Operation support device, operation support method, and operation support program

Abstract

Provided is an operation support device provided with: a calculation unit for calculating the amount of power consumption or electrical cost for each predetermined time, which accompanies the operation of a plurality of electrolytic cells operating in parallel, on the basis of the amount of power consumption or electrical cost for each predetermined time; calculating a production amount of the product per time that satisfies a target production amount of the product produced by the plurality of electrolytic cells in a predetermined period; and a specifying unit that specifies, on the basis of the production amount calculated by the calculating unit, the electrolytic cell that operates among the plurality of electrolytic cells. The calculation unit may also calculate a production amount that satisfies the target production amount of the product during the period and minimizes the electrical cost or power consumption during the period.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an operation support device, an operation support method and an operation support program. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 states that “the production cost of a product can be reduced without reducing the amount of a product produced by an electrolysis device within a certain period of time.” (Abstract).

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2019 / 059321 Summary of the invention

[0006] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] The production volume of the product produced by the electrolytic cell may depend on the performance of the electrolytic cell. The performance of the electrolytic cell may decrease as the electrolytic cell operates for a certain period of time. In the case where the product is produced by multiple electrolytic cells operating in parallel, the production volume of the product produced by each of the multiple electrolytic cells may be different for each electrolytic cell. The power consumed by an electrolytic cell with reduced performance is likely to be greater than the power consumed by an electrolytic cell whose performance is not lower than that of the electrolytic cell. Therefore, in an electrolysis device equipped with multiple electrolytic cells, it is desired that the total amount of the product produced by the multiple electrolytic cells meets the target production volume and the power consumed by the multiple electrolytic cells is suppressed.

[0008] General Disclosure

[0009] In a first aspect of the present invention, an operation support device is provided. The operation support device includes: a calculation unit that calculates the production amount of a product at each predetermined time that satisfies a target production amount of a product produced by a plurality of electrolytic cells within a predetermined period based on the electrical cost or power consumption at each predetermined time associated with the operation of a plurality of electrolytic cells operating in parallel; and a determination unit that determines an electrolytic cell operating among the plurality of electrolytic cells based on the production amount calculated by the calculation unit.

[0010] The calculation unit may calculate a production volume that satisfies a target production volume of a product within a predetermined period and minimizes electrical costs or power consumption within the predetermined period.

[0011] Alternatively, any of the above-mentioned operation support devices further includes a determination unit. Alternatively, the calculation unit calculates the first current value flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells at each predetermined time based on the production amount of the product. Alternatively, the calculation unit calculates the second current value flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells based on the impurity concentration of the product or the temperature of the electrolyte decomposed by the electrolytic cell. Alternatively, the determination unit determines the magnitude of the first current value and the second current value at each predetermined time calculated by the calculation unit, and determines the magnitude of the first current value at each predetermined time and the predetermined fourth current value flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells. Alternatively, when the determination unit determines that the first current value is less than the fourth current value and that the first current value is less than the second current value within the first time that is at least one predetermined time, or when the determination unit determines that the first current value is greater than the second current value and that the first current value is greater than the fourth current value within the second time that is at least one predetermined time, the determination unit determines the electrolytic cell to be stopped among the plurality of electrolytic cells.

[0012] In a second aspect of the present invention, an operation support device is provided. An operation support device calculation unit calculates a production amount of a product at each predetermined time that satisfies a target production amount of a product produced by the plurality of electrolytic cells within a predetermined period based on a power consumption at each predetermined time accompanying the operation of the plurality of electrolytic cells operating in parallel, calculates a first current value flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells at each predetermined time based on the calculated production amount, and calculates a second current value flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells based on an impurity concentration of the product or a temperature of an electrolyte decomposed by the electrolytic cell;

[0013] a determination unit that determines the magnitude of the first current value and the second current value at each predetermined time calculated by the calculation unit, and determines the magnitude of the first current value at each predetermined time and a predetermined fourth current value flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells; and

[0014] The determination unit determines any electrolytic cell to be stopped among the plurality of electrolytic cells when the determination unit determines that the first current value is less than the fourth current value and that the first current value is less than the second current value within the first time which is at least one predetermined time, or when the determination unit determines that the first current value is greater than the second current value and that the first current value is greater than the fourth current value within the second time which is at least one predetermined time.

[0015] Alternatively, any of the above-mentioned operation support devices may include a control unit that controls the current flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells. Alternatively, when the determination unit determines that the first current value is greater than the second current value and less than the fourth current value, the control unit controls the current flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells to the first current value.

[0016] Alternatively, in any of the above-mentioned operation support devices, the determination unit obtains the elapsed time from when the first current value is determined to be greater than the second current value and less than the fourth current value. Alternatively, the determination unit determines the magnitude of the elapsed time and a predetermined time. Alternatively, when the determination unit determines that the elapsed time is greater than the predetermined time, the control unit outputs information related to whether to change the operation conditions of the plurality of electrolytic cells.

[0017] Alternatively, in any of the above-mentioned operation support devices, when the determination unit determines that the first current value is less than the second current value within the first time and determines that the first current value is greater than the fourth current value within the second time, the calculation unit makes the current flowing through the multiple electrolytic cells within the first time become the second current value, or makes the current flowing through the multiple electrolytic cells within the second time become the fourth current value, and further calculates the current values ​​flowing through the multiple electrolytic cells at each predetermined time.

[0018] Alternatively, in any of the above-mentioned operation support devices, the determination unit determines the magnitude of a first difference and a second difference, the first difference being the difference between the second current value and the first current value within the first time, and the second difference being the difference between the first current value and the fourth current value within the second time. Alternatively, when the determination unit determines that the first difference is greater than the second difference, the calculation unit sets the current flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells within the first time to the second current value and further calculates the current value at each predetermined time, and when the determination unit determines that the second difference is greater than the first difference, the calculation unit sets the current flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells within the second time to the fourth current value and further calculates the current value at each predetermined time.

[0019] Alternatively, any of the above-mentioned operation support devices may further include a control unit that controls the current flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells. Alternatively, the calculation unit may further calculate the third current value when any of the electrolytic cells is stopped at each predetermined time. Alternatively, the determination unit may determine the magnitude of the third current value and the fourth current value. Alternatively, when the determination unit determines that the third current value is less than the fourth current value, the control unit controls the current flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells to the third current value.

[0020] Alternatively, in any of the above-mentioned operation support devices, the determination unit further determines the magnitude of the third current value and the second current value. Alternatively, when the determination unit determines that the third current value is less than the fourth current value and greater than the second current value, the control unit controls the current flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells to the third current value.

[0021] In any of the above operation support devices, when the determination unit determines that the third current value is smaller than the second current value for at least one predetermined time, the determination unit may further determine another electrolytic cell to be stopped among the plurality of electrolytic cells.

[0022] In any of the above-described operation support devices, the calculation unit may further calculate, as the third current value, a current value when any of the electrolytic cells and the other electrolytic cells are stopped at every predetermined time.

[0023] Alternatively, in any of the above-mentioned operation support devices, when the determination unit determines that all of the multiple electrolytic cells are electrolytic cells to be stopped, the calculation unit makes the current flowing through the multiple electrolytic cells a second current value or a fourth current value, and further calculates the current value flowing through the multiple electrolytic cells at each predetermined time.

[0024] Alternatively, in any of the above-mentioned operation support devices, when the determination unit determines that the third current value is greater than the fourth current value within at least one predetermined time, the calculation unit makes the current flowing through the multiple electrolytic cells within at least one predetermined time the fourth current value, and further calculates the current value flowing through the multiple electrolytic cells according to each predetermined time.

[0025] In any of the above-mentioned operation support devices, the determination unit can determine whether the concentration of the product in the aqueous solution of the product is greater than a predetermined first concentration, and can determine whether the impurity concentration of the product is less than a predetermined second concentration. Alternatively, when the determination unit determines that the concentration of the product is greater than the first concentration and less than the second concentration, the control unit controls the current flowing through any electrolytic cell to be less than the current flowing through other electrolytic cells.

[0026] Alternatively, in any of the above-mentioned operation support devices, the determination unit determines the magnitude of the power consumption at each time and the amount of power that can be supplied to the electrolytic cell at each predetermined time. Alternatively, during a time when the power consumption is determined to be less than the amount of power that can be supplied, the calculation unit calculates the remaining power as the difference between the amount of power that can be supplied and the power consumption. Alternatively, during other times when the power consumption is determined to be greater than the amount of power that can be supplied, the control unit controls the power supplied to the electrolytic cell to include the remaining power.

[0027] Any of the above-mentioned operation support devices may further include a display unit that displays power consumption.

[0028] In a third aspect of the present invention, an operation support method is provided. The operation support method comprises:

[0029] A first calculation step, in which a calculation unit calculates a production amount of a product at each predetermined time that satisfies a target production amount of a product produced by a plurality of electrolytic cells within a predetermined period based on an electrical cost or power consumption at each predetermined time associated with the operation of a plurality of electrolytic cells operating in parallel; and an electrolytic cell determination step, in which a determination unit determines an electrolytic cell operating among the plurality of electrolytic cells based on the production amount calculated in the first calculation step.

[0030] The first calculation step may be a step in which the calculation unit calculates a production volume that satisfies a target production volume of a product within a predetermined period and minimizes electrical costs or power consumption within the predetermined period.

[0031] Alternatively, any of the above operation support methods may include: a second calculation step, in which the calculation unit calculates the first current value flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells at each predetermined time based on the production amount of the product; a third calculation step, in which the calculation unit calculates the second current value flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells based on the impurity concentration of the product or the temperature of the electrolyte decomposed in the electrolytic cell; a first determination step, in which the determination unit determines the magnitude of the first current value at each predetermined time calculated in the second calculation step and the second current value calculated in the third calculation step; and a second determination step, in which, when it is determined in the first determination step that the first current value within the first time as at least one predetermined time is less than the second current value, the determination unit determines the magnitude of the first current value at each predetermined time calculated in the second calculation step and the predetermined fourth current value flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells. Alternatively, the electrolytic cell determination step may be a step in which, when it is determined in the second determination step that the first current value is less than the fourth current value, the determination unit determines the electrolytic cell to be stopped among the plurality of electrolytic cells.

[0032] Alternatively, any of the above-mentioned operation support methods further comprises a third determination step, wherein, when it is determined in the first determination step that the first current value at each predetermined time is greater than the second current value, in the third determination step, the determination unit determines the magnitude of the first current value at each time calculated in the second calculation step and a predetermined fourth current value flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells. Alternatively, the electrolytic cell determination step is a step wherein, when it is determined in the third determination step that the first current value at the second time as at least one predetermined time is greater than the fourth current value, the determination unit determines any electrolytic cell to be stopped among the plurality of electrolytic cells.

[0033] In a fourth aspect of the present invention, an operation support method is provided. The operation support method comprises: a first calculation step, in which a calculation unit calculates the production amount of a product at each predetermined time that satisfies a target production amount of a product produced by a plurality of electrolytic cells within a predetermined period based on the power consumption at each predetermined time accompanying the operation of a plurality of electrolytic cells operating in parallel; a second calculation step, in which the calculation unit calculates a first current value flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells at each predetermined time based on the production amount calculated in the first calculation step; a third calculation step, in which the calculation unit calculates a second current value flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells based on the impurity concentration of the product or the temperature of the electrolyte decomposed by the electrolytic cell; a first determination step, in which a determination is made. a determining unit determining the size of the first current value at each predetermined time calculated in the second calculation step and the second current value calculated in the third calculation step; a second determining step, in which, when it is determined in the first determining step that the first current value within the first time as at least one predetermined time is less than the second current value, the determining unit determines the size of the first current value at each predetermined time calculated in the second calculation step and a predetermined fourth current value flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells; and an electrolytic cell determining step, in which, when it is determined in the second determining step that the first current value is less than the fourth current value, the determining unit determines any electrolytic cell to be stopped among the plurality of electrolytic cells.

[0034] Alternatively, any of the above-mentioned operation support methods further comprises: a third determination step, in which, when it is determined in the first determination step that the first current value at each predetermined time is greater than the second current value, the determination unit determines the magnitude of the first current value at each predetermined time calculated in the second calculation step and a predetermined fourth current value flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells; and an electrolytic cell determination step, in which, when it is determined in the third determination step that the first current value within the second time which is at least one predetermined time is greater than the fourth current value, the determination unit determines any electrolytic cell to be stopped among the plurality of electrolytic cells.

[0035] Alternatively, any of the above-mentioned operation support methods further includes a control step, in which, when it is determined in the first determination step that the first current value is greater than the second current value and in the third determination step that the first current value is less than the fourth current value, the control unit controls the current flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells to the first current value.

[0036] Alternatively, any of the above-mentioned operation support methods further comprises: an elapsed time acquisition step, wherein the determination unit acquires the elapsed time from the time when the first current value is determined to be less than the fourth current value in the third determination step; a time determination step, wherein the determination unit determines the difference between the elapsed time acquired in the elapsed time acquisition step and a predetermined time; and an information output step, wherein, when it is determined in the time determination step that the elapsed time is greater than the predetermined time, the control unit outputs information related to whether to change the operating conditions of the plurality of electrolytic cells.

[0037] Alternatively, in any of the above-mentioned operation support methods, the second calculation step is the following step: when it is determined in the first determination step that the first current value within the first time is less than the second current value, and when it is determined in the second determination step that the first current value within the second time is greater than the fourth current value, the calculation unit makes the current flowing through the multiple electrolytic cells within the first time become the second current value, or makes the current flowing through the multiple electrolytic cells within the second time become the fourth current value, and further calculates the current values ​​flowing through the multiple electrolytic cells according to each predetermined time.

[0038] Alternatively, any of the above-mentioned operation support methods further includes a fourth determination step, in which the determination unit determines the magnitude of the first difference and the second difference, the first difference being the difference between the second current value and the first current value within the first time, and the second difference being the difference between the first current value and the fourth current value within the second time. Alternatively, the second calculation step is a step in which, when it is determined in the fourth determination step that the first difference is greater than the second difference, the calculation unit makes the current flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells within the first time become the second current value, and further calculates the current value at each predetermined time. Alternatively, the second calculation step is a step in which, when it is determined in the fourth determination step that the second difference is greater than the first difference, the calculation unit makes the current flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells within the second time become the fourth current value, and further calculates the current value at each predetermined time.

[0039] Alternatively, any of the above-mentioned operation support methods further comprises: a fourth calculation step, wherein the calculation unit further calculates, at each predetermined time, a third current value when any electrolytic cell determined in the electrolytic cell determination step is stopped; a second determination step, wherein the determination unit determines the magnitude of the third current value and the fourth current value; and a control step, wherein, when it is determined in the second determination step that the third current value is less than the fourth current value, the control unit controls the current flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells to the third current value.

[0040] Alternatively, any of the above operation support methods further includes a sixth determination step, in which the determination unit determines the magnitude of the third current value and the second current value. Alternatively, the control step is a step in which, when it is determined in the fifth determination step that the third current value is less than the fourth current value and in the sixth determination step that the third current value is greater than the second current value, the control unit controls the current flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells to the third current value.

[0041] Alternatively, in any of the above-mentioned operation support methods, the electrolytic cell determination step is the following step: when it is determined in the sixth determination step that the third current value within at least one predetermined time is less than the second current value, the determination unit further determines other electrolytic cells to be stopped among the multiple electrolytic cells.

[0042] In any of the above-described operation support methods, the fourth calculation step may be a step in which the calculation unit further calculates, as the third current value, a current value when any of the electrolytic cells and the other electrolytic cells are stopped at every predetermined time.

[0043] Alternatively, in any of the above-mentioned operation support methods, the second calculation step is the following step: when all of the multiple electrolytic cells are determined as electrolytic cells to be stopped in the electrolytic cell determination step, the calculation unit makes the current flowing through the multiple electrolytic cells a second current value, and further calculates the current value flowing through the multiple electrolytic cells according to each predetermined time.

[0044] Alternatively, in any of the above-mentioned operation support methods, the second calculation step is the following step: when it is determined in the fifth determination step that the third current value within at least one predetermined time is greater than the fourth current value, the calculation unit makes the current flowing through the multiple electrolytic cells within at least one predetermined time become the fourth current value, and further calculates the current value flowing through the multiple electrolytic cells according to each predetermined time.

[0045] Alternatively, any of the above operation support methods further comprises a seventh determination step, in which the determination unit determines whether the concentration of the product in the aqueous solution of the product is greater than a predetermined first concentration, and whether the impurity concentration of the product is less than a predetermined second concentration. Alternatively, the control step is a step in which, when it is determined in the seventh determination step that the concentration of the product is greater than the first concentration and less than the second concentration, the control unit controls the current flowing through the electrolytic cell to be stopped determined in the electrolytic cell determination step to be less than the current flowing through other electrolytic cells.

[0046] Alternatively, any of the above-mentioned operation support methods further comprises: a size determination step, in which a determination unit determines the size of the power consumption at each predetermined time and the supplyable power amount for the electrolytic cell at each predetermined time; a surplus power calculation step, in which the calculation unit calculates the surplus power as the difference between the supplyable power amount and the power consumption during a time in which it is determined that the power consumption is less than the supplyable power amount; and a power control step, in which the control unit controls the power supplied to the electrolytic cell to include the surplus power amount during other times in which it is determined that the power consumption is greater than the supplyable power amount.

[0047] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, an operation support program is provided. The operation support program causes a computer to function as an operation support device.

[0048] In addition, the above summary of the invention does not list all the features of the present invention. In addition, sub-combinations of these feature groups may also constitute inventions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing an example of an electrolysis device 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 2 Observed from the X-axis direction Figure 1 A diagram of an electrolysis device 200 is shown.

[0051] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the details of one electrolytic cell 91 in FIG.

[0052] Figure 4 Yes Figure 3 The vicinity of the ion exchange membrane 84 in the electrolytic cell 91 is shown in an enlarged view.

[0053] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing an example of a block diagram of the operation support device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 6 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of operation support for the electrolytic cell 90 by the operation support device 100 .

[0055] Figure 7 It is a diagram showing an example of a display form of the display unit 52.

[0056] Figure 8 It is a diagram showing another example of the display mode of the display unit 52.

[0057] Fig. 9 This is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the electrical cost associated with the operation of the plurality of electrolytic cells 90 operating in parallel and the time T during which the plurality of electrolytic cells 90 operate.

[0058] Fig.10 This is a diagram showing an example of the power consumption Ec and the supplyable power Es for each time T.

[0059] Fig.11 This is to explain the calculation unit 10 (refer to Figure 5 ) A diagram showing the currents of multiple electrolytic cells 90 in the calculation of the production amount of product P.

[0060] Fig.12 This is to explain the calculation unit 10 (refer to Figure 5 ) is a diagram of the currents of multiple electrolytic cells 90 when multiple electrolytic cells 90 are integrated into one electrolytic cell 90 in the calculation of the production amount of the product P performed.

[0061] Fig.13 1 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the production amount Ac of the product P accompanying the operation of a plurality of electrolytic cells 90 operating in parallel and the time T during which the plurality of electrolytic cells 90 are operating.

[0062] Fig.14 The liquid 75 (see Figure 3 ) and the relationship between the second current value flowing through the electrolytic cell 90.

[0063] Fig.15 is shown by the calculation unit 10 (refer to Figure 5 ) is a diagram of an example of the first current value Iv1 for each time T calculated.

[0064] Fig.16 is shown by the calculation unit 10 (refer to Figure 5 ) is a diagram of another example of the first current value Iv1 for each time T calculated.

[0065] Fig.17 is a graph showing the electrolytic cells 90 in each of the plurality of electrolytic cells 90 at time T2 (refer to Fig.13 ) is a diagram showing an example of the production quantity Ac of each product P produced in .

[0066] Fig.18 It is shown in Fig.17 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the production amount Ac when the operation of the electrolytic cell 90-1 is stopped in the example.

[0067] Fig.19 This is a flowchart showing an example of an operation support method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] Fig. 20 This is a flowchart showing an example of an operation support method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] Fig.21 It is shown Fig.19 A flowchart of an example of the details of the stop step S200 in FIG.

[0070] Fig. 22 This is a flowchart showing an example of an operation support method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] Fig.23 1 is a diagram showing an example of a computer 2200 that can embody the entirety or a part of the operation support device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0072] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described by way of the embodiments of the invention, but the following embodiments do not limit the invention related to the claims. In addition, all combinations of the features described in the embodiments are not necessarily essential to the solution means of the invention.

[0073] Figure 1 1 is a diagram showing an example of an electrolysis device 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The electrolysis device 200 is a device for electrolyzing an electrolyte. The electrolysis device 200 includes a plurality of electrolysis cells 90. In this example, the electrolysis device 200 includes electrolysis cells 90-1 to 90-M (M is an integer greater than or equal to 2).

[0074] A plurality of electrolytic cells 90 operate in parallel. A plurality of electrolytic cells 90 operate in parallel means that a plurality of electrolytic cells 90 electrolyze an electrolyte in parallel. The electrolytic cell 90 is a cell that electrolyzes an electrolyte. The electrolysis device 200 of this example includes an inlet pipe 92, an inlet pipe 93, an outlet pipe 94, and an outlet pipe 95. The inlet pipe 92 and the inlet pipe 93 are connected to the plurality of electrolytic cells 90, respectively. The outlet pipe 94 and the outlet pipe 95 are connected to the plurality of electrolytic cells 90, respectively.

[0075] Liquid 70 and liquid 72 are introduced into the plurality of electrolytic cells 90. Liquid 76 and gas 78 (described later) are discharged from the plurality of electrolytic cells 90. Liquid 74 and gas 77 (described later) are discharged from the plurality of electrolytic cells 90.

[0076] In this example, the plurality of electrolytic cells 90 are arranged in a predetermined direction. In this specification, the predetermined arrangement direction of the plurality of electrolytic cells 90 is set as the X-axis direction. In this specification, the direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction and from the inlet pipe 92 toward the outlet pipe 94 is set as the Z-axis. In this specification, the direction perpendicular to the X-axis and perpendicular to the Z-axis direction is set as the Y-axis. The Z-axis direction may be parallel to the vertical direction, and the XY plane may be a horizontal plane.

[0077] The electrolyte to be electrolyzed in the electrolytic cell 90 is, for example, an aqueous NaCl (sodium chloride) solution or a KCl (potassium chloride) solution. In this specification, the case where the electrolyte is an aqueous NaCl (sodium chloride) solution or an aqueous KCl (potassium chloride) solution is referred to as salt electrolysis. In the case of salt electrolysis, the electrolytic cell 90 electrolyzes an aqueous NaCl (sodium chloride) solution or a KCl (potassium chloride) solution in the anode chamber 79 (described later) to generate Cl2 (chlorine), and electrolyzes H2O (water) in the cathode chamber 98 (described later) to generate an aqueous NaOH (sodium hydroxide) solution or a KOH (potassium hydroxide) solution and H2 (hydrogen).

[0078] The electrolyte to be electrolyzed in the electrolytic cell 90 may also be a NaOH (sodium hydroxide) aqueous solution or a KOH (potassium hydroxide) aqueous solution. In this specification, the case where the electrolyte is a NaOH (sodium hydroxide) aqueous solution or a KOH (potassium hydroxide) aqueous solution is referred to as alkaline water electrolysis. In the case of alkaline water electrolysis, the electrolytic cell 90 electrolyzes the NaOH (sodium hydroxide) aqueous solution or the KOH (potassium hydroxide) aqueous solution to generate O2 (oxygen) and H2 (hydrogen).

[0079] Figure 2 Observed from the X-axis direction Figure 1 FIG. 200 is a diagram of an electrolysis device 200 shown in FIG. Figure 1 The following description will be made by taking an electrolytic cell 90-M as an example. An electrolytic cell 90 may include a plurality of electrolytic units 91. In this example, an electrolytic cell 90 includes electrolytic units 91-1 to 91-N (N is an integer greater than 2). N is, for example, 50. In this example, electrolytic cells 90-1 to 90-M each include a plurality of electrolytic units 91.

[0080] In this example, the introduction pipe 92 and the introduction pipe 93 are connected to the electrolysis unit 91-1 to the electrolysis unit 91-N, respectively. The liquid 70 is introduced into the electrolysis unit 91-1 to the electrolysis unit 91-N, respectively. The liquid 70 can be introduced into the electrolysis unit 91-1 to the electrolysis unit 91-N, respectively, after passing through the introduction pipe 92. The liquid 70 is an aqueous solution of chloride of an alkali metal. Alkali metals are elements belonging to Group 1 of the periodic table. In the case of electrolysis of common salt, the liquid 70 is an aqueous solution of NaCl (sodium chloride) or KCl (potassium chloride). In the case of electrolysis of alkaline water, the liquid 70 is an aqueous solution of NaOH (sodium hydroxide) or an aqueous solution of KOH (potassium hydroxide).

[0081] Liquid 72 is introduced into each of electrolysis units 91-1 to 91-N. Liquid 72 can be introduced into each of electrolysis units 91-1 to 91-N after passing through introduction pipe 93. Liquid 72 is an aqueous solution of an alkali metal hydroxide. In the case of salt electrolysis, liquid 72 is an aqueous solution of NaOH (sodium hydroxide). In the case of alkaline water electrolysis, liquid 72 is an aqueous solution of NaOH (sodium hydroxide) or an aqueous solution of KOH (potassium hydroxide).

[0082] In this example, the outlet pipe 94 and the outlet pipe 95 are connected to the electrolysis unit 91-1 to the electrolysis unit 91-N, respectively. The liquid 76 and the gas 78 (described later) are respectively discharged from the electrolysis unit 91-1 to the electrolysis unit 91-N. The liquid 76 and the gas 78 (described later) can be discharged to the outside of the electrolysis device 200 after passing through the outlet pipe 95. The liquid 76 is an aqueous solution of an alkali metal hydroxide. In the case where the liquid 72 is an aqueous solution of NaOH (sodium hydroxide), the liquid 76 is an aqueous solution of NaOH (sodium hydroxide). In the case where the liquid 72 is an aqueous solution of KOH (potassium hydroxide), the liquid 76 is an aqueous solution of KOH (potassium hydroxide). The gas 78 (described later) can also be H2 (hydrogen).

[0083] Liquid 74 and gas 77 (described later) are respectively discharged from electrolysis unit 91-1 to electrolysis unit 91-N. Liquid 74 and gas 77 (described later) can be discharged to the outside of electrolysis device 200 after passing through outlet pipe 94. In the case of salt electrolysis, liquid 74 is an aqueous solution of alkali metal chloride. In the case where liquid 70 is an aqueous solution of NaCl (sodium chloride) or KCl (potassium chloride), liquid 74 is an aqueous solution of NaCl (sodium chloride) or KCl (potassium chloride). Gas 77 (described later) can also be Cl2 (chlorine).

[0084] In the case of alkaline water electrolysis, when the liquid 70 is a NaOH (sodium hydroxide) aqueous solution, the liquid 74 is a NaOH (sodium hydroxide) aqueous solution. In the case of water electrolysis, when the liquid 70 is a KOH (potassium hydroxide) aqueous solution, the liquid 74 is a KOH (potassium hydroxide) aqueous solution. In the case of water electrolysis, the gas 77 (described later) may also be O2 (oxygen).

[0085] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 2FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the details of an electrolytic cell 91 in the embodiment. The electrolytic cell 90 includes an anode chamber 79, an anode 80, a cathode chamber 98, a cathode 82, and an ion exchange membrane 84. In this example, an electrolytic cell 91 includes an anode chamber 79, an anode 80, a cathode chamber 98, a cathode 82, and an ion exchange membrane 84. The anode chamber 79 and the cathode chamber 98 are disposed inside the electrolytic cell 91. The anode chamber 79 and the cathode chamber 98 are separated by the ion exchange membrane 84. The anode 80 is disposed in the anode chamber 79. The cathode 82 is disposed in the cathode chamber 98.

[0086] The inlet pipe 92 and the outlet pipe 94 are connected to the anode chamber 79. The inlet pipe 93 and the outlet pipe 95 are connected to the cathode chamber 98. The liquid 70 is introduced into the anode chamber 79. The liquid 72 is introduced into the cathode chamber 98.

[0087] The ion exchange membrane 84 is a membrane material that blocks the passage of ions with the same sign as the ions arranged on the ion exchange membrane 84 and allows ions with different signs to pass through. + (sodium ion) or K + (potassium ions) pass through and prevent Cl - In the case of alkaline water electrolysis, the ion exchange membrane 84 is a membrane that allows Na + (sodium ion) or K + (Potassium ions) pass through and prevent OH - (hydroxide ions) pass through the membrane.

[0088] The anode 80 and the cathode 82 can maintain a predetermined positive potential and a predetermined negative potential, respectively. The liquid 70 introduced into the anode chamber 79 and the liquid 72 introduced into the cathode chamber 98 are electrolyzed by the potential difference between the anode 80 and the cathode 82. In the case of salt electrolysis and alkaline water electrolysis, the following chemical reaction occurs in the anode 80.

[0089] [Chemical formula 1-1] (salt electrolysis)

[0090] 2Cl - →Cl2+2e -

[0091] [Chemical formula 1-2] (alkaline water electrolysis)

[0092] 4OH - →O2+2H2O+4e -

[0093] When the liquid 70 is a NaCl (sodium chloride) aqueous solution, NaCl (sodium chloride) is ionized into Na + (Na ion) and Cl -(chloride ion). In the anode 80, Cl2 (chlorine) gas is produced by the chemical reaction shown in Chemical Formula 1. Gas 77 (the Cl2 (chlorine) gas) and liquid 74 can be discharged from the anode chamber 79. Na + (Sodium ions) move from the anode chamber 79 to the cathode chamber 98 through the ion exchange membrane 84 due to the gravitational force from the cathode 82 .

[0094] When the liquid 70 is a KCl (potassium chloride) aqueous solution, KCl (potassium chloride) is ionized into K + (potassium ion) and Cl - (chloride ions). In the anode 80, Cl2 (chlorine) gas is generated by the chemical reaction shown in Chemical Formula 1. Gas 77 (the Cl2 (chlorine) gas) and liquid 74 can be discharged from the anode chamber 79. K + (Potassium ions) move from the anode chamber 79 to the cathode chamber 98 through the ion exchange membrane 84 due to the gravitational force from the cathode 82 .

[0095] When the liquid 70 is a NaOH (sodium hydroxide) aqueous solution, NaOH (sodium hydroxide) is ionized into Na + (sodium ion) and OH - (hydroxide ions). In the anode 80, H2O (water) and O2 (oxygen) gas are generated by the chemical reaction shown in Chemical Formula 1-2. Gas 77 (the O2 (oxygen) gas) and liquid 74 can be discharged from the anode chamber 79. Na + (Sodium ions) move from the anode chamber 79 to the cathode chamber 98 through the ion exchange membrane 84 due to the gravitational force from the cathode 82 .

[0096] The liquid 73 may be retained in the anode chamber 79. In the case of salt electrolysis, the liquid 73 is an aqueous solution of an alkali metal chloride. In this example, the liquid 73 is an aqueous solution of NaCl (sodium chloride). + (Na ion) concentration and Cl - (chloride ion) concentration can be higher than 70% of the liquid Na + (Na ion) concentration and Cl - (chloride ion) concentration is small. Liquid 73 can also be a KCl (potassium chloride) aqueous solution. + (potassium ion) concentration and Cl - (chloride ion) concentration can be respectively higher than the liquid 70 K + (potassium ion) concentration and Cl - In the case of alkaline water electrolysis, the liquid 73 is a NaOH (sodium hydroxide) aqueous solution or a KOH (potassium hydroxide) aqueous solution.

[0097] A concentration sensor 99 may be provided in the cathode chamber 98 . The concentration sensor 99 measures the concentration of the alkali metal chloride in the liquid 75 .

[0098] The electrolytic cell 90 may be provided with a temperature sensor 97 for measuring the temperature of the electrolyte decomposed in the electrolytic cell 90. In this example, the temperature sensor 97 is provided in the cathode chamber 98.

[0099] The following chemical reaction occurs in cathode 82 .

[0100] [Chemical formula 2]

[0101] 2H2O+2e - →H2+2OH -

[0102] When the liquid 72 is an aqueous solution of NaOH (sodium hydroxide), NaOH (sodium hydroxide) is ionized into Na + (sodium ion) and OH - (hydroxide ions). When the liquid 72 is KOH (potassium hydroxide), KOH (potassium hydroxide) is ionized into K + (potassium ion) and OH - In the cathode 82, H2 (hydrogen) gas and OH are generated by the chemical reaction shown in Chemical Formula 2. - (hydroxide ions). Gas 78 (the H 2 (hydrogen) gas) and liquid 76 may be drawn out from cathode chamber 98 .

[0103] Liquid 75 may be retained in cathode chamber 98. Liquid 75 is an aqueous solution of an alkali metal hydroxide. In this example, liquid 75 is an aqueous solution of NaOH (sodium hydroxide) or an aqueous solution of KOH (potassium hydroxide). In this example, liquid 75 is retained in cathode chamber 98. Liquid 75 is OH generated by the chemical reaction shown in Chemical Formula 2. - (hydroxide ions) and Na(OH)2 ... + (sodium ion) or K + (Potassium ion) obtained by dissolution.

[0104] The product produced by the plurality of electrolytic cells 90 is assumed to be a product P. When the liquid 70 is a NaCl (sodium chloride) aqueous solution and the liquid 72 is a NaOH (sodium hydroxide) aqueous solution (in the case of electrolysis of common salt), the product P is NaOH (sodium hydroxide) or Cl2 (chlorine). When the liquid 70 is a KCl (potassium chloride) aqueous solution and the liquid 72 is a KOH (potassium hydroxide) aqueous solution, the product P is KOH (potassium hydroxide) or Cl2 (chlorine). When the liquid 70 and the liquid 72 are NaOH (sodium hydroxide) aqueous solutions (in the case of electrolysis of alkaline water), the product P is H2 (hydrogen).

[0105] Figure 4 Yes Figure 3 FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the ion exchange membrane 84 in the electrolytic unit 91 shown in FIG. In this example, anion groups 86 are fixed to the ion exchange membrane 84. Anions are repelled by the anion groups 86 and do not easily pass through the ion exchange membrane 84. In this example, the anion is Cl - (chloride ion). Cations 71 are able to pass through ion exchange membrane 84 because they are not repelled by anionic groups 86. Figure 3 ) is an aqueous solution of NaCl (sodium chloride), cation 71 is Na + (sodium ion). In the case where the liquid 70 is a KCl (potassium chloride) aqueous solution, the cation 71 is K + (Potassium ion).

[0106] Figure 5 1 is a diagram showing an example of a block diagram of the operation support device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The operation support device 100 supports the electrolysis device 200 (see Figure 2 The operation support device 100 includes a calculation unit 10, a determination unit 20, a determination unit 30, and a control unit 40. The operation support device 100 may also include an input unit 50, a display unit 52, and a storage unit 60.

[0107] As an example, the operation support device 100 is a computer having a CPU, a memory, an interface, etc. The control unit 40 may also be the CPU. The calculation unit 10, the determination unit 20, the determination unit 30, and the control unit 40 may also be one CPU. In the case where the operation support device 100 is a computer, an operation support program for executing the operation support method described later may be installed in the computer, and an operation support program for making the computer function as the operation support device 100 may also be installed.

[0108] The input unit 50 is, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, etc. The display unit 52 is, for example, a display, a monitor, etc.

[0109] Figure 6 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of operation support provided by the operation support device 100 to the electrolytic cell 90. In this example, the electrolytic device 200 (see Figure 1) has a terminal 210. The terminal 210 is, for example, a distributed control system (DCS (Distributed Control System)). The terminal 210 and the operation support device 100 can communicate wirelessly or by wire. The terminal 210 sends operation data related to the operation of the electrolysis device 200 to the operation support device 100. The operation support device 100 sends indication data such as the current value flowing through the electrolytic cell 90 to the terminal 210. The display unit 52 displays parameters related to the control of the electrolysis device 200. The parameters are, for example, current efficiency CE (described later), voltage CV (described later), etc.

[0110] Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of a display method of the display unit 52. Figure 7 In the embodiment, the rated power and the optimal power are displayed on the display unit 52. The power consumption Ec for each time T may be further displayed on the display unit 52 (described later).

[0111] Figure 8 FIG. 5 is a diagram showing another example of the display method of the display unit 52. Figure 8 In the embodiment, the operating status of each electrolytic cell 90 is displayed on the display unit 52. The display unit 52 may also display guidance related to the cell stop for the user of the operation support device 100. The guidance related to the cell stop is guidance related to the stop of the operation of the electrolytic cell 90.

[0112] Fig. 9 1 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the electrical cost of the operation of the plurality of electrolytic cells 90 operating in parallel and the time t at which the plurality of electrolytic cells 90 operate. The electrical cost is assumed to be the electrical cost Ep. The period between a time t at which the plurality of electrolytic cells 90 operate and another time t' after the time t is assumed to be the time T. The period of the time T may also be predetermined. Fig. 9 In the example, let time t (1) ~ time t (2) The period is time T1, and the time t (2) ~ time t (3) The period is T2, and the time t (n-1) ~ time t (n) The period is time T(n-1).

[0113] The electrical cost Ep can be expressed in terms of money, or in terms of the amount of electricity consumed by the operation of the plurality of electrolytic cells 90 operating in parallel, or in terms of other units. Let the amount of electricity consumed be the amount of electricity consumed Ec. The electrical cost Ep can also be a value obtained by converting the sum of the various costs into money. When the electrical cost Ep is expressed in terms of the amount of electricity consumed Ec, Fig. 9 An example of the relationship between the power consumption Ec and the time t at which the plurality of electrolytic cells 90 operate is shown.

[0114] The electrical cost Ep may be different for each time T. Fig. 9 In the example, the electrical cost Ep in time T1 is set as electrical cost Ep2, the electrical cost Ep in time T2 is set as electrical cost Ep3, and the electrical cost Ep in time T3 is set as electrical cost Ep1. In this example, electrical cost Ep1 is smaller than electrical cost Ep2, and electrical cost Ep2 is smaller than electrical cost Ep3. Time T1 is, for example, morning time. Time T2 is, for example, daytime time. Time T3 is, for example, nighttime time. The electrical cost Ep for each time T may also be input through the input unit 50.

[0115] Fig.10 1 is a diagram showing an example of power consumption Ec and available power supply amount Es per time T. Available power supply amount Es may also refer to the maximum value of the amount of power that can be supplied to a plurality of electrolytic cells 90 within one time T. When the electrolysis device 200 is installed in a factory, the available power supply amount Es may also refer to the power that can be allocated to the electrolysis device 200 to the maximum extent when the factory supplies power to a plurality of devices including the electrolysis device 200.

[0116] The determination unit 30 may determine the magnitude of the power consumption Ec and the available power supply Es at each time T. Fig.10 In the example, the determination unit 30 determines that the power consumption Ec is less than the supplyable power Es during the time T1, and determines that the power consumption Ec exceeds the supplyable power Es during the time T1 and the time T(n-1). The determination unit 20 may also determine a time T when the power consumption Ec is less than the supplyable power Es, and another time T when the power consumption Ec is greater than the supplyable power Es. Fig.10 In the example of , the determination unit 20 determines the time T1 as one time T, and determines at least one of the time T2 and the time T(n-1) as the other time T.

[0117] The calculation unit 10 may also calculate the difference between the available power supply amount Es and the power consumption amount Ec, that is, the surplus power amount within a time T. The surplus power amount is referred to as the surplus power amount Em. Fig.10 In the example, the calculation unit 10 calculates the surplus power amount Em within the time T1. Alternatively, the control unit 40 controls the power supplied to the electrolytic cell 90 to include the surplus power amount Em during another time T when it is determined that the power consumption Ec is greater than the supplyable power amount Es. The power including the surplus power amount Em may be the power obtained by adding the surplus power amount Em to the supplyable power amount Es.

[0118] Fig.11 This is to explain the calculation unit 10 (refer to Figure 5 ) is a diagram of the currents of the plurality of electrolytic cells 90 in the calculation of the production amount of the product P. Assume that the electrolytic units 91 of the electrolytic cells 90-1 to 90-M (see Figure 2 ) are N1 to Nm. The number of pairs (groups of two) is the number of pairs of anode chambers 79 and cathode chambers 98 in one electrolytic unit 91. The number of pairs (groups of two) in one electrolytic unit 91 is equal to the number of ion exchange membranes 84 (refer to Figure 3 ) quantity.

[0119] Assume that the currents flowing through the electrolytic cell 90-1 to the electrolytic cell 90-M are current I1 to current Im. Assume that the voltages of the electrolytic cell 90-1 to the electrolytic cell 90-M are voltage CV1 to voltage CVm. Fig.11 As shown, the voltages of electrolytic cell 90 - 1 to electrolytic cell 90 -M are N1CV1 to NmCVm, respectively.

[0120] Fig.12 This is to explain the calculation unit 10 (refer to Figure 5 ) is a diagram of the currents of multiple electrolytic cells 90 when multiple electrolytic cells 90 are integrated into one electrolytic cell 90 in the calculation of the production amount of the product P performed. Integrating multiple electrolytic cells 90 into one electrolytic cell means that multiple electrolytic cells 90 are regarded as one electrolytic cell 90. In this example, the calculation unit 10 integrates the electrolytic cells 90-1 to 90-M into one electrolytic cell 90 in the calculation of the production amount of the product P. The number N of pairs (groups of two) in the one electrolytic cell 90 is represented by the following formula (1).

[0121] [Mathematical formula 1]

[0122] N=N1+N2+…+Nm (1)

[0123] That is, the number of pairs (groups consisting of two) N is the sum of the number of pairs N1 to the number of pairs Nm.

[0124] The current flowing through the electrolytic cells 90 integrated into one electrolytic cell 90 is I. When the same current I flows through the electrolytic cells 90-1 to 90-M, the average voltage CV of the electrolytic cells 90 integrated into one electrolytic cell 90 is expressed by the following equation (2).

[0125] [Mathematical formula 2]

[0126] CV=(N1CV1+N2CV2+…+NmCVm) / N (2)

[0127] That is, the average voltage CV is represented by a weighted average of the number N (of the two configured groups).

[0128] The target production amount of the product P is represented by the target production amount At. The target production amount At is the target production amount of the product P produced by the plurality of electrolytic cells 90 within a predetermined period. The predetermined period is represented by the period T. w .exist Fig. 9 In the example, during the period T w is the sum of time T1 to time T(n-1). ( n ) When the time is the same, during T w The target production amount At can also be input through the input unit 50.

[0129] Calculation unit 10 (see Figure 5 ) Based on the predetermined electrical cost Ep or power consumption E per time T c , calculate the production volume of the product P at each time T that meets the target production volume At. Let the production volume calculated by the calculation unit 10 be the production volume A c In this example, the calculation unit 10 calculates Fig.11 The electrolytic cell 90 is integrated into one electrolytic cell 90 to calculate the production volume A c In this example, the calculation unit 10 calculates Fig.11 The electrolytic cell 90 is integrated into one electrolytic cell 90, and the first current value I described later is also calculated. v 1st to 4th current value I v 4.

[0130] Determination unit 20 (refer to Figure 5 ) is based on the production volume A calculated by the calculation unit 10 c The electrolytic cell 90 that is in operation is determined among the plurality of electrolytic cells 90. The control unit 40 controls the current flowing through the electrolytic cell 90 that is in operation determined by the determination unit 20.

[0131] Determination unit 20 (refer to Figure 5 ) may also determine the electrolytic cell 90 to be stopped among the multiple electrolytic cells 90. The control unit 40 may also control the current flowing through the electrolytic cell 90 to be stopped to be smaller than the current flowing through the electrolytic cell 90 that is not stopped. The control unit 40 may also make the current flowing through the electrolytic cell 90 to be stopped zero.

[0132] Calculation unit 10 (see Figure 5) can also calculate the first current value flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells 90 at each time T based on the production amount Ac. Let the first current value be the first current value Iv1. The calculation unit 10 can also calculate the first current value Iv1 flowing through the electrolytic cell 90 that is not stopped when the current flowing through the electrolytic cell 90 to be stopped is made zero.

[0133] Fig.13 1 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the production amount Ac of the product P accompanying the operation of the plurality of electrolytic cells 90 operating in parallel and the time T during which the plurality of electrolytic cells 90 operate. The production amount Ac may be different for each time T. Fig.13 In the example, let the production volume Ac in time T1 be production volume Ac2, let the production volume Ac in time T2 be production volume Ac1, and let the production volume Ac in time T(n-1) be production volume Ac3. In this example, production volume Ac1 is smaller than production volume Ac2, and production volume Ac2 is smaller than production volume Ac3. Fig.13 In the example, let the electrical cost Ep in time T1 be the electrical cost Ep (1) , let the electrical cost Ep in time T2 be the electrical cost Ep (2) , let the electrical cost Ep within time T(n-1) be the electrical cost Ep (n-1) .

[0134] The current efficiency of the electrolytic cell 90 is defined as the current efficiency CE. The current efficiency CE refers to the ratio of the actual production of the product P to the theoretical production. The sum of the production Ac of the product P during the period Tw is defined as the total production Acs. The total production Acs is represented by the following formula (3).

[0135] [Mathematical formula 3]

[0136]

[0137] The sum of the electrical costs Ep in the period Tw is defined as the total electrical cost Eps. The total electrical cost Eps is represented by the following equation (4).

[0138] [Formula 4]

[0139]

[0140] The voltage CV in formula (4) (j) It is represented by the following formula (5).

[0141] [Mathematical formula 5]

[0142] CV (j) =a×I (j) +E0 (5-1)

[0143]

[0144] According to equations (3) to (5), the current value I (j) It is represented by the following formula (6).

[0145] [Mathematical formula 6]

[0146]

[0147] Calculation unit 10 (see Figure 5 ) can also calculate the first current value I based on the above formula (6): v 1.

[0148] Calculation unit 10 (see Figure 5 ) can also calculate the satisfaction period T w The calculation unit 10 may also convert the total production volume Ac in the formula (3) into the target production volume At of the product P within the period Tw and the production volume Ac that minimizes the electrical cost Ep or the power consumption Ec within the period Tw. s The target production volume At is used as the target production volume, and the production volume Ac that minimizes the total electrical cost Eps in the formula (4) is calculated based on the formulas (3) to (6). Figure 5 ) The electrolytic cell 90 to be operated among the plurality of electrolytic cells 90 may be determined based on the production volume Ac that minimizes the electrical cost Ep.

[0149] Fig.14 The liquid 75 (see Figure 3 ) and the relationship between the concentration of the alkali metal chloride in the electrolytic cell 90 and the second current value flowing through the electrolytic cell 90. The second current value is assumed to be the second current value I v 2. Let the impurity concentration, which is the quality index of product P, be concentration C s In the case where the product P is NaOH (sodium hydroxide), the concentration C s It can also refer to the concentration of NaCl (sodium chloride), NaClO3 (sodium chlorate) or HClO (hypochlorous acid) in the product P. In the case where the product P is Cl2 (chlorine), the concentration C s It can also refer to the O2 (oxygen) concentration in the product P. When the product P is KOH (potassium hydroxide), the concentration C s It can also refer to the concentration of KCl (potassium chloride), KClO3 (potassium chlorate) or KClO (potassium hypochlorite) in the product P. In this example, the concentration C s is the concentration of alkali metal chloride in the aqueous solution of product P (liquid 75). Concentration C s It can also be provided by the concentration sensor 99 (refer to Figure 4 ) is measured. The determination unit 20 (refer to Figure 5) can also obtain the concentration C measured by the concentration sensor 99 s .

[0150] In the case of alkaline water electrolysis, the flow rate of the product P (H2 (hydrogen)) is denoted by FL. FL is the flow rate of the gas 78. The flow rate FL can be measured by a flow sensor. The theoretical amount of gas 78 generated based on the current I is denoted by Am. The concentration of H2 (hydrogen) in the gas 77 (O2 (oxygen)) (concentration C s ) The theoretical loss of the product P(H2(hydrogen)) is L s The current efficiency CE in the case of alkaline water electrolysis is represented by the following formula (7-1) or formula (7-2).

[0151] [Formula 7]

[0152] CE=FL / Am (7-1)

[0153]

[0154] It is also possible to measure the concentration C when the current value is changed. s changes, thereby obtaining Fig.14 The concentrations shown are C s The relationship with the current value. The larger the current value, the higher the concentration C s The easier it is to become smaller. Fig.14 Among the current efficiencies CE1 to CE5, the largest current efficiency CE is the current efficiency CE1, and the smallest current efficiency CE is the current efficiency CE5. The smaller the current efficiency CE, the higher the concentration C. s The easier it is to become smaller.

[0155] exist Fig.14 In the example, the second current value I v 2 is a current value for satisfying the predetermined quality of the product P. The second current value I v 2 can also be the minimum current value for satisfying the quality. Fig.14 The concentrations shown are C s and the second current value I v 2. The relationship between the pre-obtained concentration C s With the second current value I v The relationship between 2 can also be stored in the storage unit 60.

[0156] Calculation unit 10 (see Figure 5 ) can also be based on the concentration C s The second current value I flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells 90 is calculated. v 2. The calculation unit 10 may also fit the following equation (8) Fig.14 The concentrations shown are C sWith the second current value I v 2, to calculate the second current value I v 2.

[0157] [Mathematical formula 8]

[0158]

[0159] In Formula 8, F is a constant. For example, F is 10.8.

[0160] The first current value I may also be determined based on the temperature of the electrolyte. v 1 and 2 current values ​​I v 2. The temperature of the electrolyte can also be measured by a temperature sensor 97 (see Figure 3 The performance of the electrolytic cell 90 can be determined based on the temperature of the electrolyte and the first current value I v 1 and 2 current values ​​I v Therefore, the first current value I may also be determined based on the temperature of the electrolyte. v 1 and 2 current values ​​I v At least one of the 2.

[0161] The determination unit 30 (see Figure 5 ) can also be determined by the calculation unit 10 (refer to Figure 5 ) calculated, the first current value I for each time T v 1 and 2 current values ​​I v 2. The determination unit 30 may also determine the first current value I v 1 and the size of the predetermined fourth current value flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells 90. The fourth current value is assumed to be the fourth current value I v 4. The fourth current value I v 4 may be a maximum current value that can flow through the plurality of electrolytic cells 90. The maximum current value is, for example, 16.2 kA.

[0162] Assume time T1 to time T(n-1)( Fig. 9 and reference Fig.13 ) is a first time Ta1, and the at least one time T different from the first time Ta1 is a second time Ta2. Alternatively, the determination unit 30 (refer to Figure 5 ) determines that the first current value Iv1 is less than or equal to the fourth current value Iv4, and determines that the first current value Iv1 is less than the second current value Iv2 within the first time Ta1, the determination unit 20 (refer to Figure 5) determines an arbitrary electrolytic cell 90 to be stopped among the plurality of electrolytic cells 90. The arbitrary electrolytic cell 90 may be any one of the plurality of electrolytic cells 90, or may be any two or more of the electrolytic cells 90. In this example, the case where the determination unit 30 determines that the first current value Iv1 is less than or equal to the fourth current value Iv4 may refer to the case where the determination unit 30 determines that the first current value Iv1 is less than or equal to the fourth current value Iv4 during the entire time T1 to time T(n-1).

[0163] Alternatively, the determination unit 30 (see Figure 5 ) determines that the first current value Iv1 is greater than or equal to the second current value Iv2, and determines that the first current value Iv1 is greater than the fourth current value Iv4 within the second time Ta2, the determination unit 20 (refer to Figure 5 ) determines any electrolytic cell 90 to be stopped among the plurality of electrolytic cells 90. In this example, the case where the determination unit 30 determines that the first current value Iv1 is greater than the second current value Iv2 may refer to the case where the determination unit 30 determines that the first current value Iv1 is greater than the second current value Iv2 during the entire time T1 to time T(n-1).

[0164] Fig.15 is shown by the calculation unit 10 (refer to Figure 5 ) is a diagram showing an example of the first current value Iv1 for each time T calculated by the first current value Iv1. In this example, the first current value Iv1 within the time T1 is the first current value Iv1-1, the first current value Iv1 within the time T2 is the first current value Iv1-2, and the first current value Iv1 within the time T(n-1) is the first current value Iv1-3. Fig.15 The second current value Iv2 and the fourth current value Iv4 are shown together. Fig.15 The range of the second current value Iv2 or more and the fourth current value Iv4 or less is indicated by hatching.

[0165] In this example, the first current value Iv1-2 and the first current value Iv1-3 are greater than or equal to the second current value Iv2 and less than or equal to the fourth current value Iv4, and the first current value Iv1-1 is smaller than the second current value Iv2. Figure 5 ) can also determine the time T when the production volume Ac is minimum. Fig.13 In the example of , the determination unit 20 determines the time T2 as the time T at which the production volume Ac is the minimum. In this example, the first time Ta1 is the time T2. In this example, the determination unit 20 (refer to Figure 5 ) Determine any electrolytic cell 90 among the multiple electrolytic cells 90 to be stopped within time T2.

[0166] By the determination unit 30 (refer to Figure 5) determines that the first current value Iv1 is greater than or equal to the second current value Iv2 and less than or equal to the fourth current value Iv4, the control unit 40 (refer to Figure 5 ) The current flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells 90 may also be controlled to be a first current value Iv1.

[0167] The determination unit 30 (see Figure 5 ) can also obtain the time elapsed since the first current value Iv1 was determined to be greater than the second current value Iv2 and less than the fourth current value. Let this elapsed time be the elapsed time Ts. The determination unit 30 can also determine the size of the elapsed time Ts and a predetermined time. Let this predetermined time be time Tp. Time Tp can be the period from when it is determined whether to change the operating conditions of the electrolytic cell 90 to when it is determined whether to change the operating conditions of the electrolytic cell 90 next time. Time Tp can also be Fig.13 and Fig.15 The time Tw is shown.

[0168] The operating condition of the electrolytic cell 90 is referred to as the operating condition Cd. The operating condition Cd may include at least one of the current efficiency CE, the voltage CV, the electrical cost Ep, the target production volume At, and the length of each time from time T1 to time T(n-1).

[0169] By the determination unit 30 (refer to Figure 5 ) determines that the elapsed time Ts is greater than the time Tp, the control unit 40 (refer to Figure 5 ) may also output information on whether to change the operating condition Cd. The control unit 40 outputting the information may also mean that the control unit 40 causes the display unit 52 (see Figure 5 ) to display this information.

[0170] Fig.16 is shown by the calculation unit 10 (refer to Figure 5 ) is another example of the first current value Iv1 calculated for each time T. In this example, the first current value Iv1-3 is greater than the fourth current value Iv4. This example is different from Fig.15 In this example, the second time Ta2 is the time T(n-1).

[0171] By the determination unit 30 (refer to Figure 5 ) determines that the first current value Iv1 is smaller than the second current value Iv2 during the first time Ta1, and determines that the first current value Iv1 is larger than the fourth current value Iv4 during the second time Ta2, the calculation unit 10 (refer to Figure 5) can also make the current flowing through the multiple electrolytic cells 90 in the first time Ta1 become the second current value Iv2, or make the current flowing through the multiple electrolytic cells 90 in the second time Ta2 become the fourth current value Iv4, and further calculate the current value flowing through the multiple electrolytic cells 90 according to each time T.

[0172] The difference between the second current value Iv2 and the first current value Iv1 in the first time Ta1 is defined as the first difference df1. The first difference df1 is Iv2-Iv1. The difference between the first current value Iv1 and the fourth current value Iv4 in the second time Ta is defined as the second difference df2. The second difference df2 is Iv1-Iv4.

[0173] The determination unit 30 (see Figure 5 ) can also determine the magnitude of the first difference df1 within the first time Ta1 and the second difference df2 within the second time Ta2. When the determination unit 30 determines that the first difference df1 is greater than the second difference df2, the calculation unit 10 (refer to Figure 5 ) The calculation unit 10 may also make the current flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells 90 in the first time Ta1 a second current value Iv2, and further calculate the current value at each time T. When the determination unit 30 determines that the second difference df2 is greater than the first difference df1, the calculation unit 10 may also make the current flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells 90 in the second time Ta2 a fourth current value Iv4, and further calculate the current value at each time T. In this example, the second difference df2 is greater than the first difference df1. Therefore, the calculation unit 10 makes the current flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells 90 in the second time Ta2 a fourth current value Iv4, and further calculates the current value at each time T.

[0174] Fig.17 is a graph showing the electrolysis of each of the plurality of electrolytic cells 90 at time T2 (refer to Fig.13 ) is a diagram showing an example of the production volume Ac of each product P produced in the Figure 1 The description will be given by taking as an example a case where the number of the plurality of electrolytic cells 90 is three (the case where M=3).

[0175] In this example, it is assumed that the current efficiencies CE of the electrolytic cells 90-1 to 90-3 are respectively current efficiencies CE1 to CE3. It is assumed that the current efficiency CE3 is greater than the current efficiency CE2, and the current efficiency CE2 is greater than the current efficiency CE1. In this example, it is assumed that the production amounts Ac of the electrolytic cells 90-1 to 90-3 are respectively production amounts Ac1-1 to production amounts Ac1-3. It is assumed that the production amount Ac1-3 is greater than the production amount Ac1-2, and the production amount Ac1-2 is greater than the production amount Ac1-1.

[0176] The determination unit 20 may also determine the electrolytic cell 90 with the smallest production volume Ac as any electrolytic cell 90 to be stopped. In this example, the determination unit 20 determines the electrolytic cell 90-1 as the electrolytic cell 90 to be stopped. The determination unit 20 may also determine one or more electrolytic cells 90 among the plurality of electrolytic cells 90 as any electrolytic cell 90 to be stopped. The determination unit 20 may also determine the electrolytic cells 90 to be stopped in the order of the obtained production volumes from small to large.

[0177] Fig.18 It is shown in Fig.17 1 is a diagram showing an example of production amount Ac when the operation of electrolytic cell 90-1 is stopped in the example. In this example, it is assumed that the current efficiency CE of electrolytic cell 90-2 and electrolytic cell 90-3 is current efficiency CE2' and current efficiency CE3' respectively. In this example, it is assumed that the production amount Ac of electrolytic cell 90-1 and electrolytic cell 90-2 is production amount Ac1-2' and production amount Ac1-3' respectively.

[0178] Calculation unit 10 (see Figure 5 ) can also further calculate the number of times T that the determination unit 20 (refer to Figure 5 ) is determined. This current value is referred to as a third current value Iv3. In this example, the calculation unit 10 further calculates the current value when the operation of the electrolytic cell 90-1 is stopped at each time T.

[0179] The third current value Iv3 may be greater than the first current value Iv1. The current efficiency CE2′ may be greater than the current efficiency CE2 (see Fig.17 ). The current efficiency CE3' can also be greater than the current efficiency CE3 (refer to Fig.17 The production volume Ac1-2' can also be greater than the production volume Ac1-2 (refer to Fig.17 The production volume Ac1-3' can also be greater than the production volume Ac1-3 (refer to Fig.17 ). Thus, the operation support device 100 can stop the operation of the electrolytic cell 90-1 and achieve the following operation during the period Tw (refer to Fig. 9 ) in order to support the operation of the electrolytic cell 90 in a manner that achieves the target production amount At of the product P produced within the electrolytic cell.

[0180] The determination unit 30 (see Figure 5 ) can also determine the magnitude of the third current value Iv3 and the fourth current value Iv4 at each time T. When the determination unit 30 determines that the third current value Iv3 is less than the fourth current value Iv, the control unit 40 (refer to Figure 5) It is also possible to control the current flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells 90 to be the third current value Iv3. In this example, the control unit 40 controls the current flowing through the electrolytic cell 90-2 and the electrolytic cell 90-3 to be the third current Iv3.

[0181] The determination unit 30 (see Figure 5 ) can also further determine the magnitude relationship between the third current value Iv3 and the second current value Iv2. v 3 is the 4th current value I v Below, and the second current value I v 2 or more, the control unit 40 (refer to Figure 5 ) It is also possible to control the current flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells 90 to a third current value I v 3. Determination unit 30 (see Figure 5 ) It is also possible to determine the third current value I at each time T. v 3 and 4 current values ​​I v 4 and the third current value I v 3 and the second current value I v Size of 2.

[0182] The concentration of product P is C ho It is represented by the following formula (9). Figure 3 ) is an aqueous solution of NaCl (sodium chloride), and liquid 72 (reference Figure 3 ) is a NaOH (sodium hydroxide) aqueous solution, the concentration C ho is the concentration of NaOH (sodium hydroxide, so-called caustic soda). Figure 3 ) is a KCl (potassium chloride) aqueous solution, and liquid 72 (reference Figure 3 ) is a KOH (potassium hydroxide) aqueous solution, the concentration C ho is the concentration of KOH (potassium hydroxide).

[0183] [Mathematical formula 9]

[0184]

[0185] V total =(V cell +V other )×NC×NE1+V tank (9-2)

[0186] In formula (9), V cell is the volume of each pair (group of two). In this example, assume that the volume of all pairs (groups of two) is V cell . V otherIt is the total volume of each layer including the sub-manifold, gas-liquid separation tank, etc. Liquid 76 and gas 78 (refer to Figure 3 ) is led out from the electrolytic cell 90 to the sub-manifold. The liquid 76 and gas 78 led out to the sub-manifold are separated into liquid 76 and gas 78 in the gas-liquid separation tank.

[0187] In formula (9), V tank is the volume of the circulation tank. The circulation tank is a tank for temporarily storing the liquid 76 separated in the gas-liquid separation tank. NC is the number of pairs (groups of two) of each electrolytic cell 90. NE is the number of electrolytic cells 90 in the electrolytic device 200. NE1 is the number of electrolytic cells 90 that have stopped working. D is the density of the product P (kg / m 3 ). (k) is the standby time. (k) It is an arbitrary time T from time T1 to time T(n-1).

[0188] Concentration C s (Refer to Fig.14 ) is represented by the following formula (10).

[0189] [Formula 10]

[0190]

[0191] G=C initial ×V total (10-2)

[0192]

[0193] Assume that liquid 75 (refer to Figure 3 ) is a first concentration C1. The first concentration C1 may also be a minimum concentration for ensuring a predetermined quality of the product P. The predetermined impurity concentration of the product P is a second concentration C2. The second concentration C2 may also be a maximum impurity concentration for ensuring a predetermined quality of the product P.

[0194] The determination unit 30 (see Figure 5 ) can also determine the concentration C ho The determination unit 30 may also determine whether the concentration Cs is lower than the second concentration C2. ho When the concentration Cs is greater than the first concentration C1 and the concentration Cs is less than the second concentration C2, the control unit 40 (refer to Figure 5 ) can also be determined by the determination unit 20 (refer to Figure 5 ) is controlled to flow through the electrolytic cell 90 to be stopped so as to be smaller than the current flowing through the other electrolytic cells 90.ho When the concentration Cs is greater than the first concentration C1 and the concentration Cs is less than the second concentration C2, the liquid 70 and the liquid 72 ( Figure 1 ~Reference Figure 3 ) can also circulate in any electrolytic cell 90 after it is stopped.

[0195] When the determination unit 30 determines that the concentration is C ho When the concentration Cs is lower than the first concentration C1 or higher than the second concentration C2, the liquid 73 and the liquid 75 may be discharged from the electrolytic cell 90 after the stop (see Figure 3 ).

[0196] By the determination unit 30 (refer to Figure 5 ) determines that the third current value Iv3 is less than the second current value Iv2 within at least one time T, the determination unit 20 (refer to Figure 5 ) can also further determine other electrolytic cells 90 to be stopped among the multiple electrolytic cells 90. The other electrolytic cells 90 are electrolytic cells 90 different from the above-mentioned arbitrary electrolytic cells 90. The other electrolytic cells 90 can be any one of the multiple electrolytic cells 90 other than the above-mentioned arbitrary electrolytic cells 90, or can be any two or more electrolytic cells 90. The determination unit 20 can also determine the electrolytic cell 90 with the smallest production volume Ac among the electrolytic cells 90 in operation as the other electrolytic cells 90 to be stopped.

[0197] Calculation unit 10 (see Figure 5 ) It is also possible to further calculate the current value when any electrolytic cell 90 and other electrolytic cells 90 are stopped at each time T as the third current value Iv3. The determination unit 30 (refer to Figure 5 ) can also determine the magnitude of the third current value Iv3 and the fourth current value Iv4 when any electrolytic cell 90 and other electrolytic cells 90 are stopped. When the determination unit 30 determines that the third current value Iv3 is less than the fourth current value Iv4, the control unit 40 (refer to Figure 5 ) The current flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells 90 may also be controlled to be the third current value Iv3.

[0198] The determination unit 30 (see Figure 5 ) can further determine the magnitude of the third current value Iv3 and the second current value Iv2 when any electrolytic cell 90 and other electrolytic cells 90 are stopped. When the determination unit 30 determines that the third current value Iv3 is less than the fourth current value Iv4 and greater than the second current value Iv2, the control unit 40 (refer to Figure 5 ) The current flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells 90 may also be controlled to be the third current value Iv3.

[0199] By the determination unit 30 (refer to Figure 5 ) When it is determined that the third current value Iv3 is less than the second current value Iv2 when any electrolytic cell 90 and other electrolytic cells 90 are stopped, the determination unit 20 may further determine the electrolytic cell 90 to be stopped. The calculation unit 10 (refer to Figure 5 ) can also calculate the current value when the specified plurality of electrolytic cells 90 are stopped. The determination unit 20 (see Figure 5 ) can also further determine the electrolytic cell 90 to be stopped until it is determined that the current value is greater than the second current value Iv2.

[0200] By determining the unit 20 (refer to Figure 5 ) When all of the plurality of electrolytic cells 90 are determined as electrolytic cells 90 to be stopped, the calculation unit 10 (refer to Figure 5 ) The calculation unit 10 may also make the current flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells 90 the second current value Iv2 or the fourth current value Iv4, and further calculate the current value flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells 90 at each time T. The calculation unit 10 may also make the current flowing through all the electrolytic cells 90 the second current value Iv2 or the fourth current value Iv4, and further calculate the current value flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells 90 at each time T.

[0201] By the determination unit 30 (refer to Figure 5 ) determines that the third current value Iv3 is greater than the fourth current value Iv4 within at least one time T, the calculation unit 10 (refer to Figure 5 ) It is also possible to make the current flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells 90 in the at least one time T a fourth current value Iv4, and further calculate the current value flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells 90 according to each time T. The at least one time T refers to Fig.15 Any at least one time T from time T1 to time T(n-1).

[0202] Fig.19 1 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation support method according to an embodiment of the present invention. An operation support method according to an embodiment of the present invention is to perform an operation of an electrolytic cell 90 (see Figure 1 )'s operation support method for supporting the operation.

[0203] The operation support method includes a first calculation step S104 (refer to Fig.19). The operation support method may also include a 0th determination step S100, an electrolytic cell integration step S102, and an input step S88. The operation support method may also include a second calculation step S106, a third calculation step S108, a first determination step S110, a second determination step S112, a third determination step S114, a control step S116, a fourth determination step S118, and a determination step S94. The operation support method may also include a first current setting step S130, a second current setting step S132, and a third current setting step S136. The operation support method may also include an elapsed time acquisition step S120, an information output step S124, and a stop step S200.

[0204] The 0th determination step S100 is a step of determining whether the operating condition Cd of the electrolytic cell 90 has changed. The operating condition Cd may include at least one of the current efficiency CE, the voltage CV, the target production volume At, the electrical cost Ep, the power consumption Ec, and the length of each time from time T1 to time T(n-1). The 0th determination step S100 may be performed by the determination unit 30 (see Figure 5 ) is a step of determining whether the operating condition Cd has changed, or it may be a step in which the user of the operation support device 100 determines whether the operating condition Cd has changed.

[0205] If it is determined in the 0th determination step S100 that the operating condition Cd has changed, the operation support method proceeds to the input step S88. If it is not determined in the 0th determination step S100 that the operating condition Cd has changed, the operation support method proceeds to the electrolytic cell integration step S102.

[0206] The input step S88 is to input the operation support device 100 (refer to Figure 5 ) is a step of inputting an input parameter. The input step S88 may also be a step in which the user of the operation support device 100 inputs the input parameter through the input unit 50 (see Figure 5 ) Steps for inputting operating condition Cd.

[0207] The electrolytic cell comprehensive step S102 is to calculate the production amount of the product P, and the calculation unit 10 (refer to Figure 5 ) Integrate multiple electrolytic cells 90 into one electrolytic cell 90 (refer to Fig.11 and Fig.12 In this example, the calculation unit 10 integrates the electrolytic cells 90 - 1 to 90 -M into one electrolytic cell 90 .

[0208] The first calculation step S104 may also include a 0th calculation step S90 and a determination step S92. The 0th calculation step S90 is the following step: the calculation unit 10 (refer to Figure 5) calculates the production amount Ac of the product P for each predetermined time T when the fourth current value Iv4 flows through the plurality of electrolytic cells 90 operating in parallel. The 0th calculation step S90 may also be a step in which the calculation unit 10 calculates the production amount Ac for each time T when the fourth current value Iv4 flows through all the electrolytic cells 90 operating in parallel. The determination step S92 is a step in which the determination unit 30 (refer to Figure 5 ) A step of determining whether the production volume Ac meets the target production volume At.

[0209] If it is determined in the determination step S92 that the production volume Ac satisfies the target production volume At, the operation support method proceeds to the second calculation step S106. If it is not determined in the determination step S92 that the production volume Ac satisfies the target production volume At, the operation support method returns to the input step S88. The first calculation step S104 may also be the following step: the calculation unit 10 (refer to Figure 5 )Calculate the satisfaction period Tw( Fig. 9 and reference Fig.13 ) within the target production volume At within the period Tw, and the production volume P that minimizes the electrical cost Ep or power consumption Ec within the period Tw.

[0210] The second calculation step S106 is as follows: the calculation unit 10 (refer to Figure 5 ) Based on the production amount Ac of the product P, the first current value Iv1 flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells 90 is calculated at each time T. The third calculation step S108 is a step in which the calculation unit 10 calculates the first current value Iv1 flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells 90 based on the impurity concentration Cs of the product P (refer to Fig.14 ) or the temperature of the electrolyte decomposed in the electrolytic cell 90, and calculate the second current value Iv2 flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells 90. The second current value Iv2 may also be a minimum current value for satisfying a predetermined quality of the product P.

[0211] The first determination step S110 is as follows: the determination unit 30 (refer to Figure 5 ) determines the magnitude of the first current value Iv1 for each time T calculated in the second calculation step S106 and the second current value Iv2 calculated in the third calculation step S108. When it is determined in the first determination step S110 that the first current value Iv1 within the first time Ta1 is less than the second current value Iv2, the operation support method proceeds to the second determination step S112. As described above, the first time Ta1 is the time T1 to the time T(n-1) (refer to Fig. 9 and Fig.13 ) at least one time T. When it is determined in the first determination step S110 that the first current value Iv1 is equal to or greater than the second current value Iv2, the operation support method proceeds to the third determination step S114.

[0212] The second determination step S112 is the following step: the determination unit 30 (refer to Figure 5 ) determines the magnitude of the first current value Iv1 and the fourth current value Iv4 for each time T calculated in the second calculation step S106. When it is determined in the second determination step S112 that the first current value Iv1 is less than the fourth current value Iv4, the operation support method proceeds to the stop step S200. When it is determined in the second determination step S112 that the first current value Iv1 is greater than the fourth current value Iv4, the operation support method proceeds to the fourth determination step S118.

[0213] The third determination step S114 is the following step: the determination unit 30 (refer to Figure 5 ) determines the magnitude of the first current value Iv1 and the fourth current value Iv4 for each time T calculated in the second calculation step S106. When it is determined in the third determination step S114 that the first current value Iv1 is less than the fourth current value Iv4, the operation support method proceeds to the control step S116. When it is determined in the third determination step S114 that the first current value Iv1 is greater than the fourth current value Iv4, the operation support method proceeds to the third current setting step S136.

[0214] The control step S116 may be a step in which, when it is determined in the first determination step S110 that the first current value Iv1 is greater than or equal to the second current value Iv2 and in the third determination step S114 that the first current value Iv1 is less than or equal to the fourth current value Iv4, the control unit 40 (see Figure 5 ) controls the current flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells 90 to be the first current value Iv1. The determination step S94 is a step for determining whether to stop the operation of the electrolysis device 200. The determination step S94 may be performed by the determination unit 30 (refer to Figure 5 ) The step of determining whether to stop the operation of the electrolysis device 200 may also be a step in which the user of the operation support device 100 determines whether to stop the operation of the electrolysis device 200.

[0215] If it is determined in step S94 that the operation of the electrolysis device 200 is stopped, the operation support method ends the operation support of the electrolytic cell 90. If it is not determined in step S94 that the operation of the electrolysis device 200 is stopped, the operation support method proceeds to step S120 of obtaining the elapsed time.

[0216] The second calculation step S106 may be a step in which, when it is determined in the first determination step S110 that the first current value Iv1 within the first time Ta1 is less than the second current value Iv2, and when it is determined in the second determination step S112 that the first current value Iv1 within the second time Ta2 is greater than the fourth current value Iv4, the calculation unit 10 (see Figure 5) makes the current flowing through the multiple electrolytic cells 90 in the first time Ta1 become the second current value Iv2, or makes the current flowing through the multiple electrolytic cells 90 in the second time Ta2 become the fourth current value Iv4, and further calculates the current value flowing through the multiple electrolytic cells 90 according to each time T.

[0217] The fourth determination step S118 is as follows: the determination unit 30 (refer to Figure 5 ) Determine the first difference df1 (refer to Fig.16 ) and the second difference df2 (refer to Fig.16 ), the first difference df1 is the difference between the second current value Iv2 and the first current value Iv1 within the first time Ta1, and the second difference df2 is the difference between the first current value Iv1 and the fourth current value Iv4 within the second time Ta2. When it is determined in the fourth determination step S118 that the first difference df1 is greater than the second difference df2, the operation support method proceeds to the first current setting step S130. When it is determined in the fourth determination step S118 that the second difference df2 is greater than the first difference df1, the operation support method proceeds to the second current setting step S132.

[0218] The first current setting step S130 is to set the current at the first time Ta1 (refer to Fig.16 ) is a step of setting the current flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells 90 to a second current value Iv2. The second current setting step S132 is a step of setting the current flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells 90 to a second current value Iv2 during the second time Ta2 (refer to Fig.16 ) is a step of setting the current flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells 90 to a fourth current value Iv4. In this example, the second calculation step S106 is a step in which the calculation unit 10 (refer to Figure 5 ) Using the current value set in the first current setting step S130 or the current value set in the second current setting step S132, the current value flowing through the multiple electrolytic cells 90 is further calculated according to each time T.

[0219] The third current setting step S136 is to set the current at the second time Ta2 (refer to Fig.16 ) is a step of setting the current flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells 90 to a fourth current value Iv4. In this example, the second calculation step S106 is a step in which the calculation unit 10 (refer to Figure 5 ) Using the current value set in the third current setting step S136, the current value flowing through multiple electrolytic cells 90 is further calculated at each time T.

[0220] Fig. 20 1 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation support method according to an embodiment of the present invention. The operation support method may include an elapsed time acquisition step S120, a time determination step S122, and an information output step S124.

[0221] The elapsed time acquisition step S120 is the following step: Figure 5 ) is obtained from the third determination step S114 (refer to Fig.19 ) is determined as the elapsed time Ts from the time when the first current value Iv1 is determined to be less than the fourth current value Iv4. The time determination step S122 is a step for determining the size of the elapsed time Ts obtained in the elapsed time acquisition step S120 and the predetermined time Tp. As described above, the time Tp is the period from when it is determined whether to change the operating conditions of the electrolytic cell 90 to when it is determined whether to change the operating conditions of the electrolytic cell 90 next time. The time Tp may also be Fig.13 and Fig.15 If it is determined in the time determination step S122 that the elapsed time Ts is greater than the time Tp, the operation support method proceeds to the information output step S124. If it is determined in the time determination step S122 that the elapsed time Ts is less than the time Tp, the determination unit 30 continues to determine the size of the elapsed time Ts and the time Tp until it is determined that the elapsed time Ts is greater than the time Tp.

[0222] The information output step S124 is performed by the control unit 40 (refer to Figure 5 ) outputs information on whether to change the operating conditions Cd of the plurality of electrolytic cells 90. The control unit 40 outputting the information may also mean that the control unit 40 causes the display unit 52 (see Figure 5 After the information output step S124, the operation support method proceeds to the 0th determination step S100.

[0223] Fig.21 It is shown Fig.19 The operation support method includes an electrolytic cell determination step S212. The operation support method may also include a fourth calculation step S214, a fifth determination step S216, a sixth determination step S218, and a seventh determination step S220. The operation support method may also include a time determination step S210, a determination step S226, a standby cycle step S222, and a discharge step S224.

[0224] The time determination step S210 is performed by the determination unit 20 (refer to Figure 5 ) Determine the time T when the production volume Ac is minimum (refer to Fig.15 ) step. The electrolytic cell determination step S212 is the following step: the determination unit 20 (refer to Figure 5 ) based on the first calculation step S104 (refer to Fig.19) is used to determine the electrolytic cell 90 that is in operation among the plurality of electrolytic cells 90. The electrolytic cell determination step S212 may also be a step in which, when it is determined in the second determination step S112 that the first current value Iv1 is less than the fourth current value Iv4, the determination unit 20 determines an arbitrary electrolytic cell 90 to be stopped among the plurality of electrolytic cells 90. The electrolytic cell determination step S212 may also be a step in which, when it is determined in the third determination step S114 that the second time Ta2 (refer to Fig.16 ), when the first current value Iv1 within the time T determined in the time determination step S210 is greater than the fourth current value Iv4, the determination unit 20 determines any electrolytic cell 90 to be stopped among the plurality of electrolytic cells 90. The electrolytic cell determination step S212 may also be a step of determining an electrolytic cell 90 to be stopped among the plurality of electrolytic cells 90 within the time T determined in the time determination step S210.

[0225] The fourth calculation step S214 is as follows: the calculation unit 10 (refer to Figure 5 ) Further, the third current value Iv3 is calculated for each time T when any electrolytic cell 90 identified in the electrolytic cell identification step S212 is stopped. The fifth determination step S216 is performed by the determination unit 30 (refer to Figure 5 ) A step of determining the magnitude of the third current value Iv3 and the fourth current value Iv4.

[0226] If it is determined in the fifth determination step S216 that the third current value Iv3 is less than the fourth current value Iv4, the operation support method proceeds to the sixth determination step S218. If it is determined in the fifth determination step S216 that the third current value Iv3 is greater than the fourth current value Iv4, the operation support method proceeds to the fourth current setting step S137 (refer to Fig.19 ).

[0227] Fourth current setting step S137 (see Fig.19 ) is a step of setting the current flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells 90 during at least one time T in which the third current value Iv3 is determined to be greater than the fourth current value Iv4 in the fifth determination step S216 to the fourth current value Iv4. After the fourth current setting step S137, the operation support method returns to the second calculation step S106 (refer to Fig.19 ). The second calculation step S106 is as follows: the calculation unit 10 (refer to Figure 5 ) makes the current flowing through the multiple electrolytic cells 90 become the fourth current value Iv4 within at least one time T when it is determined that the third current value Iv3 is greater than the fourth current value Iv4, and further calculates the current value flowing through the multiple electrolytic cells 90 according to each time T.

[0228] The sixth determination step S218 is performed by the determination unit 30 (see Figure 5) A step of determining the magnitude of the third current value Iv3 and the second current value Iv2. When it is determined in the sixth determination step S218 that the third current value Iv3 is greater than the second current value Iv2, the operation support method proceeds to the seventh determination step S220. When it is determined in the sixth determination step S218 that the third current value Iv3 is less than the second current value Iv2, the operation support method proceeds to the determination step S226.

[0229] The judgment step S226 is performed by the judgment unit 30 (refer to Figure 5 ) is a step of determining whether all of the plurality of electrolytic cells 90 are determined as electrolytic cells 90 to be stopped. If it is not determined in the determination step S226 that all of the plurality of electrolytic cells 90 are determined as electrolytic cells 90 to be stopped, the operation support method returns to the electrolytic cell determination step S212. If it is determined in the determination step S226 that all of the plurality of electrolytic cells 90 are determined as electrolytic cells 90 to be stopped, the operation support method proceeds to the fifth current setting step S138.

[0230] The electrolytic cell determination step S212 may be a step in which, when it is determined in the sixth determination step S218 that the third current value Iv3 within at least one time T is smaller than the second current value Iv2, the determination unit 20 (see Figure 5 ) further determines other electrolytic cells 90 to be stopped among the multiple electrolytic cells 90. In this example, the electrolytic cell determination step S212 is a step in which, when it is determined in the sixth determination step S218 that the third current value Iv3 within at least one time T is less than the second current value Iv2, and in the determination step S226, it is not determined that all of the multiple electrolytic cells 90 are determined as electrolytic cells 90 to be stopped, the determination unit 20 further determines other electrolytic cells 90 to be stopped among the multiple electrolytic cells 90. The other electrolytic cells 90 are electrolytic cells 90 different from the above-mentioned arbitrary electrolytic cells 90. The other electrolytic cells 90 may be any one of the multiple electrolytic cells 90 other than the above-mentioned arbitrary electrolytic cells 90, or may be any two or more electrolytic cells 90. The determination unit 20 may also determine the electrolytic cell 90 with the smallest production volume Ac among the electrolytic cells 90 in operation as the other electrolytic cells 90 to be stopped.

[0231] The fourth calculation step S214 may also be the following step: The calculation unit 10 (refer to Figure 5 ) Further, the current value when any electrolytic cell 90 and other electrolytic cells 90 are stopped is calculated as the third current value Iv3 for each time T. The fifth determination step S216 may also be the following step: the determination unit 30 (refer to Figure 5) determines the magnitude of the third current value Iv3 and the fourth current value Iv4 when any electrolytic cell 90 and other electrolytic cells 90 are stopped. The sixth determination step S218 may also be a step in which the determination unit 30 further determines the magnitude of the third current value Iv3 and the second current value Iv2 when any electrolytic cell 90 and other electrolytic cells 90 are stopped.

[0232] The electrolytic cell determination step S212 may also be a step in which, when it is determined in the sixth determination step S218 that any electrolytic cell 90 and other electrolytic cells 90 are stopped, the third current value Iv3 is less than the second current value Iv2, and when it is determined in the determination step S226 that all of the plurality of electrolytic cells 90 are determined as electrolytic cells 90 to be stopped, the determination unit 20 further determines the electrolytic cell 90 to be stopped. The electrolytic cell determination step S212 may also be a step in which the electrolytic cell 90 to be stopped is determined until it is determined in the sixth determination step S218 that the third current value Iv3 is greater than the second current value Iv2.

[0233] The fifth current setting step S138 is a step of setting the current flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells 90 to the second current value Iv2. Fig.19 ) may also be the following step: the current flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells 90 during the other time T in which the third current value Iv3 is determined to be less than the second current value Iv in the sixth determination step S218 is set to the second current value Iv2. After the fifth current setting step S138, the operation support method returns to the second calculation step S106 (refer to Fig.19 The second calculation step S106 may also be the following step: the calculation unit 10 (refer to Figure 5 ) makes the current flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells 90 become the second current value Iv2, and further calculates the current value flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells 90 at each time T. The second calculation step S106 (refer to Fig.19 ) may also be the following steps: the calculation unit 10 (refer to Figure 5 ) makes the current flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells 90 during the other time T become the second current value Iv2, and further calculates the current value flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells 90 for each time T. After the fifth current setting step S138, the operation support method returns to the second calculation step S106 (refer to Fig.19 ).

[0234] The seventh determination step S220 is the following step: the determination unit 30 (refer to Figure 5 ) Determine whether the concentration C hois greater than a predetermined first concentration C1 of the product P, and whether the concentration Cs is less than a predetermined second concentration C2 of the product P. The first concentration C1 may also be a minimum concentration to ensure a predetermined quality of the product P. The second concentration C2 may also be a maximum impurity concentration to ensure a predetermined quality of the product P.

[0235] In the seventh determination step S220, it is determined that the concentration is C ho If the concentration Cs is greater than the first concentration C1 and less than the second concentration C2, the operation support method enters the standby cycle step S222. ho When the concentration Cs is greater than the first concentration C1 and is less than the second concentration C2, the operation support method proceeds to the discharge step S224.

[0236] The standby cycle step S222 is a step of stopping the electrolytic cell 90 determined as the electrolytic cell to be stopped in the electrolytic cell determination step S212, and then causing the liquid 70 and the liquid 72 ( Figure 1 ~Reference Figure 3 ) circulates in the electrolytic cell 90 after the stop. The discharge step S224 is to make the liquid 73 and the liquid 75 (refer to Figure 3 ) is a step of discharging from the electrolytic cell 90 after the stop.

[0237] Control step 112 is a step of determining in step S220 that the concentration C ho When the concentration Cs is greater than the first concentration C1 and the concentration Cs is less than the second concentration C2, the control unit 40 (refer to Figure 5 ) The current flowing through the electrolytic cell 90 to be stopped determined in the electrolytic cell determination step S212 is controlled to be smaller than the current flowing through the other electrolytic cells 90. The control step 112 may also be a step in which the control unit 40 controls the current flowing through the electrolytic cell 90 to be stopped to zero.

[0238] The control step S112 may be a step in which, when it is determined in the fifth determination step S216 that the third current value Iv3 is less than or equal to the fourth current value Iv4, the control unit 40 (see Figure 5 ) controls the current flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells 90 to be the third current value Iv3. The control step S112 may also be a step in which, when it is determined in the fifth determination step S216 that the third current value Iv3 is less than the fourth current value and in the sixth determination step S218 that the third current value Iv3 is greater than the second current value Iv2, the control unit 40 controls the current flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells 90 to be the third current value Iv3.

[0239] Fig. 223 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation support method according to an embodiment of the present invention. The operation support method may include a size determination step S302, a first time determination step S304, a second time determination step S306, a remaining power calculation step S308, and a power control step S310.

[0240] The magnitude determination step S302 is a step in which the determination unit 30 determines the magnitude of the power consumption Ec and the available power supply amount Es. The determination unit 30 may determine the magnitude of the power consumption Ec and the available power supply amount Es at each time T.

[0241] The first time determination step S304 is a step in which, when it is determined in the size determination step S302 that the power consumption Ec is less than the supplyable power amount Es, the determination unit 20 determines a time T at which the power consumption Ec per time T is less than the supplyable power amount Es per time T for the electrolytic cell 90. The second time determination step S306 is a step in which, when it is determined in the size determination step S302 that the power consumption Ec is greater than the supplyable power amount Es, the determination unit 20 determines another time T at which the power consumption Ec per time T is greater than the supplyable power amount Es per time T for the electrolytic cell 90.

[0242] The surplus power calculation step S308 is a step in which the calculation unit 10 calculates the surplus power Em, which is the difference between the supplyable power Es and the power consumption Ec, within a time T. The power control step S310 is a step in which the control unit 40 controls the power supplied to the electrolytic cell 90 to include the surplus power Em during another time T when it is determined that the power consumption Ec is greater than the supplyable power Es.

[0243] Various embodiments of the present invention may also be described with reference to flowcharts and block diagrams. In various embodiments of the present invention, a block may represent (1) a stage of a process for performing an operation or (2) a portion of an apparatus having a function of performing an operation.

[0244] Specific stages may be performed by a dedicated circuit, a programmable circuit, or a processor. Specific parts may be installed by a dedicated circuit, a programmable circuit, or a processor. The programmable circuit and the processor may be provided with computer-readable instructions. The computer-readable instructions may be stored on a computer-readable medium.

[0245] The dedicated circuit may include at least one of a digital hardware circuit and an analog hardware circuit. The dedicated circuit may include at least one of an integrated circuit (IC) and a discrete circuit. The programmable circuit may include a hardware circuit for logical AND, logical OR, logical XOR, logical NAND, logical NOR, or other logical operations. The programmable circuit may also include a reconfigurable hardware circuit, which includes a memory element such as a flip-flop, a register, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic array (PLA), etc.

[0246] The computer readable medium may include any tangible device capable of storing instructions executed by an appropriate device. The computer readable medium having instructions stored on the device, which includes the tangible device, has a product that includes instructions that can be executed to generate a unit for performing the operations specified in the flowchart or block diagram.

[0247] The computer-readable medium may be, for example, an electronic storage medium, a magnetic storage medium, an optical storage medium, an electromagnetic storage medium, a semiconductor storage medium, etc. More specifically, the computer-readable medium may be, for example, a floppy disk (registered trademark), a magnetic disk, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a Blu-ray disk (RTM), a memory stick, an integrated circuit card, etc.

[0248] The computer readable command may include any one of an assembly instruction, an instruction set architecture (ISA) command, a machine instruction, a machine-dependent command, a microcode, a firmware command, a state setting data, a source code, and an object code. The source code and the object code may be described in any combination of one or more programming languages ​​including an object-oriented programming language and a traditional procedural programming language. The object-oriented programming language may be, for example, Smalltalk (registered trademark), JAVA (registered trademark), C++, etc. The procedural programming language may be, for example, the "C" programming language.

[0249] The computer readable instructions may be provided to a processor or programmable circuit of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing device locally or via a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet. The processor or programmable circuit of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing device may also generate instructions for executing the instructions in the program. Figure 19 to Figure 22 The flowchart shown or Figure 5The processor may be, for example, a computer processor, a processing unit, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor, a controller, a microcontroller, etc.

[0250] Fig.23 The figure shows an example of a computer 2200 that can implement the whole or part of the operation support device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The program installed in the computer 2200 can make the computer 2200 perform the operation related to the operation support device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention or function as one or more parts of the operation support device 100, or make the computer 2200 execute the operation or the one or more parts, or can make the computer 2200 execute each step related to the operation support method of the present invention (see Figure 19 to Figure 22 ). It is also possible to make the computer 2200 execute the flowchart described in this specification ( Figure 19 to Figure 22 ) and block diagram ( Figure 5 ) and the program is executed by CPU2212 by performing some or all of the associated specific operations in the boxes.

[0251] The computer 2200 of this embodiment includes a CPU 2212, a RAM 2214, a graphics controller 2216, and a display device 2218. The CPU 2212, the RAM 2214, the graphics controller 2216, and the display device 2218 are connected to each other through the host controller 2210. The computer 2200 also includes input and output units such as a communication interface 2222, a hard disk drive 2224, a DVD-ROM drive 2226, and an IC card drive. The communication interface 2222, the hard disk drive 2224, the DVD-ROM drive 2226, and the IC card drive are connected to the host controller 2210 via the input and output controller 2220. The computer also includes conventional input and output units such as a ROM 2230 and a keyboard 2242. The ROM 2230 and the keyboard 2242 are connected to the input and output controller 2220 via the input and output chip 2240.

[0252] The CPU 2212 controls each unit by operating according to the programs stored in the ROM 2230 and the RAM 2214. The graphic controller 2216 obtains image data generated by the CPU 2212 from a frame buffer or the like provided in the RAM 2214 or the RAM 2214, and displays the image data on the display device 2218.

[0253] The communication interface 2222 communicates with other electronic devices via a network. The hard disk drive 2224 stores programs and data used by the CPU 2212 in the computer 2200. The DVD-ROM drive 2226 reads programs or data from the DVD-ROM 2201 and provides the read programs or data to the hard disk drive 2224 via the RAM 2214. The IC card drive reads programs and data from an IC card or writes programs and data to an IC card.

[0254] The ROM 2230 stores a startup program executed by the computer 2200 when activated or a program dependent on the hardware of the computer 2200. The input / output chip 2240 can also connect various input / output units to the input / output controller 2220 via a parallel port, a serial port, a keyboard port, a mouse port, and the like.

[0255] The program is provided through a computer-readable medium such as DVD-ROM 2201 or an IC card. The program is read from the computer-readable medium and installed in a hard disk drive 2224, RAM 2214 or ROM 2230 as an example of a computer-readable medium, and the program is executed by CPU 2212. The information processing described in these programs is read by computer 2200, so that the program and the various types of hardware resources described above are coordinated. It is also possible to implement the operation or processing of information according to the use of computer 2200, thereby forming an apparatus or method.

[0256] For example, when communication is performed between the computer 2200 and an external device, the CPU 2212 executes a communication program loaded in the RAM 2214, and instructs the communication interface 2222 to perform communication processing based on the processing described in the communication program. Under the control of the CPU 2212, the communication interface 2222 reads the transmission data stored in the transmission buffer processing area provided in the RAM 2214, the hard disk drive 2224, the DVD-ROM 2201, or a recording medium such as an IC card, and transmits the read transmission data to the network, and further, writes the reception data received from the network to the reception buffer processing area provided on the recording medium, etc.

[0257] The CPU 2212 may also read all or a required portion of a file or database stored in an external recording medium such as the hard disk drive 2224, the DVD-ROM drive 2226 (DVD-ROM 2201), or an IC card into the RAM 2214. The CPU 2212 may also perform various types of processing on the data in the RAM 2214. The CPU 2212 may then write the processed data back to the external recording medium.

[0258] Various types of information such as various types of programs, data, tables, and databases may also be stored in the recording medium and processed. The CPU 2212 may also perform various types of processing including various types of operations, information processing, conditional judgment, conditional branching, unconditional branching, information retrieval or replacement, etc. specified by the instruction sequence of the program as described in the present disclosure for the data read from the RAM 2214. The CPU 2212 may also write the result back to the RAM 2214.

[0259] The CPU 2212 may also search for information in a file, database, etc. in the recording medium. For example, when a plurality of entries each having an attribute value of a first attribute associated with an attribute value of a second attribute are stored in the recording medium, the CPU 2212 may search for an entry that matches the condition for specifying the attribute value of the first attribute from the plurality of entries, read the attribute value of the second attribute stored in the entry, and obtain the attribute value of the second attribute associated with the first attribute that satisfies the predetermined condition by reading the second attribute value.

[0260] The above-mentioned program or software module may also be stored on the computer 2200 or in a computer-readable medium of the computer 2200. A recording medium such as a hard disk or RAM provided in a server system connected to a dedicated communication network or the Internet may be used as a computer-readable medium. The program may also be provided to the computer 2200 through the recording medium.

[0261] The present invention has been described above using the embodiments, but the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes or improvements can be made to the above embodiments. It is obvious from the description of the claims that the mode after such changes or improvements can also be included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0262] Regarding the execution order of each process such as actions, processes, steps and stages in the devices, systems, programs and methods shown in the claims, specifications and drawings, it is not particularly clear that "before...", "before...", etc., and it should be noted that as long as the output of the previous process is not used in the subsequent process, it can be implemented in any order. Regarding the action flow in the claims, specifications and drawings, even if "first," "next," etc. are used for convenience, it does not mean that it must be implemented in this order.

[0263] Description of Reference Numerals

[0264] 10: calculation unit, 20: determination unit, 30: determination unit, 40: control unit, 50: input unit, 52: display unit, 60: storage unit, 70: liquid, 71: cation, 72: liquid, 73: liquid, 74: liquid, 75: liquid, 76: liquid, 77: gas, 78: gas, 79: anode chamber, 80: anode, 82: cathode, 84: ion exchange membrane, 86: anion group, 90: electrolytic cell, 91: electrolytic unit, 92: introduction tube, 93: introduction tube, 94: export tube, 95: export tube, 97: temperature sensor, 98: 8: cathode chamber, 99: concentration sensor, 100: operation support device, 200: electrolysis device, 210: terminal, 2200: computer, 2201: DVD-ROM, 2210: host controller, 2212: CPU, 2214: RAM, 2216: graphic controller, 2218: display device, 2220: input-output controller, 2222: communication interface, 2224: hard disk drive, 2226: DVD-ROM drive, 2230: ROM, 2240: input-output chip, 2242: keyboard.

Claims

1. A running support device comprising: a calculation unit that calculates a production amount of a product at each predetermined time that satisfies a target production amount of a product produced by the plurality of electrolytic cells within a predetermined period based on an electrical cost or power consumption at each predetermined time associated with the operation of the plurality of electrolytic cells operating in parallel; and A determination unit determines an electrolytic cell to be operated among the plurality of electrolytic cells based on the production amount calculated by the calculation unit.

2. The operation support device according to claim 1, wherein: The calculation unit calculates the production volume that satisfies the target production volume of the product within the period and minimizes electrical cost or power consumption within the period.

3. The operation support device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The operation support device further includes a determination unit. The calculation unit calculates a first current value flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells at each time based on the production amount of the product, The calculation unit calculates a second current value flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells based on an impurity concentration of the product or a temperature of an electrolyte decomposed in the electrolytic cell, The determination unit determines the magnitude of the first current value and the second current value at each of the times calculated by the calculation unit, and determines the magnitude of the first current value at each of the times and a predetermined fourth current value flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells, When the determination unit determines that the first current value is lower than the fourth current value and that the first current value is lower than the second current value during a first time which is at least one of the times, or when the determination unit determines that the first current value is higher than the second current value and that the first current value is higher than the fourth current value during a second time which is at least one of the times, the determination unit determines any electrolytic cell to be stopped among the multiple electrolytic cells.

4. A running support device comprising: a calculation unit that calculates, based on power consumption at each predetermined time accompanying the operation of a plurality of electrolytic cells operating in parallel, an amount of production of the product at each time that satisfies a target amount of production of the product produced by the plurality of electrolytic cells within a predetermined period, calculates a first current value flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells at each time based on the calculated amount of production, and calculates a second current value flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells based on an impurity concentration of the product or a temperature of an electrolyte decomposed by the electrolytic cells; a determination unit that determines the magnitude of the first current value and the second current value at each of the times calculated by the calculation unit, and determines the magnitude of the first current value at each of the times and a predetermined fourth current value flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells; as well as The determination unit determines any electrolytic cell to be stopped among the plurality of electrolytic cells when the determination unit determines that the first current value is less than the fourth current value and that the first current value is less than the second current value during a first time that is at least one of the times, or when the determination unit determines that the first current value is greater than the second current value and that the first current value is greater than the fourth current value during a second time that is at least one of the times.

5. The operation support device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: The operation support device further includes a control unit that controls current flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells. When the determination unit determines that the first current value is greater than or equal to the second current value and less than or equal to a fourth current value, the control unit controls the current flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells to the first current value.

6. The operation support device according to claim 5, wherein: the determination unit acquires an elapsed time from when the first current value is determined to be greater than or equal to the second current value and less than or equal to the fourth current value, The determination unit determines the difference between the elapsed time and a predetermined time. When the determination unit determines that the elapsed time is greater than the predetermined time, the control unit outputs information on whether to change the operating conditions of the plurality of electrolytic cells.

7. The operation support device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein: When the determination unit determines that the first current value is less than the second current value within the first time, and determines that the first current value is greater than the fourth current value within the second time, the calculation unit makes the current flowing through the multiple electrolytic cells within the first time become the second current value, or makes the current flowing through the multiple electrolytic cells within the second time become the fourth current value, and further calculates the current value flowing through the multiple electrolytic cells according to each of the times.

8. The operation support device according to claim 7, wherein: The determination unit determines the magnitude of a first difference and a second difference, the first difference being a difference between the second current value and the first current value within the first time, and the second difference being a difference between the first current value and the fourth current value within the second time, When the determination unit determines that the first difference is greater than the second difference, the calculation unit causes the current flowing through the multiple electrolytic cells during the first time to be the second current value and further calculates the current value according to each of the times. When the determination unit determines that the second difference is greater than the first difference, the calculation unit causes the current flowing through the multiple electrolytic cells during the second time to be the fourth current value and further calculates the current value according to each of the times.

9. The operation support device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: The operation support device further includes a control unit that controls current flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells. The calculation unit further calculates a third current value when the arbitrary electrolytic cell is stopped at each time. The determination unit determines the magnitude of the third current value and the fourth current value, When the determination unit determines that the third current value is equal to or less than the fourth current value, the control unit controls the current flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells to the third current value.

10. The operation support device according to claim 9, wherein: The determination unit further determines the magnitude of the third current value and the second current value. When the determination unit determines that the third current value is equal to or less than the fourth current value and equal to or greater than the second current value, the control unit controls the current flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells to the third current value.

11. The operation support device according to claim 10, wherein: When the determination unit determines that the third current value is smaller than the second current value during at least one of the times, the determination unit further determines another electrolytic cell to be stopped among the plurality of electrolytic cells.

12. The operation support device according to claim 11, wherein: The calculation unit further calculates, for each of the time periods, a current value when the arbitrary electrolytic cell and the other electrolytic cells are stopped as the third current value.

13. The operation support device according to claim 12, wherein: When all of the plurality of electrolytic cells are determined by the determination unit to be stopped, the calculation unit sets the current flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells to the second current value or the fourth current value, and further calculates the current value flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells at each of the time periods.

14. The operation support device according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein: When the determination unit determines that the third current value is greater than the fourth current value within at least one of the time periods, the calculation unit makes the current flowing through the multiple electrolytic cells within at least one of the time periods become the fourth current value, and further calculates the current value flowing through the multiple electrolytic cells according to each of the time periods.

15. The operation support device according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein: The determination unit determines whether the concentration of the product in the aqueous solution of the product is greater than a predetermined first concentration, and determines whether the impurity concentration of the product is less than a predetermined second concentration. When the determination unit determines that the concentration of the product is greater than the first concentration and less than the second concentration, the control unit controls the current flowing through the arbitrary electrolytic cell to be smaller than the current flowing through the other electrolytic cells.

16. The operation support device according to any one of claims 5 to 15, wherein: The determination unit determines the magnitude of the power consumption at each time and the amount of power that can be supplied to the electrolytic cell at each time, The calculation unit calculates a surplus power amount as a difference between the power supplyable amount and the power consumption amount during the time when it is determined that the power consumption amount is less than the power supplyable amount. The control unit controls the power supplied to the electrolytic cell to include the surplus power amount during the other time when it is determined that the power consumption amount is equal to or greater than the supplyable power amount.

17. The operation support device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein: The operation support device further includes a display unit that displays the power consumption.

18. An operation support method, comprising: A first calculation step, in which a calculation unit calculates a production amount of a product at each predetermined time that satisfies a target production amount of a product produced by the plurality of electrolytic cells within a predetermined period based on an electrical cost or power consumption at each predetermined time associated with the operation of the plurality of electrolytic cells operating in parallel; and In the electrolytic cell identifying step, a identifying unit identifies an electrolytic cell that is operating among the plurality of electrolytic cells based on the production amount calculated in the first calculating step.

19. The operation support method according to claim 18, wherein: The first calculation step is a step in which the calculation unit calculates the production volume that satisfies the target production volume of the product within the period and minimizes the electrical cost or power consumption within the period.

20. The operation support method according to claim 18 or 19, wherein: The operation support method further comprises: a second calculation step, wherein the calculation unit calculates a first current value flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells at each time based on the production amount of the product; a third calculation step, wherein the calculation unit calculates a second current value flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells based on an impurity concentration of the product or a temperature of an electrolyte decomposed in the electrolytic cell; a first determination step, wherein a determination unit determines the magnitude of the first current value at each of the times calculated in the second calculation step and the second current value calculated in the third calculation step; as well as a second determination step, in which, when it is determined in the first determination step that the first current value in the first time as at least one of the times is smaller than the second current value, the determination unit determines the magnitude of the first current value at each of the times calculated in the second calculation step and a predetermined fourth current value flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells; The electrolytic cell identifying step is a step in which, when it is determined in the second determining step that the first current value is equal to or less than the fourth current value, the identifying unit identifies any electrolytic cell to be stopped among the plurality of electrolytic cells.

21. The operation support method according to claim 20, wherein: The operation support method further comprises a third determination step, in which, when it is determined in the first determination step that the first current value at each of the times is greater than or equal to the second current value, the determination unit determines, in the third determination step, the magnitude of the first current value at each of the times calculated in the second calculation step and a predetermined fourth current value flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells. The electrolytic cell determination step is a step in which, when it is determined in the third determination step that the first current value in the second time which is at least one of the times is greater than the fourth current value, the determination unit determines any electrolytic cell to be stopped among the plurality of electrolytic cells.

22. An operation support method, comprising: The first calculation step is a step in which a calculation unit calculates the production amount of the product at each predetermined time that satisfies the target production amount of the product produced by the plurality of electrolytic cells within a predetermined period based on the power consumption at each predetermined time accompanying the operation of the plurality of electrolytic cells operating in parallel; a second calculation step, wherein a calculation unit calculates a first current value flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells at each time based on the production amount calculated in the first calculation step; A third calculation step, wherein the calculation unit calculates a second current value flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells based on the impurity concentration of the product or the temperature of the electrolyte decomposed in the electrolytic cell; a first determination step, wherein a determination unit determines the magnitude of the first current value at each of the times calculated in the second calculation step and the second current value calculated in the third calculation step; a second determination step, in which, when it is determined in the first determination step that the first current value in the first time as at least one of the times is smaller than the second current value, the determination unit determines the magnitude of the first current value at each of the times calculated in the second calculation step and a predetermined fourth current value flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells; as well as The electrolytic cell determining step is a step of determining, when it is determined in the second determining step that the first current value is equal to or less than the fourth current value, a determining unit determining any electrolytic cell to be stopped among the plurality of electrolytic cells.

23. The operation support method according to claim 22, wherein: The operation support method further comprises: a third determination step, in which, when it is determined in the first determination step that the first current value at each of the times is equal to or greater than the second current value, the determination unit determines the magnitude of the first current value at each of the times calculated in the second calculation step and a predetermined fourth current value flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells; as well as In the electrolytic cell determination step, when it is determined in the third determination step that the first current value in the second time as at least one of the times is greater than the fourth current value, the determination unit determines any electrolytic cell to be stopped among the plurality of electrolytic cells.

24. The operation support method according to claim 21 or 23, wherein: The operation support method further comprises a control step, in which, when it is determined in the first determination step that the first current value is greater than the second current value and in the third determination step that the first current value is less than the fourth current value, the control unit controls the current flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells to the first current value.

25. The operation support method according to claim 24, wherein: The operation support method further comprises: an elapsed time acquisition step, wherein the determination unit acquires an elapsed time since the first current value is determined to be equal to or less than the fourth current value in the third determination step; a time determination step, wherein the determination unit determines the difference between the elapsed time acquired in the elapsed time acquisition step and a predetermined time; as well as An information output step in which, when it is determined in the time determination step that the elapsed time is greater than the predetermined time, the control unit outputs information on whether to change the operating conditions of the plurality of electrolytic cells.

26. The operation support method according to claim 24 or 25, wherein: The second calculation step is the following step: when it is determined in the first determination step that the first current value within the first time is less than the second current value, and when it is determined in the second determination step that the first current value within the second time is greater than the fourth current value, the calculation unit makes the current flowing through the multiple electrolytic cells within the first time become the second current value, or makes the current flowing through the multiple electrolytic cells within the second time become the fourth current value, and further calculates the current value flowing through the multiple electrolytic cells according to each of the times.

27. The operation support method according to claim 26, wherein: The operation support method further includes a fourth determination step, in which the determination unit determines the magnitude of a first difference and a second difference, the first difference being the difference between the second current value and the first current value within the first time, and the second difference being the difference between the first current value and the fourth current value within the second time, The second calculation step is a step in which, when it is determined in the fourth determination step that the first difference is greater than the second difference, the calculation unit sets the current flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells during the first time to the second current value, and further calculates the current value for each of the times. The second calculation step is a step in which, when it is determined in the fourth determination step that the second difference is greater than the first difference, the calculation unit makes the current flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells during the second time the fourth current value, and further calculates the current value according to each of the time.

28. The operation support method according to any one of claims 20 to 23, wherein: The operation support method further comprises: a fourth calculation step, wherein the calculation unit further calculates a third current value when the arbitrary electrolytic cell identified in the electrolytic cell identification step is stopped at each of the time periods; a fifth determination step, wherein the determination unit determines the magnitude of the third current value and the fourth current value; as well as A control step, in which, when it is determined in the fifth determination step that the third current value is equal to or less than the fourth current value, the control unit controls the current flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells to the third current value.

29. The operation support method according to claim 28, wherein: The operation support method further includes a sixth determination step, in which the determination unit determines the magnitude of the third current value and the second current value. The control step is a step in which, when it is determined in the fifth determination step that the third current value is less than the fourth current value and in the sixth determination step that the third current value is greater than the second current value, the control unit controls the current flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells to the third current value.

30. The operation support method according to claim 29, wherein: The electrolytic cell determination step is a step in which, when it is determined in the sixth determination step that the third current value within at least one of the time periods is smaller than the second current value, the determination unit further determines other electrolytic cells to be stopped among the plurality of electrolytic cells.

31. The operation support method according to claim 30, wherein: The fourth calculation step is a step in which the calculation unit further calculates, for each of the time periods, a current value when the arbitrary electrolytic cell and the other electrolytic cells are stopped as the third current value.

32. The operation support method according to claim 31, wherein: The second calculation step is a step in which, when all of the plurality of electrolytic cells are determined as electrolytic cells to be stopped in the electrolytic cell determination step, the calculation unit makes the current flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells the second current value, and further calculates the current value flowing through the plurality of electrolytic cells at each of the time periods.

33. The operation support method according to any one of claims 28 to 32, wherein: The second calculation step is the following step: when it is determined in the fifth determination step that the third current value within at least one of the times is greater than the fourth current value, the calculation unit makes the current flowing through the multiple electrolytic cells within the at least one time the fourth current value, and further calculates the current value flowing through the multiple electrolytic cells according to each of the times.

34. The operation support method according to any one of claims 28 to 33, wherein: The operation support method further comprises a seventh determination step, in which the determination unit determines whether the concentration of the product in the aqueous solution of the product is greater than a predetermined first concentration, and whether the impurity concentration of the product is less than a predetermined second concentration. The control step is a step in which, when it is determined in the seventh determination step that the concentration of the product is greater than the first concentration and less than the second concentration, the control unit controls the current flowing through the electrolytic cell determined to be stopped in the electrolytic cell determination step to be smaller than the current flowing through the other electrolytic cells.

35. The operation support method according to any one of claims 24 to 34, wherein: The operation support method further comprises: a size determination step, wherein the determination unit determines the size of the power consumption at each time and the amount of power that can be supplied to the electrolytic cell at each time; a surplus power amount calculation step, wherein the calculation unit calculates the surplus power amount as a difference between the supplyable power amount and the power consumption amount during the time when it is determined that the power consumption amount is less than the supplyable power amount; In the power control step, the control unit controls the power supplied to the electrolytic cell to include the surplus power amount during the other time when it is determined that the power consumption amount is equal to or greater than the supplyable power amount.

36. An operation support program for causing a computer to function as the operation support device according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

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