Operational method for recovery system and learnt model

Abstract

To provide an operational method for a commercially viable carbon dioxide recovery system.SOLUTION: An operational method for recovery system 1 that collects carbon dioxide includes a CP monitoring step to monitor carbon pricing that is traded according to carbon dioxide emissions, and a changeover step to switch the state of recovery system 1 based on the changeover parameter, the changeover step uses the information from the CP monitoring step as the changeover parameter to switch the state of recovery system 1 to the operation state or the stop state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for operating a capture plant for capturing carbon dioxide, and to a trained model for outputting the operating period of such a capture plant. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, there has been a demand for the early implementation of effective measures to prevent global warming. Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is one example of a greenhouse gas that causes global warming. Carbon dioxide is contained in exhaust gas emitted when fossil fuels are burned, for example. If such carbon dioxide could be captured and fixed, it would be possible to suppress global warming. Therefore, technologies related to carbon dioxide capture have been studied (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a method for reducing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, in which carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is absorbed (reduced) using decarbonated seawater, which is seawater from the ocean surface that has had the carbon dioxide removed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2005-21870 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 is simply related to the absorption of carbon dioxide, and does not envisage the generation of revenue in accordance with the absorption of carbon dioxide. For this reason, there is room for improvement in terms of commercial use of the technology described in Patent Document 1.

[0006] Therefore, there is a demand for technology related to capture devices that can capture carbon dioxide that is commercially useful. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A characteristic configuration of the operation method of a capture device according to the present invention is a method for operating a capture device that captures carbon dioxide, and includes a CP monitoring step of monitoring carbon pricing, which is traded according to the amount of carbon dioxide emitted, and a switching step of switching the state of the capture device based on a switching parameter, in which information from the CP monitoring step is used as the switching parameter to switch the state of the capture device to an operating state or a stopped state.

[0008] With such a characteristic configuration, it is possible to efficiently generate profits by operating and stopping the capture device based on carbon pricing. In other words, by operating the capture device when carbon pricing is relatively high and stopping the capture device when carbon pricing is relatively low, the capture device can be operated in a state of high monetary value based on the fluctuating carbon pricing. Therefore, it is possible to operate the capture device that captures carbon dioxide in a state of high commercial utility value.

[0009] Another characteristic configuration of the operation method of a capture device of the present invention is a method of operating a capture device that captures carbon dioxide, comprising: a CP monitoring step of monitoring carbon pricing, which is traded according to the amount of carbon dioxide emitted; a switching step of switching the state of the capture device based on a switching parameter; a power selling monitoring step of monitoring the power selling price of electricity generated by a power generation device that can be supplied to the capture device; and an evaluation step of evaluating monetary value based on information from the CP monitoring step and the power selling monitoring step, wherein in the switching step, the evaluation result of the evaluation step is used as the switching parameter to set an operating period during which the state of the capture device is changed to an operating state, and the state of the capture device is switched to the operating state only for the operating period.

[0010] With such a characteristic configuration, when the selling price of the electricity generated by the power generation device is high, the electricity is sold to earn revenue, and when the selling price is low, the electricity is used to operate the capture device, thereby reducing the operating costs of the capture device. In other words, in the evaluation step, if the carbon pricing and the selling price are evaluated in total and the operation period of the capture device is set, it is possible to maximize monetary value. Therefore, it is possible to operate the capture device in a commercially highly useful state.

[0011] It is also preferable that the recovery device electrochemically produces calcium carbonate from carbon dioxide and calcium ions contained in the sea.

[0012] With this configuration, carbon dioxide can be captured from the carbon dioxide produced when atmospheric carbon dioxide is absorbed into the ocean and from calcium ions in the ocean. This makes it possible to earn revenue from ocean carbon dioxide, which contributes to reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide.

[0013] It is also preferable that the recovery device is configured to supply hydrogen generated in the process of producing the calcium carbonate to a fuel cell and be operable using electric power generated by the fuel cell.

[0014] In this way, by using the hydrogen generated in the calcium carbonate production process to generate electricity in the fuel cell, the cost required for carbon dioxide capture can be reduced, and the capture device can be operated in a commercially valuable state.

[0015] In addition, in the switching step, when the monetary value is lower than a predetermined value as an evaluation result of the evaluation step, it is preferable that operation of the recovery device is stopped and the electricity generated by the power generation device is stored in a power storage device.

[0016] With this configuration, for example, when the selling price of electricity is low, electricity can be stored in the storage device, and when the selling price of electricity becomes high, the electricity can be sold to earn revenue while the recovery device is operated with the electricity stored in the storage device. Therefore, the total cost required for carbon dioxide recovery can be reduced, and the recovery device can be operated in a commercially useful state.

[0017] It is also preferable that the power generating device is a wind power generating device that utilizes wind energy and converts it into the electric power.

[0018] Wind power plants that generate wind power are often located in the ocean or coastal areas where the carbon dioxide captured by the capture device is absorbed. Therefore, when the power generation device generates power from wind power, the capture device is installed at or near the wind power plant, which shortens the transmission distance from the wind power plant to the capture device, thereby reducing power loss. This allows the power generated at the wind power plant to be efficiently used for selling electricity and operating the capture device, making it possible to earn more revenue than if the transmission distance was long.

[0019] It is also preferable that the power generating device is a wave power generating device that utilizes wave energy and converts it into electric power.

[0020] Wave power plants that generate wave power are installed in the ocean or coastal areas where the carbon dioxide captured by the capture device is absorbed. Therefore, when a power generation device generates wave power, the capture device is installed at or near the wave power plant, which shortens the transmission distance from the wave power plant to the capture device, thereby reducing power loss. This allows the power generated at the wave power plant to be efficiently used for selling electricity and operating the capture device, making it possible to earn more revenue than if the transmission distance was long.

[0021] It is also preferable that the method further includes a weather monitoring step of monitoring meteorological information, and that in the switching step, the meteorological information is used as the switching parameter to set the operation period of the recovery device.

[0022] Depending on the weather conditions, the operating efficiency of a power generation device such as a wind power generation device varies. Therefore, as in this configuration, by using weather information as a switching parameter to set an operating period in which the recovery device is in an operating state when the utility value of the recovery device is high, and switching the state of the recovery device to an operating state or a stopped state based on this operating period, it becomes possible to operate the recovery device in a commercially valuable state.

[0023] Furthermore, a characteristic configuration of the trained model of the present invention is that it is a trained model that has learned the operation method of the recovery device, and outputs the operating period of the recovery device in the switching step by inputting the carbon pricing obtained in the CP monitoring step and the electricity selling price obtained in the electricity selling monitoring step.

[0024] With this characteristic configuration, it is possible to appropriately output the operation period of the capture device, during which the capture device can be operated in a commercially highly useful state, based on carbon pricing and the electricity selling price. Therefore, it is possible to operate the capture device in a commercially highly useful state.

[0025] In addition, the trained model that has learned the operation method of the recovery device is preferably configured to output the operating period of the recovery device in the switching step by inputting the carbon pricing obtained in the CP monitoring step, the electricity selling price obtained in the electricity selling monitoring step, and the weather information obtained in the weather monitoring step.

[0026] With this characteristic configuration, it is possible to appropriately output the operation period of the capture device, during which the capture device can be operated in a commercially valuable state, based on carbon pricing, the electricity selling price, and meteorological information. Therefore, it is possible to operate the capture device in a commercially valuable state. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a method for operating the immobilization device. [Diagram 2] 4 is a flow chart showing a method of operating the immobilization apparatus. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] Hereinafter, an operating method of a recovery device and a trained model that outputs the operating period of such a recovery device will be described by taking as an example an operating method of an immobilization device and a trained model that outputs the operating period of such an immobilization device. However, the operating method of the recovery device and the trained model are not limited to the following embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist thereof.

[0029] 1 is an explanatory diagram of a method of operating an immobilization apparatus 1 that immobilizes carbon dioxide. "Immobilizing carbon dioxide" refers to, for example, reducing the carbon dioxide concentration in a substance that contains carbon dioxide by removing carbon dioxide from the substance. In this embodiment, an example in which the immobilization apparatus 1 fixes carbon dioxide as a fixed compound and fixes carbon dioxide will be described as one aspect of carbon dioxide recovery.

[0030] In this embodiment, the immobilization device 1 immobilizes carbon dioxide absorbed from the atmosphere into the ocean. Specifically, the immobilization device 1 electrochemically produces calcium carbonate from carbon dioxide and calcium ions contained in the ocean as follows.

[0031] As shown in Figure 1, carbon dioxide from the atmosphere is absorbed into the ocean, producing carbonic acid (see equation (1)). CO2 + H2O ⇒ H2CO3 (1)

[0032] Carbonic acid ionizes in the ocean into hydrogen ions and bicarbonate ions (see equation (2)). H2CO3⇒H + +HCO3 - (2)

[0033] Furthermore, the bicarbonate ions are dissociated into hydrogen ions and carbonate ions (see equation (3)). HCO3- ⇒ H + +CO3 2- (3)

[0034] The resulting carbonate ions react with calcium ions contained in the seawater to produce calcium carbonate. (See equation (4)). Ca 2+ +CO3 2- ⇒ CaCO3 (4)

[0035] Such fixation of carbon dioxide requires electricity (for example, electricity to drive a pump that draws seawater into the fixation device 1), and in this embodiment, the electricity is supplied from the power generation device 2. As described above, the fixation device 1 fixes carbon dioxide absorbed by the sea, so it is suitable to install it near the sea (for example, on the coast or on the sea). In this case, in consideration of the environment, renewable energy is used for the power generation device 2. In this embodiment, electricity generated by wind power or wave power is used as the renewable energy.

[0036] Wind power generation, as shown in #31 in Fig. 1, uses wind energy to turn a windmill, and the torque from the windmill drives a generator to convert the energy into electricity. Wave power generation, as shown in #32 in Fig. 1, uses wave energy (the up and down motion of waves) to turn a turbine, and the torque from the turbine drives a generator to convert the energy into electricity.

[0037] In this embodiment, hybrid power generation using both wind power generation and wave power generation is used as the power generation device 2. Of course, the power generation device 2 may be either wind power generation or wave power generation.

[0038] In this way, the fixing device 1 may be installed in a wind power plant or wave power plant equipped with a power generation device 2 that generates wind or wave power. This shortens the transmission distance from the wind power plant or wave power plant to the fixing device 1, so that power loss can be reduced compared to when the fixing device 1 is installed at a location away from the wind power plant or wave power plant. This makes it possible to efficiently use the power generated at the wind power plant or wave power plant. Furthermore, the power generated at the wind power plant or wave power plant is configured to be not only used in the fixing device 1, but also transmitted via a power transmission line and sold to a power company (#33). This makes it possible to earn revenue by selling the power in this way.

[0039] Here, in the fixation of carbon dioxide in the fixation device 1, hydrogen ions (see formula (3)) are generated in the process of generating calcium carbonate as described above, and these hydrogen ions recombine with electrons to generate hydrogen. This hydrogen is supplied to the fuel cell 3. The fuel cell 3 is supplied with oxygen (oxygen generated by electrolysis of seawater) together with this hydrogen, and generates electricity. The electricity generated in the fuel cell 3 (the generated electricity) is supplied to the fixation device 1 (#34). Therefore, in this embodiment, the fixation device 1 is configured to be able to operate using the electricity generated in the fuel cell 3. This makes it possible to reduce the cost required for fixation of carbon dioxide. Note that water generated during power generation in the fuel cell 3 is mixed with seawater components concentrated during the fixation of carbon dioxide and discharged into the sea (#35).

[0040] 1, the fixing device 1 is operated by a control device 10. The control device 10 is configured with a CP monitoring unit 11, a power sale monitoring unit 12, a weather monitoring unit 13, an evaluation unit 14, and a switching unit 15. Each functional unit is constructed with hardware or software, or both, with a CPU as a core member, in order to perform processing related to the operation of the fixing device 1.

[0041] The CP monitoring unit 11 monitors carbon pricing traded according to the amount of carbon dioxide emissions (#41). Carbon pricing traded according to the amount of carbon dioxide emissions corresponds to the price set for carbon dioxide emissions in a carbon tax system or an emissions trading system for carbon dioxide. In a carbon tax system for carbon dioxide, the price set for carbon dioxide emissions corresponds to a carbon tax imposed as a tax on organizations such as companies and groups by national or local governments, or an internal carbon tax voluntarily set by organizations such as companies and groups on their greenhouse gas emissions. In an emissions trading system, the price set for carbon dioxide emissions corresponds to the price of emissions that exceed the upper limit to be purchased when the greenhouse gas emissions exceed the upper limit set for such organizations in emissions trading.

[0042] Carbon credits (reduction in greenhouse gas emissions such as carbon dioxide) that can be bought and sold as credits (rights) between companies are traded on the market and fluctuate (go up or down) depending on the relationship between supply and demand, like stock prices. The CP monitoring unit 11 monitors such carbon credits as carbon pricing.

[0043] Such carbon pricing is announced by a specified organization. The CP monitoring unit 11 obtains information indicating such carbon pricing as carbon pricing information via a network and monitors it. The process of monitoring carbon pricing traded according to the amount of carbon dioxide emissions is called a CP monitoring step in the operation method of the fixation device 1.

[0044] The power sale monitoring unit 12 monitors the power sale price of the power generated by the power generation device 2 that can be supplied to the fixation device 1 (#42). The power generated by the power generation device 2 that can be supplied to the fixation device 1 corresponds to the power generated by the above-mentioned wind power generation or wave power generation. The power sale price corresponds to the unit price per kWh when the generated power is sold to the power company. The power sale monitoring unit 12 acquires and monitors information indicating such a power sale price as power sale price information via the network. The process of monitoring the power sale price of the power generated by the power generation device 2 that can be supplied to the fixation device 1 is referred to as a power sale monitoring step in the operation method of the fixation device 1.

[0045] The weather monitoring unit 13 monitors weather information (#43). The weather information is information that indicates the weather at the location where the fixation device 1 and the power generation device 2 are installed. The weather information includes information that indicates the weather, information that indicates the wind strength, and information that indicates the wave height. Such weather information is provided by a predetermined organization. The weather monitoring unit 13 obtains such weather information via a network. The process of monitoring such weather information is called the weather monitoring step in the operation method of the fixation device 1.

[0046] The evaluation unit 14 evaluates the monetary value based on the information of the CP monitoring step and the power selling monitoring step (#44). The information of the CP monitoring step is carbon pricing information acquired by the CP monitoring unit 11, and the information of the power selling monitoring step is power selling price information acquired by the power selling monitoring unit 12. Evaluating the monetary value means evaluating which of the following has a higher commercial value, i.e., which will bring about a greater profit: using the electricity generated in the power generation device 2 for carbon dioxide fixation and trading the carbon dioxide, selling the electricity, or using a portion of the electricity for carbon dioxide fixation and selling the remainder.

[0047] In this embodiment, carbon dioxide is fixed by electrochemically generating calcium carbonate from carbonic acid and calcium ions contained in the sea as described above. The generated calcium carbonate is then weighed by a weighing device (not shown), and the amount of carbon dioxide reduction is calculated by a reduction amount calculation device (not shown). In this case, the weighing device weighs the actual weight of the generated calcium carbonate, and the reduction amount calculation device calculates the amount of carbon dioxide reduction from the weight and molecular weight of the calcium carbonate. The evaluation unit 14 acquires the amount of carbon dioxide reduction calculated in this manner as measurement information, and evaluates the above-mentioned monetary value.

[0048] For example, if the selling price of electricity is a (yen / kWh), the amount of carbon dioxide fixed per kWh of electricity is b (ton / kWh), the running costs other than electricity (e.g. the cost of other chemicals, etc.) are c (yen / ton-CO2), and the carbon price is d (yen / ton-CO2), then: a < (d × b) - (c × b) - x (5) If formula (5) holds, the electricity can be used for carbon dioxide fixation, and if it does not hold, the electricity can be sold. Also, if the difference between the value on the left side and the value on the right side of formula (5) is equal to or less than a predetermined value, it is possible to use the electricity for both carbon dioxide fixation and selling by setting the ratio of the electricity used for carbon dioxide fixation and the electricity to be sold according to the ratio of the value on the left side and the value on the right side, for example.

[0049] Here, x is a buffer (margin), and the user may determine a predetermined value as the buffer value. The electricity selling price a [yen / kWh] and the amount of carbon dioxide fixed per kWh of electricity b [tons / kWh] may be configured to be updated periodically. This allows the monetary value to be reviewed through feedback, making it possible to appropriately evaluate the monetary value.

[0050] The amount of fixed carbon dioxide b is certified by a national or private certification body, but it is expected that the amount of fixed carbon dioxide b and the certification contents will differ depending on the certification body.

[0051] The process of evaluating the monetary value based on the information from the CP monitoring step and the electricity selling monitoring step is referred to as an evaluation step in the operation method of the fixation apparatus 1. The calcium carbonate after being weighed by the weighing device may be granulated, molded, or insolubilized and then released into the sea or used for landfill.

[0052] The switching unit 15 switches the state of the immobilization device 1 based on the switching parameters (#45). The state of the immobilization device 1 corresponds to the operating state of the immobilization device 1. The switching parameters are judgment factors used to judge whether to switch the operating state of the immobilization device 1. Therefore, the switching unit 15 switches the operating state of the immobilization device 1 based on the judgment factors. Such a process of switching the state of the immobilization device 1 based on the switching parameters is called a switching step in the operating method of the immobilization device 1.

[0053] In such a switching step, the information of the CP monitoring step can be used as a switching parameter to switch the state of the immobilization device 1 to an operating state or a stopped state. The information of the CP monitoring step corresponds to the carbon pricing information acquired by the CP monitoring unit 11. When such carbon pricing information is used as a switching parameter, for example, based on the carbon pricing indicated by the carbon pricing information and the cost required for immobilizing carbon dioxide in the immobilization device 1, when it is determined that the immobilization of carbon dioxide in the immobilization device 1 has a higher commercial value, the state of the immobilization device 1 may be set to an operating state, and when it is determined that the immobilization of carbon dioxide in the immobilization device 1 has a lower commercial value, the state of the immobilization device 1 may be set to a stopped state.

[0054] Also, in the switching step, it is possible to use the evaluation result of the evaluation step as a switching parameter to set an operation period during which the state of the immobilization device 1 is in an operation state, and to switch the state of the immobilization device 1 to the operation state only for the operation period. The evaluation result of the evaluation step corresponds to a monetary value evaluated by the evaluation unit 14. When such a monetary value is used as a switching parameter, when it is evaluated that trading carbon dioxide by using the electric power generated in the power generation device 2 for immobilization of carbon dioxide is more profitable, it is preferable to continue the immobilization device 1 in an operation state. Such an operation period is preferable to set during the period during which it is evaluated that it is more profitable. On the other hand, when it is evaluated that selling the electric power generated in the power generation device 2 is more profitable, it is preferable to stop the immobilization device 1. In this case, the operation period during which the state of the immobilization device 1 is in an operation state is set to zero. Furthermore, when it is evaluated that using a part of the electric power generated in the power generation device 2 for immobilization of carbon dioxide and selling the remaining electric power is more profitable, it is preferable to set the time during which the immobilization device 1 is kept in an operation state until it is stopped.

[0055] In this case, it is preferable that in the switching step, the operation period of the immobilization device 1 is set using meteorological information as a switching parameter. As described above, the meteorological information includes information indicating the weather, the strength of the wind, and the height of the waves. The weather, the strength of the wind, and the height of the waves indicated by such information affect the amount of power generated by wind power generation and wave power generation. In such a case, it is preferable to set in advance the criteria for putting the immobilization device 1 into operation for each of the weather, the strength of the wind, and the height of the waves.

[0056] Here, as described above, the evaluation unit 14 evaluates (evaluates monetary value) which of the following cases has a higher commercial value, i.e., a higher profit, among using the electricity generated in the power generation device 2 for carbon dioxide fixation and trading the carbon dioxide, selling the electricity, or using a portion of the electricity for carbon dioxide fixation and selling the remainder, based on the carbon pricing information acquired by the CP monitoring unit 11 and the electricity selling price information acquired by the electricity selling monitoring unit 12. The evaluation unit 14 can also be configured to determine the amount of electricity generated in a predetermined period of time based on the above-mentioned weather information in addition to such carbon pricing information and electricity selling price information, and evaluate the monetary value.

[0057] When such meteorological information is used as a switching parameter to set the operation time of the immobilization device 1, it is preferable to use a trained model that has learned the operation method of the immobilization device 1. In this case, the trained model is configured to output the operation period of the immobilization device 1 in the switching step by inputting the carbon pricing obtained in the CP monitoring step, the power selling price obtained in the power selling monitoring step, and the meteorological information obtained in the weather monitoring step.

[0058] The carbon pricing obtained in the CP monitoring step corresponds to the price set for the amount of carbon dioxide emissions, which is indicated by the carbon pricing information acquired by the CP monitoring unit 11. The power selling price obtained in the power selling monitoring step corresponds to the unit price per kWh when the generated power is sold to the power company, which is indicated by the power selling price information acquired by the power selling monitoring unit 12. The weather information obtained in the weather monitoring step is information acquired by the weather monitoring unit 13, and includes information indicating the weather, information indicating the wind strength, and information indicating the wave height.

[0059] When information on the price set for such carbon dioxide emissions, information on the unit price per kWh when the generated electricity is sold to the electric power company, information on the weather, information on the wind strength, and information on the wave height are input, the trained model uses AI (e.g., deep learning) to make a judgment and output the commercially optimal operation period of the immobilization device 1 (operation start time and end time). This trained model is an AI model that has been machine-learned to output the operation period of the immobilization device 1 so as to maximize the monetary value based on the above-mentioned formula (5) using the carbon pricing obtained in the CP monitoring step, the electricity selling price obtained in the electricity selling monitoring step, and the weather information obtained in the weather monitoring step as input values. As input values ​​to the trained model, information on expected power generation after a predetermined time, equipment maintenance information, etc. may be added, and the output value from the trained model may be a binary value of whether to sell electricity or use electricity to operate the immobilization device 1, or may be a judgment value for extending the operation period of the immobilization device 1.

[0060] In addition, it is also possible to configure the system to make a long-term judgment to continue operation as the evaluation result in the evaluation step, taking into account the time and cost required to start and stop the fixation device 1, and if no profit can be earned (even if the operation is in the red) in some time periods, but profits can be earned (profits are earned) when compared over a 24-hour period, for example. This makes it possible to avoid a situation in which the fixation device 1 is frequently turned on and off when a short-term judgment is made at predetermined intervals. Therefore, by putting the fixation device 1 into operation according to the operation period thus output, it is possible to maximize the commercial merits of trading and selling carbon dioxide by using the electricity generated by the power generation device 2 for carbon dioxide fixation.

[0061] Also, for example, there may be cases where carbon pricing is low and the cost of fixing carbon dioxide by the fixation device 1 cannot be recovered by operating the fixation device 1, or where the unit price of electricity sold is low and the cost of electricity generation cannot be recovered by selling electricity generated by the power generation device 2. It is also possible to set a judgment threshold for a monetary value that can identify such a situation in advance, and when the monetary value is lower than a predetermined value (corresponding to the judgment threshold) as the evaluation result in the evaluation step, to stop the operation of the fixation device 1 in the switching step and store the electricity generated by the power generation device 2 in the electricity storage device 4. Electricity may be transmitted from the power generation device 2 to the electricity storage device 4 via the fixation device 1, or may be transmitted directly from the power generation device 2 to the electricity storage device 4.

[0062] Also, when the selling price is low, it is possible to directly use the electricity generated by wind power generation as the electricity required for carbon dioxide fixation. Furthermore, when the wind power generation device or the wave power generation device is stopped, such as when it breaks down or is undergoing maintenance, it is also possible to fix carbon dioxide using electricity purchased from the market (commercial electricity). In this case, it is preferable that the electricity purchased from the market is profitable (profitable) even when the electricity is used for carbon dioxide fixation. Also, it is preferable to store such profitable electricity in the electricity storage device 4 in advance, and use the stored electricity when, for example, the power generation device 2 is stopped and it is not profitable to use electricity purchased from the market for carbon dioxide fixation.

[0063] Next, an example of a method of operating the immobilization device 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 2. The flowchart of Fig. 2 is an example of a method of operation, and the order of processes can be changed or processes can be omitted as appropriate.

[0064] The CP monitoring unit 11 acquires carbon pricing information and monitors carbon pricing (#10). Next, the power selling monitoring unit 12 acquires power selling information and monitors the power selling price (#11). Furthermore, the weather monitoring unit 13 acquires meteorological information and monitors meteorological information (#12).

[0065] The evaluation unit 14 evaluates the monetary value based on the carbon pricing information, the electricity selling information, and the weather information (#13). If the monetary value is lower than a predetermined value (#14: Yes), the operation of the immobilization device 1 is stopped (#15). In this case, the electricity generated by the power generation device 2 is stored in the electricity storage device 4 (#16).

[0066] If the monetary value is equal to or greater than a predetermined value in #14 (#14: No), the operation period of the immobilization device 1 is set (#17). In this case, the immobilization device 1 is operated for only the set operation period (#18). Hydrogen generated during the operation of the immobilization device 1 is used to generate electricity in the fuel cell 3, and this electricity is supplied to the immobilization device 1 (#19). The processes of #18 and #19 may be performed in parallel (simultaneously), or the process of #19 may be performed after the process of #18 is completed.

[0067] After #16 or #19, if the control of the immobilization device 1 is to be ended (#20: Yes), the processing ends, and if the control of the immobilization device 1 is to be continued (#20: No), the processing returns to #10 and continues. The immobilization device 1 is operated according to the above flowchart.

[0068] It is also possible to configure the process to continue simultaneously in parallel with the process of #10 to #13 during the operation of the immobilization device 1, and to determine in advance before the set operation period is reached whether to extend the set operation period or to end the set operation period.

[0069] In addition, if it is determined that there has been a change in the initial prediction (for example, if it is determined that the weather information is incorrect) or if an unforeseen event occurs, it is possible to configure the immobilization device 1 to stop operating at that point.

[0070] Other embodiments

[0071] In the above embodiment, the operation method of the immobilization device 1 is taken as an example of the operation method of the capture device, and the immobilization device 1 is described as immobilizing carbon dioxide absorbed from the atmosphere into the sea (fixing it as a solid compound). However, the capture device can also capture carbon dioxide as gas from the sea (seawater). In this case, it is also possible to configure the capture device to capture carbon dioxide (gas) from gas obtained by electrolysis or electrodialysis of seawater by an adsorption method using an adsorbent / adsorbent such as an amine, a membrane separation method, or the like. Therefore, the capture of carbon dioxide includes not only fixing carbon dioxide as a solid compound, but also capturing carbon dioxide in a gas state.

[0072] The capture device can not only fix carbon dioxide as a solid compound, but also store it in a tank in the form of carbon dioxide (simple form) using an absorbent / adsorbent. In this case, the carbon dioxide can be compressed to reduce the volume, stored in a tank, etc., and transported. In this case, the carbon dioxide can also be stored in a state of being contained in an absorbent / adsorbent and transported. Furthermore, it can be submerged in an area where the circulation speed of seawater is slow (for example, a deep water area) and stored. Therefore, the capture of carbon dioxide includes not only the fixation of carbon dioxide but also the storage of carbon dioxide. The capture device can also capture carbon dioxide in the atmosphere as a gas. In this case, as in the case where carbon dioxide absorbed from the atmosphere into the sea is captured in a simple form, it is possible to store it in a tank in the form of carbon dioxide (simple form) using an absorbent / adsorbent, for example. In this case, the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere can also be reduced, so the captured carbon dioxide can be traded as carbon credits. The capture device can also capture carbon dioxide using algae and microorganisms. In this case, for example, carbon dioxide recovered from seawater may be further immobilized in algae or microorganisms, or carbon dioxide in seawater may be immobilized.

[0073] In the above embodiment, the operation method of the immobilization device 1 has been described as including a power selling monitoring step of monitoring the power selling price of the power generated by the power generation device 2 that can be supplied to the immobilization device 1, and an evaluation step of evaluating the monetary value based on the information from the CP monitoring step and the power selling monitoring step. However, the operation method of the immobilization device 1 can also be configured without including the power selling monitoring step and the evaluation step. In this case, in the switching step, it is preferable to switch the state of the immobilization device 1 to an operating state or a stopped state based on carbon pricing.

[0074] In the above embodiment, the fixation device 1 has been described as electrochemically generating calcium carbonate from carbon dioxide and calcium ions contained in the sea. That is, the fixation device 1 has been described as fixating carbon dioxide in the sea, but the fixation device 1 may also fix carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. In this case, the fixation device 1 may be a carbonation device that brings carbon dioxide into contact with a solid material containing calcium (e.g., incineration ash, slag, concrete, etc.), etc.

[0075] In the above embodiment, the immobilization device 1 has been described as being configured to supply hydrogen generated in the process of producing calcium carbonate to the fuel cell 3 and to be operable using electric power generated by the fuel cell 3. However, the immobilization device 1 can also be configured to be operated without using electric power generated by the fuel cell 3.

[0076] In the above embodiment, in the switching step, when the evaluation result in the evaluation step indicates that the monetary value is lower than a predetermined value, the operation of the fixation device 1 is stopped and the power generated by the power generation device 2 is stored in the power storage device 4. However, even when the evaluation result in the evaluation step indicates that the monetary value is lower than a predetermined value, it is also possible to configure the switching step so that the operation of the fixation device 1 is not stopped, and it is also possible to configure the switching step so that the power generated by the power generation device 2 is not stored in the power storage device 4.

[0077] In the above embodiment, the power generation device 2 has been described as including wind power generation and wave power generation, but the power generation device 2 may be other power generation (for example, solar power generation) different from wind power generation and wave power generation.

[0078] In the above embodiment, the operation method of the immobilization device 1 has been described as including a weather monitoring step, but it is also possible to configure the method without including the weather monitoring step.

[0079] In the above embodiment, it has been described that the trained model that has learned the operation method of the immobilization device 1 outputs the operation period of the immobilization device 1 in the switching step by inputting the carbon pricing obtained in the CP monitoring step, the power selling price obtained in the power selling monitoring step, and the weather information obtained in the weather monitoring step. However, the trained model can also be configured to output the operation period of the immobilization device 1 without using the weather information obtained in the weather monitoring step. In this case, the trained model may output the operation period of the immobilization device 1 in the switching step by inputting the carbon pricing obtained in the CP monitoring step and the power selling price obtained in the power selling monitoring step.

[0080] The above-mentioned immobilization device 1 can be operated in combination with a seawater desalination device that removes various salts from seawater and produces fresh water that can be used as drinking water or industrial water. Since such a seawater desalination device pumps up seawater when producing fresh water, the immobilization device 1 can use such pumped up seawater. In this case, before introducing the pumped up seawater into the seawater desalination device, it is preferable to supply the seawater to an electrolysis device to immobilize carbon dioxide as calcium carbonate. When the seawater desalination device is used in this way, calcium and bicarbonate ions in the seawater can be removed in advance by the electrolysis device, so that the load on the seawater desalination device can be reduced. In the operation of such a seawater desalination device, it is preferable to use renewable energy such as wind power and wave power, as in the immobilization device 1, and to switch the power used according to the sale of electricity or carbon pricing. In general, seawater contains about nine times as much carbon dioxide as fresh water, so that the commercial value of the device can be improved by using the carbon dioxide in the seawater for immobilization.

[0081] In the above embodiment, the immobilization device 1 has been described as immobilizing carbon dioxide by electrochemically generating calcium carbonate from carbon dioxide and calcium ions contained in the sea. In this case, the carbon dioxide contained in the sea may be captured as carbon dioxide in a carbon dioxide capture device using electrodialysis or the like, and the amount of carbon dioxide may be measured. The immobilization device 1 may also be applied to an ash carbonation device that immobilizes carbon dioxide in exhaust gas by using fly ash generated in wood biomass power plants, coal-fired power plants, and waste incineration facilities, or slag generated in steelworks. Since such fly ash (or slag) contains heavy metals, a chemical agent for preventing elution is usually added and kneaded, but when carbon dioxide is absorbed by the fly ash, it serves as a substitute for the chemical agent and can prevent the elution of heavy metals. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of chemical agent used and reduce operating costs. In such a case, the effect of reducing the amount of chemical agent used may be used as a switching parameter in the above-mentioned switching step.

[0082] Moreover, instead of the above-mentioned ash carbonation apparatus, the fixation apparatus 1 can also be applied to a methanol production apparatus that produces methanol from carbon dioxide and hydrogen, a polymer production apparatus that produces polymers from carbon dioxide and hydrogen, or a protein production apparatus that produces proteins from carbon dioxide and hydrogen.

[0083] The carbon credits described in the above embodiment include credits (rights) that can be traded between companies, but may also include voluntary credits led by NGOs (Non-governmental Organizations), companies, and private organizations. In this case, the CP monitoring unit 11 may monitor information about voluntary credits as carbon pricing.

[0084] In the above embodiment, the operation method of the immobilization device 1 has been described, but it is also possible to specify the immobilization device 1 as follows. Such an immobilization device 1 is an immobilization device 1 that immobilizes carbon dioxide, and includes a CP monitoring unit 11 that monitors carbon pricing traded according to the amount of carbon dioxide emitted, and a switching unit 15 that switches the state of the immobilization device 1 based on a switching parameter, and the switching unit 15 can be configured to switch the state of the immobilization device 1 to an operating state or a stopped state by using information on carbon pricing as the switching parameter.

[0085] The operating method of the immobilization device 1 can also be specified as an operating program executed by a computer that operates the immobilization device 1. Such an operating program is an operating program executed by a computer that operates the immobilization device 1 that immobilizes carbon dioxide, and includes a CP monitoring function in which the CP monitoring unit 11 monitors carbon pricing, which is traded according to the amount of carbon dioxide emitted, and a switching function in which the switching unit 15 switches the state of the immobilization device 1 based on a switching parameter, and the switching function can be configured to switch the state of the immobilization device 1 to an operating state or a stopped state by using information on carbon pricing as the switching parameter.

[0086] In addition, the above-mentioned operating program is an operating program executed by a computer that operates the fixation device 1 that fixes carbon dioxide, and includes a CP monitoring function in which the CP monitoring unit 11 monitors carbon pricing, which is traded according to the amount of carbon dioxide emitted, a switching function in which the switching unit 15 switches the state of the fixation device 1 based on switching parameters, a power selling monitoring function in which the power selling monitoring unit 12 monitors the power selling price of electricity generated by the power generation device 2 that can be supplied to the fixation device 1, and an evaluation function in which the evaluation unit 14 evaluates the monetary value based on information from the CP monitoring function and the power selling monitoring function.The switching function can be configured to use the evaluation result of the evaluation function as a switching parameter to set an operating period during which the state of the fixation device 1 is changed to an operating state, and to switch the state of the fixation device 1 to the operating state only for that operating period.

[0087] Furthermore, the operating method of the immobilization device 1 can also be specified as a recording medium having recorded thereon an operating program executed by a computer that operates the immobilization device 1. Such a recording medium having recorded thereon an operating program executed by a computer that operates the immobilization device 1 that immobilizes carbon dioxide includes a CP monitoring function in which the CP monitoring unit 11 monitors carbon pricing traded according to the amount of carbon dioxide emitted, and a switching function in which the switching unit 15 switches the state of the immobilization device 1 based on a switching parameter, and the switching function can be configured to switch the state of the immobilization device 1 to an operating state or a stopped state using information related to carbon pricing as the switching parameter.

[0088] Further, the recording medium on which the operating program is recorded is a recording medium on which an operating program is recorded to be executed by a computer that operates the fixation device 1 that fixes carbon dioxide, and includes a CP monitoring function in which the CP monitoring unit 11 monitors carbon pricing, which is traded according to the amount of carbon dioxide emitted, a switching function in which the switching unit 15 switches the state of the fixation device 1 based on switching parameters, a power selling monitoring function in which the power selling monitoring unit 12 monitors the power selling price of electricity generated by the power generation device 2 that can be supplied to the fixation device 1, and an evaluation function in which the evaluation unit 14 evaluates the monetary value based on information from the CP monitoring function and the power selling monitoring function. In the switching function, the evaluation result of the evaluation function is used as a switching parameter to set an operating period during which the state of the fixation device 1 is changed to an operating state, and the state of the fixation device 1 is changed to the operating state only for that operating period.

[0089] With such a fixing device 1, an operating program, and a recording medium on which the operating program is recorded, it is possible to achieve the same effects as the operating method of the fixing device 1 described above.

[0090] In the above embodiment, the operation method of the recovery device has been described, but it is also possible to configure the recovery device to switch its operation state based on at least one of carbon pricing and the electricity selling price. In this case, the recovery device A method for operating a capture device for capturing carbon dioxide, comprising the steps of: A monitoring step of monitoring at least one of carbon pricing, which is traded according to the amount of carbon dioxide emitted, and the selling price of electricity generated by a power generation device that can be supplied to the capture device; and switching a state of the recovery device based on the switching parameters; The switching step can be configured to switch the state of the recovery device to an operating state or a stopped state based on the monitoring result of the monitoring step.

[0091] In such a configuration, it is possible to efficiently generate profits by operating or stopping the capture device based on at least one of carbon pricing and the electricity selling price. Therefore, it is possible to operate the capture device that captures carbon dioxide in a commercially highly useful state. [Industrial Applicability]

[0092] The present invention can be used in a method for operating a capture unit that captures carbon dioxide, and in a trained model that outputs the operating period of such a capture unit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 1: Fixation device (recovery device) 2: Power generation equipment 3: Fuel cell 4: Energy storage device

Claims

1. A method for operating a capture device for capturing carbon dioxide, comprising the steps of: A CP monitoring step of monitoring carbon pricing traded according to carbon dioxide emissions; and switching the state of the recovery device based on a switching parameter; In the switching step, information from the CP monitoring step is used as the switching parameter to switch the state of the recovery device to an operating state or a stopped state.

2. A method for operating a carbon dioxide capture device, comprising: A CP monitoring step of monitoring carbon pricing traded according to carbon dioxide emissions; a switching step of switching a state of the recovery device based on a switching parameter; a power selling monitoring step of monitoring a selling price of the power generated by the power generating device that can be supplied to the recovery device; and an evaluation step of evaluating a monetary value based on information from the CP monitoring step and the power selling monitoring step, In the switching step, the evaluation result of the evaluation step is used as the switching parameter to set an operating period during which the state of the recovery device is put into operation, and the state of the recovery device is switched to the operating state for only the operating period.

3. 3. The method for operating a recovery apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the recovery apparatus electrochemically produces calcium carbonate from carbon dioxide and calcium ions contained in the seawater.

4. 4. The method for operating a recovery apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the recovery apparatus is configured to supply hydrogen generated in the process of producing calcium carbonate to a fuel cell and to be operable using electric power generated by the fuel cell.

5. 3. The method for operating a recovery device according to claim 2, wherein, in the switching step, when the monetary value is lower than a predetermined value as a result of the evaluation step, operation of the recovery device is stopped and the electricity generated by the power generation device is stored in a storage device.

6. The method for operating a recovery device according to claim 2 , wherein the power generation device is a wind power generation device that utilizes wind energy to convert it into electric power.

7. The method for operating a recovery system according to claim 2 , wherein the power generation device is a wave power generation device that utilizes wave energy to convert it into electric power.

8. A weather monitoring step of monitoring meteorological information is further included, 8. The method for operating a recovery apparatus according to claim 6, wherein in the switching step, the operation period of the recovery apparatus is set using the meteorological information as the switching parameter.

9. A trained model that has been trained to operate the recovery device according to claim 2, A trained model that outputs the operating period of the recovery device in the switching step by inputting the carbon pricing obtained in the CP monitoring step and the selling price obtained in the selling price monitoring step.

10. A trained model that has been trained to operate the recovery device according to claim 8, A trained model that outputs the operating period of the recovery device in the switching step by inputting the carbon pricing obtained in the CP monitoring step, the electricity selling price obtained in the electricity selling monitoring step, and the weather information obtained in the weather monitoring step.

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