Protection system

Abstract

The present invention comprises: a control device (1) provided with a detector (11) that detects gamma rays, a measurement unit (12) that measures a gamma ray level detected by the detector (11), and a determination unit (13) that outputs a cutoff command when the gamma ray level is equal to or greater than a threshold value; and switches (61-65) that are installed on a communication line (L1) for connecting devices, power supply lines (L2, L3), and a lightning rod ground line (L4), and that cut off wiring when the cutoff command is output.

Description

Protection system

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a protection system for protecting equipment from lightning surges generated during lightning strikes.

[0002] Various types of equipment installed in buildings and offices may malfunction when subjected to lightning surges caused by lightning strikes. In order to protect equipment from lightning surges, Non-Patent Document 1 discloses the use of a lightning arrester (SPD; Surge Protective Device).

[0003] Non-Patent Document 2 discloses that lightning clouds where lightning discharges occur emit X-rays and gamma rays, which are lights with higher energy than visible light, inside them.

[0004] Lightning protection measures for buildings, [searched on September 5, 2024], Internet, <URL: https: / / www.otowadenki.co.jp / case / birukenhiku / > Success in gamma-ray imaging of lightning clouds, [searched on September 5, 2024], Internet, <URL: https: / / www.waseda.jp / top / news / 83827>

[0005] However, in the method of protecting equipment using the SPD disclosed in Non-Patent Document 1 described above, when a lightning strike with energy exceeding the tolerance of the SPD occurs, even if the SPD is installed, the equipment cannot be protected from lightning surges. On the other hand, if the tolerance of the SPD is set high, there is a problem that the device scale becomes large and the cost increases. Also, Non-Patent Document 2 does not disclose how to protect equipment from lightning surges.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide a protection system capable of protecting equipment from lightning surges at the time of lightning strikes with a simple configuration.

[0007] A protective system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a control device comprising: a detector for detecting gamma rays; a measuring unit for measuring the gamma ray level detected by the detector; and a determination unit for outputting a shut-off command when the gamma ray level exceeds a threshold; and a switch installed in the wiring connecting the equipment for shutting off the wiring when the shut-off command is output.

[0008] According to this disclosure, it becomes possible to protect equipment from lightning surges during lightning strikes with a simple configuration.

[0009] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a building equipped with the protective system according to the embodiment. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the protective system according to the embodiment. Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the protective system according to the embodiment. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the schematic configuration of a protective system according to a modified example. Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of this embodiment.

[0010] The embodiments will now be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a building 30 on which the protective system according to the embodiment is installed, and a thundercloud 40 that has formed above the building 30.

[0011] As shown in Figure 1, a control device 1 is installed in building 30. Building 30 is also equipped with a communication device 51, a power supply unit 52, an emergency power supply 53, electrical equipment 54 and 55, and a lightning rod 57. The communication device 51, power supply unit 52, emergency power supply 53, electrical equipment 54 and 55, and lightning rod 57 are examples of equipment.

[0012] The communication device 51 is connected to an external device (not shown) via a communication line L1. That is, the communication device 51 transmits and receives data to and from the external device via the communication line L1.

[0013] The power supply unit 52 is connected to an external power supply network (not shown) via the power line L2 and receives power supplied from the outside. The power supply unit 52 supplies power to drive the communication equipment 51 and each electrical device 54, 55 installed in the building 30 via the power line L3.

[0014] The emergency power supply 53 supplies power to the communication equipment and each electrical device 54, 55 when the power supply from the power supply device 52 stops due to a power outage or the like.

[0015] The lightning rod 57 is grounded to the ground via a lightning rod grounding wire L4 (for example, a stranded wire), and when lightning strikes 42, it sends current to the ground. Communication line L1, power lines L2 and L3, and lightning rod grounding wire L4 are examples of wiring. That is, the wiring includes at least one of the communication line L1, power lines L2 and L3, and lightning rod grounding wire L4.

[0016] A switch 61 is connected to the communication line L1. When the control device 1 outputs a disconnection command (details will be described later), the switch 61 disconnects the communication line L1. That is, it stops communication with the outside by the communication device 51. When the control device 1 outputs a connection command, the switch 61 connects the communication line L1. A surge protector (SPD) may be used instead of the switch 61. By using a surge protector, when an overcurrent due to a lightning surge flows through the communication line L1, it can be detected and the communication line L1 can be disconnected.

[0017] A switch 62 is connected to the power line L2. When a disconnection command is output from the control device 1, the switch 62 disconnects the power line L2. That is, the power supply to the power supply device 52 via the power line L2 is stopped. When a connection command is output from the control device 1, the switch 62 connects the power line L2.

[0018] Switches 63 and 64 are connected to the grounding wires between each electrical device 54 and 55 and the ground, respectively. Additionally, a switch 65 is connected to the lightning rod grounding wire L4 connected to the lightning rod 57. In other words, a switch 65 is installed between the lightning rod 57 (device) and the ground.

[0019] Switches 63-65 switch from connected to disconnected when a disconnection command is output from control device 1. That is, they disconnect the electrical equipment 54, 55 from ground and disconnect the lightning rod 57 from ground. Switches 63-65 switch from disconnected to connected when a connection command is output from control device 1. That is, they connect the electrical equipment 54, 55 from ground and connect the lightning rod 57 from ground.

[0020] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the protective system 100 according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the protective system 100 includes a control device 1 and switches 61 to 65.

[0021] The control device 1 includes a detector 11, a measurement unit 12, a determination unit 13, and a transmission unit 14.

[0022] The detector 11 detects gamma rays 41 generated in the thundercloud 40 shown in Figure 1.

[0023] The measurement unit 12 extracts the gamma rays detected by the detector 11 and measures the gamma ray level.

[0024] The determination unit 13 compares a preset threshold (for example, 10 [Mev]) with the gamma-ray level measured by the measurement unit 12. If the determination unit 13 determines that the gamma-ray level is above the threshold, it outputs a shut-off command to shut off each switch 61 to 65. If the determination unit 13 determines that the gamma-ray level is below the threshold level, it outputs a connection command to connect each switch 61 to 65.

[0025] The transmitting unit 14 transmits the disconnection command and connection command output from the determination unit 13 to each switch 61-65 wirelessly or via wired connection.

[0026] Next, the processing procedure of the protective system 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 3. First, in step S11 of Figure 3, the detector 11 detects gamma rays 41 generated in the thundercloud 40. Gamma ray detection is performed, for example, every 10 msec.

[0027] In step S12, the measurement unit 12 measures the gamma ray level detected by the detector 11.

[0028] In step S13, the determination unit 13 determines whether the gamma ray level measured by the measurement unit 12 is above a threshold. If it is above the threshold (S13; YES), the process proceeds to step S14; otherwise (S13; NO), the process proceeds to step S15.

[0029] In step S14, the transmitting unit 14 transmits a shutoff command to each of the switches 61 to 65. The communication line L1, power lines L2 and L3, and lightning rod grounding line L4 shown in Figure 1 are shut off. In other words, gamma rays generated as a precursor to lightning strikes by the thundercloud 40 can be detected and each of the power lines L1 to L4 can be shut off.

[0030] Therefore, in the event of a lightning strike caused by a thundercloud 40, lightning surges entering the communication device 51 via the communication line L1 from external equipment, and lightning surges entering the power supply device 52 via the power line L2 from the external power supply network, can be blocked, thereby protecting each piece of equipment installed in the building 30. Furthermore, by activating the emergency power supply 53, the operation of electrical equipment 54 and 55 can continue even after the power line L2 has been cut off.

[0031] Furthermore, since the connection between the lightning rod 57 and the ground is interrupted, and the connection between the electrical equipment 54 and 55 and the ground is interrupted, it is possible to prevent lightning surges from entering each of the electrical equipment 54 and 55 via the ground when a lightning strike occurs.

[0032] In step S15, the transmitting unit 14 outputs connection commands to each of the switches 61 to 65. The communication line L1, power lines L2 and L3, and lightning rod grounding line L4 shown in Figure 1 are connected. As a result, it becomes possible to restore the normal communication state and the normal power supply state.

[0033] As described above, the protection system 100 according to this embodiment includes a control device 1 which comprises a detector 11 for detecting gamma rays, a measuring unit 12 for measuring the gamma ray level detected by the detector 11, and a determination unit 13 which outputs a shut-off command when the gamma ray level exceeds a threshold, and switches 61 to 65 which are installed on the wiring connecting the equipment (communication line L1, power lines L2, L3, lightning rod grounding line L4) and shut off the wiring when a shut-off command is output.

[0034] In this embodiment, the detector 11 of the control device 1 detects gamma rays, and when the gamma ray level exceeds a threshold, a shut-off command is output to each of the switches 61 to 65. That is, when gamma rays that are a precursor to a lightning strike are generated in the thundercloud 40, these gamma rays can be detected and each of the switches 61 to 65 can be shut off. Therefore, with an extremely simple configuration of detecting gamma rays and measuring their level, when lightning strikes in the thundercloud 40, it is possible to prevent lightning surges from entering each piece of equipment installed in the building 30, and the problem of equipment being damaged by the intrusion of lightning surges can be avoided. In addition, it is possible to prevent lightning surges from entering each piece of equipment via the ground from the lightning rod 57.

[0035] In this embodiment, an example of protecting each piece of equipment installed in building 30 has been shown. However, the protective system 100 according to this embodiment can also be installed in facilities other than building 30, such as private homes or other buildings, to protect each piece of equipment from lightning surges.

[0036] [Explanation of Modified Examples] Next, a modified example of the embodiment described above will be explained. Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the schematic configuration of the protection system according to the modified example. As shown in Figure 4, in the protection system according to the modified example, the control device 1 is mounted on the lightning-resistant drone 70. The control device 1 has the same configuration as the control device 1 shown in Figure 2 and is capable of wireless communication with multiple buildings 30 (in Figure 4, five buildings 30-1 to 30-5). The lightning-resistant drone 70 is an example of an aircraft.

[0037] The lightning-resistant drone 70 flies unmanned in the air. By flying the lightning-resistant drone 70 near the location where a thundercloud is forming, the gamma rays generated by the thundercloud can be detected by the detector 11.

[0038] Each building, from 30-1 to 30-5, is equipped with various devices such as communication equipment, power supplies, and electrical equipment as shown in Figure 2, as well as switches for switching between disconnecting and connecting each wiring. As shown in Figure 4, each building, from 30-1 to 30-5, is equipped with a repeater 71. The repeater 71 is capable of wireless communication with the lightning protection drone 70. The repeater 71 outputs disconnection commands and connection commands transmitted from the control device 1 to each switch.

[0039] In other words, the control device 1 is installed on an unmanned lightning-resistant drone 70 (flying object) that flies overhead. The switch receives a disconnection command or connection command output by the determination unit 13 of the control device 1 installed on the flying object and wirelessly transmitted by the transmission unit 14, and disconnects or connects the wiring.

[0040] In the modified protection system, the control device 1 mounted on the lightning-resistant drone 70 transmits a shutdown command to the repeaters 71 installed in each building 30-1 to 30-5 when a level of gamma rays exceeding a threshold is detected. As a result, the switches installed in each building 30-1 to 30-5 can be switched from connected to disconnected, protecting each piece of equipment from lightning surges.

[0041] Furthermore, when the gamma-ray level detected by the control device 1 falls below the threshold, a connection command is sent to the repeaters 71 installed in each building 30-1 to 30-5. Consequently, the switches installed in each building 30-1 to 30-5 can be switched from disconnection to connection, and the operation of each device can be restored.

[0042] In the above-described modification, an example was given in which a lightning-resistant drone 70 is used as the aircraft, but other aircraft besides the lightning-resistant drone 70 may also be used.

[0043] As shown in Figure 5, the control device 1 of this embodiment described above can be a general-purpose computer system comprising, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit, processor) 901, memory 902, storage 903 (HDD: Hard Disk Drive, SSD: Solid State Drive), communication device 904, input device 905, and output device 906. The memory 902 and storage 903 are storage devices. In this computer system, each function of the control device 1 is realized when the CPU 901 executes a predetermined program loaded onto the memory 902.

[0044] Note that the control device 1 may be implemented by one computer or may be implemented by a plurality of computers. Further, the control device 1 may be a virtual machine implemented on a computer.

[0045] Note that the program for the control device 1 can be stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as an HDD, SSD, USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, CD (Compact Disc), or DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or can be distributed via a network. The computer-readable recording medium is, for example, a non-transitory recording medium.

[0046] Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist thereof.

[0047] 1 Control device 11 Detector 12 Measuring unit 13 Determination unit 14 Transmitter 30 Building 40 Thundercloud 41 Gamma ray 51 Communication device 52 Power supply device 53 Emergency power supply 54, 55 Electrical equipment 57 Lightning rod 61 - 65 Switch 71 Repeater 100 Protection system L1 Communication line (electric wire) L2, L3 Power line (electric wire) L4 Lightning rod ground wire (electric wire)

Claims

1. A protective system comprising: a control device comprising: a detector for detecting gamma rays; a measuring unit for measuring the gamma ray level detected by the detector; a determination unit for outputting a shut-off command when the gamma ray level exceeds a threshold; and a switch installed on the wiring connecting the equipment, which shuts off the wiring when the shut-off command is output.

2. The protective system according to claim 1, wherein the wiring includes at least one of a communication line, a power line, and a lightning rod grounding line.

3. The protective system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the switch is installed between the equipment and the ground.

4. The protective system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control device is installed on an aircraft flying in the air, and the switch receives the shutdown command transmitted wirelessly from the control device installed on the aircraft and shuts off the wiring.

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