Rainfall control system

Abstract

To provide a rainfall control system suitable for controlling rainfall.SOLUTION: The present invention comprises: a calculation device 30 that determines conditions for spraying a cloud seeding agent on the sea based on meteorological data including information on the amount of water vapor on the sea; and a spraying device 10 that sprays the cloud seeding agent on water vapor according to the conditions for spraying a cloud seeding agent determined by the calculation device 30. The meteorological data includes information on the prediction of the occurrence of a linear precipitation belt. When it is predicted that a linear precipitation zone will occur, the calculation device 30 estimates the sea area where water vapor J that causes the linear precipitation belt is present and can decide to spray a cloud seeding agent K in the sea area.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0004] , , , , , ,

[0006] , , , , ، ,

[0005] , , Furthermore, the rain-relieving agent is formed from powdered algae. , ,

[0007] , , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to the technology of a rainfall control system for controlling rainfall.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, technologies related to rainfall control systems have been used to control rainfall.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for suppressing a meteorological disaster by generating artificial rainfall by spraying a rainfall agent on clouds as a method for preventing a serious meteorological disaster. However, further improvement is required for a rainfall control system for controlling rainfall or the technology included in the rainfall control system.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure has been made in view of the above situation, and the problem to be solved is to provide a rainfall control system suitable for controlling rainfall or the technology included in the rainfall control system.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] Next, means for solving the above problems will be described.

[0007] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a computing device that determines the spraying conditions of a rainfall agent at sea based on meteorological data including information on the amount of water vapor at sea, and a spraying device that sprays the rainfall agent on water vapor according to the spraying conditions of the rainfall agent determined by the computing device are provided. Furthermore, the rain-relieving agent is formed from powdered algae. is provided. According to one aspect of this disclosure, a rainfall control system suitable for controlling rainfall can be provided. Furthermore, it can prevent environmental pollution caused by rain-fighting agents.

[0008] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the meteorological data includes information regarding the prediction of the occurrence of linear precipitation bands. According to one aspect of this disclosure, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of linear rainbands that are likely to cause heavy rainfall, thereby effectively suppressing the occurrence of disasters.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the computing device can estimate the sea area where water vapor causing the linear rainband exists when it is predicted that a linear rainband will occur, and can decide to spray a rain agent in that sea area. According to one aspect of this disclosure, it is possible to effectively suppress the occurrence of linear rainbands that are likely to cause heavy rainfall.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the computing device can predict the weather conditions on land assuming that the rain agent is sprayed under hypothetical spraying conditions, and determine the spraying conditions for the rain agent based on the results of the prediction. According to one aspect of this disclosure, suitable conditions for spraying rain-preventing agents can be determined.

[0011] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the computing device can determine the conditions for spraying the rain agent by machine learning using the results of the prediction as training data. According to one aspect of this disclosure, machine learning can be used to efficiently determine the conditions for spraying rain agents.

[0012] In one aspect of this disclosure, The system further comprises a recovery device for recovering the spraying device after it has landed on the sea following the spraying of the rain-relieving agent. It is. According to one aspect of this disclosure, Easily retrieve the spraying device. It is possible.

[0013] In one aspect of this disclosure, The system comprises a computing device that determines the conditions for spraying rain-preventing agents over the sea based on meteorological data including information on the amount of water vapor over the sea, and a spraying device that sprays the rain-preventing agent onto water vapor according to the spraying conditions for the rain-preventing agent determined by the computing device. The system further comprises a charging device for charging the rain agent sprayed from the aforementioned spraying device. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, rainfall can be effectively promoted.

Advantages of the Invention

[0015] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a rainfall control system suitable for controlling rainfall can be provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] [Figure 1] Explanatory drawing showing a rainfall control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] (a) Schematic perspective view showing a spraying device. (b) Schematic front view showing the spraying device. (c) Schematic plan view showing the tip of the main wing of the spraying device. [Figure 3] (a) Schematic cross-sectional view showing the spraying device. (b) Schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the charging device. [Figure 4] Flowchart showing the process of spraying a rainfall agent. [Figure 5] Flowchart showing the process of determining spraying conditions. [Figure 6] Explanatory drawing showing the state of performing rainfall simulation. [Figure 7] Explanatory drawing showing the determined spraying conditions. [Figure 8] (a) Schematic side view showing a transporter. (b) Schematic cross-sectional view A1-A1. (c) Schematic cross-sectional view A2-A2. [Figure 9] Explanatory drawing showing the state of spraying a rainfall agent. [Figure 10] Explanatory drawing showing the state where water vapor adheres to the rainfall agent. [Figure 11] Explanatory drawing showing the state where the amount of water vapor has decreased. [Figure 12] Explanatory drawing showing the state of recovering the spraying device. [Figure 13] Flowchart showing the process of manufacturing a rainfall agent. [Figure 14] Diagram showing an example of the particle size distribution of a rainfall agent. [Figure 15] Explanatory drawing showing the state of filling a spraying device with a rainfall agent. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0017] In the following, the upward, downward, forward, backward, left, and right directions are defined based on the direction of travel of the spraying device 10 shown in Figure 2(a) and the transporter U shown in Figure 8(a). The upward, downward, forward, backward, left, and right directions are indicated in the drawings by arrows U, D, F, B, L, and R, respectively.

[0018] The following describes a rainfall control system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] The rainfall control system 1 controls rainfall by spraying a rain agent K toward the sea S (see Figure 9). As shown in Figure 1, the rainfall control system 1 comprises a spraying device 10, a recovery device 20, and a calculation device 30.

[0020] The spraying device 10 shown in Figures 2 and 3 is for spraying rain agent K. Rain agent K is a substance that promotes rainfall. Rain agent K is formed in powder form. Rain agent K is manufactured using algae as a raw material. The detailed composition of rain agent K will be described later. The spraying device 10 is configured to be airworthy. As will be described later, the spraying device 10 sprays rain agent K in the air and then lands on the sea S. The spraying device 10 comprises a main body 11, a tank 12, a battery 13, a blower 14, and a charging device 15.

[0021] The main body 11 is formed in a hollow shape and is designed not to sink in the sea. As shown in Figure 2, the main body 11 is provided with a main wing 11a. Also as shown in Figure 2, the main wing 11a is provided with a propeller 11b.

[0022] The main wing 11a generates lift and hovers the spraying device 10 in the air. The main wing 11a is configured to allow the lateral width to be changed as needed. Figure 2(c) shows an example of this configuration. The tip of the main wing 11a shown in Figure 2(c) is configured to be foldable. More specifically, the tip of the main wing 11a is divided into multiple plates 11c, and each plate 11c rotates around a common pivot axis 11d, allowing switching between a folded state and a normal state where the plates 11c are extended. Alternatively, the tip of the main wing 11a may be composed of a single foldable plate 11c. The spraying device 10 can fly by switching to the normal state. The spraying device 10 can be made space-saving by switching to the folded state.

[0023] The configuration for changing the lateral width of the main wing 11a is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 2(c), but can be changed as desired. For example, the lateral width of the main wing 11a may be changed by the tip sliding left and right relative to the base of the main wing 11a.

[0024] The propeller 11b shown in Figures 2(a) and 2(b) is for converting rotational force into thrust. The propeller 11b can be driven by power from at least one of a motor or an engine. The propeller 11b in this embodiment is configured to change direction in the vertical and horizontal directions. Figure 2(a) shows the propeller 11b facing vertically, and Figure 2(b) shows the propeller 11b facing horizontally. By changing the direction of the propeller 11b vertically, the spraying device 10 can take off and land vertically (without much sliding).

[0025] The tank 12 shown in Figure 3(a) is for storing the rain-relieving agent K. The tank 12 is installed inside the main body 11. In this embodiment, the tank 12 is configured to occupy most of the internal space of the main body 11.

[0026] The battery 13 is for supplying power to various components of the spraying device 10. For example, the battery 13 is connected to the motor that drives the propeller 11b, the blower 14, and the charging device 15, and is configured to supply power to the motor and other components.

[0027] The blower 14 is for dispersing the rain agent K in the tank 12. The blower 14 is connected to the charging device 15 via a hose H14a. The blower 14 is configured to draw in the rain agent K from the tank 12 by the rotation of its impeller and discharge the rain agent K towards the charging device 15 via the hose H14a.

[0028] The charging device 15 is used to charge the rain agent K. As shown in Figure 3(b), the charging device 15 comprises a flow path 15a and a voltage generator 15b. The flow path 15a is formed to guide the rain agent K from the air blower 14 to the outside of the main body 11. The voltage generator 15b can charge the rain agent K flowing through the flow path 15a by supplying voltage to a predetermined electrode. In Figure 3(b), the rain agent K before charging is shown in white, and the charged rain agent K is shown in black.

[0029] The spraying device 10 is configured to acquire its own location information (e.g., latitude and longitude) using GPS (Global Positioning System) functionality, etc. The spraying device 10 is also configured to communicate with external devices. By communicating with external devices, the spraying device 10 is configured to broadcast its own location information. In this embodiment, the spraying device 10 is configured to broadcast its location information to the recovery device 20, which will be described later. Furthermore, the spraying device 10 is configured to automatically fly to a predetermined location based on its own location information. Note that the means for acquiring location information are not limited to GPS.

[0030] Furthermore, the spraying device 10 is configured to detect whether or not there are ships (excluding the recovery device 20 described later) in its vicinity using radar or the like in the open sea S. When the spraying device 10 detects the presence of ships in its vicinity, it is configured to move away from those ships in the open sea S. This prevents the spraying device 10 from coming into contact with other ships or obstructing their passage in the open sea S.

[0031] The recovery device 20 shown in Figure 1 is for recovering the spraying device 10. The recovery device 20 in this embodiment is configured to recover the spraying device 10 after it has finished spraying the rain agent K and landed on the sea S. The recovery device 20 consists of a ship equipped with a transfer device 21 that can transport the spraying device 10 from the sea S to the ship (see Figure 12).

[0032] The computing device 30 is for performing various calculations related to the rainfall control system 1. The computing device 30 is equipped with a processing unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a storage device such as memory. Various programs related to the operation of the rainfall control system 1 are stored in the storage device of the computing device 30. The computing device 30 is configured, for example, as a supercomputer.

[0033] The computing device 30 includes a simulation unit 31. The simulation unit 31 is a program for performing weather simulations. The processing details of the simulation unit 31 will be described later.

[0034] The computing device 30 is configured to communicate with external devices. In this embodiment, the computing device 30 is configured to communicate with the information provision server SV and the dispensing device 10. The information provision server SV is a server for providing various types of information. The information provision server SV may consist of one server or multiple different servers. In this embodiment, the information provision server SV is configured to provide meteorological data. Meteorological data is information related to the weather. Meteorological data is created based on, for example, observation results from offshore observations, weather satellites, and observation stations. Meteorological data includes, for example, information on temperature, humidity, precipitation, wind direction, wind speed, pressure patterns, water vapor content, and forecasts of linear precipitation bands.

[0035] The information regarding temperature, humidity, precipitation, wind direction, wind speed, pressure pattern, and water vapor content represents the observation results of temperature, etc., at sea S and on land. In this embodiment, the information regarding water vapor content represents the total amount of water vapor contained from the sea surface or land surface to the top of the atmosphere at each observation point (integrated value of water vapor content in the vertical direction). In this embodiment, the integrated value of water vapor content is used as the information regarding water vapor content, but the present invention is not limited to this, and any value that allows the water vapor content of multiple observation points to be compared with each other can be used. Furthermore, it is also possible to use the amount of water vapor at an arbitrary altitude (e.g., from the sea surface or land surface to a predetermined height) instead of the integrated value for the entire vertical direction.

[0036] Information regarding the prediction of linear rainband formation (hereinafter referred to as "prediction information") shows the results of predictions on whether or not a linear rainband will form. Prediction information includes, for example, information that allows for the determination of the location and time when a linear rainband is predicted to form, and information that forms the basis of the prediction (for example, forecast weather maps). A linear rainband is a phenomenon in which cumulonimbus clouds that form one after another in a linear line pass through or linger in roughly the same location. When a linear rainband forms, there is a risk of disaster caused by heavy rainfall. It is thought that linear rainbands form when water vapor J that flows from the sea S to the land moves upward on updrafts, develops into clouds, and is further carried by the wind.

[0037] Whether or not a linear rainband will occur is predicted as appropriate by designated organizations. Prediction information from the Japan Meteorological Agency and other private organizations can be used. For example, the computing device 30 can obtain prediction information by linking with the servers of the Japan Meteorological Agency, etc. However, the method of obtaining prediction information is not limited to this. For example, the computing device 30 itself can predict the occurrence of a linear rainband and create (obtain) prediction information based on that prediction result.

[0038] In the rainfall control system 1, artificial rain is generated before it rains on land by spraying rain agent K onto the water vapor J over the sea S using the spraying device 10 (see Figure 9). This reduces the amount of water vapor J over the sea S, thereby reducing the amount of water vapor J flowing from the sea S to the land and suppressing the formation of linear precipitation bands (clouds that lead to heavy rain).

[0039] The following describes an example of the procedure for spraying rain agent K using the spraying device 10, with reference to Figure 4.

[0040] When a designated organization predicts whether or not a linear rainband will occur (step S10), the calculation device 30 obtains the prediction information from the organization. Based on the prediction information, the calculation device 30 decides whether or not to spray the rain agent K. For example, it decides to spray the rain agent K if it is predicted that a linear rainband will occur. The calculation device 30 calculates the spraying conditions for the rain agent K. The spraying conditions are the various conditions necessary for spraying the rain agent K. In this embodiment, the calculation device 30 calculates the spraying location and the amount of rain agent K to be sprayed as spraying conditions (step S20). An example of the process for calculating the spraying conditions will be explained below with reference to Figures 5 to 7.

[0041] First, as shown in Figure 5, the computing device 30 acquires weather data (information such as temperature and water vapor content) by communicating with the information provision server SV (step S110).

[0042] The calculation device 30 creates multiple candidate spraying conditions based on meteorological data (step S120). In this process, the calculation device 30 creates multiple combinations of spraying locations and spraying amounts corresponding to those locations. "Condition 1" and "Condition 2" of the "Spraying Conditions" shown in Figure 6 are examples of candidate spraying conditions. An example of the process for creating candidate spraying conditions is described below.

[0043] First, the calculation device 30 estimates the dispersal location. In this embodiment, the calculation device 30 estimates the sea area where water vapor J that causes linear precipitation exists (hereinafter referred to as the "causative sea area"). For example, the calculation device 30 estimates the causative sea area based on information regarding the amount of water vapor. In this case, the calculation device 30 can designate a sea area with a relatively large amount of water vapor (above a predetermined threshold) as the causative sea area.

[0044] Furthermore, as mentioned above, it is possible to estimate the causative area by appropriately combining various other pieces of information in addition to information on water vapor content. For example, the causative area may be estimated based on arbitrary information extracted from various meteorological information, such as wind direction, pressure patterns, and weather conditions, in addition to water vapor content, or by appropriately combining arbitrary information. In Figure 6, the causative area estimated in this way is shown in the "Location" column of "Dispersion Conditions".

[0045] After estimating the causative area, the calculation device 30 determines the amount of rain agent K to be sprayed according to that area. For example, the calculation device 30 may divide the causative area into meshes and set the spraying amount for each mesh, or it may set a common spraying amount for the entire causative area. The set value for the spraying amount can also be determined based on predetermined criteria. For example, the calculation device 30 can determine the set value for the spraying amount based on the amount of water vapor. In Figure 6, the spraying amount thus determined is shown in the "Amount" column of "Spraying Conditions".

[0046] After creating candidate dispersal conditions in this manner, the calculation device 30 performs a meteorological simulation of rainfall using the simulation unit 31, as shown in Figures 5 and 6 (step S130). More specifically, the calculation device 30 inputs the causative sea area (dispersion location) and dispersal amount estimated in step S120, as well as the meteorological data acquired in step S110, into the simulation unit 31. The simulation unit 31 performs a meteorological simulation using the input dispersal location, etc. An example of a meteorological simulation will be described below.

[0047] First, the simulation unit 31 simulates artificial rainfall when rain agent K is sprayed in the sea area estimated in step S120. In this simulation, the simulation unit 31 considers, for example, the amount of sprayed and meteorological data (such as the amount of water vapor and wind direction in the sea area) determined in step S120 when simulating artificial rainfall. Based on the simulation results, the simulation unit 31 predicts the change in the amount of water vapor caused by spraying rain agent K.

[0048] Next, the simulation unit 31 simulates the weather conditions on land when the rain agent K is sprayed over the sea area. For example, the simulation unit 31 simulates the weather conditions on land (e.g., precipitation) by considering the simulation results of artificial rain (changes in water vapor content) and weather data (wind direction, wind speed, etc.). This completes the weather simulation. Image R shown in Figure 6 schematically illustrates the results of this simulation. Region R1 within image R indicates the region where relatively high precipitation is predicted based on the results of this simulation.

[0049] The simulation unit 31 outputs information regarding the results of simulations of artificial rainfall and weather conditions. For example, the simulation unit 31 outputs information such as the relationship between precipitation amount, spraying location and amount due to artificial rainfall, and the predicted results of land precipitation (for example, image R shown in Figure 6).

[0050] As shown in Figures 5 and 7, the rainfall control system 1 determines the dispersal conditions based on the information thus output (step S140). For example, from the candidate dispersal conditions created in step S120, dispersal conditions that are considered to have a high effect in suppressing the occurrence of linear rainbands or candidates that are considered to have a high probability of preventing the occurrence of disasters are selected. More specifically, candidate dispersal conditions that are predicted to result in the lowest amount of rainfall on land (the area where linear rainbands are predicted to occur) or candidate dispersal conditions that are predicted to result in the highest amount of rainfall over the sea S due to artificial rainfall are selected. With the dispersal conditions determined, the calculation of the dispersal location, etc. in step S20 shown in Figure 4 is completed.

[0051] The spraying conditions may be automatically determined by the calculation device 30, or manually determined by the user of the rainfall control system 1. Furthermore, the criteria for determining the spraying conditions are not particularly limited, and it is possible to determine the spraying conditions by considering factors other than linear rainbands and the occurrence of disasters. For example, the spraying conditions may be determined by considering the distance over which the spraying device 10 is transported and the amount to be sprayed in step S30 described later. For example, by spraying the rain agent K as close to land as possible, or by spraying the smallest possible amount of rain agent K, the transportation costs of the spraying device 10 and the cost of the rain agent K can be reduced.

[0052] Furthermore, the dispersal conditions can include conditions other than the dispersal location (causative sea area) and dispersal amount. For example, the dispersal conditions can include the timing of dispersal of rain agent K (e.g., time of day). By including dispersal timing and other factors in the dispersal conditions, it is possible to obtain dispersal conditions that are more appropriate for suppressing linear rainbands.

[0053] Furthermore, the application conditions can include not only the timing of application, but also the size (particle diameter), raw materials, shape, and manufacturing method (for example, the method of milling algae, as described later) of the rain agent K. By including the size of the rain agent K in this way, artificial rain can be generated efficiently.

[0054] As shown in Figure 4, once the calculation of the spraying position and other conditions is completed, the spraying device 10 is transported based on the calculation results (determined spraying conditions) (step S30). Below, with reference to Figure 8, an example of the configuration of the transport machine U for transporting the spraying device 10 will be described.

[0055] As shown in Figure 8(a), the transport aircraft U is equipped with a hatch U1 for dropping the spraying device 10 from the air. The transport aircraft U is also fitted with a cage U2 for mounting the spraying device 10.

[0056] The gauge U2 shown in Figures 8(b) and 8(c) is formed in a long, rectangular shape extending from front to back and is divided into upper and lower sections and left and right sections. The gauge U2 is configured so that a spraying device 10 can be mounted in each of these sections. In this embodiment, the spraying device 10 is mounted on the gauge U2 with the main wing 11a (see Figure 2(c)) folded. This makes it possible to miniaturize each section of the gauge U2. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the miniaturization of each section makes it possible to mount the spraying devices 10 side by side on the transport aircraft U (see Figure 8(b)). This makes it possible to mount more spraying devices 10 on the transport aircraft U.

[0057] As shown in Figure 8(c), the gauge U2 is configured to accommodate five spraying devices 10 arranged front to back in each section. In this way, the gauge U2 can accommodate a maximum of 20 spraying devices 10. Note that the shape of the gauge U2 and the maximum number of spraying devices 10 that can be mounted are not limited to this embodiment and can be appropriately changed depending on the size of the transport aircraft U, etc.

[0058] As shown in Figures 8(b) and 8(c), the gauge U2 is equipped with a conveyor U3. The conveyor U3 is configured to transport the spraying devices 10 inside the gauge U2 toward the hatch U1. The transporter U (gauge U2) is loaded with an appropriate number of spraying devices 10 based on the spraying conditions determined in step S20 shown in Figure 4.

[0059] When the transport aircraft U flies to a pre-set designated point (for example, the airspace above the area of ​​origin), it opens the hatch U1 and drives the conveyor U3. As a result, multiple dispersal devices 10 mounted on the transport aircraft U are sequentially dropped from the transport aircraft U. In this embodiment, multiple dispersal devices 10 are transported at once. Each dispersal device 10 dropped from the transport aircraft U opens its main wing 11a and flies over the area of ​​origin.

[0060] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4 and 9, each spraying device 10 sprays the rain agent K over the sea area where the rain occurred (step S40). At this time, each spraying device 10 sprays the rain agent K over different areas. This allows the rain agent K to be sprayed in a short amount of time. Below, an example of the operation (control) of the spraying device 10 when spraying the rain agent K will be described.

[0061] First, the spraying device 10 drives the blower 14 shown in Figure 3(a) to send the rain agent K from the tank 12 toward the charging device 15. The charging device 15 charges the rain agent K from the blower 14 by operating the voltage generator 15b (see Figure 3(b)). The spraying device 10 then sprays the charged rain agent K toward the sea surface S (water vapor J).

[0062] As shown in Figure 10, water vapor J adheres to the rain agent K sprayed towards the sea S. This causes the particles of the rain agent K to act as nuclei, forming raindrops, and artificial rain is generated at the sea S (the source area). In particular, in this embodiment, by charging the rain agent K, the effect of attracting water vapor J to the rain agent K can be enhanced, making it easier for water vapor J to adhere to the rain agent K, and thus enabling more rain to fall through artificial rain.

[0063] As shown in Figure 11, artificial rainfall reduces the amount of water vapor over the sea (S). This reduces the amount of water vapor (J) flowing from the sea (S) to the land, thereby suppressing the formation of linear rainbands and ultimately preventing disasters caused by rainfall.

[0064] Furthermore, the spraying device 10 can also reduce the power consumption of the charging device 15 by spraying the rain agent K towards the water vapor J over the sea S. Specifically, by spraying the rain agent K towards the water vapor J over the sea S, the spraying device 10 can generate artificial rain before the water vapor J turns into clouds. Since water vapor J is lighter than clouds, even if the rain agent K is charged with a relatively low voltage, it is possible to achieve the effect of attracting the water vapor J to the rain agent K. Therefore, by spraying the rain agent K onto the water vapor J over the sea S before it turns into clouds, the voltage required for charging can be reduced, thereby reducing the power consumption of the charging device 15.

[0065] As shown in Figure 12, the spraying device 10 lands on the sea S after the spraying of the rain agent K is complete. As shown in Figures 4 and 12, the recovery device 20 recovers the spraying device 10 (step S50). An example of the procedure for recovering the spraying device 10 will be described below.

[0066] The spraying device 10, having landed on the sea surface S, transmits its position information to the recovery device 20. Based on this position information, the recovery device 20 moves to the vicinity of the spraying device 10 and recovers the spraying device 10 using the transfer device 21. By recovering the spraying device 10 on the sea surface S in this way, the spraying device 10 can be easily recovered.

[0067] The spraying device 10 may also be configured to automatically move to a predetermined point (recovery point) on the sea S. With such a configuration, multiple spraying devices 10 can be gathered at the recovery point, allowing for the rapid recovery of the spraying devices 10.

[0068] The spraying device 10 is transported to land by the recovery device 20 and redeployed at a designated location (e.g., a maintenance factory) (step S60). An example of redeployment is described below.

[0069] It is assumed that moist air enters the tank 12 of the spraying device 10 when it lands on the sea S. Therefore, in this embodiment, the rain agent K remaining in the tank 12 of the spraying device 10 after recovery is removed as appropriate. For example, the rain agent K is removed by sucking it out of the tank 12 using a vacuum cleaner that can move along the inside wall of the tank 12 using suction cups or magnetic force. The rain agent K thus removed is dried in a predetermined dryer, then powdered and stored in a storage tank C (see Figure 15) for storing the rain agent K. The empty tank 12 is then filled with rain agent K. In this way, the redeployment of the spraying device 10 is completed.

[0070] By performing the process shown in Figure 4, the spraying device 10 can spray the rain agent K according to suitable spraying conditions (for example, conditions predicted to be highly effective in suppressing the formation of linear rainbands) (step S40). This allows for effective control of rainfall and prevents the occurrence of disasters caused by rainfall.

[0071] The composition of the rain agent K, which is sprayed on the sea surface S, will be described below with reference to Figures 13 to 15. In this embodiment, the rain agent K is formed from algae. Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the procedure for manufacturing the rain agent K and filling it into the spraying device 10. The composition of the rain agent K will be explained below while describing the flowchart in Figure 13.

[0072] First, algae are harvested at a designated location (for example, a facility for cultivating algae) (step S210). In step S210, for example, spirulina, euglena, etc., are harvested. Note that the algae harvested in step S210 are not limited to spirulina, etc., and may be other types of algae besides spirulina and euglena. Here, since algae can be produced anywhere, the harvesting location can be easily secured by forming the rain-preventing agent K with algae.

[0073] The harvested algae are dried in a dryer (step S220) and powdered in a mill (step S230). In this embodiment, the rain agent K is formed from the powdered algae. The particles of the rain agent K are formed in a substantially spherical shape. As in this embodiment, by forming the rain agent K from naturally derived algae, the marine environment will not be polluted even if the rain agent K is scattered on the sea S.

[0074] Here, the algae are soft throughout, and almost all of them can be milled in step S230. Therefore, by forming the rain agent K with algae, the process of removing the parts that cannot be powdered can be simplified, and the rain agent K can be easily manufactured. In addition, since algae can be mass-produced in a relatively short period of time, the rain agent K can be easily mass-produced by forming it with algae.

[0075] As shown in Figure 13, the powdered algae (rain agent K) are sorted appropriately according to their size (step S240). More specifically, if the rain agent K is too small in size (particle diameter), it may not sink towards the sea surface S. Also, if the rain agent K is too small, it may not be able to grow into raindrops. For this reason, the rain agent K is sorted according to its size in step S240.

[0076] For example, when rain agent K is separated by a sieve, relatively large particles are removed. Also, when air is blown onto rain agent K, relatively small particles are blown away and removed.

[0077] In this way, the rain agent K is sorted in step S240 so that a predetermined proportion or more of particles with a particle size of r1 or greater and r2 or less are included. Figure 14 shows an example of the particle size distribution of the rain agent K after sorting. As shown in Figure 14, by adjusting the particle size to r1 or greater, the rain agent K in the air is made more likely to sink toward the sea surface S. Also, by adjusting the particle size to r1 or greater, the rain agent K in the air is made more likely to grow into raindrops before hitting the sea surface S. Furthermore, by adjusting the particle size to r2 or less, it is possible to suppress the size of the rain agent K from becoming too large.

[0078] In step S240, the rain-relieving agent K is selected, allowing it to be adjusted to an appropriate size (a size that easily forms raindrops). This enables efficient artificial rainfall.

[0079] As shown in Figure 13, the selected rain agent K is subjected to a component analysis (step S250). At this time, it is confirmed whether the rain agent K contains any substances that are harmful to the marine environment. The rain agent K that passes the component analysis is stored in the storage tank C shown in Figure 15. The storage tank C is installed, for example, in a maintenance factory that maintains the spraying device 10.

[0080] As shown in Figures 13 and 15, the rain agent K in the storage tank C is filled into the spraying device 10 by a pump P (step S260). The pump P is connected to the storage tank C and the spraying device 10, for example, via a hose H. The pump P is configured to use compressed air to deliver the rain agent K from the storage tank C to the spraying device 10. The operation of the pump P allows the rain agent K to be transported to and filled into the spraying device 10.

[0081] Note that the configuration shown in Figure 15 is just one example, and it is also possible to fill the rain agent K into the spraying device 10 with a configuration different from that shown in Figure 15. For example, it is possible to place a management system for managing the size of the rain agent K along the transport path of the rain agent K from the storage tank C to the spraying device 10. An example of such a management system will be described below.

[0082] There is a concern that the rain agent K, when delivered from storage tank C, may solidify and increase in size due to the effects of moisture. Therefore, by installing a system (management system) to remove moisture along the transport path of the rain agent K, it is possible to prevent the rain agent K from solidifying when delivered from storage tank C. This allows the size of the rain agent K to be maintained.

[0083] Furthermore, there is concern that the rain-relieving agent K may have already solidified in the storage tank C (before being delivered). Therefore, by placing a system (management system) for crushing the rain-relieving agent K along the transport path of the rain-relieving agent K, the solidified rain-relieving agent K can be crushed and returned to an appropriate size.

[0084] Furthermore, in the redeployment of the spraying device 10 (step S60 in Figure 4), the rain-relieving agent K in the storage tank C may be temporarily filled into a tank truck or the like (transportation means). This allows the rain-relieving agent K to be transported to another location by tank truck, making it easy to fill the spraying device 10, which is located far from the storage tank C, with the rain-relieving agent K.

[0085] As described above, the rainfall control system 1 according to this embodiment comprises a calculation device 30 that determines the conditions for spraying the rain agent K over the sea S based on meteorological data including information on the amount of water vapor over the sea S, and a spraying device 10 that sprays the rain agent K onto water vapor J according to the spraying conditions for the rain agent K determined by the calculation device 30.

[0086] By configuring it in this way, a rainfall control system 1 suitable for controlling rainfall can be provided. Specifically, by spraying rain-preventing agent K onto water vapor J based on information regarding the amount of water vapor S over the sea, it is possible to preemptively cause water vapor J that would develop into clouds or rainfall on land to fall as rain. This can suppress the occurrence of disasters caused by rainfall on land.

[0087] Furthermore, the aforementioned meteorological data includes information regarding the prediction of the occurrence of linear precipitation bands.

[0088] By configuring the system in this way, it is possible to suppress the formation of linear rainbands that are likely to cause heavy rainfall, thereby effectively preventing disasters.

[0089] Furthermore, if the calculation device 30 predicts the occurrence of a linear rainband, it can estimate the sea area where water vapor J that causes the linear rainband exists (the causative sea area) and decide to disperse the rain agent K in that sea area.

[0090] By configuring it in this way, it is possible to effectively suppress the formation of linear rainbands, which have a high probability of causing heavy rainfall.

[0091] Furthermore, the calculation device 30 can predict the weather conditions on land assuming that the rain agent K is sprayed under hypothetical spraying conditions, and can determine the spraying conditions for the rain agent K based on the results of the prediction (see Figures 6 and 7).

[0092] By configuring it in this way, it is possible to determine the optimal spraying conditions for the rain agent K.

[0093] Furthermore, the rain-relieving agent K is formed from powdered algae.

[0094] This configuration prevents environmental pollution caused by rain-preventing agent K. Furthermore, rain-preventing agent K can be manufactured relatively easily.

[0095] Furthermore, the system is further equipped with a charging device 15 for charging the rain agent K that is sprayed from the spraying device 10 (see Figure 3(b)).

[0096] By configuring it in this way, water vapor J can be more easily attached to the rain-relieving agent K, thereby effectively promoting rainfall.

[0097] Furthermore, the system is further equipped with a recovery device 20 for recovering the spraying device 10 that has landed on the sea S after spraying the rain-relieving agent K (see Figure 12).

[0098] This configuration allows the spraying device 10 to be easily retrieved.

[0099] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above configuration, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention as described in the claims.

[0100] For example, in this embodiment, rain agent K is sprayed when the occurrence of a linear rainband is predicted, but the trigger for spraying rain agent K is not limited to the occurrence of a linear rainband. In other words, it is also possible to spray rain agent K based on conditions other than the occurrence of a linear rainband. For example, it is possible to spray rain agent K if the current weather conditions are similar to the weather conditions (such as the amount of water vapor and pressure pattern over the sea S) in which rain agent K was sprayed in the past.

[0101] Furthermore, although the computing device 30 determines the dispersal conditions by performing a weather simulation in step S20 as shown in Figure 4, it is also possible to determine the dispersal conditions without performing a weather simulation. For example, the computing device 30 may determine the dispersal conditions without performing a weather simulation by utilizing the results of past weather simulations. For example, the computing device 30 may determine the dispersal conditions by utilizing the results of learning past simulation results through machine learning. An example of machine learning will be described below.

[0102] The computing device 30 learns from weather data used in past weather simulations and from the dispersal conditions (ground truth data) selected in past simulations through supervised learning. This allows it to learn the relationship between the characteristics of the weather data and the dispersal conditions.

[0103] After acquiring meteorological data in step S10 shown in Figure 4, the computing device 30 extracts the characteristics of the meteorological data based on the learning results and determines the dispersal conditions based on these characteristics. In this way, the computing device 30 can efficiently determine the dispersal conditions for the rain agent K (without performing meteorological simulations).

[0104] As described above, the computing device 30 can determine the spraying conditions for the rain agent K by machine learning, using the prediction results as training data.

[0105] Furthermore, although the spraying device 10 is intended to be recovered at sea S, the recovery location of the spraying device 10 is not limited to sea S. For example, the spraying device 10 may be recovered in the air.

[0106] Furthermore, the dispersing device 10 does not necessarily have to be transported by a transport aircraft U. For example, it may be transported by an aircraft carrier. Alternatively, the dispersing device 10 may fly to the dispersing location without being transported. Alternatively, whether or not the dispersing device 10 is transported by a transport aircraft U may be determined based on the distance to the dispersing location, etc.

[0107] Furthermore, the rain-relieving agent K can be formed from organic matter and does not necessarily have to be formed from algae as in this embodiment. Also, the shape of the particles of the rain-relieving agent K is not limited to spherical, and may be formed into shapes other than spherical. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0108] 1. Rainfall control system 10 Spraying equipment 30 Computing equipment K rain agent

Claims

1. A computing device that determines the conditions for spraying rain-preventing agents over the sea based on meteorological data including information on the amount of water vapor over the sea, A spraying device that sprays the rain-relieving agent onto water vapor according to the spraying conditions for the rain-relieving agent determined by the aforementioned calculation device, It is equipped with, The aforementioned rain-relieving agent is Formed by powdery algae, Rainfall control system.

2. The aforementioned weather data is This includes information regarding the prediction of the occurrence of linear rainbands. The rainfall control system according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned computing device is If a linear rainband is predicted to form, it is possible to estimate the sea area where water vapor causing the linear rainband exists and to decide whether to spray rain-preventing agents in that area. The rainfall control system according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned computing device is It is possible to predict the weather conditions on land assuming that the rain-relieving agent is sprayed under hypothetical spraying conditions, and to determine the spraying conditions for the rain-relieving agent based on the results of the prediction. The rainfall control system according to claim 1.

5. The aforementioned computing device is The conditions for spraying the rain agent can be determined by machine learning using the results of the above prediction as training data. The rainfall control system according to claim 4.

6. The present invention further comprises a recovery device for recovering the spraying device that has landed on the sea after spraying the rain-relieving agent, A rainfall control system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A computing device for determining the conditions for spraying rain-preventing agents over the sea based on meteorological data including information on the amount of water vapor over the sea, A spraying device that sprays the rain-relieving agent onto water vapor according to the spraying conditions for the rain-relieving agent determined by the aforementioned calculation device, It is equipped with, The device further comprises a charging device for charging the rain agent sprayed from the aforementioned spraying device. Rainfall control system.

Images