The communication unit communicates with the wireless base stations 1-1, 1-2, ···, 1-N via, for example, a communication cable through the cloud computing 8. The configurations of the control unit, the storage unit, and the communication unit are the same as those of the MEC server, so the description is omitted.

[0070] As described above, in the network system 100, an information communication network using 5G wireless communication is constructed by the wireless base stations 1-1, 1-2, ···, 1-N and the distributed antennas 21-1, 21-2, ···, 21-n1, 22-1, 22-2, ···, 22-n2, ···, 2N-1, ···, 2N-nN. Further, in the network system 100, in addition to the information communication network using the above wireless communication, a wider information communication network including cloud computing 8 and a data center 9 is constructed. Also, as described above, in the network system 100, a power network including a power system and a DC power network formed by the DC grid groups 3-1, 3-2, ···, 3-N is constructed. Therefore, the network system 100 is a fusion of an information communication network and a power network. <Control Method>

[0071] Next, an example of the control method in the network system 100 will be described.

[0072] In this embodiment, the MEC servers 11-1, 11-2, ···, 11-N may control the power gate 5 so that power is exchanged between a plurality of DC grids existing in the vicinity based on information obtained from other MEC servers. Such control to enable power exchange between a plurality of DC grids existing in the vicinity is an example of autonomous decentralized cooperative control. Information sharing between MEC servers is possible with relatively low latency because, for example, in the case of MEC servers located in the vicinity, the communication delay is within a sufficiently small range that is acceptable. Therefore, the range of the existing DC grids in the vicinity can be appropriately set, for example, according to the degree of communication delay.

[0073] The operation of each power element 10 is controlled by an EMS defined in the grid layer 1023 of the network architecture 1000. The hardware configuration of the EMS can be the same as that of the MEC server. The EMS is provided corresponding to each DC grid, for example. The EMS pre-holds in its storage unit control information that defines rules for autonomous distributed cooperative control, and controls the operation of each power element 10 according to those rules. For example, the rules indicated by the control information for each power element 10 are defined such that power smoothing is performed in each of the DC grids 31-1, 31-2, ···, 31-n1, 32-1, 32-2, ···, 32-n2, ···, 3N-1, ···, 3N-nN according to the power supply and reception state for each power element 10. In each of the DC grids 31-1, 31-2, ···, 31-n1, 32-1, 32-2, ···, 32-n2, ···, 3N-1, ···, 3N-nN, autonomous distributed cooperative control is executed according to this rule. In each of the DC grids 31-1, 31-2, ···, 31-n1, 32-1, 32-2, ···, 32-n2, ···, 3N-1, ···, 3N-nN, the power situation (power generation capacity, power generation state, power storage capacity, power storage state, or power load) or electrical characteristic values vary from moment to moment, but by implementing the above-described autonomous distributed cooperative control in each of the DC grids 31-1, 31-2, ···, 31-n1, those variations can be canceled out, power smoothing is achieved, and the stabilization of power supply and demand can be achieved within each of the DC grids 31-1, 31-2, ···, 31-n1, 32-1, 32-2, ···, 32-n2, ···, 3N-1, ···, 3N-nN. Regarding the control method within each of the DC grids 31-1, 31-2, ···, 31-n1, 32-1, 32-2, ···, 32-n2, ···, 3N-1, ···, 3N-nN, various control methods such as feedback control can also be applied, for example. Also, the EMS acquires information necessary for autonomous distributed cooperative control from each power element 10 via the MEC server. Further, the EMS may be configured to be capable of executing not only autonomous distributed cooperative control but also centralized control, which will be described later.

[0074] Note that the control rules for each power element 10 can be updated from outside the EMS. The update is, for example, an update to a rule suitable for power smoothing of the corresponding power grid based on information such as the power generation capacity, power generation status, power storage capacity, power storage status, or power load transmitted from each power element 10, or information on the electrical characteristic values measured by the detection unit 11.

[0075] Also, in the present embodiment, the EMS executes a step of performing control so as to transfer power between the DC grids arranged in the corresponding cell based on the information acquired from the power elements 10 of the DC grid via the distributed antennas in the corresponding cells. Such control is an example of autonomous distributed cooperative control. That is, the EMS can perform control of power transfer between adjacent grids.

[0076] For example, when there is a power shortage in a certain DC grid arranged in a certain cell, the EMS of the corresponding DC grid in that cell controls the power gate 5 in order to transfer power from another DC grid with a power surplus arranged in the same cell. For example, when there is a power shortage in the DC grid 31-1 arranged in the cell 4-1, if there is a power surplus in the DC grid 31-2 arranged in the same cell 4-1, the corresponding EMS controls the power gate 5 in the cell 4-1, so that power is transferred from the DC grid 31-2 to the DC grid 31-1. The EMS identifies the DC grid with power shortage and the DC grid with power surplus based on the acquired information, such as the electrical characteristic values of each power grid. Then, the EMS controls the power gate 5 so that power is transferred between the identified DC grids. Note that when the DC grid with power shortage and the DC grid with power surplus are not adjacent, the EMS controls the power gate 5 so that power is transferred through the DC grid and the power gate 5 intervening between the two DC grids.

[0077] In addition, in this embodiment, the data center 9 executes a step of performing control to transfer power between DC grids arranged in different cells based on information acquired from a plurality of MEC servers. Such control is also called centralized control. For example, when power shortage occurs in a DC grid arranged in a certain cell and power cannot be transferred within the DC grid group including the DC grid, and when there is power surplus in another DC grid group arranged in another cell, the data center 9 performs control to transfer power from the DC grid group with power surplus to the DC grid group with power shortage.

[0078] That is, the smoothing control (autonomous decentralized cooperative control) of power supply and demand within a certain DC grid group or between adjacent DC grid groups may not function effectively when the balance of power supply and demand exceeds a certain limit. For example, when the amount of fluctuation of power supply and demand exceeds the adjustable power generation amount, power consumption amount, power load fluctuation amount, etc. within a DC grid group or between adjacent DC grid groups, the autonomous decentralized cooperative control may not function effectively. When the data center 9 determines that the autonomous decentralized cooperative control does not function effectively, the control switches from the autonomous decentralized cooperative control performed by the MEC server to the centralized control in which the data center 9 performs control to transfer power between DC grid groups or between a plurality of adjacent DC grid groups and other DC grid groups.

[0079] The data center 9 receives, for example, information regarding the power reception and supply balance transmitted from each MEC server, and updates a database stored in the storage unit in association with the identification information of the MEC server. The database includes the identification information of the MEC server, the information of the reception and supply balance, and the information of the reception and supply status. The reception and supply balance is defined as, for example, the power sufficiency rate being 100% when the reception and supply balance meets the standard, and is expressed as a percentage. The reception and supply status is, for example, "good" when the sufficiency rate is 100% or more, and "insufficient" when the sufficiency rate is less than 100%.

[0080] For example, when power shortage occurs in a certain DC grid within the DC grid group 3-1 arranged in cell 4-1, if there is no power surplus in the power of other DC grids within the DC grid group 3-1, the MEC server 11-1 generates information that the adequacy rate is a predetermined value less than 100% as information regarding power transfer between DC grids within the DC grid group 3-1, and transmits it to the data center 9. On the other hand, regarding another cell, for example, cell 4-2, if there is power surplus in the DC grid group 3-2 arranged in cell 4-2, the MEC server 11-2 generates information that the adequacy rate is a predetermined value of 100% or more as information regarding power transfer, and transmits it to the data center 9. Note that such an adequacy rate may be defined as a value representing a plurality of DC grid groups existing in proximity.

[0081] Here, the information regarding power transfer does not necessarily have to include information on which specific DC grid has a power shortage or a power surplus. In some cases, it may be sufficient to include information on which cell (DC grid group) has a power shortage or a power surplus.

[0082] The data center 9 acquires information regarding power supply from the MEC servers 11-1, ···, 11-N. Then, based on the control information that defines the rules for centralized control and is pre-held in the storage unit, the data center 9 determines, among the MEC servers 11-1, ···, 11-N, the MEC servers involved in the case of supplying power from the DC grid group capable of supplying power to other DC grids to the DC grid group with insufficient power or the group of adjacent power grid groups. A command (command regarding power supply) is sent to control the power gate 5 to supply power. Then, each MEC server that receives the command appropriately controls the power gate to be controlled by itself. Regarding specifically how to control the power gate 5 to form a path for power supply, the control of the power gate 5 is executed based on the control information that defines the rules for power supply and is pre-held in the storage unit of each MEC server, thereby forming a path. Note that the rules held by each MEC server can also be updated by the data center 9. In this case, the data center 9 generates control information that defines more appropriate rules based on the information sent from the MEC server, and sends this to the MEC server for updating. Thereby, power supply is executed between DC grid groups or between a plurality of adjacent DC grid groups and other DC grid groups.

[0083] In this way, by the data center 9 executing centralized control to control the power supply between DC grid groups or between a plurality of adjacent DC grid groups and other power local networks, overall optimization of power in cells 4-2, ···, 4-N is executed.

[0084] The network system 100 configured as described above has a higher degree of integration between the power network and the information and communication network, and power can be transferred within a cell and also between cells. As a result, for example, even if there is a local power shortage due to a disaster, it is possible to quickly recover through power transfer, and it is suppressed that local power shortages affect a wide area over a long period. In addition, the information and communication network also recovers early due to the early recovery of power. Also, the power network recovers early due to the recovery of the information and communication network. As a result, the network system 100 has a high degree of mutual cooperation between the information and communication network and the power network, and is designed to enhance resilience.

[0085] In addition, in the network system 100, efficient control can be executed by switching between autonomous decentralized cooperative control and centralized control.

[0086] In addition, in the network system 100, the MEC server and the data center can supply power to the power elements of the DC grid in a cell where power is insufficient and there is a wireless communication failure, so as to perform control to restore the wireless communication failure by this power transfer. As a result, the recovery of the information and communication network due to the recovery of the power network is realized more quickly.

[0087] In addition, in the network system 100, the wireless terminals and MEC servers of the power elements communicate according to the 5G communication standard with guaranteed communication delay time, so that the power smoothing by the autonomous decentralized cooperative control by the MEC server can be quickly performed, and power shortages can be suppressed or quickly recovered.

[0088] In addition, since the network system 100 includes movable power elements such as EVs, it is also possible to transfer power to adjacent DC grids or DC grid groups by the movement of EVs. Since the cells and the second cells are arranged relatively close to each other, the EV can move between cells in a relatively short time and transfer power.

[0089] In addition, in the above-mentioned autonomous decentralized cooperative control or centralized control, the MEC server and the data center may control the power converters connected to the transmission line 7 so that power is supplied from the power grid, along with the power transfer between the DC grids.

[0090] <An example of the control flow> An example of the control method of the network system 100 will be described. However, the control method is not limited thereto. First, in step S101, according to the operation rules of the EMS, the control of each power element 10 is executed (intra-grid power smoothing). Also, in the DC grid group (DC grid group within the same cell), the power status of each DC grid collected by the MEC server is distributed to the EMS of each DC grid. According to the power status of the adjacent DC grids, the EMS of each DC grid is autonomously and decentralizedly cooperatively controlled according to the rules that define the operation of smoothing the power status of each DC grid (inter-grid power transfer within the same cell).

[0091] Subsequently, in step S102, the data center 9 monitors the power status of each DC grid group collected from each MEC server, and determines whether there is a DC grid group whose power status satisfies the predetermined centralized control conditions. If there is no DC grid group corresponding to the centralized control conditions, the process proceeds to step S101. If there is a DC grid group corresponding to the centralized control conditions, the process proceeds to step S103. Note that the monitoring and determination may be performed by the EMS.

[0092] Subsequently, in step S103, the data center 9 performs centralized control for power transfer between the DC grid groups. As an example, the MEC server may execute control for receiving power supply from the power grid. Also, the control may be performed by the EMS.

[0093] Subsequently, in step S104, the data center 9 determines whether the power status of the DC grid group that met the centralized control conditions has recovered. For example, when the power status no longer meets the centralized control conditions, the data center 9 determines that the power status has recovered. When the power status has recovered, the cooperation instruction between the centralized control and the power grid is released, and the process proceeds to step S101. On the other hand, when the power status does not recover, the process proceeds to step S105. For example, when a failure occurs in the power grid due to a natural disaster or the like, the process may proceed to step S105 without the power status recovering.

[0094] Subsequently, in step S105, the data center 9 controls the power elements in the target DC grid to turn off the power based on a predetermined rule. As a modification, instead of turning off the power, the power supply amount may be reduced or the power saving mode may be switched. When a failure occurs in the wireless environment, the data center 9 instructs the MEC server of the target wireless base station and the MEC servers of the wireless base stations in the vicinity thereof to form an ad hoc network to repair the communication network. When the process of step S105 is completed, the process proceeds to step S101. When the process proceeds to step S101, autonomous distributed cooperative control is performed in the power control of the power elements and the communication environment after repair, and the remaining power elements continue to provide the power and communication environment. In this example, the autonomous distributed cooperative control is performed in units of the DC grid group, but the same method applies when the autonomous distributed cooperative control is performed in units of a plurality of adjacent DC grid groups.

[0095] By preferentially implementing autonomous decentralized cooperative control, local consumption of electricity is realized. Also, by autonomously performing smoothing control of electricity in units of power elements, grid units, grid group units (the jurisdiction units of MEC servers), or multiple adjacent DC grid group units, even if a failure occurs in a part of them, the control can be continued while minimizing the impact. Furthermore, in the event of a disaster or the like, the remaining unaffected elements can provide a power and communication environment as much as possible. Also, even when a failure occurs in the communication infrastructure, by constructing an ad hoc network in accordance with the instructions of the data center 9 to restore the communication network environment, the power supply by the above autonomous decentralized cooperative control is restored in at least a part of the area corresponding to the restored location, contributing to rapid recovery.

[0096] Note that the present invention is not limited by the above-described embodiments. Those configured by appropriately combining the above-described components are also included in the present invention. Further, additional effects and modification examples can be easily derived by those skilled in the art. Therefore, a broader aspect of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes are possible.

[0097] For example, in a 5G mobile communication system, when adjacent macro cells overlap, there is a risk of inter-cell radio interference occurring in the overlapping area. To prevent such inter-cell radio interference, there is a technique in which adjacent radio base stations cooperate to adjust the radio intensity. This technique can be called autonomous decentralized cooperative control. By applying this technique, for example, when the function of a certain radio base station deteriorates or is lost due to a disaster, the adjacent radio base station increases the radio intensity and covers to some extent the communication area of the radio base station whose function has deteriorated or is lost, enabling the entire system to continue operating. Therefore, by applying such a technique to the network system 100 in the embodiment, the autonomous decentralized cooperative control defined in the local grid layer of the power network can be defined in the second layer of the information communication network and applied to the third layer.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0098] 1-1, 1-2, ···, 1-N: Radio base stations 3-1, 3-2, ···, 3-N: DC grid groups 4-1, 4-2, ···, 4-N: Cells 5: Power gate 6-1, 6-2, ···, 6-N: Power converters 7: Transmission line 8: Cloud computing 9: Data center 10: Power element 11: Detection unit 11-1, 11-2, ···, 11-N: MEC servers 11a, 12: Control unit 11b, 13: Memory unit 11c, 14: Communication unit 15: Power conversion unit 20: Power line 21-1, 21-2, ···, 21-n1, 22-1, 22-2, ···, 22-n2, ···, 2N-1, ···, 2N-nN: Distributed antennas 31-1, 31-2, ···, 31-n1, 32-1, 32-2, ···, 32-n2, ···, 3N-1, ···, 3N-nN: DC grids 100: Network system 1000: Network architecture 1010: Information and communication network 1011: First layer 1012: Second layer 1013: Third layer 1014: Fourth layer 1015: Fifth layer 1020: Power network 1021: Network layer 1022: Local network layer 1023: Grid layer 1024: Physical layer 1025: Lower layer 1100: Cyber space 1200: Physical space

Claims

1. A network system having a network architecture in which an information communication network and a power network are defined in a physical space and a cyber space, wherein the network architecture includes a network layer that defines the entire power network composed of a plurality of power grids in the cyber space, a local network layer that defines a local network which is a plurality of power grid groups forming a part of the power network in the cyber space, a grid layer that defines the power grid in the physical space, a physical layer that defines the components of the power grid in the physical space, a first layer that defines the information communication network corresponding to the network layer in the cyber space, a second layer that defines the information communication network corresponding to the local network layer in the cyber space, a third layer that defines the information communication network corresponding to the grid layer in the physical space, a fourth layer that defines the information communication network corresponding to the physical layer in the physical space, and the network system is provided with these layers.

2. The local network layer defines autonomous decentralized cooperative control regarding power supply and demand or lending. The network system according to Claim 1.

3. The network layer defines centralized control regarding power supply and demand or lending. The network system according to Claim 1 or 2.

4. The grid layer defines at least one of the topology of the power grid, the connection between the power lines and power elements constituting the power grid, the energy management system of the power grid, the cooperation with the power system, and the connection between the power grids. The network system according to any one of Claims 1 to 3.

5. The physical layer defines at least one function or performance of a generator device or a storage device as a power element constituting the power grid, a power converter, and a DC bus, or the connection between the power grid and the power system. The network system according to any one of Claims 1 to 4.

6. The first layer defines cloud computing including a cloud server. The network system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The second layer defines the functions of MEC (Mobile Edge Computing) and radio base stations. The network system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The third layer defines the topology of radio base stations, distributed antennas, and power elements including MEC that make up the information and communication network. The network system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The fourth layer defines the physical RAN (Radio Access Network) configuration including the electromagnetic wave environment in the information and communication network. The network system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A method for configuring a network architecture that integrates a power network and an information and communication network that define a power network and an information and communication network in a physical space and a cyber space, defining a network layer in the cyber space that defines the entirety of the power network composed of a plurality of power grids, defining a local network layer in the cyber space that defines a local network which is a plurality of power grid groups forming a part of the power network, defining a grid layer in the physical space that defines the power grid, defining a physical layer in the physical space that defines the components of the power grid, defining a first layer in the cyber space that defines the information and communication network corresponding to the network layer, defining a second layer in the cyber space that defines the information and communication network corresponding to the local network layer, defining a third layer in the physical space that defines the information and communication network corresponding to the grid layer, defining a fourth layer in the physical space that defines the information and communication network corresponding to the physical layer A method for configuring a network architecture.

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