Power control device, power control system, power control method, and power control program

Abstract

This power control device (21) is provided with: a data acquisition unit (22) that acquires state data from at least one management object among a feeder grid facility including a facility for transmitting electricity to a train, a train, and a station facility; an arithmetic unit (24) that calculates a control parameter used to control the power of at least one control object among the feeder grid facility, the train, and the station facility, said parameter being calculated on the basis of state data of a management object different from the control object; and a transmission processing unit (25) that transmits the calculated control parameter to the control object.

Description

Power control device, power control system, power control method, and power control program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power control device, a power control system, a power control method, and a power control program that control a power grid.

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Various techniques have been proposed to achieve effective use of power in railway systems including trains and stations.

[0003] Patent Literature 1 discloses a railway system in which regenerative power generated by a train's regenerative operation is stored in a power storage device and the power stored in the power storage device is used on the train or at a station. According to Patent Literature 1, a power management system responsible for energy management of the railway system estimates the trends in the amount of power stored in the power storage device and the amount of power discharged from the power storage device by calculating the trends in the amount of power consumed by the train and the trends in the amount of regenerative power generated by the train when the train runs according to a train schedule. The power management system controls the power storage device based on the results of estimating the trends in the amount of power stored and the amount of power discharged.

[0004] JP 2016-32950 A

[0005] When a railway system is included in the scope of energy management, it is desirable to be able to use electricity appropriately throughout the entire railway system depending on the status of the equipment included in the railway system.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide a power control device that enables appropriate power usage according to the status of equipment included in a railway system.

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objectives, the power control device of the present disclosure includes a data acquisition unit that acquires status data from at least one of the controlled objects among the power supply system equipment, the train, and the station equipment, including equipment that supplies electricity to the train; a calculation unit that calculates control parameters used to control power in at least one of the controlled objects among the power supply system equipment, the train, and the station equipment, based on the status data of the controlled object that is different from the controlled object; and a transmission processing unit that transmits the calculated control parameters to the controlled object.

[0008] The power control device according to the present disclosure has an effect of being able to use power appropriately according to the status of the equipment included in the railway system.

[0009] Schematic diagram showing an example of a target of energy management by the power control system according to the first embodiment. Diagram showing an example of the configuration of the power control system according to the first embodiment. Flowchart showing an example of the operation procedure by the power control system according to the first embodiment. Diagram showing an example of the configuration of a calculation unit according to a modified example of the first embodiment. Diagram showing an example of time-based control parameters held in the calculation unit according to a modified example of the first embodiment. Diagram showing an example of a schedule for transmitting control parameters by the transmission processing unit in a modified example of the first embodiment. Flowchart showing an example of the operation procedure by the power control system according to a modified example of the first embodiment. Diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the power control device according to the first embodiment.

[0010] A power control device, a power control system, a power control method, and a power control program according to embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0011] First Embodiment. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a target of energy management by a power control system according to a first embodiment. The power control system according to the first embodiment controls the power grid of a railway system 1. The railway system 1 includes trains 5 that operate the railway, power supply system equipment 2 including equipment for supplying electricity to the trains 5, and railway stations 3. The power control system also manages energy between the railway system 1 and external facilities 13. The external facilities 13 are facilities outside the railway system 1 that can use power supplied from the railway system 1. In the first embodiment, energy management refers to monitoring the power usage status in the railway system 1 and the external facilities 13, thereby understanding the power usage status in the entire system including the railway system 1 and the external facilities 13. In this way, the scope in which energy management is performed by the power control system includes the railway system 1 and the external facilities 13.

[0012] The substation 6 is a facility that transmits electricity to the train 5. The substation 6 is supplied with AC voltage from a commercial grid. The substation 6 steps down the AC voltage and converts it to DC voltage. The substation 6 supplies the DC voltage to a feeder 7. In the first embodiment, the feeding system facility 2 is, for example, the substation 6 and the feeder 7. Note that the number of substations 6 connected to the feeder 7 is assumed to be arbitrary. In FIG. 1 , the commercial grid is not shown.

[0013] A plurality of electric trains 5 operating on the railway run on rails 8. Each electric train 5 is powered by power supplied from a feeder line 7. FIG. 1 shows one of the plurality of electric trains 5 running on the rails 8. Each electric train 5 generates regenerative power through regenerative operation. For example, when regenerative power is generated in one electric train 5, other electric trains 5 running nearby the electric train 5 can use the regenerative power for powering or driving vehicle equipment. Vehicle equipment is electrical equipment installed on the electric train 5, such as air conditioning equipment or lighting equipment. Regenerative power that is surplus in the power supply system equipment 2 is recovered by a power supply device 9 installed in the station 3.

[0014] The railway system 1 includes a plurality of stations 3 installed on the railway line. FIG. 1 shows one of the plurality of stations 3 installed on the railway line. The station 3 is equipped with a power supply unit 9, a plurality of station building facilities 10, and power transmission facilities 11. Each of the power supply unit 9, the plurality of station building facilities 10, and the power transmission facilities 11 is equipment installed in the railway station 3. In the first embodiment, each of these facilities installed in the railway station 3 is referred to as station equipment. Note that FIG. 1 shows one of the plurality of station building facilities 10.

[0015] Each of the station facilities 10 is electrical equipment installed in a station building. Examples of the station facilities 10 include air conditioning equipment, lighting equipment, automatic ticket gates, bulletin boards, signage, elevators, etc. The power supply device 9, the station facilities 10, and the power transmission facility 11 are connected to one another via wiring 12.

[0016] The power supply device 9 takes in regenerative power generated by the train 5 and stores the regenerative power. The power supply device 9 converts the regenerative power from DC power to AC power. The power supply device 9 supplies power to at least one of a plurality of station facilities 10 and power transmission facilities 11 under the control of the power control system. The power transmission facilities 11 transmit the power supplied by the power supply device 9 to an external facility 13. The power supply device 9 takes in regenerative power generated by the train 5 and supplies power to each of the station facilities and the external facility 13.

[0017] Station 3 may be equipped with a solar power generation device, which is a station facility. The solar power generation device supplies power to at least one of a plurality of station building facilities 10 and power transmission facility 11 under the control of the power control system. Power transmission facility 11 sends the power supplied by the solar power generation device to external facilities 13. Power transmission facility 11 may supply power to power supply device 9. In this case, power supply device 9 stores the power supplied by the solar power generation device.

[0018] An EV (Electric Vehicle) charging device, which is a station facility, may be installed at station 3. The EV charging device is installed in the parking lot of station 3. The EV charging device supplies power to EVs under the control of a power control system. EVs are charged by being connected to the EV charging device.

[0019] The external facility 13 is, for example, a facility such as a commercial building or an office building, an apartment building, or a detached house. Electrical equipment powered by power transmitted from the power transmission facility 11 is installed in the external facility 13. Such electrical equipment includes air conditioning equipment, lighting equipment, elevators, and household electrical appliances. The number of external facilities 13 connected to the power transmission facility 11 is arbitrary.

[0020] In the first embodiment, the power usage status at the external facility 13 is managed by the power control system. However, the power control system is not involved in the control of power usage at the external facility 13. Control of power usage at the external facility 13 is carried out independently by the external facility 13. In this way, the external facility 13 corresponds to a target whose power usage status is managed by the power control system, but does not correspond to a target controlled by the power control system. Note that the external facilities 13 whose power usage status is managed by the power control system may include facilities that correspond to targets controlled by the power control system.

[0021] Next, the configuration of the power control system will be described. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example configuration of a power control system 20 according to the first embodiment. The power control system 20 includes a plurality of electric trains 5, station equipment, a power feeding system equipment 2, and a power control device 21. The power control device 21 is installed, for example, in a train operation control center of the railway system 1. A commander at the train operation control center monitors the operation status of the electric trains 5 and issues work instructions to the train crew or station staff. Note that the plurality of electric trains 5, station equipment, and power feeding system equipment 2 are not shown in Fig. 2.

[0022] In the first embodiment, the managed objects are those whose power usage status is managed by the power control device 21. The power control device 21 monitors the status of the managed objects. Each train 5, the substation 6 of the power supply system equipment 2, the station equipment, and the external facility 13 are all managed objects. FIG. 2 shows one of the multiple managed objects. Each managed object transmits status data to the power control device 21. The power control device 21 acquires the status data of each managed object. The power control device 21 monitors the power usage status in the railway system 1 and the external facility 13 based on the acquired status data. The status data includes at least one of data indicating the electrical status of the managed object and data indicating the physical status of the managed object. Details of the status data will be described later.

[0023] Status data for some of the multiple managed devices may be temporarily stored in a cloud environment and transmitted from the cloud environment to the power control device 21. FIG. 2 shows a cloud server 41 that stores status data in the cloud environment. The cloud server 41 shown in FIG. 2 is one of the components of the power control system 20. The cloud server 41 is a server built in a cloud environment that includes computer resources provided by a cloud service platform. The cloud server 41 is connected to a network. The status data transmitted from the managed devices is input to the cloud server 41 via the network.

[0024] Of the multiple managed devices, each managed device that transmits status data to the power control device 21 is connected to a network and transmits status data to the power control device 21 via the network. The cloud server 41 transmits status data to the power control device 21 via the network. In the first embodiment, the network is, for example, a WAN (Wide Area Network) such as the Internet, but may also be a LAN (Local Area Network).

[0025] The power control system 20 includes a human machine interface (HMI) 42. The HMI 42 is an input / output device that receives information input to the power control device 21 and outputs information transmitted from the power control device 21. The HMI 42 is connected to a network. The HMI 42 transmits information to the power control device 21 via the network. The power control device 21 transmits information to the HMI 42 via the network. The HMI 42 may be provided in the power control device 21, for example.

[0026] The power control device 21 includes a data acquisition unit 22 , a data storage unit 23 , a calculation unit 24 , a transmission processing unit 25 , and a communication unit 26 .

[0027] The communication unit 26 is an interface for transmitting and receiving information, and communicates with devices external to the power control device 21. In the example shown in Fig. 2, the communication unit 26 communicates with each of a plurality of managed objects, a cloud server 41, and an HMI 42. The communication unit 26 also communicates with controlled objects, which will be described later. The communication unit 26 is, for example, a LAN terminal, which is a wired network terminal, but is not limited to this, and wireless communication may be performed using a wireless LAN system.

[0028] The communication unit 26 receives status data transmitted from each of the multiple managed objects. When status data for some of the multiple managed objects is stored in the cloud server 41, the data acquisition unit 22 receives the status data transmitted from the cloud server 41. The communication unit 26 outputs the received status data to the data acquisition unit 22. As a result, the data acquisition unit 22 acquires status data from the multiple managed objects. The status data acquired by the data acquisition unit 22 is status data for at least one of the managed objects, namely, the power supply system equipment 2, the train 5, and the station equipment. The data acquisition unit 22 acquires at least one of the electrical data and physical data of the managed objects. The data acquisition unit 22 outputs the acquired status data to the data holding unit 23.

[0029] The communication unit 26 receives the simulation condition information transmitted from the HMI 42. The communication unit 26 outputs the received simulation condition information to the data acquisition unit 22. As a result, the data acquisition unit 22 acquires the simulation condition information. The simulation condition information is information indicating the conditions of a simulation executed by a simulator 34 (described later). The data acquisition unit 22 outputs the acquired simulation condition information to the data holding unit 23.

[0030] The data holding unit 23 includes a state data holding unit 31, a simulation condition holding unit 32, and a control parameter holding unit 33. The state data holding unit 31 holds state data input to the data holding unit 23. The simulation condition holding unit 32 holds simulation condition information input to the data holding unit 23. In this way, the data holding unit 23 holds the state data and simulation condition information acquired by the data acquisition unit 22.

[0031] The simulation condition information includes vehicle characteristic information, train schedule information, line information, and substation characteristic information. The vehicle characteristic information is information indicating the characteristics of each of the multiple electric trains 5. The train schedule information is information indicating the train schedule of each of the multiple electric trains 5. The line information is information indicating, for each of the multiple electric trains 5, the railway line on which the electric train 5 operates. The line information includes information on the operating system, which is the specific running route of each electric train 5. The substation characteristic information is information indicating the characteristics of the substation 6.

[0032] Note that the vehicle characteristic information, bus schedule information, route information, and substation characteristic information are examples of information included in the simulation condition information. The simulation condition information does not have to include one or more of the vehicle characteristic information, bus schedule information, route information, and substation characteristic information. The simulation condition information may include information other than the vehicle characteristic information, bus schedule information, route information, and substation characteristic information.

[0033] The control parameters calculated by the calculation unit 24 are input to the data holding unit 23. The control parameter holding unit 33 holds the simulation condition information input to the data holding unit 23. In this way, the data holding unit 23 holds the control parameters calculated by the calculation unit 24.

[0034] The calculation unit 24 calculates control parameters used for controlling power usage in the railway system 1 by calculating the status data acquired by the data acquisition unit 22. The calculation unit 24 calculates control parameters used for controlling power in at least one controlled object among the power supply system equipment 2, the trains 5, and the station equipment, based on status data of a controlled object that is different from the controlled object. In the first embodiment, the controlled object is an object for which power control is executed by the power control device 21.

[0035] The calculation unit 24 includes a simulator 34 and a control parameter calculation unit 35. The simulator 34 simulates the power consumption of the railway system 1 based on the status data and the train schedule of the trains 5. The simulations executed by the simulator 34 are a train operation simulation, which will be described later, and a power simulation, which will be described later. The control parameter calculation unit 35 calculates control parameters based on the results of the simulation by the simulator 34. The control parameter calculation unit 35 outputs the calculated control parameters to the control parameter storage unit 33. The control parameters calculated by the control parameter calculation unit 35 are stored in the control parameter storage unit 33.

[0036] The calculation unit 24 includes a data processing unit that processes the status data acquired by the data acquisition unit 22 for display on the HMI 42. The data processing unit outputs the processed status data to the communication unit 26. The communication unit 26 transmits the processed status data to the HMI 42. The data processing unit is not shown in the figure.

[0037] The simulator 34 reads status data from the status data storage unit 31. The simulator 34 reads simulation condition information from the simulation condition storage unit 32. The simulator 34 executes an operation simulation based on the train schedule information and route information included in the read simulation condition information. The operation simulation is a simulation of the operating conditions when the train 5 is operated on the route indicated in the train schedule.

[0038] The simulator 34 also executes a power simulation based on the read status data, the results of the operation simulation, and the vehicle characteristic information and substation characteristic information included in the read simulation condition information. The power simulation is a simulation of power consumption in the railway system 1. The simulator 34 executes a power simulation for when the train 5 is operated in accordance with the results of the operation simulation. The simulator 34 outputs the results of the power simulation to the control parameter calculation unit 35. The simulator 34 also outputs the results of the power simulation to the communication unit 26. The communication unit 26 transmits the results of the power simulation to the HMI 42.

[0039] The control parameter calculation unit 35 calculates control parameters based on the results of the power simulation. In this case, the control parameter calculation unit 35 calculates the control parameters based on a plurality of objective functions representing different objectives. The control parameter calculation unit 35 calculates control parameters that optimize each of the plurality of objective functions. In this example, the plurality of objective functions are assumed to be four objective functions.

[0040] Of the four objective functions, the first objective function represents the carbon dioxide emissions in at least one of the railway system 1 and the external facilities 13. The objective represented by the first objective function is to minimize the carbon dioxide emissions in the entire system including the railway system 1 and the external facilities 13. Minimizing the carbon dioxide emissions can also be said to mean minimizing the amount of power consumed or lost in the power grid, or minimizing the amount of power supplied to the railway system 1 from the commercial grid.

[0041] The second objective function of the four objective functions represents the electricity charge in at least one of the railway system 1 and the external facility 13. The objective represented by the second objective function is to minimize the electricity charge in the entire system including the railway system 1 and the external facility 13. Here, minimizing the electricity charge in the entire system refers to minimizing the total amount of electricity charges in all facilities that impose electricity charges in the entire system.

[0042] The third objective function of the four objective functions represents the stability of the power system in at least one of the railway system 1 and the external facility 13. The objective represented by the third objective function is to stabilize the power system in the railway system 1 and the external facility 13. Stabilization of the power system includes, for example, mitigating sudden changes in power flow when there is a change in weather.

[0043] Of the four objective functions, the fourth objective function represents the deviation between the actual operation of the train 5 and the train schedule. The objective represented by the fourth objective function is to minimize the deviation between the actual operation of the train 5 and the train schedule.

[0044] The control parameter calculation unit 35 adjusts the weighting of each of the plurality of objective functions, and calculates the control parameters based on the plurality of objective functions whose weightings have been adjusted.

[0045] Here, for each of the multiple objective functions, a coefficient representing weighting is defined as ω k where k is an integer from 1 to m, and m is the number of objective functions. The control parameter calculation unit 35 calculates the coefficients ω1, ..., ω m In the above example, m=4. ω1 is a coefficient representing the weighting of the first objective function. ω2 is a coefficient representing the weighting of the second objective function. ω3 is a coefficient representing the weighting of the third objective function. ω4 is a coefficient representing the weighting of the fourth objective function.

[0046] In the following description, x is a control parameter, F kLet (x) represent each of the multiple objective functions: F(x) represents the first objective function; F(x) represents the second objective function; F(x) represents the third objective function; and F(x) represents the fourth objective function.

[0047] The control parameter calculation unit 35 calculates F k (x) is expressed by the following formula (1): F(x) = ω1 × F1(x) + ω2 × F2(x) + ω3 × F3(x) + ω4 × F4(x) ... (1)

[0048] In this way, the control parameter calculation unit 35 calculates the control parameters based on a plurality of objective functions whose respective weights have been adjusted.

[0049] Here, the control mode when controlling the railway system 1 for the sole purpose of minimizing carbon dioxide emissions in the entire system including the railway system 1 and the external facilities 13 is referred to as the first control mode. The control mode when controlling the railway system 1 for the sole purpose of minimizing electricity charges in the entire system including the railway system 1 and the external facilities 13 is referred to as the second control mode. The control mode when controlling the railway system 1 for the sole purpose of stabilizing the power grid in the railway system 1 and the external facilities 13 is referred to as the third control mode. The control mode when controlling the railway system 1 for the sole purpose of minimizing the deviation between the actual operation of the trains 5 and the train schedule is referred to as the fourth control mode. Adjusting each coefficient, which is an element included in the set of coefficients [ω1, ω2, ω3, ω4], can be said to adjust the proportion of control by each of these control modes. In the following description, adjusting the proportion of the control modes refers to adjusting the weighting of each of multiple objective functions. The proportion of the control modes represents the distribution of each coefficient in the set of coefficients [ω1, ω2, ω3, ω4]. Hereinafter, the set of coefficients [ω1, ω2, ω3, ω4] will be referred to as mode proportion information.

[0050] The HMI 42 includes a communication unit 43, a display unit 44 that displays information, and an operation unit 45 that accepts operations for inputting information. The communication unit 43 communicates with devices external to the HMI 42. In the example shown in FIG. 2 , the communication unit 43 communicates with the power control device 21.

[0051] The communication unit 43 receives the status data that has been processed for display, and outputs the received status data to the display unit 44. The display unit 44 displays the status data input to the display unit 44. The HMI 42 may receive the control parameters calculated by the control parameter calculation unit 35 at the communication unit 43, and display the status of control of the railway system 1 by the power control system 20 on the display unit 44 based on the control parameters. The communication unit 43 receives the results of the power simulation by the simulator 34, and outputs the results of the power simulation to the display unit 44. The display unit 44 displays the results of the power simulation input to the display unit 44.

[0052] The operation unit 45 is operated by a commander engaged in monitoring and control work at the operation control center of the railway system 1. The operation unit 45 accepts an operation to specify the ratio of control modes. That is, the operation unit 45 accepts an operation to specify the weighting of each of a plurality of objective functions. The communication unit 43 transmits input information input to the HMI 42 by operation on the operation unit 45 to the power control device 21. The communication unit 26 of the power control device 21 receives the input information and outputs the input information to the calculation unit 24. The control parameter calculation unit 35 sets mode ratio information in accordance with the input information input to the calculation unit 24. In this way, the control parameter calculation unit 35 adjusts the weighting of each of the plurality of objective functions in accordance with operation on the operation unit 45.

[0053] The transmission processing unit 25 transmits the control parameters calculated by the control parameter calculation unit 35 to the controlled object via the communication unit 26. The transmission processing unit 25 includes a transmission data creation unit 36, a transmission object determination unit 37, and a transmission data output unit 38.

[0054] The transmission data creation unit 36 ​​reads out the control parameters from the control parameter storage unit 33 and creates transmission data. The transmission data is data including the control parameters read out from the control parameter storage unit 33 and is data to be transmitted to the equipment that is the controlled object. The train 5, the substation 6 of the power supply system equipment 2, and the station facilities are each controlled objects. The external facilities 13 whose power usage status is managed by the power control system 20 may include facilities that are controlled objects. The transmission data creation unit 36 ​​outputs the created transmission data to the transmission object determination unit 37. Control of electricity usage will be described later.

[0055] The transmission target determination unit 37 determines the controlled target to which the transmission data is to be transmitted, based on the transmission data. The transmission target determination unit 37 outputs the transmission data linked with information indicating the determined controlled target to the transmission data output unit 38. The transmission data output unit 38 outputs the transmission data to the communication unit 26. The communication unit 26 transmits the transmission data to the controlled target indicated by the information linked with the transmission data. In Figure 2, the arrow pointing from the communication unit 26 to the outside of the power control device 21 indicates that the transmission data is transmitted from the communication unit 26 to the controlled target.

[0056] Next, an example of status data acquired by the data acquisition unit 22 will be described. Hereinafter, the status data indicating the electrical status of the managed object will be referred to as "electrical data." Also, the status data indicating the physical status of the managed object will be referred to as "physical data."

[0057] The data acquisition unit 22 acquires electrical data and physical data of the train 5. Examples of the electrical data of the train 5 include data on the voltage, current, power, or amount of power supplied to the train 5, data on the power factor of the train 5, and data on the amount of regenerative power throttling. The amount of regenerative power throttling is the amount of power of the train 5 when regenerative power throttling control is performed. Regenerative power throttling control is control that suppresses the supply of some or all of the regenerative power to the feeder line 7. The power control device 21 performs regenerative power throttling control when the power running power required by the train 5 performing power running is less than the regenerative power generated by the train 5 performing regenerative operation. By performing regenerative power throttling control, the power control device 21 prevents the voltage of the feeder line 7 from becoming too high.

[0058] Examples of the physical data of the train 5 include data such as the weight of the cars that make up the train 5, the location of the train 5, the speed of the train 5, the number of passengers on the train 5, the total weight of passengers on the train 5, or the altitude of the location of the train 5. The power control device 21 monitors the status of the train 5 and the power usage status of the train 5 by acquiring status data of the train 5. The physical data of the train 5 may also include data indicating the operation history of the train 5. Examples of the data indicating the operation history include data such as the time when the train 5 departs from station 3, the time when the train 5 arrives at station 3, the time the train 5 travels between stations, or the time the train 5 stops at station 3.

[0059] The data acquisition unit 22 acquires electrical data of the substation 6, which is the power supply system equipment 2. Examples of the electrical data of the substation 6 include data on the current, voltage, power, or amount of power output from the substation 6 to the feeder 7, or the tap values ​​of the transformers provided in the substation 6. The power control device 21 monitors the state of power supply from the substation 6 to the feeder 7 by acquiring the status data of the substation 6. An example of the physical data of the substation 6 is data such as the number of operating rectifiers provided in the substation 6.

[0060] The data acquisition unit 22 acquires electrical data and physical data of the station equipment. Examples of the electrical data of the power supply device 9, which is station equipment, include data on the power input to the power supply device 9, data on the power output from the power supply device 9, and a regeneration determination index value. The regeneration determination index value is an index value for determining whether the train 5 is performing regenerative operation.

[0061] Examples of electrical data of station building equipment 10, which is station equipment, include data on the voltage, current, power, or amount of power supplied to station building equipment 10, or data on the power factor of station building equipment 10. An example of physical data of station building equipment 10, which is station equipment, is data such as the number of people who have passed through an automatic ticket gate. An example of electrical data of a solar power generation device, which is station equipment, is data on the amount of power generated. An example of electrical data of an EV charging device, which is station equipment, is data on the power or amount of power output from the EV charging device to EVs. An example of physical data of an EV charging device, which is station equipment, is data such as the number of EVs connected to the EV charging device or the number of EVs waiting to be charged. An example of electrical data of power transmission equipment 11, which is station equipment, is data on the power or amount of power transmitted from power transmission equipment 11 to external facility 13. The power control device 21 monitors the status of power supply from power transmission equipment 11 to external facility 13 by acquiring status data of power transmission equipment 11.

[0062] The data acquisition unit 22 acquires electrical data of the external facility 13. Examples of the electrical data of the external facility 13 include data on the voltage, current, power, or amount of power supplied to the external facility 13, or data on the power factor of equipment installed in the external facility 13. The power control device 21 monitors the power usage status in the external facility 13 by acquiring the status data of the external facility 13.

[0063] When the controlled objects are managed by multiple railway operators, the data acquisition unit 22 acquires status data of the controlled objects managed by the multiple railway operators. In this case, the calculation unit 24 calculates control parameters to be used for controlling the controlled objects managed by the multiple railway operators based on the acquired status data. The transmission processing unit 25 transmits the control parameters to the controlled objects managed by the multiple railway operators.

[0064] For example, in the railway system 1, trains 5 operated by multiple railway operators may operate across lines managed by each of the multiple railway operators. That is, trains 5 operated by multiple railway operators may operate on a common line. In this case, each of the multiple trains 5 operated by each railway operator is a managed object managed by the multiple railway operators. The railway system 1 includes multiple trains 5 operated by each railway operator. The data acquisition unit 22 acquires status data of each train 5 operated by each railway operator.

[0065] When a train 5 operates across lines under the jurisdiction of multiple railway operators, a transformer may be installed at the demarcation point between the areas under the jurisdiction of each railway operator, and electrical data may be acquired by the transformer. Examples of electrical data when a train 5 operates across lines under the jurisdiction of multiple railway operators include data such as voltage or current flowing in or out between the multiple railway operators. Examples of physical data when a train 5 operates across lines under the jurisdiction of multiple railway operators include data such as the number of trains 5 operating.

[0066] When trains 5 operated by a plurality of railway operators are operated on a common route, the data acquisition unit 22 acquires vehicle characteristic information, train schedule information, and route information, which are simulation condition information for the trains 5 operated by each railway operator. The simulation condition information for the trains 5 operated by each railway operator is provided by each railway operator.

[0067] In the first embodiment, the railway system 1 may be configured such that only trains 5 of one railway operator operate on all routes. The railway system 1 may include routes on which only trains 5 of one railway operator operate and routes on which trains 5 of multiple railway operators operate.

[0068] The status data acquired by the data acquisition unit 22 includes weather data for the location of the managed object. The weather data includes data indicating the weather or temperature at the location where the managed object is located. The weather data for the location where the managed object is located is included in the status data for the managed object. The weather data is acquired, for example, from a business that distributes weather data. When the data acquisition unit 22 acquires weather data, the calculation unit 24 calculates control parameters to be used for controlling the controlled object based on the acquired weather data. Note that the status data acquired by the power control device 21 may be data regarding the state of the managed object, and is not limited to the above data.

[0069] Next, a description will be given of examples of control parameters output by the transmission processing unit 25. Here, five examples of control parameters output by the transmission processing unit 25 will be described.

[0070] A first example of the control parameter is a control parameter for controlling the voltage output from the substation 6 to the feeder line 7. The transmission processing unit 25 transmits the control parameter of the first example to the substation 6. The control parameter of the first example includes a parameter for changing the tap value of a transformer provided in the substation 6, or a parameter for changing the number of rectifiers in operation. Controlling the substation 6 using the control parameter of the first example increases the regenerative power that enables interchange between the electric trains 5, and enables the regenerative power to be used effectively. This enables the power control device 21 to reduce the power consumption caused by the operation of the electric trains 5.

[0071] A second example of the control parameters is a control parameter for controlling the power supply device 9 to take in power from the feeder line 7. The transmission processing unit 25 transmits the control parameters of the second example to the power supply device 9. The control parameters of the second example include a regeneration determination index value, etc. Controlling the power supply device 9 using the control parameters of the second example can reduce the loss of regenerative power. This enables the power control device 21 to reduce power consumption in the railway system 1.

[0072] A third example of the control parameters is a control parameter for controlling the train 5. The transmission processing unit 25 transmits the control parameters of the third example to the train 5. The control parameters of the third example include a parameter for adjusting instructions issued from the operation control center to the driver of the train 5. Settings for the operation content displayed on the operation support screen of the train 5, changes to the run curve, etc. are performed based on the parameter. Furthermore, the control parameters of the third example include a parameter for controlling vehicle equipment of the train 5. Controlling the train 5 using the control parameters of the third example makes it possible to promote energy conservation of the train 5. Alternatively, adjusting the running of the train 5 using the control parameters of the third example makes it possible to reduce the discrepancy between the actual operation of the train 5 and the train schedule.

[0073] A fourth example of the control parameters is a control parameter for controlling the flow of people at station 3 or train 5. The control parameters of the fourth example include a parameter for setting the content of guidance to be presented to people at station 3 or passengers on train 5. The guidance is displayed on a bulletin board or train vision installed in a waiting room or the like at station 3, or on a mobile device carried by people at station 3 or passengers on train 5. Controlling the flow of people using the control parameters of the fourth example can reduce the workload of station staff. Alternatively, controlling the flow of people using the control parameters of the fourth example can alleviate congestion at station 3 or train 5, thereby improving the quality of life (QOL) of people at station 3 or passengers on train 5. Reducing congestion on train 5 reduces the number of passengers on train 5, thereby reducing the weight of train 5 and enabling a reduction in power consumption when train 5 is powered. Furthermore, reducing the number of passengers on train 5 allows the comfort inside the car to be maintained even if the air conditioning intensity is reduced, enabling a reduction in power consumption by train 5.

[0074] A fifth example of the control parameters is a control parameter related to the control of station facilities. The control parameters of the fifth example include a parameter for controlling charging of the power supply device 9, a parameter for controlling the power supply from the power supply device 9 to an EV charging device or the power transmission facility 11, or a parameter for controlling the power supply from a solar power generation device to the power supply device 9 or the power transmission facility 11. The control parameters of the fifth example also include a parameter for delivering guidance to EV users encouraging them to charge their EVs using an EV charging device. By encouraging users who receive this guidance to charge their EVs, the effective use of power stored in the power supply device 9 or power generated by a solar power generation device is promoted. Controlling station facilities using the control parameters of the fifth example enables the effective use of power. Alternatively, controlling station facilities using the control parameters of the fifth example makes it possible to mitigate sudden changes in power flow.

[0075] When trains 5 operated by a plurality of railway operators are operated on a common line, the trains 5 operated by each railway operator are controlled objects. The transmission processing unit 25 transmits control parameters to the trains 5 operated by each railway operator.

[0076] In the above description, the control parameter calculation unit 35 sets the mode ratio information in accordance with an operation on the operation unit 45. The control parameter calculation unit 35 may also set the mode ratio information based on status data acquired by the data acquisition unit 22, without relying on an operation on the operation unit 45. For example, assume that the control parameter calculation unit 35 determines, based on data indicating the operation history of the train 5, that the discrepancy between the actual operation of the train 5 and the train schedule exceeds a certain threshold. In this case, the control parameter calculation unit 35 increases the weighting of the fourth objective function compared to when there is no discrepancy. Furthermore, when the control parameter calculation unit 35 determines that there has been a sudden change in weather based on weather data, it increases the weighting of the third objective function compared to when there is no change in weather. In this way, the power control device 21 selects the most appropriate ratio of each control mode in consideration of the situation determined from the status data. This allows the power control device 21 to optimize the control of the railway system 1 in accordance with changes in the situation.

[0077] The mode ratio information set by the control parameter calculation unit 35 may reflect interactions between the control effects of the multiple control modes. For example, if there is a control mode that has a first priority among the multiple control modes, a control mode that has an interaction with the first priority control mode is selected as the control mode that has the next highest priority after the first priority control mode. This allows the control parameter calculation unit 35 to calculate control parameters that take into account interactions between the control modes.

[0078] Next, examples of simulation and control parameter calculation methods will be described. Here, two methods will be described as examples of simulation and control parameter calculation methods.

[0079] In a first method of simulation and control parameter calculation, the calculation unit 24 performs simulation and control parameter calculation by acquiring, in real time, status data input to the power control device 21. In the first method, when the status data is acquired by the data acquisition unit 22, the calculation unit 24 calculates the control parameters by performing an operation on the acquired status data.

[0080] The data acquisition unit 22 acquires status data for multiple managed objects and stores a status data group, which is the status data for the multiple managed objects, in the status data storage unit 31. The status data group stored in the status data storage unit 31 is a group of status data acquired from multiple managed objects. The calculation unit 24 calculates control parameters used to control power in the controlled object based on the status data group including status data for managed objects other than the controlled object. The status data group may be a group of status data acquired simultaneously for multiple managed objects. In a first method, when the status data group is stored in the status data storage unit 31, the calculation unit 24 reads the status data group from the status data storage unit 31. The simulator 34 executes an operation simulation and a power simulation based on the read status data group.

[0081] The control parameter calculation unit 35 calculates control parameters based on the results of the power simulation. The control parameter calculation unit 35 sets mode ratio information based on operations on the operation unit 45 or state data, and calculates control parameters that minimize or maximize the sum of multiple objective functions. In other words, the control parameter calculation unit 35 calculates control parameters that optimize the multiple objective functions with adjusted weighting. The control parameter calculation unit 35 outputs a control parameter group that is control parameters for multiple controlled objects.

[0082] Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation procedure of the power control system 20 according to embodiment 1. Fig. 3 shows an example of an operation procedure of the power control device 21 when the calculation unit 24 performs a simulation and calculates control parameters using the first method.

[0083] In step S1, the data acquisition unit 22 acquires state data of the managed objects and stores the state data group of the managed objects in the state data storage unit 31.

[0084] In step S2, the control parameter calculation unit 35 sets mode ratio information in accordance with information input by operating the operation unit 45. Alternatively, the control parameter calculation unit 35 sets the mode ratio information based on the status data acquired in step S1.

[0085] The simulator 34 reads the state data group from the state data storage unit 31. The simulator 34 reads the simulation condition information from the simulation condition storage unit 32. In step S3, the simulator 34 executes an operation simulation based on the state data group and the train schedule information and route information included in the simulation condition information.

[0086] In step S4, the simulator 34 executes a power simulation based on the results of the operation simulation in step S3, the state data group, and the vehicle characteristic information and substation characteristic information of the simulation condition information.

[0087] In step S5, the control parameter calculation unit 35 calculates control parameters based on the mode ratio information set in step S2 and the results of the power simulation in step S4. The control parameter calculation unit 35 stores the calculated control parameters in the control parameter storage unit 33.

[0088] The transmission data creation unit 36 ​​creates transmission data including the control parameters. In step S6, the transmission data output unit 38 outputs the transmission data including the control parameters to the communication unit 26. The communication unit 26 transmits the transmission data including the control parameters to the controlled object. With this, the power control device 21 completes the operation according to the procedure shown in Fig. 3. The power control device 21 acquires status data of multiple managed objects as needed, and performs the operation according to the procedure shown in Fig. 3.

[0089] The calculation unit 24 may calculate the control parameters using artificial intelligence (AI). In this case, the calculation unit 24 calculates the control parameters by inputting the state data into a trained model that has learned the relationship between the state data and the control parameters.

[0090] Next, a second method of simulation and control parameter calculation will be described. Simulation and control parameter calculation by the second method are realized by a calculation unit according to a modified example. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example configuration of a calculation unit 51 according to a modified example of the first embodiment. The calculation unit 51 includes a simulator 52, a control parameter calculation unit 53, and a time-based control parameter storage unit 54. FIG. 4 also shows an HMI 42 that exchanges information with the calculation unit 51 via the communication unit 26. The communication unit 26 is not shown in FIG. 4.

[0091] In the second method, the power control device 21 stores the status data acquired by the data acquisition unit 22 in the data holding unit 23. The calculation unit 51 acquires the status data collected in the data holding unit 23 all at once from the data holding unit 23, and performs a simulation and calculates control parameters for the status data for a set period. In the second method, the calculation unit 51 performs the simulation and calculates control parameters by so-called batch processing.

[0092] The data acquisition unit 22 acquires state data for each of the plurality of managed objects and stores a state data group, which is the state data for the plurality of managed objects, in the state data storage unit 31. In the second method, the acquisition of state data by the data acquisition unit 22 and the storage of the state data group in the state data storage unit 31 are repeated as needed, whereby the state data group is accumulated in the data storage unit 23.

[0093] The calculation unit 51 reads out the status data group stored in the status data storage unit 31 at a predetermined date and time. The calculation unit 51 reads out one day's worth of status data group, for example, at a predetermined time during the night. In this case, the calculation unit 51 acquires the status data group in a one-day cycle. Note that the cycle at which the calculation unit 51 acquires the status data group is arbitrary. The cycle may be shorter or longer than one day.

[0094] The simulator 52 executes an operation simulation and a power simulation based on a set of status data for a set period. The control parameter calculation unit 53 calculates control parameters based on the results of the power simulation. That is, in the second method, the calculation unit 51 calculates the control parameters by calculating the status data for a set period. The set period refers to, for example, each time period when a day is divided into multiple time periods.

[0095] The control parameter calculation unit 53 calculates a group of control parameters, which are control parameters for a plurality of controlled objects, for each set period, and outputs the group of control parameters for each set period to the time-specific control parameter storage unit 54.

[0096] The control parameter groups input to the time-based control parameter storage unit 54 are assigned type information indicating the time-based type of the set period. The control parameter groups are linked with the type information and stored in the time-based control parameter storage unit 54. The calculation unit 51 stores time-based control parameters, which are control parameters linked with type information, in the time-based control parameter storage unit 54. The time-based control parameter storage unit 54 accumulates a plurality of control parameter groups linked with type information of different contents.

[0097] 5 is a diagram showing an example of time-based control parameters held in the calculation unit 51 according to the variation of the first embodiment. In FIG. 5, the control parameters, which are time-based control parameters, and the type information associated with the control parameters are shown as tabular data. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the control parameters are associated with mode ratio information indicating the ratio of the control modes applied when the control parameters were calculated, in addition to the type information.

[0098] 5, the set period is classified by three elements: "day type" indicating whether it is a weekday or a holiday, "season type" indicating the season, and "time period." The type information includes information on "day type," "season type," and "time period."

[0099] For example, suppose that a "control parameter group A" is calculated based on status data for a certain period, and that period is from 6:00 to 7:00 on a weekday in summer. In this case, the type information linked to "control parameter group A" includes information on "day type [weekday]," "season type [summer]," and "time period [6:00-7:00]," which indicate the type of period. In the example shown in FIG. 5 , "control parameter group A" is linked to "pattern A" along with the type information. "Pattern A" is mode ratio information that indicates the ratio of control modes applied when "control parameter group A" was calculated.

[0100] In FIG. 5 , “control parameter group A” and “control parameter group B” are examples of time-specific control parameters stored in the time-specific control parameter storage unit 54. “Control parameter group B” is a control parameter group calculated based on status data for the period from 7:00 to 8:00 on a summer weekday. In this case, the type information associated with “control parameter group B” includes information indicating the type of the period: “day type [weekday],” “season type [summer],” and “time period [7:00-8:00].” In addition, in the example shown in FIG. 5 , the ratio of control modes applied when “control parameter group B” was calculated is the same as the ratio of control modes applied when “control parameter group A” was calculated. “control parameter group B” is associated with the type information and “pattern A,” which is mode ratio information. In this way, type information corresponding to the set period and mode ratio information corresponding to the ratio of control modes are associated with the time-specific control parameters stored in the time-specific control parameter storage unit 54.

[0101] When the controlled object is to be controlled, the control parameter calculation unit 53 searches the time-specific control parameter storage unit 54 for time-specific control parameters linked to type information that applies to the time period when the control is to be performed. The control parameter calculation unit 53 identifies the time-specific control parameters linked to type information that applies to the time period when the control is to be performed by the search, and reads out the identified time-specific control parameters. The control parameter calculation unit 53 also determines whether or not there is a time-specific control parameter among the read-out time-specific control parameters whose mode ratio information linked to the time-specific control parameter is the same as the mode ratio information set when the controlled object is to be controlled.

[0102] If the read-out period-specific control parameters include a period-specific control parameter whose associated mode ratio information is the same as the set mode ratio information, the control parameter calculation unit 53 selects that period-specific control parameter. If the read-out period-specific control parameters do not include a period-specific control parameter whose associated mode ratio information matches the set mode ratio information, the control parameter calculation unit 53 performs a search again in the period-specific control parameter storage unit 54. The control parameter calculation unit 53 searches the period-specific control parameter storage unit 54 for a period-specific control parameter that is associated with type information whose timing conditions are closest to the time when control is performed and whose associated mode ratio information matches the set mode ratio information. The control parameter calculation unit 53 selects the period-specific control parameter identified by the search.

[0103] In this way, the control parameter calculation unit 53 selects time-based control parameters based on the type information and mode ratio information from the time-based control parameters stored in the time-based control parameter storage unit 54. By selecting time-based control parameters based on the type information and mode ratio information, the control parameter calculation unit 53 determines control parameters scheduled for transmission by the transmission processing unit 25. The control parameter calculation unit 53 outputs the determined control parameters to the control parameter storage unit 33.

[0104] The control parameter storage unit 33 stores the control parameters input to the control parameter storage unit 33 as a schedule indicating when the control parameters are to be transmitted. The transmission data creation unit 36 ​​reads the control parameters stored as the schedule from the control parameter storage unit 33. The transmission data output unit 38 outputs transmission data including the control parameters according to the schedule.

[0105] 6 is a diagram showing an example of a schedule for transmitting control parameters by the transmission processing unit 25 in a variation of the first embodiment. In FIG. 6, the control parameters and the days and time periods for transmitting the control parameters are shown as tabular data. Here, it is assumed that the mode ratio information linked to the time-specific control parameters is the same as the mode ratio information set when the controlled object is controlled.

[0106] FIG. 6 illustrates a portion of a schedule for "August Y, XXXX year." Assume that "August Y, XXXX year" is a weekday. The type information linked to "control parameter group A" shown in FIG. 5 is type information that applies to the period from 6:00 to 7:00 on "August Y, XXXX year." The control parameter calculation unit 53 selects "control parameter group A" as the control parameters to be applied to control from 6:00 to 7:00 on "August Y, XXXX year." Furthermore, the type information linked to "control parameter group B" shown in FIG. 5 is type information that applies to the period from 7:00 to 8:00 on "August Y, XXXX year." The control parameter calculation unit 53 selects "control parameter group B" as the control parameters to be applied to control from 7:00 to 8:00 on "August Y, XXXX year."

[0107] The control parameter storage unit 33 stores a "control parameter group A" linked to the information indicating the date, "August Y, XXXX year," and the information indicating the time period, "6:00-7:00." It also stores a "control parameter group B" linked to the information indicating the date, "August Y, XXXX year," and the information indicating the time period, "7:00-8:00." In this way, the control parameter storage unit 33 stores the control parameters as a schedule indicating when the control parameters are to be transmitted.

[0108] Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation procedure of the power control system 20 according to the modification of the first embodiment. Fig. 7 shows an example of an operation procedure of the power control device 21 when the calculation unit 51 performs a simulation and calculates control parameters by the second method. At the start of the operation procedure shown in Fig. 7, it is assumed that the status data acquired by the data acquisition unit 22 has been accumulated in the status data holding unit 31.

[0109] Steps S11 to S14 are operations for calculating the time-specific control parameters, and are periodically executed. In step S11, the simulator 52 reads out the status data stored in the status data storage unit 31. The simulator 52 also reads out the simulation condition information from the simulation condition storage unit 32.

[0110] In step S12, the simulator 52 executes an operation simulation and a power simulation. The simulator 52 executes the operation simulation based on the status data group and the train schedule information and route information included in the simulation condition information. The simulator 52 executes a power simulation based on the results of the operation simulation, the status data group, and the vehicle characteristic information and substation characteristic information included in the simulation condition information. The simulator 52 executes the operation simulation and the power simulation for each set period.

[0111] The control parameter calculation unit 53 sets the mode ratio information in accordance with information input by operating the operation unit 45. Alternatively, the control parameter calculation unit 53 sets the mode ratio information based on the status data read out in step S11. In step S13, the control parameter calculation unit 53 calculates control parameters based on the set mode ratio information and the results of the power simulation in step S12. The control parameter calculation unit 53 calculates the control parameters for each set period.

[0112] In step S14, the control parameter calculation unit 53 stores the time-based control parameters, which are control parameters linked to type information, in the time-based control parameter storage unit 54. Through steps S11 to S14, the time-based control parameters are accumulated in the time-based control parameter storage unit 54.

[0113] Steps S15 and S16 are operations performed when the controlled object is controlled. In step S15, the control parameter calculation unit 53 selects a time-specific control parameter to determine the control parameter to be transmitted. The control parameter calculation unit 53 searches for and identifies the time-specific control parameter associated with type information that applies to the time period in which control is to be performed, and reads out the identified time-specific control parameter.

[0114] If there is a time-specific control parameter among the read-out time-specific control parameters whose associated mode ratio information is the same as the mode ratio information set when the controlled object is controlled, the control parameter calculation unit 53 selects that time-specific control parameter.

[0115] If there is no time-based control parameter whose associated mode ratio information matches the set mode ratio information among the read-out time-based control parameters, the control parameter calculation unit 53 searches again in the time-based control parameter storage unit 54. The control parameter calculation unit 53 searches the time-based control parameter storage unit 54 for a time-based control parameter that is associated with type information whose conditions are closest to the time at which control is performed and whose associated mode ratio information matches the set mode ratio information. The control parameter calculation unit 53 selects the time-based control parameter identified by the search.

[0116] In this way, the control parameter calculation unit 53 selects the time-specific control parameters based on the type information and mode ratio information, thereby determining the control parameters to be transmitted. The control parameter storage unit 33 stores the control parameters determined by the control parameter calculation unit 53 as a schedule indicating when the control parameters are to be transmitted.

[0117] In step S16, the transmission data output unit 38 outputs the transmission data including the control parameters in accordance with the schedule held in the control parameter holding unit 33. That is, the transmission data output unit 38 transmits the transmission data including the control parameters to the controlled object in accordance with the schedule held in the control parameter holding unit 33. With the above, the power control device 21 ends the operation according to the procedure shown in FIG.

[0118] The calculation unit 51 may calculate the control parameters using AI. In this case, the calculation unit 51 calculates the control parameters by inputting the state data into a trained model that has trained the relationship between the state data and the control parameters.

[0119] Next, a hardware configuration of the power control device 21 according to the first embodiment will be described. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the power control device 21 according to the first embodiment. The power control device 21 is realized by a computer system including a processing circuit 60 and a communication device 63. The processing circuit 60 includes a processor 61 and a memory 62. The processing circuit 60 is a circuit on which the processor 61 executes software.

[0120] The processing units of the power control device 21, namely the data acquisition unit 22, the calculation unit 24, and the transmission processing unit 25, are realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software or firmware is written as a program and stored in memory 62. In the processing circuit 60, the processor 61 reads and executes a power control program, which is a program stored in memory 62, thereby realizing the functions of the processing units of the power control device 21. The processing circuit 60 includes memory 62 that stores the power control program, which results in the processing of the power control system 20 being executed. The power control program can also be said to cause a computer to execute the procedures and methods of the power control system 20.

[0121] The processor 61 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit, also referred to as a central processing unit, processing unit, arithmetic unit, microprocessor, microcomputer, processor, or DSP (Digital Signal Processor)). The memory 62 is, for example, a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a flash memory, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), or an EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), a magnetic disk, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a compact disk, a minidisk, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc). The data storage unit 23 of the power control device 21 is realized by the memory 62.

[0122] The communication device 63 communicates with devices external to the power control device 21. The communication unit 26 of the power control device 21 is realized by the communication device 63. The communication device 63 receives status data of the controlled object. The communication device 63 transmits transmission data including control parameters to the controlled object.

[0123] The power control device 21 may include an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The power control program may be stored in a recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc)-ROM or DVD-ROM, and the recording medium may be provided to implement the power control system 20.

[0124] In the above description, the power control system 20 is realized by using the power control device 21. The power control system 20 may be configured with two or more devices. At least one of the two or more devices may be a cloud server or an on-premise server. Each of the two or more devices has a configuration similar to the processing circuit 60 and communication device 63 shown in FIG. 8 . Communication between the two or more devices is performed by the communication device 63.

[0125] The HMI 42 has a hardware configuration similar to that shown in FIG. 8 . The communication unit 43 of the HMI 42 is realized by a configuration similar to that of the communication device 63. The HMI 42 also has an input device, which is a device for input, and a monitor that displays a screen. The input device includes, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a keypad, or a touch panel. The operation unit 45 is realized by the input device. The monitor is, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The display unit 44 is realized by the monitor.

[0126] According to the first embodiment, the power control device 21 includes a data acquisition unit 22 that acquires status data from at least one of the managed objects among the power supply system equipment 2, the electric trains 5, and the station equipment, a calculation unit 24 that calculates control parameters used to control power in at least one of the managed objects among the power supply system equipment 2, the electric trains 5, and the station equipment based on the status data of the managed object other than the controlled object, and a transmission processing unit 25 that transmits the calculated control parameters to the controlled object. By calculating the control parameters based on the status data of the managed object other than the controlled object, the power control device 21 can ensure appropriate power usage throughout the entire railway system 1 in accordance with the status of the managed object other than the controlled object. This allows the power control device 21 to use power appropriately in the railway system 1 including the electric trains 5 and the stations 3 in accordance with the status of the railway system 1.

[0127] The calculation unit 24 also calculates control parameters used to control power in the controlled object based on a status data group including status data of the controlled object other than the controlled object. This allows the power control device 21 to ensure appropriate power usage in the railway system 1 based on the status data group acquired from the multiple managed objects.

[0128] The data acquisition unit 22 also acquires status data of external facilities 13 that are facilities outside the railway system 1 and can use power supplied from the railway system 1. The calculation unit 24 calculates control parameters to be used for controlling the controlled object based on the acquired status data of the external facilities 13. This allows the power control device 21 to make effective use of power in the entire system including the railway system 1 and the external facilities 13.

[0129] The station facilities also include a power supply device 9 that takes in regenerative power generated by the train 5 and supplies the power to other station facilities or external facilities 13. A data acquisition unit 22 acquires status data of the power supply device 9 that is the object of management. A transmission processing unit 25 transmits control parameters to the power supply device 9 that is the object of control. This allows the power control device 21 to make effective use of the regenerative power in the station facilities or external facilities 13 depending on the status of the railway system 1 or external facilities 13.

[0130] The data acquisition unit 22 also acquires, as status data, at least one of data indicating the electrical status and data indicating the physical status of the managed object, which allows the power control device 21 to cause the railway system 1 to use power appropriately in accordance with at least one of the electrical status and the physical status of the managed object.

[0131] The data acquisition unit 22 also acquires weather data for the location of the managed object as status data. The calculation unit 24 calculates control parameters to be used for controlling the controlled object based on the acquired weather data. This allows the power control device 21 to cause the railway system 1 to use power appropriately depending on the weather conditions at the location of the managed object.

[0132] Furthermore, the managed objects are managed by multiple railway operators. The data acquisition unit 22 acquires status data of the managed objects managed by the multiple railway operators. The transmission processing unit 25 transmits control parameters to the managed objects managed by the multiple railway operators. This allows the power control device 21 to use power appropriately according to the situation in the railway system 1 including the managed objects managed by the multiple railway operators.

[0133] The calculation unit 24 also has a simulator 34 that simulates the power consumption of the railway system 1 based on the status data and the train schedule, and a control parameter calculation unit 35 that calculates control parameters based on the results of the simulation by the simulator 34. This allows the power control device 21 to determine control parameters that allow the railway system 1 to use power appropriately depending on the situation.

[0134] Furthermore, the control parameter calculation unit 35 calculates the control parameters based on a plurality of objective functions, thereby enabling the power control device 21 to use power in the railway system 1 in a manner that can optimize each of the plurality of objectives.

[0135] Furthermore, the control parameter calculation unit 35 adjusts the weighting of each of the multiple objective functions and calculates the control parameters based on the multiple objective functions whose weightings have been adjusted. This allows the power control device 21 to adjust the proportion of the control modes depending on the status of the railway system 1.

[0136] Furthermore, the control parameter calculation unit 35 adjusts the weights according to an operation that specifies the weights of each of the plurality of objective functions, thereby enabling the power control device 21 to adjust the proportions of the control modes according to any operation.

[0137] Furthermore, the control parameter calculation unit 35 adjusts the weighting of each of the plurality of objective functions based on the state data, thereby enabling the power control device 21 to adjust the proportion of the control modes according to the status of the railway system 1 without requiring any operation.

[0138] The multiple objective functions include a first objective function representing the amount of carbon dioxide emissions in at least one of the railway system 1 and the external facility 13, a second objective function representing the electricity rate in at least one of the railway system 1 and the external facility 13, a third objective function representing the stability of the power system in at least one of the railway system 1 and the external facility 13, and a fourth objective function representing the deviation between the actual operation of the train 5 and the train schedule. This allows the power control device 21 to simultaneously perform control aimed at minimizing the amount of carbon dioxide emissions, control aimed at minimizing the electricity rate, control aimed at stabilizing the power system, and control aimed at minimizing the deviation between the actual operation of the train 5 and the train schedule.

[0139] Furthermore, when the status data is acquired by the data acquisition unit 22, the calculation unit 24 calculates the control parameters by performing calculations on the acquired status data. This enables the power control device 21 to use power appropriately in real time according to the status of the railway system 1.

[0140] The calculation unit 24 also calculates the control parameters by calculating the status data for the set period, thereby enabling the power control device 21 to obtain the control parameters optimized for the set period.

[0141] The calculation unit 24 also holds time-specific control parameters, which are control parameters linked to type information indicating the time type of the set period, and selects a time-specific control parameter from the held time-specific control parameters based on the type information, thereby determining the control parameter scheduled to be transmitted by the transmission processing unit 25. This enables the power control device 21 to set a schedule indicating the schedule for transmitting the control parameters, and transmit the control parameters to the controlled object according to the schedule.

[0142] The configurations described in the above embodiments are examples of the contents of the present disclosure. The configurations of the embodiments can be combined with other known technologies. Part of the configurations of the embodiments can be omitted or modified without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

[0143] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Railway system, 2 Power supply system equipment, 3 Station, 5 Train, 6 Substation, 7 Power supply line, 8 Rail, 9 Power supply device, 10 Station building equipment, 11 Power transmission equipment, 12 Wiring, 13 External facilities, 20 Power control system, 21 Power control device, 22 Data acquisition unit, 23 Data storage unit, 24, 51 Calculation unit, 25 Transmission processing unit, 26, 43 Communication unit, 31 Status data storage unit, 32 Simulation condition storage unit, 33 Control parameter storage unit, 34, 52 Simulator, 35, 53 Control parameter calculation unit, 36 Transmission data creation unit, 37 Transmission target determination unit, 38 Transmission data output unit, 41 Cloud server, 42 HMI, 44 Display unit, 45 Operation unit, 54 Time-specific control parameter storage unit, 60 Processing circuit, 61 Processor, 62 Memory, 63 Communication device.

Claims

1. A power control device comprising: a data acquisition unit that acquires status data from at least one of the controlled objects among power supply system equipment including equipment for supplying electricity to trains, the trains, and station equipment; a calculation unit that calculates control parameters used to control power in at least one of the controlled objects among the power supply system equipment, the trains, and the station equipment based on the status data of the controlled object that is different from the controlled object; and a transmission processing unit that transmits the calculated control parameters to the controlled object.

2. The power control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the calculation unit calculates the control parameters used to control power in the controlled object based on a group of status data including the status data of the managed object that is different from the controlled object.

3. The power control device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the data acquisition unit further acquires status data of external facilities that are facilities outside the railway system, including the power supply system equipment and the station equipment, and that can use power supplied from the railway system, and the calculation unit calculates the control parameters to be used for controlling the controlled object based on the acquired status data of the external facilities.

4. The power control device according to claim 3, characterized in that the station equipment includes a power supply device that takes in regenerative power generated by the train and supplies power to other station equipment or the external facility, the data acquisition unit acquires the status data of the power supply device that is the object of management, and the transmission processing unit transmits the control parameters to the power supply device that is the object of control.

5. A power control device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the data acquisition unit acquires, as the status data, at least one of data indicating the electrical status of the managed device and data indicating the physical status of the managed device.

6. The power control device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the data acquisition unit further acquires weather data for the location of the managed object as the status data, and the calculation unit calculates the control parameters used to control the controlled object based on the acquired weather data.

7. The power control device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the managed objects are managed by a plurality of railway operators, the data acquisition unit acquires the status data of the managed objects managed by the plurality of railway operators, and the transmission processing unit transmits the control parameters to the controlled objects managed by the plurality of railway operators.

8. The power control device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the calculation unit has: a simulator that simulates the power consumption of the railway system including the power supply system equipment and the station equipment based on the status data and the train schedule; and a control parameter calculation unit that calculates the control parameters based on the results of the simulation by the simulator.

9. The power control device according to claim 8, wherein the control parameter calculation unit calculates the control parameters based on a plurality of objective functions.

10. The power control device according to claim 9, characterized in that the control parameter calculation unit adjusts the weighting of each of the plurality of objective functions and calculates the control parameters based on the plurality of objective functions whose weightings have been adjusted.

11. The power control device according to claim 10, wherein the control parameter calculation unit adjusts the weighting in accordance with an operation that specifies the weighting of each of the plurality of objective functions.

12. The power control device according to claim 10, wherein the control parameter calculation unit adjusts the weighting of each of the plurality of objective functions based on the state data.

13. The power control device according to claim 9, characterized in that the plurality of objective functions include a first objective function representing carbon dioxide emissions in at least one of the railway system and an external facility that is an external facility of the railway system and can use power supplied from the railway system, a second objective function representing electricity charges in at least one of the railway system and the external facility, a third objective function representing the stability of the power grid in at least one of the railway system and the external facility, and a fourth objective function representing a deviation between the actual operation of the train and the train schedule.

14. The power control device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, when the status data is acquired by the data acquisition unit, the calculation unit calculates the control parameters by calculating the acquired status data.

15. The power control device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the calculation unit calculates the control parameters by calculating the status data for a set period.

16. The power control device described in claim 15, characterized in that the calculation unit holds time-specific control parameters, which are control parameters linked to type information indicating the time type of the set period, and determines the control parameters scheduled to be transmitted by the transmission processing unit by selecting the time-specific control parameter from the held time-specific control parameters based on the type information.

17. A power control system comprising: a train; station equipment; power supply system equipment including equipment for supplying electricity to the train; and a power control device having a data acquisition unit that acquires status data of at least one of the train, station equipment, and power supply system equipment to be managed; a calculation unit that calculates control parameters used to control power in at least one of the train, station equipment, and power supply system equipment to be controlled based on the status data of the managed object that is different from the controlled object; and a transmission processing unit that transmits the calculated control parameters to the controlled object.

18. A power control method comprising the steps of: acquiring status data from at least one of the controlled objects among power supply system equipment including equipment for supplying electricity to electric trains, the electric trains, and station equipment; calculating control parameters to be used for controlling power in at least one of the controlled objects among the power supply system equipment, the electric trains, and the station equipment based on the status data of the controlled object that is different from the controlled object; and transmitting the calculated control parameters to the controlled object.

19. A power control program that causes a computer to execute the steps of: acquiring status data from at least one of the controlled objects among power supply system equipment including equipment for supplying electricity to trains, the trains, and station equipment; calculating control parameters to be used for controlling power in at least one of the controlled objects among the power supply system equipment, the trains, and station equipment based on the status data of the controlled object that is different from the controlled object; and transmitting the calculated control parameters to the controlled object.

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