Information processing method, information processing device, information processing system, and program

Abstract

To provide an information processing method that makes it easier to operate a plant toward realization of decarbonization.SOLUTION: An information processing method of an information processing device provided with a control unit comprises the steps of: by the control unit, acquiring a measurement value of a physical quantity related to emission of greenhouse gas measured by a sensor in a plant used in process manufacturing; acquiring, on the basis of the acquired measured value, emission of greenhouse gas integrated over a predetermined period; predicting, on the basis of a past trend, a future trend in the emission of greenhouse gas; and displaying an image showing the past trend and the predicted future trend of the emission of greenhouse gas on a display unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing method, an information processing device, an information processing system, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known an information management system that collects and consolidates various information related to the operating status of each device constituting a plant, and provides the information to users such as operators and engineers. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a technology related to the management of operation and maintenance of a waste treatment plant. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2003-308118 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, there was room for improvement in the information management systems used in conventional plants in terms of facilitating plant operations aimed at achieving decarbonization.

[0005] The purpose of the present disclosure is to make it easier to operate plants toward achieving decarbonization. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to the present disclosure, an information processing method includes: (1) An information processing method of an information processing device having a control unit, The control unit: Obtaining measurements of a physical quantity related to greenhouse gas emissions measured by a sensor in a plant used for process manufacturing; acquiring an integrated amount of greenhouse gas emissions for a predetermined period based on the acquired measured values; predicting future trends in the amount of greenhouse gas emissions based on past trends; displaying an image showing the past transition and the predicted future transition of the greenhouse gas emission amount on a display unit; An information processing method comprising:

[0007] In this way, the information processing method displays an image showing not only past trends in greenhouse gas emissions but also predicted future trends. Therefore, a user (e.g., an on-site operator or a system engineer) can know in advance when there is a possibility that greenhouse gas emissions will exceed the standard value, and can take necessary measures in advance in his / her daily work. For example, the user can take measures such as reducing waste due to overoperation of equipment, leakage and loss, and dealing with performance degradation due to equipment deterioration. Thus, the information processing method makes it easier for a user, even an inexperienced user, to operate a plant toward the realization of decarbonization.

[0008] (2) In the information processing method of (1), The control unit is Calculating the energy consumption in the plant for each production lot, production line, or equipment in the plant based on the acquired measurement values; An amount of greenhouse gas emissions integrated for the predetermined period may be obtained based on the calculated amount of energy consumption.

[0009] In this way, the information processing method calculates the energy consumption in the plant for each production lot, production line, or device in the plant, and obtains the greenhouse gas emission amount based on the energy consumption. Therefore, the information processing method makes it possible to accurately calculate the greenhouse gas emission amount.

[0010] (3) In the information processing method of (1) or (2), The control unit may issue an alarm when the predicted future change in the amount of greenhouse gas emissions becomes greater than a reference value.

[0011] Therefore, the user can know in advance that future trends in greenhouse gas emissions are expected to exceed the reference value, and can take necessary measures in advance.

[0012] (4) In any of the information processing methods described in (1) to (3), The control unit may cause the display unit to display an image in which past trends and predicted future trends regarding the greenhouse gas emissions are organized by energy flow or by scope category.

[0013] Therefore, the user can view the greenhouse gas emission information organized in a desired format and take necessary measures.

[0014] (5) In any of the information processing methods described in (1) to (4), The control unit is Using the measurement values ​​of the physical quantities measured by the sensors, estimate the measurement values ​​of the physical quantities at locations not measured by the sensors; The greenhouse gas emissions integrated over the predetermined period may be obtained based on the measurement values ​​of the physical quantities measured by the sensors and the estimated measurement values ​​of the physical quantities.

[0015] In this way, the information processing method obtains greenhouse gas emissions by estimating the measured values ​​of physical quantities at points not measured by the sensors. Therefore, the information processing method can provide information on greenhouse gas emissions even when the sensors are not comprehensively arranged or all the sensors do not operate normally.

[0016] (6) In any of the information processing methods described in (1) to (5), The control unit is Calculating a diagnostic KPI related to the greenhouse gas emissions in equipment used in the plant based on the acquired measurement values; An image showing the calculated diagnostic KPI may further be displayed on the display unit.

[0017] In this way, the information processing method calculates and displays diagnostic KPIs related to greenhouse gas emissions, enabling the user to identify the cause of greenhouse gas emissions and easily take necessary measures.

[0018] (7) In any of the information processing methods described in (1) to (6), The control unit is In order to make it possible to distinguish between energy consumption and loss, an image showing past trends and predicted future trends regarding the greenhouse gas emissions may be displayed on the display unit.

[0019] In this way, the information processing method displays information about greenhouse gas emissions so as to enable a distinction between energy consumption and loss, making it easier for users to appropriately select necessary measures toward decarbonization.

[0020] According to the present disclosure, an information processing device includes: (8) An information processing device capable of communicating with a client device, Obtaining measurements of physical quantities related to greenhouse gas emissions measured by sensors in a plant used for process manufacturing; acquiring the greenhouse gas emissions integrated over a predetermined period based on the acquired measurement values; Projecting future trends in greenhouse gas emissions based on past trends; transmitting an image showing the past transition and the predicted future transition of the greenhouse gas emission amount to the client device via a communication unit; It has a control unit.

[0021] In this way, the information processing device displays an image showing not only past trends in greenhouse gas emissions but also predicted future trends. Therefore, if there is a possibility that greenhouse gas emissions will exceed the standard value, the user can know this in advance and can take necessary measures in advance. Therefore, the information processing device can make it easier to operate a plant toward realizing decarbonization.

[0022] According to the present disclosure, an information processing system includes: (9) a client device; an information processing device capable of communicating with the client device; An information processing system comprising: The information processing device includes: Obtaining measurements of physical quantities related to greenhouse gas emissions measured by sensors in a plant used for process manufacturing; acquiring the greenhouse gas emissions integrated over a predetermined period based on the acquired measurement values; Projecting future trends in greenhouse gas emissions based on past trends; transmitting an image showing the past transition and the predicted future transition of the greenhouse gas emission amount to the client device via a communication unit; It has a control unit.

[0023] In this way, the information processing system displays an image showing not only past trends in greenhouse gas emissions but also predicted future trends. Therefore, if there is a possibility that greenhouse gas emissions will exceed the standard value, the user can know this in advance and can take necessary measures in advance. Therefore, the information processing system makes it easier to operate a plant toward realizing decarbonization.

[0024] According to the present disclosure, a program includes: (10) A program for controlling an information processing device having a control unit and capable of communicating with a client device, The control unit, obtaining measurements of physical quantities related to greenhouse gas emissions measured by sensors in a plant used in process manufacturing; acquiring the greenhouse gas emissions integrated over a predetermined period based on the acquired measurement values; a step of predicting future trends in the greenhouse gas emissions based on past trends; transmitting an image showing the past transition and the predicted future transition of the greenhouse gas emission amount to the client device via a communication unit; Execute the command.

[0025] In this way, the information processing device that operates based on the program displays an image showing not only past trends in greenhouse gas emissions but also predicted future trends. Therefore, if there is a possibility that greenhouse gas emissions will exceed the standard value, the user can know this in advance and can take necessary measures in advance. Therefore, the program makes it easier to operate a plant toward realizing decarbonization. Effect of the Invention

[0026] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to more easily operate a plant toward achieving decarbonization. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a first server device in FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a second server device in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a client device shown in FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the second server device. [Figure 6]10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the first server device. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the first server device. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen showing the amount of carbon dioxide emissions in a plant. [Figure 9A] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a trend graph relating to carbon dioxide emission amount. [Figure 9B] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a trend graph relating to carbon dioxide emission amount. [Figure 10A] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a graph relating to rise detection / fall detection. [Figure 10B] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a graph relating to rise detection / fall detection. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a difference warning graph. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a graph for area monitoring. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a graph relating to a variable broken line function. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an editing screen relating to graph display. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an editing screen relating to graph display. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a graph showing a breakdown of steam losses in a plant. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen showing steam consumption and loss in association with steam flow paths in a plant. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen showing steam consumption and loss in association with steam flow paths in a plant. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] <Comparative Example> As a configuration related to a comparative example, Patent Document 1 (Claim 1) describes "an operation management method for multiple plants which are connected to a computer of a management center and networked, comprising: a data collection step of collecting various operation data of the plants from a data storage device in each plant to the computer of the management center by a communication means; a diagnosis step of diagnosing the state of each part in the plant at the time of collecting the data using the collected operation data; a remaining life calculation step of calculating the remaining life of each part in the plant by comparing the obtained diagnosis result with the diagnosis result of other plants stored in the computer of the management center; and an operating condition notification step of determining, from the obtained remaining life of each part, an increase or decrease in the various operation data required to extend the remaining life, and notifying the increase or decrease to a control mechanism of the plant."

[0029] In recent years, decarbonization efforts have become important in plant operations and in a series of business activities that use plants, due to climate change caused by global warming associated with an increase in greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, and the growing risk of depletion of fossil fuel resources. For example, such decarbonization efforts include the efficient use of fossil fuel resources, reduction of carbon dioxide emissions, use of renewable energy (such as solar power generation and wind power generation), and use of emissions trading.

[0030] Specifically, for example, in plants (including factories) such as manufacturing industries and power plants, manufacturers burn fossil fuels such as oil and coal as a heat source. Power plants also generate electricity by burning heavy oil to generate electricity and steam, which then rotates a steam turbine. In addition, trucks and ships used to transport products manufactured by manufacturers also use fossil fuels such as oil. Fossil fuels are also used when employees travel on business trips. In this way, in the operation of a plant, fossil fuels are used not only in the plant itself, but also in a series of activities related to the operation of the plant, such as the transportation of raw materials and products, and the transportation of related parties. Therefore, in addition to operating the plant safely and stably, plant managers are also required to operate the plant in a way that reduces greenhouse gas emissions in order to achieve decarbonization.

[0031] However, it may not always be clear to on-site users such as operators and engineers what operation of each device in the plant is related to carbon dioxide emissions and fossil fuel consumption, and what plant operation policy should be adopted to contribute to decarbonization. Therefore, with only the information provided by the information management system according to the comparative example, it may be difficult for on-site users to actually manage the plant so that each device operates appropriately toward the realization of decarbonization. Thus, the information management system in the plant according to the comparative example has room for improvement in terms of facilitating plant operation toward the realization of decarbonization.

[0032] The purpose of the present disclosure is to make it easier to operate plants toward achieving decarbonization.

[0033] <Embodiment> Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, parts having the same configuration or function are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the description of this embodiment, duplicated descriptions of the same parts may be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0034] (Information Processing System) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the information processing system 1 is used in a plant used in process manufacturing using a fluid as a raw material. Plants used in such process manufacturing may include, for example, chemical plants and oil refineries. The information processing system 1 may also be used in plants other than those used in such process manufacturing.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system 1 includes a first server device 10, a second server device 20, sensors 30 (30a, 30b), a gateway 40, and a client device 50. The sensors 30 (30a, 30b) are connected to the second server device 20 so that they can communicate with each other. The first server device 10, the second server device 20, and the gateway 40 are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other via a network 61. The gateway 40 and the client device 50 are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other via a network 62. The networks 61 and 62 may be, for example, an intranet, a dedicated network, the Internet, a mobile line, or a combination of these. The first server device 10 and the client device 50 may be able to communicate with each other via the same network (for example, the network 61).

[0036] The sensor 30 (30a, 30b) is a device that performs at least one of obtaining a measurement value of a physical quantity related to the emission of greenhouse gases (e.g., carbon dioxide) in a plant and operating the plant. The sensor 30 (30a, 30b) may be, for example, a sensor 30a such as a temperature sensor, a flow meter, or a transmitter, and an actuator 30b such as a valve device, a fan, or a motor. Hereinafter, the sensors 30a and 30b may be collectively referred to as "sensor 30". The sensor 30 transmits a measurement value to the second server device 20 and controls an operation based on a control signal received from the second server device 20. In the example of FIG. 1, the information processing system 1 includes two sensors 30a and 30b, but the number of sensors 30 is arbitrary.

[0037] The second server device 20 is connected to the sensor 30 and functions as an interface between the sensor 30 and the first server device 10. That is, the second server device 20 collects measured values ​​of physical quantities from the sensor 30 at regular intervals (e.g., every second). The second server device 20 stores the collected measurement data in a storage unit 22 (see FIG. 3). The second server device 20 transmits measured values ​​of the sensor 30 to the first server device 10 at regular intervals (e.g., every second). The second server device 20 is connected to a network 61 and is capable of communicating with the first server device 10 via the network 61. In the example of FIG. 1, the information processing system 1 includes one second server device 20, but the number of second server devices 20 is arbitrary. The number of sensors 30 connected to each second server device 20 is arbitrary.

[0038] The first server device 10 as an information processing device according to this embodiment calculates information on the amount of greenhouse gases emitted from the plant operation based on the measured values ​​of physical quantities received from the second server device 20, organizes the information into information that is easy for on-site users to understand, and provides it to the client device 50. The first server device 10 is connected to a network 61 and is capable of communicating with the second server device 20 via the network 61. The first server device 10 is capable of communicating with the client device 50 via a gateway 40 and a network 62. The information processing system 1 includes one first server device 10, but the number of first server devices 10 is arbitrary.

[0039] The gateway 40 performs processes such as necessary protocol conversion and access control so that devices connected to the network 61 and devices connected to the network 62 can communicate with each other.

[0040] The client device 50 is a device operated by a user such as an on-site operator or an engineer. The client device 50 receives information on the amount of greenhouse gases emitted in relation to the operation of the plant from the first server device 10 and displays the information.

[0041] In the above-mentioned configuration, the first server device 10 acquires a measurement value related to greenhouse gas emissions in the plant measured by the sensor 30 in the plant. The first server device 10 calculates the energy consumption in the plant for each production lot, production line, or device in the plant based on the acquired measurement value. The first server device 10 acquires the greenhouse gas emission amount integrated over a predetermined period based on the calculated energy consumption. The first server device 10 predicts the future trend of greenhouse gas emission amount based on the past trend of greenhouse gas emission amount. The first server device 10 transmits an image showing the energy consumption amount, the past trend of greenhouse gas emission amount, and the predicted future trend to the client device 50 and causes it to be displayed. If the predicted future greenhouse gas emission amount exceeds a reference value, the first server device 10 notifies the client device 50 of an alarm (alert).

[0042] In this way, the first server device 10 transmits images showing not only the past trends in the energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in the plant, but also the predicted future trends, to the client device 50. Therefore, if there is a possibility that the greenhouse gas emissions will exceed the standard value, the user can know this in advance and can take necessary measures.

[0043] Furthermore, when displaying the energy consumption in the plant, the first server device 10 displays the amount of energy consumed by use separately from the amount of energy consumed by loss (amount of energy wasted). Therefore, the user can easily and accurately grasp the energy usage status in the plant, and can take necessary measures for more efficient energy use.

[0044] Furthermore, the first server device 10 displays not only information such as the trend of greenhouse gas emissions, but also diagnostic KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) related to greenhouse gas emissions. The diagnostic KPIs are information for facilitating identification of the cause of equipment malfunction. By referring to the diagnostic KPIs, the user can easily identify the cause of the equipment malfunction and take necessary measures such as part replacement and repair.

[0045] In addition, the first server device 10 organizes information on greenhouse gas emissions for each product supply chain as well as the energy flow of the plant, and provides the information to the client device 50. At that time, the first server device 10 also appropriately displays the trend of carbon dioxide emissions in accordance with Scope 1-2-3 against the emission upper limit value, and displays the amount according to the carbon price and energy price. Therefore, the user can grasp the status of greenhouse gas emissions in a series of activities related to the operation of the plant, such as not only the greenhouse gas emissions in the plant, but also the transportation of raw materials and products, and the movement of related parties, and can take necessary measures. In order to realize such processing, the first server device 10 may obtain not only the measured values ​​measured in a specific plant, but also information on the carbon dioxide emissions in each process in the front and back stages of the plant. Specifically, the first server device 10 may calculate the carbon dioxide emissions in a comprehensive manner in real time, regardless of the product, business type, region, etc., from the accumulation of data related to various business types, products, and supply chain networks collected from all over the world. Furthermore, the first server device 10 may visualize the carbon dioxide emissions from various perspectives, such as by product or by factory, and may further predict and visualize the future carbon dioxide emissions. This allows the user to consider and implement measures for decarbonization from various perspectives.

[0046] (First server device) Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the first server device 10 in Fig. 1. The first server device 10 is one or more computer devices capable of communicating with each other. The first server device 10 is, for example, any general-purpose electronic device such as a WS (Work Station) or a PC (Personal Computer), but may also be another dedicated electronic device. As shown in Fig. 2, the first server device 10 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a communication unit 13.

[0047] The control unit 11 includes one or more processors. In one embodiment, the "processor" is a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process, but is not limited thereto. The control unit 11 is communicably connected to each component of the first server device 10, and controls the operation of the entire first server device 10.

[0048] The storage unit 12 includes any storage module, such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a read-only memory (ROM), and a random access memory (RAM). The storage unit 12 may function as, for example, a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 12 stores any information used in the operation of the first server device 10. For example, the storage unit 12 may store a system program, an application program, and various information received by the communication unit 13. The storage unit 12 is not limited to being built into the first server device 10, and may be an external database or an external storage module.

[0049] The communication unit 13 includes any communication module that can communicate with other devices such as a scanner using any communication technology. The communication unit 13 may further include a communication control module for controlling communication with other devices, and a storage module for storing communication data such as identification information required for communication with other devices.

[0050] The functions of the first server device 10 can be realized by executing a computer program (program) according to this embodiment on a processor included in the control unit 11. That is, the functions of the first server device 10 can be realized by software. The computer program causes a computer to execute the processing of steps included in the operation of the first server device 10, thereby causing the computer to realize the functions corresponding to the processing of each step. That is, the computer program is a program for causing a computer to function as the first server device 10 according to this embodiment. The computer program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. The program includes information used for processing by an electronic computer and equivalent to a program. For example, data that is not a direct command to a computer but has a nature that specifies computer processing corresponds to "something equivalent to a program."

[0051] A part or all of the functions of the first server device 10 may be realized by a dedicated circuit included in the control unit 11. That is, a part or all of the functions of the first server device 10 may be realized by hardware. Also, the first server device 10 may be realized by a single computer, or may be realized by cooperation of multiple computers.

[0052] (Second server device) FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the second server device 20 in FIG. 1. The second server device 20 is one or a plurality of computer devices capable of communicating with each other. The second server device 20 is, for example, any general-purpose electronic device such as a WS or a PC, but may be another dedicated electronic device. As shown in FIG. 2, the second server device 20 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit 23. The control unit 21, the storage unit 22, and the communication unit 23 of the second server device 20 are similar to the control unit 11, the storage unit 12, and the communication unit 13 of the first server device 10 described with reference to FIG. 2, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted. In this embodiment, an example in which the first server device 10 and the second server device 20 are configured as separate devices will be described, but the first server device 10 and the second server device 20 may be configured as the same device.

[0053] Similar to the first server device 10, the functions of the second server device 20 may be realized by software. Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the second server device 20 may be realized by a dedicated circuit included in the control unit 21. That is, some or all of the functions of the second server device 20 may be realized by hardware. Furthermore, the second server device 20 may be realized by a single computer, or may be realized by cooperation of multiple computers.

[0054] (Client device) FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the client device 50 in FIG. 1. The client device 50 is one or a plurality of computer devices capable of communicating with each other. The client device 50 is, for example, any general-purpose electronic device such as a PC, a tablet terminal, or a smartphone, but may be another dedicated electronic device. As shown in FIG. 4, the client device 50 includes a control unit 51, a storage unit 52, a communication unit 53, an input unit 54, and an output unit 55. The control unit 51, the storage unit 52, and the communication unit 53 of the client device 50 are similar to the control unit 11, the storage unit 12, and the communication unit 13 of the first server device 10 described with reference to FIG. 2, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0055] The input unit 54 includes one or more input interfaces that receive an input operation from a user and obtain input information based on the user operation. For example, the input unit 54 is a physical key, a capacitive key, a pointing device, a touch screen that is integrated with the display of the output unit 55, a microphone that receives voice input, or the like, but is not limited to these.

[0056] The output unit 55 includes one or more output interfaces that output information to the user and notify the user. For example, the output unit 55 is, but is not limited to, a display that outputs information as an image, or a speaker that outputs information as sound. Such a display may be, for example, a liquid crystal panel display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. At least one of the input unit 54 and the output unit 55 may be configured integrally with the client device 50, or may be provided separately.

[0057] In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the first server device 10 and the client device 50 are configured as separate devices, but the first server device 10 and the client device 50 may be configured as the same device.

[0058] Similar to the first server device 10, the functions of the client device 50 may be realized by software. Also, some or all of the functions of the client device 50 may be realized by a dedicated circuit included in the control unit 51. That is, some or all of the functions of the client device 50 may be realized by hardware. Also, the client device 50 may be realized by a single computer, or may be realized by the cooperation of multiple computers.

[0059] (Example of operation) FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the second server device 20. The operation of the second server device 20 described with reference to FIG. 5 may correspond to one of the information processing methods of the second server device 20. The operation of each step of FIG. 5 may be executed based on the control by the control unit 21 of the second server device 20. The second server device 20 may repeatedly execute the series of processes of FIG. 5 at any period (for example, every second, every minute, or every hour). By the second server device 20 executing the series of processes at a period according to the operating status of the factory equipment, it becomes easy for a user to notice excessive operation and waste such as leakage and loss. When a plurality of second server devices 20 are provided in the information processing system 1, each of the second server devices 20 may execute the process of the flowchart of FIG. 5.

[0060] 5, the control unit 21 acquires the measured values ​​of the physical quantities from each sensor 30 connected to the second server device 20. Specifically, the control unit 21 may receive and acquire the measured values ​​of the physical quantities from each sensor 30. The control unit 21 may acquire the measured values ​​of the physical quantities not only from the sensors 30 directly connected to the second server device 20, but also from the sensors 30 connected via wired or wireless communication means and any network.

[0061] In step S2, the control unit 21 transmits the measurement values ​​of the physical quantities received in step S1 to the first server device 10. Then, the control unit 21 ends the process of the flowchart in FIG.

[0062] 5 shows an example in which the timing at which the second server device 20 acquires the measured value of the physical quantity from the sensor 30 and the timing at which the second server device 20 transmits the measured value of the physical quantity to the first server device 10 are synchronized, but they do not have to be synchronized. For example, the second server device 20 may transmit the measured value of the physical quantity to the first server device 10 in response to receiving a request from the first server device 10.

[0063] Figures 6 and 7 are flowcharts showing an example of the operation of the first server device 10. The operation of the first server device 10 described with reference to Figures 6 and 7 may correspond to one of the information processing methods of the first server device 10. The operation of each step in Figures 6 and 7 may be executed based on the control by the control unit 11 of the first server device 10.

[0064] Fig. 6 shows a process in which the first server device 10 calculates the energy consumption and greenhouse gas emission amounts from the measured values ​​of the physical quantities. The first server device 10 may repeatedly execute the series of processes in Fig. 6 at any period (for example, every minute, every hour, every day, every month, or every year).

[0065] 6, the control unit 11 receives the measurement values ​​of the physical quantities from the second server device 20. In response to this, the control unit 11 acquires the measurement values ​​of the sensors 30.

[0066] In step S12, the control unit 11 calculates the energy consumption for each production lot, production line, or equipment based on the measured value of the physical quantity acquired in step S12. Specifically, the control unit 11 converts the measured value of the physical quantity into the energy consumption using a conversion formula that is predetermined according to the type of the physical quantity. The control unit 11 may calculate the energy consumption by distinguishing between the amount actually consumed by the operation of the equipment that constitutes the plant and the amount lost (loss) due to exhaust or the like.

[0067] In step S13, the control unit 11 integrates the energy consumption calculated in step S12. Specifically, the control unit 11 calculates an integrated value of the energy consumption for each predetermined first period, such as minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, or years. As described above, the control unit 11 repeatedly executes the process of each step in FIG. 6 at a constant cycle. The control unit 11 may hold the energy consumption and update the integrated value by adding the energy consumption calculated in step S12 to the integrated value. When the integrated value represents the integrated value of the energy consumption for the first period due to the update of the integrated value, the control unit 11 may initialize the integrated value of the energy consumption to a value of 0 after proceeding to step S14. In this way, the control unit 11 can calculate the integrated value of the energy consumption for each first period. The control unit 11 may execute the process from step S14 for each first period. Specifically, the control unit 11 proceeds to step S14 only if the processing in step S13 results in the integrated value representing the integrated value of energy consumption for the first period, and if not, may end the processing of the flowchart in Figure 6 for this cycle.

[0068] In step S14, the control unit 11 converts the integrated value of the energy consumption calculated for each predetermined period in step S13 into the greenhouse gas emission amount. Specifically, the control unit 11 converts the integrated value of the energy consumption into the greenhouse gas emission amount using a predetermined conversion formula.

[0069] In step S15, the control unit 11 totals the greenhouse gas emission amount for a predetermined period. Specifically, the control unit 11 totals the greenhouse gas emission amount acquired in step S14 for each predetermined second period, such as a day, a week, a month, or a year. The second period is a period longer than or the same as the first period. The control unit 11 may hold an integrated value of the greenhouse gas emission amount and update the integrated value by adding the greenhouse gas emission amount acquired in step S14 to the integrated value, in the same manner as the control unit 11 calculates the integrated value of the energy consumption amount for each first period. When the integrated value indicates an integrated value of the greenhouse gas emission amount for the second period due to the update of the integrated value, the control unit 11 may initialize the integrated value of the greenhouse gas emission amount to a value of 0 after proceeding to step S16. In this way, the control unit 11 can calculate the integrated value of the greenhouse gas emission amount for each second period. The control unit 11 may execute the process of step S16 for each second period. Specifically, the control unit 11 proceeds to step S16 only if the processing in step S15 results in the integrated value representing the integrated value of greenhouse gas emissions for the second period, and if not, may end the processing of the flowchart in Figure 6 for this cycle.

[0070] In step S16, the control unit 11 stores the greenhouse gas emission amount calculated in step S15 in the storage unit 12. After completing the process of step S16, the control unit 11 ends the process of the flowchart in FIG.

[0071] Fig. 7 shows a process in which the first server device 10 transmits information on greenhouse gas emissions to the client device 50 and displays it. The first server device 10 may perform the series of processes in Fig. 7 in response to a request from the client device 50. In addition, even after displaying the screen on the client device 50, the first server device 10 may update the information as needed by repeatedly executing the process at any period (for example, every minute, every hour, every day, every month, or every year).

[0072] First, an overview of the screen displayed on the client device 50 by the process of Fig. 7 will be described. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a screen 100 showing the amount of carbon dioxide emissions in a plant. The screen 100 shows the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by steam in a plant that is a management target of the information processing system 1.

[0073] In FIG. 8, the "F" symbols 101-112 indicate the locations of sensors 30 (e.g., flow rate sensors, temperature sensors, and pressure sensors) for measuring physical quantities related to steam that can be converted into carbon dioxide emissions. Arrows 121-132 indicate the flow paths of steam. Hereinafter, the sensors 30 indicated by symbols 101-112 will be described as measuring the flow rate of steam. In the example of FIG. 8, the location where the sensor 30 indicated by symbol 101 is provided indicates the most upstream position of the steam flow path. The symbol 121 of the flow path extending downstream from the position of symbol 101 branches into three flow paths indicated by symbols 122-124. The flow path indicated by symbol 123 branches into five flow paths indicated by symbols 125-129. The flow path indicated by symbol 124 branches into three flow paths indicated by symbols 130-132. 8, displays 1011 to 1041 indicate the amount of energy consumption obtained by converting the measured values ​​of physical quantities measured by the sensors 30 of the patterns 101 to 104. The amount of energy consumption is measured at a plurality of points in terms of the energy flow. When it is desired to correct the measurement error of the sensors 30, the first server device 10 may use a data reconciliation calculation.

[0074] Each of "A-101", "A-201", "A-202", ..., "A-303" indicates an object (equipment) to which steam is supplied via the flow path indicated by displays 121 to 132. Display 141 displays the amount of energy consumed in each object. Display 142 displays the amount of energy that has been wasted (loss) in each object. Display 143 displays diagnostic KPIs that show important information related to energy consumption and loss in each object. The diagnostic KPIs are used to identify the causes of energy consumption and loss. Details of the information displayed in displays 141 to 143 will be described later.

[0075] In the example of FIG. 8, "measurement", "estimate", and "estimate + operating state" shown near the patterns 101 to 112 indicate three states of the sensor 30. "Measurement" indicates that the sensor 30 actually measures a physical quantity. "Estimate" indicates that the sensor 30 does not actually measure a physical quantity, but estimates the physical quantity by apportioning the measured values ​​of the surrounding sensors 30 according to a proportion value preset for each branch of the flow path. The proportion value may be indicated by, for example, a rate or a percentage. "Estimate + operating state" indicates that the sensor 30 actually measures a physical quantity under certain conditions, and estimates the physical quantity based on the measured values ​​of the surrounding sensors 30 in other cases.

[0076] For example, the five flow paths indicated by the symbols 125 to 129 are branched from the flow path indicated by the symbol 123, so the total flow rate of steam flowing through the five flow paths matches the flow rate measured by the sensor 30 indicated by the symbol 103. In other words, the flow rate at the sensor 30 indicated by the symbols 101, 102, ... is expressed as Q 101 , Q 102 , then Q 103 =Q 105 +Q 106 +Q 107 +Q 108 +Q 109 Here, the flow rate Q 103 , Q 105 Measurements of I 103 , I 105is measured by the sensor 30 represented by the designs 103 and 105. Therefore, when the sensor 30 represented by the designs 107 and 109 does not perform a measurement, the control unit 11 103 -I 105 ) in a predetermined ratio to obtain Q 106 , Q 107 , Q 108 , Q 109 Also, the sensor 30, represented by the design 107, performs a measurement to obtain an estimate of the measurement I 107 Assume that the sensor 30 indicated by the pattern 109 does not perform a measurement. In such a case, the control unit 11 103 -I 105 -I 107 ) in a predetermined ratio to obtain Q 106 , Q 108 , Q 109 Also, the sensor 30, represented by the design 109, performs a measurement to obtain an estimate of the measurement I 109 Assume that the sensor 30 indicated by the pattern 107 does not perform a measurement. In such a case, the control unit 11 103 -I 105 -I 109 ) in a predetermined ratio to obtain Q 106 , Q 107 , Q 108 Also, the sensor 30, represented by the symbols 107 and 109, performs measurements to obtain the measurement value I 107 , I 109 When the control unit 11 acquires the 103 -I 105 -I 107 -I 109 ) in a predetermined ratio to obtain Q 106 , Q 108 Obtain an estimate of

[0077] In this way, the control unit 11 uses the measurement value of the sensor 30 to estimate the measurement value of the physical quantity at the point where the measurement by the sensor 30 was not performed. The estimation of the measurement value of the physical quantity at the flow path where the measurement was not performed may be performed by a method other than the above-mentioned method depending on the type of the physical quantity to be measured. For example, the control unit 11 may estimate the measurement value of the physical quantity by correction using a data reconciliation calculation, a material balance calculation, or a heat balance calculation. For the target where the measurement by the sensor 30 was not performed, the control unit 11 may calculate the energy consumption by such estimation in step S12 of FIG. 6.

[0078] Returning to the description of Fig. 7, in step S21, the control unit 11 predicts future trends based on past trends in greenhouse gas emission amounts. The prediction of future trends in greenhouse gas emission amounts can be performed based on any method. For example, the control unit 11 may perform a regression analysis on past trends in greenhouse gas emission amounts, and predict future trends based on a regression curve.

[0079] In step S22, the control unit 11 calculates diagnostic KPIs related to the amount of greenhouse gas emissions. For example, pump performance, heat exchanger overall heat transfer coefficient, heating furnace load, distillation column reflux ratio, and reboiler load may be related to the amount of greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, a sensor 30 for measuring such physical quantities may be installed, and the control unit 11 may calculate diagnostic KPIs based on the measured values. The user can use such diagnostic KPIs to identify the cause of excessive carbon dioxide emissions.

[0080] In step S23, the control unit 11 causes the client device 50 to display the past and future trends of the greenhouse gas emissions acquired in step S21, and the diagnostic KPI acquired in step S22. Specifically, the control unit 11 generates an image showing these pieces of information, transmits the image to the client device 50, and causes the display unit of the output unit 55 of the client device 50 to display the image.

[0081] In step S24, the control unit 11 issues an alarm for any item that exceeds the reference value. The control unit 11 may issue such an alarm by highlighting an image, an audio notification, or the like.

[0082] Figures 9A and 9B are diagrams showing an example of a trend graph relating to carbon dioxide emissions. Figures 9A and 9B show an example of past trends and predicted future trends in greenhouse gas emissions. Figure 9B shows an example in which an image is highlighted when greenhouse gas emissions are predicted to exceed a reference value.

[0083] In image 151 of FIG. 9A, the horizontal axis indicates time, and the vertical axis indicates carbon dioxide emission. The emission amount on the vertical axis is displayed, for example, as an integrated value of carbon dioxide emitted, but may also be displayed as energy consumption or an amount according to carbon price or energy price, depending on a user's instruction, etc. Graph 152 shows the past trend of carbon dioxide emission from the start of measurement to the current time t1. Graph 153 shows the future trend of emission estimated from the past trend of carbon dioxide emission. Graph 154 is the planned value of carbon dioxide emission (golden line), and shows the trend of the reference carbon dioxide emission. Display 155 shows information on the specifications of graph 152.

[0084] In Fig. 9A, graph 153 indicates that the amount of carbon dioxide emissions is expected to reach reference value A at a time t2 earlier than that of reference graph 154. Therefore, control unit 11 issues an alarm. Fig. 9B shows image 157 which issues an alarm by highlighting. Specifically, image 157 issues an alarm by displaying image 151 with outer frame 158 and pattern 159 added thereto. The method of issuing an alarm is not limited to the example shown in Fig. 9B.

[0085] The control unit 11 may display trend graphs relating to the amount of carbon dioxide emission exemplified in FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B for each sensor 30 (for example, displays 1011 to 1041) or for each object (displays 141, 142). In FIG. 8, "consumption amount" (display 141) indicates the amount of carbon dioxide emission corresponding to the energy consumed. "Loss" (display 142) indicates the amount of carbon dioxide emission corresponding to the energy discarded in the plant. "Loss" occurs, for example, when gas or steam is forcibly discharged from equipment and piping in the plant for some reason. These "consumption amount" and "loss" are calculated by converting the measured value of the physical quantity measured by the sensor 30 into energy or carbon dioxide emission using a preset conversion formula and conversion coefficient in the process from step S12 in FIG. 6 onward.

[0086] 8, the control unit 11 shows a trend graph of carbon dioxide emissions for each sensor 30 and for each object, but the control unit 11 may display trend graphs compiled according to different standards. For example, the control unit 11 may display a trend graph by tallying up carbon dioxide emissions against the product lot emission upper limit for each type of energy, such as electricity, steam, and fuel. Alternatively, as described below, the control unit 11 may display a trend of Scope 1-2-3 carbon dioxide emissions against the emission upper limit for each product supply chain.

[0087] As shown in Fig. 8, in this embodiment, the control unit 11 displays "consumption amount" and "loss" separately. Therefore, the user can select an appropriate measure depending on the form of energy consumption in the plant. For example, if the ratio of "loss" is large, the user can take measures to reduce "loss" by installing a steam trap, for example.

[0088] Next, examples of diagnostic KPIs will be described with reference to Figs. 10A to 13. Figs. 10A and 10B are diagrams showing examples of graphs relating to rise / fall detection. Figs. 10A and 10B show an example of issuing an alarm when the measurement value of the monitored object falls below a lower limit or exceeds an upper limit. The graphs relating to rise / fall detection are suitable for detecting phenomena relating to a decrease in performance (e.g., safety, availability, maintainability, and efficiency) that accompanies the deterioration of equipment when the equipment of a plant has been used for a long period of time.

[0089] For example, in a heat exchanger, the tubes gradually become dirty over several months of use. As the tubes become more dirty, the trend in energy consumption gradually worsens. Therefore, sensors 30 for steam temperature, raw material temperature, flow rate, etc. may be provided, and the control unit 11 may calculate the degree of dirt on the tubes of the heat exchanger from the measured values ​​of these sensors 30. By checking the calculated degree of dirt, the user can understand that the increase in greenhouse gas emissions is due to dirt on the tubes. If the dirt is significant, the user can take measures such as cleaning or replacing parts.

[0090] Alternatively, the control unit 11 may monitor the deterioration of the distillation tower. The distillation tower is a device that heats and splits the raw material. For the distillation tower, the control unit 11 may obtain the trend of the split ratio, i.e., the split ratio of the up and down flow rates, using the sensor 30 and display it. By checking the calculated split ratio, the user can understand that the increase in greenhouse gas emissions is due to the deterioration of the distillation tower. An operator on-site may refer to the display of the split ratio of the distillation tower and add heat if the ratio is poor. Furthermore, if the capacity of the distillation tower, as represented by the split ratio, has significantly deteriorated, the operator may replace the necessary parts, etc.

[0091] In image 161 of Fig. 10A, the horizontal axis indicates time, and the vertical axis indicates the division ratio of the distillation column. Graph 162 indicates the change over time in the division ratio of the divisions, etc. Display 163 indicates information related to the specifications of graph 162. "B" indicates the upper limit of the division ratio, and "C" indicates the lower limit of the division ratio.

[0092] In FIG. 10A, graph 162 indicates that the split flow ratio of the distillation column reaches upper limit value B at time t3. Therefore, control unit 11 issues an alarm. FIG. 10B shows image 165 that issues an alarm by highlighting. Specifically, image 165 issues an alarm by displaying image 161 with an outer frame 166 and a pattern 167 added thereto. The method of issuing an alarm is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 10B. By issuing such an alarm, the user can know that the performance of the distillation column is deteriorating, and can take necessary measures, such as replacing parts.

[0093] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a differential alarm graph. A differential alarm graph is used to compare two measured values. For example, a differential alarm graph may be used to compare the design performance of equipment constituting a plant with a measured value relating to the actual performance of the equipment in operation. Specifically, it is known that when a certain amount of voltage is applied to a pump, there is a certain relationship between the discharge pressure and the current value. Therefore, the current value applied to the pump and the discharge pressure are measured by the sensor 30, and if the measured pressure is lower than the value corresponding to the current value, it is found that the pump is degraded.

[0094] In image 171 of FIG. 11, the horizontal axis indicates the current value, and the vertical axis indicates the discharge pressure by the pump. Graph 172 shows the relationship between the current value of the monitored pump and the measured value of the actual discharge pressure. Graph 173 shows the relationship between the current value of the monitored pump and the design discharge pressure value. Display 174 shows information related to the specifications of graph 172. By checking graphs 172 and 173, the user can understand that the cause of the decrease in greenhouse gas utilization efficiency is the decrease in pump performance. If the decrease in pump performance is significant, the user can take measures such as cleaning or replacing parts.

[0095] In the example of FIG. 11, a pressure difference of value D occurs at current value I1 between graphs 172 and 173. The control unit 11 may be configured to notify the user of an alarm when such a difference is greater than a predetermined threshold. By notifying such an alarm, the user can know that the performance of the pump is deteriorating, and can take necessary measures such as replacing parts. As a result, the user can take appropriate measures to reduce greenhouse gases.

[0096] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a graph for performing area monitoring. The area monitoring graph is used to confirm that the relationship between two parameters related to an object is within a certain area on a two-dimensional plane. For example, it is known that in a valve of a control valve that operates normally, an instruction signal (instruction value) X for the valve and an actual measurement value Y of the valve movement amount moved in response to the signal take values ​​within a certain area on the XY plane. However, when the valve deteriorates, the instruction signal X and the actual measurement value Y take values ​​that deviate from the certain area. As a result, the fuel flow valve may not open completely when it should open, or may not close completely when it should close. Therefore, the control unit 11 can notify the user of an abnormality based on the deterioration of the valve in an easy-to-understand manner by displaying the deterioration of the valve as a graph of area monitoring.

[0097] In image 181 of FIG. 12, the horizontal axis indicates the indicated value for the valve, and the vertical axis indicates the measured value of the actual movement amount of the valve. Graph 182 indicates a certain area that determines the normal operation of the valve. Plots 183 and 184 indicate the measured values ​​of the indicated value and the actual measurement value of the valve being measured. A user can check whether the valve is operating normally by checking plots 183 and 184 and the certain area indicated by graph 182. If plots 183 and 184 deviate from the certain area, the user can take necessary measures such as replacing the valve. Furthermore, if the plots deviate from the certain area, the control unit 11 may notify the user of an alarm to urge the user to replace the valve.

[0098] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a graph 192 related to a variable line function. A variable line graph is used to compare two parameters. For example, a variable line graph may be used to compare a design performance X of equipment constituting a plant with a measured value Y related to the actual performance of the equipment in operation. For example, the control unit 11 plots the measured value of the current applied to the pump as the X-axis value and the measured value of the discharge pressure as the Y-axis value, thereby enabling the user to grasp the relationship between the two in detail. As a result, the user can take appropriate measures to reduce greenhouse gases.

[0099] Examples of diagnostic KPIs have been described with reference to FIGS. 10A to 13, but the control unit 11 may provide information other than the above-mentioned information to the client device 50 as diagnostic KPIs.

[0100] In step S25, the control unit 11 causes the client device 50 to display the greenhouse gas emissions organized in a predetermined format. Specifically, the control unit 11 may organize the carbon dioxide emissions for each energy flow, for example, and display the trend. Alternatively, the control unit 11 may organize the carbon dioxide emissions for each type of energy (for example, electricity, steam, fuel, etc.) in the factory, for each production lot, for each production process, for each factory equipment, or for each Scope1-2-3 category (scope category), and display the trend. The control unit 11 may organize the greenhouse gas emissions in a format desired by the user, according to an instruction from the user. After completing the process of step S25, the control unit 11 ends the process of the flowchart in FIG. 7.

[0101] As described above, the first server device 10 acquires the measured values ​​of the physical quantities related to the emission of greenhouse gases measured by the sensor 30 in a plant used for process manufacturing. The first server device 10 acquires the greenhouse gas emission amount integrated over a predetermined period based on the acquired measured values. The first server device 10 predicts the future trend of the greenhouse gas emission amount based on the past trend. The first server device 10 transmits an image showing the past trend and the predicted future trend of the greenhouse gas emission amount to the client device 50 via the communication unit 13. Therefore, when there is a possibility that the greenhouse gas emission amount will exceed the standard value, the user can know this in advance and can take necessary measures in advance. Therefore, the first server device 10 can make it easier to operate the plant toward realizing decarbonization.

[0102] The first server device 10 may also calculate the carbon dioxide emissions in a comprehensive manner in real time, regardless of the product, business type, region, etc., from the accumulated data related to various business types, products, and supply chain networks collected from all over the world. Furthermore, the first server device 10 may visualize the carbon dioxide emissions from various perspectives, such as product units or factory units, and may further predict and visualize the future carbon dioxide emissions. This allows the user to consider and implement measures for decarbonization from various perspectives. The first server device 10 may display enlarged views of the graphs as exemplified in FIGS. 9A to 13 in response to the user selecting any of the graphs in the displays 141 to 143 in the screen 100 in FIG. 8 via the client device 50.

[0103] The first server device 10 may provide the client device 50 with an editing screen for information such as the carbon dioxide emission amount and diagnostic KPIs calculated based on the measurement values ​​of the sensor 30, and accept editing from the user. Figures 14 and 15 are diagrams showing examples of the editing screen for graph display.

[0104] FIG. 14 shows an example of a screen 201 for setting a graph for area monitoring. In the screen 201, an input area 202 is an area for setting the start and end periods of data used for calculating diagnostic KPIs. An input area 203 is an area for setting the types of parameters to be set as the X-axis and Y-axis, lower limit values, upper limit values, etc. An input area 204 is an area for setting an alarm. An input area 205 is an area for setting the period for sampling data, the number of past data, etc. An input area 206 is an area for setting a certain area on a two-dimensional plane. A display 207 is an area for displaying a preview screen of the area monitoring graph.

[0105] FIG. 15 shows an example of a screen 211 for defining a variable broken line function. In the screen 211, an input area 212 is an area for setting a name to be given to the broken line graph. An input area 213 is an area for selecting a function of the broken line graph. An input area 214 is an area for selecting tags to be set for the X-axis, Y-axis, etc. An input area 215 is an area for setting a display scale, a display period, a calculation / display cycle, a threshold value, upper and lower limits, etc. An area 216 is an area for setting coordinate values ​​of the broken line function. A display 217 is an area for displaying a preview screen of a graph of the variable broken line function.

[0106] In this way, the first server device 10 may provide a screen for editing the graph display as exemplified in Figures 14 and 15. This allows the user to easily edit the screen for displaying information such as the carbon dioxide emission amount and diagnostic KPIs.

[0107] As described above, the first server device 10 displays energy consumption and loss separately. The amount of energy loss can be calculated by a number of methods. The first server device 10 may also display information on greenhouse gas emissions in a plant, including energy loss, in various formats. As an example, a method for calculating energy loss and displaying information on greenhouse gas emissions in a plant that transmits energy by steam heated by a boiler will be further described. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a graph showing the breakdown of steam loss in a plant. FIGS. 17 and 18 are diagrams showing an example of a screen showing steam consumption and loss in association with the steam flow path in the plant.

[0108] In the case where a steam flowmeter is installed as the sensor 30 installed in such a plant, the information processing system 1 may calculate the consumption and loss of water steam using the actual measurement value of the steam flowmeter. In the case where a steam flowmeter is not installed, the consumption and loss of water steam may be calculated based on the measurement value of another sensor 30. As a method for calculating the consumption and loss amount based on the measurement value of such another sensor 30, for example, a method of calculating based on a predetermined fixed ratio, a method of calculating based on heat balance, and a method of calculating from a relational expression between the cause of loss and the loss amount are considered. Note that the energy consumption is measured at multiple points in the energy flow. When the first server device 10 needs to correct the measurement error of the sensor 30, the first server device 10 may use a data reconciliation calculation.

[0109] The method of calculation based on a predetermined fixed ratio is a method in which, when a first flow path, whose steam flow rate is known, branches into multiple second flow paths, the flow rate of the first flow path is apportioned according to a predetermined ratio to obtain the flow rate of each of the second flow paths, as described above with reference to Figure 8.

[0110] The method of calculation based on heat balance is a method of measuring loss based on the heat balance of the measurement object. In general, the heat P1 of the measurement object is given as the sum of the heat P2 given from the outside and the heat P3 originally possessed by the measurement object, minus the heat loss P4. That is, the following formula (1) is established. P1 = P2 + P3 - P4 (1) Therefore, the first server device 10 may use known values ​​of P1 to P4 to calculate the remaining values ​​according to formula (1).

[0111] The method of calculating from the relational expression between the cause of loss and the loss amount is a method of measuring the relationship between the measured value of the sensor 30 related to the cause of loss and the loss amount in advance, and measuring the loss amount using the relational expression showing the relationship. Such loss amounts may include, for example, boiler loss, transmission loss, and drain loss, but are not limited to these. The user may set an editing screen for the variable broken line function definition described with reference to FIG. 15 to cause the first server device 10 to obtain a variable broken line function showing the relationship between the cause of loss and the loss amount. The first server device 10 may calculate the loss amount from the cause of loss using the variable broken line function. An example of the method using such a relational expression will be described in detail below.

[0112] The boiler loss refers to the amount of heat lost in the boiler due to a decrease in efficiency. In a case where the latent heat recovery of the water vapor contained in the exhaust gas is insufficient, and the amount of heat of the latent heat is measured by the sensor 30, the first server device 10 may calculate the boiler loss using the actual measured value. When the amount of heat of the latent heat is not measured, the first server device 10 may calculate the boiler loss by formulating the relationship between the opening degree of the damper and the amount of heat. In order to perform such a calculation, the user may set an editing screen for the variable broken line function definition described with reference to FIG. 15, and cause the first server device 10 to acquire a variable broken line function indicating the relationship between the opening degree of the damper and the amount of heat. The first server device 10 may calculate the boiler loss from the opening degree of the damper using the variable broken line function.

[0113] In addition, when the first server device 10 does not measure the heat quantity of latent heat, it may calculate the loss in the boiler based on the measured value of another type of sensor 30. For example, when fuel is burned in a boiler to generate steam, it is known that there is a certain relationship between the air ratio, which is the ratio of fuel to air, and the loss amount. Therefore, the first server device 10 may formulate the relationship between the air ratio and the loss amount in advance, and use the formula to calculate the loss amount from the air ratio. It is also known that the heat loss due to a high boiler water blow rate in a boiler has a certain relationship with the boiler boiler water. Therefore, the first server device 10 may formulate the relationship between the boiler boiler water and the loss amount in advance, and use the formula to calculate the loss amount from the boiler flooding. It is also known that the loss due to insufficient air preheating has a certain relationship with the preheating temperature. Therefore, the first server device 10 may formulate the relationship between the preheating temperature and the loss amount in advance, and use the formula to calculate the loss amount from the preheating temperature. It is also known that the loss caused by the dirt of the burner installed in the boiler has a certain relationship with the degree of dirt. Therefore, the first server device 10 may formulate the relationship between the degree of dirt of the burner and the amount of loss over the course of operation time in a mathematical formula in advance, and use the formula to calculate the amount of loss from the degree of dirt.

[0114] The transmission loss refers to the amount of heat lost in piping, valves, etc. For example, it is known that there is a certain relationship between the degree of peeling of the heat insulating material and the amount of loss over the elapsed operating time for the heat radiation loss from the piping. Therefore, the first server device 10 may formulate the relationship between the degree of peeling of the heat insulating material in the piping and the amount of loss in advance, and use the formula to calculate the amount of loss in the piping from the degree of peeling. It is also known that there is a certain relationship between the degree of peeling of the heat insulating material in the valve and the amount of loss over the elapsed operating time for the heat radiation loss. Therefore, the first server device 10 may formulate the relationship between the degree of peeling of the heat insulating material in the valve and the amount of loss in advance, and use the formula to calculate the amount of loss in the valve from the degree of peeling.

[0115] Drain loss refers to loss from a steam trap. Drain loss occurs due to steam leakage from valves, piping connections, and steam traps. It is known that loss due to steam leakage from these parts increases as the operating time becomes longer. Therefore, the first server device 10 may previously formulate the relationship between the elapsed operating time and the amount of loss for each of the valves, piping connections, and steam traps, and use the formula to calculate the amount of loss in the steam trap from the operating time.

[0116] Furthermore, the first server device 10 may specify the cause of the increase or decrease in the consumption of steam (or heat energy) in each terminal facility (for example, A-101, A-201, ... in FIG. 8) as a KPI. The first server device 10 may previously formulate the relationship between the KPI and the consumption of steam, and use the formula to calculate the consumption of steam in each terminal facility from the KPI. For example, when there is a certain relationship between the increase or decrease in the production amount of the product to be manufactured and the increase or decrease in the heat energy, the first server device 10 may specify such a relationship in advance by a formula. The first server device 10 may use such a formula to calculate the increase or decrease in the heat energy from the increase or decrease in the production amount of the product. Alternatively, when the heat energy of the steam decreases, the first server device 10 may calculate the effect on the loss amount in the boiler by using the above-mentioned boiler loss calculation formula. Furthermore, when there is a certain relationship between the amount of loss and the measured values ​​related to disturbances such as the outside air temperature, the room air temperature, and tube dirt, the first server device 10 may specify such relationship in advance by a formula. The first server device 10 may use such a formula to calculate the influence on the amount of loss from the measured values ​​related to disturbances. The first server device 10 may specify the relationship between the empty operation state (such as the equipment switch) and the amount of loss in advance by formulating it. Such an empty operation state includes, for example, supplying steam when it is not necessary, such as when the line is stopped. The first server device 10 can use such a formula to analyze how the empty operation state affects the amount of loss.

[0117] The first server device 10 may visually display the status of energy consumption and loss in each section of the steam flow path calculated as described above. Fig. 16 shows an example of a screen 221 showing the status of energy consumption and loss in each section of the flow path. The screen 221 shows the total amount of energy input to the plant and the amount of energy consumed or lost in the plant in the form of a waterfall chart. In Fig. 16, the height of the image 222 indicates the total amount of energy input to the plant.

[0118] In the example of FIG. 16, a screen 221 shows the energy consumed in each of the four zones in the flow path of the steam and its breakdown. In FIG. 16, images 223 to 225 show the energy consumed in the first zone of the flow path. The height of image 223 shows the amount of boiler loss. The height of image 224 shows the amount of energy consumed by the process in the first zone. The height of image 225 shows the amount of transmission loss that occurs when transmitting steam from the first zone to the second zone. Images 226 and 227 show the energy consumed in the second zone of the flow path. The height of image 226 shows the amount of energy consumed by the process in the second zone. The height of image 227 shows the amount of transmission loss that occurs when transmitting steam from the second zone to the third zone. Images 228 and 229 show the energy consumed in the third zone of the flow path. The height of image 228 shows the amount of energy consumed by the process in the third zone. The height of the image 229 indicates the amount of transmission loss that occurred when transmitting the water vapor from the third area to the fourth area. The images 230 and 231 indicate the energy consumed in the fourth area of ​​the flow path. The height of the image 230 indicates the amount of energy consumed by the process in the fourth area. The height of the image 229 indicates the amount of transmission loss that occurred when draining water from the fourth area. The image 232 indicates the amount of drain loss due to drainage. As shown in FIG. 16, the first server device 10 may display a breakdown of the energy consumed for each area of ​​the water vapor flow path. This allows the user to check the distribution of losses in each area and select appropriate measures for decarbonization.

[0119] Figures 17 and 18 show example screens showing steam consumption and loss in association with steam flow paths in a plant. In the plant in which Figures 17 and 18 show steam consumption and loss, a first flow path at the most upstream side branches into a second flow path and a fourth flow path. The second flow path is connected to a third flow path. The fourth flow path branches into a fifth flow path and a sixth flow path.

[0120] In FIG. 17, a screen 241 includes images 242 to 253. The image 242 shows a time transition of the heat quantity of steam consumed in the first flow path. The image 243 shows a time transition of the transmission loss amount generated when transmitting steam from the first flow path to the second flow path and the fourth flow path. The image 244 shows a time transition of the heat quantity of steam consumed in the second flow path. The image 245 shows a time transition of the transmission loss amount generated when transmitting steam from the second flow path to the third flow path. The image 246 shows a time transition of the heat quantity of steam consumed in the third flow path. The image 247 shows a time transition of the loss amount due to the discarded steam in the third flow path. The image 248 shows a time transition of the heat quantity of steam consumed in the fourth flow path. The image 249 shows a time transition of the transmission loss amount generated when transmitting steam from the fourth flow path to the fifth flow path and the sixth flow path. The image 250 shows a time transition of the heat quantity of steam consumed in the fifth flow path. Image 251 shows the time transition of the amount of loss due to the steam discarded in the fifth flow path. Image 252 shows the time transition of the calorific value of the steam consumed in the sixth flow path. Image 253 shows the time transition of the amount of loss due to the steam discarded in the sixth flow path.

[0121] The images 242 to 253 each show a relationship between the lower limit and the upper limit of the measured value of the steam consumption or loss amount and the measured value. As described with reference to FIG. 10B, the first server device 10 may notify the user of an alarm when the measured value of the steam consumption or loss amount becomes smaller than the lower limit or larger than the upper limit. The first server device 10 may display the measured value of the steam consumption or loss amount so as to be compared with the upper limit as in FIGS. 9A and 9B, instead of displaying the measured value of the steam consumption or loss amount so as to be compared with both the upper limit and the lower limit as in FIG. 17. The first server device 10 may display an enlarged view of the graph as exemplified in FIGS. 9A to 13 in response to the user selecting any one of the graphs in the images 242 to 253 in the screen 241 of FIG. 17 via the client device 50.

[0122] In FIG. 18, the screen 261 includes images 262 to 274. As described above, there are a plurality of methods for calculating the consumption and loss of water vapor. Each of the images 262 to 274 displays the consumption or loss of water vapor measured by one of the plurality of methods and the consumption or loss of water vapor measured by another method. For example, the image 262 shows the time transition of the calorific value of the steam consumed in the first flow path. For example, the image 262 may display the measured value of the calorific value of the steam consumed in the first flow path calculated based on the heat balance and the measured value of the calorific value calculated from the relational expression between the cause of the loss and the loss amount. The first server device 10 may notify an alarm when the difference between the values ​​of the consumption or loss of water vapor measured by the plurality of methods becomes larger than a predetermined threshold value. This allows the user to recognize that the error between the methods for calculating the consumption and loss of water vapor exceeds a certain value, verify the cause, and take appropriate measures.

[0123] In FIG. 18, an image 263 shows a time transition of the amount of transmission loss that occurs when steam is transmitted from the first flow path to the second flow path and the fourth flow path. An image 264 shows a time transition of the amount of heat of steam consumed in the second flow path. An image 265 shows a time transition of the amount of transmission loss that occurs when steam is transmitted from the second flow path to the third flow path. An image 266 shows a time transition of the amount of heat of steam consumed in the third flow path. An image 267 shows a time transition of the amount of loss due to steam discarded in the third flow path. An image 268 shows a time transition of the amount of heat of steam consumed in the fourth flow path. An image 269 shows a time transition of the amount of transmission loss that occurs when steam is transmitted from the fourth flow path to the fifth flow path and the sixth flow path. An image 270 shows a time transition of the amount of heat of steam consumed in the fifth flow path. An image 271 shows a time transition of the amount of loss due to steam discarded in the fifth flow path. Image 272 shows the time transition of the heat quantity of the steam consumed in the sixth flow path. Image 273 shows the time transition of the amount of loss due to the steam discarded in the sixth flow path. Image 274 shows the time transition of the amount of steam loss in the boiler.

[0124] Each of the images 263 to 274 displays the water vapor consumption or loss amount measured by one of the multiple methods and the water vapor consumption or loss amount measured by another method, similar to the image 262. In addition, the first server device 10 may notify an alarm when the difference between the values ​​of the water vapor consumption or loss amount measured by the multiple methods in any of the images 263 to 274 becomes larger than a predetermined threshold. The first server device 10 may display an enlarged view of the graph as exemplified in FIG. 9A to FIG. 13 in response to the user selecting any of the graphs in the images 262 to 274 in the screen 261 of FIG. 18 via the client device 50.

[0125] As described above, the first server device 10 displays a trend graph showing the accumulated and predicted energy consumption values. The trend graph is updated periodically and displays the accumulated values ​​in real time. Therefore, the user can predict greenhouse gas emissions and take necessary measures. The first server device 10 also displays the "planned value (golden line)" and "actual measured value" of the carbon dioxide emissions of each energy source in the specified period. The first server device 10 displays the predicted line and the planned upper limit value based on the actual measured value, and displays an alarm if the predicted value exceeds the planned upper limit value. Therefore, if the greenhouse gas emissions are expected to exceed the planned upper limit value, the user can know this in advance and take necessary measures.

[0126] Furthermore, the first server device 10 displays diagnostic KPIs that are useful for identifying the cause of energy consumption. The diagnostic KPIs may include, for example, rise / fall detection, area monitoring, variable broken line functions, and difference warning graphs. If any of these deviate from the reference values, the first server device 10 issues an alarm, enabling the user to accurately grasp the cause of greenhouse gas emissions and take necessary measures.

[0127] In addition, the first server device 10 distinguishes between cases where energy is used excessively ("consumption") and cases where energy is wasted ("loss"). Therefore, the user can distinguish between consumption and loss and take appropriate measures according to the cause of each.

[0128] As described above, according to this embodiment, even if on-site operators and engineers in the manufacturing industry lack experience in decarbonization efforts, they can easily achieve decarbonization in their daily work.

[0129] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, multiple blocks shown in the block diagram may be integrated, or one block may be divided. Multiple steps shown in the flowchart may be executed in parallel or in a different order depending on the processing capacity of the device executing each step, or as necessary, instead of being executed in chronological order as described. Other modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0130] Also, for example, the configuration and operation of the first server device 10 may be distributed among multiple computers that can communicate with each other. Also, for example, some or all of the components of the first server device 10 may be provided in another device such as the second server device 20. [Explanation of symbols]

[0131] 1. Information Processing Systems 10. First server device 11 Control section 12 Storage section 13. Communications Department 20 Second server device 21 Control section 22 Memory section 23 Communications Department 30 Sensors 40 Gateway 50 Client Device 51 Control section 52 Storage section 53 Communications Department 54 Input section 55 Output section 61,62 Network 100 screens 101~112 Design 121~132 display 141~143 display 151 screens Graph 152~154 155 displays 157 screens 158, 159 display 161 screens 162 Graphs 163 displays 165 screens 166,167 views 171 screens 172,173 Graph 174 displays 181 screens 182 Graphs 183,184 plots 185 display 191 screens 192 Graphs 201 Screens 202~206 Input area 207 display 211 screens 212~216 Input range 217 displays 221 screens 222~232 images 241 screens 242~253 images 261 screens 262~274 images

Claims

1. An information processing method of an information processing device having a control unit, The control unit: Obtaining measurements of a physical quantity related to greenhouse gas emissions measured by a sensor in a plant used for process manufacturing; acquiring an integrated amount of greenhouse gas emissions for a predetermined period based on the acquired measured values; predicting future trends in the amount of greenhouse gas emissions based on past trends; displaying an image showing the past transition and the predicted future transition of the greenhouse gas emission amount on a display unit; An information processing method comprising:

2. The control unit is Calculating the energy consumption in the plant for each production lot, production line, or equipment in the plant based on the acquired measurement values; acquiring an integrated amount of greenhouse gas emissions for the predetermined period based on the calculated amount of energy consumption; The information processing method according to claim 1 .

3. The information processing method according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit issues an alarm when the predicted future change in the amount of greenhouse gas emissions becomes greater than a reference value.

4. The information processing method according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit causes the display unit to display an image in which past trends and predicted future trends regarding the greenhouse gas emissions are organized by energy flow or scope category.

5. The control unit is Using the measurement values ​​of the physical quantities measured by the sensors, estimate the measurement values ​​of the physical quantities at locations not measured by the sensors; acquiring the greenhouse gas emission amount integrated for the predetermined period based on the measurement values ​​of the physical quantities measured by the sensors and the estimated measurement values ​​of the physical quantities; The information processing method according to claim 1 .

6. The control unit is Calculating a diagnostic KPI related to the greenhouse gas emissions in equipment used in the plant based on the acquired measurement values; An image showing the calculated diagnostic KPI is further displayed on the display unit. The information processing method according to claim 1 .

7. The control unit is The information processing method according to claim 1 , further comprising causing the display unit to display an image showing past trends and predicted future trends regarding the greenhouse gas emissions so that energy consumption and loss can be distinguished.

8. An information processing device capable of communicating with a client device, Obtaining measurements of physical quantities related to greenhouse gas emissions measured by sensors in a plant used for process manufacturing; acquiring the greenhouse gas emissions integrated over a predetermined period based on the acquired measurement values; Projecting future trends in greenhouse gas emissions based on past trends; transmitting an image showing the past transition and the predicted future transition of the greenhouse gas emission amount to the client device via a communication unit; An information processing device comprising a control unit.

9. A client device; an information processing device capable of communicating with the client device; An information processing system comprising: The information processing device includes: Obtaining measurements of physical quantities related to greenhouse gas emissions measured by sensors in a plant used for process manufacturing; acquiring the greenhouse gas emissions integrated over a predetermined period based on the acquired measurement values; Projecting future trends in greenhouse gas emissions based on past trends; transmitting an image showing the past transition and the predicted future transition of the greenhouse gas emission amount to the client device via a communication unit; An information processing system comprising a control unit.

10. A program for controlling an information processing device having a control unit and capable of communicating with a client device, The control unit, obtaining measurements of physical quantities related to greenhouse gas emissions measured by sensors in a plant used in process manufacturing; acquiring the greenhouse gas emissions integrated over a predetermined period based on the acquired measurement values; a step of predicting future trends in the greenhouse gas emissions based on past trends; transmitting an image showing the past transition and the predicted future transition of the greenhouse gas emission amount to the client device via a communication unit; A program to execute.

Images