Operation condition determination device, operation condition determination method, and operation condition determination program

Abstract

To appropriately determine an operation condition by considering a levy imposed according to an environmental load.SOLUTION: The present application relates to an operation condition determination device for determining an operation condition including a plurality of resources to be used for an object manufacturing process. The device acquires candidate resource information including an environmental index associated with a levy to be specified in accordance with a purchase cost and an environmental load about multiple candidate resources that are selectable as the resources, and calculates an actual cost obtained by adding the levy to the purchase cost about each candidate resource on the basis of the candidate resource information. Also, the device calculates the total cost obtained by totaling the actual cost for each combination of the candidate resources, and determines an operation condition by performing comparison on the basis of a determination reference.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an operation condition determination device, an operation condition determination method, and an operation condition determination program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, the introduction of a carbon pricing system has been planned as one of the policies aimed at realizing GX (Green Transformation). Carbon pricing systems mainly include an emissions trading system (GX-ETS) and a fossil fuel surcharge. The former assigns businesses the right to emit a certain amount of carbon dioxide (CO2), and if they exceed that limit, they are offset in the form of an economic burden. The latter is a system in which a surcharge is levied on fossil fuels at the time of import according to the type of fuel (for example, non-patent document 1). [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0003] [Non-Patent Document 1] “Outline of the Bill on Promoting a Smooth Transition to a Carbon-Free Growth Economic Structure [GX Promotion Act],” press release, February 2022, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, https: / / www.meti.go.jp / press / 2022 / 02 / 20230210004 / 20230210004-1.pdf Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The levies currently being introduced as a carbon pricing system target fossil fuels, which have a relatively large environmental impact, as mentioned above. However, in the future, hydrogen and ammonia, or hydrogen compound fuels synthesized from hydrogen and CO2, which have a relatively small environmental impact, may also be included in the levy system, or a new levy system may be established. In this case, businesses operating manufacturing processes to produce desired products such as hydrogen and ammonia, or hydrogen compound fuels synthesized from hydrogen and CO2, are expected to be subject to levies based on the raw materials, electricity, and fuel used in production, as well as the CO2 emissions during operation.

[0005] Under the currently planned levy system, hydrogen and ammonia, or hydrogen compound fuels synthesized from hydrogen and CO2, are distinguished from fossil fuels and are therefore exempt from the levy, so businesses operating production processes can determine the operating conditions of their production processes based on the cost of purchasing raw materials, the operating costs of equipment, and transportation costs without considering the levy. However, if the target products, such as hydrogen and ammonia, or hydrogen compound fuels synthesized from hydrogen and CO2, become subject to the levy as described above, then in order to operate the production process appropriately, it will be necessary to determine the operating conditions taking the levy into consideration.

[0006] At least one embodiment of the present disclosure has been developed in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and aims to provide an operational condition determination device, an operational condition determination method, and an operational condition determination program that can appropriately determine operational conditions taking into account levies imposed based on environmental load. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, an operation condition determination device according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: An operation condition determination device for determining operation conditions including a plurality of resources used in a manufacturing process of an object, comprising: a candidate resource information acquisition unit for acquiring candidate resource information including a purchase cost and an environmental index associated with a levy defined in accordance with an environmental load for each of a plurality of candidate resources that can be selected as the plurality of resources; an actual cost calculation unit for calculating an actual cost obtained by adding the levy to the purchase cost for each of the plurality of candidate resources based on the candidate resource information; a total cost calculation unit for calculating a total cost by adding up the actual costs for each combination of the plurality of candidate resources; an operation condition determination unit for determining the operation conditions by comparing the total cost based on a predetermined determination criterion; Equipped with.

[0008] In order to solve the above problem, an operation condition determination method according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: An operating condition determination method for determining operating conditions including a plurality of resources used in a manufacturing process of an object, comprising: acquiring candidate resource information for each of a plurality of candidate resources that can be selected as the plurality of resources, the candidate resource information including a purchase cost and an environmental index associated with a levy defined in accordance with an environmental load; calculating an actual cost for each of the plurality of candidate resources by adding the levy to the purchase cost based on the candidate resource information; calculating a total cost by adding up the actual costs for each combination of the plurality of candidate resources; determining the operating conditions by comparing the total cost based on predetermined decision criteria; Equipped with.

[0009] In order to solve the above problem, an operation condition determination program according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: 1. An operating condition determination program method for determining operating conditions including a plurality of resources used in a manufacturing process of an object, comprising: To the computer device, acquiring candidate resource information for each of a plurality of candidate resources that can be selected as the plurality of resources, the candidate resource information including a purchase cost and an environmental index associated with a levy defined in accordance with an environmental load; calculating an actual cost for each of the plurality of candidate resources by adding the levy to the purchase cost based on the candidate resource information; calculating a total cost by adding up the actual costs for each combination of the plurality of candidate resources; determining the operating conditions by comparing the total cost based on predetermined decision criteria; is possible. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an operation condition determination device, an operation condition determination method, and an operation condition determination program that can appropriately determine operation conditions taking into account levies imposed according to environmental loads. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a manufacturing process. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a levy imposed on an environmental indicator. [Figure 3] 1 is a configuration diagram of an operation condition determination device according to an embodiment; [Figure 4] 4 is an example of candidate resource information acquired by the candidate resource information acquisition unit of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] 4 is a graph showing the relationship between the purchase cost and the environmental index in FIG. 3. [Figure 6] 1 is a flowchart illustrating an operation condition determination method according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] 4 is a flowchart showing a method for selecting a decision criterion by the decision criterion selection unit of FIG. 3. [Figure 8] 8 is a flowchart showing a method for determining an operating condition based on a fourth determination criterion selected in step S208 of FIG. 7. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, several embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the configurations described as the embodiments or shown in the drawings are merely illustrative examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0013] First, a manufacturing process Pm to which an operating condition determined by an operating condition determination device 100 according to at least one embodiment of the present invention is applied will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the manufacturing process Pm.

[0014] The production process Pm is a series of processes by which a manufacturer produces the target 2 using a plurality of resources 5. The target 2 can include any object that can be produced using the synthesis plant 4, but in this embodiment, as an example, a synthetic fuel such as a hydrogen compound fuel made from hydrogen such as methane and CO2 is used.

[0015] In the manufacturing process Pm, the target 2 is manufactured using a plurality of resources 5. This manufacturing process Pm can include not only the synthesis process Pg by the synthesis plant 4, but also other processes until the target 2 reaches the manufacturer's sales destination. In the example of Fig. 1, the manufacturing process Pm includes a transportation process Pt used when the target 2, which is a synthetic fuel manufactured by the synthesis plant 4, is distributed to sales destinations.

[0016] In the synthesis process Pg of the manufacturing process Pm, resources 5 consumed are materials A and B required to synthesize the target product 2, as well as the electricity and fuel required to operate the synthesis plant 4. In the transport process Pt of the manufacturing process Pm, resources 5 consumed are fuel and electricity used by transport means such as trucks and ships to transport the synthetic fuel produced in the synthesis plant 4 to sales destinations. In this way, the manufacturing process Pm requires multiple resources 5 that are consumed in each process to manufacture the target product 2.

[0017] A system is envisioned in which a levy is imposed on the multiple resources 5 used in such a manufacturing process Pm according to the environmental load, such as carbon dioxide emissions, during the manufacturing of each resource. FIG. 2 shows an example of a levy imposed on an environmental index. In this example, the levy is set to increase as the environmental index increases. This is because the higher the environmental index, the greater the environmental load. Therefore, setting the levy high serves as an incentive for consumers to consume resources 5 with a lower environmental load. In this embodiment, a CI value (Carbon Intensity) is used as an example of an index (environmental index) that quantitatively indicates the environmental load. In this embodiment, the case where carbon dioxide emissions, a type of greenhouse gas whose emissions are regulated, are used as a parameter related to the environmental load used to calculate the environmental index will be mainly described. However, emissions of other greenhouse gases (e.g., hydrocarbon gases such as methane and nitrogen oxides NO) may also be used. In addition, when emissions of greenhouse gases other than carbon dioxide, such as hydrocarbons such as methane and NO, are regulated in addition to directly emitted carbon dioxide, these may be converted into carbon dioxide emissions and added to the CI value.

[0018] Next, an operation condition determination device 100 for determining the operation conditions of the manufacturing process Pm will be described. The operation condition determination device 100 is configured, for example, with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), and a computer-readable storage medium. A series of processes for realizing various functions is stored in a storage medium or the like in the form of a program, for example. The CPU reads the program into the RAM or the like and executes information processing and arithmetic operations to realize various functions. The program may be pre-installed in a ROM or other storage medium, provided in a state stored in a computer-readable storage medium, or distributed via wired or wireless communication means. Examples of computer-readable storage media include magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, and semiconductor memories.

[0019] 3 is a configuration diagram of an operation condition determination device 100 according to an embodiment. The operation condition determination device 100 includes a candidate resource information acquisition unit 102, an actual cost calculation unit 104, a total cost calculation unit 106, an operation condition determination unit 108, and a determination criterion selection unit 110.

[0020] The candidate resource information acquisition unit 102 is configured to acquire candidate resource information 10. The candidate resource information 10 is information on candidate resources that can be selected for each resource 5 used in the manufacturing process Pm, and includes a purchase cost and an environmental index associated with a levy set in response to an environmental load.

[0021] 4 shows an example of candidate resource information 10 acquired by the candidate resource information acquisition unit 102 in FIG. 3. The candidate resource information 10 is created by associating candidate resources selectable for each resource 5 with the supplier, purchase cost, and environmental index of each candidate resource. Such candidate resource information 10 is prepared and stored in a storage device in advance so as to be readable.

[0022] 4, three selectable candidate resources (CO2-1, CO2-2, CO2-3) are shown for material A (CO2), which is resource 5. The suppliers are specified as "Company A," "Company B," and "Company C," with purchase costs of "a," "b," and "c," and environmental indices (CI values) of "CI(A)," "CI(B)," and "CI(C)." Furthermore, three selectable candidate resources (H2-1, H2-2, H2-3) are shown for material B (H2), which is resource 5. The suppliers are specified as "Company D," "Company E," and "Company F," with purchase costs of "d," "e," and "f," and environmental indices (CI values) of "CI(D)," "CI(E)," and "CI(F)." For resource 5, electricity, two selectable candidate resources (P1, P2) are shown, with the suppliers being "Company G" and "Company H," the purchase costs being "g" and "h," and the environmental indices (CI values) being "CI(G)" and "CI(H)," respectively. For resource 5, fuel, two selectable candidate resources (F1, F2) are shown, with the suppliers being "Company I" and "Company J," the purchase costs being "i" and "j," and the environmental indices (CI values) being "CI(I)" and "CI(J)," respectively.

[0023] 3, the actual cost calculation unit 104 is configured to calculate the actual cost for each candidate resource based on the candidate resource information 10. Specifically, the actual cost of each candidate resource is calculated by adding a levy calculated from an environmental index identified based on the candidate resource information 10 to the purchase cost identified based on the candidate resource information 10, using the following formula: Actual cost = purchase cost + levy Formula (1-1) Levy = Environmental indicator × Coefficient Formula (1-2)

[0024] The coefficient is a constant parameter for converting the environmental index into a levy, and is determined based on the relationship between the environmental index and the levy, for example, as described above with reference to FIG.

[0025] Figure 5 is a graph showing the relationship between purchasing costs and environmental indicators. The smaller the environmental indicator, the lower the levy. However, since candidate resources with low environmental indicators have higher production costs, the purchasing costs become higher as the environmental indicator becomes smaller, as shown in Figure 5.

[0026] Returning to Fig. 3, the total cost calculation unit 106 is configured to calculate the total cost for each combination of multiple candidate resources. The manufacturing process Pm is performed using multiple resources 5, and as described above with reference to Fig. 4, each resource 5 has multiple candidate resources, so multiple combinations are possible. The total cost calculation unit 106 calculates the total cost for each such combination by adding up the actual costs corresponding to the corresponding candidate resources.

[0027] The operation condition determination unit 108 is configured to determine the operation conditions by comparing the total costs of each combination based on the determination criteria. The combination to be adopted as the operation condition is determined based on the determination criteria selected by the determination criteria selection unit 110. By creating an operation plan for the manufacturing process Pm based on the operation conditions determined in this way, the manufacturer can carry out their business while taking into account the levy imposed according to the environmental load.

[0028] The decision criterion selection unit 110 is configured to select a decision criterion for determining which combination to adopt as an operation condition in the operation condition determination unit 108. The decision criterion selection unit 110 can select the decision criterion from first to fourth decision criteria, which will be described later.

[0029] Next, a description will be given of an operation condition determination method implemented by the operation condition determination device 100 having the above configuration. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation condition determination method according to an embodiment.

[0030] First, the candidate resource information acquiring unit 102 acquires the candidate resource information 10 (step S100). As described above with reference to FIG. 4, the candidate resource information 10 is acquired by the candidate resource information acquiring unit 102 by being prepared in advance as information on candidate resources corresponding to each resource 5 used in the manufacturing process Pm.

[0031] Next, the actual cost calculation unit 104 calculates the actual cost of each candidate resource based on the candidate resource information 10 acquired in step S100 (step S101). Specifically, as described above with reference to formulas (1-1) and (1-2), for each candidate resource registered in the candidate resource information 10, the actual cost is calculated by adding the levy calculated from the environmental index identified based on the candidate resource information 10 to the purchase cost identified from the candidate resource information 10.

[0032] Next, the total cost calculation unit 106 calculates the total cost for each combination of candidate resources (step S102). The combination of candidate resources is identified based on the candidate resource information 10 acquired in step S100, and the total cost is calculated by adding the actual costs calculated for each combination in step S101.

[0033] Next, the decision criterion selection unit 110 selects a decision criterion (step S103). The decision criterion can be selected from a plurality of operation conditions prepared in advance as candidates, and is selected taking into consideration each standard value and profitability required for the operation conditions to be determined. A specific method for selecting the decision criterion will be described later with reference to FIG. 7.

[0034] Next, the operation condition determination unit 108 determines the operation conditions by comparing the total cost calculated in step S102 with the determination criteria selected in step S103 (step S104). The operation conditions determined in step S104 are output in a predetermined format and used in the manufacturer's operation plan for the manufacturing process (step S105).

[0035] Next, a description will be given of a method for selecting a decision criterion by the decision criterion selection unit 110. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing a method for selecting a decision criterion by the decision criterion selection unit 110 of Fig. 3.

[0036] First, the decision criteria selection unit 110 determines whether or not there is a first reference value R1 as a criterion required when determining the operating conditions (step S200). The first reference value R1 is a reference value for the total value of the environmental indices of the candidate resources included in each combination (hereinafter referred to as the "environmental index total value Ig" as appropriate). In particular, the first reference value R1 is a reference value set as the minimum standard required when determining the operating conditions, and is a value that must be strictly adhered to, for example, in accordance with an agreement with a buyer of the target 2. For example, in a combination including candidate resources "CO2-1" for material A, candidate resource "H2-1" for material B, candidate resource "P1" for electricity, and candidate resource "F1" for fuel as candidate resources, the environmental index total value Ig can be calculated by the following formula, referring to FIG. 4, as the sum of the environmental indices corresponding to each candidate resource: Ig=CI(A)+CI(D)+CI(G)+CI(I) (2)

[0037] If the first reference value R1 is not set (step S200: NO), the decision criterion selection unit 110 selects the first decision criterion as the decision criterion (step S201). The first decision criterion is specified so that the combination with the smallest total cost among the combinations is determined as the operation condition. In this case, since there are no restrictions due to the agreement with the buyer of the object 2, by setting the combination with the smallest total cost as the operation condition, it is possible to determine the operation condition that provides the best cost benefit for the manufacturer, taking into account the levy.

[0038] On the other hand, if a first reference value R1 is set (step S200: YES), the decision criterion selection unit 100 determines whether the environmental index total value Ig corresponding to the combination determined based on the first decision criterion (i.e., the combination with the smallest total cost) is greater than the first reference value R1 (step S202).

[0039] If the environmental index total value Ig corresponding to the combination determined based on the first determination criterion is determined to be greater than the first reference value R1 (step S202: YES), the determination criterion selection unit 110 determines whether a second reference value R2 is present as a criterion required for determining the operating conditions (step S203). The second reference value R2 is a reference value for the environmental index total value Ig, similar to the first reference value R1 described above, but is set lower than the first reference value R1. For example, while the first reference value R1 described above is a criterion that must be strictly adhered to based on an agreement with a customer, the second reference value R2 is a more ambitious criterion that allows the manufacturer to enjoy additional benefits (premiums) if the criterion is met. For example, the second reference value R2 is a criterion that guarantees a higher-grade product, i.e., a higher environmental quality product, by satisfying the first reference value R1, in addition to meeting the minimum environmental standards required by the customer. If such a second reference value R2 is satisfied, a premium according to the grade can be added to the selling price of the object 2 in addition to the actual cost and levy.

[0040] If the second reference value R2 is not set (step S203: NO), the determination criterion selection unit 110 selects the second determination criterion as the determination criterion (step S204). The second determination criterion is specified to determine the combination that minimizes the total cost as the operating condition within the range where the environmental index total value Ig is equal to or less than the first reference value R1. For example, if the operating condition (environmental index total value Ig = 130, production volume 100 kg) obtained as the combination that minimizes the total cost under the first determination criterion does not satisfy the first reference value R1 (Ig = 120), the second determination criterion determines the operating condition (environmental index total value Ig = 120, production volume 100 kg) as the combination that minimizes the total cost within the range that satisfies the first reference value R1. In this way, although the second determination criterion results in a higher total cost than the first determination criterion, it is possible to determine the operating condition that provides the best cost benefit to the manufacturer, taking into account the levy, within the range where the environmental index total value Ig satisfies the first reference value R1.

[0041] In step S204, the search for a combination that satisfies the second decision criterion may be performed based on the combination that satisfies the first decision criterion. In this case, the search may be performed by changing the candidate resources included in the combination determined based on the first decision criterion in order of decreasing change in actual cost per unit environmental index (= actual cost / environmental index). In other words, the search is performed by repeatedly changing the candidate resources included in the combination determined based on the first decision criterion to those with the smallest change in actual cost per unit environmental index until the total environmental index value Ig corresponding to the combination becomes equal to or less than the first reference value R1.

[0042] On the other hand, if the second reference value R2 has been set (step S203: YES), the decision criterion selection unit 100 determines whether the cost of adjusting the combination determined based on the second decision criterion (i.e., the combination with the smallest total cost within the range where the environmental index total value Ig is equal to or less than the first reference value R1) so as to satisfy the third decision criterion that defines the second reference value R2 is greater than the premium obtained by the adjustment (step S205). For example, to explain this in more detail using the above-mentioned numerical example, in step S205, the cost of adjusting the operating conditions determined based on the second decision criterion (environmental index total value Ig = 120, production volume 100 kg) to operating conditions (environmental index total value Ig = 90, production volume 100 kg) that satisfy the second reference value R2 (Ig = 90) is compared with the premium obtained by the adjustment.

[0043] In step S205, the search for a combination that satisfies the third decision criterion may be performed based on the combination that satisfies the second decision criterion. In this case, the search may be performed by changing the candidate resources included in the combination determined based on the second decision criterion in order of the amount of change in actual cost per unit environmental index (= actual cost / environmental index). In other words, the search is performed by repeatedly changing the candidate resources included in the combination determined based on the second decision criterion to the candidate resources with the smallest amount of change in actual cost per unit environmental index until the total environmental index value Ig corresponding to the combination becomes equal to or less than the second reference value R2.

[0044] In step S205, the cost of adjusting the product to satisfy the third decision criterion is compared with the premium obtained by satisfying the third decision criterion. If the adjustment cost is determined to be greater than the premium (step S205: YES), the decision criterion selection unit 110 selects the second decision criterion (step S204). This prevents unnecessary adjustments that are not worthwhile because the adjustment cost to satisfy the third decision criterion exceeds the premium. On the other hand, if the adjustment cost is determined to be less than the premium (step S205: NO), the decision criterion selection unit 110 selects the third decision criterion (step S206). In this case, satisfying the third decision criterion is expected to result in a premium that exceeds the adjustment cost. Therefore, selecting the third decision criterion as the decision criterion improves the economic benefits of the manufacturer.

[0045] On the other hand, if it is determined that the environmental index total value Ig corresponding to the combination determined based on the first decision criterion is equal to or less than the first reference value R1 (step S202: NO), the decision criterion selection unit 110 determines whether or not the second reference value R2 exists as a criterion required for determining the operating conditions, as in step S203 described above (step S207). As a result, if it is determined that the second reference value R2 does not exist (step S207: NO), the decision criterion selection unit 110 selects the first decision criterion as the decision criterion (step S201). In this case, the combination with the lowest total cost is also the best combination that satisfies the first reference value R1, and there is no expectation of a premium for satisfying the second reference value R2. Therefore, the operating conditions selected based on the first decision criterion are determined as the final operating conditions. On the other hand, if it is determined that the second reference value R2 exists (step S207: YES), the decision criterion selection unit 110 selects the fourth decision criterion as the decision criterion (step S208).

[0046] Here, a method for determining the operating conditions based on the fourth determination criterion selected in step S208 of Fig. 7 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing a method for determining the operating conditions based on the fourth determination criterion selected in step S208 of Fig. 7.

[0047] First, the operation condition determination unit 108 determines whether or not the operation conditions can be allocated (step S301). The determination of whether or not the operation conditions can be allocated is made based on, for example, the required specifications from the buyer of the object 2.

[0048] If allocation of the operating conditions is possible (step S301: YES), the operating condition determination unit 108 creates a first allocation condition based on the operating conditions determined based on the first determination criterion (step S302). The first allocation condition is created by virtually allocating the operating criteria determined based on the first determination criterion into a first operating condition and a second operating condition. The first operating condition is defined as an operating condition having an environmental indicator total value Ig1 equal to the first reference value R1, and the second operating condition is defined as an operating condition having an environmental indicator total value Ig2 equal to the second reference value R2. In other words, the operating condition determined based on the first determination criterion and the first and second operating conditions belonging to the first allocation condition created based on the operating condition are expressed as follows: Operating conditions (operating conditions determined based on the first decision criterion): total environmental index value Ig (R1>Ig>R2), production volume Q First operating condition: Total environmental index value Ig1 (= R1), production volume x Second operating condition: Total environmental index value Ig2 (= R2), production volume (Qx) In this case, the following equation holds between the operating condition determined based on the first determination criterion and the first and second operating conditions belonging to the first allocation condition. Ig×Q=Ig1×x+Ig2×(Qx) By solving this equation for x, the production quantities x and (Qx) under the first and second operating conditions can be uniquely determined (for example, if Ig=100, Q=100 [kg], Ig1=120, Ig2=90, and Q1=x, then x=34 [kg], so the production quantity under the first operating condition is 34 [kg] and the production quantity under the second operating condition is 66 [kg]).

[0049] Next, the operating condition determination unit 108 creates second allocation conditions (step S303). The second allocation conditions are created by increasing the production volume Q2 of the second operating conditions in the first allocation conditions created in step S302. While the above-mentioned first allocation conditions were created by virtually allocating the operating conditions determined based on the first determination criterion, this second allocation condition is created by virtually allocating operating conditions that are modified from the operating conditions determined based on the first determination criterion. Here, if the increase in the production volume of the second operating condition relative to the above-mentioned first allocation condition is Δx, the first operating condition and the second operating condition belonging to the second allocation condition are expressed as follows: First operating condition: Total environmental index value Ig1, production volume (x-Δx) Second operating condition: Total environmental index value Ig2, production volume (100-x+Δx) In the above specific example, if the production volume under the second operating condition is increased from 66 [kg] to 90 [kg] because Δx is 24 [kg], the production volume under the first operating condition will decrease from 34 [kg] to 10 [kg].

[0050] Furthermore, the increase in production volume Δx under the second operating conditions relative to the first operating conditions described above under the second allocation conditions may be searched for based on the operating conditions determined based on the first determination criterion, so as to minimize cost increases while lowering the total environmental index value.

[0051] Next, the investment condition determination unit 108 determines whether the cost of adjusting the first allocation condition created in step S302 to the second allocation condition created in step S303 is greater than the increase in the premium (step S304). If the adjustment cost is greater than the increase in the premium (step S304: YES), the investment condition corresponding to the first allocation condition (the investment condition determined based on the first determination criterion, which is the basis for virtually allocating to the first and second operating conditions of the first allocation condition) is adopted (step S305). In other words, the proportion of the second operating condition that is subject to the premium is increased in the second allocation condition compared to the first allocation condition, but if the cost incurred by the adjustment is greater than the premium incurred by the adjustment, the adjustment is not worthwhile, and the investment condition corresponding to the first allocation condition is adopted.

[0052] On the other hand, if the adjusted cost is equal to or less than the increase in the premium (step S304: NO), the operating conditions corresponding to the second allocation conditions (i.e., operating conditions that are searched for so as to minimize the increase in cost and lower the total environmental index value, starting from the operating conditions determined based on the first determination criteria) are adopted (step S306). In other words, the proportion of the second operating conditions that are subject to the premium is increased in the second allocation conditions compared to the first allocation conditions, but if the premium resulting from the adjustment is greater than the cost resulting from the adjustment, the operating conditions corresponding to the second allocation conditions are adopted to prioritize the economic benefit of the increase in the premium.

[0053] If allocation of the operating conditions is not possible (step S301: NO), the operating condition determination unit 108 creates operating conditions that satisfy the second reference value R2 based on the operating conditions determined based on the first determination criterion (step S307). In step S307, operating conditions are created in which the environmental index total value Ig of the operating conditions determined based on the first determination criterion is changed to the second reference value R2. To explain using the specific example described above, if the operating conditions determined based on the first determination criterion have an environmental index total value Ig of 100 and a production volume of 100 kg, operating conditions are created in which the environmental index total value Ig is changed to 90, which is the second reference value R2.

[0054] The operation condition determination unit 108 then determines whether the cost of adjusting the operation conditions determined based on the first determination criterion to the changed operation conditions created in step S307 is greater than the increase in premium due to the adjustment (step S308). If the adjustment cost is greater than the increase in premium (step S308: YES), the operation conditions before the adjustment (i.e., the operation conditions determined based on the first determination criterion) are adopted as the operation conditions (step S309). In other words, the changed allocation conditions created in step S307 have an increased premium compared to the operation conditions determined based on the first determination criterion, but the cost incurred by the adjustment is greater than the increase in premium, so the adjustment is deemed unprofitable and the operation conditions determined based on the first determination criterion are adopted. On the other hand, if the adjustment cost is less than or equal to the increase in premium (step S308: NO), the changed operation conditions created in step S307 are adopted as the operation conditions (step S310).

[0055] As described above, according to each of the above embodiments, each resource 5 used in the manufacturing process Pm of the target 2 can be selected from a plurality of candidate resources. The candidate resource information 10 is information that includes, for each of these candidate resources, the purchase cost and an environmental index associated with a levy defined in accordance with the environmental load. The present device calculates the actual cost for each candidate resource, which is the purchase cost plus the levy, based on the candidate resource information 10, and calculates the total cost for each combination of candidate resources that can be selected as an operating condition. The total costs calculated for each combination are compared based on the determination criteria, thereby determining the operating conditions.

[0056] In the above embodiment, a determination is made in step S301 as to whether or not the operating conditions can be allocated, and subsequent processing is carried out based on the determination result. However, the determination processing in step S301 may be omitted and step S307 may be carried out to directly change the operating conditions.

[0057] In addition, within the scope of the present disclosure, the components in the above-described embodiments may be replaced with well-known components as appropriate, and the above-described embodiments may be combined as appropriate.

[0058] The contents described in each of the above embodiments can be understood, for example, as follows.

[0059] (1) An operation condition determination device according to one aspect, An operation condition determination device for determining operation conditions including a plurality of resources used in a manufacturing process of an object, comprising: a candidate resource information acquisition unit for acquiring candidate resource information including a purchase cost and an environmental index associated with a levy defined in accordance with an environmental load for each of a plurality of candidate resources that can be selected as the plurality of resources; an actual cost calculation unit for calculating an actual cost obtained by adding the levy to the purchase cost for each of the plurality of candidate resources based on the candidate resource information; a total cost calculation unit for calculating a total cost by adding up the actual costs for each combination of the plurality of candidate resources; an operation condition determination unit for determining the operation conditions by comparing the total cost based on a predetermined determination criterion; Equipped with.

[0060] According to the above aspect (1), each resource used in the manufacturing process of the target product can be selected from a plurality of candidate resources. The candidate resource information includes, for each of these candidate resources, the purchase cost and an environmental index associated with a levy defined in accordance with the environmental load. The device calculates the actual cost for each candidate resource, which is the purchase cost plus the levy, based on the candidate resource information, and calculates the total cost for each combination of candidate resources that can be selected as an operating condition. The total costs calculated for each combination are compared based on the determination criteria, thereby determining the operating conditions.

[0061] (2) In another embodiment, in the above embodiment (1), The operation condition determination unit determines the operation conditions using, as the determination criterion, a first determination criterion that is defined so as to minimize the total cost.

[0062] According to the above aspect (2), the operation conditions are determined using the first determination criterion that is defined so as to minimize the total cost corresponding to the combination of candidate resources. This minimizes the cost taking into account the levy, thereby making it possible to optimally determine the operation conditions that maximize the cost merit.

[0063] (3) In another embodiment, in the above embodiment (2), The operational condition determination unit determines the operational conditions using a second determination criterion as the determination criterion, which is defined so that the total cost is minimized within a range in which the total value of the environmental index corresponding to the candidate resources included in the combination is less than or equal to a predetermined first reference value.

[0064] According to the above aspect (3), the operating conditions are determined using the second determination criterion, which is defined so as to minimize the total cost within a range in which the total value of the environmental indicators corresponding to the combination of candidate resources is equal to or less than the first reference value. This makes it possible to suitably determine the operating conditions that maximize the cost benefit, taking into account the levy, within a range that satisfies the required criterion for the total value of the environmental indicators.

[0065] (4) In another embodiment, in the above embodiment (3), The operating condition determination unit determines the operating conditions using a third determination criterion as the determination criterion, which is defined so that the total cost is minimized within a range in which the total value is equal to or less than a second reference value that is smaller than the first reference value.

[0066] According to the above aspect (4), the operating conditions are determined using the second determination criterion, which is defined so as to minimize the total cost within a range in which the total value of the environmental indicators is equal to or less than a second reference value that is smaller than the first reference value. This makes it possible to suitably determine operating conditions that maximize the cost benefit, taking into account levies, within a range that satisfies, for example, grade standards that are stricter than the environmental standards.

[0067] (5) In another embodiment, in any one of the above (1) to (4), The operation condition determination unit searches for the operation conditions that satisfy the determination criteria by changing the candidate resources included in the combination that minimizes the total cost in order of increasing cost per unit amount of the environmental index.

[0068] According to the above aspect (5), by changing the candidate resources included in the combination that minimizes the total cost in order of decreasing cost per unit amount of the environmental index, it is possible to efficiently search for and determine the operating conditions that maximize the cost benefit within the range that satisfies the decision criteria.

[0069] (6) In another embodiment, in the above embodiment (4), The operation condition determination unit determines the operation conditions by comparing an adjustment cost resulting from the change of the candidate resource with a premium obtained by the change of the candidate resource.

[0070] According to the above aspect (6), when changing the candidate resources included in the operating conditions, by comparing the adjustment cost resulting from the change with the premium obtained by the change, it is possible to avoid selecting operating conditions in which the adjustment cost is excessive compared to the premium (i.e., not cost-effective), and to determine operating conditions that can suitably improve cost benefits.

[0071] (7) In another embodiment, in any one of the above (1) to (6), The system further comprises a decision criterion selection unit for selecting the decision criterion based on a criterion value relating to the total value of the environmental index corresponding to the candidate resources included in the combination.

[0072] According to the above aspect (7), by selecting the decision criteria based on the reference value related to the total value of the environmental index, it is possible to decide the operating conditions according to the constraints imposed on the manufacturing process.

[0073] (8) In another embodiment, in the above embodiment (4), The operation condition determination unit If the total value satisfies the first reference value but does not satisfy the second reference value, a first allocation condition is created for allocating the operating conditions determined using the first determination criterion to a first operating condition under which the total value becomes the first reference value and a second operating condition under which the total value becomes the second reference value, and a second allocation condition is created by adjusting the first allocation condition so that the production volume of the second operating condition increases; If the cost of adjusting the first allocation condition to the second allocation condition is greater than the premium increase, the first allocation condition is adopted as the operating condition corresponding to the first allocation condition.

[0074] According to the above aspect (8), if the total value of the environmental indicators corresponding to the operating conditions determined using the first determination criterion satisfies the first reference value but does not satisfy the second reference value, first allocation conditions are created in which the operating conditions are virtually allocated to the first and second operating conditions, and second allocation conditions are created by adjusting the first allocation conditions. Then, the cost and the premium increase associated with the adjustment from the first allocation conditions to the second allocation conditions are compared, and if the cost is greater than the premium increase and the adjustment is not worthwhile, the operating conditions corresponding to the first allocation conditions are adopted.

[0075] (9) In another embodiment, in the above embodiment (8), The operation condition determination unit adopts the first allocation condition as the operation condition corresponding to the second allocation condition when the cost is equal to or less than the premium increase.

[0076] According to the above aspect (9), the cost associated with the adjustment from the first allocation condition to the second allocation condition is compared with the premium increase, and if the cost is less than or equal to the premium increase and the premium increase resulting from the adjustment is greater, the operating conditions corresponding to the second allocation condition are adopted.

[0077] (10) In another embodiment, in the above embodiment (4), If the total value satisfies the first reference value but does not satisfy the second reference value, the operating condition determination unit adopts the adjusted operating conditions if the cost incurred in adjusting the total value of the operating conditions determined using the first determination criterion to be less than or equal to the second reference value is less than or equal to the increase in premium.

[0078] According to the above aspect (10), if the total value of the environmental indicators corresponding to the operating conditions determined using the first determination criterion satisfies the first reference value but does not satisfy the second reference value, the cost and the premium increase when the total value of the operating conditions is adjusted so that it is equal to or less than the second reference value are compared, and if the cost is equal to or less than the premium increase and therefore the premium increase due to the adjustment is greater, the adjusted operating conditions are adopted.

[0079] (11) In another embodiment, in any one of the above (1) to (10), The resource is a raw material for the target product or an energy resource consumed in a facility that handles the target product.

[0080] According to the above aspect (11), by treating raw materials used to produce a target product in a manufacturing process or energy resources consumed in facilities that handle the target product as resources, the operating conditions of the manufacturing process can be suitably determined so as to improve cost benefits.

[0081] (12) In another embodiment, in any one of the above (1) to (11), The environmental load is evaluated based on the amount of CO2 emitted during the production or acquisition of the candidate resource.

[0082] According to the above aspect (12), the operating conditions of the manufacturing process can be suitably determined in consideration of the levy set in response to the environmental load in terms of CO2 emissions.

[0083] (13) In another embodiment, in any one of the above (1) to (12), The environmental index is a CI (Carbon Intensity) value.

[0084] According to the above aspect (13), the operating conditions defined by the resource that handles the CI value as the environmental index can be appropriately determined in consideration of the levy.

[0085] (14) In another embodiment, in any one of the above (1) to (13), The manufacturing process includes a process of synthesizing hydrogen compound fuel from hydrogen and ammonia, or hydrogen and CO2, as the target product, using a synthesis plant.

[0086] According to the above aspect (14), in a manufacturing process including a synthesis plant for synthesizing hydrogen compound fuel (especially a low-carbon fuel with lower carbon emissions than general fossil fuels, such as synthetic methane) from hydrogen, ammonia, and CO2 as the target product, the operating conditions can be appropriately determined taking into account the levy imposed according to the environmental load.

[0087] (15) An operating condition determination method according to one aspect includes: An operating condition determination method for determining operating conditions including a plurality of resources used in a manufacturing process of an object, comprising: acquiring candidate resource information for each of a plurality of candidate resources that can be selected as the plurality of resources, the candidate resource information including a purchase cost and an environmental index associated with a levy defined in accordance with an environmental load; calculating an actual cost for each of the plurality of candidate resources by adding the levy to the purchase cost based on the candidate resource information; calculating a total cost by adding up the actual costs for each combination of the plurality of candidate resources; determining the operating conditions by comparing the total cost based on predetermined decision criteria; Equipped with.

[0088] According to the above aspect (15), each resource used in the manufacturing process of the target product can be selected from a plurality of candidate resources. The candidate resource information includes, for each of these candidate resources, the purchase cost and an environmental index associated with a levy defined in accordance with the environmental load. The device calculates the actual cost for each candidate resource, which is the purchase cost plus the levy, based on the candidate resource information, and calculates the total cost for each combination of candidate resources that can be selected as an operating condition. The total costs calculated for each combination are compared based on the determination criteria, thereby determining the operating conditions.

[0089] (16) An operating condition program according to one aspect includes: 1. An operating condition determination program method for determining operating conditions including a plurality of resources used in a manufacturing process of an object, comprising: To the computer device, acquiring candidate resource information for each of a plurality of candidate resources that can be selected as the plurality of resources, the candidate resource information including a purchase cost and an environmental index associated with a levy defined in accordance with an environmental load; calculating an actual cost for each of the plurality of candidate resources by adding the levy to the purchase cost based on the candidate resource information; calculating a total cost by adding up the actual costs for each combination of the plurality of candidate resources; determining the operating conditions by comparing the total cost based on predetermined decision criteria; is possible.

[0090] According to the above aspect (16), each resource used in the manufacturing process of the target product can be selected from a plurality of candidate resources. The candidate resource information includes, for each of these candidate resources, the purchase cost and an environmental index associated with a levy defined in accordance with the environmental load. The device calculates the actual cost for each candidate resource, which is the purchase cost plus the levy, based on the candidate resource information, and calculates the total cost for each combination of candidate resources that can be selected as an operating condition. The total costs calculated for each combination are compared based on the determination criteria, thereby determining the operating conditions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 2 Objective 4. Synthesis Plant 5 Resources 100 Operation condition determination device 102 Candidate resource information acquisition unit 104 Actual Cost Calculation Section 106 Total Cost Calculation Unit 108 Operation condition determination section 110 Decision Criteria Selection Unit Pm manufacturing process Pg synthesis process Pt transport process

Claims

1. An operation condition determination device for determining operation conditions including a plurality of resources used in a manufacturing process of an object, comprising: a candidate resource information acquisition unit for acquiring candidate resource information including a purchase cost and an environmental index associated with a levy defined in accordance with an environmental load for each of a plurality of candidate resources that can be selected as the plurality of resources; an actual cost calculation unit for calculating an actual cost obtained by adding the levy to the purchase cost for each of the plurality of candidate resources based on the candidate resource information; a total cost calculation unit for calculating a total cost by adding up the actual costs for each combination of the plurality of candidate resources; an operation condition determination unit for determining the operation conditions by comparing the total cost based on a predetermined determination criterion; An operation condition determination device comprising:

2. The operation condition determination device according to claim 1 , wherein the operation condition determination unit determines the operation conditions using, as the determination criterion, a first determination criterion that is defined so as to minimize the total cost.

3. The operational condition determination device described in claim 2, wherein the operational condition determination unit determines the operational conditions using a second determination criterion as the determination criterion, which is defined so that the total cost is minimized within a range in which the total value of the environmental index corresponding to the candidate resources included in the combination is less than or equal to a predetermined first reference value.

4. The operational condition determination device of claim 3, wherein the operational condition determination unit determines the operational conditions using a third determination criterion as the determination criterion, the third determination criterion being defined so that the total cost is minimized within a range in which the total value is equal to or less than a second reference value that is smaller than the first reference value.

5. 5. The operational condition determination device according to claim 1, wherein the operational condition determination unit searches for the operational conditions that satisfy the determination criteria by rearranging the candidate resources included in the combination that minimizes the total cost in order of decreasing cost per unit amount of the environmental index.

6. 5. The operation condition determination device according to claim 4, wherein the operation condition determination unit determines the operation conditions by comparing an adjustment cost resulting from the change of the candidate resource with a premium obtained by the change of the candidate resource.

7. The operation condition determination device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a decision criterion selection unit for selecting the decision criterion based on a reference value related to a total value of the environmental indicator corresponding to the candidate resources included in the combination.

8. The operation condition determination unit If the total value satisfies the first reference value but does not satisfy the second reference value, a first allocation condition is created for allocating the operating conditions determined using the first determination criterion to a first operating condition under which the total value becomes the first reference value and a second operating condition under which the total value becomes the second reference value, and a second allocation condition is created by adjusting the first allocation condition so that the production volume of the second operating condition increases; 5. The operation condition determination device according to claim 4, wherein if a cost incurred when adjusting the first allocation condition to the second allocation condition is greater than an increase in premium, the second allocation condition is adopted as the operation condition corresponding to the first allocation condition.

9. The operation condition determination device according to claim 8 , wherein the operation condition determination unit adopts the first allocation condition as the operation condition corresponding to the second allocation condition when the cost is equal to or less than the premium increase.

10. 5. The operational condition determination device of claim 4, wherein, when the total value satisfies the first reference value but does not satisfy the second reference value, the operational condition determination unit adopts the adjusted operational conditions if the cost incurred in adjusting the total value of the operational conditions determined using the first determination criterion to be less than or equal to the second reference value is less than or equal to the increase in premium.

11. 3. The operation condition determination device according to claim 1, wherein the resource is a raw material for the target product or an energy resource consumed in a facility that handles the target product.

12. 3. The operation condition determination device according to claim 1, wherein the environmental load is evaluated based on the amount of CO2 emitted in the manufacturing process or acquisition process of the candidate resource.

13. The operation condition determination device according to claim 1 , wherein the environmental index is a CI value.

14. 3. The operating condition determination device according to claim 1, wherein the production process includes a process of synthesizing hydrogen and ammonia, or a hydrogen compound fuel from hydrogen and carbon dioxide, as the target product, by a synthesis plant.

15. An operating condition determination method for determining operating conditions including a plurality of resources used in a manufacturing process of an object, comprising: acquiring candidate resource information for each of a plurality of candidate resources that can be selected as the plurality of resources, the candidate resource information including a purchase cost and an environmental index associated with a levy defined in accordance with an environmental load; calculating an actual cost for each of the plurality of candidate resources by adding the levy to the purchase cost based on the candidate resource information; calculating a total cost by adding up the actual costs for each combination of the plurality of candidate resources; determining the operating conditions by comparing the total cost based on predetermined decision criteria; An operation condition determination method comprising:

16. 1. An operating condition determination program method for determining operating conditions including a plurality of resources used in a manufacturing process of an object, comprising: To the computer device, acquiring candidate resource information for each of a plurality of candidate resources that can be selected as the plurality of resources, the candidate resource information including a purchase cost and an environmental index associated with a levy defined in accordance with an environmental load; calculating an actual cost for each of the plurality of candidate resources by adding the levy to the purchase cost based on the candidate resource information; calculating a total cost by adding up the actual costs for each combination of the plurality of candidate resources; determining the operating conditions by comparing the total cost based on predetermined decision criteria; An operational condition determination program that can execute the above.

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