Gas supply network monitoring system

Abstract

A gas supply network monitoring system (100) comprises a plurality of gas meters (10), each of which has a flow rate measurement unit (11) and a pressure measurement unit (18); and a center (30) that collects information from the gas meters (10). The center (30) has: a center storage unit (32) that stores piping connection information (40) relating to the connection relationship between a plurality of sections of individual piping (203) when supply piping (202) for supplying gas from a gas supply source (201) to the plurality of gas meters (10) is divided into the plurality of sections of individual piping (203), and linking information (41) indicating the correspondence relationships between each of the gas meters (10) and the individual piping (203) directly connected to the respective gas meter (10); and a center control unit (31) that, on the basis of measurement values measured by the gas meters (10), the piping connection information (40), and the linking information (41), detects the occurrence of a first abnormality.

Description

Gas supply network monitoring system

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a gas supply network monitoring system that monitors abnormalities in a gas supply network that supplies gas from a gas supply source to gas appliances through supply piping.

[0002] Conventionally, systems in which a center collects various types of information obtained from gas meters have been known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a gas meter management system that displays seismic intensity information and fault information obtained from gas meters at the location of the corresponding gas meter on a map.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-12008

[0004] However, the system of Patent Document 1 only includes information relating to the gas meter as position information, so there is room for improvement in the accuracy of detecting abnormal locations, for example.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a gas supply network monitoring system that can further improve the accuracy of detecting abnormalities.

[0006] A gas supply network monitoring system according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes a plurality of gas meters each having a flow rate measuring unit that measures the flow rate of gas flowing to gas equipment in a consumer's home and a pressure measuring unit that measures the pressure of the gas, and a center that collects information from the gas meters. The center has a center memory unit that stores pipe connection information regarding the connection relationship of each individual pipe when a supply pipe that supplies gas from a gas supplier to a plurality of gas meters is divided into a plurality of individual pipes, and linking information that indicates the correspondence between each gas meter and the individual pipe directly connected to each gas meter, and a center control unit that detects the occurrence of a first abnormality based on the measurement value of the gas meter, the pipe connection information, and the linking information.

[0007] According to the gas supply network monitoring system of the present disclosure, the center has in its memory pipe connection information regarding the connection relationships of individual pipes, and linking information indicating the relationship between the gas meter and the individual pipes directly connected to it, and therefore, using this information, abnormalities can be detected with higher accuracy.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an overall view of a gas supply network monitoring system. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a specific configuration of a gas meter. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing a specific configuration of a center. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing a specific configuration of a communication terminal. FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram for explaining pipe connection information, and FIG. 5B is a schematic diagram for explaining linking information. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the gas supply network monitoring system. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of map information, illustrating a screen image when displayed on the display unit of the center or the display unit of the communication terminal. FIG. 8A is a schematic screen image showing an example in which map information and status information are displayed in an overlapping manner, and FIG. 8B is a schematic screen image showing another example in which map information and status information are displayed in an overlapping manner. FIGS. 9A and 9B are schematic screen images showing another example in which map information and status information are displayed in an overlapping manner.

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a gas supply network monitoring system according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that, hereinafter, identical or corresponding elements will be designated by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0010] (Overall View of the System) FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the overall view of a gas supply network monitoring system 100 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "system 100"). As shown in FIG. 1, the system 100 according to the present disclosure is constructed in association with an existing or newly constructed gas supply network 200. The gas supply network 200 is an infrastructure facility that supplies gas from, for example, a gas supply source 201 (201A, 201B) such as a district governor, which is an upstream facility, via supply piping 202 (202A, 202B) to gas appliances 205 in each consumer's home 204 equipped with gas appliances, which is a downstream facility. Note that the supply piping 202 is configured by connecting multiple individual piping 203, which are single pipes without branches.

[0011] In the example of FIG. 1 , supply pipe 202A extending from gas supply source 201A is composed of multiple individual pipes indicated by reference characters beginning with "A." Supply pipe 202B extending from gas supply source 201B is composed of multiple individual pipes indicated by reference characters beginning with "B." That is, both supply pipes 202A and 202B are composed of multiple individual pipes and multiple branch points. Furthermore, the connection points of the multiple individual pipes form branch points, and two adjacent branch points are connected by a single individual pipe. Furthermore, gas equipment is connected to the individual pipes at the end via gas meter 10. A more specific configuration of the supply pipes will be described using supply pipe 202A as an example.

[0012] 1 , the supply pipe 202A has an individual pipe A located at the most upstream position. The downstream end of the individual pipe A is connected to the upstream end of the individual pipe A1 via a branch point P1, the downstream end of the individual pipe A1 is connected to the upstream end of the individual pipe A2 via a branch point P2, and the downstream end of the individual pipe A2 is connected to the upstream end of the individual pipe A3 via a branch point P3.

[0013] Furthermore, the upstream end of an individual pipe A1-1 is connected to the branch point P1, and one or more gas appliances in the customer's home are connected to this individual pipe A1-1 via a gas meter 10 (ID: 1001). The upstream end of an individual pipe A2-1 is connected to the branch point P2, and one or more gas appliances in the customer's home are connected to this individual pipe A2-1 via a gas meter 10 (ID: 1004). The ID assigned to the gas meter 10 is identification information unique to each individual gas meter 10, and is assigned to all gas meters 10 in advance.

[0014] Furthermore, the upstream end of an individual pipe A3-1 is connected to the branch point P3, and a branch point P3-1 is provided at the downstream end of this individual pipe A3-1. The upstream ends of individual pipes A3-2 and A3-2-1 are connected to the branch point P3-1. One or more gas appliances in the customer's home are connected to the individual pipe A3-2 via a gas meter 10 (ID: 1002), and one or more gas appliances in the customer's home are connected to the individual pipe A3-2-1 via a gas meter 10 (ID: 1003).

[0015] In addition, Figure 1 shows gas equipment 205 of customer's home 204 connected to individual piping A2-1, but does not show gas equipment connected to other individual piping or customer's homes that are equipped with such equipment.

[0016] The supply pipe 202A supplies gas flowing from the gas supply source 201A to the gas appliances in each consumer's home. The amount of gas used by each gas appliance is measured by each gas meter 10. For example, gas is supplied to the gas appliance located downstream of the gas meter 10 with ID: 1001 by flowing through the individual pipes A and A-1 in this order. Gas is supplied to the gas appliance 205 located downstream of the gas meter 10 with ID: 1004 by flowing through the individual pipes A, A1, and A2-1 in this order. Gas is supplied to the gas appliance located downstream of the gas meter 10 with ID: 1002 by flowing through the individual pipes A, A1, A2, A3-1, and A3-2 in this order. Gas is supplied to the gas appliance located downstream of the gas meter 10 with ID: 1003 by flowing through the individual pipes A, A1, A2, A3-1, and A3-2-1 in this order.

[0017] Although a detailed description will be omitted, the other supply pipe 202B also has a plurality of individual pipes and a plurality of branch points, and the individual pipes at the ends are connected to gas appliances in consumer homes via gas meters 10. In Fig. 1, three gas meters with IDs 1011, 1012, and 1013 are illustrated as gas meters 10 connected to the individual pipes of the supply pipe 202B.

[0018] The system 100 according to the present disclosure is provided in association with the gas supply network 200 as described above, and specifically includes a gas meter 10 and a center 30. In addition to the gas meter 10 and the center 30, the system 100 may further include a communication terminal 50, such as a portable one, that can be carried by a user.

[0019] 2 is a functional block diagram showing a specific configuration of the gas meter 10. As shown in Fig. 2, the gas meter 10 is provided midway through an individual pipe 203 at the end of which the downstream end is connected to a gas appliance 205, and has a flow rate measurement unit 11 that measures the flow rate of gas flowing through the individual pipe 203. The portion of the individual pipe 203 on the inlet side of the flow rate measurement unit 11 forms an inlet pipe 203a, and the portion on the outlet side forms an outlet pipe 203b. The flow rate measurement unit 11 has a measurement flow path 12 between the inlet pipe 203a and the outlet pipe 203b, and also has a pair of ultrasonic transmitters and receivers 13 and 14 that transmit ultrasonic waves to and receive ultrasonic waves from the measurement flow path 12.

[0020] The flow rate measurement unit 11 has a measurement circuit 15 that calculates the flow rate of gas flowing through the measurement flow path 12 based on the propagation time of ultrasonic waves between the ultrasonic transmitter / receivers 13 and 14. The gas meter 10 having such a flow rate measurement unit 11 is a so-called ultrasonic flow rate measurement device, and can measure the instantaneous flow rate of gas at intervals of, for example, 0.5 seconds or 2 seconds.

[0021] The flow rate measurement unit 11 also has a memory unit 16, such as a ROM, that stores information about predetermined setting values ​​required for calculating the gas flow rate in the measurement circuit 15. The setting values ​​stored in the memory unit 16 include gain and sound velocity. The gain is a parameter related to the amplification factor of the ultrasonic waves received by the ultrasonic transmitter / receivers 13 and 14, and different values ​​are stored depending on the type of gas whose flow rate can be measured. The sound velocity is the speed of sound propagating through the gas, and since this also differs depending on the type of gas, different values ​​are stored depending on the type of gas. In this way, the memory unit 16 stores various setting values ​​specific to the ultrasonic gas meter 10.

[0022] The gas meter 10 has a meter control unit 20. The meter control unit 20 is composed of a processor such as an MPU and a circuit such as an ASIC, and controls the operation of each unit included in the gas meter 10 and generates new information based on collected data such as measurement values. For example, the meter control unit 20 calculates a cumulative flow rate by integrating the instantaneous flow rate values ​​of gas measured by the flow rate measurement unit 11.

[0023] The gas meter 10 has a shutoff unit 17. The shutoff unit 17 is provided on the individual pipe 203 upstream of the flow rate measuring unit 11, i.e., midway through the inflow pipe 203a. The shutoff unit 17 has a valve element that opens and closes the flow path of the inflow pipe 203a and an actuator that drives the valve element. The shutoff unit 17 is driven based on a signal from the meter control unit 20 to open or close the flow path of the inflow pipe 203a.

[0024] The gas meter 10 has a pressure measurement unit 18. The pressure measurement unit 18 is provided in the individual pipe 203 downstream of the flow rate measurement unit 11, i.e., in the middle of the outflow pipe 203b. The pressure measurement unit 18 has a pressure sensor that measures the pressure of the gas flowing through the outflow pipe 203b. The pressure measurement unit 18 is driven based on a signal from the meter control unit 20, measures the pressure of the gas in the outflow pipe 203b at a predetermined timing, and transmits the measured pressure value to the meter control unit 20.

[0025] The gas meter 10 further has a seismic intensity measurement unit 21, a temperature measurement unit 22, and a meter communication unit 23. The seismic intensity measurement unit 21 has a seismic sensor, and when it detects shaking, it transmits a signal including information about the magnitude of the shaking to the meter control unit 20. When the signal received from the seismic intensity measurement unit 21 indicates shaking of a predetermined seismic intensity or greater, the meter control unit 20 drives the shutoff unit 17 to close the inflow pipe 203a.

[0026] The temperature measurement unit 22 has a temperature sensor, measures the ambient temperature of the gas meter 10, and transmits a signal including the measurement value to the meter control unit 20. The meter control unit 20 corrects the instantaneous flow rate value acquired from the flow rate measurement unit 11 based on the temperature acquired from the temperature measurement unit 22. Note that the temperature sensor of the temperature measurement unit 22 may be configured to directly measure the temperature of the gas in the inlet pipe 203a or the outlet pipe 203b.

[0027] The meter communication unit 23 has a communication interface capable of wirelessly transmitting and receiving information, and realizes wireless communication via the network NW with the center 50. For example, when a predetermined timing arrives, the meter control unit 20 wirelessly transmits information about the gas flow rate, information about the gas pressure, etc. to the center 50 via the meter communication unit 23. Furthermore, the meter control unit 20 performs flow rate measurement, pressure measurement, or flow path blocking, etc., in accordance with instructions received from the center 50 via the meter communication unit 23.

[0028] The gas meter 10 is also connected to a safety detection unit 24, which is an external device. The safety detection unit 24 is, for example, a gas alarm that detects leaked gas and is installed in the consumer's home 204, or another device for gas usage safety. The safety detection unit 24 transmits a safety signal (an example of alarm information related to a second abnormality), which is a signal including information related to safety, to the meter control unit 20. When the meter control unit 20 receives the safety signal, it notifies the center 50 via the meter communication unit 23.

[0029] Fig. 3 is a functional block diagram showing a specific configuration of the center 30. As shown in Fig. 3, the center 30 has a center control unit 31, a center storage unit 32, a center communication unit 33, and a display unit 34. The center storage unit 32 also stores pipe connection information 40, linking information 41, and map information 42.

[0030] The center control unit 31 is configured with a processor such as an MPU, and controls the operation of each unit of the center 30. For example, the center control unit 31 performs processing to detect the occurrence of a gas leak (an example of a first abnormality) in the gas supply network 200 based on a measurement value related to the gas flow rate or pressure obtained by the gas meter 10 and at least one of the pipe connection information 40 and the linking information.

[0031] The center storage unit 32 has a hard disk drive (HDD), ROM, RAM, or the like, and stores information necessary for the operation of the center 30 and temporarily stores information generated during operation of the center 30. The center storage unit 32 also stores the pipe connection information 40, the linking information 41, the map information 42, and the like, as described above. These pieces of information 40 to 42 will be described in detail later.

[0032] The center communication unit 33 has a communication interface capable of wirelessly transmitting and receiving information, and realizes wireless communication via the network NW with the gas meter 10 or the communication terminal 50. For example, the center control unit 31 wirelessly receives (collects) various information, such as information on the gas flow rate and information on the gas pressure, from the gas meter 10 via the center communication unit 33 at predetermined timing. Furthermore, the center control unit 31 instructs the gas meter 10 via the center communication unit 33 to perform flow rate measurement, pressure measurement, or flow path blocking, etc.

[0033] The display unit 34 is configured with a liquid crystal display or the like, and displays (outputs) various information so that the user can view it. For example, in response to instructions from the center control unit 31, the display unit 34 displays pipe connection information 40, linking information 41, map information 42, and the like using graphics, characters, and the like.

[0034] Fig. 4 is a functional block diagram showing a specific configuration of the communication terminal 50. As shown in Fig. 4, the communication terminal 50 has a terminal control unit 51, a terminal storage unit 52, a terminal communication unit 53, and a display unit 54.

[0035] The terminal control unit 51 is composed of a processor such as an MPU or an ASIC, and controls the operation of each unit of the communication terminal 50. The terminal storage unit 52 has an HDD, ROM, RAM, or the like, and stores information necessary for the operation of the communication terminal 50 and temporarily stores information generated by the communication terminal 50 during operation. The terminal communication unit 53 has a communication interface capable of wirelessly transmitting and receiving information, and realizes wireless communication with the center 30 via the network NW. The display unit 54 is composed of a liquid crystal display or the like, and displays (outputs) various information so that the user can visually recognize it.

[0036] Such a communication terminal 50 can, for example, transmit a signal requesting the provision of information to the center 30 via the terminal communication unit 53, receive information transmitted from the center 30 in response to the signal via the terminal communication unit 53, and display the received information on the display unit 54. Note that, in order to make such a request to the center 30, the communication terminal 50 may have an input unit that accepts input operations from the user. The input unit may be a keyboard or a touch panel, or may be a voice input device.

[0037] (Pipe connection information and linking information) Fig. 5A is a schematic diagram for explaining the pipe connection information 40. The pipe connection information 40 is information that indicates the connection relationships of the individual pipes 203 when the supply pipes 202 that supply gas from the gas supply source 201 to the multiple gas meters 10 are divided into multiple individual pipes 203. As an example, the pipe connection information 40 can be information that can display such connection relationships in an illustrated manner. Fig. 5A shows an example of a screen when such pipe connection information 40 is displayed on the display unit 34 of the center 30 or the display unit 54 of the communication terminal 50.

[0038] 5A illustrates the supply pipe 202A, with rectangular icons representing individual pipes A, A1, A2, and A3 connected by lines, in this order from upstream to downstream. The illustration also illustrates that individual pipe A1-1 branches off from between individual pipe A and individual pipe A1, that individual pipe A2-1 branches off from between individual pipe A1 and individual pipe A2, that individual pipe A3-1 branches off from between individual pipe A2 and individual pipe A3, that individual pipe A3-2 is connected to individual pipe A3-1, and that individual pipe A3-2-1 branches off from between individual pipe A3-1 and individual pipe A3-2.

[0039] Therefore, a user viewing such a screen can easily understand how the individual pipes 203 of the supply pipe 202A are connected. Although not shown in the drawings, the pipe connection information also includes information that can graphically display the connection relationship of the supply pipe 202B. Furthermore, the pipe connection information 40 is not limited to information that can graphically display the connection relationship. Any information that includes the connection relationship of the individual pipes 203 may be used, and may be composed of text information only, for example.

[0040] 5B is a schematic diagram for explaining the linking information 41. The linking information 41 is information indicating the correspondence between each gas meter 10 and the individual pipes 203 directly connected to each gas meter 10. As an example, the linking information 41 can be information that can display such connection relationships in an illustrated manner. FIG. 5B shows an example of a screen when such linking information 41 is displayed on the display unit 34 of the center 30 or the display unit 54 of the communication terminal 50.

[0041] 5B, a line segment connects the rectangular icon representing the gas meter 10 with ID: 1001 to the rectangular icon representing the individual pipe A1-1, indicating that the two are directly connected. Similarly, the illustration also shows that the gas meter 10 with ID: 1002 is directly connected to the individual pipe A3-2, that the gas meter 10 with ID: 1003 is directly connected to the individual pipe A3-2-1, and that the gas meter 10 with ID: 1004 is directly connected to the individual pipe A2-1.

[0042] Therefore, a user viewing such a screen can easily understand which individual pipes 203 of the supply pipe 202A are directly connected to which gas meters 10. Although not shown in the figures, the linking information also includes information that can graphically display the correspondence between the gas meter 10 that measures the flow rate of gas supplied by the supply pipe 202B and the individual pipes 203 that are directly connected to it. Furthermore, the linking information 40 is not limited to information that can graphically display the correspondence. Any information including the correspondence between the gas meter 10 and the individual pipes 203 may be used, and may be composed of text information only, for example.

[0043] The pipe connection information 40 or the linking information 41 may include other information about each individual pipe 203. For example, the information may include specifications of the pipe itself, such as the material, diameter, and length of the pipe, and environmental information, such as the depth at which the pipe is buried. This information may also be displayed on the screen. As an example, the pipe connection information 40 is described here assuming that any two individual pipes 203 included in the supply pipe 202 are configured such that one is upstream and the other is downstream. However, the supply pipe 202 may include a configuration in which multiple individual pipes 203 are connected to form a loop. In this case, the relationship between any two individual pipes 203 is not necessarily defined as one being upstream and the other being downstream. For such a looped portion of the supply pipe 202, the status of each individual pipe 203 (such as an estimated gas pressure, as described below) may be determined from the values ​​at both ends of each individual pipe 203.

[0044] (Operation of Gas Supply Network Monitoring System) Next, the operation of the above-described gas supply monitoring system 100 will be described, particularly the operation when executing the process of determining whether or not a gas leak (first abnormality) has occurred. Figure 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of system 100.

[0045] 6, the center 30 determines whether a predetermined timing has arrived (step S1). The predetermined timing may be a timing that is set in advance once or multiple times a day, such as a predetermined time, or a timing when it is determined that the signal received from the gas meter 10 includes an alarm signal related to the second abnormality described above. If the center 30 determines in step S1 that the predetermined timing has not arrived (S1: NO), it repeats the determination in step S1.

[0046] When the center 30 determines in step S1 that the timing has arrived (S1: YES), it collects various information from each gas meter 10 connected via the network NW (step S2). The collected information includes information on the gas pressure value measured by the gas meter 10, and may also include information on the gas flow rate value and temperature, and alarm signals.

[0047] Next, the center 30 stores the information collected in step S2 in association with the gas meter 10 from which the information was collected (step S3). For example, the ID of the gas meter 10 is associated with the information collected from that gas meter 10 and stored in the center storage unit 32. Then, based on the pressure values ​​collected from each gas meter 10, the center 30 acquires an estimate of the gas pressure inside each individual pipe 203, in order from the downstream individual pipe 203 to the upstream individual pipe 203 (step S4). This gas pressure estimation can be performed using a known method, and may be performed by comparing with the results of a prior simulation, or may be calculated based on the specifications of each individual pipe 203.

[0048] Next, the center 30 determines whether the gas pressure in any individual pipe 203 is equal to or less than a first threshold value (step S5). If the gas pressure in a certain individual pipe 203 is equal to or less than the first threshold value (S5: YES), the center 30 determines whether the gas pressure in other individual pipes 203 adjacent to the individual pipe 203 is also equal to or less than a threshold value (step S6). If the gas pressure in the other adjacent individual pipes 203 is also equal to or less than the first threshold value (S6: YES), the center 30 determines that a first abnormality related to gas leakage has occurred in any of these individual pipes 203 (step S7).

[0049] On the other hand, if the gas pressure in another adjacent individual pipe 203 is greater than the first threshold value (S6: NO), it is determined that the first abnormality has not occurred in the individual pipe 203 (step S8). Note that if the individual pipe 203 whose gas pressure has been determined to be equal to or less than the first threshold value in step S5 is the terminal individual pipe 203 connected to the gas meter 10 and step S8 has been reached, it may be determined that the first abnormality has not occurred in this individual pipe 203, and it may also be determined that an abnormality has occurred in the gas meter 10 connected to this individual pipe 203 or in a gas device 205 downstream thereof.

[0050] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S5 that the gas pressure is greater than the first threshold value (S5: NO), the center control unit 31 determines whether there is a problem with the change in gas pressure over time (the degree of decrease) for each individual pipe 203 (step S9). That is, the center control unit 31 detects the occurrence of a first abnormality in a gas appliance or supply pipe 202 based on the change in pressure over time measured by the pressure measurement unit 18 of the gas meter 10. For example, it determines that there is a problem if the amount of decrease (absolute value) of gas pressure per unit time is equal to or greater than a predetermined second threshold value, or if the ratio of the decrease in gas pressure in the individual pipe 203 to the decrease in gas pressure in other nearby individual pipes 203 is equal to or greater than a predetermined third threshold value.

[0051] If it is determined in step S9 that there is a problem (S9: YES), it is determined that the individual pipe 203 has a first abnormality (step S10). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S9 that there is no problem, the process proceeds to step S8 described above, and it is determined that there is no abnormality in the individual pipe 203. Note that the abnormality determined in step S10 is presumed to be less severe (serious) than the abnormality determined in step S7, and therefore can be positioned as an abnormality determination in a preventive sense. Therefore, the determination of "abnormality present" in step S10 may be replaced with "possibility of abnormality."

[0052] After determining whether or not there is such an abnormality, i.e., after steps S7, S8, and S10, the center 30 generates status information regarding each individual pipe 203 and displays this status information on the display unit 34 together with specified map information (step S11).

[0053] 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of map information 42, and shows a screen image when map information 42 is displayed on display unit 34 of center 30 or display unit 54 of communication terminal 50. This map information 42 corresponds to partial area 200X surrounded by a dashed line in gas supply network 200 shown in FIG. 1, and includes information related to a map showing the position of supply pipe 202.

[0054] More specifically, the map information 42 includes the positional relationships and connection modes between the individual pipes 203 that make up the supply pipe 202A, and also includes the connection mode between the terminal individual pipes 203 and the gas meters 10 connected thereto. Therefore, the screen image displaying the map information 42 is a map image that is substantially similar to the partial area 200X of the gas supply network 200 shown in Fig. 1. Furthermore, on such a map image, information identifying each individual pipe 203 (such as symbols A and A1) and identification information (ID) for each gas meter 10 are also displayed in positions near the corresponding portions.

[0055] The map image displayed when the map information 42 is displayed does not necessarily have to be identical to the map showing the actual layout of the individual pipes 203 and gas meters 10 in the gas supply network 200. The map information only needs to correspond to the actual layout (the connection relationships between the individual pipes and the gas meters), and for example, the map image may be an image in which part of the actual layout is deformed or simplified, or in which the length ratios between multiple pipes are changed, or the relative positions of multiple gas meters 10 are simply changed.

[0056] The central control unit 31 generates status information to display the status of each individual pipe 203 together with the map information 42. Such status information is generated based on information about the pressure of each individual pipe 203 acquired in step S4 of FIG.

[0057] 8A is a schematic screen image showing an example in which the map information 42 and the status information are displayed in an overlapping manner. The display of such a screen image is executed by the center 30 in step S11 of FIG. 6 described above.

[0058] In the example of FIG. 8A , the numerical value "2.0" is displayed in parentheses near the three gas meters 10 connected to the supply pipe 202B, while the numerical value "0.0" is displayed in parentheses near the three gas meters 10 connected to the supply pipe 202A. This indicates that the gas pressure of the three gas meters 10 connected to the supply pipe 202B is 2.0 kPa, which is within the normal range, and the gas pressure of the three gas meters 10 connected to the supply pipe 202A is 0 kPa, which is outside the normal range. In addition, to emphasize that the gas pressure is outside the normal range, a black circle icon is displayed next to the numerical value indicating the gas pressure. The measured gas pressure and icon display of each gas meter 10 correspond to status information displayed together with the map information 42.

[0059] 8A , some individual pipes constituting the supply pipe 202A are displayed with dashed lines, while other individual pipes 203 are displayed with solid lines. The central control unit 31 acquires (calculates) the gas pressure of each individual pipe 203 as the status of the individual pipe 203, and displays status information generated based on this information superimposed on the map information 42. In the example of FIG. 8A , the measured gas pressures of the three gas meters 10 with IDs 1001, 1002, and 1003 are abnormally low, and the gas pressures of the individual pipes 203 calculated by the central control unit 31 based on this information are displayed with dashed lines at locations where they are equal to or lower than the first threshold. In other words, the solid and dashed lines, which are used to display the line segments representing each individual pipe 203, indicate the status of the gas pressure of each individual pipe 203, and correspond to the status information displayed together with the map information 42.

[0060] In the example of Figure 8A, since the gas pressure in multiple adjacent individual pipes 203 is below the first threshold value (S6 in Figure 6: YES), the center 30 determines that a first abnormality related to gas leakage has occurred in one of these individual pipes 203 (S7 in Figure 6).

[0061] 8B is a schematic screen image showing another example in which map information 42 and status information are displayed superimposed on each other. In this example, the gas pressure display for only one gas meter 10 (ID: 1001) connected to the supply pipe 202A is "0.0," while the gas pressure display for all other gas meters 10 is "2.0." A black circle icon is displayed next to the gas pressure value displayed for the gas meter 10 with ID: 1001 to emphasize that the gas pressure is outside the normal range. Regarding the individual pipes 203, only the individual pipe 203 (A1-1) connected to the gas meter 10 with ID: 1001 is displayed with a dashed line, while the other individual pipes 203 are displayed with a solid line. The gas pressure display, icon display, and solid line display of the individual pipes 203 correspond to status information.

[0062] In the example of Fig. 8B, one individual pipe A1-1 has a low pressure outside the normal range, and the gas pressures of the other individual pipes A and A1 adjacent to this individual pipe A1-1 are estimated to be within the normal range (S6: NO in Fig. 6). Therefore, the center 30 determines that there is no abnormality in this individual pipe A1-1, and that a first abnormality related to a gas leak has occurred in the gas meter 10 with ID: 1001 or a gas appliance 205 located downstream thereof (S8 in Fig. 6).

[0063] 9A and 9B are schematic screen images showing other examples in which map information 42 and status information are displayed superimposed on each other. In FIG. 9A , the measured gas pressures of the gas meters 10 with IDs: 1001, 1003, and 1012 are low (0.0 kPa) and outside the normal range. Furthermore, as a result of calculations by the center control unit 31, as shown in FIG. 9A , only the individual pipes 203 connected to the gas meters 10 with IDs: 1001, 1003, and 1012 are displayed with dashed lines indicating that the gas pressure is outside the normal range, while the other individual pipes 203 are displayed with solid lines. Therefore, the case of FIG. 9A corresponds to step S8 in FIG. 6 , and it is determined that there is no abnormality in the individual pipes 203, but that there is an abnormality in the gas meters 10 with IDs: 1001, 1003, and 1012 or in the gas equipment 205 installed downstream of the gas meters 10.

[0064] On the other hand, in FIG. 9B , the measured gas pressures of the gas meters 10 with IDs 1001, 1003, and 1012 are low (0.0 kPa) and outside the normal range, just like in FIG. 9A . However, the gas supply network 200 in FIG. 9B differs from the gas supply network 200 in FIG. 9A in the configuration of the supply pipes 202. That is, the gas meters 10 with IDs 1001, 1003, and 1012 are connected to the same supply pipe 202C. Therefore, as a result of calculations by the central control unit 31, the individual pipes 203 directly connected to the gas meters 10 with IDs 1001, 1003, and 1012 and the individual pipes 203 adjacent to them are estimated to have low gas pressures outside the normal range, and are displayed with dashed lines. Therefore, the case in FIG. 9B corresponds to step S7 in FIG. 6 , and it is determined that one of the individual pipes 203 has an abnormality.

[0065] As can be seen from Figures 9A and 9B, the system 100 of the present disclosure not only has the pressure measurement value of the gas meter 10, but also has linking information 41 regarding the individual pipes 203 to which each gas meter 10 is connected, and pipe connection information 40 regarding the connection relationship of each individual pipe 203, so that if a gas leak occurs, the location can be more narrowly identified.

[0066] (Other Usage Methods and Configurations) As already explained, each gas meter 10 stores setting values ​​(gain and propagation velocity) that are specific (or particular) to the ultrasonic flow meter and that differ depending on the type of gas whose flow rate is to be measured, in the memory unit 16 of the flow rate measurement unit 11. Therefore, an abnormality in the piping can be detected based on these setting values.

[0067] That is, in response to an instruction from the gas supply company, each gas meter 10 is set with a setting value corresponding to one gas type selected from multiple setting values ​​stored in the memory unit 16. Therefore, in the system 100 of the present disclosure, the center 30 acquires such setting values ​​from each gas meter 10 at a predetermined timing and compares them with the pipe connection information 40 stored in the center memory unit 32, thereby making it possible to determine whether the pipe connection information 40 is correct.

[0068] For example, suppose that two individual pipes 203 connected to a branch point are connected to a gas meter 10, and the settings set for these two gas meters 10 are different for the type of gas for which flow rate measurement is performed. In this case, the settings made by the gas supply company mean that different types of gas are supplied to these two gas meters 10. Therefore, the connection mode of the individual pipes 203 described above may be incorrect.

[0069] In this way, according to the system 100 of the present disclosure, by using the setting values ​​that are specific (or particular) to the ultrasonic flow meter together with the piping connection information 40 and the linking information 41, it is possible to determine whether the piping connection information 40 held by the center 30 is correct or incorrect.

[0070] Furthermore, the gas supply network 200 may have gas supply sources 201 for different gas types provided at both ends of the supply pipe 202. In such a gas supply network 200, for example, from the viewpoint of gas usage fees that vary depending on the gas production volume, the gas supply source 201 for the gas type with the lowest fee per combustion energy is selected from the two gas supply sources 201. The selection of such a gas supply source 201 is performed, for example, by a gas supply company, and the setting value of the gas meter 10 is also selected and set according to the gas type of the selected gas supply source 201.

[0071] Therefore, in the system 100 according to the present disclosure, the center 30 can identify the current gas supplier 201 by acquiring such setting values ​​from each gas meter 10 at a predetermined timing.

[0072] In the above example, the map images such as those in Figures 7, 8A, 8B, 9A, and 9B are displayed on the display unit 34 of the center 30, but this is not limiting. For example, the communication terminal 50 may receive the map information 42 and the status information from the center 30 via the network NW, and display the map images as described above on the display unit 54 of the communication terminal 50.

[0073] 8A, 8B, 9A, 9B, etc., have shown examples of display methods in which a black circle icon is added to highlight gas meters 10 whose gas pressure is outside the normal range, but this is not limiting. For example, icons of other shapes or colors may be displayed, or a rectangular mark representing the gas meter 10 may be displayed by flashing. Also, while an example has been shown in which individual pipes 203 whose gas pressure is equal to or less than the first threshold are displayed by dashed lines, this is not limiting. For example, other line types that can be distinguished from individual pipes 203 whose gas pressure is higher than the first threshold may be used, the line may be a different color, or the relevant line may be displayed by flashing.

[0074] (Other Embodiments) The above description of the embodiments discloses the following techniques.

[0075] (Technology 1) A gas supply monitoring system of Technology 1 includes a plurality of gas meters each having a flow measurement unit that measures the flow rate of gas flowing to gas equipment in a consumer's home and a pressure measurement unit that measures the pressure of the gas, and a center that collects information from the gas meters. The center has a center memory unit that stores pipe connection information regarding the connection relationship of each individual pipe when a supply pipe that supplies gas from a gas supplier to the plurality of gas meters is divided into a plurality of individual pipes, and linking information that indicates the correspondence between each of the gas meters and the individual pipe directly connected to each of the gas meters, and a center control unit that detects the occurrence of a first abnormality based on the measurement value of the gas meter, the pipe connection information, and the linking information.

[0076] (Technology 2) In the gas supply monitoring system of Technology 2, in Technology 1, the supply piping may be such that the connection points of the plurality of individual pipings form branching points of the piping, and two adjacent branching points are connected by one of the individual pipings.

[0077] (Technology 3) The gas supply monitoring system of Technology 3 may be Technology 1 or Technology 2, wherein the central control unit detects the occurrence of the first abnormality in the gas equipment or the supply piping based on a change over time in the pressure measured by the pressure measuring unit of the gas meter.

[0078] (Technology 4) The gas supply monitoring system of Technology 4 is any of Technologies 1 to 3, wherein the center storage unit stores map information relating to a map indicating the positions of the supply pipes, the center control unit generates status information relating to the status of each of the individual pipes that can be displayed by overlaying it on the map, and the center further has a display unit that displays the map information and the status information.

[0079] (Technology 5) The gas supply monitoring system of Technology 5 is the same as Technology 4, but further includes a communication terminal capable of communicating with the center, and the communication terminal may have a display unit that displays the map information and the status information received from the center.

[0080] (Technology 6) The gas supply monitoring system of Technology 6 may be configured in any one of Technologies 1 to 5, wherein the gas meter acquires an alarm signal related to a predetermined second abnormality, and the central control unit detects the occurrence of the first abnormality when the central control unit receives the alarm signal from the gas meter.

[0081] (Technology 7) The gas supply monitoring system of Technology 7 is any of Technologies 1 to 6, wherein the flow rate measuring unit of the gas meter is an ultrasonic flow rate meter and includes a pair of ultrasonic transmitter / receivers, a measurement circuit that measures the flow rate based on a signal propagation time between one ultrasonic transmitter / receiver and the other ultrasonic transmitter / receiver, and a memory unit that stores a predetermined set value used for flow rate measurement, and the central control unit may determine whether the piping connection information is correct or the gas supply source based on the set value acquired from the gas meter.

[0082] The present disclosure can be applied to a gas supply network monitoring system that monitors abnormalities in a gas supply network that supplies gas from a gas supply source to gas appliances through supply piping.

[0083] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Gas meter 11 Flow rate measurement unit 18 Pressure measurement unit 20 Meter control unit 30 Center 31 Center control unit 32 Center memory unit 34 Display unit 40 Pipe connection information 41 Linking information 42 Map information 50 Communication terminal 54 Display unit 100 Gas supply network monitoring system 200 Gas supply network 201 Gas supplier 202 Supply pipe 203 Individual pipe 204 Customer's home 205 Gas equipment

Claims

1. A gas supply network monitoring system comprising: a plurality of gas meters each having a flow measurement unit that measures the flow rate of gas flowing to gas equipment in a consumer's home and a pressure measurement unit that measures the pressure of the gas; and a center that collects information from the gas meters, wherein the center has: a center memory unit that stores pipe connection information regarding the connection relationship of each individual pipe when a supply pipe that supplies gas from a gas source to the plurality of gas meters is divided into a plurality of individual pipes, and linking information that indicates the correspondence between each of the gas meters and the individual pipes directly connected to each of the gas meters; and a center control unit that detects the occurrence of a first abnormality based on the measurement values ​​of the gas meters, the pipe connection information, and the linking information.

2. The gas supply network monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein the supply piping has a plurality of individual piping connections that form branching points, and two adjacent branching points are connected by a single individual piping.

3. The gas supply network monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein the central control unit detects the occurrence of the first abnormality in the gas equipment or the supply piping based on the change over time in the pressure measured by the pressure measuring unit of the gas meter.

4. The gas supply network monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the center memory unit stores map information relating to a map showing the positions of the supply pipes, the center control unit generates status information relating to the status of each individual pipe that can be overlaid on the map, and the center further has a display unit that displays the map information and the status information.

5. The gas supply network monitoring system according to claim 4, further comprising a communication terminal capable of communicating with the center, the communication terminal having a display unit that displays the map information and the status information received from the center.

6. The gas supply network monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein the gas meter acquires an alarm signal relating to a predetermined second abnormality, and the central control unit detects the occurrence of the first abnormality when the central control unit receives the alarm signal from the gas meter.

7. The gas supply network monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein the flow rate measuring unit of the gas meter is an ultrasonic flow rate meter and comprises a pair of ultrasonic transmitter / receivers, a measuring circuit that measures the flow rate based on the propagation time of a signal between one ultrasonic transmitter / receiver and the other ultrasonic transmitter / receiver, and a memory unit that stores predetermined setting values ​​used for flow rate measurement, and the central control unit determines whether the piping connection information is correct or the gas supplier based on the setting values ​​acquired from the gas meter.

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