Information processing device

Abstract

To provide an information processing device capable of properly managing the circulation of CO2 gas.SOLUTION: An information processing device 41 comprises: a communication unit 411 which acquires information on CO2 gas emission facilities, processing facilities, and utilization facilities; a storage unit 412 which stores the information acquired by the communication unit 411; and a calculation unit 413 which calculates the total amount of exhaust gas emissions for the entire carbon management system on the basis of exhaust gas emissions for each emission facility acquired by the communication unit 411, and calculates operating conditions for the processing facilities, storage facilities, and pressure relief valves on the basis of the total amount of exhaust gas emissions.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] In order to realize a carbon-neutral society, the introduction of CO2 reduction technologies is being promoted. Also, in order to reduce the cost burden, there is an idea of a CO2 circulation grid for recycling exhaust gas in industrial clusters.

[0003] In this concept, Patent Document 1 describes an apparatus including a CO2 emitter, a CO2 user, a CO2 pipeline connecting them, and a carbon recycling device, which notifies a combinatorial constructor of the planned amount of CO2 to be used for carbon recycling and supplies CO2 from a carbon dioxide supplier based on the planned amount of CO2 to be used.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In order to realize the concept of a CO2 circulation grid, it is desirable to adjust the supply-demand balance of CO2 and appropriately perform CO2 processing and the like, but such technologies are not described in Patent Document 1. Also, CO2 is generated as a by-product of the main business of CO2 emitters, and the emission amount of exhaust gas containing CO2 cannot be easily changed according to the use by CO2 users. Furthermore, if the exhaust gas from a group of factories is accepted as it is in the operation plan, the fluctuation range of the exhaust gas treatment amount becomes large, making it difficult to operate the CO2 recovery facility (CO2 treatment facility).

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus that appropriately manages the flow of CO2 gas.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, an information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a plurality of exhaust facilities that discharge exhaust gas containing CO2, a processing facility that separates CO2 gas from the exhaust gas discharged from the exhaust facilities, a plurality of utilization facilities that utilize the CO2 gas separated by the processing facility, a first conduit that guides the exhaust gas discharged from the plurality of exhaust facilities to the processing facility, a second conduit that guides the CO2 gas separated by the processing facility to the plurality of utilization facilities, a pressure reducing valve provided in the first conduit or the second conduit, and a storage facility that is connected to the second conduit and stores CO2 gas. The information processing apparatus is used in a carbon management system, and includes an information acquisition unit that acquires information on the exhaust facilities, the processing facility, and the utilization facilities, a storage unit that stores the information acquired by the information acquisition unit, and an arithmetic unit that calculates the total amount of exhaust gas discharged in the entire carbon management system based on the amount of exhaust gas discharged from each of the exhaust facilities acquired by the information acquisition unit, and calculates the operating conditions of the processing facility, the storage facility, and the pressure reducing valve based on the total amount of the discharged gas.

Effects of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, an information processing apparatus that appropriately manages the flow of CO2 gas can be provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and when the description overlaps, the description may be omitted. Further, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0011] ≪First Embodiment≫ FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a carbon management system 100 according to the first embodiment. The carbon management system 100 is a system that manages the flow of CO2 (carbon dioxide) supplied from CO2 emission facilities 21 to 23 (emission facilities) to CO2 utilization facilities 31 to 33 (utilization facilities) via a CO2 distribution grid G1. As shown in FIG. 1, the carbon management system 100 includes CO2 emission facilities 21 to 23, a treatment facility 11, a storage facility 12, a pressure reducing valve 13, CO2 utilization facilities 31 to 33, and an information processing apparatus 41. In addition to the above-described configuration, the carbon management system 100 includes conduits 5a to 5d as a "first conduit" for guiding the exhaust gas discharged from the CO2 emission facilities 21 to 23 to the treatment facility 11. Further, the carbon management system 100 includes conduits 5e to 5i as a "second conduit" for guiding the CO2 gas separated by the treatment facility 11 to a plurality of CO2 utilization facilities 31 to 33.

[0012] The CO2 emission facilities 21 to 23 shown in FIG. 1 are facilities that emit exhaust gas containing CO2. Examples of such CO2 emission facilities 21 to 23 include factories and power plants. The ducts 5a to 5c are connected to the CO2 emission facilities 21 to 23 in a one-to-one correspondence. And the CO2 gas flowing through the ducts 5a to 5c merges at the duct 5d, and the merged CO2 gas is led to the treatment facility 11 through the duct 5d.

[0013] The treatment facility 11 is a facility that separates (recovers) CO2 gas from the exhaust gas discharged from the CO2 emission facilities 21 to 23. As a method for separating CO2 gas, for example, there is a chemical absorption method in which an alkaline CO2 absorbent is brought into contact with the exhaust gas to absorb CO2 in the exhaust gas into the CO2 absorbent. In addition, there are a physical adsorption method using an adsorbent utilizing van der Waals forces, a chemical adsorption method in which an alkaline CO2 adsorbent (solid) is brought into contact with the exhaust gas to adsorb CO2 in the exhaust gas onto the CO2 adsorbent, and the like. Note that the process of concentrating the CO2 gas is also included in the separation of the CO2 gas.

[0014] The storage facility 12 is a facility that stores CO2 gas. For example, a tank is used as such a storage facility 12. And the CO2 gas is led to the storage facility 12 from the treatment facility 11 through the duct 5e. The CO2 gas temporarily stored in the storage facility 12 is supplied to the CO2 utilization facilities 31 to 32 through the ducts 5f to 5i (second ducts). That is, the storage facility 12 is connected to the above-mentioned "second duct". More specifically, the CO2 gas flowing out from the storage facility 12 to the duct 5f is branched into the ducts 5g to 5i, and further supplied to the CO2 utilization facilities 31 to 33. Note that the ducts 5g to 5i are connected to the CO2 utilization facilities 31 to 33 in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0015] The CO2 utilization facilities 31 to 33 are facilities that utilize the CO2 gas separated by the treatment facility 11 and are provided in industrial clusters or the like. Since CO2 gas with a concentration of a certain level or higher is used in the CO2 utilization facilities 31 to 33, basically, the CO2 gas is supplied from the treatment facility 11 to the CO2 emission facilities 21 to 23. However, if the CO2 concentration in the exhaust gas is sufficiently high, the CO2 utilization facilities 31 to 33 and the CO2 emission facilities 21 to 23 may be connected without passing through the treatment facility 11. Also, in Fig. 1, three CO2 emission facilities 21 to 23 and three CO2 utilization facilities 31 to 33 are shown, but the number of CO2 emission facilities and CO2 utilization facilities is not limited to this, and one or more are sufficient.

[0016] The CO2 flow grid G1 shown in Fig. 1 is a pipeline network through which exhaust gas containing CO2 or CO2 gas flows. Note that the locations where the exhaust gas containing CO2 enters the CO2 flow grid G1 are referred to as the inflow points A1 to A3. Also, the locations where the CO2 gas flows out of the CO2 flow grid G1 are referred to as the outflow points B1 to B3. In the example of Fig. 1, the inflow point A1 exists in the conduit 5a connected to the CO2 emission facility 21. Similarly, the inflow point A2 exists in the conduit 5b, and the inflow point A3 exists in the conduit 5c. On the other hand, the outflow point B1 exists in the conduit 5g connected to the CO2 utilization facility 31. Similarly, the outflow point B2 exists in the conduit 5h, and the outflow point B3 exists in the conduit 5i. Note that in the example of Fig. 1, the configuration shows that the inflow-side conduits 5a, 5b, 5c and the outflow-side conduits 5g, 5h, 5i are included in the CO2 flow grid G1, but a configuration in which these are not included in the CO2 flow grid G1 may also be possible.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the processing facility 11, the storage facility 12, and the pressure reducing valve 13 are included in the CO2 flow grid G1. The pressure reducing valve 13 is a valve that adjusts the flow rate of the CO2 gas (or exhaust gas) flowing in the CO2 flow grid G1. In the example of FIG. 1, a pressure reducing valve 13 is provided in a conduit 5i (second conduit) connected to the CO2 utilization facility 33. Note that the smaller the opening degree of the pressure reducing valve 13, the smaller the flow rate of the CO2 gas flowing through the conduit 5i. Therefore, by adjusting the opening degree of the pressure reducing valve 13, the flow rate ratio of CO2 in the conduits 5g, 5h, and 5i is also adjusted.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, a measurement and communication device 6a is provided near the inflow point A1 in the conduit 5a. The measurement and communication device 6a measures the flow rate, pressure, and CO2 concentration of the exhaust gas flowing from the CO2 discharge facility 21 to the CO2 flow grid G1 via the conduit 5a, and transmits the measurement results to the CO2 flow grid management information system 40. Similarly, a measurement and communication device 6b is provided in the conduit 5b, and a measurement and communication device 6c is provided in another conduit 5c. Note that the information processing device 41 of the CO2 flow grid management information system 40 may calculate the flow rate, pressure, and CO2 concentration of the exhaust gas based on the use, performance, and operating status of the CO2 discharge facility 21.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, a measurement and communication device 6g is provided near the outflow point B1 in the conduit 5g. The measurement and communication device 6g measures the flow rate, pressure, and CO2 concentration of the CO2 gas supplied from the CO2 flow grid G1 to the CO2 utilization facility 31, and transmits the measurement results to the CO2 flow grid management information system 40. Similarly, a measurement and communication device 6h is provided in the conduit 5h, and a measurement and communication device 6i is provided in another conduit 5i. Note that the information processing device 41 of the CO2 flow grid management information system 40 may calculate the flow rate, pressure, and CO2 concentration of the CO2 gas used in the CO2 utilization facility 31 based on the use, performance, and operating status of the CO2 utilization facility 31.

[0020] In the example of FIG. 1, a measurement and communication device 6d is provided in the processing facility 11, and a measurement and communication device 6e is also provided in the storage facility 12. Note that, instead of these measurement and communication devices 6d and 6e, measurement and communication devices (not shown) may be provided in the respective conduits 5d, 5e, and 5f. Also, a measurement and communication device 6f is provided near the pressure reducing valve 13 in the conduit 5i. The measurement results of these measurement and communication devices 6d, 6e, and 6f are also transmitted to the CO2 circulation grid management information system 40. The information processing device 41 shown in FIG. 1 is a device for setting the operating conditions of the processing facility 11, the storage facility 12, and the pressure reducing valve 13, and is included in the CO2 circulation grid management information system 40.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing device 41. As shown in FIG. 2, the information processing device 41 includes a communication unit 411 (information acquisition unit), a storage unit 412, and an arithmetic unit 413. The communication unit 411 acquires information regarding the CO2 emission facilities 21 to 23 (see FIG. 1), the processing facility 11 (see FIG. 1), the CO2 utilization facilities 31 to 33 (see FIG. 1), and the like. For example, the communication unit 411 acquires the emission amount (flow rate · CO2 concentration) of the exhaust gas of each of the CO2 emission facilities 21 to 23. Note that, in this embodiment, an example in which the information acquisition unit is the communication unit 411 is disclosed, but the information acquisition unit may be an input device that acquires information by input from a user.

[0022] The information acquired by the communication unit 411 (information acquisition unit) is stored in the memory unit 412. That is, the memory unit 412 stores grid device attribute information 412a, grid device operation information 412b, contract information 412c, CO2 emission amount / usage management information 412d, and CO2 emission right management information 412e. The grid device attribute information 412a includes information indicating the design specifications of the CO2 emission facilities 21 to 23 (see FIG. 1) and the CO2 utilization facilities 31 to 33 (see FIG. 1), and also includes information indicating the design specifications, uses, and performance of each facility in the CO2 distribution grid G1 (see FIG. 1). The grid device operation information 412b is information indicating the operation status of each facility included in the CO2 distribution grid G1 (see FIG. 1), in addition to the CO2 emission facilities 21 to 23 (see FIG. 1) and the CO2 utilization facilities 31 to 33 (see FIG. 1).

[0023] The contract information 412c is information indicating contract details such as the supply amount of CO2 gas to the CO2 utilization facilities 31 to 33 (see FIG. 1) (supply amount per predetermined period). The CO2 emission amount / usage management information 412d is information including the actual values of the amount of exhaust gas discharged from the CO2 emission facilities 21 to 23 (see FIG. 1) and the amount of CO2 gas supplied to the CO2 utilization facilities 31 to 33 (see FIG. 1). The CO2 emission right management information 412e is information for specifying the CO2 emission rights regarding the release of CO2 gas into the atmosphere. The CO2 emission rights are usually purchased from the CO2 emission rights trading market 70 (see FIG. 1).

[0024] The arithmetic unit 413 shown in FIG. 2 sets the operating conditions of the processing facility 11 (see FIG. 1), the storage facility 12 (see FIG. 1), and the pressure reducing valve 13 (see FIG. 1). The arithmetic unit 413 includes a CO2 emission management unit 413a and a grid calculation unit 413b. The CO2 emission management unit 413a calculates the total amount of exhaust gas emissions and the like. The grid calculation unit 413b sets the operating conditions of each facility included in the CO2 distribution grid G1 (see FIG. 1) based on the total amount of exhaust gas emissions and the like. The details of the processing of the arithmetic unit 413 will be described later.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the emission-side information system 80. The emission-side information system 80 shown in FIG. 3 is a system for monitoring, controlling, and managing the CO2 emission facility 21. It is connected to the CO2 emission facility 21 via a communication line and is also capable of communicating with the information processing device 41 (see FIG. 1). The emission-side information system 80 includes a storage device 81, an arithmetic device 82, and a communication device 83.

[0026] The storage device 81 stores operation plan information 81a and CO2 emission amount information 81b. The operation plan information 81a is information indicating the expected operation of the CO2 emission facility 21 in the future (e.g., several hours or several days). The CO2 emission amount information 81b is information indicating the expected CO2 emission amount of the CO2 emission facility 21 in the future. The arithmetic device 82 performs processing related to the monitoring, control, and management of the CO2 emission facility 21. The communication device 83 transmits the calculation result of the arithmetic device 82 to the CO2 emission facility 21 and the information processing device 41 (not shown). Note that emission-side information systems (not shown) are also provided for the other CO2 emission facilities 22 and 23 (see FIG. 1), respectively.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the utilization-side information system 90. The utilization-side information system 90 shown in FIG. 4 is a system for monitoring, controlling, and managing the CO2 utilization facility 31. It is connected to the CO2 utilization facility 31 via a communication line and is also capable of communicating with the information processing device 41 (see FIG. 1). The utilization-side information system 90 includes a storage device 91, an arithmetic device 92, and a communication device 93.

[0028] The memory device 91 stores operation plan information 91a and CO2 usage amount information 91b. The operation plan information 91a is information indicating the future operation prospect (e.g., several hours or several days) of the CO2 utilization facility 31. The CO2 usage amount information 91b is information indicating the future expected CO2 usage amount of the CO2 utilization facility 31. The arithmetic unit 92 performs processes related to the monitoring, control, and management of the CO2 utilization facility 31. The communication device 93 transmits the calculation result of the arithmetic unit 92 to the CO2 utilization facility 31 and the information processing device 41 (not shown). Note that utilization-side information systems (not shown) are also provided for the other CO2 utilization facilities 32 and 33 (see FIG. 1), respectively.

[0029] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the processes executed by the information processing device (also refer to FIG. 2 as appropriate). In step S101, the information processing device 41 calculates the total exhaust gas emission amount by the arithmetic unit 413. That is, the arithmetic unit 413 calculates the total exhaust gas emission amount of the entire carbon management system 100 based on the respective exhaust gas emission amounts of the CO2 emission facilities 21 to 23 (see FIG. 1) acquired by the communication unit 411 (information acquisition unit). Note that the respective exhaust gas emission amounts of the CO2 emission facilities 21 to 23 (see FIG. 1) are calculated based on the design specifications of the CO2 emission facilities 21 to 23 and the operating status of the CO2 emission facilities 21 to 23 acquired by the communication unit 411 (information acquisition unit).

[0030] In step S102, the information processing apparatus 41 calculates the operating conditions of each facility by the arithmetic unit 413. That is, the arithmetic unit 413 calculates the operating conditions of the processing facility 11, the storage facility 12, and the pressure reducing valve 13 based on the total amount of exhaust gas emissions. Specifically, the arithmetic unit 413 calculates the total amount of exhaust gas emissions and the average value of the CO2 concentration sent from the CO2 emission facilities 21 to 23 (see FIG. 1) to the processing facility 11 (see FIG. 1) based on the exhaust gas emissions (flow rate · CO2 concentration) collected via the communication unit 411, and calculates the operating conditions of the processing facility 11, the storage facility 12, and the pressure reducing valve 13 based on these values. Here, the operating condition of the processing facility 11 is, for example, the processing amount (the amount of CO2 contained in the CO2 gas) of the processing facility 11. The operating condition of the storage facility 12 is, for example, the increment of the storage amount of the storage facility 12 (the blowing amount of the compressor attached to the storage facility 12). The operating condition of the pressure reducing valve 13 is, for example, the operation amount (valve opening degree) of the pressure reducing valve 13.

[0031] In step S103, the information processing apparatus 41 transmits the information on the operating conditions to each facility by the communication unit 411. As a result, since the amount of CO2 gas sent is controlled, the amount of CO2 gas supplied to the CO2 utilization facilities 31 to 33 (see FIG. 1) can be adjusted. Note that the arithmetic unit 413 may determine the distribution amount of the CO2 gas to the CO2 utilization facilities 31 to 33 based on the above-described contract information 412c, and set the operating conditions of the storage facility 12 and the pressure reducing valve 13 so that the CO2 gas is supplied according to this distribution amount.

[0032] Note that in step S102, the arithmetic unit 413 may determine the processing amount of the processing facility 11 and the temporary storage amount of the storage facility 12 based on the total amount of exhaust gas emissions, the design value of the processing amount (processing amount per unit time) of the processing facility 11 (see FIG. 1) stored in advance in the storage unit 412, and the design value of the storage amount of the storage facility 12 (see FIG. 1). In this case, the arithmetic unit 413 calculates the operating conditions of the processing facility 11, the storage facility 12, and the pressure reducing valve 13 so as to satisfy the determined processing amount and storage amount.

[0033] In addition, for example, in step S102, the arithmetic unit 413 may perform the following processing. That is, the arithmetic unit 413 may calculate the operating conditions of the processing facility 11, the storage facility 12, and the pressure reducing valve 13 based on the exhaust gas discharge amount of the CO2 emission facilities 21 to 23 (see FIG. 1) and the CO2 gas utilization amount of the CO2 utilization facilities 31 to 33 (see FIG. 1). Note that the CO2 gas utilization amount by the CO2 utilization facilities 31 to 33 is calculated based on the design specifications of the CO2 utilization facilities 31 to 33 and the operating status of the CO2 utilization facilities 31 to 33 acquired by the communication unit 411 (information acquisition unit).

[0034] Also, for example, in step S102, the arithmetic unit 413 may perform the following processing. That is, the arithmetic unit 413 determines the processing amount of the processing facility 11 and the temporary storage amount in the storage facility 12 based on the exhaust gas discharge amount of the CO2 emission facilities 21 to 23 (see FIG. 1), the CO2 gas utilization amount of the CO2 utilization facilities 31 to 33 (see FIG. 1), the design value of the processing amount (processing amount per unit time) of the processing facility 11 (see FIG. 1) stored in advance in the storage unit 412, and the design value of the storage amount of the storage facility 12 (see FIG. 1). In this case, the arithmetic unit 413 calculates the operating conditions of the processing facility 11, the storage facility 12, and the pressure reducing valve 13 so as to satisfy the determined processing amount and storage amount.

[0035] In addition, for example, in step S102, the arithmetic unit 413 may perform the following processing. That is, based on the exhaust gas discharge amount (flow rate and CO2 concentration) collected via the communication unit 411, the arithmetic unit 413 calculates the total exhaust gas discharge amount and the average value of the CO2 concentration sent from all the CO2 emission facilities 21 to 23 (see FIG. 1) to the processing facility 11, and calculates the operating conditions of the processing facility 11. Then, the arithmetic unit 413 calculates the operating conditions of the storage facility 12 and the pressure reducing valve 13 based on the total exhaust gas discharge amount, the average value of the CO2 concentration, and the CO2 gas utilization amount (flow rate·CO2 concentration) of the CO2 utilization facilities 31 to 33 (see FIG. 1). Even in such a method, the amount of CO2 gas supplied to the CO2 utilization facilities 31 to 33 can be appropriately adjusted.

[0036] In addition, in the processing facility 11 (see FIG. 1), the storage facility 12 (see FIG. 1), and the pressure reducing valve 13 (see FIG. 1), there are upper and lower limit values determined from the design specifications of these facilities, as well as upper and lower limit values of the operation amount determined from the operating conditions. Therefore, there is a possibility that the operating conditions calculated by the arithmetic unit 413 may fall outside the range of the predetermined upper and lower limit values. For example, when the operating conditions of the processing facility 11, the storage facility 12, and the pressure reducing valve 13 are not executable, the arithmetic unit 413 calculates the exhaust gas discharge amount of the CO2 discharge facilities 21 to 23 (see FIG. 1) or the CO2 gas utilization amount of the CO2 utilization facilities 31 to 33 (see FIG. 1) so as to satisfy the executable processing amount of the processing facility 11 and the executable storage amount of the storage facility 12. The calculation result of the arithmetic unit 413 is transmitted to the discharge-side information system 80 (see FIG. 3) or the utilization-side information system 90 (see FIG. 4) via the communication unit 411. As described above, since CO2 is generated as a by-product of the main business of CO2 emitters, if the exhaust gas from the factory group is accepted as it is in the operation plan, the fluctuation range of the exhaust gas treatment amount will become large. Therefore, it is preferable for the arithmetic unit 413 to set the operating conditions of the processing facility 11 and the storage facility 12 so as to stabilize the facility load and operation load of the processing facility 11.

[0037] When the discharge-side information system 80 (see FIG. 3) receives the value of the exhaust gas discharge amount (changed value) from the information processing device 41 (see FIG. 1) via the communication device 83, it determines whether to accept the request for the change in the discharge amount based on the operation plan information 81a of the CO2 discharge facility 21. Then, the discharge-side information system 80 transmits an answer (acceptance or rejection) to the request for the change in the discharge amount to the information processing device 41.

[0038] In addition, when the utilization-side information system 90 (see FIG. 4) receives the value of the CO2 gas utilization amount (changed value) from the information processing device 41 (see FIG. 1) via the communication device 93, it determines whether to accept the request for the change in the utilization amount based on the operation plan information 91a of the CO2 utilization facility 31. Then, the utilization-side information system 90 transmits an answer (acceptance or rejection) to the request for the change in the utilization amount to the information processing device 41.

[0039] Based on the operating conditions of the processing facility 11, the storage facility 12, and the pressure reducing valve 13, as well as the emissions of the CO2 emission facilities 21 to 23, the usage of the CO2 utilization facilities 31 to 31, and the responses (acceptance or rejection) of the CO2 emission facilities 21 to 23 and the CO2 utilization facilities 31 to 33, the arithmetic unit 413 of the information processing apparatus 41 determines whether CO2 gas processing can be executed.

[0040] Note that some operators of the CO2 emission facilities 21 to 23 may not want third parties to know the information on the exhaust gas emissions. This is because it is possible to infer the operating status and financial status of the CO2 emission facilities 21 to 23 based on the exhaust gas emissions. The same can be said for the operators of the CO2 utilization facilities 31 to 33. In such cases, the arithmetic unit 413 causes the operator to provide the difference between the amount of CO2 contained in the exhaust gas of a specific CO2 emission facility and the amount of CO2 gas used in a specific CO2 utilization facility.

[0041] Here, it is assumed that at least one of the operators of the specific CO2 emission facility and the specific CO2 utilization facility has previously submitted an application from the terminal (not shown) of the operator to the information processing apparatus 41 stating that they will not disclose the exhaust gas emissions (or CO2 emissions) and the CO2 usage. While the value of the above-mentioned difference is provided to the arithmetic unit 413, the exhaust gas emissions and the CO2 gas usage are not specifically provided, so it is possible to prevent third parties from inferring the operating status and financial status of each facility.

[0042] In such a case, the information processing apparatus 41 acquires, by the communication unit 411 (information acquisition unit), the emission amount of exhaust gas other than a specific CO2 emission facility among a plurality of CO2 emission facilities 21 to 23 (see FIG. 1) and the utilization amount of CO2 gas other than a specific CO2 utilization facility among a plurality of CO2 utilization facilities 31 to 33 (see FIG. 1), and also acquires the difference between the amount of CO2 contained in the exhaust gas of the specific CO2 emission facility and the utilization amount of CO2 gas of the specific CO2 utilization facility. Then, based on the emission amount of exhaust gas other than a specific emission facility among a plurality of CO2 emission facilities 21 to 23, the utilization amount of CO2 gas other than a specific CO2 utilization facility among a plurality of CO2 utilization facilities 31 to 33, and the above-mentioned difference, the arithmetic unit 413 calculates the operating conditions of the processing facility 11 (see FIG. 1), the storage facility 12 (see FIG. 1), and the pressure reducing valve 13 (see FIG. 1).

[0043] Note that a distribution grid (not shown) for supplying at least one of power, natural gas (liquefied natural gas or gaseous natural gas), hydrogen, heat, and ammonia to the CO2 emission facilities 21 to 23 or the CO2 utilization facilities 31 to 33 may be provided. In such a configuration, the communication unit 411 (information acquisition unit) of the information processing apparatus 41 acquires information regarding the operation constraints of the above-mentioned distribution grid. Then, based on the operation constraints of the distribution grid, the arithmetic unit 413 sets the operating conditions of the processing facility 11, the storage facility 12, and the pressure reducing valve 13. The information on the operating conditions set by the arithmetic unit 413 is transmitted to the emission-side information system 80 (see FIG. 3) and the utilization-side information system 90 (see FIG. 4).

[0044] According to the first embodiment, based on the total emission amount of exhaust gas, etc., the arithmetic unit 413 sets the operating conditions of each facility. As a result, the exhaust gas emitted from the CO2 emission facilities 21 to 23 can be appropriately processed by the processing facility 11, and further, the CO2 utilization facilities 31 to 33 can be supplied with CO2 gas from the processing facility 11. That is, CO2 can be recovered from the exhaust gas from the factory group and supplied to a plurality of CO2 users. Also, according to the first embodiment, the control of the CO2 distribution grid G1 can be performed in real time.

[0045] ≪Second Embodiment≫ In the second embodiment, an example regarding the operation plan of the CO2 distribution grid G1 (see FIG. 1) will be described. Specifically, the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that when there is an excess or deficiency in the CO2 usage amount, the arithmetic unit 413 (see FIG. 2) issues a request to change the CO2 emission amount or the CO2 usage amount. Note that other aspects (such as the configuration of the carbon management system 100: see FIGS. 1 to 4) are the same as those in the first embodiment. Also, the measurement / communication devices 6a to 6i (see FIG. 1) for the inflow points A1 to A3, the outflow points B1 to B3, the treatment facility 11, the storage facility 12, and the pressure reducing valve 13 are not particularly necessary. Hereinafter, the parts different from the first embodiment will be described, and the description of the overlapping parts will be omitted.

[0046] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the processing executed by the information processing apparatus of the carbon management system according to the second embodiment (also refer to FIG. 2 as appropriate). In step S201, the information processing apparatus 41 calculates a predicted value of the exhaust gas emission amount and also calculates a predicted value of the CO2 usage amount. First, the information processing apparatus 41 acquires the operation plan information 81a of the CO2 emission facilities 21 to 23 from the emission-side information system 80 (see FIG. 3) via the communication unit 411. Then, based on the design specifications and performance information of the CO2 emission facilities 21 to 23 included in the grid-device attribute information 412a (see FIG. 2) and the above-mentioned operation plan information 81a, the arithmetic unit 413 calculates a predicted value of the exhaust gas emission amount.

[0047] In addition to the actual data of the exhaust gas emission amount included in the CO2 emission amount / usage amount management information 412d (see FIG. 2), based on the grid-device operation information 412b (see FIG. 2) and the operation plan information 81a, the arithmetic unit 413 may calculate the predicted value of the CO2 emission amount. That is, the arithmetic unit 413 may calculate the amount of CO2 contained in the exhaust gas of the CO2 emission facilities 21 to 23 based on the uses and performance of the CO2 emission facilities 21 to 23 and the operation status of the CO2 emission facilities 21 to 23 acquired by the communication unit 411 (information acquisition unit).

[0048] Also, when calculating the predicted value of the CO2 usage amount in step S201, the information processing device 41 acquires the operation plan information 91a of the CO2 utilization facility 31 from the utilization-side information system 90 (see FIG. 4) via the communication unit 411. Then, based on the design specifications and performance information of the CO2 utilization facilities 31 to 33 included in the grid-device attribute information 412a (see FIG. 2) and the above-described operation plan information 91a, the arithmetic unit 413 calculates the predicted value of the CO2 usage amount. In addition to the actual data of the CO2 gas usage amount included in the CO2 emission amount / usage amount management information 412d (see FIG. 2), the arithmetic unit 413 may calculate the predicted value of the CO2 usage amount based on the grid-device operation information 412b (see FIG. 2) and the operation plan information 91a.

[0049] Next, in step S202, the arithmetic unit 413 calculates the total exhaust gas emission amount and the average CO2 concentration. That is, based on the predicted value of the exhaust gas emission amount and the predicted value of the CO2 gas usage amount, the arithmetic unit 413 calculates the sum at each time (each future time) of the exhaust gas sent from the CO2 emission facilities 21 to 23 to the treatment facility 11 and the average value of the CO2 concentration in the exhaust gas.

[0050] In step S203, the arithmetic unit 413 calculates the operating conditions of each facility. That is, based on the total exhaust gas and the average CO2 concentration, the arithmetic unit 413 calculates the operating conditions of the treatment facility 11. Also, based on the total exhaust gas emission amount, the average CO2 concentration, and the predicted value of the CO2 gas usage amount in the CO2 utilization facilities 31 to 33, the arithmetic unit 413 calculates the operating conditions at each time (each future time) of the storage facility 12 and the pressure reducing valve 13.

[0051] Next, in step S204, the arithmetic unit 413 determines whether it can supply the predicted value of the CO2 usage amount. That is, based on the total exhaust gas emission amount, the average value of the CO2 concentration in the exhaust gas, the predicted value of the CO2 usage amount, and the operating conditions of each facility, the arithmetic unit 413 determines whether it can supply the predicted CO2 usage amount, which is the prediction result, to the CO2 utilization facilities 31 to 33 (see FIG. 1). If the predicted value of the CO2 usage amount can be supplied in step S204 (S204: Yes), the process of the arithmetic unit 413 proceeds to step S205.

[0052] In step S205, the arithmetic unit 413 notifies the emission-side information system 80 (see FIG. 3) and the utilization-side information system 90 (see FIG. 4) that the predicted value of the CO2 usage amount can be supplied.

[0053] Also, if the predicted value of the CO2 usage amount cannot be supplied in step S204 (S204: No), the process of the arithmetic unit 413 proceeds to step S206. In step S206, the arithmetic unit 413 calculates the amount of change in the exhaust gas emission amount of the CO2 emission facilities 21 to 23 or the amount of change in the CO2 gas usage amount of the CO2 utilization facilities 31 to 33 at each future time so that the emission and utilization of the CO2 gas are appropriately performed.

[0054] Next, in step S207, the arithmetic unit 413 sends a request for change to the emission-side information system 80 (see FIG. 3) or the utilization-side information system 90 (see FIG. 4). For example, the arithmetic unit 413 sends the amount of change (increase amount or decrease amount) in the exhaust gas emission amount to the emission-side information system 80 (see FIG. 3) via the communication unit 411. Also, the arithmetic unit 413 sends the amount of change (increase amount or decrease amount) in the CO2 usage amount to the utilization-side information system 90 (see FIG. 4) via the communication unit 411.

[0055] For example, when the total amount of CO2 utilized by the CO2 utilization facilities 31 to 33 is less than the total amount of CO2 contained in the exhaust gases of the CO2 emission facilities 21 to 23, the arithmetic unit 413 may output a notification requesting the operator holding the CO2 emission facilities 21 to 23 to reduce the exhaust gas emission amount. Also, when the sum of the total amount of CO2 utilized by the CO2 utilization facilities 31 to 33 and the amount of CO2 that can be additionally stored in the storage facility 12 is less than the total amount of CO2 contained in the exhaust gases of the CO2 emission facilities 21 to 23, the arithmetic unit 413 may output a notification requesting the operator holding the CO2 emission facilities 21 to 23 to reduce the exhaust gas emission amount.

[0056] Also, for example, when the total amount of CO2 utilized by the CO2 utilization facilities 31 to 33 is greater than the total amount of CO2 contained in the exhaust gases of the CO2 emission facilities 21 to 23, the arithmetic unit 413 may output a notification requesting the operator holding the CO2 utilization facilities 31 to 33 to reduce the CO2 utilization amount. Also, when the sum of the total amount of CO2 utilized by the CO2 utilization facilities 31 to 33 and the amount that can be additionally released from the storage facility 12 to the conduit 5f (second conduit) is greater than the total amount of CO2 contained in the exhaust gases of the CO2 emission facilities 21 to 23, the arithmetic unit 413 may output a notification requesting the operator holding the CO2 utilization facilities 31 to 33 to reduce the CO2 utilization amount.

[0057] The emission-side information system 80 (see FIG. 3) receives, via the communication device 83, the change amount of the exhaust gas emission amount, and based on the operation plan information 81a, determines whether to accept the change request for the CO2 emission facility 21. Then, the emission-side information system 80 transmits, via the communication device 83, a response (acceptance or rejection) to the request to the information processing device 41 (see FIG. 1). Similarly, the utilization-side information system 90 (see FIG. 4) also determines whether to accept the change request based on the change amount of the CO2 gas utilization amount, and transmits the response to the information processing device 41 (see FIG. 1).

[0058] In addition, a distribution grid (not shown) may be provided to supply at least one of electric power, natural gas (liquefied natural gas or gaseous natural gas), hydrogen, heat, and ammonia to the CO2 emission facilities 21 to 23 or the CO2 utilization facilities 31 to 33. In such a configuration, the communication unit 411 (information acquisition unit) of the information processing device 41 acquires information regarding the operation constraints of the above-described distribution grid. Then, the calculation unit 413 calculates an increase amount or a decrease amount of the exhaust gas emission amount of the CO2 emission facilities 21 to 23, or an increase amount or a decrease amount of the CO2 gas utilization amount of the CO2 utilization facilities 31 to 33 based on the operation constraints of the distribution grid. The calculation result of the calculation unit 413 is transmitted to the emission-side information system 80 (see FIG. 3) and the utilization-side information system 90 (see FIG. 4).

[0059] According to the second embodiment, in the CO2 distribution grid G1 that aggregates, recovers, and re-uses exhaust gas in an industrial cluster or the like, the amount of exhaust gas or CO2 gas flowing through the CO2 distribution grid G1 can be changed. Further, it is possible to change the inflow amount of exhaust gas into the CO2 distribution grid G1 and the outflow amount of CO2 gas from the CO2 distribution grid G1.

[0060] ≪Third Embodiment≫ The third embodiment is different from the second embodiment in that when there is an excess or deficiency in the supply and demand of CO2, the calculation unit 413 determines the release of CO2 gas into the atmosphere or the like. Note that the other aspects (such as the configuration of the carbon management system 100: refer to FIGS. 1 to 4) are the same as those of the second embodiment. Therefore, the parts different from the second embodiment will be described, and the description of the overlapping parts will be omitted.

[0061] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing executed by the information processing device of the carbon management system according to the third embodiment (also refer to FIG. 2 as appropriate). Note that the processing in steps S301 to S303 in FIG. 7 is the same as the processing in steps S201 to S203 in the second embodiment (see FIG. 6), and thus the description thereof will be omitted. After calculating the operating conditions of each facility in step S303, the process of the arithmetic unit 413 proceeds to the process of step S304. In step S304, the arithmetic unit 413 determines whether the demand and supply of CO2 are equal. That is, the arithmetic unit 413 determines whether the total amount of CO2 used per unit time is equal to the total amount of CO2 supplied per unit time. If the demand and supply of CO2 are equal in step S304 (S304: Yes), the process of the arithmetic unit 413 proceeds to step S305.

[0062] In step S305, the arithmetic unit 413 notifies the exhaust-side information system 80 (see FIG. 3) and the utilization-side information system 90 (see FIG. 4) that a predetermined amount of CO2 can be supplied. Also, if the demand and supply of CO2 are not equal in step S304 (S304: No), the process of the arithmetic unit 413 proceeds to step S306. In step S306, the arithmetic unit 413 determines whether the demand for CO2 is less than the supply. If the demand for CO2 is less than the supply in step S306 (S306: Yes), the process of the arithmetic unit 413 proceeds to step S307. That is, if the amount of exhaust gas or CO2 gas discharged in the CO2 distribution grid G1 (see FIG. 1) is too large, the process of the arithmetic unit 413 proceeds to step S307.

[0063] In step S307, the arithmetic unit 413 determines to release CO2 into the atmosphere. Then, in step S308, as the determination of releasing CO2 into the atmosphere, the arithmetic unit 413 notifies the CO2 emission facilities 21 to 23 of the emission amount of the exhaust gas into the atmosphere and the time zone of the emission. That is, when the total amount of CO2 used by the CO2 utilization facilities 31 to 33 is less than the total amount of CO2 contained in the exhaust gas of the CO2 emission facilities 21 to 23, the arithmetic unit 413 sets the operating conditions of the processing facility 11 so as to release into the atmosphere an amount of CO2 exceeding the amount of CO2 used by the CO2 utilization facilities 31 to 33. Note that when the sum of the total amount of CO2 used by the CO2 utilization facilities 31 to 33 and the amount of CO2 that can be additionally stored in the storage facility 12 is less than the total amount of CO2 contained in the exhaust gas of the CO2 emission facilities 21 to 23, the arithmetic unit 413 may set the operating conditions of the processing facility 11 so as to release into the atmosphere an amount of CO2 exceeding the amount of CO2 used by the CO2 utilization facilities 31 to 33.

[0064] In step S309, the arithmetic unit 413 purchases the CO2 emission rights corresponding to the amount of CO2 released into the atmosphere from the operator holding the CO2 emission rights. Note that the arithmetic unit 413 may be set to purchase the CO2 emission rights from the CO2 emission rights trading market 70 (see FIG. 1). The above purchase does not particularly need to be simultaneous with the release of CO2 gas into the atmosphere, and may be before the release or after the release.

[0065] Also, when the demand for CO2 is greater than the supply in step S306 (S306: Yes), the process of the arithmetic unit 413 proceeds to step S310. That is, when there is too little exhaust gas or CO2 gas in the CO2 distribution grid G1 (see FIG. 1), the process of the arithmetic unit 413 proceeds to step S310. In step S310, the arithmetic unit 413 notifies of the inability to supply CO2 gas. That is, the arithmetic unit 413 transmits, via the communication unit 411, a notification to the terminals of the CO2 users or the like to the effect that a predetermined amount of CO2 gas will not be supplied to the CO2 utilization facilities 31 to 33 in a predetermined time zone.

[0066] In step S311, the arithmetic unit 413 pays a predetermined penalty to the CO2 user according to the shortage amount of CO2 gas based on a prior contract. That is, when the total amount of CO2 used by the CO2 utilization facilities 31 to 33 is greater than the total amount of CO2 contained in the exhaust gas of the CO2 emission facilities 21 to 23, the arithmetic unit 413 is set to provide the operator who holds the CO2 utilization facilities 31 to 33 with an amount of money corresponding to the shortage of CO2. When the total amount of CO2 used by the CO2 utilization facilities 31 to 33 is greater than the sum of the total amount of CO2 contained in the exhaust gas of the CO2 emission facilities 21 to 23 and the amount of CO2 that can be additionally released from the storage facility 12 to the conduit 5f (second conduit), it may be set to provide the operator who holds the CO2 utilization facilities 31 to 33 with an amount of money corresponding to the shortage of CO2.

[0067] According to the third embodiment, when the demand for CO2 gas is less than the supply amount, the arithmetic unit 413 causes the CO2 emission facilities 21 to 23 to release CO2 gas into the atmosphere. Thereby, the supply amount of CO2 gas can be reduced according to the demand for CO2 gas. Further, when the demand for CO2 gas is greater than the supply, the arithmetic unit 413 causes the operators of the CO2 utilization facilities 31 to 33 to pay a predetermined penalty. Thereby, the loss of the operator who has not been provided with CO2 gas as per the predetermined agreement can be compensated.

[0068] ≪Fourth Embodiment≫ The fourth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that when there is an excess or shortage of CO2 gas, the arithmetic unit 413 invites other operators to participate in the carbon management system 100. Note that the rest (such as the configuration of the carbon management system 100: refer to FIGS. 1 to 4) is the same as that of the first embodiment. Therefore, the parts different from the first embodiment will be described, and the description of the overlapping parts will be omitted.

[0069] The arithmetic unit 413 of the information processing apparatus 41 shown in FIG. 2 predicts (assumes) the emission amounts of the exhaust gases of the CO2 emission facilities 21 to 23 at a certain future time point and the usage amounts of the CO2 gas of the CO2 utilization facilities 31 to 33. Then, the arithmetic unit 413 calculates the surplus or deficit amount when the CO2 gas flows in the CO2 circulation grid G1 based on the processing capacity of the exhaust gas of the processing facility 11 (see FIG. 1). In predicting the emission amount of the exhaust gas and the usage amount of the CO2 gas, the arithmetic unit 413 may use the contract information 412c (see FIG. 2) with the CO2 emitter, or may also use the performance data included in the grid - device operation information 412b (see FIG. 2). In addition, the arithmetic unit 413 may obtain the operation plan information 81a of the CO2 emission facilities 21 to 23 from the emission - side information system 80 (see FIG. 3) and calculate the emission amount of the exhaust gas, etc. based on this operation plan information 81a.

[0070] For example, when there is a shortage of CO2 gas, the arithmetic unit 413 requests other operators (operators who are not currently participating in the carbon management system 100) who own the CO2 emission facilities to participate in the CO2 circulation grid G1. Also, when a surplus of CO2 gas occurs, the arithmetic unit 413 requests other operators who own the CO2 utilization facilities to participate in the carbon management system 100. Further, when the processing capacity of the processing facility 11 is insufficient for the emission amount of the exhaust gas, the arithmetic unit 413 determines that an enhancement of the processing capacity of the processing facility 11 is required.

[0071] In this way, the arithmetic unit 413 calculates the shortage or surplus of CO2 at that time point based on the predicted value of the CO2 emission amount of the CO2 emission facilities 21 to 23 at a certain future time point and the predicted value of the CO2 usage amount of the CO2 utilization facilities 31 to 33 at that time point. Then, when a shortage of CO2 occurs, the arithmetic unit 413 issues a command to output a request for the CO2 emitter to participate in the carbon management system 100 (see FIG. 1), and when a surplus of CO2 occurs, the arithmetic unit 413 issues a command to output a request for the CO2 user to participate in the carbon management system 100. In addition, when there is no excess or deficiency in the CO2 gas, the arithmetic unit 413 may issue an invitation to participate in the carbon management system 100 to each of the operator who owns the CO2 emission facility and the operator who owns the CO2 utilization facility.

[0072] According to the fourth embodiment, when there is an excess or deficiency in the CO2 gas supplied to the CO2 utilization facilities 31 to 33, the arithmetic unit 413 issues an invitation to other operators to participate in the carbon management system 100. In response to such an invitation to participate, when other operators join the carbon management system 100, the excess or deficiency of CO2 in the carbon management system 100 can be reduced.

[0073] ≪Fifth Embodiment≫ The fifth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the decarbonization amount is allocated to the operators participating in the carbon management system 100. Note that other aspects (such as the configuration of the carbon management system 100: refer to FIGS. 1 to 4) are the same as those of the first embodiment. Therefore, the parts different from the first embodiment will be described, and the description of the overlapping parts will be omitted.

[0074] The arithmetic unit 413 of the information processing device 41 shown in FIG. 2 acquires information on the exhaust gas emission amount (flow rate · CO2 concentration) from the measurement and communication devices 6a to 6c provided at the inflow points A1 to A3 of the CO2 flow grid G1 (see FIG. 1) and the exhaust side information system 80. Note that the information on the exhaust gas emission amount is stored as CO2 emission amount / usage management information 412d (see FIG. 2) in association with the identification information of the CO2 emission facilities 21 to 23 at the emission source.

[0075] Further, the arithmetic unit 413 acquires information on the usage amount (flow rate and CO2 concentration) of CO2 gas from the measurement and communication devices 6g to 6i provided at the outflow points B1 to B3 of the CO2 circulation grid G1 (see FIG. 1) or the user-side information system 90 (see FIG. 4). Note that the information on the usage amount of CO2 gas is stored as CO2 emission and usage management information 412d (see FIG. 2) in association with the identification information of the CO2 usage facilities 31 to 33. That is, in the storage unit 412 (see FIG. 2) of the information processing device 41, the emission amount and CO2 concentration of the exhaust gas from the CO2 emission facilities 21 to 23 and the CO2 usage amount and the concentration of the CO2 gas used by the CO2 usage facilities 31 to 33 are stored in association with the owner information of each facility, respectively.

[0076] Then, the arithmetic unit 413 acquires the amount of CO2 released into the atmosphere (flow rate and CO2 concentration) from the CO2 emission facilities 21 to 23, the processing facility 11, etc. of the CO2 circulation grid G1 (see FIG. 1), and stores it as CO2 emission and usage management information 412d (see FIG. 2).

[0077] In addition, the arithmetic unit 413 stores the information on the CO2 emission rights purchased from the CO2 emission rights trading market 70 (see FIG. 1) as CO2 emission rights management information 412e. That is, in the storage unit 412 (see FIG. 2) of the information processing device 41, the amount of CO2 released into the atmosphere and the information on the CO2 emission rights to be purchased are stored in association with each other.

[0078] Based on the CO2 emission and usage management information 412d (see FIG. 2) and the CO2 emission rights management information 412e (see FIG. 2), the arithmetic unit 413 allocates a decarbonization amount (for example, the amount of CO2 reduction) to the operators participating in the CO2 circulation grid G1 in accordance with the decisions of the public systems related to decarbonization. That is, the arithmetic unit 413 allocates a decarbonization amount to the operators participating in the carbon management system 100 in accordance with a predetermined decision. Note that the decarbonization amount may be allocated to the operators participating in the CO2 circulation grid G1 in accordance with a predetermined decision included in the contract information 412c (see FIG. 2). For example, in the CO2 emission facilities 21 to 23, the arithmetic unit 413 allocates a larger decarbonization amount as the amount of CO2 emitted per unit time (the amount of CO2 contained in the exhaust gas) is larger.

[0079] According to the fifth embodiment, the arithmetic unit 413 can contribute to the suppression of global warming by allocating the decarbonization amount to the business operators participating in the carbon management system 100.

[0080] <<Modification Example>> As described above, the carbon management system 100 and the like according to the present invention have been described in each embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to these descriptions, and various modifications can be made. For example, in each embodiment, the configuration in which the carbon management system 100 (see FIG. 1) includes the storage facility 12 and the pressure reducing valve 13 has been described, but it is not limited thereto. That is, at least one of the storage facility 12 and the pressure reducing valve 13 may be omitted.

[0081] Also, in each embodiment, the case where the pressure reducing valve 13 is provided in the conduit 5i (second conduit) has been described, but the number and installation location of the pressure reducing valve 13 can be changed as appropriate. For example, the pressure reducing valve may be provided in another conduit 5g (second conduit) or conduit 5h (second conduit). Further, the pressure reducing valve may be provided in at least one of the conduits 5a to 5c (first conduits) connected to the CO2 emission facilities 21 to 23. Also, in each embodiment, the configuration in which the storage facility 12 is connected to the downstream conduits 5e and 5f (second conduits) of the processing facility 11 (see FIG. 1) has been described, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the storage facility 12 may be provided in the upstream conduit 5d (first conduit) of the processing facility 11.

[0082] In addition, each embodiment can be combined as appropriate. For example, the second embodiment (see FIG. 6) and the third embodiment (see FIG. 7) may be combined so that the arithmetic unit 413 performs the following processing. That is, when the demand for CO2 is less than the supply of CO2, even if a request for reducing the exhaust gas emission amount is made to the operators of the CO2 emission facilities 21 to 23 and this request for change is not accepted, the arithmetic unit 413 may determine the release of CO2 into the atmosphere. Further, when the demand for CO2 is greater than the supply of CO2, even if a request for reducing the usage amount of CO2 gas is made to the operators of the CO2 utilization facilities 31 to 33 and this request for change is not accepted, the arithmetic unit 413 may determine the payment of liquidated damages to the operator.

[0083] In the embodiment, the case where CO2 (carbon-containing component) extracted from the exhaust gas is supplied to the CO2 utilization facilities 31 to 33 has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, each embodiment can also be applied to the circulation of carbon-containing components such as CO and CH4 contained in the exhaust gas. As a method for measuring the carbon-containing components in the exhaust gas, mass spectrometry, gas chromatography analysis, infrared spectroscopy, cavity ring-down spectroscopy, or the like is used.

[0084] Further, all or part of a program that realizes the functions (carbon management method) of the carbon management system 100 and the like described in each embodiment may be executed by one or more computers such as a server (not shown). All or part of the above-described program may be realized in hardware by designing it with an integrated circuit or the like. Further, the configurations and functions described in the embodiments may be realized in software by a processor interpreting and executing a program that realizes each function. Information such as programs, tables, and files that realize each function may be stored in a recording device such as an SSD (Solid State Drive) in addition to a memory and a hard disk, or a recording medium such as an IC card, an SD card, a CD-ROM, or a DVD. The above-described program can also be provided via a communication line.

[0085] In addition, each embodiment is described in detail for the purpose of clearly explaining the present invention, and is not necessarily limited to having all the configurations described. Also, for a part of the configuration of the embodiment, it is possible to add, delete, or replace other configurations. Further, the mechanisms and configurations described above show those considered necessary for explanation, and not all mechanisms and configurations are necessarily shown on the product.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0086] 11 Processing facility 12 Storage facility 13 Pressure reducing valve 21, 22, 23 CO2 discharge facility (discharge facility) 31, 32, 33 CO2 utilization facility (utilization facility) 40 CO2 circulation grid management information system 41 Information processing device 411 Communication unit (information acquisition unit) 412 Storage unit 412a Grid - device attribute information 412b Grid - device operation information 412c Contract information 412d CO2 emission volume - utilization volume management information 412e CO2 emission right management information 413 Arithmetic unit 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d Conduit (first conduit) 5e, 5f, 5g, 5h, 5i Conduit (second conduit) 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, 6f, 6g, 6h, 6i Measurement and communication device 70 CO2 emission right trading market 100 Carbon management system G1 CO2 circulation grid

Claims

1. CO ２ A plurality of emission facilities that emit exhaust gas containing CO from the exhaust gas discharged from the discharge equipment ２ a processing facility for separating the gas, CO separated by the processing equipment ２ A plurality of utilization facilities that utilize the gas, A first conduit for guiding exhaust gas discharged from the plurality of the exhaust facilities to the treatment facility; The CO separated by the processing equipment ２ A second conduit that guides the gas to the plurality of utilization facilities A pressure reducing valve provided in the first conduit or the second conduit; Connected to the second conduit, CO ２ A storage facility for storing gas, An information processing apparatus used in a carbon management system including: An information acquisition unit that acquires information on the exhaust facilities, the treatment facility, and the utilization facility; A storage unit that stores the information acquired by the information acquisition unit; An arithmetic unit that calculates the total amount of exhaust gas discharged in the entire carbon management system based on the amount of exhaust gas discharged from each of the exhaust facilities acquired by the information acquisition unit, and calculates operating conditions of the treatment facility, the storage facility, and the pressure reducing valve based on the total amount of the discharged gas. An information processing apparatus comprising the arithmetic unit.

2. The information processing apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein the arithmetic unit determines the processing amount of the treatment facility and the storage amount of the storage facility based on the total amount of the discharged gas, the designed value of the processing amount of the treatment facility and the designed value of the storage amount of the storage facility previously stored in the storage unit, and calculates operating conditions of the treatment facility, the storage facility, and the pressure reducing valve so as to satisfy the determined processing amount and storage amount. An information processing apparatus characterized by this.

3. The information processing apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein The calculation unit calculates the operating conditions of the processing facility, the storage facility, and the pressure reducing valve based on the exhaust gas discharge amount of the exhaust facility acquired by the information acquisition unit and the consumption amount of CO gas of the utilization facility. ２ An information processing apparatus characterized by calculating operating conditions of the processing facility, the storage facility, and the pressure reducing valve based on the exhaust gas discharge amount of the exhaust facility acquired by the information acquisition unit and the consumption amount of CO gas of the utilization facility.

4. The information processing apparatus according to Claim 3, wherein The arithmetic unit calculates the exhaust gas emission amount of the exhaust equipment, the CO ２ gas usage amount of the utilization equipment, the designed value of the processing amount of the processing equipment and the designed value of the storage amount of the storage equipment, which are stored in the storage unit in advance, and based on these, determines the processing amount of the processing equipment and the temporary storage amount in the storage equipment, and calculates the operating conditions of the processing equipment, the storage equipment, and the pressure reducing valve so as to satisfy the determined processing amount and storage amount. An information processing apparatus characterized by this.

5. The information processing apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein the storage unit stores the design specifications of the exhaust facilities, the arithmetic unit calculates the amount of exhaust gas discharged from the exhaust facilities based on the design specifications of the exhaust facilities and the operating status of the exhaust facilities acquired by the information acquisition unit. An information processing apparatus characterized by this.

6. The information processing apparatus according to Claim 3, wherein the storage unit stores the design specifications of the exhaust facilities and the design specifications of the utilization facilities, the arithmetic unit calculates the amount of exhaust gas discharged by the exhaust facilities based on the design specifications of the exhaust facilities and the operating status of the exhaust facilities acquired by the information acquisition unit, Based on the design specifications of the utilization equipment and the operating status of the utilization equipment acquired by the information acquisition unit, the amount of CO ２ gas used by the utilization equipment is calculated. An information processing apparatus characterized by this.

7. The information processing apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein When the operating conditions of the processing facility, the storage facility, and the pressure reducing valve are not executable, the calculation unit adjusts the exhaust gas discharge amount of the discharge facility or the CO ２ gas usage amount of the utilization facility so as to satisfy the executable processing amount of the processing facility and the executable storage amount of the storage facility. An information processing apparatus characterized by calculating the above.

8. The information processing apparatus according to Claim 3, wherein The information acquisition unit acquires the exhaust gas emission amount of exhaust gas other than specific exhaust equipment among the plurality of the exhaust equipment, and the CO ２ gas usage amount of equipment other than specific utilization equipment among the plurality of the utilization equipment, and obtains the difference between the amount of CO ２ contained in the exhaust gas of the specific exhaust equipment and the CO ２ gas usage amount of the specific utilization equipment, The calculation unit calculates the operating conditions of the processing facility, the storage facility, and the pressure reducing valve based on the exhaust gas discharge amount of the exhaust gas other than the specific exhaust facility among the plurality of exhaust facilities, the CO ２ gas usage amount of the utilization facilities other than the specific utilization facility among the plurality of utilization facilities, and the difference. An information processing apparatus characterized by this.

9. The information processing apparatus according to Claim 3, wherein The calculation unit calculates the total amount of CO used by the utilization equipment ２ When the sum of the amounts is less than the sum of the CO contained in the exhaust gas of the exhaust equipment, or when the sum of the total amount of CO used by the utilization equipment and the amount of CO that can be additionally stored in the storage equipment ２ is less than the sum of the CO contained in the exhaust gas of the exhaust equipment, the operating conditions of the processing equipment are set so as to release an amount of CO exceeding the amount of CO used by the utilization equipment ２ into the atmosphere. An information processing apparatus characterized by this. ２ The sum of the amounts is less than the sum of the CO contained in the exhaust gas of the exhaust equipment ２ When the sum of the total amount of CO used by the utilization equipment and the amount of CO that can be additionally stored in the storage equipment ２ is less than the sum of the CO contained in the exhaust gas of the exhaust equipment, the operating conditions of the processing equipment are set so as to release an amount of CO exceeding the amount of CO used by the utilization equipment ２ into the atmosphere. An information processing apparatus characterized by this.

10. The information processing apparatus according to Claim 9, wherein The calculation unit purchases the CO emission rights corresponding to the amount of CO emitted into the atmosphere from the operator that holds the CO emission rights, or is configured to purchase them from the CO emission rights trading market. An information processing apparatus characterized by this is provided. ２ quantity of CO ２ emission rights, and purchases them from the operator that holds the CO ２ emission rights, or is configured to purchase them from the CO ２ emission rights trading market.

11. The information processing apparatus according to Claim 3, wherein The memory unit stores the exhaust gas discharge amount and CO concentration of the exhaust equipment, and the CO usage amount and the concentration of the CO gas used by the utilization equipment, respectively, in association with the owner information of each equipment. At the same time, the memory unit stores the information on the atmospheric emission amount of CO and the information on the emission rights purchased, in association with each other. ２ The memory unit stores the exhaust gas discharge amount and CO concentration of the exhaust equipment, and the CO usage amount and the concentration of the CO gas used by the utilization equipment, respectively, in association with the owner information of each equipment. At the same time, the memory unit stores the information on the atmospheric emission amount of CO and the information on the emission rights purchased, in association with each other. ２ The memory unit stores the exhaust gas discharge amount and CO concentration of the exhaust equipment, and the CO usage amount and the concentration of the CO gas used by the utilization equipment, respectively, in association with the owner information of each equipment. At the same time, the memory unit stores the information on the atmospheric emission amount of CO and the information on the emission rights purchased, in association with each other. ２ The memory unit stores the exhaust gas discharge amount and CO concentration of the exhaust equipment, and the CO usage amount and the concentration of the CO gas used by the utilization equipment, respectively, in association with the owner information of each equipment. At the same time, the memory unit stores the information on the atmospheric emission amount of CO and the information on the emission rights purchased, in association with each other. ２ The memory unit stores the exhaust gas discharge amount and CO concentration of the exhaust equipment, and the CO usage amount and the concentration of the CO gas used by the utilization equipment, respectively, in association with the owner information of each equipment. At the same time, the memory unit stores the information on the atmospheric emission amount of CO and the information on the emission rights purchased, in association with each other. ２ The memory unit stores the exhaust gas discharge amount and CO concentration of the exhaust equipment, and the CO usage amount and the concentration of the CO gas used by the utilization equipment, respectively, in association with the owner information of each equipment. At the same time, the memory unit stores the information on the atmospheric emission amount of CO and the information on the emission rights purchased, in association with each other. the arithmetic unit allocates decarbonization amounts to the businesses participating in the carbon management system according to a predetermined agreement. An information processing apparatus characterized by this.

12. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit stores the use and performance of the discharge facility, The calculation unit uses the usage and performance of the exhaust equipment and the operating status of the exhaust equipment acquired by the information acquisition unit to calculate the amount of CO contained in the exhaust gas of the exhaust equipment. ２ An information processing apparatus characterized by calculating the amount thereof.

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