Plant operation management system, plant operation management method, and plant operation management program

Abstract

To provide a plant operation management system and method that allow an operator to manipulate a plant for realizing appropriate operation.SOLUTION: A plant operation management system 1 includes: a data acquisition unit 21 which acquires first data measured by a measurement instrument in a plant 2; an image data generation unit 23 which calculates second data, which is physical quantity regarding at least one piece of equipment in the plant 2, based on the first data, to generate image data including a graph based on the first data and the second data; an image display unit 24 which displays the image data on a screen; an operation input unit 25 receives an operation instruction input by an operator. The graph includes a first quadrant having a first axis representing quantity of heat and a second axis representing temperature, and showing a relationship between the quantity of heat transmitted by a fluid or a solid in a heat recipient and a fluid or solid temperature, and a second quadrant having a first axis representing quantity of heat and a second axis representing temperature, and showing a relationship between the fluid temperature and the quantity of heat received by the fluid in a heat supply source.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a plant operation management system, a plant operation management method, and a plant operation management program. [Background technology]

[0002] Factories and other plants are equipped with various types of process equipment, such as boilers, gas engines, heat recovery boilers, heat pumps, electric chillers, absorption chillers, fuel cells, steam turbines, and heat recovery heat exchangers.

[0003] An example of a plant is one in which city gas is burned in a boiler to produce steam, which drives a steam turbine and generates electricity using a generator connected to the steam turbine. In this plant, for example, the electricity generated by the generator is used within the plant, and extracted steam from the steam turbine is used to supply heat to heat demand within the plant. In this case, if the amount of heat that can be supplied is significantly greater than the heat demand, the excess heat becomes large, and the usable energy relative to the energy contained in the fuel becomes small, resulting in poor energy utilization efficiency. Therefore, it is desirable to design the plant so that it operates optimally.

[0004] For example, a design support system has been proposed that has the function of creating and displaying a temperature diagram that shows the temperature transition of a process fluid. In this system, a diagram called a thermal composite diagram is used as the temperature diagram. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5744663 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 7293144 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-49468 [Non-patent literature]

[0006] [Non-Patent Document 1] Hiroyuki Tsuchi and Kazuo Matsuda, "Pinch Technology: Methods and Practice of Energy Conservation Analysis," Energy Conservation Center, July 2002 [Summary of the Invention] [Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

[0007] Even if the operation of a plant is optimized at the design stage, the actual operation of the plant often does not go as planned. For example, the production volume in a plant changes due to changes in the production plan based on demand and supply, the demand for heating and cooling changes due to temperature, humidity, and solar radiation, and the performance of process equipment deteriorates due to dirt and the like.

[0008] Also, when a plant is equipped with power generation facilities such as gas engine generators, the running cost of the plant is the total amount of fuel cost and power purchase cost. When optimizing the running cost rather than the energy utilization efficiency, the fuel cost fluctuates, and the electricity rate is often set differently depending on the time zone, so the operation of the plant does not go as planned. Therefore, plant operators try to achieve optimal operation regarding energy utilization efficiency and running cost while monitoring the current state values of the plant and operating the process equipment.

[0009] However, the display of state values in the control room of a plant is a numerical display of flow rate, temperature, power generation amount, etc. measured by various sensors in the plant. Therefore, when operating a plant, it is difficult to infer which process equipment in the plant should be operated to what extent and in what manner, and it is difficult to achieve optimal operation at any time. Thus, there is a desire for a system that can easily achieve optimal operation in a plant operation management system where an operator operates the plant using real-time operation data.

[0010] Therefore, an embodiment of the present invention provides a plant operation management system, a plant operation management method, and a plant operation management program that enable a driver to operate a plant to achieve a suitable operation.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0011] According to one embodiment, a plant operation management system includes a data acquisition unit that acquires first data, which is a process physical quantity measured by one or more measuring instruments in the plant; a calculation unit that calculates second data, which is a physical quantity related to the thermal characteristics of one or more devices in the plant, based on the first data; an image data generation unit that generates image data including a graph based on at least one of the first and second data; an image display unit that displays the image data on a screen; and a driver input unit that receives an operation instruction input by the driver as an operation of the plant. The one or more devices include a first device that receives heat and a second device that transfers heat, and the plant has a function as a heat supply source that supplies heat to a heat demand destination. The graph has heat quantity on the first axis and temperature on the second axis, and includes a first quadrant that displays the relationship between the heat quantity transferred or received by a fluid or solid at the heat demand destination and the temperature of the fluid or solid at the heat demand destination, and a second quadrant that has heat quantity on the first axis and temperature on the second axis and displays the relationship between the heat quantity transferred or received by a fluid at the heat supply source and the temperature of the fluid at the heat supply source.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In FIGS. 1 to 23, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0014] (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the device configuration of the plant operation management system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0015] The plant operation management system 1 of the present embodiment is a system for managing the operation of the plant 2 (described later) of the present embodiment. FIG. 1 shows mainly the hardware configuration of the plant operation management system 1 of the present embodiment. Hereinafter, the plant operation management system 1 may also be simply referred to as "management system 1".

[0016] The management system 1 of the present embodiment includes an input device 11, a communication device 12, a display device 13, and an arithmetic device 14. The arithmetic device 14 includes a storage unit 14a, a calculation unit 14b, and an output unit 14c.

[0017] The management system 1 of the present embodiment is, for example, a PC (Personal Computer). The input device 11 includes, for example, a keyboard and a mouse. The communication device 12 includes, for example, a communication interface for wired communication or wireless communication. The display device 13 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display. The arithmetic device 14 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and an HDD (Hard Disc Drive). Note that the management system 1 of the present embodiment may be configured by two or more PCs, or may be configured by a PC and a server device.

[0018] The storage unit 14a stores various data related to the plant 2 of the present embodiment. For example, the storage unit 14a stores data related to various devices within the plant 2. Examples of these devices are process facilities such as devices that receive heat (hereinafter also referred to as "first devices"), devices that transfer heat (hereinafter also referred to as "second devices"), and devices that generate electricity using fuel or a heat source (hereinafter also referred to as "third devices"). The first device is, for example, an exhaust heat recovery boiler that receives heat from a gas engine. The second device is, for example, a gas engine that transfers heat to the exhaust heat recovery boiler, a boiler that transfers heat to a heat demand, and an exhaust heat recovery boiler. The third device is, for example, a gas engine that generates electricity using fuel. Each device within the plant 2 may correspond to two or more of the first to third devices. The first and second devices are also referred to as heat devices. Other examples of heat devices are heat exchangers, fluid conveyors that convey heat, and flow control valves for fluids that convey heat.

[0019] The calculation unit 14b performs various calculations related to the plant 2 of the present embodiment. For example, the calculation unit 14b calculates data for displaying a graph related to the plant 2 of the present embodiment based on the data stored in the storage unit 14a. Examples of this graph are shown in FIGS. 4 to 8 described later.

[0020] The output unit 14c outputs various data related to the plant 2 of the present embodiment. For example, the output unit 14c displays the above graph on the screen of the display device 13 based on the data calculated by the calculation unit 14b. FIG. 4 described later shows an example of the graph displayed on the screen.

[0021] The functions of the storage unit 14a, the calculation unit 14b, and the output unit 14c are realized, for example, by a computer program installed in the arithmetic unit 14. The installation of this program may be performed by inserting a recording medium storing this program into the management system 1, or may be performed by downloading this program to the management system 1 via a network. An example of this recording medium is a non-volatile semiconductor memory.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the functional configuration of the plant operation management system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 2 shows the management system 1, the plant 2, and the driver 3 of the present embodiment. The management system 1 of the present embodiment includes functional blocks such as a data acquisition unit 21, a calculation unit 22, an image data generation unit 23, an image display unit 24, and a driver input unit 25. These functional blocks correspond to specific examples of the storage unit 14a, the calculation unit 14b, and the output unit 14c shown in FIG. 1.

[0024] The data acquisition unit 21 acquires first data 31, which is a process physical quantity measured by one or more measuring instruments in the plant 2. The process physical quantity is, for example, the temperature, pressure, and flow rate of a fluid that transfers or receives heat, or the flow rate of a fluid that serves as fuel. Examples of these fluids are water, steam, fuel gas, exhaust gas, and the like. The measuring instrument is, for example, a sensor that measures process physical quantities such as temperature, pressure, and flow rate. An example of the first data 31 is raw data acquired by the management system 1. The first data 31 may further include the heat demand or power demand for the plant 2.

[0025] The calculation unit 22 calculates second data 32, which is a physical quantity related to the heat characteristics of one or more devices in the plant 2, based on the first data 31. For example, these devices include heat-receiving devices (first devices) that receive heat and heat-transferring devices (second devices) that transfer heat, and the physical quantities related to the heat characteristics of these devices include the heat transfer amount of the heat devices. An example of the second data 32 is processed data obtained by processing the first data 31. The second data 32 may further include physical quantities related to the power characteristics of a device (third device) that generates electricity using fuel or a heat source, and may include, for example, the power generation amount of the device.

[0026] The image data generation unit 23 generates image data 33 including the above graph based on at least one of the first data 31 and the second data 32. Examples of this graph are shown in FIGS. 4 to 8 and the like described later. For example, the image data generation unit 23 receives the first data 31 from the data acquisition unit 21, receives the second data 32 from the calculation unit 22, and generates the image data 33 using the received first data 31 and second data 32.

[0027] The image display unit 24 displays the image data 33 on the screen of the display device 13. FIG. 4 described later shows an example of the image data 33 displayed on the screen. The driver 3 can view the graph displayed on the screen by looking at (visually observing 3a) the screen of the display device 13. According to the present embodiment, for example, it is possible to display a graph based on real-time operation data on the screen in real time instead of design specification values.

[0028] The driver input unit 25 receives an operation instruction input by the driver 3 as an operation of the plant 2. The driver 3 can input an operation instruction to the management system 1 by operating the input device 11 (operation 3b). The driver input unit 25 receives the operation instruction thus input to the management system 1.

[0029] The driver 3 views the graph displayed on the display device 13 and inputs an operation for bringing the operation of the plant 2 closer to optimal operation using the input device 11. For example, the driver 3 determines whether to perform an operation to change the operation parameters of the plant 2, such as which device in the plant 2 to start or stop and whether to increase or decrease the flow rate at which location in the plant 2, and performs a necessary operation based on the determination. When the driver input unit 25 receives the operation instruction of the driver 3, it outputs an instruction signal 34 corresponding to the operation instruction to the plant 2. For example, an instruction signal 34 for changing the opening degree of the flow rate control valve in the plant 2 is output to the plant 2. Thereby, the opening degree of the flow rate control valve can be changed, and the optimization of the operation state of the plant 2 can be achieved. This optimization is, for example, the maximization of the energy utilization efficiency of the plant 2.

[0030] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the plant 2 of the first embodiment.

[0031] The plant 2 of the present embodiment includes a boiler 41, a gas engine (GE) 42, and a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) 43. The plant 2 of the present embodiment has a function as a power supply source that supplies power to a power demand destination. The plant 2 of the present embodiment further has a function as a heat supply source that supplies heat to a heat demand destination, and specifically, has a function as a steam supply source that supplies steam to a steam demand destination. The power demand destination, the steam demand destination, the heat demand destination, and the cooling heat demand described later may each exist inside the plant 2, outside the plant 2, or both.

[0032] The boiler 41 generates heat by burning fuel, and heats water (make-up water) with this heat to generate steam. The fuel is, for example, a gaseous, liquid, or solid fossil fuel. The steam discharged from the boiler 41 is supplied to a steam demand destination. Examples of the steam demand destination are facilities and equipment that use steam. The boiler 41 corresponds to a device (second device) that transfers heat.

[0033] The gas engine 42 generates electricity by burning fuel gas. The fuel gas is, for example, city gas. The power output from the gas engine 42 is supplied to a power demand destination. Similarly, the power received by the plant 2 of the present embodiment from outside the plant 2 is also supplied to a power demand destination. Examples of the power demand destination are facilities and equipment that use power. On the other hand, the exhaust gas discharged from the gas engine 42 is supplied to the heat recovery steam generator 43. The gas engine 42 corresponds to a device (second device) that transfers heat and a device (third device) that generates electricity using fuel or a heat source.

[0034] The exhaust heat recovery boiler 43 generates steam from the makeup water by heating the makeup water using the heat of this exhaust gas. The steam discharged from the exhaust heat recovery boiler 43 is supplied to the steam demand destination. On the other hand, the exhaust gas discharged from the exhaust heat recovery boiler 43 is released into the atmosphere. The exhaust heat recovery boiler 43 corresponds to a device (first device) that receives heat and a device (second device) that transfers heat.

[0035] Note that the amount of steam supplied from the plant 2 of the present embodiment is the sum of the amount of steam discharged from the boiler 41 and the amount of steam discharged from the exhaust heat recovery boiler 43. The amount of steam supply from the plant 2 of the present embodiment needs to be equal to or more than the amount of steam demand. As a result, the surplus steam in the plant 2 of the present embodiment is released into the atmosphere. The surplus steam is assumed to occur, for example, when the steam demand is less than the lower limit of steam supply determined by the performance of the boiler 41 or the exhaust heat recovery boiler 43, or when the steam demand suddenly decreases and temporarily the steam supply becomes more than the steam demand.

[0036] Also, the plant 2 of the present embodiment includes three devices: a boiler 41, a gas engine 42, and an exhaust heat recovery boiler 43. In the present embodiment, the device group including the gas engine 42 and the exhaust heat recovery boiler 43 supplies power to the power demand destination by power generation by the gas engine 42, and supplies steam to the steam demand destination by steam generation by the gas engine 42 and the exhaust heat recovery boiler 43. The said device group is composed of two devices. On the other hand, the device group consisting only of the boiler 41 supplies steam to the steam demand destination by steam generation by the boiler 41. The said device group is composed of one device. Further details of these device groups will be described later. The concept of the device group is used when explaining graphs shown in FIGS. 4 to 8 and the like. Each device group of the present embodiment is a group consisting of one or more devices.

[0037] In addition, the plant 2 of the present embodiment may include first, second, or third devices other than the boiler 41, the gas engine 42, and the waste heat recovery boiler 43. For example, the plant 2 of the present embodiment may include a steam turbine driven by steam, a gas turbine driven by combustion with fuel, or a fuel cell, or may include an electric heater that generates heat using electricity. The steam turbine can not only generate electricity but also supply heat by extraction steam. The gas engine 42 and the gas turbine are cogeneration devices that generate heat and electricity. Further, the plant 2 of the present embodiment may include only the first and second devices among the first to third devices, or may include devices other than the first to third devices.

[0038] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the display screen 51 of the plant operation management system 1 (display device 13) of the first embodiment.

[0039] The display screen 51 in FIG. 4 includes a display window 52, a graph display area 53, a plurality of check boxes 54, a display button 55, and a setting button 56.

[0040] The graph display area 53 is an area for displaying the above graph within the display window 52. The image display unit 24 displays various curves representing the characteristics of various devices (for example, the boiler 41 and the gas engine 42) in the plant 2 on this graph. Here, the term "curve" is used to include straight lines. The image display unit 24 further displays information (for example, supply points and demand points) regarding power supply, steam supply (heat supply), power demand, and steam demand (heat demand) on this graph. The operator 3 of the present embodiment can check the characteristics of these devices and obtain information regarding power supply, steam supply (heat supply), power demand, and steam demand (heat demand) by looking at this graph.

[0041] The check box 54 is used to select the devices to be displayed on the graph. For example, when the check boxes 54 (Boiler and GE respectively) for the boiler 41 and the gas engine 42 are checked and the display button 55 is pressed, various curves (straight lines) representing the characteristics of the boiler 41 and the gas engine 42 are displayed in the graph display area 53.

[0042] As described above, the display button 55 is used to display the graph in the graph display area 53. The setting button 56 is used to input various settings related to the graph. For example, when the setting button 56 is pressed, a setting window for inputting various settings is displayed. Examples of the settings that can be input in the setting window are the settings for the number of supply points and the number of demand points to be displayed in the graph display area 53 (see FIGS. 14 and 16).

[0043] Note that the display content of the display screen 51 may be different from that shown in FIG. 4. For example, the graph display area 53 may display only one graph as shown in FIG. 4, or may display two or more graphs simultaneously. Further, the display window 52 may display buttons other than the display button 55 and the setting button 56.

[0044] FIG. 5 is a graph showing the operating status of the plant 2 of the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is another graph showing the operating status of the plant 2 of the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is another graph showing the operating status of the plant 2 of the first embodiment.

[0045] FIGS. 5 to 7 show an enlarged view of the graph shown in the graph display area 53 of FIG. 4. FIGS. 5 to 7 further show various reference numerals for explaining the curves and points on the graph. Here, the term "curve" is used to include straight lines. However, the graph in FIG. 5 includes only the first and second quadrants, the graph in FIG. 6 includes only the first to third quadrants, and the graph in FIG. 7 includes the first to fourth quadrants. Each of the first to fourth quadrants has a first axis (horizontal axis) extending in the left-right direction on the paper surface and a second axis (vertical axis) extending in the up-down direction on the paper surface.

[0046] In the following description, the details of the graph in FIG. 7 will be described. Among the following descriptions, the descriptions of the matters common to the graphs in FIGS. 5 and 7 are also applicable to the graph in FIG. 5. Similarly, among the following descriptions, the descriptions of the matters common to the graphs in FIGS. 6 and 7 are also applicable to the graph in FIG. 6.

[0047] Hereinafter, the first axis direction is also referred to as the "X direction", and the second axis direction is also referred to as the "Y direction". Also, the position of each point on the graph in the first axis direction is also referred to as the "X coordinate", and the position of each point on the graph in the second axis direction is also referred to as the "Y coordinate".

[0048] The first quadrant has the heat consumption (kW) on the first axis and the temperature (°C) on the second axis. Further, the first quadrant shows the relationship between the amount of heat transferred or received by the fluid at the heat demand destination and the temperature of the fluid at the heat demand destination.

[0049] The second quadrant has the heat generation amount (kW) on the first axis and the temperature (°C) on the second axis. Further, the second quadrant shows the relationship between the amount of heat transferred or received by the fluid at the heat supply source (the part surrounded by a square in FIG. 3) and the temperature of the fluid at the heat supply source.

[0050] The third quadrant has the heat generation amount (kW) on the first axis and the electric power (kW) on the second axis. Further, the third quadrant shows the relationship (such as the supply point and the output range) between the amount of heat supplied by the heat supply source to the heat supply destination and the electric power supplied by the electric power supply source to the electric power supply destination.

[0051] The fourth quadrant has the heat consumption (kW) on the first axis and the electric power (kW) on the second axis. Further, the fourth quadrant shows the relationship (such as the demand point and the output range) between the amount of heat consumed by the heat demand and the amount of electric power consumed by the electric power demand.

[0052] The graph in Figure 7 shows curves A - G. Curve A contains three straight lines A1 - A3. Curve B contains three straight lines B1 - B3. Curve C contains two straight lines C1 - C2. Curve D contains two straight lines D1 - D2. Curve E contains three straight lines E1 - E3. Curve F contains one straight line F1. Curve G contains one straight line G1. These straight lines are shown as arrows (vectors). Here, the term "curve" is used to include straight lines as well.

[0053] The graph in Figure 7 further shows a supply point P1, a demand point P2, heat quantities Q1 - Q5, regions R1 - R3, temperatures T1 - T3, etc. Region R1 is shown in the second quadrant. Region R2 is shown in the second and third quadrants and is located to the right of Region R1. Region R3 is shown in the first and fourth quadrants and is located to the right of Region R2. Region R1 is not drawn in Figure 5 but is drawn in Figures 6 and 7, and it may or may not be drawn.

[0054] Since the graph in Figure 5 includes the first and second quadrants and does not include the third and fourth quadrants, it does not display information related to electricity. Thus, the graph in Figure 5 is used, for example, when Plant 2 does not have the third device or when information related to electricity is not required. A graph that includes the first and second quadrants, like the graph in Figure 5, is called a heat composite diagram 61. According to this heat composite diagram 61, the operator 3 can easily make judgments such as adjusting the flow rate to bring the temperatures of the fluid receiving heat and the fluid transferring heat closer to each other.

[0055] Since the graph of FIG. 6 includes the first to third quadrants and does not include the fourth quadrant, it does not show the relationship between the amount of heat consumed by the heat demand and the electric power consumed by the electric power demand. Therefore, the graph of FIG. 6 is used, for example, when these relationships are unknown or when these relationships are not necessary. A graph that includes the first and second quadrants and other quadrants, like the graph of FIG. 6, is called an extended diagram 62. According to this extended diagram 62, the driver 3 can easily make a judgment, such as reducing the steam supply amount to reduce the surplus heat. Note that, similar to the graph of FIG. 5, the graph of FIG. 6 may not include the curve A related to the boiler 41.

[0056] Hereinafter, the details of curves A to G in FIG. 7 will be described. Since the graph of FIG. 7 also includes the first and second quadrants and other quadrants, it is called an extended diagram 63. According to this extended diagram 63, the driver 3 can easily make a judgment, such as grasping the margin of heat supply by checking the surplus heat and optimizing the operating state.

[0057] [Curve A] Curve A is shown within the second quadrant and is located within the region R1. The region R1 is used to show information related to the boiler 41. Curve A shows the relationship between the amount of heat supplied to the water and steam in the boiler 41 and the temperature of the water and steam in the boiler 41. The water in the boiler 41 is called makeup water, similar to the water in the exhaust heat recovery boiler 43.

[0058] The straight line A1 shows the relationship between the amount of heat and the temperature of the water before the water boils. The straight line A2 shows the relationship between the amount of heat and the temperature of the water while the water is boiling. The straight line A3 shows the relationship between the amount of heat and the temperature of the steam generated from the water. The fact that the arrows of the straight lines A1 to A3 point upward to the right indicates that the water and steam receive heat and the temperature of the water and steam is rising. The temperature T1 indicates the initial temperature of the water, and the temperature T2 indicates the temperature reached by the steam. The boiler 41 starts heating the water from the temperature T1 and supplies the steam at the temperature T2 to the steam demand. FIG. 7 further shows the amount of heat Q1 received by the water and steam in the boiler 41 due to the temperature increase from the temperature T1 to the temperature T2.

[0059] [Curves B and C] Curves B and C are shown in the second quadrant and are located within region R2. Region R2 is used to show information regarding the gas engine 42 and further is used to show information regarding the exhaust heat recovery boiler 43. Curve C shows the relationship between the amount of heat transferred by the exhaust gas within the exhaust heat recovery boiler 43 and the temperature of the exhaust gas within the exhaust heat recovery boiler 43. Curve B shows the relationship between the amount of heat received by the makeup water and steam within the exhaust heat recovery boiler 43 and the temperature of the makeup water and steam within the exhaust heat recovery boiler 43. The exhaust heat recovery boiler 43 uses the heat of the exhaust gas to heat the makeup water and steam. Hereinafter, the makeup water within the exhaust heat recovery boiler 43 will also simply be referred to as "water".

[0060] Straight line C1 shows the relationship between the amount of heat and the temperature of the exhaust gas while the exhaust gas is heating the water and steam. Straight line C2 shows the relationship between the amount of heat and the temperature of the exhaust gas after the exhaust gas has finished heating the water and steam. The fact that the arrows of straight lines C1 - C2 point downward to the left indicates that the exhaust gas transfers heat and the temperature of the exhaust gas decreases.

[0061] Straight line B1 shows the relationship between the amount of heat and the temperature of the water before the water boils. Straight line B2 shows the relationship between the amount of heat and the temperature of the water while the water is boiling. Straight line B3 shows the relationship between the amount of heat and the temperature of the steam generated from the water. The fact that the arrows of straight lines B1 - B3 point upward to the right indicates that the water and steam receive heat and the temperature of the water and steam increases. Similar to the boiler 41, the exhaust heat recovery boiler 43 starts heating the water from temperature T1 and supplies the steam at temperature T2 to the steam demand destination. In this way, the exhaust heat recovery boiler 43 performs exhaust heat recovery. FIG. 7 further shows the amount of heat Q2 received by the water and steam within the exhaust heat recovery boiler 43 due to the temperature increase from temperature T1 to temperature T2.

[0062] In the second quadrant, region R1 displays information regarding the equipment group consisting only of the boiler 41, and region R2 displays information regarding the equipment group consisting of the gas engine 42 and the waste heat recovery boiler 43. Thus, the second quadrant shows the relationship between the amount of heat and the temperature for each equipment group within the plant 2 of the present embodiment.

[0063] [Curve D] Curve D is shown within the third quadrant, and a part of it is located within region R2. Curve D shows the relationship (such as the supply point and output range) between the amount of heat supplied by the heat supply source and the electric power supplied by the electric power supply source. Specifically, curve D shows the relationship between a part of the amount of heat supplied by the heat supply source and all of the electric power supplied by the electric power supply source. The heat supply in the present embodiment includes the heat supply from the boiler 41 and the heat supply from the waste heat recovery boiler 43, and curve D in the present embodiment shows the relationship (such as the supply point and output range) between all of the heat amount transferred by the heat supply from the waste heat recovery boiler 43 and all of the electric power supplied by the electric power supply source. Therefore, the difference between the X coordinate of the starting point and the X coordinate of the ending point of curve D is the heat amount Q2, not the heat amount Q1 + Q2.

[0064] Straight line D1 shows the relationship (such as the supply point and output range) between the electric power generated by the gas engine 42 and the amount of heat transferred by the waste heat recovery boiler 43. Therefore, straight line D1 shows the operating characteristics of the equipment group consisting of the gas engine 42 and the waste heat recovery boiler 43. In other words, straight line D1 shows the relationship (such as the supply point and output range) between the electric power generated by this equipment group and the amount of heat supplied by this equipment group.

[0065] Straight line D2 shows the electric power received by the plant 2 of the present embodiment from outside the plant 2 (refer to FIG. 3). Therefore, straight line D2 shows the power reception characteristics of the plant 2 of the present embodiment. Straight line D2 is displayed outside region R2.

[0066] FIG. 7 further shows a supply point P1 on the end point of the straight line D2. The X coordinate of the supply point P1 indicates the amount of heat supplied by the heat supply source at a predetermined time, and the Y coordinate of the supply point P1 indicates the electric power supplied by the power supply source at the said predetermined time. The graph in FIG. 7 displays such heat quantity and electric power as a point (supply point P1) in the third quadrant. The said predetermined time may be the current time or a certain past time.

[0067] As can be understood from the above description, the X coordinate of the supply point P1 indicates a part of the amount of heat supplied by the heat supply source, specifically, the amount of heat supplied as heat supply from the waste heat recovery boiler 43. On the other hand, the Y coordinate of the supply point P1 indicates the total electric power supplied by the power supply source, specifically, the sum of the electric power generated by the gas engine 42 and the electric power received by the plant 2.

[0068] [Curves E, F] Curve E is shown in the first quadrant, and a part of it is located within the region R3. Curve F is shown in the first quadrant and is located within the region R3. The region R3 is used to show information regarding demand. Curve E shows the relationship between the amount of heat supplied by the steam from the heat supply source and the temperature of the said steam. Curve F shows the relationship between the amount of heat supplied to the heating object of the heat demand destination by the steam and the temperature of the said heating object. The heat demand destination heats the heating object using the heat of the steam.

[0069] The heating object is, for example, water or air. Thereby, it becomes possible to supply hot water to the tap water in the facility or to supply heating for raising the room temperature of the facility. Note that the heating object may be a fluid other than water or air, or an object other than a fluid (for example, a solid such as metal).

[0070] The straight line E1 shows the relationship between the amount of heat and the temperature of the steam that is generated by the heat supply source but is not supplied to the heat demand destination and is released into the atmosphere. Since this steam is not supplied to the heat demand destination, the straight line E1 is shown outside the region R3. This steam corresponds to the surplus steam described above. Since the heat supply source supplies steam at the temperature T2, the temperature of the steam of the straight line E1 is also T2.

[0071] The straight lines E2 and E3 are generated by heat supply and show the relationship between the amount of heat and the temperature of the steam supplied to the heat demand destination. Specifically, the straight line E2 shows the relationship between the amount of heat and the temperature of the steam while heat is being transferred to the object to be heated, and the straight line E3 shows the relationship between the amount of heat and the temperature of the steam after heat transfer to the object to be heated is completed. Since this steam is supplied to the heat demand destination, the straight lines E2 and E3 are displayed within the region R3. Since the heat supply source supplies steam at temperature T2, the temperature of the steam at the starting point of the straight line E2 is also T2. The fact that the arrows of the straight lines E2 to E3 point downward to the left indicates that the steam transfers heat and the temperature of the steam decreases.

[0072] The straight line F1 shows the relationship between the amount of heat transferred from the steam to the object to be heated and the temperature of the object to be heated. The fact that the arrow of the straight line F1 points upward to the right indicates that the object to be heated receives heat and the temperature of the object to be heated increases.

[0073] Figure 7 shows the amount of heat Q3 supplied from the heat supply source. The amount of heat Q3 is the sum of the amount of heat Q1 supplied from the boiler 41 and the amount of heat Q2 supplied from the waste heat recovery boiler 43 (Q3 = Q1 + Q2).

[0074] Figure 7 further shows the amount of heat Q4 of the steam generated by the heat supply source and supplied to the heat demand destination, and the amount of heat Q5 of the steam generated by the heat supply source but not supplied to the heat demand destination and released into the atmosphere. The amount of heat Q3 is the sum of the amount of heat Q4 and the amount of heat Q5 (Q3 = Q4 + Q5). The amount of heat Q5 corresponds to the surplus heat.

[0075] [Curve G] The curve G (straight line G1) is shown in the fourth quadrant and is located within the region R3. The curve G represents the relationship (e.g., demand points or ranges) between the amount of heat consumed by the heat demand destination and the amount of power consumed by the power demand destination. While the curve D represents the relationship (e.g., supply points or ranges) between a part of the amount of heat supplied by the heat supply source and the total power supplied by the power supply source, the curve G represents the relationship (e.g., demand points or ranges) between the total amount of heat consumed by the heat demand destination and the total amount of power consumed by the power demand destination.

[0076] The amount of heat consumed by the heat demand destination is the amount of heat Q4 supplied from the steam of the heat supply source to the object to be heated by the heat demand destination. The amount of heat consumed by the heat demand destination includes not only the amount of heat transferred from the steam to the object to be heated during the heating of the object to be heated (= the amount of heat of the straight line E2), but also the amount of heat remaining in the steam after the heating of the object to be heated (= the amount of heat of the straight line E3).

[0077] On the other hand, the power consumed by the power demand destination is equal to the power supplied by the power supply source. The reason is that the surplus heat Q5 is achieved by a simple means of discharging steam into the atmosphere, but the power surplus is not achieved by a simple means. Therefore, as long as the plant 2 of the present embodiment is in steady operation, the Y coordinate of the end point of the curve G becomes the same as the Y coordinate of the end point of the curve D. The power consumed by the power demand destination of the present embodiment is the sum of the power generated by the gas engine 42 and the power received by the plant 2.

[0078] FIG. 7 further shows the demand point P2 on the end point of the straight line G1. The X coordinate of the demand point P2 represents the amount of heat consumed by the heat demand destination at a predetermined time point, and the Y coordinate of the demand point P2 represents the amount of power consumed by the power demand destination at the said predetermined time point. The graph of FIG. 7 displays such amounts of heat and power as a point (demand point P2) in the fourth quadrant. The said predetermined time point may be the current time or a certain past time point. In the present embodiment, the supply point P1 represents the amounts of heat and power supplied by the heat supply source and the power supply source at a predetermined time point, and the demand point P2 represents the amounts of heat and power consumed by the heat demand destination and the power demand destination at the same time point.

[0079] FIG. 7 further shows the demand point P3. The Y coordinate of the demand point P3 is the same as the Y coordinate of the demand point P2. On the other hand, the X coordinate of the demand point P3 is the same as the X coordinate of the starting point of the straight line E1. The heat demand destination of this embodiment can consume a maximum heat quantity of Q3 by reducing the surplus heat Q5 to zero. The demand point P3 indicates the electric power consumed by the electric power demand destination and the maximum heat quantity that the heat demand destination can consume.

[0080] Note that the heat demand destination and the electric power demand destination shown in FIG. 7 include only the demands satisfied by the heat and electric power supplied from the plant 2 of this embodiment, and do not include the demands satisfied by the heat and electric power supplied from facilities other than the plant 2 of this embodiment. However, the consumers related to the heat demand and the electric power demand shown in FIG. 7 may be supplied with heat and / or electric power not only from the plant 2 of this embodiment but also from facilities other than the plant 2 of this embodiment. The management system 1 and the graph of this embodiment are applicable also in such a case.

[0081] As described above, the management system 1 of this embodiment displays not only the heat quantity and the electric power but also the temperatures of fluids such as water, steam, and exhaust gas used in the plant 2 on the graph. Specifically, the relationship between the fluid temperature and the heat quantity is displayed in the first and second quadrants, and the range of the heat quantity and the electric power, etc. are displayed in the third and fourth quadrants. Thereby, it becomes possible to display the state of the fluid, which cannot be understood only from the heat quantity and the electric power, clearly on the graph for the operator 3. For example, it becomes possible to display on the graph how the positions of the supply point P1 and the demand point P2 change when the temperature of the fluid changes, and thereby the operator 3 can consider measures for moving the supply point P1 and the demand point P2 to desirable positions. Thus, according to this embodiment, it becomes possible to appropriately display the state of the fluid in the plant 2 on the graph.

[0082] Also, by looking at the graph displayed on the screen, the driver 3 of the present embodiment can easily understand the measures to bring the operation of the plant 2 closer to the optimal operation, and can perform operations according to the conceived measures using the input device 11. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible for the driver 3 to operate the plant 2 to realize a suitable operation of the plant 2.

[0083] Note that, in order to make it easier for the driver 3 to understand the meaning of the curves A to G in the graph of FIG. 7, the explanations of the curves A to G may be displayed on the graph. The same applies to each straight line included in the curves A to G. Also, in the graph of FIG. 7, numerical values, characters, figures, etc. indicating the heat quantities Q1 to Q5 and the temperatures T1 to T3 may be displayed on the graph.

[0084] FIG. 8 is another graph showing the operation status of the plant 2 of the first embodiment.

[0085] In the graph of FIG. 8, the regions R1 and R2 in the graph of FIG. 7 are replaced by the region R4. The region R4 is displayed in the second and third quadrants. The region R4 displays information regarding the equipment group including the boiler 41, the gas engine 42, and the exhaust heat recovery boiler 43. The graph of FIG. 8 can be displayed by checking the "Boiler + GE" checkbox 54 shown in FIG. 4 and pressing the display button 55. Since the graph of FIG. 8 includes the first and second quadrants and other quadrants, it is called an extended diagram 64.

[0086] The graph of FIG. 8 shows curves H and I instead of curves A, B, and C. The curve H includes four straight lines H1 to H4. The curve I includes two straight lines I1 to I2.

[0087] The curve H shows the relationship between the heat quantity received by the water and steam in the boiler 41 and the exhaust heat recovery boiler 43 and the temperature of the water and steam in the boiler 41 and the exhaust heat recovery boiler 43. On the other hand, the curve I shows the relationship between the heat quantity transferred by the exhaust gas in the exhaust heat recovery boiler 43 and the temperature of the exhaust gas in the exhaust heat recovery boiler 43.

[0088] Similar to straight lines A1 and B1, straight line H1 shows the relationship between the amount of heat and temperature of water before boiling. The meanings and shapes of straight lines H2 and H3 are the same as those of straight lines A2 and B2, respectively. Similar to straight lines A3 and B3, straight line H4 shows the relationship between the amount of heat and temperature of the steam generated from water. The meanings and shapes of straight lines I1 and I2 are the same as those of straight lines C1 and C2, respectively.

[0089] Figure 8 shows the amount of heat Q6 supplied to the water and steam in the boiler 41 and the waste heat recovery boiler 43 due to the temperature rise from temperature T1 to temperature T2. The amount of heat Q6 is the sum of the amount of heat Q1 and the amount of heat Q2 (Q6 = Q1 + Q2).

[0090] As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to appropriately display the state of the fluid in the plant 2 on a graph and for the operator 3 to operate the plant 2 to realize a suitable operation of the plant 2. For example, when the operator 3 performs an operation to change the operation parameters of the plant 2, it is possible to easily realize the optimal operation because the graph displayed in real time at any time can be browsed. In the first embodiment, the fluid in the plant 2 is the fluid inside the device (first device) that receives heat and the device (second device) that transfers heat, but it may also be the fluid outside the first device and the second device.

[0091] (Second Embodiment) Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the plant 2 of the second embodiment.

[0092] The plant 2 of the present embodiment has the same configuration as the plant 2 of the first embodiment. However, the plant 2 of the present embodiment is provided with an extended heat pump 44 instead of the boiler 41. Note that the plant 2 of the present embodiment may be provided with both the boiler 41 and the extended heat pump 44.

[0093] The extended heat pump 44 receives at least one of the electric power generated by the gas engine 42 and the electric power received by the plant 2 from outside the plant 2. The extended heat pump 44 consumes the received electric power to heat the drain to generate steam from the drain. The drain is, for example, part of the water condensed from steam at the steam demand destination. At this time, the extended heat pump 44 operates by using the warm waste water as a heat source. The warm waste water is, for example, the water heated during cooling of the cooling water used for cooling equipment at the electric power demand destination or the steam demand destination, and may be the warm waste water from the cooling water of the gas engine 42. Therefore, the temperature of the warm waste water discharged from the extended heat pump 44 is lower than the temperature of the warm waste water introduced into the extended heat pump 44. The steam discharged from the extended heat pump 44 is supplied to the steam demand. Note that the drain is the liquid-phase water connected to the steam system, and the warm waste water is the liquid-phase water not connected to the steam system except for some exceptions. When using the warm waste water from the cooling water of the gas engine 42, depicting it in FIG. 9 is omitted. Note that the drain and the warm waste water may each be received from inside the plant 2, from outside the plant 2, or from both.

[0094] Hereinafter, a device that transfers or generates heat using electricity is also referred to as a "fourth device". The extended heat pump 44 is an example of a fourth device that transfers heat using electricity. On the other hand, an example of a fourth device that generates heat using electricity is an electric heater.

[0095] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the extended heat pump 44 shown in FIG. 9.

[0096] The extended heat pump 44 includes a primary heat exchanger 44a, a refrigerant compressor 44b, an expansion valve 44c, a secondary heat exchanger 44d, and a steam compressor 44e. Generally, a heat pump does not include the steam compressor 44e, but here, the term "heat pump" is used as a concept (broad sense of heat pump) including the steam compressor 44e. Therefore, the components indicated by the reference numeral "44" are called an extended heat pump. Since a general heat pump has a limit in the temperature rise of steam, when sufficiently high steam is required, the steam compressor 44e is combined. If only a heat pump is sufficient, the steam compressor 44e is unnecessary.

[0097] The primary heat exchanger 44a performs heat exchange between the warm waste water as a heat source and the refrigerant, and supplies the heat quantity Qa from the warm waste water to the refrigerant. As a result, the temperature of the warm waste water decreases, and the refrigerant undergoes a phase change from liquid to gas or the temperature rises to absorb heat. The refrigerant is, for example, a fluorocarbon. FIG. 10 shows the flow path of the refrigerant. In this flow path, the refrigerant is discharged from the refrigerant compressor 44b, passes through the primary heat exchanger 44a, the expansion valve 44c, and the secondary heat exchanger 44d in sequence, and returns to the refrigerant compressor 44b. FIG. 10 shows the power Pa of the refrigerant compressor 44b.

[0098] On the other hand, the secondary heat exchanger 44d performs heat exchange between the refrigerant from the primary heat exchanger 44a and the drain, and supplies the heat quantity Qb from the refrigerant to the drain. As a result, the refrigerant undergoes a phase change from gas to liquid or the temperature decreases to release heat, the temperature of the drain rises, and steam is generated from the drain. FIG. 10 shows the flow path of the steam. In this flow path, the steam is discharged from the secondary heat exchanger 44d, passes through the steam compressor 44e, and is supplied to the steam demand destination. When the steam compressor 44e changes the steam to a high pressure in a state close to isentropy, at the same time the steam changes to a high temperature, so the steam is heated by the heat quantity Qc. As a result, the temperature of the steam rises. FIG. 10 shows the power Pb of the steam compressor 44e.

[0099] FIG. 11 is a graph showing the operating status of the plant 2 of the second embodiment.

[0100] In the graph of Fig. 11, the region R1 in the graph of Fig. 7 is replaced by the region R5. The region R5 is displayed in the second and third quadrants. The region R5 displays information regarding the equipment group consisting only of the extended heat pump 44. The graph of Fig. 11 can be displayed by checking the checkboxes 54 for the heat pump (extended heat pump) 44 and the gas engine 42 shown in Fig. 4 and pressing the display button 55. Since the graph of Fig. 11 includes the first and second quadrants and other quadrants, it is called the extended diagram 65.

[0101] The graph of Fig. 11 shows curves J and K instead of curve A. Curve J includes three straight lines J1 to J3. Curve K includes one straight line K1.

[0102] Curve J shows the relationship between the amount of heat supplied by the drain and steam in the extended heat pump 44 and the temperature of the drain and steam in the extended heat pump 44. Curve K shows the relationship between the amount of heat supplied by the warm waste water in the extended heat pump 44 and the temperature of the warm waste water in the extended heat pump 44.

[0103] The meaning and shape of the straight lines J1 to J3 are generally the same as the meaning and shape of the straight lines A1 to A3, respectively. However, the temperature T4 (drain temperature) at the starting point of the straight line J1 is higher than the temperature T1 (make-up water temperature) at the starting point of the straight line A1. Fig. 11 further shows the temperature T6 (saturation temperature) of the boiling drain.

[0104] The straight line K1 shows the relationship between the amount of heat supplied from the warm waste water to the drain and steam and the temperature of the warm waste water. Fig. 11 shows the temperature T5 (warm waste water temperature) at the starting point of the straight line K1.

[0105] Fig. 11 shows the heat quantity Q1 in the same way as Fig. 7. The heat quantity Q1 shown in Fig. 11 is the amount of heat received by the drain and steam in the extended heat pump 44 due to the temperature rise from the temperature T4 to the temperature T2.

[0106] The graph in Fig. 11 shows the COP (Coefficient of Performance) characteristics graph of the refrigerant compressor 44b and the vapor compression characteristics graph of the vapor compressor 44e in the third quadrant. The above-mentioned heat quantity Qb is expressed using the COP characteristic formula (conversion characteristic from power to heat) showing the relationship between the power Pa of the refrigerant compressor 44b and the condensation heat quantity. The above-mentioned heat quantity Qc is expressed using the characteristic formula (conversion characteristic from power to heat) showing the relationship between the power Pb of the vapor compressor 44e and the heating quantity. The heat pump power of this embodiment, that is, the electric power consumed by the extended heat pump 44, is the sum of the value on the vertical axis (power Pa) of the COP characteristics graph and the value on the vertical axis (power Pb) of the vapor compression characteristics graph.

[0107] Fig. 11 further shows electric powers W1 and W2. The electric power W1 represents the electric power received by the plant 2 from outside the plant 2 when the plant 2 uses the extended heat pump 44 instead of the boiler 41. The electric power W2 represents the electric power consumed by the extended heat pump 44. The graph in Fig. 11 shows a straight line (arrow) indicating the electric power W2 in the third quadrant.

[0108] In this embodiment, even if the boiler 41 is replaced with the extended heat pump 44, there is no influence on the values of the power demand and heat demand before and after the replacement. Therefore, the arrow indicating the electric power W2 is shown as going downward from the supply point P1. This is because the values of the electric power and heat quantity at the supply point P1 do not change before and after the replacement.

[0109] On the other hand, the electric power received by the plant 2 of this embodiment from outside the plant 2 changes before and after the replacement. This is because the plant 2 of this embodiment needs to receive more electric power from outside the plant 2 by the amount of the electric power consumed by the extended heat pump 44. Therefore, when the boiler 41 is replaced with the extended heat pump 44, the electric power received by the plant 2 increases from the electric power indicated by the straight line D2 to the sum of the electric power indicated by the straight line D2 and the electric power W2, that is, the electric power W1.

[0110] By looking at the straight line indicating the power W2, the driver 3 can confirm the increase in the power received by the plant 2 due to the replacement of the boiler 41 with the extended heat pump 44. Also, by looking at the straight line indicating the power W2 and the straight line D2, the driver 3 can confirm that the power received by the plant 2 has increased from the power indicated by the straight line D2 to the power W1. To make this easier for the driver 3 to understand, the graph in FIG. 11 may further display numerical values, characters indicating the power W2, numerical values, characters, and figures indicating the power W1, etc. on the graph. According to the present embodiment, the driver 3 can determine which of the boiler 41 and the extended heat pump 44 is more suitable for realizing the operation of the plant 2. Furthermore, a driver input unit 25 is provided in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and the driver 3 operates the driver input unit 25 to change the operation parameters of the extended heat pump 44 and optimize the operation state.

[0111] According to the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, it is possible to appropriately display the state of the fluid in the plant 2 on the graph and for the driver 3 to operate the plant 2 to realize a suitable operation of the plant 2. For example, the driver 3 can appropriately grasp the complex behavior of the extended heat pump 44 that simultaneously absorbs heat from the warm waste water and heats the drain using the refrigerant as a medium based on the graph, and it is easier to make a judgment compared to the display of only the conventional state values. Then, by operating the driver input unit 25, the driver can change the temperature and power consumption of the steam and the warm waste water respectively and optimize the operation state. For example, when the driver 3 performs an operation to change the operation parameters of the plant 2, the driver can view the graph displayed in real time at any time, so it is possible to easily realize the optimal operation.

[0112] (Third Embodiment) FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the plant 2 according to the third embodiment.

[0113] The plant 2 of this embodiment has the same configuration as the plant 2 of the first embodiment. FIG. 12 further shows an electric refrigerator 45 provided in the plant 2 of this embodiment. The refrigerator 45 is, for example, an air conditioner that extracts heat from the outside air and cools the interior of the room. The type of the refrigerator 45 is, for example, a turbo type.

[0114] The power demand of this embodiment includes the power demand by the refrigerator 45 and other power demands. The refrigerator 45 consumes the power supplied from the plant 2 of this embodiment and supplies heat to the heat demand. The power consumed by other power demands is the value obtained by subtracting the power consumed by the refrigerator 45 (the "power consumption" shown in FIG. 12) from the power consumed by the total power demand.

[0115] The configuration of the management system 1 of this embodiment is the same as the configuration of the management system 1 (FIG. 2) of the first embodiment. Also, the graph displayed by the management system 1 of this embodiment is the same as the graph (FIG. 7) displayed by the management system 1 of the first embodiment. FIG. 12 shows the breakdown of the power demand in FIG. 3. Since the configuration of the plant 2 in FIG. 12 is the same as the configuration of the plant 2 in FIG. 3 except that the refrigerator 5 is explicitly shown, the content of the graph of this embodiment is the same as the content of the graph in FIG. 7. This graph may display the heat demand, the power demand, and in addition, the chilled heat demand.

[0116] Note that instead of making the graph of this embodiment the same as the graph in FIG. 7, it may be made the same as the graph in FIG. 11. In this case, the heat pump power of the part excluding the vapor compressor 44e from the extended heat pump 44 is replaced with the refrigerator power, and the display content regarding the other extended heat pumps 44 is also replaced with the display content regarding the refrigerator 45. Further, a driver input unit 25 is provided in the same manner as in the first and second embodiments, and the driver 3 operates the driver input unit 25 to change the operation parameters and optimize the operation state.

[0117] According to the present embodiment, similar to the first and second embodiments, it is possible to appropriately display the state of the fluid in the plant 2 on a graph and for the operator 3 to operate the plant 2 to realize a suitable operation of the plant 2. For example, when the operator 3 performs an operation to change the operation parameters of the plant 2, the operator can view the graph displayed in real time at any time, so that it is possible to easily realize the optimal operation.

[0118] (Fourth Embodiment) FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the plant 2 according to the fourth embodiment.

[0119] The plant 2 of the present embodiment has the same configuration as the plant 2 of the first embodiment. FIG. 13 further shows an absorption chiller 46 of a steam heat source absorption type provided in the plant 2 of the present embodiment.

[0120] The heat demand (steam demand) of the present embodiment includes the heat demand by the absorption chiller 46 and other heat demands. The absorption chiller 46 consumes the amount of heat transferred by the steam of the present embodiment and supplies cold heat to the cold heat demand destination. The amount of heat consumed by other heat demand destinations is the value obtained by subtracting the amount of heat consumed by the absorption chiller 46 ( "steam consumption" shown in FIG. 13) from the amount of heat consumed by all heat demand destinations. Note that the absorption chiller 46 consumes electricity, but since it is sufficiently small compared to an electric chiller, the power consumption may be ignored and is not drawn in FIG. 13 either.

[0121] The configuration of the management system 1 of the present embodiment is the same as the configuration of the management system 1 (FIG. 2) of the first embodiment. On the other hand, the management system 1 of the present embodiment displays the graph of FIG. 14 instead of the graph of FIG. 8.

[0122] FIG. 14 is a graph showing the operation status of the plant 2 according to the fourth embodiment.

[0123] The graph of FIG. 14 shows curves L, M, and N instead of curve E in the graph of FIG. 8. Curve L includes two straight lines L1 to L2. Curve M includes two straight lines M1 to M2. Curve N includes one straight line N1. Curve L and curve N are shown outside region R3, and curve M is shown inside region R3. Since the graph of FIG. 14 includes the first and second quadrants and other quadrants, it is called an extended diagram 66.

[0124] The meaning and shape of straight lines M1 and M2 are the same as those of straight lines E2 and E3. On the other hand, straight lines L1 and L2 are changed from straight line E1. Straight line L1 shows the relationship between the amount of heat and the temperature of the vapor that is generated by the heat supply source but not supplied to the heat demand destination and is released into the atmosphere. This vapor corresponds to the surplus vapor described above. Straight line L2 shows the relationship between the amount of heat and the temperature of the vapor that is generated by the heat supply source and delivered to the absorption chiller 46. Note that straight lines M1 and M2 show the relationship between the amount of heat and the temperature of the vapor that is generated by the heat supply and supplied to heat demand destinations other than the absorption chiller 46.

[0125] Straight line N1 shows the relationship between the amount of heat supplied from the vapor to the absorbent in the absorption chiller 46 and the temperature of the absorbent.

[0126] FIG. 14 shows the amount of heat Q7 of the vapor that is generated by the heat supply and supplied to the absorption chiller 46, and the amount of heat Q8 of the vapor that is generated by the heat supply but not supplied to the heat demand and is released into the atmosphere. The above-mentioned amount of heat Q5 is the sum of the amount of heat Q7 and the amount of heat Q8 (Q5 = Q7 + Q8). In this embodiment, the amount of heat Q8 rather than the amount of heat Q5 becomes the surplus heat. Note that the amount of heat Q4 in this embodiment is the amount of heat of the vapor that is generated by the heat supply source and supplied to heat demand destinations other than the absorption chiller 46.

[0127] Region R3 in this embodiment displays information regarding demands other than the absorption chiller 46, not all demands. On the other hand, information regarding the absorption chiller 46 is displayed within region R6. In FIG. 14, straight line L2 and straight line N1 are displayed within region R6.

[0128] The graph of FIG. 14 shows the COP characteristics of the absorption chiller 46 in the fourth quadrant. The horizontal axis of this graph represents the heat consumption (kW) of the absorption chiller 46, and the vertical axis of this graph represents the cooling capacity (kW) produced by the absorption chiller 46. This graph shows the heat quantity Q7 and the amount U of cooling demand corresponding to the heat quantity Q7.

[0129] The graph of FIG. 14 shows the supply point P1 and the demand point P2, and at the same time shows the supply point P1' and the demand point P2'. The "simultaneously" mentioned here refers to the overlapping of the display period of the supply point P1 and the demand point P2 and the display period of the supply point P1' and the demand point P2'. Therefore, the supply point P1' and the demand point P2' may start to be displayed simultaneously with the supply point P1 and the demand point P2, or may start to be displayed during the display of the supply point P1 and the demand point P2. Similarly, the supply point P1 and the demand point P2 may start to be displayed simultaneously with the supply point P1' and the demand point P2', or may start to be displayed during the display of the supply point P1' and the demand point P2'. Also, these displays do not have to be simultaneous.

[0130] In the present embodiment, the supply point P1 indicates the amount of heat and power supplied by the heat supply and power supply when the absorption chiller 46 is off (stopped state), and the demand point P2 indicates the amount of heat and power consumed by the heat demand and power demand at this time. On the other hand, the supply point P1' indicates the amount of heat and power supplied by the heat supply source and the power supply source when the absorption chiller 46 is on (operating state), and the demand point P2' indicates the amount of heat and power consumed by the heat demand destination and the power demand destination at this time. For example, when the absorption chiller 46 is switched from off to on, the supply point P1 and the demand point P2 represent the supply point and the demand point at the time before the absorption chiller 46 is turned on, and the supply point P1' and the demand point P2' represent the supply point and the demand point at the time after the absorption chiller 46 is turned on.

[0131] The graph of FIG. 14 further shows straight lines (arrows) V1 to V3. When the absorption chiller 46 is switched from off to on, the demand characteristics change from the straight line G1 to the straight lines V1 and V2. The starting point of the straight line V1 is located at the origin of the graph, and the ending point of the straight line V1 is located in the X direction of the straight line G1. The starting point of the straight line V2 is located at the ending point of the straight line V1, and the ending point of the straight line V2 is located at the demand point P2'. The difference in the X coordinates between the ending points of the straight lines G1 and V1 represents that the heat demand has increased by the amount of heat Q7. The difference in the Y coordinates between the ending points of the straight lines V1 and V2 represents that the power demand has decreased by supplying cooling heat by using the absorption chiller 46 instead of consuming power. As a result, the power supply decreases from the power at the supply point P1 to the power at the supply point P1' as shown by the arrow V3. The length of the arrow V3 is the same as the length of the arrow V2. The phenomenon shown by the straight lines V1 to V3 occurs, for example, by realizing cooling that lowers the room temperature of the facility by using the absorption chiller 46 instead of consuming power. According to the present embodiment, it is possible to supply cooling heat using surplus steam instead of power.

[0132] Then, the characteristics of the absorption chiller 46 are displayed on the graph. At this time, not only the heat demand amount and the electric demand amount but also the cooling heat demand amount may be added to the first data 31. Further, a driver input unit 25 is provided in the same manner as in the first to third embodiments, and the driver 3 operates the driver input unit 25 to change the operation parameters, thereby changing the temperature drop of the steam and the amount of cooling heat production, and optimizing the operation state. The driver 3 can appropriately grasp based on the graph, and it is easier to make a judgment compared to the display of only the conventional state values.

[0133] According to the present embodiment, similar to the first to third embodiments, it is possible to appropriately display the state of the fluid in the plant 2 on a graph and for the operator 3 to operate the plant 2 to achieve a suitable operation of the plant 2. For example, the operator 3 can understand the trade-off between a decrease in fuel cost and an increase in power consumption from the display content of the graph, and it becomes easier to make judgments such as how to increase or decrease the output of which device or how to increase or decrease which flow rate. When performing an operation to change the operation parameters of the plant 2, the operator 3 can view the graph displayed in real time at any time, so it is possible to easily achieve optimal operation.

[0134] (Fifth Embodiment) FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the plant 2 of the fifth embodiment.

[0135] As shown in FIG. 15, the plant 2 of the present embodiment has the same configuration as the plant 2 of the first embodiment. FIG. 15 further shows an absorption chiller 47 of the warm water heat source absorption type provided in the plant 2 of the present embodiment.

[0136] The heat demand (steam demand) of the present embodiment includes the heat demand by the absorption chiller 47 and other heat demands. The heat demand of the present embodiment consumes the amount of heat supplied by steam from the plant 2 of the present embodiment to generate warm wastewater, and supplies this warm wastewater to the absorption chiller 47. In this case, the warm wastewater is not liquid-phase water not connected to the steam system, but liquid-phase water connected to the steam system. The absorption chiller 47 consumes the amount of heat of this warm wastewater and supplies chilled heat to the chilled heat demand destination. The amount of heat consumed by other heat demand destinations is the value obtained by subtracting the amount of heat consumed by the absorption chiller 47 from the amount of heat consumed by all heat demand destinations. Note that the absorption chiller 47 consumes electricity, but since it is sufficiently small compared to an electric chiller, the power consumption may be ignored and is not drawn in FIG. 15 either.

[0137] The configuration of the management system 1 of the present embodiment is the same as the configuration of the management system 1 (FIG. 2) of the first embodiment. On the other hand, the management system 1 of the present embodiment displays the graph of FIG. 16 instead of the graph of FIG. 8.

[0138] Figure 16 is a graph showing the operating status of the plant 2 of the fifth embodiment.

[0139] The graph in Figure 16 shows curves X and Y instead of curves E and F in the graph of Figure 8. Curve X includes three straight lines X1 to X3. Curve Y includes two straight lines Y1 to Y2. A part of curve X is shown within region R3, and curve Y is shown within region R3. Since the graph in Figure 16 includes the first and second quadrants and other quadrants, it is called an extended diagram 67.

[0140] The meaning and shape of straight lines X1 and X2 are the same as those of straight lines E1 and E2. On the other hand, straight line X3 is a variation from straight line E3. Straight line X3 shows the relationship between the amount of heat and the temperature of the steam generated by heat supply and used for the production of warm waste water.

[0141] Straight line Y1 shows the relationship between the amount of heat supplied from the warm waste water and the temperature of the warm waste water. On the other hand, the meaning and shape of straight line Y2 are the same as those of straight line F1.

[0142] The graph in Figure 16 shows the COP characteristics graph of the absorption chiller 47 in the fourth quadrant. The horizontal axis of this graph represents the heat consumption (kW) of the absorption chiller 47, and the vertical axis of this graph represents the cooling capacity (kW) produced by the absorption chiller 47. Similar to the graph in Figure 14, this graph shows the amount of cooling demand U.

[0143] The graph in Fig. 16, similar to the graph in Fig. 14, shows supply point P1 and demand point P2, and at the same time shows supply point P1’ and demand point P2’. When the absorption chiller 47 is switched from off (stopped state) to on (operating state), the demand characteristic changes from straight line G1 to straight lines G1 and V2. The starting point of straight line V2 is located at the ending point of straight line G1, and the ending point of straight line V2 is located at demand point P2’. The difference in the Y coordinates between the starting point and the ending point of straight line V2 represents that the power demand has decreased by supplying cooling heat by using the absorption chiller 47 instead of consuming power. As a result, the power supply decreases from the power at supply point P1 to the power at supply point P1’ as indicated by arrow V3. According to this embodiment, it is possible to supply cooling heat using warm waste water instead of power. The shapes of straight lines V2 and V3 shown in Fig. 16 are the same as the shapes of straight lines V2 and V3 shown in Fig. 14.

[0144] When displaying the characteristics of the absorption chiller 4 in a graph, not only the heat demand and the electrical demand but also the cooling heat demand may be added to the first data 31. Further, similar to the first to fourth embodiments, the driver input unit 25 is provided, and the driver 3 operates the driver input unit 25 to change the operation parameters, thereby changing the cooling heat production amount and the like, and optimizing the operation state. It becomes possible for the driver 3 to appropriately grasp based on the graph, and compared with the display of only the conventional state values, it is easier to make a judgment.

[0145] According to this embodiment, similar to the first to fourth embodiments, it is possible to appropriately display the state of the fluid in the plant 2 on a graph and for the driver 3 to operate the plant 2 to realize a suitable operation of the plant 2. For example, the driver 3 can understand the trade-off between the reduction of fuel cost and the increase in power consumption from the display content of the graph, and it becomes easier to make judgments such as increasing or decreasing the output of which device or increasing or decreasing which flow rate. When performing an operation to change the operation parameters of the plant 2, since the driver 3 can view the graph displayed in real time at any time, it is possible to easily realize the optimal operation.

[0146] (Sixth Embodiment) FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the plant 2 according to the sixth embodiment.

[0147] In addition to the components of the plant 2 (FIG. 3) according to the first embodiment, the plant 2 of this embodiment includes a renewable energy generator 48. The renewable energy generator 48 is, for example, a solar power generation device or a wind power generation device. The renewable energy generator 48 corresponds to a device that generates electricity without using fuel and a heat source (hereinafter also referred to as the "fifth device"). The plant 2 of this embodiment supplies the electric power generated by the gas engine 42, the electric power generated by the renewable energy generator 48, and the electric power received by the plant 2 from the outside to the power demand destination. Note that the renewable energy generator 48 may be provided outside the plant 2 of this embodiment. In this case, the plant 2 may supply the electric power received from the renewable energy generator 48 to the power demand destination.

[0148] The configuration of the management system 1 of this embodiment is the same as the configuration of the management system (FIG. 2) according to the first embodiment. Also, the content of the graph of this embodiment is the same as the content of the graph (for example, FIG. 7) according to the first embodiment. However, in the graph of this embodiment, the electric power generated by the renewable energy generator 48 is displayed as a straight line included in the curve D in the third quadrant. This straight line is displayed, for example, in the region R2 in the same manner as the straight line D1 and is displayed as a straight line extending in the vertical direction in the same manner as the straight line D2. In this case, the region R2 displays information regarding the device group including the gas engine 42, the exhaust heat recovery boiler 43, and the renewable energy generator 48.

[0149] The power generation amount of a photovoltaic power generation device changes due to changes between day and night and changes in solar radiation amount. The power generation amount of a wind power generation device changes due to changes in wind conditions. Generally, the power generation amount of a renewable energy generator 48 changes drastically over time. In the plant 2 including equipment whose power generation amount changes over time due to such external factors, it was not easy to adjust each process value to a desired value. However, according to the present embodiment, by the operator 3 looking at the third quadrant of the graph to grasp the power generation state of the plant 2, it becomes possible to appropriately make judgments such as suppressing the power generation amount and increasing the power purchase. By operating the plant 2 while looking at the graph, the operator 3 can optimize the operation of the plant 2 equipped with the renewable energy generator 48.

[0150] According to the present embodiment, similar to the first to seventh embodiments, it is possible to appropriately display the state of the fluid in the plant 2 on a graph and for the operator 3 to operate the plant 2 to realize a suitable operation of the plant 2. For example, when the operator 3 performs an operation to change the operation parameters of the plant 2, since the graph that is displayed in real time at any time can be browsed, it becomes possible to easily realize optimal operation.

[0151] (Seventh Embodiment) FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing the functional configuration of the plant operation management system 1 of the seventh embodiment.

[0152] The management system 1 of the present embodiment includes, in addition to the components of the management system 1 (FIG. 2) of the first embodiment, a second calculation unit 22', a second display unit 24', and a second input unit 25'. Note that the configuration of the plant 2 of the present embodiment is the same as the configuration of the plant 2 (FIG. 3) of the first embodiment, but it may have other configurations. Also, the content of the graph of the present embodiment is the same as the content of the graph (for example, FIG. 7) of the first embodiment, but it may have other contents.

[0153] The second calculation unit 22' calculates the energy utilization efficiency 35 of the plant 2 based on the second data 32. The energy utilization efficiency 35 in the present embodiment is the ratio of the energy utilized by the plant 2 and the demand destination to the total of the energy of the fuel used in the plant 2 and the energy of the electricity received (purchased) from outside by the plant 2. Note that the energy utilization efficiency 35 may be calculated based on the first data 31. Also, the function of the second calculation unit 22' may be provided to the calculation unit 22.

[0154] The second display unit 24' displays the energy utilization efficiency 35 calculated by the second calculation unit 22' on the screen of the display device 13. As shown in FIG. 19 described later, the energy utilization efficiency 35 of the present embodiment is displayed together with a graph in the efficiency display column 57 in the display window 52. The driver 3 can confirm the energy utilization efficiency 35 displayed on the screen by looking at (visually observing 3a) the screen of the display device 13. Note that the function of the second display unit 24' may be provided to the image display unit 24.

[0155] The second input unit 25' receives the calorific value of fuel 36 input by the driver 3 and provides the received calorific value of fuel 36 to the second calculation unit 22'. The calorific value of fuel 36 in the present embodiment is the calorific value per unit amount of the fuel used in the plant 2. The energy utilization efficiency 35 changes according to the change in the calorific value of fuel 36. The calorific value of fuel 36 is an example of a value that is utilized when calculating the energy utilization efficiency 35, and thereby the calculated value of the energy utilization efficiency 35 is changed (value utilized during calculation). As shown in FIG. 19 described later, the driver 3 can input the calorific value of fuel 36 in the calorific value input column 58 in the display window 52 in the present embodiment. The driver 3 can input the calorific value of fuel 36 to the management system 1 by operating the input device 11 (operation 3b). The second input unit 25' receives the calorific value of fuel 36 thus input to the management system 1. Note that the function of the second input unit 25' may be provided to the driver input unit 25.

[0156] When the second calculation unit 22' receives the fuel calorific value 36 from the second input unit 25', it recalculates the energy utilization efficiency 35 using the fuel calorific value 36. The second display unit 24' displays the recalculated energy utilization efficiency 35. As a result, the driver 3 can confirm the recalculated energy utilization efficiency 35 on the screen.

[0157] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the display screen 51 of the plant operation management system 1 according to the seventh embodiment.

[0158] The display screen 51 shown in FIG. 19 includes an efficiency display column 57 and a calorific value input column 58 in addition to the display items shown in FIG. 4. As described above, the efficiency display column 57 is used to display the energy utilization efficiency 35, and the calorific value input column 58 is used to input the fuel calorific value 36.

[0159] According to the present embodiment, as in the first to fifth embodiments, it is possible to appropriately display the state of the fluid in the plant 2 on a graph and for the driver 3 to operate the plant 2 to realize a suitable operation of the plant 2. For example, the driver 3 can realize an optimal operation that maximizes the energy utilization efficiency 35 based on the energy utilization efficiency 35 displayed in the efficiency display column 57. Further, as the fuel is changed, the driver 3 can change the fuel calorific value 36 as needed and reflect it on the energy utilization efficiency 35 as needed.

[0160] (Eighth Embodiment) FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram showing the functional configuration of the plant operation management system 1 according to the eighth embodiment.

[0161] The management system 1 of the present embodiment includes, in addition to the components of the management system 1 (FIG. 2) of the first embodiment, a third calculation unit 22", a third display unit 24", and a third input unit 25". Note that the configuration of the plant 2 of the present embodiment is the same as the configuration of the plant 2 (FIG. 3) of the first embodiment, but may have other configurations. Also, the content of the graph of the present embodiment is the same as the content of the graph (for example, FIG. 7) of the first embodiment, but may have other contents.

[0162] The third calculation unit 22” calculates the running cost 37 of the plant 2 based on the second data 32. The running cost 37 in the present embodiment is the value per unit time of the total amount of the purchase price of the fuel used in the plant 2 and the purchase price of the purchased power received by the plant 2 from the outside. The running cost 37 of the present embodiment is calculated based on the total amount of the fuel used in the plant 2, the total amount of the purchased power received by the plant 2 from the outside, and the basic cost 38. The basic cost 38 includes the price per unit amount of the fuel used in the plant 2 and the price per unit amount of the purchased power received by the plant 2 from the power company. The basic cost 38 may further include the change rule according to the time zone of these prices. Note that the running cost 37 may be calculated based on the first data 31. Also, the function of the third calculation unit 22” may be provided to the calculation unit 22.

[0163] The third display unit 24” displays the running cost 37 calculated by the third calculation unit 22” on the screen of the display device 13. The running cost 37 of the present embodiment is displayed together with a graph in the cost display column 59 in the display window 52 as shown in FIG. 21 described later. The driver 3 can confirm the running cost 37 displayed on the screen by looking at (visually observing 3a) the screen of the display device 13. Note that the function of the third display unit 24” may be provided to the image display unit 24.

[0164] The third input unit 25” receives the basic cost 38 input by the driver 3 and provides the received basic cost 38 to the third calculation unit 22”. The running cost 37 changes according to the change in the basic cost 38. The basic cost 38 is an example of a value that is utilized when calculating the running cost 37, thereby changing the calculated value of the running cost 37 (value utilized at the time of calculation). As shown in FIG. 21 described later, the basic cost 38 in the present embodiment can be input by the driver 3 in the cost input field 60 within the display window 52. The driver 3 can input the basic cost 38 into the management system 1 by operating the input device 11 (operation 3b). The third input unit 25” receives the basic cost 38 thus input into the management system 1. Note that the function of the third input unit 25” may be provided to the driver input unit 25.

[0165] When the third calculation unit 22” receives the basic cost 38 from the third input unit 25”, it recalculates the running cost 37 using the basic cost 38. The third display unit 24” displays the recalculated running cost 37. Thereby, the driver 3 can confirm the recalculated running cost 37 on the screen.

[0166] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of the display screen 51 of the plant operation management system 1 according to the eighth embodiment.

[0167] The display screen 51 shown in FIG. 21 includes a cost display column 59 and a cost input column 60 in addition to the display items shown in FIG. 4. As described above, the cost display column 59 is used to display the running cost 37, and the cost input column 60 is used to input the basic cost 38. In FIG. 21, the price per unit quantity of fuel used in the plant 2 and the price per unit quantity of power received by the plant 2 from the power company are respectively input into the cost input column 60. The cost input column 60 may further be able to input a change rule according to the time zone of the total amount.

[0168] According to the present embodiment, similar to the first to seventh embodiments, it is possible to appropriately display the state of the fluid in the plant 2 on a graph and for the operator 3 to operate the plant 2 to realize suitable operation of the plant 2. For example, based on the running cost 37 displayed in the cost display column 59, the operator 3 can realize an optimal operation that minimizes the running cost 37. Further, as the fuel cost or electricity cost changes, the operator 3 can change the basic cost 38 at any time and reflect it in the running cost 37 at any time.

[0169] Note that the management system 1 of the present embodiment may further include a second calculation unit 22', a second display unit 24', and a second input unit 25' of the seventh embodiment. In this case, the display screen 51 shown in FIG. 21 may further include an efficiency display column 57 and a calorific value input column 58 shown in FIG. 19. Thereby, it is possible to obtain the effects of the seventh embodiment and the eighth embodiment at the same time.

[0170] (Ninth Embodiment) FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram showing the functional configuration of the plant operation management system 1 of the ninth embodiment.

[0171] The management system 1 of the present embodiment includes a switching unit 26 and a control unit 27 in addition to the components of the management system 1 (FIG. 2) of the first embodiment. Note that the configuration of the plant 2 of the present embodiment is the same as the configuration of the plant 2 (FIG. 3) of the first embodiment, but may have other configurations. Also, the content of the graph of the present embodiment is the same as the content of the graph (for example, FIG. 7) of the first embodiment, but may have other contents.

[0172] The switching unit 26 switches the operation mode of the plant 2 of the present embodiment to a manual operation mode or an automatic operation mode. When the operation mode of the plant 2 is the manual operation mode, the operator 3 can manually operate the operation of the plant 2 using the input device 11 of the management system 1. On the other hand, when the operation mode of the plant 2 is the automatic operation mode, the management system 1 can automatically operate the operation of the plant 2.

[0173] The driver 3 can switch the operation mode of the plant 2 between the manual operation mode and the automatic operation mode by using the setting button 56 shown in FIG. 4. When receiving this operation, the switching unit 56 outputs a switching instruction 39 for switching the operation mode of the plant 2 to the control unit 27.

[0174] The control unit 27 controls the operation of the plant 2 according to the switching instruction 39. For example, when the control unit 27 receives a switching instruction 39 for switching the operation mode of the plant 2 to the manual operation mode, it does not control the operation of the plant 2. In this case, the operation of the plant 2 is controlled by the instruction signal 34 from the driver input unit 25 to the plant 2. On the other hand, when the control unit 27 receives a switching instruction 39 for switching the operation mode of the plant 2 to the automatic operation mode, it controls the operation of the plant 2 according to a predetermined rule. In this case, the control unit 27 outputs a second instruction signal 34' for controlling the operation of the plant 2 according to the rule to the plant 2, and the operation of the plant 2 is controlled by the second instruction signal 34'. The control unit 27 generates the second instruction signal 34' based on at least one of the first data 31 and the second data 32. An example of the rule is a rule that outputs the second instruction signal 34' when the deviation between a predetermined physical quantity and a predetermined value is greater than the allowable value. The rule is, for example, stored in advance in the storage unit 14b.

[0175] The management system 1 of the present embodiment may further include the second calculation unit 22', the second display unit 24', and the second input unit 25' of the seventh embodiment. Thereby, for example, it becomes possible to adopt the energy utilization efficiency 35 instead of the above-mentioned predetermined physical quantity.

[0176] On the other hand, the management system 1 of the present embodiment may further include the third calculation unit 22'', the third display unit 24'', and the third input unit 25'' of the eighth embodiment. Thereby, for example, it becomes possible to adopt the running cost 37 instead of the above-mentioned predetermined physical quantity.

[0177] According to the present embodiment, similar to the first to eighth embodiments, it is possible to appropriately display the state of the fluid in the plant 2 on a graph and for the operator 3 to operate the plant 2 to realize a suitable operation of the plant 2. Further, by appropriately switching between the manual operation mode and the automatic operation mode, it becomes possible to realize an operation in which the operator 3 does not need to continuously drive at any time and the operator 3 can take a break.

[0178] (Tenth Embodiment) FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram showing the functional configuration of the plant operation management system 1 of the tenth embodiment.

[0179] The management system 1 of the present embodiment has the same configuration as the management system 1 of the ninth embodiment. However, the management system 1 of the present embodiment includes a control unit 28 instead of the control unit 27. The control unit 28 is an example of a control unit that also has a function of generating rules. Note that the configuration of the plant 2 of the present embodiment is the same as the configuration of the plant 2 (FIG. 3) of the first embodiment, but may have other configurations. Also, the content of the graph of the present embodiment is the same as the content of the graph (for example, FIG. 7) of the first embodiment, but may have other contents.

[0180] Similar to the control unit 27, the control unit 28 controls the operation of the plant 2 in response to the switching instruction 39. However, the control unit 28 includes artificial intelligence and has a learning function.

[0181] When the control unit 28 receives a switching instruction 39 to switch the operation mode of the plant 2 to the manual operation mode, it does not control the operation of the plant 2. In this case, the operation of the plant 2 is controlled by an instruction signal 34 from the driver input unit 25 to the plant 2. While the operation mode of the plant 2 is in the manual operation mode, the control unit 28 learns the relationship between the state of the plant 2 and the operation instructions of the driver 3 and generates rules for the automatic operation mode. The control unit 28 grasps the state of the plant 2 based on at least one of the first data 31 and the second data 32. Also, the control unit 28 grasps the operation instructions of the driver 3 by receiving the operation instructions received by the driver input unit 25 from the driver input unit 25. The rules generated by the control unit 28 are stored, for example, in the storage unit 14b. The learning by the control unit 28 may be performed always during the manual operation mode, or may be performed in a part of the period of the manual operation mode.

[0182] When the control unit 28 receives a switching instruction 39 to switch the operation mode of the plant 2 to the automatic operation mode, it controls the operation of the plant 2 according to the rules generated by the control unit 28. In this case, the control unit 28 outputs a third instruction signal 34” for controlling the operation of the plant 2 according to the rules to the plant 2, and the operation of the plant 2 is controlled by the third instruction signal 34”. The control unit 28 generates the third instruction signal 34” based on at least one of the first data 31 and the second data 32. An example of the rules is a rule that when the deviation between a predetermined physical quantity and a predetermined value is larger than the allowable value, the third instruction signal 34” is output. Note that during the execution of the automatic operation, the image display by the image display unit 24 may or may not be performed.

[0183] The management system 1 of the present embodiment may further include a second calculation unit 22’, a second display unit 24’, and a second input unit 25’ of the seventh embodiment. Thereby, for example, it becomes possible to adopt the energy utilization efficiency 35 instead of the above-mentioned predetermined physical quantity. Note that during the execution of the automatic operation, the image display by the image display unit 24 and the display by the second display unit 24’ may or may not be performed.

[0184] On the other hand, the management system 1 of the present embodiment may further include a third calculation unit 22", a third display unit 24", and a third input unit 25" of the eighth embodiment. As a result, for example, it becomes possible to adopt the running cost 37 instead of the above-described predetermined physical quantity. During the execution of the automatic driving, the image display by the image display unit 24 and the display by the third display unit 24" may or may not be performed.

[0185] According to the present embodiment, similar to the first to ninth embodiments, it is possible to appropriately display the state of the fluid in the plant 2 on a graph and to enable the driver 3 to operate the plant 2 to realize a suitable operation of the plant 2. Further, by appropriately switching between the manual driving mode and the automatic driving mode, it becomes possible to realize an operation in which the driver 3 does not need to continue driving at any time and can take a break. Further, since the control unit 28 has a learning function, it becomes possible to automatically generate rules for the automatic driving mode, and an automatic driving close to the judgment of the driver 3 becomes possible.

[0186] As described above, several embodiments have been described, but these embodiments are presented only as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The novel systems, methods, and programs described in this specification can be implemented in various other forms. Further, various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made to the forms of the systems, methods, and programs described in this specification without departing from the gist of the invention. The appended claims and equivalents thereof are intended to include such forms and modifications included in the scope and gist of the invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0187] 1: Plant operation management system, 2: Plant, 3: Driver, 3a: Visual, 3b: Operation, 11: Input device, 12: Communication device, 13: Display device, 14: Arithmetic device, 14a: Storage unit, 14b: Calculation unit, 14c: Output unit, 21: Data acquisition unit, 22: Calculation unit, 22’: Second calculation unit, 22”: Third calculation unit, 23: Image data generation unit, 24: Image display unit, 24’: Second display unit, 24”: Third display unit, 25: Driver input unit, 25’: Second input unit, 25”: Third input unit, 26: Switching unit, 27: Control unit, 28: Control unit, 31: First data, 32: Second data, 33: Image data, 34: Instruction signal, 34’: Second instruction signal, 34”: Third instruction signal, 35: Energy utilization efficiency, 36: Fuel calorific value, 37: Running cost, 38: Basic cost, 39: Switching instruction, 41: Boiler, 42: Gas engine, 43: Exhaust heat recovery boiler, 44: Extended heat pump, 44a: Primary heat exchanger, 44b: Refrigerant compressor, 44c: Expansion valve, 44d: Secondary heat exchanger, 44e: Steam compressor, 45: Refrigerator (electric), 46: Absorption refrigerator (steam heat source absorption type), 47: Absorption refrigerator (hot water heat source absorption type), 48: Renewable energy generator, 51: Display screen, 52: Display window, 53: Graph display area, 54: Check box, 55: Display button, 56: Setting button, 57: Efficiency display column, 58: Calorific value input column, 59: Cost display column, 60: Cost input column, 61: Thermal composite diagram, 62: Extended diagram, 63: Extended diagram, 64: Extended diagram, 65: Extended diagram, 66: Extended diagram, 67: Extended diagram

Claims

1. A data acquisition unit that acquires first data, which is a process physical quantity measured by one or more measuring instruments in a plant; A calculation unit that calculates second data, which is a physical quantity related to the thermal characteristics of one or more devices in the plant, based on the first data; An image data generation unit that generates image data including a graph based on at least one of the first and second data; An image display unit that displays the image data on a screen; A driver input unit that receives an operation instruction input by a driver as an operation of the plant, and comprising: The one or more devices include a first device that receives heat and a second device that transfers heat; The plant has a function as a heat supply source that supplies heat to a heat demand destination; The graph is: A first quadrant that takes heat quantity on the first axis and temperature on the second axis, and displays the relationship between the heat quantity transferred or received by a fluid or solid at the heat demand destination and the temperature of the fluid or solid at the heat demand destination; A second quadrant that takes heat quantity on the first axis and temperature on the second axis, and displays the relationship between the heat quantity transferred or received by a fluid at the heat supply source and the temperature of the fluid at the heat supply source, and including; A plant operation management system characterized by the above.

2. The one or more devices further include a third device that generates electricity using fuel or a heat source; The plant further has a function as a power supply source that supplies power to a power demand; The graph further includes a third quadrant that takes heat quantity on the first axis and power on the second axis, and displays the relationship between the heat quantity supplied by the heat supply source and the power supplied by the power supply source; The plant operation management system according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

3. The graph further includes a fourth quadrant that takes heat quantity on the first axis and power on the second axis, and displays the relationship between the heat quantity consumed by the heat demand destination and the power consumed by the power demand destination; The plant operation management system according to claim 2, characterized by the above.

4. The plant operation management system according to claim 1, characterized in that the graph displays the characteristics of the first and second devices at least within the second quadrant.

5. The plant operation management system according to claim 2, characterized in that the graph displays the characteristics of the third device at least within the third quadrant.

6. The plant further includes a fourth device that transfers or generates heat using electricity. The plant operation management system according to claim 2, wherein the graph displays the characteristics of the fourth device at least in the second or third quadrant.

7. The plant further includes an absorption chiller, The plant operation management system according to claim 3, wherein the graph displays the characteristics of the absorption chiller at least in the fourth quadrant.

8. The one or more devices further include a fifth device that generates electricity without using fuel and a heat source, The plant operation management system according to claim 2, wherein the graph displays the characteristics of the fifth device at least in the third quadrant.

9. A second calculation unit that calculates the energy utilization efficiency of the plant, which is defined by the ratio of the energy utilized by the plant and the consumer to the total of the energy of the fuel used in the plant and the energy of the electricity received from outside the plant; A second display unit that displays the energy utilization efficiency on the screen; The plant operation management system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising:

10. The plant operation management system according to claim 9, further comprising a second input unit that receives, as a value input by the driver, a value that is used in calculating the energy utilization efficiency and changes the calculated value of the energy utilization efficiency.

11. A third calculation unit that calculates the running cost of the plant, which is defined by the total amount of the purchase price of the fuel used in the plant and the purchase price of the purchased electricity received from outside the plant; A third display unit that displays the running cost on the screen; The plant operation management system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising:

12. The plant operation management system according to claim 11, further comprising a third input unit that receives, as a value input by the driver, a value that is used in calculating the running cost and changes the calculated value of the running cost.

13. The plant operation management system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a switching unit that switches the operation mode of the plant between a manual operation mode in which the operation of the plant is manually operated and an automatic operation mode in which the operation of the plant is automatically operated.

14. When the operation mode of the plant is the manual operation mode, the control unit further includes a function of learning the relationship between the state of the plant and the operation instructions and generating the rules for the automatic operation mode. The plant operation management system according to claim 13, characterized in that.

15. The first data, which is a process physical quantity measured by one or more measuring instruments in the plant, is acquired by the data acquisition unit. Based on the first data, the second data, which is a physical quantity related to the thermal characteristics of one or more devices in the plant, is calculated by the calculation unit. Based on at least one of the first and second data, the image data generation unit generates image data including a graph. The image data is displayed on the screen by the image display unit. The operation instruction input by the operator as the operation of the plant is received by the operator input unit. Comprising The one or more devices include a first device that receives heat and a second device that transfers heat. The plant has a function as a heat source that supplies heat to the heat demand destination. The graph The first axis represents the amount of heat, the second axis represents the temperature, and the first quadrant shows the relationship between the amount of heat transferred or received by the fluid or solid at the heat demand destination and the temperature of the fluid or solid at the heat demand destination. The first axis represents the amount of heat, the second axis represents the temperature, and the second quadrant shows the relationship between the amount of heat transferred or received by the fluid at the heat source and the temperature of the fluid at the heat source. A plant operation management method characterized by the above.

16. The first data, which is a process physical quantity measured by one or more measuring instruments in the plant, is acquired by the data acquisition unit. Based on the first data, the second data, which is a physical quantity related to the thermal characteristics of one or more devices in the plant, is calculated by the calculation unit. Based on at least one of the first and second data, the image data generation unit generates image data including a graph. The image data is displayed on the screen by the image display unit. The operation instruction input by the operator as the operation of the plant is received by the operator input unit. A plant operation management program that causes a computer to execute a plant operation management method comprising the above. The one or more devices include a first device that receives heat and a second device that transfers heat. The plant has a function as a heat source that supplies heat to the heat demand destination. The graph Taking heat quantity on the first axis and temperature on the second axis, a first quadrant for displaying the relationship between the heat quantity transferred or received by a fluid or a solid at the heat demand destination and the temperature of the fluid or the solid at the heat demand destination, Taking heat quantity on the first axis and temperature on the second axis, including a second quadrant for displaying the relationship between the heat quantity transferred or received by a fluid at the heat supply source and the temperature of the fluid at the heat supply source, A plant operation management program characterized by the above.

Images