Fluid supply system, maintenance method for industrial equipment, and control device for industrial equipment

Abstract

This invention provides a fluid supply system, a maintenance method for industrial equipment, and a management device for industrial equipment that eliminate the need to halt operations even when industrial equipment stops working, and that also improve the efficiency of maintenance work. [Solution] A fluid supply system that supplies air to a compressed air supply pipe 104 by controlling the operation of a plurality of industrial machines, namely a main engine 101 and a backup engine 102, connected to the compressed air supply pipe 104, the fluid supply system comprising a main engine 101 and a backup engine 102, and a control device 105 that sends commands related to the operation of the main engine 101 and the backup engine 102, wherein the backup engine 102 operates when the main engine 101 stops, and the backup engine 102 is kept in a state where it can supply air to the compressed air supply pipe 104 by command from the control device 105 even when the main engine 101 is operating.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fluid supply system, a maintenance method for industrial equipment, and a management device for industrial equipment. For example, it relates to a fluid supply system that supplies fluid to a fluid path by controlling the operation of industrial equipment, a maintenance method for industrial equipment, and a management device for industrial equipment that manages industrial equipment.

Background Art

[0002] It is known that it is difficult to predict the occurrence of maintenance work due to failures of industrial equipment. Therefore, various attempts have been made as prediction methods for maintenance methods.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses that a reliability and maintenance cost prediction device for equipment has an evaluation target setting means, a failure rate input means, a maintenance characteristic input means, a cost input means, a basic condition creation section, an operation and maintenance performance input means, an operation and maintenance plan input means, a plotting means, an evaluation condition input means, and a simulation means. The simulation means calculates and arranges in time a time function of the failure rate of the equipment, a time function of the maintenance cost, and an expected value time function of the failure recovery cost based on the actual performance and plan of operation and maintenance. The evaluation condition input means designates an evaluation period and changes the scheduled maintenance or operation arranged in time by the plotting means 18.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, conventional methods cannot cope with sudden failures that are statistically unavoidable. When a sudden failure occurs, the operations of the equipment users come to a halt, and recovery is usually required as quickly as possible. Therefore, in order to minimize downtime, measures are taken such as users keeping their own separate equipment, maintenance materials, and personnel, and maintenance companies ensuring that they have sufficient personnel on standby so that they can respond to calls from users at any time. On the other hand, these measures require significant costs, making it difficult for all users to actually implement them. As a result, it is not uncommon for maintenance personnel from manufacturers or equipment suppliers to handle these issues after their scheduled work hours. The present invention aims to provide a fluid supply system, a maintenance method for industrial equipment, and a management device for industrial equipment that eliminate the need to halt operations even when industrial equipment stops, and that can improve the efficiency of maintenance work. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides a fluid supply system that supplies fluid to a fluid path by controlling the operation of a plurality of industrial devices connected to the fluid path, comprising a plurality of industrial devices and a control device that sends commands related to the operation of the plurality of industrial devices, wherein one or more of the plurality of industrial devices are backup machines that operate when the other industrial devices stop, and the backup industrial device is kept in a state where it can supply fluid to the fluid path by command from the control device even when the other industrial devices are operating. In this case, it is possible to provide a fluid supply system that does not require stopping operations even when industrial equipment stops, and that can improve the efficiency of maintenance work.

[0007] Here, for example, backup machines are managed to maintain a simpler condition than other industrial equipment. In this case, the frequency and cost of maintenance can be reduced. Furthermore, for example, backup machines can be made to require less frequent maintenance than other industrial equipment, thus simplifying their maintenance requirements. In this case, the reduced maintenance frequency can lower both the number of maintenance sessions and the associated costs. Furthermore, for example, a backup unit is one that was previously in operation but has been replaced by a newly introduced industrial machine. In this case, the cost of introducing the backup unit can be reduced. Furthermore, for example, a backup unit may have an older manufacturing date than the initial unit. In this case, an older air compressor at the customer's site can be used as a backup unit.

[0008] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for maintaining industrial equipment, wherein one or more of the multiple industrial equipment units are backup units that operate when the other industrial equipment units stop, and the backup industrial equipment units are kept in an operational state by a control device that sends operational commands to the multiple industrial equipment units even when the other industrial equipment units are operating, and the backup units are managed to maintain a simpler state than the other industrial equipment units. In this case, it is possible to provide an industrial equipment maintenance method that does not require the cessation of operations even when industrial equipment stops, and that can improve the efficiency of maintenance work.

[0009] Here, for example, when other industrial equipment stops, maintenance work on that equipment is performed at a timing based on a priority calculated from the probability of other industrial equipment stopping. In this case, the customer can reduce the parts used for maintenance work and the number of weekend maintenance visits, thereby lowering maintenance costs. Also, for the maintenance provider, the urgency of on-call response is reduced, and they can plan and execute the most efficient, on-site maintenance plan, including weekdays, without having to accommodate the customer's schedule. This also allows the maintenance provider to reduce the costs associated with maintenance.

[0010] Furthermore, the present invention relates to an industrial equipment management device for managing industrial equipment, comprising: a collection unit that collects operational information, which is information about the operating status of industrial equipment; a proposal output unit that outputs a proposal to introduce new industrial equipment and designate previously operating industrial equipment as backup equipment based on the operational information; and a maintenance management unit that manages the maintenance of industrial equipment. In this case, it is possible to provide an industrial equipment management device that does not require the cessation of operations even when industrial equipment stops, and that can improve the efficiency of maintenance work.

[0011] Here, for example, the backup machine is kept operational by a control device that sends operational commands to the industrial equipment, even when other industrial equipment is running. In this case, there is no need to stop operations even when other industrial equipment stops. Furthermore, for example, the maintenance department can manage the maintenance status of backup equipment in a simpler way than that of newly introduced industrial equipment. In this case, the frequency and cost of maintenance can be reduced. Furthermore, for example, when newly installed industrial equipment stops working, the maintenance department will perform maintenance on the newly installed industrial equipment at a timing based on a priority calculated from the probability of the newly installed industrial equipment stopping. In this case, the customer can reduce the parts used for maintenance work and the number of weekend maintenance visits, thereby lowering maintenance costs. Also, for the maintenance provider, the urgency of on-call responses is reduced, and they can plan and execute the most efficient, on-site maintenance plan, including weekdays, without having to accommodate the customer's schedule. This also helps the maintenance provider reduce the costs associated with maintenance. Furthermore, for example, the maintenance department calculates the maintenance costs for newly installed industrial equipment and backup equipment. In this case, the customer can understand the cost-effectiveness. For example, the maintenance department can further calculate the maintenance costs that can be reduced when introducing new industrial equipment. In this case, the effect of reducing maintenance costs by introducing a compressed air supply system becomes clearer. Furthermore, for example, the maintenance department can process a return to the user of at least a portion of the reduced maintenance costs. In this case, the benefits for the customer of installing the compressed air supply system are further increased. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a fluid supply system, a maintenance method for industrial equipment, and a management device for industrial equipment that eliminate the need to halt operations even when industrial equipment stops, and that can improve the efficiency of maintenance work. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of the compressed air supply system in this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is the main flow chart illustrating the maintenance method for industrial equipment in this embodiment. [Figure 3] This diagram shows the expected installation configuration of the air compressor and compressed air consumption equipment when introducing the compressed air supply system of this embodiment. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of the flow during the introduction of the compressed air supply system in this embodiment. [Figure 5] This diagram illustrates the process when a maintenance company proposes the introduction of a compressed air supply system. [Figure 6] This is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the management server. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. In the following, when necessary for convenience, it will be described by dividing it into a plurality of sections or embodiments. However, unless otherwise specified, they are not unrelated to each other, and one is related to a part or all of the other as a modification example, details, supplementary explanation, etc. Further, in the following, when referring to the number of elements, etc. (including the number, numerical value, quantity, range, etc.), unless otherwise specified or clearly limited to a specific number in principle, it is not limited to that specific number, and it may be more than or less than the specific number.

[0015] <Description of the entire compressed air supply system 100> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the compressed air supply system 100 in the present embodiment. The compressed air supply system 100 includes an air compressor (main engine) 101, an air compressor (standby machine) 102, a compressed air consuming device 103, a compressed air supply pipe 104, a control device 105, and a signal line 108. The illustrated compressed air supply system 100 is an example of a fluid supply system that supplies a fluid to a fluid path by controlling the operation of a plurality of industrial devices connected to the fluid path. Here, the fluid corresponds to air in the compressed air supply system 100 of FIG. 1, but is not limited thereto, and may be a liquid such as water. Further, the plurality of industrial devices correspond to the main engine 101 and the standby machine 102 in the compressed air supply system 100 of FIG. 1, but are not limited thereto, and may be a pump or the like. Furthermore, the fluid path corresponds to the compressed air supply pipe 104.

[0016] The main engine 101 mainly operates during the operation of the compressed air supply system 100 to generate compressed air and send it out to the compressed air supply pipe 104. The standby machine 102 generates compressed air instead when the main engine 101 stops and sends it out to the compressed air supply pipe 104. When the main engine 101 stops, for example, it may stop due to maintenance, but also includes cases where it stops due to a failure or the like.

[0017] Compressed air consuming equipment 103 is a device located in a factory or similar facility that requires and consumes compressed air. Examples of compressed air consuming equipment 103 include production equipment that utilizes air pressure, pressure cleaning equipment for parts being produced, equipment for transporting and cooling parts, and pneumatic switching valves.

[0018] The compressed air supply piping 104 connects the main engine 101 and the backup engine 102 to the compressed air consuming equipment 103 and supplies compressed air. Although not shown in the diagram, the compressed air supply piping 104 may include devices such as a pressure reducing valve for reducing the pressure of the compressed air, a switching valve for switching the destination of the compressed air, and a filter for removing moisture and impurities contained in the compressed air.

[0019] The control device 105 sends operational commands to multiple industrial machines via the signal line 108. In this case, the control device 105 receives output signals 107 transmitted from the main engine 101 and the backup engine 102, and sends control signals 106 to the main engine 101 and the backup engine 102 according to their operating status. Specifically, the control device 105 transmits control signals 106 to control the operation and stopping of the main engine 101 and the backup engine 102. It also transmits control signals 106 to adjust the pressure and flow rate when the main engine 101 and the backup engine 102 are operating. The output signals and control signals 106 used in this process include not only voltage fluctuations but also encoded signals, and there may be multiple signal lines 108 that transmit these signals.

[0020] In this embodiment, one or more of the multiple industrial machines are backup machines that operate when the other industrial machines stop, and the backup industrial machine is kept in a state where it can operate by command from the control device even when the other industrial machines are operating. When this is applied to the compressed air supply system 100 in Figure 1, one of the multiple industrial machines, the main engine 101 and the backup machine 102, is the backup machine 102 that operates when the main engine 101 stops, and the backup machine 102 is kept in a state where it can supply air to the compressed air supply piping 104 by command from the control device 105 even when the main engine 101 is operating.

[0021] When the main engine 101 stops for any reason, it sends an output signal 107 to the control device 105 indicating that it has stopped. Upon receiving the output signal 107, the control device 105 immediately sends a control signal 106 to the backup engine 102, which then starts up. The output signal 107 sent at this time may include not only a signal indicating that the device has stopped, but also output information such as the air discharge volume and discharge pressure of the main engine 101, and the control signal 106 may include not only a signal to turn on the backup engine 102, but also output information such as the discharge volume and discharge pressure. This eliminates the need to stop operations even in the event of a sudden stop of the main engine 101 due to a malfunction or other reason. Furthermore, since the stopping of the main engine 101 includes cases where it is stopped for maintenance, as described above, it is also true that operations do not need to be stopped during maintenance of the main engine 101.

[0022] Furthermore, even if the main engine 101 stops due to a malfunction or other reason, the backup engine 102 can be operated, eliminating the need for maintenance workers to immediately perform maintenance on the main engine 101. This eliminates the need to maintain a fixed number of maintenance personnel or for maintenance companies to ensure they have sufficient on-call personnel to respond to user calls at any time. As a result, customers such as factories can reduce the amount of parts used for maintenance work and the number of holiday maintenance visits, thereby lowering maintenance costs. For maintenance companies, the urgency of on-call responses is reduced, allowing them to plan and execute the most efficient, on-site maintenance schedule, including weekdays, without having to accommodate customer convenience. This also helps maintenance companies reduce the costs associated with maintenance. Maintenance work on the main engine 101 may be performed at the next scheduled maintenance time. Alternatively, maintenance work on the main engine 101 may be performed at a timing based on a priority calculated from the probability of the main engine 101 stopping.

[0023] Furthermore, the compressed air supply system 100 in Figure 1 can also consist of three or more air compressors. In this case, multiple main motors 101 and backup units 102 may be used. Peripheral equipment such as air tanks can also be combined.

[0024] <Explanation of maintenance methods for industrial equipment> Figure 2 is a main flow chart illustrating the maintenance method for industrial equipment in this embodiment. This main flow includes the entire process from the maintenance worker's arrival at the installation site of the industrial equipment, the air compressor, to preparation for work, maintenance of the main engine 101, operational check, inspection of the backup unit 102, and maintenance record keeping. It does not include sales activities such as proposing system implementation or explaining maintenance records to the customer. Furthermore, the maintenance worker is responsible for determining the timing of maintenance and the replacement parts for the compressed air supply system 100.

[0025] First, in the main engine maintenance preparation step (S201) of this flow, the maintenance worker prepares the maintenance work to be performed on the main engine 101 and the parts and equipment to be used. In addition, the backup unit start-up step (S202) is performed to power on the backup unit and supply compressed air.

[0026] Once the backup engine start step is complete and compressed air is supplied from the backup engine 102, the system proceeds to the main engine stop step (S203). In this step, the maintenance worker stops the main engine 101. However, if the main engine 101 has already stopped due to a malfunction or other reason, this step is omitted.

[0027] Once the stopping of the main engine 101 is confirmed, the process proceeds to the main engine maintenance step (S204). In this step, the maintenance worker performs necessary maintenance work according to the condition of the main engine 101, including replacing parts and cleaning. If any malfunctions are found in the main engine 101 during the main engine maintenance step, the worker investigates the cause and performs maintenance work if it can be identified.

[0028] Once all maintenance work is complete, the process proceeds to the main engine starting step (S205). In this step, the maintenance worker starts the main engine 101 and confirms that compressed air is being discharged. The maintenance worker also performs the backup unit shutdown step (S206) to stop the supply of compressed air from the backup unit 102.

[0029] Furthermore, if the maintenance work is incomplete, the engine may start and then stop, so the process proceeds to the main engine operation confirmation step (S207). In this step, the maintenance worker operates the main engine 101 for a certain period of time to check if there are any problems. During this time, the maintenance worker also performs the backup machine inspection step (S208) to check the condition of the backup machine 102.

[0030] Then, the main motor 101 is operated for a certain period of time, and if air is discharged without any problems (Yes in S209), the process proceeds to the maintenance recording step (S210). In this step, the maintenance worker records the details of the maintenance work performed and the main flow ends. On the other hand, if, after operating the main engine 101 for a certain period of time, there is a problem with air discharge (No in S209), further maintenance work on the main engine 101 will be required, and the process will return to the beginning of this main flow.

[0031] In the maintenance method of this embodiment, the backup unit 102 is managed to maintain a simpler condition than the main engine 101, which is other industrial equipment. In this case, the backup unit 102 is made simpler to maintain by having a lower maintenance frequency than the main engine 101. Since the backup unit 102 has less operating time than the main engine 101, there is no problem in managing it to maintain a simpler condition than the main engine 101, and the number of maintenance cycles and maintenance costs can be reduced. Furthermore, by reducing the maintenance menu for the backup unit 102 and performing maintenance on the main engine 101 at the same time as the backup unit 102, the number of maintenance cycles and maintenance costs can be reduced.

[0032] <Explanation of the introduction of the compressed air supply system 100> Figure 3 shows the expected installation configuration of the air compressor and compressed air consuming equipment when introducing the compressed air supply system 100 of this embodiment. In this setup, the existing machine 102a and the compressed air consuming equipment 103 are installed and connected via the compressed air supply piping 104. The newly introduced machine 101a is then installed as the main engine 101, and the compressed air supply piping 104 is branched and extended to connect to the main engine 101. The control device 105 and signal line 108 may already be installed to control multiple existing machines. In this case, only the signal line 108 from the control device 105 to the introduced machine 101a may need to be installed. The existing machine 102a is then designated as the backup machine 102. In this case, the backup machine 102 is the machine that was previously operating as the existing machine 102a but has been replaced by the newly introduced industrial equipment, the introduced machine 101a. In other words, since the existing machine 102a can be used to introduce the backup machine 102, the introduction cost can be reduced. In this case, the backup machine 102 is older in manufacturing date than the introduced machine 101a. This allows customers to use older air compressors at their sites as backup units (102). In other words, even air compressors that are about to undergo an overhaul can be used as backup units, thus reducing the cost of acquiring backup units for customers.

[0033] <Explanation of how to install the compressed air supply system 100> Figure 4 shows an example of the flow when the compressed air supply system 100 is introduced in this embodiment. First, in the existing machine status determination step (S401) of this flow, the maintenance worker determines the operational status of the existing machine 102a. The criteria for this determination may be based on the total operating time, for example, if the total operating time of the existing machine 102a to date exceeds 50,000 hours, it may be determined that it is unusable. Alternatively, the condition may be determined by removing major components such as the turbine. Then, if the existing machine 102a is operational and can be used as a backup machine 102 (Yes in S402), the existing machine 102a is designated as the backup machine 102, and the process proceeds to the operational changeover equipment introduction step (S404). In this case, for example, the existing machine 102a located at the customer's site and about to undergo overhaul would be designated as the backup machine 102.

[0034] Conversely, if it is determined that the existing unit 102a is not operational and cannot be used as the backup unit 102 (No in S402), the process proceeds to the backup unit installation step (S403). In this step, the maintenance worker prepares a separate air compressor as the backup unit 102, instead of the existing unit 102a. The air compressor prepared at this time may be an unused air compressor, or a used air compressor that is in use elsewhere may be prepared as second-hand equipment. After the backup unit installation step (S403), the process proceeds to the operational changeover equipment introduction step (S404).

[0035] In the operational changeover equipment installation step (S404), maintenance workers install the compressed air supply piping 104, control device 105, and signal line 108 shown in Figure 1 onto the prepared backup unit 102. Maintenance workers also install the compressed air supply piping 104 and signal line 108 to the location where the introduction unit 101a will be installed. Once the compressed air supply piping 104, control device 105, and signal line 108 have been installed, the process proceeds to the introduction machine installation step (S405). In this step, the maintenance worker installs the newly introduced machine 101a, which becomes the main engine 101. At this time, the maintenance worker connects the compressed air supply piping 104 and signal line 108, which were installed in the operation changeover equipment introduction step (S404), to the introduced machine 101a.

[0036] Once installation and connection are complete, the process proceeds to the operation check step (S406). In this step, the maintenance worker switches to the installed unit 101a, which is designated as the main engine 101, and puts it into operation. Then, if there are no problems with the switchover and operation (Yes in S407), this flow is complete, and the installation of the compressed air supply system 100 is finished. Conversely, if a problem occurs during switching or operation (No in S407), the process transitions to the operation switching equipment introduction step (S404) to resolve the issue.

[0037] Figure 5 shows the process when a maintenance company proposes the introduction of a compressed air supply system 100. In Figure 5, the maintenance company proposes the introduction of a compressed air supply system 100 using a management server 200 for managing the air compressor. The management server 200 is an example of an industrial equipment management device and is a computer device such as a server computer or PC (Personal Computer). Alternatively, the management server 200 may be a cloud server. The management server 200 comprises a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) as a means of calculation, main memory as a means of storage, and storage. The processor executes various software such as the OS (operating system) and application programs (application software). The main memory is a storage area that stores various software and data used for its execution, and the storage is a storage area that stores input data for various software and output data from various software.

[0038] In this case, the existing unit 102a is used as the air compressor owned by the customer, and the management server 200 monitors the status of the existing unit 102a. In practice, the existing unit 102a sends operational information, which is information about the operating status of the existing unit 102a, to the management server 200, and the management server 200 monitors the status of the existing unit 102a based on the operational information. Operational information includes, for example, the total operating time of the existing unit 102a, the operating status such as the frequency of failures, the condition of parts, and information such as whether or not the filter is clogged and when. The management server 200 manages the maintenance status of the existing machine 102a based on operational information. For example, the management server 200 issues maintenance instructions to maintenance workers, who are maintenance personnel of the maintenance company, at predetermined intervals or operating hours. When maintenance workers perform maintenance, the management server 200 manages the date and time of the maintenance, the parts replaced, and the cleaning history. Furthermore, the management server 200 proposes the introduction of the compressed air supply system 100 based on the operational information.

[0039] Figure 6 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the management server 200. In Figure 6, the functions relevant to this embodiment are selected and illustrated from among the various functions of the management server 200. As shown in Figure 6, the management server 200 includes an input / output unit 201, a data collection unit 202, a storage unit 203, a suggestion output unit 204, and a maintenance management unit 205. The input / output unit 201 exchanges information with the existing unit 102a via a communication means. The communication means may be, for example, the Internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), or a WAN (Wide Area Network). The communication lines used for information communication may be wired or wireless, or a combination of both may be used. Furthermore, the management server 200 and the existing unit 102a may be connected via multiple networks and communication lines using relay devices such as gateway devices or routers.

[0040] The collection unit 202 collects operational information. The storage unit 203 then stores this operational information. The storage unit 203 also stores the maintenance history of the air compressor.

[0041] The proposal output unit 204 outputs a proposal based on the operation information to introduce a new air compressor, the introduction unit 101a, and to designate the previously operating air compressor, the existing unit 102a, as the backup unit 102. The proposal output unit 204 can output this proposal in the form of, for example, displaying it on a display device provided on the management server 200. The administrator of the management server 200 then views the output information and contacts the maintenance worker. This allows the maintenance worker to propose the introduction of the compressed air supply system 100 to the customer. Alternatively, the proposal output unit 204 can output this proposal in the form of, for example, sending it directly to the maintenance worker via email or the like. This allows the maintenance worker to propose the introduction of the compressed air supply system 100 to the customer. Alternatively, the proposal output unit 204 can output this proposal in the form of, for example, sending it directly to the customer via email or the like through the input / output unit 201. The criteria used by the proposal output unit 204 to make this proposal include, for example, determining the decision based on the operating time of the existing unit 102a, which is obtained from the operational information. Another method is to determine the decision based on the number of days since the existing unit 102a was installed.

[0042] Maintenance Department 205 is responsible for managing the maintenance of the air compressors. Before the customer installs the compressed air supply system 100, the air compressors managed by Maintenance Department 205 are the existing unit 102a. After the customer installs the compressed air supply system 100, the main unit 101 and the backup unit 102 are responsible for managing these units.

[0043] After installing the compressed air supply system 100, the maintenance management unit 205 performs maintenance on the main engine 101 and the backup engine 102, as shown in Figure 5. At this time, the maintenance management unit 205 manages the maintenance of the backup engine 102 using the maintenance method described above. Specifically, the maintenance management unit 205 manages the maintenance status of the backup engine 102 to be simpler than that of the main engine 101, which is a newly introduced industrial piece of equipment. The maintenance menu for the backup engine 102 is reduced, and when the backup engine 102 is maintained, the main engine 101 is maintained at the same time. For example, when the main engine 101, which is a newly introduced industrial piece of equipment, stops, the maintenance management unit 205 performs maintenance work on the main engine 101 at a timing based on the priority calculated from the probability of the main engine 101 stopping. Furthermore, when proposing the introduction of the compressed air supply system 100, the maintenance management department 205 calculates the maintenance costs for both the main engine 101 and the backup engine 102. In this case, the customer can understand the cost-effectiveness. The maintenance management department 205 then further calculates the maintenance costs that can be reduced when the main engine 101 is introduced. This makes it easier to understand the effect of reducing maintenance costs when the compressed air supply system 100 is introduced. For example, as shown in Figure 5, this is also useful for the customer's field users to explain the effects of introducing the compressed air supply system 100 to management executives.

[0044] Furthermore, the maintenance management unit 205 can also process a return to the user of at least a portion of the reduced maintenance costs. In other words, when a customer installs the compressed air supply system 100, as described above, maintenance companies can also reduce the costs required for maintenance. Therefore, as a process to return at least a portion of the reduced maintenance costs to the user, as shown in Figure 5, for example, a portion of the maintenance costs paid by the customer in the next contract will be returned. Specifically, a proposal will be made to discount the maintenance costs paid by the customer in the next contract. In this case, the benefits for the customer of installing the compressed air supply system 100 will be further increased.

[0045] Although this embodiment has been described above, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiment. It is clear from the claims that various modifications or improvements made to the above embodiment are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, while the above-described embodiment includes examples of multiple industrial devices connected to a fluid path, such as an air compressor and a pump, the industrial devices in question may also include industrial inkjet printers, motors, inverters, air showers, and the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0046] 100...Compressed air supply system, 101...Main engine, 101a...New unit, 102...Backup unit, 102a...Existing unit, 103...Compressed air consumption equipment, 104...Compressed air supply piping, 105...Control device, 200...Management server, 201...Input / output unit, 202...Collection unit, 203...Storage unit, 204...Proposal output unit, 205...Maintenance and management unit

Claims

1. A fluid supply system that supplies fluid to a fluid path by controlling the operation of multiple industrial devices connected to the fluid path, The aforementioned multiple industrial devices, A control device that sends commands related to operation to the aforementioned multiple industrial devices, Equipped with, A fluid supply system characterized in that one or more of the aforementioned industrial equipment are backup machines that operate when the other industrial equipment stops, and the backup industrial equipment is kept in a state where it can supply fluid to the fluid path by command of the control device even when the other industrial equipment is operating.

2. The fluid supply system according to claim 1, wherein the backup unit is managed to be in a state that is easier to maintain than other industrial equipment.

3. The fluid supply system according to claim 2, wherein the backup unit is designed to be easier to maintain by requiring less frequent maintenance than other industrial equipment.

4. The fluid supply system according to claim 1, wherein the aforementioned backup unit is an existing unit that has been replaced by a newly introduced industrial unit.

5. The fluid supply system according to claim 4, wherein the backup unit has an earlier manufacturing date than the unit being introduced.

6. A method for maintaining industrial equipment, One or more of the multiple industrial machines are backup machines that operate when the other industrial machines stop, and the backup industrial machine is kept in an operational state by a control device that sends operational commands to the multiple industrial machines, even when the other industrial machines are operating. A method for maintaining industrial equipment, characterized in that the aforementioned backup unit is managed to maintain in a condition that is simpler than that of other industrial equipment.

7. The method for maintaining industrial equipment according to claim 6, wherein when the other industrial equipment stops, maintenance work on the other industrial equipment is performed at a timing based on a priority calculated from the probability of the other industrial equipment stopping.

8. An industrial equipment management device for managing industrial equipment, A collection unit that collects operational information, which is information about the operating status of industrial equipment, Based on the aforementioned operational information, a proposal output unit outputs a proposal to introduce new industrial equipment and to use previously operating industrial equipment as backup equipment. The Maintenance Management Department is responsible for managing the maintenance of industrial equipment, A control device for industrial equipment equipped with the following features.

9. The industrial equipment management device according to claim 8, wherein the backup unit is kept in an operational state by a command from a control device that sends operational commands to the industrial equipment, even when other industrial equipment is in operation.

10. The industrial equipment management device according to claim 8, wherein the maintenance management unit manages the maintenance status of the spare machine in a simpler manner than the maintenance status of newly introduced industrial equipment.

11. The industrial equipment management device according to claim 8, wherein the maintenance management unit performs maintenance work on the newly introduced industrial equipment at a timing based on a priority calculated from the probability of the newly introduced industrial equipment stopping when the newly introduced industrial equipment stops.

12. The maintenance management unit calculates the maintenance costs for newly introduced industrial equipment and the spare equipment, respectively, according to claim 8.

13. The maintenance management unit further calculates the maintenance costs that can be reduced when introducing new industrial equipment, as described in claim 12.

14. The maintenance management unit processes a return to the user of at least a portion of the reduced maintenance costs, as described in claim 13.

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