Composting diagnostic device, composting diagnostic system, composting diagnostic method, and program

Abstract

To provide a composting diagnostic device, a composting diagnostic system, a composting diagnostic method, and a program, capable of determining pass or fail regarding initial fermentation in a compost material.SOLUTION: A diagnostic device 100 comprises: an acquisition unit 151 that acquires a temperature of a compost material periodically; a timer unit 152 that counts based on the acquired temperatures of the compost material a period of time required for the compost material to pass a first temperature range and a period of time required to pass a second temperature range set to be higher in temperature than the first temperature range; and a determination unit 154 that determines that the initial fermentation of the compost material progresses smoothly when the counted required period of time for passing the first temperature range falls in a first monitored time, and the counted required period of time for passing the second temperature range falls in a second monitored time.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a composting diagnostic device, a composting diagnostic system, a composting diagnostic method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Composts made by aerobic microorganisms decomposing compost materials derived from biological waste, such as livestock manure, food waste, and sludge, are widely used. When composting compost materials, if the microorganisms in the compost materials are not activated, the quality of the compost will decline and the composting process will take a long time to complete. However, it is not easy to determine whether the composting process is progressing smoothly. Therefore, methods for determining whether the composting process is progressing smoothly have been developed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system that compares a measured temperature distribution pattern with a reference temperature distribution pattern and determines the cause of an abnormality in fermentation based on the characteristic shapes of the two. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-145775 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] After extensive research, the inventors discovered that the progress of fermentation in the early stages of compost material (initial fermentation) significantly affects the progress of subsequent fermentation. Specifically, if initial fermentation proceeds smoothly within three days of the start of composting, subsequent fermentation will also proceed smoothly, resulting in high-quality compost. However, if initial fermentation is poor, subsequent fermentation will not proceed smoothly, resulting in low-quality compost. The system in Patent Document 1 determines whether the fermentation of the target compost material is satisfactory based on the temperature distribution of compost material that has been tested in advance and has undergone ideal fermentation, and therefore cannot determine whether the initial fermentation of the compost material is satisfactory.

[0005] The present invention has been made based on this background, and aims to provide a composting diagnostic device, a composting diagnostic system, a composting diagnostic method, and a program that are capable of determining whether initial fermentation of compost material is good or bad. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, a composting diagnostic device according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises: an acquisition unit that periodically acquires the temperature of the compost material; a timer that counts the time required for the compost material to pass through a first temperature zone and the time required for the compost material to pass through a second temperature zone that is set higher than the first temperature zone, based on the acquired temperature of the compost material; a determination unit that determines that initial fermentation of the compost material is progressing smoothly when the counted time required to pass through the first temperature zone is equal to or shorter than a first monitoring time and the counted time required to pass through the second temperature zone is equal to or shorter than a second monitoring time; Equipped with.

[0007] The composting diagnostic device further includes a calculation unit that calculates a temperature rise angle of the compost material in the first temperature range and a temperature rise angle of the compost material in the second temperature range based on the counted time required to pass through the first temperature range and the counted time required to pass through the second temperature range, The judgment unit may determine that initial fermentation of the compost material is progressing smoothly when it is determined that the calculated temperature rise angle of the compost material in the first temperature range is equal to or greater than a first set angle and that the calculated temperature rise angle of the compost material in the second temperature range is equal to or greater than a second set angle.

[0008] The first temperature range is a mesophilic zone in which mesophilic bacteria present in the compost material are activated, The second temperature zone may be a high temperature zone in which thermophilic bacteria present in the compost material are activated.

[0009] The upper and lower limits of the first temperature region are both set within a range of 35°C to 50°C, The upper and lower limits of the second temperature range may both be set within a range of 50°C to 65°C.

[0010] The timing unit may count the time required to pass through the first temperature range and the time required to pass through the second temperature range when the acquired temperature of the compost material reaches a target temperature set to be lower than the lower limit value of the first temperature range within a determination time from the start of composting.

[0011] In order to achieve the above object, a composting diagnostic system according to a second aspect of the present invention comprises: a thermometer for measuring the temperature of the compost material; the composting diagnostic device is communicatively connected to the thermometer and periodically acquires the temperature of the compost material measured by the thermometer; Equipped with.

[0012] In order to achieve the above object, a composting diagnostic method according to a third aspect of the present invention comprises: periodically obtaining a temperature of the compost material; Counting the time required for the compost material to pass through a first temperature zone and the time required for the compost material to pass through a second temperature zone set higher than the first temperature zone, based on the acquired temperature of the compost material; determining that initial fermentation of the compost material is proceeding smoothly when the counted time required to pass through the first temperature zone is equal to or shorter than a first monitoring time and the counted time required to pass through the second temperature zone is equal to or shorter than a second monitoring time; Includes:

[0013] In order to achieve the above object, a program according to a fourth aspect of the present invention comprises: Computer, an acquisition means for periodically acquiring the temperature of the compost material; a timing means for counting the time required for the compost material to pass through a first temperature zone and the time required for the compost material to pass through a second temperature zone set higher than the first temperature zone, based on the acquired temperature of the compost material; a determining means for determining that initial fermentation of the compost material is progressing smoothly when the counted time required to pass through the first temperature zone is equal to or shorter than a first monitoring time and the counted time required to pass through the second temperature zone is equal to or shorter than a second monitoring time; Function as. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a composting diagnostic device, a composting diagnostic system, a composting diagnostic method, and a program that are capable of determining whether the initial fermentation of compost material is good or bad. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view showing the configuration of a compost shed according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a graph showing the temperature rise angle of the compost material, with the vertical axis representing the compost material temperature and the horizontal axis representing time. [Figure 3] 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a diagnostic device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] FIG. 1A is a diagram showing an example of a data table of a parameter storage unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an example of a data table of a temperature data storage unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 is a graph showing the relationship between compost material temperature and time. [Figure 6] 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of a diagnostic process according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 is a graph showing the correlation of the average heat release rate in the temperature ranges of 40°C to 45°C and 55°C to 60°C. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] A composting diagnostic device, a composting diagnostic system, a composting diagnostic method, and a program according to embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or equivalent parts are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0017] The composting diagnostic system according to the embodiment is installed in a compost shed and determines whether the initial fermentation of compost material is satisfactory based on the temperature of the compost material. Initial fermentation of compost material occurs, for example, within six days, preferably within three days, after the start of composting. The progress of the initial fermentation at that time significantly influences the smoothness of subsequent fermentation. Based on the quality of the initial fermentation determined by the composting diagnostic system according to the embodiment, the user can determine whether to take manual steps to promote initial fermentation, such as turning the compost material over, aerating it, heating it, or adjusting the moisture content.

[0018] Compost materials include, for example, at least one of livestock manure, food waste, sewage sludge, food sludge, straw, and sawdust, and self-heating occurs due to the activity of aerobic microorganisms. Livestock waste includes, for example, at least one of cow manure, pig manure, chicken manure, and horse manure. Aerobic microorganisms include mesophilic bacteria with an optimum temperature range of around 40°C and thermophilic bacteria with an optimum temperature range of around 60°C. When metabolic heat accumulates in the compost material due to the activity of these bacteria, the temperature of the compost material rises to 70°C or higher. This decomposes organic matter in the compost material and inactivates pathogenic microorganisms and weed seeds, resulting in high-quality compost.

[0019] As shown in Figure 1, a composting diagnostic system 1 according to an embodiment includes a thermometer 2 and a diagnostic device 100. The thermometer 2 and diagnostic device 100 are both installed in a compost shed 3 and are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other via a wired or wireless communication circuit.

[0020] The compost shed 3 is equipped with a fermenter 3a in which compost material is piled up and composted. The fermenter 3a is divided into multiple compartments, and compost material at different stages of fermentation is piled up in each compartment. The fermenter 3a is made of, for example, reinforced concrete and is covered from above with a roof 3b. The roof 3b is supported by multiple pillars 3c installed on the fermenter 3a.

[0021] The compost shed 3 is equipped with, for example, an agitator 4 for turning over the compost material and an aeration device 5 for aerating the compost material. The agitator 4 grasps and lifts the compost material and moves it to another compartment, thereby turning over the compost material and exposing it to air. When turning over, it is advisable to move the piled compost material to other compartments in multiple batches.

[0022] The aeration device 5 is a device for aerating the compost material. The aeration device 5 is installed so as to extend to the floor surface of each compartment of the fermentation tank 3a, and is equipped with a plurality of aeration pipes that release air toward the compost material.

[0023] Thermometer 2 is inserted into the compost material piled up in fermenter 3a to measure the temperature inside the compost material. Thermometer 2 is movably supported, for example, by a robot arm 2a attached to a support 3c of compost shed 3. Robot arm 2a can move thermometer 2 between a position inserted into the compost material and a position removed from the compost material.

[0024] The diagnostic device 100 judges whether the initial fermentation of the target compost material is satisfactory based on temperature data periodically measured by the thermometer 2 and the elapsed time counted from the start of composting. The diagnostic device 100 is equipped with a control panel such as a programmable logic controller (PLC). The diagnostic device 100 executes a process to determine whether the compost material satisfies the following initial fermentation conditions discovered by the inventors:

[0025] After extensive research, the inventors discovered that the average heat release rate in the mesophilic and high temperature ranges can be used to distinguish between early fermentation, where subsequent fermentation proceeds smoothly. The mesophilic range is the temperature range where mesophilic bacteria are active, for example, 40°C to 45°C. The high temperature range is the temperature range where thermophilic bacteria are active, for example, 55°C to 60°C. However, calculating the heat release rate requires the moisture content of the compost material, and measuring the moisture content requires drying the sample, making it difficult to repeatedly perform this measurement at an actual production site. For this reason, they searched for other parameters that can be calculated without using the moisture content of the compost material and that show a similar trend to the average heat release rate. As a result, they found that the temperature rise angle in the mesophilic and high temperature ranges is a suitable parameter.

[0026] The temperature rise angle is the angle between the hypotenuse and the side representing the time Δt when a right triangle is defined using ΔT, the difference between the upper and lower limits of the target temperature range, and the time Δt required for the compost material temperature to pass through that temperature range, as shown in Figure 2. For example, if the lower limit of the temperature range is T1 = 40°C and the upper limit is T2 = 45°C, then ΔT = 5°C, and Δt is the time required for the compost material temperature to rise from 40°C to 45°C. The temperature rise angle θ indicates the rate of temperature rise, so the larger the angle, the shorter the time it takes for the compost material temperature to pass through the temperature range.

[0027] As can be seen from the right triangle shown in Figure 2, the temperature rise angle θ can be expressed as follows using trigonometric functions, with the unit being "°". For example, the unit of temperature T is °C, and the unit of time t is hours. tanθ=ΔT / Δt …(1) By modifying the above equation (1), the following equation (2) is obtained. θ=arctan(ΔT / Δt)×(180 / π) …(2)

[0028] Another problem with composting compost materials is that the temperature of the compost material is slow to rise due to the effects of low outside temperatures. Analysis of data measured during previous composting experiments has revealed that the quality of fermentation is determined by the length of time it takes for the compost material to reach a temperature at which self-heating begins through the action of aerobic microorganisms. Therefore, we decided to use whether the temperature at which self-heating begins is reached as the primary screening test. The temperature at which self-heating begins is, for example, 35°C.

[0029] Considering the above initial fermentation conditions, the diagnostic device 100 according to the embodiment can be configured to perform the following process. First, a primary screening is performed using the time required for the compost material temperature to rise from the temperature at the start of composting (initial temperature) to the temperature at which self-heating begins (target temperature). Next, a process is performed to determine whether the initial fermentation of the compost material is satisfactory or not, using the time required for the compost material temperature to pass through the medium temperature range and the time required for the compost material temperature to pass through the high temperature range.

[0030] Next, a hardware configuration of diagnostic device 100 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Diagnostic device 100 includes an operation unit 110, a display unit 120, a communication unit 130, a storage unit 140, and a control unit 150. The units of diagnostic device 100 are connected to each other via an internal bus (not shown) so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0031] The operation unit 110 receives instructions from the user and supplies an operation signal corresponding to the received operation to the control unit 150. The display unit 120 displays various images to the user operating the diagnostic device 100 based on image data supplied from the control unit 150. The operation unit 110 and the display unit 120 are integrally configured by a touch panel.

[0032] The touch panel displays an operation screen that accepts user operations, and supplies an operation signal corresponding to the position on the operation screen where the user makes a touch operation to the control unit 150. For example, the touch panel accepts user operations to set various parameters, and displays the elapsed time since the start of composting, the real-time compost temperature, and the diagnosis results.

[0033] Communication unit 130 is a communication interface that enables diagnostic device 100 to communicate with external devices. Communication unit 130 communicates with external devices via a communication network such as the Internet or an input / output terminal. The input / output terminal is, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus).

[0034] The storage unit 140 includes, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a flash memory. The storage unit 140 stores programs executed by the control unit 150 and various data, such as the target temperature and the upper and lower limits of the first and second temperature ranges, and also temporarily stores various information and functions as a work memory for the control unit 150 to execute processes.

[0035] The target temperature is a temperature used in primary screening to indicate whether initial heat generation is progressing smoothly, and is set, for example, within the range of 30°C to 40°C, preferably 35°C. The second temperature range is a temperature range higher than the first temperature range. The first temperature range is set, for example, to include a mesophilic zone where mesophilic bacteria are active, and the second temperature range is set, for example, to include a high temperature zone where thermophilic bacteria are active. In the first temperature range, both the upper and lower limits are set within the range of 35°C to 50°C, and in the second temperature range, both the upper and lower limits are preferably set within the range of 50°C to 65°C. As an example, the first temperature range has a lower limit of 40°C and an upper limit of 45°C, and the second temperature range has a lower limit of 55°C and an upper limit of 60°C.

[0036] The storage unit 140 includes a parameter storage unit 141 and a temperature data storage unit 142. As shown in FIG. 4(a), the parameter storage unit 141 stores various parameters used in the diagnostic process by the diagnostic device 100. The parameters are, for example, a judgment time, a monitoring time, a first set angle, and a second set angle. The judgment time is a parameter used in primary screening, and is, for example, 72 hours from the start of composting. The monitoring time, the first set angle, and the second set angle are parameters used in judgment using the temperature rise angle. The monitoring time is, for example, 48 hours, and the first set angle and the second set angle are, for example, 40° and 30°, respectively.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 4(b), the temperature data storage unit 142 stores data relating to the temperature of the compost material corresponding to the elapsed time from the start of composting in order.

[0038] Returning to FIG. 3, control unit 150 includes a processor and controls each unit of diagnostic device 100. The processor is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). Control unit 150 includes an internal timer. Control unit 150 also executes the diagnostic process of FIG. 6 by executing a program stored in storage unit 140. Functionally, control unit 150 includes an acquisition unit 151, a timer unit 152, a calculation unit 153, a determination unit 154, and an output unit 155.

[0039] The acquisition unit 151 acquires various parameters input by the user through the operation unit 110 and stores them in the parameter storage unit 141 in Figure 4(a). The acquisition unit 151 also causes the thermometer 2 to start measuring the temperature of the compost material, periodically acquires temperature data of the compost material, and stores the acquired temperature data in the temperature data storage unit 142 in Figure 4(b) in association with the time elapsed since the start of composting. Note that data acquisition by the acquisition unit 151 is not limited to acquiring data from an external source, but also includes reading data stored in the storage unit 140 into memory.

[0040] Using the function of the internal timer of the control unit 150, the timing unit 152 counts the time from the start of composting until the compost material temperature reaches the target temperature, the time required to pass through the first temperature zone, and the time required to pass through the second temperature zone, based on the temperature of the compost material acquired by the acquisition unit 151. Counting the time required to pass through the first temperature zone begins when the compost material temperature reaches the target temperature. Counting the time required to pass through the second temperature zone begins when the compost material temperature reaches the upper limit of the first temperature zone.

[0041] The calculation unit 153 calculates the temperature rise angle of the compost material in the first temperature region and the second temperature region based on the time required to pass through the first temperature region and the time required to pass through the second temperature region counted by the timing unit 152.

[0042] The specific procedure will be explained below with reference to Figure 5. First, if the acquired temperature of the compost material reaches the upper limit value (45°C) of the first temperature range within monitoring time Δt2 from the time when it reaches the target temperature, the calculation unit 153 calculates the temperature rise angle θ1 of the compost material in the first temperature range. Monitoring time Δt2 is an example of the first monitoring time. The temperature rise angle θ1 is expressed by the following equation (3). θ1=arctan(ΔT1 / Δt2)×(180 / π) …(3) Here, if the upper and lower limits of the first temperature region are 40°C and 45°C, respectively, then ΔT1=5°C, and Δt2 is the time required for the temperature to rise from 40°C to 45°C.

[0043] Next, if the temperature of the compost material reaches the upper limit of the second temperature range (60°C) within monitoring time Δt2 from the point at which it reaches the upper limit of the first temperature range (45°C), calculation unit 153 calculates the temperature rise angle θ2 of the compost material in the second temperature range. Monitoring time Δt2 is an example of the second monitoring time. The temperature rise angle θ2 is expressed by the following equation (4): θ2=arctan(ΔT2 / Δt2)×(180 / π) …(4) Here, if the upper and lower limits of the second temperature range are 55°C and 60°C, respectively, Δt1 is the time required for the temperature to rise from 55°C to 60°C.

[0044] Returning to Figure 3, the determination unit 154 determines that the initial fermentation of the compost material is progressing smoothly if it is determined that the compost material temperature acquired by the acquisition unit 151 reaches the target temperature within the determination time, the temperature rise angle of the compost material in the first temperature range calculated by the calculation unit 153 is equal to or greater than a first set angle, and the temperature rise angle of the compost material in the second temperature range calculated is equal to or greater than a second set angle. On the other hand, if any of the above three conditions is not met, it determines that the initial fermentation of the compost material is poor.

[0045] The specific procedure will be explained below with reference to Figure 5. First, the determination unit 154 determines whether the compost material temperature acquired by the acquisition unit 151 reaches the target temperature (35°C) within the determination time Δt1. Specifically, the timing unit 152 starts counting time at the start of the composting process, and determines whether the compost material temperature reaches the target temperature (35°C) or whether the counted time is equal to or exceeds the determination time Δt1.

[0046] Next, the determination unit 154 determines whether the compost material temperature acquired by the acquisition unit 151 reaches the upper limit of the first temperature range (45°C) within the monitoring time Δt2 from the time it reaches the target temperature (35°C). Specifically, the determination unit 154 starts counting the time when the compost material temperature reaches the target temperature (35°C), and determines whether the compost material temperature reaches the upper limit of the first temperature range (45°C) within the monitoring time Δt2 from the start of counting, or whether the counted time is equal to or exceeds the monitoring time Δt2.

[0047] Next, the determination unit 154 determines whether the temperature rise angle in the first temperature region calculated by the calculation unit 153 is equal to or greater than the first set angle.

[0048] Next, the determination unit 154 determines whether the compost material temperature acquired by the acquisition unit 151 reaches the upper limit of the first temperature range (45°C) and then reaches the upper limit of the second temperature range (60°C) within the monitoring time Δt2. Specifically, when the compost material temperature reaches the upper limit of the first temperature range (45°C), the determination unit 154 starts counting time and determines whether the compost material temperature reaches the upper limit of the second temperature range (60°C) within the monitoring time Δt2 from the start of counting, or whether the counted time is equal to or exceeds the monitoring time Δt2.

[0049] Next, the determination unit 154 determines whether the temperature rise angle in the second temperature region calculated by the calculation unit 153 is equal to or greater than the second set angle.

[0050] 3, the output unit 155 outputs to the outside the determination result made by the determination unit 154. The output unit 155 causes the display unit 120 to display the determination result made by the determination unit 154, for example.

[0051] Specifically, when the determination unit 154 determines that the initial fermentation of the compost material is progressing smoothly, the output unit 155 causes the display unit 120 to display that the initial fermentation is progressing smoothly. On the other hand, when the determination unit 154 determines that the initial fermentation of the compost material is poor, the output unit 155 causes the display unit 120 to display that the initial fermentation is poor. The above is the hardware configuration of diagnostic device 100.

[0052] (diagnostic processing) Next, the diagnostic process executed by the diagnostic device 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart in Figure 6. The diagnostic process is a process for determining whether the initial fermentation of the compost material is satisfactory or not. The diagnostic process begins when the operation unit 110 of the diagnostic device 100 is operated to start the program.

[0053] Before the diagnostic device 100 executes the diagnostic process, the user piles compost material in the fermenter 3a of the compost house 3 and sets the thermometer 2 so that it is inserted into the compost material. Next, the user operates the operation unit 110 to input setting values ​​for the judgment time, monitoring time, first set angle, and second set angle, and the acquisition unit 151 acquires the setting values ​​for the judgment time, monitoring time, first set angle, and second set angle (step S1). The acquisition unit 151 stores the acquired parameter setting values ​​in the parameter storage unit 141 of FIG. 4(a).

[0054] Next, when the user operates the operation unit 110 of the diagnostic device 100 to instruct the start of temperature measurement, the acquisition unit 151 begins periodically acquiring temperature data of the compost material from the thermometer 2 (step S2). The acquisition unit 151 stores each acquired piece of temperature data in the temperature data storage unit 142 of Figure 4(b) in association with the elapsed time since the start of temperature measurement until the diagnostic process is completed.

[0055] Next, the determination unit 154 determines whether the compost material temperature acquired in the processing of step S2 has reached the target temperature when the determination time has elapsed (step S3). Specifically, the determination unit 154 starts measuring the temperature using the thermometer 2 from the start of the composting process, reads the determination time stored in the parameter storage unit 141 in Figure 4(a), and determines whether the compost material temperature has reached the target temperature when the determination time has elapsed.

[0056] If it is determined that the compost material temperature has reached the target temperature after the determination time has elapsed (Step S3; Yes), the process proceeds to Step S4. On the other hand, if it is determined that the compost material temperature has not reached the target temperature after the determination time has elapsed (Step S3; No), the process proceeds to Step S11.

[0057] If the result of step S3 is Yes, the determination unit 154 determines whether the compost material temperature has reached the upper limit of the first temperature range when the monitoring time has elapsed (step S4). Specifically, the determination unit 154 starts counting the time when the compost material temperature reaches the target temperature, reads the monitoring time stored in the parameter storage unit 141 in Figure 4(a), and determines whether the compost material temperature has reached the upper limit of the first temperature range when the monitoring time has elapsed since the start of counting.

[0058] If it is determined that the compost material temperature has reached the upper limit of the first temperature range after the monitoring time has elapsed (Step S4; Yes), the process proceeds to Step S5. On the other hand, if it is determined that the compost material temperature has not reached the upper limit of the first temperature range after the monitoring time has elapsed (Step S4; No), the process proceeds to Step S11.

[0059] If the answer is Yes in step S4, the calculation unit 153 calculates the temperature rise angle in the first temperature region based on the difference between the lower limit value and the upper limit value of the first temperature region and the time it takes to reach the upper limit value from the lower limit value of the first temperature region (step S5).

[0060] Next, the determination unit 154 determines whether the temperature rise angle in the first temperature range calculated in the process of step S5 is equal to or greater than the first set angle (step S6). Specifically, the determination unit 154 reads out the first set angle stored in the parameter storage unit 141 of Fig. 4(a) and compares it with the temperature rise angle calculated in the process of step S5.

[0061] If it is determined that the temperature rise angle in the first temperature range is equal to or greater than the first set angle (step S6; Yes), the process proceeds to step S7. On the other hand, if it is determined that the temperature rise angle in the first temperature range is not equal to or greater than the first set angle (step S6; No), the process proceeds to step S11.

[0062] If the result of the process in step S6 is Yes, the determination unit 154 determines whether the compost material temperature has reached the upper limit of the second temperature range when the monitoring time has elapsed (step S7). Specifically, the determination unit 154 starts counting the time when the compost material temperature reaches the upper limit of the first temperature range, reads the monitoring time stored in the parameter storage unit 141 in Figure 4(a), and determines whether the compost material temperature has reached the upper limit of the second temperature range when the monitoring time has elapsed since the start of counting.

[0063] If it is determined that the compost material temperature has reached the upper limit of the second temperature range after the monitoring time has elapsed (Step S7; Yes), the process proceeds to Step S8. On the other hand, if it is determined that the compost material temperature has not reached the upper limit of the second temperature range after the monitoring time has elapsed (Step S7; No), the process proceeds to Step S11.

[0064] If the answer is Yes in step S7, the calculation unit 153 calculates the temperature rise angle in the second temperature region based on the difference between the lower limit value and the upper limit value of the second temperature region and the time it takes to reach the upper limit value from the lower limit value of the second temperature region (step S8).

[0065] Next, the determination unit 154 determines whether the temperature rise angle in the second temperature range calculated in the process of step S7 is equal to or greater than the second set angle (step S9). Specifically, the determination unit 154 reads out the second set angle stored in the parameter storage unit 141 of Fig. 4(a) and compares it with the temperature rise angle calculated in the process of step S7.

[0066] If it is determined that the temperature rise angle in the second temperature range is equal to or greater than the second set angle (step S9; Yes), the process proceeds to step S10. On the other hand, if it is determined that the temperature rise angle in the second temperature range is not equal to or greater than the first set angle (step S9; No), the process proceeds to step S11.

[0067] If the result of the process in step S9 is Yes, the output unit 155 causes the display unit 120 to display that the initial fermentation is "good" (step S10), and the process ends. On the other hand, if the result of the processes in steps S3, S4, S6, S7, and S9 is No, the output unit 155 causes the display unit 120 to display that the initial fermentation is "poor" (step S11), and the process ends. The above is the flow of the diagnostic process.

[0068] If the initial fermentation is judged to be "good," composting can be continued under the same conditions. On the other hand, if the initial fermentation is judged to be "poor," manual intervention can be performed on the compost material. For example, the compost material can be turned over at appropriate times using the agitator 4, or the flow rate of air supplied to the compost material can be adjusted using the aeration device 5. This creates an environment conducive to self-heating by aerobic microorganisms present in the compost material, promoting smooth progress of the initial fermentation.

[0069] As described above, the diagnostic device 100 according to the embodiment includes a determination unit 154 that determines that the initial fermentation of the compost material is progressing smoothly if it is determined that the temperature rise angle of the compost material in the first temperature range calculated by the calculation unit 153 is equal to or greater than a first set angle and that the temperature rise angle of the compost material in the second temperature range calculated is equal to or greater than a second set angle. This allows even an inexperienced operator to easily and accurately determine whether the initial fermentation of the compost material is good or bad.

[0070] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and the following modifications are possible.

[0071] (Variation) In the above embodiment, the thermometer 2 is supported by the robot arm 2a and moved by the robot arm 2a to set the thermometer 2 in the compost material, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a user may insert the thermometer 2 into the compost material. Also, in the above embodiment, one thermometer 2 is used for each fermenter 3a, but the present invention is not limited to this. Multiple thermometers 2 may be set in the compost material, and the average value of the temperatures measured by each thermometer 2 may be used as data indicating the temperature of the compost material.

[0072] In the above embodiment, the compost material was not heated, but the present invention is not limited to this. A heating device that supplies warm air to the inside of the compost material to heat it if the diagnosis result is poor may be installed in the compost shed 3. The heating device is supported, for example, by a chain block suspended from the beams supporting the roof 3b of the compost shed 3, and is configured so that a pipe that emits warm air is inserted into the compost material.

[0073] In the above embodiment, the upper and lower limit values ​​for the first and second temperature ranges are respectively stored in advance in the storage unit 140. However, the present invention is not limited to this. When performing the diagnostic process, the user may operate the operation unit 110 to input the upper and lower limit values ​​for the first and second temperature ranges and store them in the storage unit 140.

[0074] In the above embodiment, the same monitoring time Δt2 is used as the first monitoring time and the second monitoring time, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first monitoring time and the second monitoring time may be different in length.

[0075] In the above embodiment, the temperature rise angles in the first and second temperature ranges were calculated, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a first and second judgment time set based on the first and second set angles may be stored in memory 140, and a determination may be made as to whether the time it takes for the compost material temperature to reach the upper limit of the first temperature range from the target temperature is less than the first set time. If the time it takes for the compost material temperature to reach the upper limit of the second temperature range from the upper limit of the first temperature range is less than the second set time, it may be determined that initial fermentation is progressing smoothly.

[0076] In the above embodiment, the compost material temperature was measured and a real-time determination of whether initial fermentation was proceeding smoothly was made. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Measurement of the compost material temperature may be continued until the compost material temperature reaches the upper limit of the second temperature range, and then a determination of whether initial fermentation is proceeding smoothly may be made. In this case, the order of the processes for determining whether the compost material temperature is equal to or higher than the target temperature and whether it has passed through both the first and second temperature ranges may be changed as appropriate.

[0077] In the above embodiment, the diagnostic result by diagnostic device 100 is displayed on display unit 120 to notify the user of the diagnostic result, but the present invention is not limited to this. The diagnostic result by diagnostic device 100 may be notified by voice from a speaker. For example, if the diagnostic result by diagnostic device 100 is bad, a warning sound may be output from the speaker.

[0078] In the above embodiment, output unit 155 displays the final diagnosis result from determination unit 154 on display unit 120, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, output unit 155 may display on display unit 120 whether the determination result is good or bad at each of the following times: when it determines whether the compost material temperature has reached the target temperature within the determination time from the start of composting; when it determines whether the compost material temperature has reached the upper limit of a first temperature range within the monitoring period from the target temperature and the temperature rise angle in the first temperature range is equal to or greater than a first set angle; and when it determines that the compost material temperature has reached the upper limit of a second temperature range within the monitoring period from the target temperature and the temperature rise angle in the second temperature range is equal to or greater than a second set angle.

[0079] In the above embodiment, various data are stored in the storage unit 140 of the diagnostic device 100, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, all or part of the various data may be stored in an external server or computer via a communication network.

[0080] In the above embodiment, diagnostic device 100 operates based on the programs stored in storage unit 140, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the functional configuration realized by the programs may be realized by hardware.

[0081] In the above embodiment, the diagnostic device 100 is, for example, a general-purpose computer, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the diagnostic device 100 may be realized by a computer provided on the cloud.

[0082] In the above embodiment, the processing performed by diagnostic device 100 is realized by a device having the above-mentioned physical configuration executing a program stored in memory unit 140, but the present invention may also be realized as a program or as a storage medium on which the program is recorded.

[0083] In addition, a program for executing the above-mentioned processing operations may be stored and distributed on a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium such as a flexible disk, a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read-Only Memory), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), or an MO (Magneto-Optical Disk), and the program may be installed on a computer to configure an apparatus that executes the above-mentioned processing operations.

[0084] The above-described embodiments are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to these. Various embodiments are possible within the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims. The components described in the embodiments and modifications can be freely combined. Furthermore, inventions equivalent to the inventions set forth in the claims are also included in the present invention.

[0085] The present invention will be specifically described below with reference to examples, although the present invention is not limited to these examples.

[0086] (Example) In the examples, data analysis was performed to identify suitable parameters for determining the quality of the initial fermentation of compost material. A total of 72 composting experiments using dairy cow manure were carried out in a laboratory-scale composting facility, and the time changes in temperature, moisture content, and aeration rate of the compost material were measured for each experiment. Correlation analysis was performed using the measured data.

[0087] As a result, it was found that the average heat release rate in the temperature ranges of 40°C to 45°C and 55°C to 60°C is suitable for determining the quality of the initial fermentation of compost material, as shown in Figure 7. The heat release rate is an index of microbial activity analyzed from the compost temperature, with a higher heat release rate indicating higher activity of the composting microorganisms. Under optimal conditions where initial fermentation proceeds smoothly, the plots showing the average heat release rate in the temperature ranges of 40°C to 45°C and 55°C to 60°C are concentrated in the upper right corner of Figure 7, while under unoptimal conditions where initial fermentation is poor, the same plots are concentrated in the lower left corner of Figure 7. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 1. Composting diagnostic system 2 thermometer 3 Compost shed 3a Fermenter 3b roof 3c strut 4 Stirrer 5. Ventilation device 100 Diagnostic equipment 110 Operation section 120 Display section 130 Communications Department 140 Storage section 141 Parameter storage unit 142 Temperature data storage unit 150 control section 151 Acquisition Department 152 Timing section 153 Arithmetic section 154 Judgment section 155 Output section

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that periodically acquires the temperature of the compost material; a timer that counts the time required for the compost material to pass through a first temperature zone and the time required for the compost material to pass through a second temperature zone that is set higher than the first temperature zone, based on the acquired temperature of the compost material; a determination unit that determines that initial fermentation of the compost material is progressing smoothly when the counted time required to pass through the first temperature zone is equal to or shorter than a first monitoring time and the counted time required to pass through the second temperature zone is equal to or shorter than a second monitoring time; A composting diagnostic device comprising:

2. The composting diagnostic device further includes a calculation unit that calculates a temperature rise angle of the compost material in the first temperature range and a temperature rise angle of the compost material in the second temperature range based on the counted time required to pass through the first temperature range and the counted time required to pass through the second temperature range, The determination unit determines that initial fermentation of the compost material is progressing smoothly when it is determined that the calculated temperature rise angle of the compost material in the first temperature range is equal to or greater than a first set angle and that the calculated temperature rise angle of the compost material in the second temperature range is equal to or greater than a second set angle. The composting diagnostic device according to claim 1.

3. the first temperature range is a mesophilic zone in which mesophilic bacteria present in the compost material are activated; The second temperature zone is a high temperature zone in which thermophilic bacteria present in the compost material are activated. The composting diagnostic device according to claim 1.

4. The upper and lower limits of the first temperature range are both set within a range of 35°C to 50°C, The upper and lower limits of the second temperature range are both set within a range of 50°C to 65°C. The composting diagnostic device according to claim 1.

5. When the acquired temperature of the compost material reaches a target temperature set to be lower than the lower limit of the first temperature range within a determination time from the start of composting, the timing unit counts the time required to pass through the first temperature range and the time required to pass through the second temperature range. The composting diagnostic device according to claim 1.

6. a thermometer for measuring the temperature of the compost material; The composting diagnostic device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which is communicatively connected to the thermometer and periodically acquires the temperature of the compost material measured by the thermometer; A composting diagnostic system comprising:

7. periodically obtaining a temperature of the compost material; Counting the time required for the compost material to pass through a first temperature zone and the time required for the compost material to pass through a second temperature zone set higher than the first temperature zone, based on the acquired temperature of the compost material; determining that initial fermentation of the compost material is proceeding smoothly when the counted time required to pass through the first temperature zone is equal to or less than a first monitoring time and the counted time required to pass through the second temperature zone is equal to or less than a second monitoring time; A composting diagnostic method comprising:

8. Computer, an acquisition means for periodically acquiring the temperature of the compost material; a timer for counting the time required for the compost material to pass through a first temperature zone and the time required for the compost material to pass through a second temperature zone set higher than the first temperature zone, based on the acquired temperature of the compost material; a determining means for determining that initial fermentation of the compost material is progressing smoothly when the counted time required to pass through the first temperature zone is equal to or shorter than a first monitoring time and the counted time required to pass through the second temperature zone is equal to or shorter than a second monitoring time; A program to function as a

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