Title of Invention	A METHOD FOR PROVIDING SERVICE FOR INCREASING POWER DISTRIBUTION EFFICIENCY AND A SYSTEM THEREFOR .
Abstract	The power distribution company purchases the electric power from the power generation company and sells retail of the electric power to the electric power customers, and the service provider provides the consultation service to the power distribution company for planning the optimum power distribution system to be constructed with the initial investment and for increasing the power distribution efficiency, and they shares the profit money from the power distribution company based on the measured value of the resultant efficiency of the power distribution operation. The system comprises the measurement system for measuring the electric power purchased by the power distribution company, the device for transmitting the measurement data of the purchased electric power and the operation information of the power distribution line to the service provider, the data receiving device, and a computer for calculating the optimum power distribution system pattern, the computer for calculating the usage rate of the optimum power distribution system pattern and the computer for calculating the profit money obtained by the optimization.

Title of Invention

A METHOD FOR PROVIDING SERVICE FOR INCREASING POWER DISTRIBUTION EFFICIENCY AND A SYSTEM THEREFOR .

Abstract

The power distribution company purchases the electric power from the power generation company and sells retail of the electric power to the electric power customers, and the service provider provides the consultation service to the power distribution company for planning the optimum power distribution system to be constructed with the initial investment and for increasing the power distribution efficiency, and they shares the profit money from the power distribution company based on the measured value of the resultant efficiency of the power distribution operation. The system comprises the measurement system for measuring the electric power purchased by the power distribution company, the device for transmitting the measurement data of the purchased electric power and the operation information of the power distribution line to the service provider, the data receiving device, and a computer for calculating the optimum power distribution system pattern, the computer for calculating the usage rate of the optimum power distribution system pattern and the computer for calculating the profit money obtained by the optimization.

Full Text	METHOD OF PROVIDING SERVICE WHICH MAKES POWER DISTRIBUTION OPERATION EFFECTIVE, AND SYSTEM BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to the service for increasing the efficiency in the power distribution business and its system by means of minimizing the electric power loss in the power distribution system or by implementing the plant and equipment investment effectively for the power distribution system. [0002] Conventionally, the efficiency increase in the power distribution operation or the economical operation of the power distribution operation have depended heavily on the subjective judgment of the operator. In general, as the power distribution companies give priority to the reliability of the power distribution system or the reliability of the electric power supply rather than its economical operation, it is fact that the performance and effect in the economical operation has not verified explicitly. [0003] It is general that the efficiency increase in the power distribution operation is provided as a part of the power distribution efficiency increasing system, in which a relatively large scale investment on the plant and equipment including the introduction of the remote-operated circuit breakers and switches and sensors is assumed. [0004] In connection with the power liberalization movement, the importance of strengthening of the baseline of the management operation increases for the power distribution companies. It is commonly recognized that the optimization of the plant and equipment investment and the cost reduction of the electric power supply are specifically prime tasks among other things. [0005] And furthermore, as described above, the efficiency increase in the power distribution operation conventionally depended heavily on the subjective judgment of the operator and the performance and effect in the economical operation has not verified explicitly, which makes an insecure business model. [0006] In addition, a relatively large scale investment on the plant and equipment is inevitable for increasing the efficiency in the power distribution operation. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a power distribution efficiency increasing service and a power distribution efficiency increasing system which enables to increase the operation of the power distribution without plant and equipment investment and to verify explicitly its effect (ROI: Return On Investment) contributing to strengthening the baseline of the management operation of the power distribution company. [0008] In order to attain the above object, the power distribution efficiency increasing service of the present invention comprises a means for planning the optimum power distribution system to be established with initial investment by the service provider, a means for providing a consultation for increasing the efficiency in the power distribution, a means for introducing the system for measuring the revenue money obtained by the power distribution efficiency increasing service and a means for measuring the usage rate of the optimized power distribution system. [0009] In addition, in order to attain the above object, the power distribution efficiency increasing system of the present invention comprises a measuring device of the purchased power of the power distribution company, a means for transmitting the measured data of the purchased power and the operation information of the power distribution system to the service provider, a means for receiving the measured data, a computer for calculating the optimum power distribution system pattern, a computer for calculating the usage rate of the optimized power distribution system and a computer for calculating the revenue money obtained by the optimization. [0010] The other characteristics of the present invention are as described in the scope of claim for patent, and those characteristics will be described individually below. [0011] The power distribution efficiency increasing service providing method of the present invention is characterized by that for the individual power distribution systems connected to plural power distributed points (that is, electric power customer in principle, and hereinafter referred to as this), the information on the improved system pattern obtained by modifying the system pattern for reducing the power loss is provided, and the power loss reduction effect with this improved pattern is measured and calculated. In this case, it is preferable that the service charge corresponding to the calculated effect is collected from the power distribution company. [0012] In addition, the power distribution efficiency increasing service providing method of the present invention is characterized by that the power distribution system is configured and operated appropriately (which means to reducing the loss much more, or to minimize, that is, optimize the loss, and hereinafter, the term of optimize or optimization will be used for simplifying the explanation, but the scope of the present invention is not limited by the term of optimize) and then the contingent on success based on the measurement result of the optimization effect is obtained. More specifically, (1) a method is provided for configuring an optimum power distribution system for minimizing the power loss in the power distribution system, by modifying the combination of the open-circuit state and the closed-circuit state of the circuit breakers or switches in the power distribution system; (2) a method is provided for configuring an optimum power distribution system so as to suspend a plant and equipment investment by modifying the layout of equipment on the electric circuit including circuit breakers, switches or other devices forming the power distribution system, or by removing the equipment; and (3) a method is provided for configuring an optimum power distribution system in which both the first pattern for modifying the power distribution system optimized for reducing the electric power loss in the power distribution system, obtained by modifying a combination of the open-circuit state and the closed-circuit state of circuit breakers or switches in the power distribution system; and the second pattern for modifying the power distribution system enabled to suspend a plant and equipment investment by modifying a layout of equipment on the electric circuit including circuit breakers, switches or other devices forming the power distribution system, or by removing the equipment are considered with a predefined weight. [0013] Paying attention to the electric power volume purchased from the power generation company or the power generation division of the electric company (hereinafter referred directly to as power generation company) by the power distribution company of the power distribution division of the electric power company (hereinafter referred directly to as power distribution company), it is preferable that the purchased electric power volume before introducing the power distribution efficiency increasing service (hereinafter referred directly to as pre-introduction) and the purchased electric power volume after introducing the power distribution efficiency increasing service (hereinafter referred directly to as post-introduction) are measured in a constant period of time individually, and that the effect brought by the power distribution efficiency increasing service is estimated based on the difference between the pre-introduction electric power volume and the post-introduction electric power volume. It is allowed that the power generation company is identical to the power distribution company. [0014] In addition, it is preferable that the service provider provides a consultation service for increasing the power distribution efficiency. In this case, the consultation service provided to the power distribution company by the service provider includes timely information service for the comprehensive know-now for operating the power distribution system such as the supervisory and control of the power distribution system, the construction and engineering works for the power distribution lines, the recovery from the accident in the power distribution system and the investment program for the power distribution equipment. [0015] In addition, it is effective that the service provider implements the initial investment and provides either or both of the installation of the system for measuring the effect brought by the power distribution efficiency increasing service and the production of the software for planning the optimum power distribution system, and that, as for the contingent on success, the profit from the power distribution efficiency increasing service may be shared by the power distribution company and the service provider or obtained as the service charge. In the later case, it is specifically effective that the service provider receives the operation record information from the power distribution company and estimates the usage rate of the optimum power distribution system based on this information, and the service provider may determine alternatively to receive the divided profit brought by the power distribution efficiency increasing service or to receive the service charge considering the estimated usage rate of the optimum power distribution system. [0016] The power distribution efficiency increasing method of the present invention is characterized by that the power distribution company receives the information from the service provider company regarding the improved system pattern obtained by modifying the existing system pattern in order to reduce the power loss for the power distribution system connecting the plural electric power customers in the service area of the power distribution company, and that the power distribution company pays the charge corresponding to the estimated value obtained by measuring the power loss reduction effect brought by the improved system pattern to the service provider company. In this case, it is preferable that the service charge is kept fixed for a constant period of time negotiated in advance or defined to be a divided amount shared with the profit of the power distribution company. [0017] For the power distribution efficiency increasing system, it is especially effective that (1) the measuring device for the electric power purchased by the power distribution company is installed at the power receiving equipment in the power distribution company importing the electric power from the power generation company, or (2) the transmitting device and the receiving device use Internet, the public telephone network or the private communication network. [0018] In the claims of the present invention, the term of optimization includes such a context as the effect of the power loss reduction could be obtained or expected, and thus, such a case that a little effect is obtained at all may be included in the context of optimization as defined in the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an illustration showing an example of the power distribution system. FIG. 2 is an illustration showing an example of the power distribution system. FIG. 3 is an illustration showing an example of the power distribution system. FIG. 4 is an illustration showing a configuration of the power distribution efficiency increasing service in one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is an illustration showing a configuration of the power distribution efficiency increasing service in one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an information flow in the power distribution efficiency increasing service in one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a procedural flow in the power distribution efficiency increasing service in one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a characteristic chart illustrating examples of time shifting of the summation of the electric power retail sales contracted volume in the load dispatched area of the base substation. FIG. 9 is a characteristic chart illustrating an example of time shifting of the summation of the electric power retail sales contracted volume in the overall load dispatched area covered by the power distribution efficiency increasing service. FIG. 10 is a characteristic chart illustrating an example of the time shifting of the electric power volume purchased from the power generation company and its unit price of the purchased electric power. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0019] Now, referring to FIG. 1 to 3, the present invention is disclosed in the preferred embodiment. At first, modification of the power distribution system pattern is described with the preferred embodiments. [0020] According to this embodiment, the efficiency of the power distribution system is increased in the following method. By modifying the open and close pattern of the circuit breakers or the switches in the power distribution system, an optimum pattern of the power distribution system making the electric loss minimized can be obtained without altering the condition for supplying the electric power to the electric power customers. [0021] FIG. 1 shows an example of a part of the power distribution system to which the efficiency increasing service of this embodiment is applied, in which what is shown is a part of the patterned power distribution system comprising power distribution substation transformer si (= BANK01, 02 ...), section switches 2 (= TYS01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07 ...), cooperating switches 3 (= TL01 ...) and feeder circuit breakers 4 (= FCB01, 02 ...). [0022] The electric power purchased from the power generation company is supplied from the primary side of the power distribution substation transformer 1 and its voltage is made reduced and then, the electric power flows into the power distribution system through the feeder circuit breakers 4. The section switches 2 and the cooperating switches 3 in the power distribution system have their own open-circuit state or closed-circuit state individually, and define a specific pattern of the power distribution system. [0023] FIG. 2 shows a route for supplying the electric power to the load 5 in a given power distribution system pattern. The electric power is supplied to the load 5 through the route starting at BANK02 in the power distribution substation transformer 1 connected next to FCB02 as the feeder circuit breaker 4, connected next to TYS04 as the section switch 2, connected next to TYS05 as the section switch and finally through TYS07 as the section switch. [0024] FIG. 3 shows another example of the route for supplying the electric power to the load 5 in a given power distribution system pattern defined by modifying the open and close state of the section switches 2 different from the example shown in FIG. 2. More specifically, in the power distribution system in FIG. 3 compared to what shown in FIG. 2, in which TYS05 as the section switch 2 is turned from the closed-circuit state to the open-circuit state and TYS06 as the section switch is turned from the open-circuit state to the closed-circuit state, resultantly, the electric power is supplied to the load 5 through the route starting at the BANK01 in the power distribution substation transformer 1 connected next to FCB01 as the feeder circuit breaker 4, connected next to TYS01 as the section switch 2, connected next to TYS02 as the section switch, connected next to TYS03 as the section switch, connected next to TL01 as the cooperating switch 3, connected next to TYS06 as the section switch 2 and finally through TYS07 as the section switch. [0025] Comparing the case of supplying the electric power through the route shown in FIG. 2 with the case of supplying the electric power through the route shown I FIG. 3 , it is proved that the electric loss in the individual route differs from each other due to the difference in the impedance of the power distribution cable and the distance between the power source to the load. To obtain an optimum power distribution system enabling to minimize the power distribution loss is equivalent to select a single pattern for minimizing the power distribution loss among several patterns, each having an individual combination of open and closed states of the circuit breakers and the switches in the power distribution system in the area covered by a given service. As the calculation for selecting an optimum pattern by using a computer consumes an extended time period, it is general to apply such a method as Genetic Algorithm (GA algorithm) in order to obtain an approximate solution in a shorter time period. [0026] For the supplementary note, the functions of the section switch 2 and the cooperating switch 3 are described here. Both of the section switch 2 and the cooperating switch 3 are switches operating on an electric circuit and have an identical electric function. Their difference is only determined by their positions placed in the electric circuit. Their operational roles change in connection with their positions. [0027] As for the section switches 2, the electric power customers are connected to the individual branches in the power distribution system configured in a tree structure (in which only a single route is established between the power source to the individual electric power customer (load)), in which the section switch is located so as to form an individual small-sized group of customers. For example, in urban areas, the distribution system is divided into a set of sections by the section switches, each arranged for 3 to 10 customers. Though all the customers (loads) are not illustrated explicitly in such a figure as shown by FIG. 1 in general, plural customers are connected practically to the sections before and after the individual section switch. In the power distribution system configured in a tree structure, once the section switch is turned OFF, the electric power to be supplied to the customers located in the down stream of this section switch is broken down. In a practical operation, when an accident occurs in the power distribution system, the cooperating switches are combined in order to minimize the area of power failure. [0028] The cooperating switch 3 is a switch for coupling the sections of the power distribution system configured in a tree structure, and is normally turned OFF in Japan. When the cooperating switch is turned ON, there may occur such a case that several sections form a loop. This means that plural power supply routes are formed from the power source to the customer. Owing to this configuration, the reliability in the power supply can be increased. In a example of using the cooperating switch, the cooperating switch is normally turned OFF, and in case that an accident in the power distribution system occurs, the disabled section due to the accident is isolated by the section switches and then the cooperating switch is turned ON, which makes it possible to supply the electric power from the another section in the branching power distribution system to the operable sections located in the down stream of the disabled section due to the accident. [0029] It is difficult to establish several alternative routes from the power source to the customer only by using the section switches. As alternative power distribution patterns can be established by supplying the electric power from the other power sources through the cooperating switches, what can be obtained is such a pattern of switches individually turned OFF or OFF as minimizing the power distribution loss can be minimized. [0030] In the method of one embodiment of the present invention, the electric power volume purchased from the power generation company by the power distribution company before and after introducing the power distribution efficiency increasing service; the profit money obtained by introducing the power distribution efficiency increasing service is calculated based on the difference between the electric power volume before and after its introduction; the profit money is divided based on the contract concluded between the power distribution company and the service provider or the service charge is paid from the power distribution company to the service provider. [0031] At first, before introducing the power distribution efficiency increasing service, the purchased electric power to be distributed to the service area of the distribution company is measured in a given time period. Next, the purchased electric power is measured in a given time period after introducing this service. The effect of this service is defined as the reduced volume of the purchased electric power for the power distribution company by comparing the pre-service operation with the post-service operation. [0032] The given time period described above is defined to be long enough to insensitive to the changes in the power demand due to days of week, seasons and/or unscheduled events. This given time period is defined to be one year in the following description. [0033] Though the effect obtained by the power distribution efficiency increasing service can be calculated based on the result of measuring the electric power volume purchased by the power distribution company as described above, the electric power demand (or the electric power volume purchased by the power distribution company) changes irregularly and annually due to the climatic conditions and the increase and decrease in the number of customers in general. This change should be considered in calculating the effect obtained by the power distribution efficiency increasing service. [0034] By referring to FIG. 4, one embodiment of the present invention is described. FIG 4 is a work flow showing a basic configuration of the power distribution efficiency increasing service. [0035] The contract for the power distribution efficiency increasing service is concluded between the power distribution company 1010 and the service provider 1009. The power distribution company 1010 purchases (1013) the electric power from the power generation company 1012 and pays (1014) the retail sales electricity bills to the power generation company 1012. In addition, the power distribution company 1010 sells (1007) retail of the electric power to the electric power customer 1011, and collects (1008) the electricity bills. If the power distribution company 1010 increases the efficiency in the power distribution operation, the electric power volume purchased from the power generation company can be reduced without making effect to the power supply to the electric power customer 1011. In other words, it can be interpreted qualitatively that the wholesale electricity bills to be paid to the power generation company 1012 can be reduced without sacrificing the collected amount of electricity bills from the electric power customers 1011, and that the cost reduction can be realized in the power distribution operation. [0036] The service provider 1009 initially invests (1004) initial capital for the plant and equipment to the power distribution company 1010 according to the contract concluded between the power distribution company 1010 and the service provider 1009. The initial capital investment (1004) to the plant and equipment covers the measuring system for measuring the effect obtained by the power distribution efficiency increasing service, the construction of the equipment data base and the installation of the computer system for calculating an optimum power distribution system pattern, which will be described later. [0037] In addition, the service provider 1009 provides (1001) the consultation for increasing the power distribution efficiency, and the power distribution company 1010 implements the operation for increasing the power distribution efficiency and feeds back (1003) its operation information to the service provider 1009. The measured values for the electric power volume purchased from the power generation company 1012 is collected (1002) by the service provider 1009. The service provider 1009 calculates the profit money obtained by increasing the power distribution efficiency from the above information, and notifies (1005) it to the power distribution company 1010. The service provider 1009 receives (1006) the divided money corresponding to this profit money or the fixed service charge from the power distribution company 1010. [0038] FIG. 5 is a system configuration diagram illustrating one mode of the embodiment of the present invention. The electric power generated at the power generation facility 2001 of the power generation company 1012 is supplied to the power transforming facility 2005 of the power distribution company through the power distribution line 2002, and then supplied from the power distribution system facility 2006 to the electric power customer 1011 through the power distribution line 2003. [0039] The power distribution system supervisory and control system 2007 supervises and controls the power distribution system facility 2006 and the power transforming facility 2005 in the power distribution company 1010. The operation information of the power distribution system facility 2006 is stored in the power distribution system supervisory and control system 2007. The electric power volume purchased from the power generation company 1012 by the power distribution company 1010 is measured by the purchased electric power measuring system 2004. The operation information of the power distribution system facility 2 006 and the measurement data of the purchased electric power measuring system 2004 are transmitted periodically to the service provider through the communication unit 2010, and the public network or the private network 2011. [0040] The service provider 1009 has the communication unit 2009 and receives the data from the power distribution company 1010. In addition, the service provider has the computer 2008, in which an optimum power distribution system pattern is calculated, the usage rate of the optimized power distribution system and the profit money obtained by the optimization is calculated. [0041] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the information flow in one embodiment of the power distribution efficiency increasing service in the present invention [0042] In the power distribution company 1010, the power distribution system supervisory and control system 2007 supervises and controls the power distribution system by using the facility information data base 3008, and the operation information is stored in the facility information data base 3008. The data of the purchased electric power volume obtained by the purchased electric power measuring system 2004 are transmitted to the service provider 1009 through the communication units 2010 and 2009. [0043] In the service provider 1009, the estimated value of the usage rate of the optimized power distribution system is calculated 3003 based on the data received by the communication unit 2009 and the result of the calculation 3002 for estimating the optimum power distribution system pattern. The calculation 3002 for estimating the optimum power distribution system pattern is based on the facility information stored in the facility information data base. The facility information includes the impedance of the power distribution lines and the position or distance information of the loads, the circuit breakers and the switches in the individual power distribution systems. The information stored in the facility information data base 3008 is supplied in an on-line or off-line mode to the calculation 3002 for estimating the optimum power distribution system pattern at the service provider 1009. The data obtained by the calculation 3002 for estimating the optimum power distribution system pattern are stored in an on-line or off-line mode into the facility information data base 3008 and then used for operating the power distribution system. [0044] The calculation 3001 for estimating the profit money obtained by optimization is executed based on the data obtained by the calculation 3003 for estimating the usage rate of the optimized power distribution system and the operation information of the power distribution system and the purchased electric power volume received through the communication unit 2009. [0045] FIG 7 is a flow chart showing a procedural flow of the power distribution increasing service in the embodiment illustrating one mode of the present invention. At first, the service provider 1009 surveys and studies the purchased electric power volume of the power distribution company and its power distribution system configuration, and forecasts the profit to be obtained by introducing the service (Step i). Next, the service provider 1009 provides the power distribution company 1010 with the consultation for introducing this service (Step ii). Next, the contract for this service is concluded (Step iii). [0046] After concluding the contract, the system for measuring the effect obtained by increasing the power distribution efficiency is installed (Step iv). Next, the consultation for increasing the power distribution efficiency is provided to the power distribution company by the service provider 1009. [0047] Next, the power distribution company implements the operation for increasing the power distribution efficiency (Step vi), and then the usage rate of the optimized power distribution system provided by the service provider and the effect obtained by increasing the power distribution efficiency are measured (Step vii). [0048] Thereafter, whether the optimized power distribution system was used in a contracted usage rate or more is judged (Step viii), and if the usage rate does not reach a designated value, the profit money obtained by the service is divided appropriately as contracted between the power distribution company 101 and the service provider 1009, or the power distribution company 1010 pas the service charge to the service provider 1009 (Step ix). If the usage rate reaches or exceeds a designated value, the profit money obtained by the service is divided approximately as contracted between the power distribution company 101 and the service provider 1009, or the power distribution company 1010 pas the service charge to the service provider 1009. [0049] Though thee outline of the power distribution efficiency increasing service and the power distribution efficiency increasing system is described above, what will be described concretely below is a method for correcting the measured value of the electric power volume purchased from the power generation company 1012 by the power distribution company 1010 and estimating the effect of the service. [0050] Assume that the number of the power distribution substations located in the area covered by the service is n. Plural substations extracted randomly from the power distribution substations located in this service area or located in the areas adjacent to this service area are called base stations. Assume that the number of the base stations is m. The service is not applied to m base stations. In this condition, the electric power inflow into m base stations does not change before and after introducing the service, and thus is not influenced by the introduction of the service. In the following description, suppose at first such a case that the number of electric power customers does not change in order to simplify the explanation. [0051] Year1 represents a single year before introducing the service and Year2 represents a single year after introducing the service. The ratio of the electric power flowing into the base stations in the period of Year1 to the electric power flowing into the base stations in the period of Year2 is supposed to be equal in a certain error range to the ratio of the electric power volume purchased by the power distribution company in the period of Year1 covered by the introduced service to the electric power volume purchased by the power distribution company in the period of Year2 without introducing the service. [0052] The power distribution company 1010 and the service provider 1009 agree as contracted that the error between the ratios defined above is negligibly small enough, and that the effect of the service is estimated based on the ratio of the electric power flowing into the base stations before and after introducing the service. [0053] Suppose that PByear1 is the electric power volume purchased by the power distribution company 1010 in a single year (Year1) before introducing the service, PByear2 is the electric power volume purchased by the power distribution company 1010 in a single year (Year2) after introducing the service, PB'year2 is the electric power volume purchased by the power distribution company 1010 in a single year (Year2) without introducing the service, PIbefore is the electric power flowing into the base stations in Yeari, PIafter is the electric power flowing into the base stations in Year2, the ratio of PIafter to PIbefore is equal to the ratio Rbase between the changes in the electric power demand in Year1 and Year2 due to the climatic condition independent of the introduction of the service. [0054] [0055] Then, in case that the service is not introduced in the period of Year2, the ratio R of the electric power purchased from the power generation company by the power distribution company in the period of Year2 to the electric power purchased in the period of can be expressed in the following formula. [0056] [0057] Supposing that the ratio of the efficiency increased by the service is Rservice (0≤service≤1) and assuming that Err=0 in the formula 2, the following equation is satisfied. [0058] [0059] Next, Let us consider the increase or decrease in the number of the electric power customers, that is, the increase or decrease in the summation of the contracted volume of the retail electric power. [0060] At first, let us pay attention to Rbase. As shown in FIG. 8, defining the change in the summation of the contracted volume of the retail electric power in the power distribution area of the base station to be a function Fcl(t), the ratio R'base between the changes in the electric power demand in the periods of Year1 and Year2 due to the climatic condition independent of the introduction of the service for considering the above described correction can be expressed in the following formula. [0061] [0062] Similarly, as shown in FIG. 9, defining the change in the summation of the contracted volume of the retail electric power in the overall area of the service to be a function Fc2(t), the formula 3 defined above can be expressed in the following formula. [0063] [0064] Above expressions are based on such an assumption that the electric power demand due to the increase or decrease in the number of the electric power customers is proportional to the summation of the contracted volume of the retail electric power. [0065] [0066] The formula 6 gives the following formula. [0067] [0068] The value obtained by multiplying the cost of the electric power purchased by the power distribution company in the period of Year2 by Rservice as defined above is the profit money Yprofit obtained by introducing the service. [0069] As shown in FIG. 10, suppose that the change in the unit price of the electric power purchased from the power generation company 1012 by the power distribution company 1010 is a function Fp(t), and that the change in the purchased electric power volume is expressed by function Fb(t), the profit money Yprofit obtained by introducing the service can be expressed by the following formula. [0070] [0071] The profit money as defined above is divided between the power distribution company 1010 and the power generation company 1009 according to the contract concluded between them. [0072] In the service, it is required to make it a necessary condition to apply such an optimum power distribution network as described above with minimum power distribution loss to the practical power distribution operation in the service period of Year2. This is because the practical power distribution operation is based on the subjective decision by the operators of the power distribution company 1010 with overall estimation of the economical efficiency, the reliability of the power distribution system, the reliability of the power supply and the easiness in the operation, and furthermore because the reliability of the power distribution system and the reliability of the power supply have a higher priority than the economical efficiency of the operation. [0073] In case that the occurrence of applying the optimum distribution system with the minimum distribution loss in the period 1 is extremely low, the profit money Yprofit obtained by the service may be extremely low or it may be zero or negative in some occasions. For this reason, the lower bound Pmin for the occurrence of applying the optimum distribution system to the practical power distribution operation is determined in advance according to the contract concluded between the power distribution company 1010 and the power generation company 1009, and if Papplied ≥ Pmin, the profit money Yprofit obtained by the service is divided between the power distribution company 1010 and the service provider 1009 based on the contract concluded between them as described above. On the other hand, if Papplide ≤ Pmin, the power distribution company 1010 pays the service charge for the service provided by the service provider 1009 in the periods of Year1 and Year2 to the service provider 1009 instead of dividing the profit money independent of the profit money Yprofit being larger or small, or positive or negative. [0074] The method of calculating Papplide, the occurrence of applying the optimum distribution system to the practical power distribution operation, is described below. [0075] In this embodiment, the method of calculating Papplide is based on the difference between the power distribution loss Wactual in the actual power distribution system and the power distribution loss Vmin in the optimum power distribution system. As for the power distribution loss, the power distribution loss w1 for the single-phase wire system is generally obtained by the formula 9, and the power distribution loss for the three-phase three-wire system is generally obtained by the formula 10. Suppose that the load power is P, the line-to-line voltage is V, the load power factor is cos 9 , and the wiring impedance is R. [0076] [0078] Once the open-circuit and closed-circuit states of all the circuit breakers and the switches of the power distribution system in the service area, the summation of the power transmission loss in the actual power distribution system, Wactual, and the summation of the theoretical power distribution loss, Wmin, in case of applying the optimum distribution system is applied fully to the load in the actual power distribution system can be obtained. [0079] The occurrence of applying the optimum power distribution system to the actual power distribution system, Papplied, can be defined as in Formula 11, by using Wactual and Wmin. [0080] [0081] Next, the occurrence of applying the optimum power distribution system to the actual power distribution system, Papplied_year2, for the overall period of Year2 is calculated. [0082] Assuming that the power distribution loss in the actual power distribution system in a given day (day=i) is Wactual(i)/ and the theoretical power distribution loss in case of operating the load with the optimum power distribution system, PapPlied_year2 is obtained by Formula 12. [0083] [0084] As described above, according to the present invention, the power distribution efficiency increasing service and the power distribution efficiency increasing system which can increase the efficiency of the power distribution operation without plant and equipment investment, and contribute to strengthening the baseline of the management operation of the power distribution company can be provided. WE CLAIM: 1. A method for providing service for increasing power distribution efficiency, said method characterized by the steps of: - providing an information on an improved system pattern (3002) obtained by modifying a system pattern for reducing a power loss, for an individual power distribution system connected to plural power distributed points; and - measuring and calculating a power loss reduction effect with said improved pattern. 2. A method for providing service for increasing efficiency as claimed in claim 1, wherein a service providing charge corresponding to said calculated effect is collected from a power distribution company. 3. A method for providing service for increasing efficiency comprising : a step for increasing an information from a service provider company regarding an improved system pattern obtained by modifying an existing system pattern in order to reduce a power loss for a power distribution system connecting plural electric power customers in a self- owned service area; and a step for paying a charge corresponding to an estimated value obtained by measuring a power loss reduction effect brought by said improved system pattern to a service provider company. 4. A method for providing service for increasing efficiency as claimed in said power distributed point is an electric power customer. 5. A method for providing service for increasing efficiency as claimed in said power distributed point is an electric power customer. 6. A method for providing service for increasing efficiency as claimed in said service providing charge is kept fixed for a constant period of time negotiated in advance or defined to be a divided amount shared with a profit of a power distribution company. 7. A method for providing service for increasing efficiency a step for directing to modify a power distribution system; a step for obtaining a contingent on success based on a result of measuring an effect of said modification. 8. A method for providing service for increasing efficiency as claimed in Claim 7, wherein a configuration method for a power distribution system is obtained so as to reduce a power loss of said power distribution system by modifying a combination of a open-circuit state and a closed-circuit state of circuit breakers or switches in said power distribution system. 9. A method for providing service for increasing efficiency providing method of Claim 7, wherein a configuration method for a power distribution system is obtained so as to suspend a plant and equipment investment by modifying a layout of equipment on an electric circuit including circuit breakers, switches or other devices forming a power distribution system, or by removing said equipment. 10. A method for providing service for increasing efficiency providing method of Claim 7, wherein both a first pattern for modifying a power distribution system optimized for reducing an electric power loss in a power distribution system, obtained by modifying a combination of a open-circuit state and a closed-circuit state of circuit breakers or switches in said power distribution system; and a second pattern for modifying a power distribution system enabled to suspend a plant and equipment investment by modifying a layout of equipment on an electric circuit including circuit breakers, switches or other devices forming a power distribution system, or by removing said equipment are considered with a predefined weight; and a configuration method for one distribution system is obtained. 11. A method for providing service for increasing efficiency providing method of Claim 7, wherein paying attention to an electric power volume purchased from a power generation company or a power generation division of an electric company by a power distribution company of a power distribution division of an electric power, a purchased electric power volume before introducing a power distribution efficiency increasing service and a purchased electric power volume after introducing a power distribution efficiency increasing service are measured in a constant period of time individually; and an effect brought by said power distribution efficiency increasing service is estimated based on a difference between an electric power volume before introducing a service and an electric power volume after introducing a service. 12. A method for providing service for increasing efficiency as claimed in /providing method of Claim 7, wherein a service provider provide a consultation for increasing a power distribution efficiency. 13. A method for providing service for increasing efficiency as claimed in providing method of Claim 12, wherein a consultation service provided to a power distribution company by a service provider includes timely information service for a comprehensive know-now for operating a power distribution system such as a supervisory and control of a power distribution system, construction and engineering works for a power distribution lines, a recovery from an accident in a power distribution system and an investment program for a power distribution equipment. 14. A method for providing service for increasing efficiency as claimed in providing method of Claim 7, wherein service provider implements an initial investment and provides either or both of an installation of a system for measuring an effect brought by a power distribution efficiency increasing service and a production of software for planning an optimum power distribution system. 15. A method for providing service for increasing efficiency providing method of Claim 7, wherein as for the contingent on success, a profit from a power distribution efficiency increasing service may be shared by a power distribution company(and a service provider(or obtained as a service charge(l006). 16. A method for providing service for increasing efficiency providing method of Claim 15, wherein a service provider receives an operation record information from a power distribution company and estimates a usage rate of said optimum power distribution system based on said information, and said service provider may determine alternatively to receive a divided profit brought by a power distribution efficiency increasing service or to receive a service charge considering an estimated usage rate of said optimum power distribution system. 17. A system for increasing power distribution efficiency comprising a measuring device for measuring a power volume purchased by a power distribution company; a transmitting device for transmitting measured data of a purchased power volume of said power distribution company and an operation information of a power distribution system; a receiving device for receiving measured data of a purchased power volume of said power distribution company and an operation information of a power distribution system; a computer for calculating an optimum power distribution system pattern; a computer for calculating the usage rate of the optimized power distribution system and a computer for calculating the revenue money obtained by the optimization. 18.A system for increasing power distribution efficiency as claimed in claim 17, wherein said measuring device for measuring a power volume purchased by a power distribution company is located at a power receiving equipment in a power distribution company importing an electric power from a power generation company. 19. A system for increasing power distribution efficiency as claimed in ciaim 17, wherein said transmitting device and said receiving device use Internet, a public telephone network or a private communication network. The power distribution company purchases the electric power from the power generation company and sells retail of the electric power to the electric power customers, and the service provider provides the consultation service to the power distribution company for planning the optimum power distribution system to be constructed with the initial investment and for increasing the power distribution efficiency, and they shares the profit money from the power distribution company based on the measured value of the resultant efficiency of the power distribution operation. The system comprises the measurement system for measuring the electric power purchased by the power distribution company, the device for transmitting the measurement data of the purchased electric power and the operation information of the power distribution line to the service provider, the data receiving device, and a computer for calculating the optimum power distribution system pattern, the computer for calculating the usage rate of the optimum power distribution system pattern and the computer for calculating the profit money obtained by the optimization.

Full Text

METHOD OF PROVIDING SERVICE WHICH MAKES POWER DISTRIBUTION
OPERATION EFFECTIVE, AND SYSTEM
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001]
The present invention relates to the service for
increasing the efficiency in the power distribution business
and its system by means of minimizing the electric power loss
in the power distribution system or by implementing the plant
and equipment investment effectively for the power distribution
system.
[0002]
Conventionally, the efficiency increase in the power
distribution operation or the economical operation of the power
distribution operation have depended heavily on the subjective
judgment of the operator. In general, as the power distribution
companies give priority to the reliability of the power
distribution system or the reliability of the electric power
supply rather than its economical operation, it is fact that
the performance and effect in the economical operation has not
verified explicitly.
[0003]
It is general that the efficiency increase in the power
distribution operation is provided as a part of the power

distribution efficiency increasing system, in which a
relatively large scale investment on the plant and equipment
including the introduction of the remote-operated circuit
breakers and switches and sensors is assumed.
[0004]
In connection with the power liberalization movement, the
importance of strengthening of the baseline of the management
operation increases for the power distribution companies. It
is commonly recognized that the optimization of the plant and
equipment investment and the cost reduction of the electric
power supply are specifically prime tasks among other things.
[0005]
And furthermore, as described above, the efficiency
increase in the power distribution operation conventionally
depended heavily on the subjective judgment of the operator and
the performance and effect in the economical operation has not
verified explicitly, which makes an insecure business model.
[0006]
In addition, a relatively large scale investment on the
plant and equipment is inevitable for increasing the efficiency
in the power distribution operation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007]

An object of the present invention is to provide a power
distribution efficiency increasing service and a power
distribution efficiency increasing system which enables to
increase the operation of the power distribution without plant
and equipment investment and to verify explicitly its effect
(ROI: Return On Investment) contributing to strengthening the
baseline of the management operation of the power distribution
company.
[0008]
In order to attain the above object, the power
distribution efficiency increasing service of the present
invention comprises a means for planning the optimum power
distribution system to be established with initial investment
by the service provider, a means for providing a consultation
for increasing the efficiency in the power distribution, a means
for introducing the system for measuring the revenue money
obtained by the power distribution efficiency increasing
service and a means for measuring the usage rate of the optimized
power distribution system.
[0009]
In addition, in order to attain the above object, the power
distribution efficiency increasing system of the present
invention comprises a measuring device of the purchased power
of the power distribution company, a means for transmitting the

measured data of the purchased power and the operation
information of the power distribution system to the service
provider, a means for receiving the measured data, a computer
for calculating the optimum power distribution system pattern,
a computer for calculating the usage rate of the optimized power
distribution system and a computer for calculating the revenue
money obtained by the optimization.
[0010]
The other characteristics of the present invention are
as described in the scope of claim for patent, and those
characteristics will be described individually below.
[0011]
The power distribution efficiency increasing service
providing method of the present invention is characterized by
that for the individual power distribution systems connected
to plural power distributed points (that is, electric power
customer in principle, and hereinafter referred to as this),
the information on the improved system pattern obtained by
modifying the system pattern for reducing the power loss is
provided, and the power loss reduction effect with this improved
pattern is measured and calculated. In this case, it is
preferable that the service charge corresponding to the
calculated effect is collected from the power distribution
company.

[0012]
In addition, the power distribution efficiency
increasing service providing method of the present invention
is characterized by that the power distribution system is
configured and operated appropriately (which means to reducing
the loss much more, or to minimize, that is, optimize the loss,
and hereinafter, the term of optimize or optimization will be
used for simplifying the explanation, but the scope of the
present invention is not limited by the term of optimize) and
then the contingent on success based on the measurement result
of the optimization effect is obtained. More specifically, (1)
a method is provided for configuring an optimum power
distribution system for minimizing the power loss in the power
distribution system, by modifying the combination of the
open-circuit state and the closed-circuit state of the circuit
breakers or switches in the power distribution system; (2) a
method is provided for configuring an optimum power
distribution system so as to suspend a plant and equipment
investment by modifying the layout of equipment on the electric
circuit including circuit breakers, switches or other devices
forming the power distribution system, or by removing the
equipment; and (3) a method is provided for configuring an
optimum power distribution system in which both the first
pattern for modifying the power distribution system optimized

for reducing the electric power loss in the power distribution
system, obtained by modifying a combination of the open-circuit
state and the closed-circuit state of circuit breakers or
switches in the power distribution system; and the second
pattern for modifying the power distribution system enabled to
suspend a plant and equipment investment by modifying a layout
of equipment on the electric circuit including circuit breakers,
switches or other devices forming the power distribution system,
or by removing the equipment are considered with a predefined
weight.
[0013]
Paying attention to the electric power volume purchased
from the power generation company or the power generation
division of the electric company (hereinafter referred directly
to as power generation company) by the power distribution
company of the power distribution division of the electric power
company (hereinafter referred directly to as power distribution
company), it is preferable that the purchased electric power
volume before introducing the power distribution efficiency
increasing service (hereinafter referred directly to as
pre-introduction) and the purchased electric power volume after
introducing the power distribution efficiency increasing
service (hereinafter referred directly to as
post-introduction) are measured in a constant period of time

individually, and that the effect brought by the power
distribution efficiency increasing service is estimated based
on the difference between the pre-introduction electric power
volume and the post-introduction electric power volume. It is
allowed that the power generation company is identical to the
power distribution company.
[0014]
In addition, it is preferable that the service provider
provides a consultation service for increasing the power
distribution efficiency. In this case, the consultation service
provided to the power distribution company by the service
provider includes timely information service for the
comprehensive know-now for operating the power distribution
system such as the supervisory and control of the power
distribution system, the construction and engineering works for
the power distribution lines, the recovery from the accident
in the power distribution system and the investment program for
the power distribution equipment.
[0015]
In addition, it is effective that the service provider
implements the initial investment and provides either or both
of the installation of the system for measuring the effect
brought by the power distribution efficiency increasing service
and the production of the software for planning the optimum

power distribution system, and that, as for the contingent on
success, the profit from the power distribution efficiency
increasing service may be shared by the power distribution
company and the service provider or obtained as the service
charge. In the later case, it is specifically effective that
the service provider receives the operation record information
from the power distribution company and estimates the usage rate
of the optimum power distribution system based on this
information, and the service provider may determine
alternatively to receive the divided profit brought by the power
distribution efficiency increasing service or to receive the
service charge considering the estimated usage rate of the
optimum power distribution system.
[0016]
The power distribution efficiency increasing method of
the present invention is characterized by that the power
distribution company receives the information from the service
provider company regarding the improved system pattern obtained
by modifying the existing system pattern in order to reduce the
power loss for the power distribution system connecting the
plural electric power customers in the service area of the power
distribution company, and that the power distribution company
pays the charge corresponding to the estimated value obtained
by measuring the power loss reduction effect brought by the

improved system pattern to the service provider company. In this
case, it is preferable that the service charge is kept fixed
for a constant period of time negotiated in advance or defined
to be a divided amount shared with the profit of the power
distribution company.
[0017]
For the power distribution efficiency increasing system,
it is especially effective that (1) the measuring device for
the electric power purchased by the power distribution company
is installed at the power receiving equipment in the power
distribution company importing the electric power from the
power generation company, or (2) the transmitting device and
the receiving device use Internet, the public telephone network
or the private communication network.
[0018]
In the claims of the present invention, the term of
optimization includes such a context as the effect of the power
loss reduction could be obtained or expected, and thus, such
a case that a little effect is obtained at all may be included
in the context of optimization as defined in the present
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is an illustration showing an example of the power

distribution system.
FIG. 2 is an illustration showing an example of the power
distribution system.
FIG. 3 is an illustration showing an example of the power
distribution system.
FIG. 4 is an illustration showing a configuration of the
power distribution efficiency increasing service in one
embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is an illustration showing a configuration of the
power distribution efficiency increasing service in one
embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an information flow
in the power distribution efficiency increasing service in one
embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a procedural flow in
the power distribution efficiency increasing service in one
embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a characteristic chart illustrating examples
of time shifting of the summation of the electric power retail
sales contracted volume in the load dispatched area of the base
substation.
FIG. 9 is a characteristic chart illustrating an example
of time shifting of the summation of the electric power retail
sales contracted volume in the overall load dispatched area

covered by the power distribution efficiency increasing
service.
FIG. 10 is a characteristic chart illustrating an example
of the time shifting of the electric power volume purchased from
the power generation company and its unit price of the purchased
electric power.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019]
Now, referring to FIG. 1 to 3, the present invention is
disclosed in the preferred embodiment. At first, modification
of the power distribution system pattern is described with the
preferred embodiments.
[0020]
According to this embodiment, the efficiency of the power
distribution system is increased in the following method. By
modifying the open and close pattern of the circuit breakers
or the switches in the power distribution system, an optimum
pattern of the power distribution system making the electric
loss minimized can be obtained without altering the condition
for supplying the electric power to the electric power
customers.
[0021]
FIG. 1 shows an example of a part of the power distribution

system to which the efficiency increasing service of this
embodiment is applied, in which what is shown is a part of the
patterned power distribution system comprising power
distribution substation transformer si (= BANK01, 02 ...),
section switches 2 (= TYS01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07 ...),
cooperating switches 3 (= TL01 ...) and feeder circuit breakers
4 (= FCB01, 02 ...).
[0022]
The electric power purchased from the power generation
company is supplied from the primary side of the power
distribution substation transformer 1 and its voltage is made
reduced and then, the electric power flows into the power
distribution system through the feeder circuit breakers 4. The
section switches 2 and the cooperating switches 3 in the power
distribution system have their own open-circuit state or
closed-circuit state individually, and define a specific
pattern of the power distribution system.
[0023]
FIG. 2 shows a route for supplying the electric power to
the load 5 in a given power distribution system pattern. The
electric power is supplied to the load 5 through the route
starting at BANK02 in the power distribution substation
transformer 1 connected next to FCB02 as the feeder circuit
breaker 4, connected next to TYS04 as the section switch 2,

connected next to TYS05 as the section switch and finally
through TYS07 as the section switch.
[0024]
FIG. 3 shows another example of the route for supplying
the electric power to the load 5 in a given power distribution
system pattern defined by modifying the open and close state
of the section switches 2 different from the example shown in
FIG. 2. More specifically, in the power distribution system in
FIG. 3 compared to what shown in FIG. 2, in which TYS05 as the
section switch 2 is turned from the closed-circuit state to the
open-circuit state and TYS06 as the section switch is turned
from the open-circuit state to the closed-circuit state,
resultantly, the electric power is supplied to the load 5
through the route starting at the BANK01 in the power
distribution substation transformer 1 connected next to FCB01
as the feeder circuit breaker 4, connected next to TYS01 as the
section switch 2, connected next to TYS02 as the section switch,
connected next to TYS03 as the section switch, connected next
to TL01 as the cooperating switch 3, connected next to TYS06
as the section switch 2 and finally through TYS07 as the section
switch.
[0025]
Comparing the case of supplying the electric power
through the route shown in FIG. 2 with the case of supplying

the electric power through the route shown I FIG. 3 , it is proved
that the electric loss in the individual route differs from each
other due to the difference in the impedance of the power
distribution cable and the distance between the power source
to the load. To obtain an optimum power distribution system
enabling to minimize the power distribution loss is equivalent
to select a single pattern for minimizing the power distribution
loss among several patterns, each having an individual
combination of open and closed states of the circuit breakers
and the switches in the power distribution system in the area
covered by a given service. As the calculation for selecting
an optimum pattern by using a computer consumes an extended time
period, it is general to apply such a method as Genetic Algorithm
(GA algorithm) in order to obtain an approximate solution in
a shorter time period.
[0026]
For the supplementary note, the functions of the section
switch 2 and the cooperating switch 3 are described here. Both
of the section switch 2 and the cooperating switch 3 are switches
operating on an electric circuit and have an identical electric
function. Their difference is only determined by their
positions placed in the electric circuit. Their operational
roles change in connection with their positions.
[0027]

As for the section switches 2, the electric power
customers are connected to the individual branches in the power
distribution system configured in a tree structure (in which
only a single route is established between the power source to
the individual electric power customer (load)), in which the
section switch is located so as to form an individual
small-sized group of customers. For example, in urban areas,
the distribution system is divided into a set of sections by
the section switches, each arranged for 3 to 10 customers.
Though all the customers (loads) are not illustrated explicitly
in such a figure as shown by FIG. 1 in general, plural customers
are connected practically to the sections before and after the
individual section switch. In the power distribution system
configured in a tree structure, once the section switch is
turned OFF, the electric power to be supplied to the customers
located in the down stream of this section switch is broken down.
In a practical operation, when an accident occurs in the power
distribution system, the cooperating switches are combined in
order to minimize the area of power failure.
[0028]
The cooperating switch 3 is a switch for coupling the
sections of the power distribution system configured in a tree
structure, and is normally turned OFF in Japan. When the
cooperating switch is turned ON, there may occur such a case

that several sections form a loop. This means that plural power
supply routes are formed from the power source to the customer.
Owing to this configuration, the reliability in the power supply
can be increased. In a example of using the cooperating switch,
the cooperating switch is normally turned OFF, and in case that
an accident in the power distribution system occurs, the
disabled section due to the accident is isolated by the section
switches and then the cooperating switch is turned ON, which
makes it possible to supply the electric power from the another
section in the branching power distribution system to the
operable sections located in the down stream of the disabled
section due to the accident.
[0029]
It is difficult to establish several alternative routes
from the power source to the customer only by using the section
switches. As alternative power distribution patterns can be
established by supplying the electric power from the other power
sources through the cooperating switches, what can be obtained
is such a pattern of switches individually turned OFF or OFF
as minimizing the power distribution loss can be minimized.
[0030]
In the method of one embodiment of the present invention,
the electric power volume purchased from the power generation
company by the power distribution company before and after

introducing the power distribution efficiency increasing
service; the profit money obtained by introducing the power
distribution efficiency increasing service is calculated based
on the difference between the electric power volume before and
after its introduction; the profit money is divided based on
the contract concluded between the power distribution company
and the service provider or the service charge is paid from the
power distribution company to the service provider.
[0031]
At first, before introducing the power distribution
efficiency increasing service, the purchased electric power to
be distributed to the service area of the distribution company
is measured in a given time period. Next, the purchased electric
power is measured in a given time period after introducing this
service. The effect of this service is defined as the reduced
volume of the purchased electric power for the power
distribution company by comparing the pre-service operation
with the post-service operation.
[0032]
The given time period described above is defined to be
long enough to insensitive to the changes in the power demand
due to days of week, seasons and/or unscheduled events. This
given time period is defined to be one year in the following
description.

[0033]
Though the effect obtained by the power distribution
efficiency increasing service can be calculated based on the
result of measuring the electric power volume purchased by the
power distribution company as described above, the electric
power demand (or the electric power volume purchased by the
power distribution company) changes irregularly and annually
due to the climatic conditions and the increase and decrease
in the number of customers in general. This change should be
considered in calculating the effect obtained by the power
distribution efficiency increasing service.
[0034]
By referring to FIG. 4, one embodiment of the present
invention is described. FIG 4 is a work flow showing a basic
configuration of the power distribution efficiency increasing
service.
[0035]
The contract for the power distribution efficiency
increasing service is concluded between the power distribution
company 1010 and the service provider 1009. The power
distribution company 1010 purchases (1013) the electric power
from the power generation company 1012 and pays (1014) the
retail sales electricity bills to the power generation company
1012. In addition, the power distribution company 1010 sells

(1007) retail of the electric power to the electric power
customer 1011, and collects (1008) the electricity bills. If
the power distribution company 1010 increases the efficiency
in the power distribution operation, the electric power volume
purchased from the power generation company can be reduced
without making effect to the power supply to the electric power
customer 1011. In other words, it can be interpreted
qualitatively that the wholesale electricity bills to be paid
to the power generation company 1012 can be reduced without
sacrificing the collected amount of electricity bills from the
electric power customers 1011, and that the cost reduction can
be realized in the power distribution operation.
[0036]
The service provider 1009 initially invests (1004)
initial capital for the plant and equipment to the power
distribution company 1010 according to the contract concluded
between the power distribution company 1010 and the service
provider 1009. The initial capital investment (1004) to the
plant and equipment covers the measuring system for measuring
the effect obtained by the power distribution efficiency
increasing service, the construction of the equipment data base
and the installation of the computer system for calculating an
optimum power distribution system pattern, which will be
described later.

[0037]
In addition, the service provider 1009 provides (1001)
the consultation for increasing the power distribution
efficiency, and the power distribution company 1010 implements
the operation for increasing the power distribution efficiency
and feeds back (1003) its operation information to the service
provider 1009. The measured values for the electric power volume
purchased from the power generation company 1012 is collected
(1002) by the service provider 1009. The service provider 1009
calculates the profit money obtained by increasing the power
distribution efficiency from the above information, and
notifies (1005) it to the power distribution company 1010. The
service provider 1009 receives (1006) the divided money
corresponding to this profit money or the fixed service charge
from the power distribution company 1010.
[0038]
FIG. 5 is a system configuration diagram illustrating one
mode of the embodiment of the present invention. The electric
power generated at the power generation facility 2001 of the
power generation company 1012 is supplied to the power
transforming facility 2005 of the power distribution company
through the power distribution line 2002, and then supplied from
the power distribution system facility 2006 to the electric
power customer 1011 through the power distribution line 2003.

[0039]
The power distribution system supervisory and control
system 2007 supervises and controls the power distribution
system facility 2006 and the power transforming facility 2005
in the power distribution company 1010. The operation
information of the power distribution system facility 2006 is
stored in the power distribution system supervisory and control
system 2007. The electric power volume purchased from the power
generation company 1012 by the power distribution company 1010
is measured by the purchased electric power measuring system
2004. The operation information of the power distribution
system facility 2 006 and the measurement data of the purchased
electric power measuring system 2004 are transmitted
periodically to the service provider through the communication
unit 2010, and the public network or the private network 2011.
[0040]
The service provider 1009 has the communication unit 2009
and receives the data from the power distribution company 1010.
In addition, the service provider has the computer 2008, in
which an optimum power distribution system pattern is
calculated, the usage rate of the optimized power distribution
system and the profit money obtained by the optimization is
calculated.
[0041]

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the information flow
in one embodiment of the power distribution efficiency
increasing service in the present invention
[0042]
In the power distribution company 1010, the power
distribution system supervisory and control system 2007
supervises and controls the power distribution system by using
the facility information data base 3008, and the operation
information is stored in the facility information data base 3008.
The data of the purchased electric power volume obtained by the
purchased electric power measuring system 2004 are transmitted
to the service provider 1009 through the communication units
2010 and 2009.
[0043]
In the service provider 1009, the estimated value of the
usage rate of the optimized power distribution system is
calculated 3003 based on the data received by the communication
unit 2009 and the result of the calculation 3002 for estimating
the optimum power distribution system pattern. The calculation
3002 for estimating the optimum power distribution system
pattern is based on the facility information stored in the
facility information data base. The facility information
includes the impedance of the power distribution lines and the
position or distance information of the loads, the circuit

breakers and the switches in the individual power distribution
systems. The information stored in the facility information
data base 3008 is supplied in an on-line or off-line mode to
the calculation 3002 for estimating the optimum power
distribution system pattern at the service provider 1009. The
data obtained by the calculation 3002 for estimating the optimum
power distribution system pattern are stored in an on-line or
off-line mode into the facility information data base 3008 and
then used for operating the power distribution system.
[0044]
The calculation 3001 for estimating the profit money
obtained by optimization is executed based on the data obtained
by the calculation 3003 for estimating the usage rate of the
optimized power distribution system and the operation
information of the power distribution system and the purchased
electric power volume received through the communication unit
2009.
[0045]
FIG 7 is a flow chart showing a procedural flow of the
power distribution increasing service in the embodiment
illustrating one mode of the present invention. At first, the
service provider 1009 surveys and studies the purchased
electric power volume of the power distribution company and its
power distribution system configuration, and forecasts the

profit to be obtained by introducing the service (Step i). Next,
the service provider 1009 provides the power distribution
company 1010 with the consultation for introducing this service
(Step ii). Next, the contract for this service is concluded
(Step iii).
[0046]
After concluding the contract, the system for measuring
the effect obtained by increasing the power distribution
efficiency is installed (Step iv). Next, the consultation for
increasing the power distribution efficiency is provided to the
power distribution company by the service provider 1009.
[0047]
Next, the power distribution company implements the
operation for increasing the power distribution efficiency
(Step vi), and then the usage rate of the optimized power
distribution system provided by the service provider and the
effect obtained by increasing the power distribution efficiency
are measured (Step vii).
[0048]
Thereafter, whether the optimized power distribution
system was used in a contracted usage rate or more is judged
(Step viii), and if the usage rate does not reach a designated
value, the profit money obtained by the service is divided
appropriately as contracted between the power distribution

company 101 and the service provider 1009, or the power
distribution company 1010 pas the service charge to the service
provider 1009 (Step ix). If the usage rate reaches or exceeds
a designated value, the profit money obtained by the service
is divided approximately as contracted between the power
distribution company 101 and the service provider 1009, or the
power distribution company 1010 pas the service charge to the
service provider 1009.
[0049]
Though thee outline of the power distribution efficiency
increasing service and the power distribution efficiency
increasing system is described above, what will be described
concretely below is a method for correcting the measured value
of the electric power volume purchased from the power generation
company 1012 by the power distribution company 1010 and
estimating the effect of the service.
[0050]
Assume that the number of the power distribution
substations located in the area covered by the service is n.
Plural substations extracted randomly from the power
distribution substations located in this service area or
located in the areas adjacent to this service area are called
base stations. Assume that the number of the base stations is
m. The service is not applied to m base stations. In this

condition, the electric power inflow into m base stations does
not change before and after introducing the service, and thus
is not influenced by the introduction of the service. In the
following description, suppose at first such a case that the
number of electric power customers does not change in order to
simplify the explanation.
[0051]
Year1 represents a single year before introducing the
service and Year2 represents a single year after introducing
the service. The ratio of the electric power flowing into the
base stations in the period of Year1 to the electric power
flowing into the base stations in the period of Year2 is supposed
to be equal in a certain error range to the ratio of the electric
power volume purchased by the power distribution company in the
period of Year1 covered by the introduced service to the electric
power volume purchased by the power distribution company in the
period of Year2 without introducing the service.
[0052]
The power distribution company 1010 and the service
provider 1009 agree as contracted that the error between the
ratios defined above is negligibly small enough, and that the
effect of the service is estimated based on the ratio of the
electric power flowing into the base stations before and after
introducing the service.

[0053]
Suppose that PByear1 is the electric power volume purchased
by the power distribution company 1010 in a single year (Year1)
before introducing the service, PByear2 is the electric power
volume purchased by the power distribution company 1010 in a
single year (Year2) after introducing the service, PB'year2 is
the electric power volume purchased by the power distribution
company 1010 in a single year (Year2) without introducing the
service, PIbefore is the electric power flowing into the base
stations in Yeari, PIafter is the electric power flowing into the
base stations in Year2, the ratio of PIafter to PIbefore is equal
to the ratio Rbase between the changes in the electric power
demand in Year1 and Year2 due to the climatic condition
independent of the introduction of the service.
[0054]

[0055]
Then, in case that the service is not introduced in the
period of Year2, the ratio R of the electric power purchased
from the power generation company by the power distribution
company in the period of Year2 to the electric power purchased
in the period of can be expressed in the following formula.

[0056]

[0057]
Supposing that the ratio of the efficiency increased by
the service is Rservice (0≤service≤1) and assuming that Err=0
in the formula 2, the following equation is satisfied.
[0058]

[0059]
Next, Let us consider the increase or decrease in the
number of the electric power customers, that is, the increase
or decrease in the summation of the contracted volume of the
retail electric power.
[0060]
At first, let us pay attention to Rbase. As shown in FIG.
8, defining the change in the summation of the contracted volume
of the retail electric power in the power distribution area of
the base station to be a function Fcl(t), the ratio R'base between
the changes in the electric power demand in the periods of Year1
and Year2 due to the climatic condition independent of the

introduction of the service for considering the above described
correction can be expressed in the following formula.
[0061]

[0062]
Similarly, as shown in FIG. 9, defining the change in the
summation of the contracted volume of the retail electric power
in the overall area of the service to be a function Fc2(t), the
formula 3 defined above can be expressed in the following
formula.
[0063]

[0064]
Above expressions are based on such an assumption that
the electric power demand due to the increase or decrease in
the number of the electric power customers is proportional to
the summation of the contracted volume of the retail electric
power.
[0065]

[0066]
The formula 6 gives the following formula.
[0067]

[0068]
The value obtained by multiplying the cost of the electric
power purchased by the power distribution company in the period
of Year2 by Rservice as defined above is the profit money Yprofit
obtained by introducing the service.
[0069]
As shown in FIG. 10, suppose that the change in the unit
price of the electric power purchased from the power generation
company 1012 by the power distribution company 1010 is a
function Fp(t), and that the change in the purchased electric
power volume is expressed by function Fb(t), the profit money
Yprofit obtained by introducing the service can be expressed
by the following formula.
[0070]

[0071]
The profit money as defined above is divided between the
power distribution company 1010 and the power generation
company 1009 according to the contract concluded between them.
[0072]
In the service, it is required to make it a necessary
condition to apply such an optimum power distribution network
as described above with minimum power distribution loss to the
practical power distribution operation in the service period
of Year2. This is because the practical power distribution
operation is based on the subjective decision by the operators
of the power distribution company 1010 with overall estimation
of the economical efficiency, the reliability of the power
distribution system, the reliability of the power supply and
the easiness in the operation, and furthermore because the
reliability of the power distribution system and the
reliability of the power supply have a higher priority than the
economical efficiency of the operation.
[0073]
In case that the occurrence of applying the optimum
distribution system with the minimum distribution loss in the
period 1 is extremely low, the profit money Yprofit obtained
by the service may be extremely low or it may be zero or negative
in some occasions. For this reason, the lower bound Pmin for

the occurrence of applying the optimum distribution system to
the practical power distribution operation is determined in
advance according to the contract concluded between the power
distribution company 1010 and the power generation company 1009,
and if Papplied ≥ Pmin, the profit money Yprofit obtained by the
service is divided between the power distribution company 1010
and the service provider 1009 based on the contract concluded
between them as described above. On the other hand, if Papplide
≤ Pmin, the power distribution company 1010 pays the service
charge for the service provided by the service provider 1009
in the periods of Year1 and Year2 to the service provider 1009
instead of dividing the profit money independent of the profit
money Yprofit being larger or small, or positive or negative.
[0074]
The method of calculating Papplide, the occurrence of
applying the optimum distribution system to the practical power
distribution operation, is described below.
[0075]
In this embodiment, the method of calculating Papplide is
based on the difference between the power distribution loss
Wactual in the actual power distribution system and the power
distribution loss Vmin in the optimum power distribution system.
As for the power distribution loss, the power distribution loss
w1 for the single-phase wire system is generally obtained by

the formula 9, and the power distribution loss for the
three-phase three-wire system is generally obtained by the
formula 10. Suppose that the load power is P, the line-to-line
voltage is V, the load power factor is cos 9 , and the wiring
impedance is R.
[0076]

[0078]
Once the open-circuit and closed-circuit states of all
the circuit breakers and the switches of the power distribution
system in the service area, the summation of the power
transmission loss in the actual power distribution system,
Wactual, and the summation of the theoretical power distribution
loss, Wmin, in case of applying the optimum distribution system
is applied fully to the load in the actual power distribution
system can be obtained.
[0079]
The occurrence of applying the optimum power distribution

system to the actual power distribution system, Papplied, can be
defined as in Formula 11, by using Wactual and Wmin.
[0080]
[0081]
Next, the occurrence of applying the optimum power
distribution system to the actual power distribution system,
Papplied_year2, for the overall period of Year2 is calculated.
[0082]
Assuming that the power distribution loss in the actual
power distribution system in a given day (day=i) is Wactual(i)/
and the theoretical power distribution loss in case of operating
the load with the optimum power distribution system, PapPlied_year2
is obtained by Formula 12.
[0083]

[0084]
As described above, according to the present invention,
the power distribution efficiency increasing service and the
power distribution efficiency increasing system which can
increase the efficiency of the power distribution operation

without plant and equipment investment, and contribute to
strengthening the baseline of the management operation of the
power distribution company can be provided.

WE CLAIM:
1. A method for providing service for increasing power distribution
efficiency, said method characterized by the steps of:
- providing an information on an improved system pattern (3002)
obtained by modifying a system pattern for reducing a power loss,
for an individual power distribution system connected to plural
power distributed points; and
- measuring and calculating a power loss reduction effect with said
improved pattern.

2. A method for providing service for increasing efficiency as claimed in
claim 1, wherein a service providing charge corresponding to said
calculated effect is collected from a power distribution company.
3. A method for providing service for increasing efficiency comprising :
a step for increasing an information from a service provider company
regarding an improved system pattern obtained by modifying an
existing system pattern in order to reduce a power loss for a power
distribution system connecting plural electric power customers in a self-
owned service area; and
a step for paying a charge corresponding to an estimated

value obtained by measuring a power loss reduction effect
brought by said improved system pattern to a service provider
company.
4. A method for providing service for increasing efficiency
as claimed in

said power distributed point is an electric power
customer.
5. A method for providing service for increasing efficiency
as claimed in

said power distributed point is an electric power
customer.
6. A method for providing service for increasing efficiency
as claimed in
said service providing charge is kept fixed for a constant
period of time negotiated in advance or defined to be a divided
amount shared with a profit of a power distribution company.
7. A method for providing service for increasing efficiency

a step for directing to modify a power distribution
system;

a step for obtaining a contingent on success based on a
result of measuring an effect of said modification.
8. A method for providing service for increasing efficiency
as claimed in
Claim 7, wherein
a configuration method for a power distribution system
is obtained so as to reduce a power loss of said power
distribution system by modifying a combination of a
open-circuit state and a closed-circuit state of circuit
breakers or switches in said power distribution system.
9. A method for providing service for increasing efficiency
providing method of Claim 7, wherein
a configuration method for a power distribution system
is obtained so as to suspend a plant and equipment investment
by modifying a layout of equipment on an electric circuit
including circuit breakers, switches or other devices forming
a power distribution system, or by removing said equipment.
10. A method for providing service for increasing efficiency
providing method of Claim 7, wherein
both a first pattern for modifying a power distribution
system optimized for reducing an electric power loss in a power
distribution system, obtained by modifying a combination of a

open-circuit state and a closed-circuit state of circuit
breakers or switches in said power distribution system; and a
second pattern for modifying a power distribution system
enabled to suspend a plant and equipment investment by modifying
a layout of equipment on an electric circuit including circuit
breakers, switches or other devices forming a power
distribution system, or by removing said equipment are
considered with a predefined weight; and a configuration method
for one distribution system is obtained.
11. A method for providing service for increasing efficiency

providing method of Claim 7, wherein
paying attention to an electric power volume purchased
from a power generation company or a power generation division
of an electric company by a power distribution company of a power
distribution division of an electric power, a purchased
electric power volume before introducing a power distribution
efficiency increasing service and a purchased electric power
volume after introducing a power distribution efficiency
increasing service are measured in a constant period of time
individually; and
an effect brought by said power distribution efficiency
increasing service is estimated based on a difference between
an electric power volume before introducing a service and an

electric power volume after introducing a service.
12. A method for providing service for increasing efficiency
as claimed in
/providing method of Claim 7, wherein
a service provider provide a consultation for increasing
a power distribution efficiency.
13. A method for providing service for increasing efficiency
as claimed in
providing method of Claim 12, wherein
a consultation service provided to a power distribution
company by a service provider includes timely information
service for a comprehensive know-now for operating a power
distribution system such as a supervisory and control of a power
distribution system, construction and engineering works for a
power distribution lines, a recovery from an accident in a power
distribution system and an investment program for a power
distribution equipment.
14. A method for providing service for increasing efficiency

as claimed in
providing method of Claim 7, wherein
service provider implements an initial investment and
provides either or both of an installation of a system for
measuring an effect brought by a power distribution efficiency
increasing service and a production of software for planning

an optimum power distribution system.
15. A method for providing service for increasing efficiency

providing method of Claim 7, wherein
as for the contingent on success, a profit from a power
distribution efficiency increasing service may be shared by a
power distribution company(and a service provider(or obtained
as a service charge(l006).
16. A method for providing service for increasing efficiency

providing method of Claim 15, wherein
a service provider receives an operation record
information from a power distribution company and estimates a
usage rate of said optimum power distribution system based on
said information, and said service provider may determine
alternatively to receive a divided profit brought by a power
distribution efficiency increasing service or to receive a
service charge considering an estimated usage rate of said
optimum power distribution system.
17. A system for increasing power distribution efficiency
comprising
a measuring device for measuring a power volume purchased
by a power distribution company;

a transmitting device for transmitting measured data of
a purchased power volume of said power distribution company and
an operation information of a power distribution system;
a receiving device for receiving measured data of a
purchased power volume of said power distribution company and
an operation information of a power distribution system;
a computer for calculating an optimum power distribution
system pattern;
a computer for calculating the usage rate of the optimized
power distribution system and a computer for calculating the
revenue money obtained by the optimization.
18.A system for increasing power distribution efficiency
as claimed in
claim 17, wherein
said measuring device for measuring a power volume
purchased by a power distribution company is located at a power
receiving equipment in a power distribution company importing
an electric power from a power generation company.
19. A system for increasing power distribution efficiency
as claimed in
ciaim 17, wherein
said transmitting device and said receiving device use
Internet, a public telephone network or a private communication
network.

The power distribution company purchases the electric
power from the power generation company and sells retail of the
electric power to the electric power customers, and the service
provider provides the consultation service to the power
distribution company for planning the optimum power
distribution system to be constructed with the initial
investment and for increasing the power distribution efficiency,
and they shares the profit money from the power distribution
company based on the measured value of the resultant efficiency
of the power distribution operation. The system comprises the
measurement system for measuring the electric power purchased
by the power distribution company, the device for transmitting
the measurement data of the purchased electric power and the
operation information of the power distribution line to the
service provider, the data receiving device, and a computer for
calculating the optimum power distribution system pattern, the
computer for calculating the usage rate of the optimum power
distribution system pattern and the computer for calculating
the profit money obtained by the optimization.

Documents:

668-CAL-2002-FORM 27.pdf

668-CAL-2002-FORM-27.pdf

668-cal-2002-granted-abstract.pdf

668-cal-2002-granted-claims.pdf

668-cal-2002-granted-correspondence.pdf

668-cal-2002-granted-description (complete).pdf

668-cal-2002-granted-drawings.pdf

668-cal-2002-granted-examination report.pdf

668-cal-2002-granted-form 1.pdf

668-cal-2002-granted-form 18.pdf

668-cal-2002-granted-form 2.pdf

668-cal-2002-granted-form 5.pdf

668-cal-2002-granted-gpa.pdf

668-cal-2002-granted-pa.pdf

668-cal-2002-granted-priority document.pdf

668-cal-2002-granted-specification.pdf

668-cal-2002-granted-translated copy of priority document.pdf

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Patent Number

231438

Indian Patent Application Number

668/CAL/2002

PG Journal Number

10/2009

Publication Date

06-Mar-2009

Grant Date

04-Mar-2009

Date of Filing

28-Nov-2002

Name of Patentee

HITACHI , LTD.,

Applicant Address

6, KANDA SURUGADAI-4-CHOME, CHIYODA-KU, TOKYO 101-8010

Inventors:

#	Inventor's Name	Inventor's Address
1	UCHIDA TOMONOBU	4-82,TAKAMIHARA 2-CHOME, KUKIZAKI-MACHI, INASHIKI-GUM, IBARKI 300-1252
2	MACHITANI YOICHI	4846-33, NAKANE, HITACHINAKA-SHI, IBARAKI 312-0011
3	OGURA NOBUYUKI	10-5, KOKUBU-CHO 3-CHOME, HITACHI-SHI, IBARAKI 316-0035

PCT International Classification Number

G01R 11/56

PCT International Application Number

N/A

PCT International Filing date

PCT Conventions:

#	PCT Application Number	Date of Convention	Priority Country
1	2001-375142	2001-12-10	Japan