Guidance device, guidance method and program

Abstract

To provide a guidance device that is able to support the determination as to whether or not it is appropriate to operate a control target according to a guidance value.SOLUTION: A guidance device 1 that provides guidance on a control parameter used for control of a control target, includes: a guidance value acquisition unit 10 that acquires a guidance value of a control parameter obtained by a process of setting, within a range satisfying a constraint condition, an objective function whose value changes according to a value of the control parameter; and a guidance unit 13 that outputs a message indicating a basis of the guidance value of the control parameter based on the value of the objective function.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a guidance device, a guidance method, and a program that provide driving guidance for a controlled object. [Background technology]

[0002] In systems that control the operation of a control target by changing the values ​​of control parameters, operators have traditionally determined the values ​​of the control parameters based on past experience, etc. Support systems that reduce the operator's workload by calculating target values ​​of the control parameters have also been provided. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that provides an operator with guidance values ​​for the control parameters through an optimization process that searches for control parameter values ​​that optimize the value of a variable set as an objective function, whose value changes depending on the value of the control parameter. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-10072 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the above-described conventional technology has a problem in that it is difficult for the operator to judge whether it is really appropriate to operate the controlled object in accordance with the guidance values.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide a guidance device that can assist in determining whether it is appropriate to operate a controlled object in accordance with a guidance value. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objectives, the guidance device according to the present disclosure is a guidance device that provides guidance on control parameters used in controlling a control object, and is characterized by comprising: a guidance value acquisition unit that acquires a guidance value of the control parameter obtained by processing that sets an objective function, whose value changes depending on the value of the control parameter, within a range that satisfies constraints; and a guidance unit that outputs a message indicating the basis for the guidance value of the control parameter based on the value of the objective function. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The present disclosure provides an advantage of being able to assist in determining whether it is appropriate to operate a control target in accordance with a guidance value. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a guidance device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1. A flowchart illustrating the operation of the guidance device shown in FIG. [Figure 3] A diagram showing an example of application when the control target is a sewage treatment system [Figure 4] A flowchart illustrating the operation of the guidance device shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a first example of a message output by the guidance unit shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a second example of a message output by the guidance unit shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 7] A diagram showing an application example when the control target is an air conditioning system. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a first example of a message output by the guidance unit shown in FIG. 7; [Figure 9] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a second example of a message output by the guidance unit shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 10] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a third example of a message output by the guidance unit shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 11]FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a computer system that realizes a guidance device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] A guidance device, a guidance method, and a program according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0010] Embodiment 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a guidance device 1 according to a first embodiment. The guidance device 1 provides driving guidance for a control object 2. The control object 2 is driven by changing the values ​​of control parameters. At this time, the guidance device 1 provides driving guidance using information acquired from the control object 2 and an information providing server 3. The guidance device 1 includes an information acquisition unit 11, an optimization unit 12, and a guidance unit 13.

[0011] The information acquisition unit 11 can acquire the values ​​of state variables, which are variables that indicate the state of the control target 2, from the control target 2. The values ​​of the state variables acquired by the information acquisition unit 11 may be actual measured values ​​or predicted values. Furthermore, the information acquisition unit 11 can also acquire information distributed by the information providing server 3, if necessary. For example, the information providing server 3 distributes meteorological information such as weather and precipitation. The information acquisition unit 11 outputs the acquired information to the optimization unit 12.

[0012] The optimization unit 12 performs optimization processing based on the information acquired by the information acquisition unit 11, thereby finding guidance values ​​for the control parameters of the controlled object 2. The optimization processing is processing for setting values ​​of state variables, which are variables whose values ​​change depending on the values ​​of the control parameters of the controlled object 2, set in an objective function within a range that satisfies constraint conditions. The state variable is a variable that indicates the state of an object related to the controlled object 2, and may be, for example, a variable that indicates the state of the controlled object 2, a variable that indicates the state of the environment surrounding the controlled object 2, or a variable that indicates the state of the user of the controlled object 2. The number of variables set in the objective function may be one, but here, it is mainly assumed that there are multiple variables set in the objective function.

[0013] The optimization unit 12 determines control parameter values ​​that optimize multiple objective functions within a range that satisfies the constraints. Here, the objective functions are set so that the objective function values ​​are small when the state of the controlled object 2 is favorable. Since there are trade-off relationships between multiple objective functions, it is difficult to minimize all of the objective functions. Therefore, in the multi-objective optimization process, when the objective functions are f1, f2, and f3 and the weights for each objective function are α, β, and γ, a Pareto solution is determined so that F(X), which is the weighted linear sum of the multiple objective functions as shown in the following formula (1), is minimized. While the case where there are three objective functions is shown here, the same applies when there are two or four or more objective functions, and F(X) can be the weighted linear sum of the multiple objective functions.

[0014]

number

[0015] The optimization unit 12 generates guidance values ​​for the control parameters as a result of the optimization process, and outputs the generated guidance values ​​to the guidance unit 13. The guidance values ​​are information for supporting the work of an operator, and are recommended setting values ​​for the control parameters.

[0016] The information acquisition unit 11 and the optimization unit 12 are an example of the guidance value acquisition unit 10. The guidance value acquisition unit 10 has a function of acquiring guidance values ​​of control parameters obtained by optimization processing, and in this embodiment, the value of the control parameter that is a result of the optimization processing performed by the optimization unit 12 using information acquired by the information acquisition unit 11 is defined as the guidance value. Here, the guidance device 1 has the functions of the information acquisition unit 11 and the optimization unit 12, but the functions of the information acquisition unit 11 and the optimization unit 12 may be possessed by a device external to the guidance device 1. In this case, the guidance value acquisition unit 10 can acquire the result of the optimization processing performed by the device external to the guidance device 1 as the guidance value.

[0017] The guidance unit 13 outputs a message indicating the basis of the guidance value acquired by the guidance value acquisition unit 10. The guidance unit 13 may output the message by, for example, displaying it on a display screen, or by audio. The guidance unit 13 selects a message to be output based on the value of the objective function. Specifically, the guidance unit 13 may calculate a predicted value of a variable whose value changes depending on the value of a control parameter based on the guidance value, calculate a value of an objective function used in the multi-objective optimization process based on the calculated predicted value, and select a message based on the calculated value of the objective function. The message output by the guidance unit 13 may include the basis for an increase or decrease in the guidance value, or may include the basis for the value of the guidance value. The guidance unit 13 may determine the content of the message based on a comparison result between the value of the objective function and a predetermined threshold. In this case, the guidance unit 13 may calculate the time until the value of the objective function becomes equal to the threshold and output a message including the calculated time.

[0018] Furthermore, the guidance unit 13 may determine the content of the message based on the value of a variable for which a constraint condition is set, in addition to the value of the objective function. The guidance unit 13 can compare the variable for which a constraint condition is set with a predetermined threshold value, and determine the content of the message based on the comparison result.

[0019] Fig. 2 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the guidance device 1 shown in Fig. 1. The guidance value acquisition unit 10 of the guidance device 1 acquires a guidance value (step S101). Specifically, the information acquisition unit 11 of the guidance value acquisition unit 10 acquires information to be used in the optimization process, and the optimization unit 12 generates a guidance value by multi-objective optimization process. The guidance value acquisition unit 10 outputs the acquired guidance value to the guidance unit 13.

[0020] The guidance unit 13 calculates a predicted value of a state variable whose value changes depending on the value of the control parameter, according to the guidance value acquired by the guidance value acquisition unit 10 (step S102). Furthermore, the guidance unit 13 creates an objective function according to the calculated predicted value (step S103). The objective function created at this time is preferably the same as the objective function used in the multi-objective optimization process when generating the guidance value.

[0021] The guidance unit 13 selects a message to be output based on the value of the created objective function (step S104). The guidance unit 13 outputs the guidance value and the message selected in step S104 (step S105). When a message is to be output on the display screen, it is desirable to output the message together with the guidance value.

[0022] 3 is a diagram showing an application example in which the control target 2 is a sewage treatment system 2A. Here, the configuration of a typical sewage treatment system 2A is described. The sewage treatment system 2A has a sewer pipe 21 that carries sewage, an inflow culvert 22 into which the sewage flows from the sewer pipe 21, a grit basin 23 that is a reservoir for settling and removing sediment, garbage, and the like in the sewage from the inflow culvert 22, and a pump well 24 into which the sewage flows from the grit basin 23.

[0023] The sewage that reaches the pump well 24 is pumped up by the lift pump 25 so that it flows to the next treatment facility, the primary sedimentation basin 26. The lift pump 25 pumps up the sewage at a set pumping rate. Because the sewage accumulates in the pump well 24 until it is pumped up by the lift pump 25, the sewage treatment rate of the sewage treatment system 2A is controlled by the pumping rate set for the lift pump 25.

[0024] The primary settling basin 26 gently flows the dirty sewage, settling small debris and mud that did not settle in the grit basin 23, thereby removing the dirt from the sewage. After treatment in the primary settling basin 26, the sewage flows into the reaction basin 27, which is a facility that purifies the sewage by feeding microorganisms on the dirt in the sewage. In the reaction basin 27, the sewage from the primary settling basin 26 is mixed with activated sludge, a type of mud containing microorganisms. Therefore, the sewage after treatment in the reaction basin 27 contains activated sludge. This activated sludge-containing sewage is then sent from the reaction basin 27 to the final settling basin 28. The final settling basin 28 slowly flows the sewage from the reaction basin 27, allowing the activated sludge to settle, extracting clean water. The clean water extracted from the final settling basin 28 is sent to the disinfection equipment 29. The disinfection equipment 29 disinfects the clean water from the final settling basin 28 before discharging it into a river or other waterway. The disinfection facility 29 disinfects the water using chemicals.

[0025] The control parameter calculated as a solution by the guidance device 1A for the above-described sewage treatment system 2A as the control object 2 is, for example, the pumping rate of the pumping pump 25. A skilled operator of the sewage treatment system 2A takes into consideration multiple factors when determining the pumping rate. For example, factors considered by a skilled operator include reducing the risk of flooding, ensuring effluent quality, and reducing treatment costs. To reduce the risk of flooding in the sewage treatment system 2A, it is preferable to increase the pumping rate in order to lower the water level in the inlet culvert 22, which is the water level of the untreated sewage stored in the sewage treatment system 2A. Furthermore, to ensure effluent quality, it is preferable to lower the total water quality value and the sludge interface, and therefore it is preferable to reduce the pumping rate. Furthermore, to reduce treatment costs, it is preferable to reduce the pumping rate so as not to consume too much electricity. Therefore, when the control target 2 is a sewage treatment system 2A, the objective function used by the optimization unit 12 can be the water level of the inflow culvert 22, which is the water level of the sewage before treatment stored in the sewage treatment system 2A, the water quality of the treated water discharged from the sewage treatment system 2A, and the power consumption of the sewage treatment system 2A. Power consumption is an example of consumed energy. Furthermore, the optimization unit 12 can use constraint conditions using, for example, demand peak, water level, cost, and water quality. The constraint conditions may be set for the control parameters.

[0026] The information acquisition unit 11A can acquire state variables that indicate the state of the sewage treatment system 2A. Examples of state variables include the water level of the inflow conduit 22 and the effluent water quality, which is the water quality of treated water discharged from the sewage treatment system 2A. Furthermore, since the water level of the inflow conduit 22 changes depending on the amount of sewage inflow from the sewer pipe 21 to the inflow conduit 22, the inflow amount can be considered a disturbance to the sewage treatment system 2A. The amount of sewage inflow to the sewage treatment system 2A changes depending on, for example, the amount of precipitation. Here, the disturbance is an element that affects the state of the control object 2, occurs outside the control object 2, and is difficult for an operator of the control object 2 to control. The information acquisition unit 11A can acquire from the sewage treatment system 2A an actual measurement value of the inflow amount, which indicates the magnitude of the disturbance to the sewage treatment system 2A. Furthermore, the information acquisition unit 11A may acquire rainfall data for the location where the sewage treatment system 2A is located from the information providing server 3, and estimate a predicted value of the amount of sewage inflow into the sewage treatment system 2A based on the rainfall data.

[0027] When using an objective function f1 indicating the water level, an objective function f2 indicating the power consumption, and an objective function f3 indicating the water quality, the optimization unit 12A optimizes the objective functions so as to minimize F(X) shown in the above formula (1). In this case, each objective function is expressed, for example, by the following formulas (2) to (4).

[0028]

number

[0029] In equation (2), y1 is the water level of the inflow culvert 22. The objective function f1, which indicates the water level, is the average value over the target period of the square of the value obtained by subtracting 2 from the water level of the inflow culvert 22 and dividing the value by "4 - 2.3."

[0030]

number

[0031] In the formula (3), y2 is the power consumption, and the objective function f2 indicating the power consumption is the average value of the power consumption y2 during the target period.

[0032]

number

[0033] COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) in formula (4) is the amount of pollutants in water expressed as the amount of oxygen consumed when they are chemically oxidized with an oxidizing agent. TN (Total Nitrogen) is the sum of nitrogen compounds such as ammonia nitrogen and nitrate nitrogen. TP (Total Phosphorus) is the sum of phosphate ions and organic phosphorus. Q Total is an index that represents the total water quality value, and is expressed as a percentage of the total quantity regulation value.

[0034] Furthermore, the optimization unit 12 can perform optimization processing under constraints g1 to g5 expressed by the following formulas (5) to (9), for example.

[0035]

number

[0036] The constraint g1 shown in formula (5) defines the upper limit value, which is the management reference value for the water level y1, and here, optimization processing is performed so that the water level y1 does not exceed 5.8 m.

[0037]

number

[0038] The constraint g2 shown in equation (6) defines the upper limit of the pumping amount u(t), which is 4000 m 3 Optimization processing is performed so that the maximum limit does not exceed / h.

[0039]

number

[0040] The constraint g3 shown in equation (7) defines the upper limit of the pumping volume u(t), which is 6000 m 3 The optimization process is performed so that the maximum value does not exceed / h. Either constraint g2 or constraint g3 is used.

[0041]

number

[0042] Demand(u(t)) of constraint g4 shown in formula (8) is the demand value of power consumption. Constraint g4 defines the upper limit of the demand value, and optimization processing is performed so that the demand value does not exceed the contracted power value, which is 1990 kW in this case.

[0043]

number

[0044] The constraint g5 shown in equation (9) is the index that represents the total water quality value, Q Total Here, the optimization process is performed so that the upper limit of Q is not exceeded. Total Since the total water quality value is expressed as a percentage of the total quantity regulation value, optimization processing is performed so that the total water quality value of the discharged water is 80% or less of the total quantity regulation value.

[0045] The guidance unit 13A provides operation guidance based on the guidance value generated by the optimization unit 12A. Specifically, the guidance unit 13A can output a message including the basis for the guidance value of the pumping rate, which is a control parameter.

[0046] Fig. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the guidance device 1A shown in Fig. 3. The information acquisition unit 11A of the guidance device 1A acquires rainfall information from the information providing server 3 (step S201). Furthermore, the information acquisition unit 11A predicts the amount of inflow into the sewage treatment system 2A based on the acquired rainfall information (step S202).

[0047] The optimization unit 12A generates a guidance value of the pumping amount according to the predicted inflow amount by multi-objective optimization processing (step S203). The signal is output to the guidance unit 13A.

[0048] The guidance unit 13A calculates predicted values ​​of state variables such as water level, power consumption, and water quality according to the acquired guidance values ​​(step S204). These variables are variables whose values ​​change according to the values ​​of the control parameters.

[0049] The guidance unit 13A calculates the values ​​of the objective functions of the water level, power consumption, and water quality according to the predicted values ​​of the variables (step S205). Specifically, the guidance unit 13A calculates the values ​​of an objective function f1 indicating the water level, an objective function f2 indicating the power consumption, and an objective function f3 indicating the water quality.

[0050] The guidance unit 13A selects a message based on the value of the objective function calculated in step S205 (step S206), and outputs the selected message (step S207).

[0051] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a first example of a message output by the guidance unit 13A illustrated in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 illustrates an example in which a guidance value is proposed to increase the pumping rate from the current setting. FIG. 5 also illustrates a predicted value of the objective function f1, which indicates the water level, calculated based on the guidance value. Note that values ​​prior to time "0" can be used as actual measured values. When the guidance unit 13A acquires a guidance value that increases the pumping rate from the current setting, the guidance unit 13A calculates predicted values ​​of state variables, specifically, the water level, power consumption, and water quality, based on the guidance value. The guidance unit 13A then calculates the values ​​of the objective function f1, which indicates the water level, the objective function f2, which indicates the power consumption, and the objective function f3, which indicates the water quality. The guidance unit 13A compares the calculated values ​​of the objective functions with predetermined thresholds and selects a message to output based on the comparison results. The threshold is set for each objective function.

[0052] For example, the guidance unit 13A compares an objective function f1 indicating the water level with a predetermined threshold value Th1. If the value of the objective function f1 exceeds the threshold value Th1, the guidance unit 13A can select, for example, the message Msg1 shown in FIG. 5. It is desirable that the threshold value Th1 be a value slightly smaller than the upper water level limit. The message Msg1 includes a sentence such as "If this continues, the water level is likely to exceed the reference water level, so please increase the pumping amount." The guidance unit 13A can also calculate the time until the value of the objective function becomes equal to the threshold value, and output a message Msg2 including the calculated time. In the example of FIG. 5, the guidance unit 13A calculates the time t until the value of the objective function f1 becomes equal to the threshold value Th1. 11 Calculate "If this continues, t 11 It is possible to output a message Msg2 containing the sentence "The water level is likely to exceed the reference water level in minutes, so please increase the pumping amount."

[0053] The message including the basis for the guidance value may be displayed superimposed on a graph showing the change in the guidance value over time or the change in the objective function over time, or an area for displaying the message may be provided within the display screen. Furthermore, the message including the basis for the guidance value may be output by voice while the graph showing the change in the guidance value over time or the change in the objective function over time is displayed.

[0054] In addition, the guidance unit 13A may determine the content of the message based on the values ​​of multiple objective functions, or may determine the content of the message based on the values ​​of variables for which constraint conditions are set in addition to the values ​​of the objective functions.

[0055] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a second example of a message output by the guidance unit 13A shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 6 also illustrates an example in which a guidance value is proposed to increase the pumping rate from the current setting. FIG. 6 also illustrates predicted values ​​of an objective function f1 indicating the water level and an objective function f2 indicating the power consumption calculated based on the guidance value. In the second example, a message Msg3 is output, including not only the basis for increasing or decreasing the guidance value but also the basis for the guidance value. When the guidance unit 13A acquires a guidance value that increases the pumping rate from the current setting, the guidance unit 13A calculates predicted values ​​of state variables, specifically, the water level, the power consumption, and the water quality, based on the guidance value. The guidance unit 13A then calculates the values ​​of the objective function f1 indicating the water level, the objective function f2 indicating the power consumption, and the objective function f3 indicating the water quality. The guidance unit 13A compares the calculated objective function values ​​with predetermined thresholds and selects a message to output based on the comparison results. The threshold is set for each objective function.

[0056] For example, the guidance unit 13A compares an objective function f1 indicating the water level with a predetermined threshold value Th1. The guidance unit 13A can also compare an objective function f2 indicating the power consumption with a predetermined threshold value Th2. When the value of the objective function f1 exceeds the threshold value Th1 and the value of the objective function f2 exceeds the threshold value Th2, the guidance unit 13A can select, for example, the message Msg3 in FIG. 6. It is desirable that the threshold value Th2 is a value slightly smaller than the power upper limit value. The message Msg3 contains a message such as "300m 3 / h, the power consumption constraints will not be met. 3 Please increase / h only."

[0057] Despite the high water level, the increase in pumping volume was 100m 3 / h, the operator may find it difficult to determine why the pumping rate is not increased and whether it is really okay to operate in accordance with this guidance value. In such cases, as shown in Figure 6, the operator can be assisted in deciding what operation to perform by outputting a message Msg3 that includes the basis for the guidance value.

[0058] As described above, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to provide a guidance device 1 that provides guidance on a control parameter used for controlling a control target 2, and that is characterized by including: a guidance value acquisition unit 10 that acquires a guidance value of the control parameter that is calculated by processing that sets an objective function, the value of which changes depending on the value of the control parameter, within a range that satisfies a constraint condition; and a guidance unit 13 that outputs a message indicating the basis for the guidance value of the control parameter based on the value of the objective function.

[0059] The above configuration makes it possible to assist the operator in determining whether it is appropriate to operate the control object 2 in accordance with the guidance value. The guidance device 1 provides operation guidance for the control object 2 by providing at least a message indicating the basis for the guidance value. The guidance device 1 may also be a control device having a function of controlling the control object 2 using control parameters. In this case, for example, when the operator performs an operation to select a guidance value, the guidance device 1 can control the control object 2 in accordance with the guidance value by outputting the guidance value to the control object 2 as a setting value for controlling the control object 2.

[0060] Furthermore, the guidance unit 13 may determine the content of the message based on the value of the variable to which the constraint condition is set.

[0061] In addition, the guidance unit 13 can calculate a predicted value of a variable whose value changes depending on the value of the control parameter based on the guidance value, and determine the content of the message based on the value of the objective function calculated based on the predicted value.

[0062] The message output by the guidance unit 13 includes at least the basis of the guidance value, such as the basis for increasing or decreasing the guidance value, or the basis of the guidance value itself.

[0063] The guidance unit 13 can determine the content of the message based on the result of comparing the value of the objective function with a predetermined threshold value. The guidance unit 13 can also calculate the time until the value of the objective function becomes equal to the threshold value and output a message including the calculated time.

[0064] The guidance unit 13 can also determine the content of the message based on the result of comparing the value of the variable to which the constraint is set with a predetermined threshold value.

[0065] A specific example of the control object 2 is a sewage treatment system 2A. In this case, the control parameter can be, for example, the pumping rate of the lift pump 25 of the sewage treatment system 2A. The guidance device 1A in which the control object 2 is the sewage treatment system 2A has the same functions as the guidance device 1. When the control object 2 is the sewage treatment system 2A, the guidance value is calculated by multi-objective optimization processing using, for example, the water level of the sewage before treatment stored in the sewage treatment system 2A, the power consumption of the sewage treatment system 2A, and the water quality of the treated water discharged from the sewage treatment system 2A as objective functions.

[0066] Moreover, according to the first embodiment, it is also possible to provide a guidance method for providing guidance on control parameters used in controlling the controlled object 2. This guidance method can include the steps of: acquiring a guidance value for the control parameter that is determined by a process of setting an objective function, the value of which changes depending on the value of the control parameter, within a range that satisfies a constraint condition; and outputting a message indicating the basis for the guidance value of the control parameter based on the value of the objective function.

[0067] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, it is also possible to provide a program that causes a computer system to execute the steps of: acquiring a guidance value for the control parameter that is calculated by a process of setting an objective function, whose value changes depending on the value of a control parameter used to control the controlled object 2, within a range that satisfies a constraint condition; and outputting a message indicating the basis for the guidance value of the control parameter based on the value of the objective function.

[0068] Embodiment 2 7 is a diagram showing an application example in which the controlled object 2 is an air conditioning system 2B. The air conditioning system 2B has a primary air conditioner 4 and multiple air conditioners 5-1 to 5-4. The primary air conditioner 4 has an air-cooled chiller 41 that uses outside air to cool a liquid, and an absorption type chiller / heater 42 that produces chilled or hot water and supplies the chilled or hot water to the multiple air conditioners 5-1 to 5-4.

[0069] When the above-described air conditioning system 2B is the control target 2, the control parameter that the optimization unit 12B of the guidance device 1B finds as a solution is, for example, the set temperature of the air conditioning system 2B. Alternatively, the control parameter may be the ventilation volume setting. Furthermore, examples of disturbances to the air conditioning system 2B include solar radiation, outside temperature, and internal heat generated by people or equipment. The guidance device 1B has a different control target 2, but has the same functions as the guidance device 1A according to the first embodiment. The following mainly describes the differences from the guidance device 1A.

[0070] The information acquisition unit 11B can acquire room information including state variables that indicate the state of the space air-conditioned by the air conditioning system 2B. The room information is generated, for example, for each room air-conditioned by each of the air conditioners 5-1 to 5-4, and can include room temperature data, indoor humidity data, actual and planned values ​​for data on the number of people in the room, etc. The room information may also include CO2 concentration.

[0071] Furthermore, the information acquisition unit 11B can acquire external measurement values ​​measured by a pyranometer 61, a thermometer 62, and a hygrometer 63 installed outside the locations where the air conditioners 5-1 to 5-4 are installed. The pyranometer 61 measures the amount of solar radiation, the thermometer 62 measures the outside air temperature, and the hygrometer 63 measures the outside air humidity.

[0072] Furthermore, the information acquisition unit 11B can acquire information such as the past operating performance of the air conditioning system 2B, external forecast values ​​such as weather information, and air conditioner specifications indicating the specifications of the air conditioners 5-1 to 5-4.

[0073] Similar to the optimization unit 12, the optimization unit 12B generates guidance values ​​for the control parameters through optimization processing.

[0074] For example, the optimization unit 12B can use state variables such as room temperature, indoor humidity, consumed energy, and comfort as the objective function. The consumed energy indicates the amount of energy consumed, such as electricity or gas, and is, for example, the gas usage rate or the electricity usage rate. The optimization unit 12B can also use a condition using the demand peak value of consumed energy as a constraint condition.

[0075] The operation of guidance device 1B is the same as that of guidance device 1A except for the information used, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted here. For example, guidance device 1B predicts the amount of solar radiation instead of the "inflow amount" in step S202 of Fig. 4, and generates guidance values ​​for control parameters such as the set temperature and ventilation amount setting according to the amount of solar radiation instead of the "guidance value for the pumping amount according to the inflow amount" in step S203. Furthermore, guidance device 1B can use temperature, humidity, power consumption, and CO2 concentration instead of the "water level, power consumption, and water quality" in steps S204 and S205.

[0076] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a first example of a message output by the guidance unit 13B illustrated in FIG. 7. The first example illustrates a case where cooling is performed in summer. In cooling, lowering the temperature increases power consumption. Furthermore, in cooling, lowering the temperature is necessary to lower the humidity. Lowering the humidity lowers the temperature too much, which increases power consumption to heat the room. An example is shown in which a guidance value is proposed to lower the set temperature from the current set value and then raise the set temperature. FIG. 8 also illustrates predicted values ​​of objective functions representing temperature, humidity, and power consumption calculated based on the guidance value. Values ​​past time "0" can be used as actual measured values. Upon acquiring the guidance value, the guidance unit 13B calculates predicted values ​​of state variables, specifically, temperature, humidity, and power consumption, based on the acquired guidance value. The guidance unit 13B then calculates values ​​of an objective function representing temperature, an objective function representing humidity, and an objective function representing power consumption. The guidance unit 13B compares the calculated values ​​of the objective functions with predetermined thresholds and selects a message to output based on the comparison results. A threshold is set for each objective function.

[0077] For example, the guidance unit 13B compares the objective function representing temperature with a predetermined threshold value Th3, the objective function representing humidity with a predetermined threshold value Th4, and the objective function representing power consumption with a predetermined threshold value Th5. For example, if only an upper limit value is set as the reference value for the target variable, the threshold value is preferably set to a value slightly smaller than the upper limit value. Furthermore, if an upper limit value and a lower limit value are set as reference values ​​for the target variable, the threshold value is preferably set to two values: a value slightly smaller than the upper limit value and a value slightly larger than the lower limit value. When the value of the objective function representing humidity exceeds the threshold value Th4, the guidance unit 13B can select, for example, the message Msg4 shown in FIG. 8. The message Msg4 includes a sentence such as, "If this continues, the humidity is likely to exceed the reference value, so please lower the temperature setting." Furthermore, when the value of the objective function representing temperature falls below the threshold value Th3 and the value of the objective function representing power consumption exceeds the threshold value Th5, the guidance unit 13B can select, for example, the message Msg5 shown in FIG. 8. Message Msg5 includes the sentence "If this continues, the temperature will fall below the standard value and the power consumption will likely exceed the standard value, so please increase the temperature setting."

[0078] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a second example of a message output by the guidance unit 13B illustrated in FIG. 7. The second example illustrates a case where heating operation is performed in winter. In heating operation, increasing the temperature increases power consumption. Furthermore, in heating operation, increasing humidity requires lowering the temperature, and increasing humidity reduces power consumption. Furthermore, when increasing humidity while maintaining the temperature, a humidification function is used to increase humidity, so increasing humidity increases power consumption. The second example illustrates a case where, as a guidance value, a value is suggested to lower the set temperature below the current set value and then raise the set temperature. Furthermore, FIG. 9 illustrates predicted values ​​of objective functions representing temperature, humidity, and power consumption calculated based on the guidance value. Values ​​past time "0" can be used as actual measured values. Upon acquiring the guidance value, the guidance unit 13B calculates predicted values ​​of state variables, specifically, temperature, humidity, and power consumption, based on the acquired guidance value. The guidance unit 13B then calculates values ​​of an objective function representing temperature, an objective function representing humidity, and an objective function representing power consumption. The guidance unit 13B compares the calculated objective function value with a predetermined threshold value, and selects a message to be output based on the comparison result. The threshold value is set for each objective function.

[0079] For example, the guidance unit 13B compares the objective function representing temperature with a predetermined threshold value Th3, the objective function representing humidity with a predetermined threshold value Th4, and the objective function representing power consumption with a predetermined threshold value Th5. For example, if only an upper limit value is set as the reference value for the target variable, the threshold value is preferably set to a value slightly smaller than the upper limit value. Furthermore, if an upper limit value and a lower limit value are set as reference values ​​for the target variable, the threshold value is preferably set to two values: a value slightly smaller than the upper limit value and a value slightly larger than the lower limit value. When the value of the objective function representing humidity falls below threshold value Th6, the guidance unit 13B can select, for example, message Msg6 in FIG. 9. Message Msg6 includes a sentence such as, "If the humidity continues at this rate, it is likely to fall below the reference value, so please lower the temperature setting." Furthermore, when the value of the objective function representing temperature falls below threshold value Th3, the guidance unit 13B can select, for example, message Msg7 in FIG. 9. Message Msg7 includes the sentence "If this continues, the temperature will likely fall below the standard value, so please increase the temperature setting."

[0080] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a third example of a message output by the guidance unit 13B shown in FIG. 7. The third example is an example in which heating operation is performed in winter, and the control parameter is the ventilation volume setting. In heating operation, the temperature drops when the CO2 concentration is reduced by ventilation, and therefore, increasing the ventilation volume increases power consumption to maintain the temperature. When the objective function indicating the temperature is within the reference range and the objective function indicating the CO2 concentration is below the upper limit value, which is the reference value, and the objective function for power consumption exceeds the threshold value Th5, the guidance unit 13B can select message Msg8 shown in FIG. 10. Message Msg8 includes the sentence, "If this continues, the power consumption is likely to exceed the reference value, so please lower the ventilation volume setting."

[0081] As described above, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to provide a guidance device 1B in which the control object 2 is an air conditioning system 2B. The functions of the guidance device 1B are similar to those of the guidance devices 1 and 1A. Even when the control object 2 is an air conditioning system 2B, it is possible to assist an operator in determining whether it is appropriate to operate the air conditioning system 2B, which is the control object 2, in accordance with the guidance values, just as in the case in which the sewage treatment system 2A described in the first embodiment is the control object 2.

[0082] Next, the hardware configuration of the guidance devices 1, 1A, and 1B will be described. The guidance devices 1, 1A, and 1B are realized, for example, by a computer system. The guidance devices 1, 1A, and 1B may be realized by one computer system or by multiple computer systems. For example, the guidance devices 1, 1A, and 1B may be realized by a cloud system. In a cloud system, the hardware of the computer system and devices such as servers for each function can be separated as desired. For example, one computer system may have the functions of multiple devices, or multiple computer systems may have the functions of one device.

[0083] An example of the configuration of a computer system that realizes the guidance devices 1, 1A, and 1B will be described. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a computer system that realizes the guidance devices 1, 1A, and 1B. As shown in Fig. 11, this computer system includes a control unit 101, an input unit 102, a storage unit 103, a display unit 104, a communication unit 105, and an output unit 106, which are connected via a system bus 107.

[0084] In FIG. 11 , the control unit 101 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 101 executes a program describing each process to be performed by the guidance devices 1, 1A, and 1B. The input unit 102 is composed of, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, and the like, and is used by a user of the computer system to input various information. The memory unit 103 includes various memories such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory) and a storage device such as a hard disk, and stores programs to be executed by the control unit 101, necessary data obtained during the process, and the like. The memory unit 103 is also used as a temporary storage area for programs. The display unit 104 is composed of, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and the like, and displays various screens to the user of the computer system. The communication unit 105 is, for example, a communication circuit that performs communication processing. The communication unit 105 may be composed of multiple communication circuits corresponding to multiple communication methods, respectively. The output unit 106 is an output interface that outputs data to an external device such as a printer or an external storage device.

[0085] Note that Fig. 11 is just an example, and the configuration of the computer system is not limited to the example of Fig. 11. For example, the computer system may not include the output unit 106. Furthermore, when the guidance devices 1, 1A, and 1B are realized by multiple computer systems, not all of these computer systems may be the computer systems shown in Fig. 11. For example, some computer systems may not include at least one of the display unit 104, output unit 106, and input unit 102 shown in Fig. 11.

[0086] Here, an example of the operation of the computer system until a program describing the processing of the guidance devices 1, 1A, and 1B is ready to be executed will be described. In the computer system having the above configuration, an optimization program is installed in the storage unit 103 from, for example, a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM inserted in a CD (Compact Disc)-ROM drive or DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)-ROM drive (not shown). Then, when the optimization program is executed, the optimization program read from the storage unit 103 is stored in an area that serves as the main storage device of the storage unit 103. In this state, the control unit 101 executes the processing of the guidance devices 1, 1A, and 1B in accordance with the program stored in the storage unit 103.

[0087] In the above description, the program describing the processing in the guidance devices 1, 1A, 1B is provided on a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM as a recording medium, but the present invention is not limited to this. Depending on the configuration of the computer system, the capacity of the program to be provided, etc., it is also possible to use a program provided over a transmission medium such as the Internet via the communication unit 105.

[0088] The program causes the computer system to execute the steps of acquiring a guidance value of the control parameter determined by an optimization process that optimizes an objective function whose value changes depending on the value of the control parameter used to control the controlled object 2, and outputting a message indicating the basis for the guidance value of the control parameter based on the value of the objective function. The program may also cause the computer system to execute a multi-objective optimization process in the step of acquiring the guidance value.

[0089] The information acquisition units 11, 11A, and 11B shown in Figures 1, 3, and 7 are realized by the control unit 101, communication unit 105, and memory unit 103 shown in Figure 11, the optimization units 12, 12A, and 12B shown in Figures 1, 3, and 7 are realized by the control unit 101 shown in Figure 11, and the guidance units 13, 13A, and 13B shown in Figures 1, 3, and 7 are realized by the control unit 101, display unit 104, output unit 106, etc. shown in Figure 11.

[0090] The configurations shown in the above embodiments are examples of the contents of the present disclosure, and may be combined with other known technologies, and parts of the configurations may be omitted or modified within the scope of the gist of the present disclosure.

[0091] For example, in the above embodiment, an example in which the control target 2 is a sewage treatment system 2A and an example in which the control target 2 is an air conditioning system 2B are shown, but the control target 2 is not limited to these examples. The control target 2 may be any object as long as the guidance values ​​of the control parameters can be obtained by multi-objective optimization processing.

[0092] Various aspects of the present disclosure are summarized below as appendices.

[0093] (Appendix 1) A guidance device that provides guidance on control parameters used to control a control object, a guidance value acquisition unit that acquires a guidance value of the control parameter that is calculated by a process of setting an objective function whose value changes depending on the value of the control parameter within a range that satisfies a constraint condition; and a guidance unit that outputs a message indicating a basis for the guidance value of the control parameter based on the value of the objective function; A guidance device comprising: (Appendix 2) The guidance unit determines the content of the message based on the value of the variable to which the constraint is set. 2. The guidance device according to claim 1, (Appendix 3) The guidance unit calculates a predicted value of a variable whose value changes depending on the value of the control parameter based on the guidance value, and determines the content of the message based on the value of the objective function calculated based on the predicted value. 2. The guidance device according to claim 1, (Appendix 4) The message includes the reason for increasing or decreasing the guidance value. 4. The guidance device according to claim 1, wherein: (Appendix 5) The message includes a basis for the value of the guidance value. 5. A guidance device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. (Appendix 6) The guidance unit determines the content of the message based on a result of comparing the value of the objective function with a predetermined threshold value. 6. A guidance device according to any one of claims 1 to 5. (Appendix 7) The guidance unit calculates the time until the value of the objective function becomes equal to the threshold value, and outputs the message including the calculated time. 7. The guidance device according to claim 6, (Appendix 8) The guidance unit determines the content of the message based on a result of comparing the value of the variable to which the constraint is set with a predetermined threshold value. 3. The guidance device according to claim 2, (Appendix 9) the control target is a sewage treatment system, The control parameter is the amount of water pumped by a water pump in the sewage treatment system. 9. A guidance device according to any one of claims 1 to 8. (Appendix 10) The guidance value is calculated using the water level of the sewage before treatment stored in the sewage treatment system, the power consumption of the sewage treatment system, and the water quality of the treated water discharged from the sewage treatment system as the objective function. 10. The guidance device according to claim 9, (Appendix 11) The control target is an air conditioning system. 9. A guidance device according to any one of claims 1 to 8. (Appendix 12) A guidance method for providing guidance on control parameters used in controlling a control object, comprising: a step of acquiring a guidance value of the control parameter obtained by a process of setting an objective function whose value changes depending on the value of the control parameter within a range that satisfies a constraint condition; outputting a message indicating a basis for the guidance value of the control parameter based on the value of the objective function; A guidance method comprising: (Appendix 13) In the computer system, a step of acquiring a guidance value of a control parameter obtained by a process of setting an objective function, the value of which changes depending on the value of the control parameter used to control the controlled object, within a range that satisfies a constraint condition; outputting a message indicating a basis for the guidance value of the control parameter based on the value of the objective function; A program characterized by executing the following. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 1, 1A, 1B Guidance device, 2 Control object, 2A Sewage treatment system, 2B Air conditioning system, 3 Information providing server, 4 Primary air conditioner, 5-1 to 5-4 Air conditioner, 10 Guidance value acquisition unit, 11, 11A, 11B Information acquisition unit, 12, 12A, 12B Optimization unit, 13, 13A, 13B Guidance unit, 21 Sewer pipe, 22 Inlet conduit, 23 Grit chamber, 24 Pump well, 25 Lifting pump, 26 Primary sedimentation tank, 27 Reaction tank, 28 Final sedimentation tank, 29 Disinfection equipment, 41 Air-cooled chiller, 42 Absorption type water cooler / heater, 61 Pyranometer, 62 Thermometer, 63 Hygrometer, 101 Control unit, 102 Input unit, 103 Memory unit, 104 Display unit, 105 Communication unit, 106 Output section, Msg1~Msg8 messages.

Claims

1. A guidance device that provides guidance on control parameters used to control a control object, a guidance value acquisition unit that acquires a guidance value of the control parameter that is calculated by a process of setting an objective function whose value changes depending on the value of the control parameter within a range that satisfies a constraint condition; and a guidance unit that outputs a message indicating a basis for the guidance value of the control parameter based on the value of the objective function; A guidance device comprising:

2. The guidance unit determines the content of the message based on the value of the variable to which the constraint is set.

2. The guidance device according to claim 1.

3. The guidance unit calculates a predicted value of a variable whose value changes depending on the value of the control parameter based on the guidance value, and determines the content of the message based on the value of the objective function calculated based on the predicted value.

2. The guidance device according to claim 1.

4. The message includes the reason for increasing or decreasing the guidance value.

2. The guidance device according to claim 1.

5. The message includes a basis for the value of the guidance value.

2. The guidance device according to claim 1.

6. The guidance unit determines the content of the message based on a result of comparing the value of the objective function with a predetermined threshold value.

2. The guidance device according to claim 1.

7. The guidance unit calculates the time until the value of the objective function becomes equal to the threshold value, and outputs the message including the calculated time.

7. The guidance device according to claim 6.

8. The guidance unit determines the content of the message based on a result of comparing the value of the variable to which the constraint is set with a predetermined threshold value.

3. The guidance device according to claim 2.

9. the control target is a sewage treatment system, The control parameter is the amount of water pumped by a water pump in the sewage treatment system.

9. The guidance device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second guide members are arranged in a plane parallel to each other.

10. The guidance value is calculated using the water level of the sewage before treatment stored in the sewage treatment system, the power consumption of the sewage treatment system, and the water quality of the treated water discharged from the sewage treatment system as the objective function.

10. The guidance device according to claim 9.

11. The control target is an air conditioning system.

9. The guidance device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second guide members are arranged in a plane parallel to each other.

12. A guidance method for providing guidance on control parameters used in controlling a control object, comprising: a step of acquiring a guidance value of the control parameter obtained by a process of setting an objective function whose value changes depending on the value of the control parameter within a range that satisfies a constraint condition; outputting a message indicating a basis for the guidance value of the control parameter based on the value of the objective function; A guidance method comprising:

13. In the computer system, a step of acquiring a guidance value of a control parameter obtained by a process of setting an objective function, the value of which changes depending on the value of the control parameter used to control the controlled object, within a range that satisfies a constraint condition; outputting a message indicating a basis for the guidance value of the control parameter based on the value of the objective function; A program characterized by executing the following.

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