Management system, management method

Abstract

This can help promote the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. [Solution] The management system comprises an operation information acquisition unit that acquires operational information of equipment, a credit calculation unit that uses the operational information acquired by the operation information acquisition unit to calculate credits, which are compensation for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and an improvement detection unit that detects areas for improvement of the equipment, wherein the credit calculation unit calculates an estimated value of credits if the improvements detected by the improvement detection unit are carried out.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a management system and a management method.

Background Art

[0002] Efforts to address environmental issues, particularly to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, are becoming increasingly important in corporate activities. Patent Document 1 discloses a carbon offset activity support method including steps of receiving an order for a supply item indicating that it is a product or service contributing to carbon offset from a user terminal, calculating an offset amount of corresponding greenhouse gases based on the carbon offset amount per supply item and the order quantity of the supply item in the order received in the step, assigning a unique code based on a serial number attached to a greenhouse gas reduction value purchased from a provider to the offset amount of greenhouse gases calculated in the step, and issuing a carbon offset certificate displaying the unique code assigned in the step.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The invention described in Patent Document 1 calculates the amount of greenhouse gas offset from the ordered supplies and the quantity ordered when a supply is ordered that is marked as a product or service that contributes to carbon offsetting. However, it did not take into account how the greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption generated by the manufacturing of the supplies or the manufacturing equipment actually change. In other words, it did not take into account the collection of data necessary to calculate the greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption caused by the use of equipment and machinery. Furthermore, because there is no mechanism to encourage various stakeholders to participate in contributing to environmental value, the reduction effect is limited. The objective is to realize a system that enables equipment users and producers to continuously and effectively work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A management system according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises: an operation information acquisition unit that acquires operational information of equipment; a credit calculation unit that uses the operational information acquired by the operation information acquisition unit to calculate credits, which are compensation for reducing greenhouse gas emissions; and an improvement detection unit that detects areas for improvement of the equipment, wherein the credit calculation unit calculates an estimated value of the credits if the improvements detected by the improvement detection unit are carried out. A management system according to a second aspect of the present invention comprises: an operation information acquisition unit that acquires operation information of a fluid device; a credit calculation unit that uses the operation information acquired by the operation information acquisition unit to calculate credits, which are compensation for reducing greenhouse gas emissions; and an improvement detection unit that detects areas for improvement of the fluid device, wherein the credit calculation unit calculates an estimated value of the credits if the improvements detected by the improvement detection unit are carried out. A third aspect of the present invention is a management method performed by a computer, comprising: an operation information acquisition step of acquiring operational information of equipment; a credit calculation step of calculating credits, which are compensation for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, using the operational information acquired in the operation information acquisition step; and an improvement detection step of detecting areas for improvement of the equipment, wherein the credit calculation step calculates an estimated value of the credits if the improvements detected in the improvement detection step are carried out. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, various stakeholders, including users of the equipment, will have an incentive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. As a result, the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions can be continuously promoted. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Management system configuration diagram [Figure 2] A diagram showing an example of a credit information database. [Figure 3] Diagram showing an example of an operational information database. [Figure 4] A diagram showing an example of a device information database. [Figure 5] Diagram showing an example of a contract information database. [Figure 6] A diagram showing an example of an improvement detection database. [Figure 7] Diagram showing an example of an account database. [Figure 8] A diagram showing an example of a database eligible for credit issuance. [Figure 9] Flowchart showing the operation of the equipment change processing unit. [Figure 10] This diagram shows the main screen generated by the UI generation unit. [Figure 11] This diagram shows the parts ordering screen generated by the UI generation unit. [Figure 12] This diagram shows the maintenance history screen generated by the UI generation unit. [Figure 13] This diagram shows the screen generated by the UI generation unit. [Figure 14] Figure showing the consent screen generated by the UI generation unit in Modification 1

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] - First Embodiment - Hereinafter, referring to FIGS. 1 to 13, a first embodiment of the management system according to the present invention will be described.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of the management system 1. The management system 1 includes a remote monitoring device 2, a credit processing device 3, and a system communication unit 7. The remote monitoring device 2 includes a measurement data acquisition unit 21, an index calculation unit 22, a credit calculation unit 23, an improvement detection unit 24, a UI generation unit 29, an operation information database (hereinafter referred to as the "operation information DB") 25, a device information database (hereinafter referred to as the "device information DB") 26, a contract information database (hereinafter referred to as the "contract information DB") 27, and an improvement detection database (hereinafter referred to as the "improvement detection DB") 28. The credit processing device 3 includes a credit management unit 31, an account database (hereinafter referred to as the "account DB") 32, a credit issuance target database (hereinafter referred to as the "credit issuance target DB") 34, and a credit issuance request unit 33.

[0010] The management system 1 communicates with the user terminal 4, the operation site 5, and the credit issuance system 6 using the system communication unit 7. The system communication unit 7 is a communication unit that realizes wireless communication or wired communication. Also, there may be a device that relays communication. In FIG. 1, for reasons of drawing, only one user terminal 4 and one operation site 5 are shown, but typically, a plurality of user terminals 4 and operation sites 5 are connected to the user terminal 4, the operation site 5, and the management system 1. Each of the user terminal 4, the operation site 5, and the credit issuance system 6 only needs to be able to communicate with the management system 1, and the three of the user terminal 4, the operation site 5, and the credit issuance system 6 do not necessarily need to be able to communicate with each other.

[0011] The user terminal 4 is, for example, a general-purpose computer. The user terminal 4 includes an input / output interface and a communication interface with the management system 1. Hereinafter, the person who operates the user terminal 4 is called a "user". The user is the owner of the fluid machine 51 described later.

[0012] The operation site 5 includes a fluid machine 51, a measuring instrument 52, a measurement data communication unit 53, and a measurement data storage unit 54. Note that the measuring instrument 52, the measurement data communication unit 53, and the measurement data storage unit 54 may be integrally configured with the fluid machine 51, or only one of the measuring instrument 52, the measurement data communication unit 53, and the measurement data storage unit 54 may be provided for a plurality of fluid machines 51. The fluid machine 51 is a machine that utilizes the energy of a fluid, such as a pneumatic compressor, a hydraulic motor, and a turbo pump.

[0013] However, the operation site 5 may be equipped with industrial equipment used in industrial fields other than the fluid machine 51. Industrial equipment is, for example, a motor, an inverter, a device that can be controlled by mounting an inverter, a hoist or a crane for transporting an object, and an air shower for removing dust when entering or leaving a food factory or a semiconductor inspection factory, a safety cabinet or a clean bench used in bio-related facilities, and the like. Hereinafter, these fluid machines 51 and industrial equipment are collectively simply referred to as "equipment".

[0014] The measuring instrument 52 acquires data related to the operation of the fluid machine 51 at a predetermined time period and records the obtained values in the measurement data storage unit 54. The measuring instrument 52 records, for example, the mass flow rate or volume flow rate of the fluid discharged by the fluid machine 51, the discharge pressure, and the like. The measuring instrument 52 is, for example, a pressure gauge or a flow meter. For industrial equipment, the measuring instrument 52 mainly records the current value, voltage value, control amount of the power supply, and the flow rate, pressure, torque, slip, and rotational speed on the output side. Since the power supply voltage connected is known for the voltage value, the power may be obtained using the current value and the known power supply voltage without measuring the power supply voltage. For an inverter, the current value and voltage value flowing through the device connected to the inverter may be recorded as the measured values on the output side. Hereinafter, the fluid machine 51 will be used as a representative of the equipment for explanation.

[0015] The measurement data storage unit 54 is a memory device. The measurement data storage unit 54 may be a volatile memory device, but it is preferable that it be a non-volatile memory device. The data related to the operation of the fluid machine 51 recorded in the measurement data storage unit 54 is recorded at a predetermined time period and can therefore be called time-series data. Hereinafter, the time-series data related to the operation of the fluid machine 51 recorded in the measurement data storage unit 54 will be referred to as "measurement data". However, the measurement data does not have to be the output of the measuring instrument 52 itself; for example, it may be a simple average, a weighted average, or a moving average, and can be obtained by other methods as long as the method is sufficient to be used as measurement data.

[0016] The measurement data communication unit 53 is a communication interface that transmits measurement data recorded in the measurement data storage unit 54 to the remote monitoring device 2 of the management system 1. The measurement data communication unit 53 may proactively transmit measurement data to the remote monitoring device 2, or it may transmit measurement data in response to a request from the remote monitoring device 2. The measurement data communication unit 53 may also transmit multiple measurement data at once, or it may transmit only the most recent measurement data if other measurement data has already been transmitted.

[0017] The credit issuance system 6 comprises a credit calculation unit 61, a credit information database (hereinafter referred to as the "credit information DB") 62, and a credit communication unit 63. The credit issuance system 6 may be a single general-purpose computer or a computer cluster consisting of multiple computers. The credit calculation unit 61 issues credits based on information received via the credit communication unit 63 and records them in the credit information DB 62. Credits are points obtained as compensation for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and are issued as electronic data.

[0018] The credit information DB62 stores information about issued credits, such as the date and time of issuance, the amount issued, and the recipient. In this embodiment, the "credit ID," an identifier created in advance by the credit issuance system 6, is used as the recipient of the credit. Credits are described as representing greenhouse gas emissions, but are not limited to this; carbon dioxide emissions, carbon equivalent weight, or energy consumption reductions can also be used. Typical examples of such credits include the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM), but they may also be implemented by certified operators of government agencies or private companies.

[0019] In this embodiment, the credit issuance system is described as being recorded in a centrally managed database, but it may also be managed by blockchain or by combining blockchain with NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) or FTs (Fungible Tokens). This enables decentralized management and identity verification of credits, and also increases the liquidity of credits.

[0020] Figure 2 shows an example of the credit information DB62. The credit information DB62 consists of multiple records, each record having fields for processing number 621, issue date and time 622, issue amount 623, and issuer 624. Processing number 621 is the processing number that identifies the credit issuance process. Issue date and time 622 is the date and time the credit was issued. Issue amount 623 is the amount of credit issued. Issuer 624 is the credit ID that indicates the recipient of the issued credit, in other words, the owner of the credit. The first two records in the example shown in Figure 2 show that "10" credits were issued to credit ID "abc123" at 12:34:56 on January 1, 2022. Return to Figure 1 and continue the explanation.

[0021] The configuration of the remote monitoring device 2 is described below. The measurement data acquisition unit 21 acquires measurement data from the operating site 5 and stores it in the operating information DB 25. The index calculation unit 22 calculates an index indicating the power efficiency of the fluid machine 51 (hereinafter referred to as the "power efficiency index") by referring to the operating information DB 25. The power efficiency index is, for example, the volume of fluid at a predetermined pressure that can be output using 1 kWh of power. The credit calculation unit 23 calculates the credits that the fluid machine 51 can obtain using the power efficiency index calculated by the index calculation unit 22. The improvement detection unit 24 detects areas where there is room for improvement in the operation of the fluid machine 51. The improvement detection unit 24 further calculates the credits that can be obtained through improvements using the index calculation unit 22 and the credit calculation unit 23. The UI generation unit 29 generates a user interface that presents the operating status of the fluid machine 51 and the detection results of the improvement detection unit 24 to the user.

[0022] The equipment change processing unit 20 executes predetermined processing when a change is made to equipment managed by the remote monitoring device 2. Changes include, for example, replacement of equipment parts, equipment overhaul, equipment configuration changes, and replacement of the equipment itself. Changes to equipment can be detected based on information input from the user terminal 4, updates to the equipment information DB input from an administrator terminal not shown in Figure 1, changes in the detected values ​​of the measuring instrument 52 read from the operational site 5, and equipment configuration information uploaded from the operational site 5. The predetermined processing executed by the equipment change processing unit 20 first refers to the credit issuance target DB and determines whether the made change is eligible for credit issuance. If the equipment change processing unit 20 determines that it is eligible for issuance, it requests the credit issuance request unit 33 to issue credits based on the calculation result of the credit calculation unit 23. The above is the predetermined processing executed by the equipment change processing unit 20.

[0023] For example, the measuring instrument 52 identifies the power consumption based on the current value of the fluid machine 51, the power efficiency with respect to discharge pressure, or the predicted power consumption at that efficiency, etc., for a predetermined period before the replacement of equipment parts or the overhaul of the equipment, etc., and stores the identified new reference values ​​in the measurement data storage unit 54. The predetermined period may be several days, several weeks, or several months. Subsequently, the measuring instrument 52 identifies the power consumption based on the current value of the fluid machine 51, the power efficiency with respect to discharge pressure, or the predicted power consumption at that efficiency, etc., after the replacement of equipment parts or the overhaul of the equipment, etc., and stores the post-replacement comparison values, which are compared with the new reference values, in the measurement data storage unit 54. The new reference values ​​can be treated as a baseline or as baseline emissions converted from power consumption to greenhouse gas emissions. The post-replacement comparison values ​​can also be treated as project emissions corresponding to the project implementation amount or greenhouse gas emissions corresponding to the project certified by the certified business operator. These new reference values ​​and replacement reference values ​​can be determined by the operating site 5, which receives the data stored in the measurement data storage unit 54 after the measurement instrument 52 has measured it, and then calculates and identifies the stored data via the measurement data communication unit 53.

[0024] Furthermore, when changing the settings of the equipment, the power consumption for a predetermined amount of work of the fluid discharged by the fluid machine 51 before the setting change can be used as a new reference value, and the power consumption for a predetermined amount of work of the fluid discharged by the fluid machine 51 after the setting change can be used as a post-replacement comparison value. Examples of changing the settings of the equipment include updating to new firmware that provides a more energy-saving operating method than before the setting change, learning how the user of the fluid machine 51 uses it and changing the control to a more efficient operating method, having multiple fluid machines 51 and cooperating with other fluid machines 51 to operate more efficiently, and applying peak shift operation. When changing the settings of multiple units that are cooperating, values ​​measured by sensors, such as the flow rate and velocity of the fluid flowing through the piping, may be used as the output side measurement values.

[0025] If the modification to the fluid machine 51 involves replacing the fluid machine 51 itself, the measured values ​​of the input power and discharge fluid workload under the condition of the fluid machine 51 before the modification are used as new baseline values. By comparing these values ​​with the measured values ​​of the input power and discharge fluid workload under the condition of the modified fluid machine 51, an indicator value for environmental improvement can be calculated.

[0026] The credit request unit 33 requests the issuance of credits by transmitting the necessary information to the credit issuance system 6. Since each accredited business uses a different system for the credit issuance system 6, the information required to issue credits, the applicable rules, specifications, and agreements also differ. Therefore, the credit request unit 33 may transmit information such as the new reference value and the post-replacement comparison value of the fluid machine 51 described above, the difference between the new reference value and the post-replacement comparison value, or the sampling period that identifies the difference. The credit request unit 33 does not need to strictly request the issuance of credits; it is sufficient to provide information regarding the evidence for issuing credits. The credit request unit 33 can also transmit information regarding the verification of additionality, which shows that the fluid machine 51 operates based on the new reference value.

[0027] Furthermore, in the case of the replacement described above, the credit issuance request unit 33 should provide information regarding the evidence for issuing credits, including information that the rules, specifications, and agreements for calculating energy savings and greenhouse gas emissions differ from those previously used. In this case, by using the amount of electricity consumed by the fluid machine 51 before replacement as the new baseline value, and the amount of electricity consumed by the fluid machine 51 after replacement as the post-replacement baseline value, it is possible to identify the energy savings effect and greenhouse gas emissions of the fluid machine 51 before and after replacement. This allows for the identification of more accurate energy savings and greenhouse gas emissions by selecting appropriate rules, specifications, and agreements, thereby contributing to the reduction of environmental impact.

[0028] The credit issuance request unit 33 outputs information about the issued credits, such as the processing number, the amount of credits issued, and the issuance date and time, to the credit management unit 31. The credit management unit 31 writes the information about the credits issued by the credit issuance request unit 33 to the account DB 32. More specifically, the credit management unit 31 updates the acquisition history 324 in the account DB 32, which will be described later. The credit issuance target DB 34 stores a list of changes to equipment for which credits can be issued. This list can be set in advance by the system administrator, or the credit issuance target DB 34 can be updated by accumulating and learning from the results of past requests made by the credit issuance request unit 33. The list may record information about a single credit issuance target, or it may record information about multiple types of credits. The credit issuance target DB 34 can also be described as a database of changes to equipment, and credits are issued as a result of those changes.

[0029] The operation information DB25 stores measurement data of the fluid machine 51. As mentioned above, the measurement data is time-series data, so for example, the operation information DB25 stores the measured values ​​of the measuring instrument 52 for each time period. The operation information DB25 is updated by the measurement data acquisition unit 21. The equipment information DB26 stores summary information of the fluid machine 51. The equipment information DB26 may be created in advance or may be rewritten by the administrator of the management system 1.

[0030] The contract information DB27 stores information on the credit transfer agreement between the user of the fluid machine 51 and the administrator of the management system 1. The contract information DB27 may be created in advance or modified by the administrator of the management system 1. The improvement detection DB28 stores information for detecting areas that need improvement regarding the operation of the fluid machine 51 and suggesting countermeasures. The improvement detection DB28 may be created in advance or modified by the administrator of the management system 1. The account DB32 stores information on acquired credits for each account. The credit information in the account DB32 is updated by the credit management unit 31.

[0031] Figure 3 shows an example of the operational information DB25. The operational information DB25 consists of multiple records, each record having fields for equipment ID251, measurement date and time252, sensor ID253, and measurement value254. Equipment ID251 is an identifier that identifies the fluid machine 51. Measurement date and time252 is the date and time the measurement data was taken. Sensor ID253 is an identifier that identifies the measuring instrument 52. For example, sensor ID "s01" indicates a pressure gauge that measures the suction pressure of the air compressor, sensor ID "s02" indicates a flow meter that measures the discharge flow rate of the air compressor, sensor ID "s03" indicates an ammeter that measures the current flowing to the motor built into the air compressor, and sensor ID "s04" indicates a power factor meter that measures the power factor of the power flowing to the motor built into the air compressor. Measurement value254 is the measurement value measured by each sensor. The units of the measurement values ​​are predetermined; for example, pressure is "kPa" and discharge flow rate is "m 3 " / minute", current is "A", and power factor is dimensionless.

[0032] Figure 4 shows an example of the equipment information DB 26. The equipment information DB 26 consists of multiple records, each record having fields for equipment ID 261, equipment type 262, location 263, and sensor 264. Equipment ID 261 is an identifier that identifies the fluid machine 51 and is the same as equipment ID 251 in the operation information DB 25. That is, if equipment ID 261 and equipment ID 251 have the same value, it means that they are the same fluid machine 51. Equipment type 262 is the type of fluid machine 51 and has values ​​such as air compressor, hydraulic pump, turbopump, etc. Location 263 is the location where the fluid machine 51 is installed. Location 253 may be written in a human-readable address format or as latitude and longitude. Sensor 264 is a list of identifiers for sensors that acquire data related to the operation of the fluid machine 51.

[0033] Figure 5 shows an example of the contract information DB27. The contract information DB27 consists of multiple records, each record having fields for equipment ID 271, contract status 272, and user ID 273. Equipment ID 271 is an identifier that identifies the fluid machine 51, and is the same as equipment ID 251 in the operation information DB25 and equipment ID 261 in the equipment information DB26. Contract status 272 is the status regarding the handling of future credits that the user of the fluid machine 51 will provide to the administrator of the management system 1. For example, if the standard distribution conditions are agreed upon in the terms and conditions of the equipment monitoring service contract, it is recorded as "Standard Contract," if individual confirmation is required when ordering maintenance or other environmental improvement work, it is recorded as "Individual Confirmation," and if there are other conditions for credit distribution or transactions to the system, the contract status according to each condition is recorded. However, it is also acceptable to record only whether or not it is eligible for credit distribution. User ID 273 is an identifier for the user of the fluid machine 51.

[0034] Figure 6 shows an example of the Improvement Detection DB 28. The Improvement Detection DB 28 consists of multiple records, each record having fields for Equipment Type 281, Problem 282, Condition 283, and Countermeasure 284. Equipment Type 281 is the type of fluid machine 51 and is the same as Equipment Type 262 in Equipment Information DB 26. Problem 282 is a label indicating the problem that needs to be improved. Condition 283 is the condition for determining that a problem has occurred. Countermeasure 284 is a countermeasure to improve or resolve the problem that has occurred and is used for display to the user.

[0035] Figure 7 shows an example of the account DB 32. The account DB 32 consists of multiple records, each record having fields for User ID 321, Display Name 322, Credit ID 323, Acquisition History 324, and Ratio 325. User ID 321 is the identifier of the user of the fluid machine 51 and is the same as User ID 273 in the contract information DB 27. Display Name 322 is the name of the user and is used for display to the user. Credit ID 323 is the identifier of the credit owner managed by the credit issuance system 6 and is the same as Issuer 624 in the credit information DB 62. Acquisition History 324 is information showing the history of credits acquired so far, and in the example shown in Figure 7, the value of processing number 621 in the credit information DB 62 is used. Ratio 325 is the ratio of credits that the user of the fluid machine 51 can receive, and the remainder is allocated to the administrator of the management system 1. The account DB 32 can also be described as a database that accumulates issued credits as accounts on a per-user basis. The account DB32 contains user accounts for each device, as well as the administrator account for management system 1.

[0036] In this embodiment, the credit distribution ratio is managed for each user ID in the account DB32. However, it is also possible to set different distribution ratios for each device for the same user ID, according to the device-specific contract status shown in Figure 5, and perform calculations based on those ratios.

[0037] The first record shown in Figure 7 shows that user ID "U01" is "AAA Company" and its ID in the credit issuance system 6 is "abc123". It indicates that "0.5", or half, of the credits acquired so far for processing numbers "123" and "134" has been obtained. The second record shown in Figure 7 shows that user ID "U02" is "BBB Company" and its ID in the credit issuance system 6 is "cde234". It indicates that the full amount of credits acquired so far for processing numbers "124" and "145" has been obtained. User ID "U02" is "Individual Confirmation" in the contract information DB27, so the ratio 325 is "1". Also, for example, user ID "U03" is all "Discount" in the contract information DB27, meaning the contract status is that all credits are transferred to the administrator, so the ratio 325 is "0".

[0038] The last two records shown in Figure 7 both relate to the administrator of Management System 1. Since there are two fluid machines 51 with a ratio of 325, one with a ratio of 325 of "0.5" and another with a ratio of 325 of "1", there are correspondingly two records for the administrator.

[0039] Figure 8 shows an example of a credit-issuing DB34. The credit-issuing DB34 consists of multiple records, each record having fields for Change 341, Condition 342, and Credit Type 343. Change 341 is the type of change made to the fluid machine 51. Condition 342 is the condition for credit issuance. Credit Type 343 is the type of credit issued. The fourth record shown in Figure 8 indicates that if a "setting change" is made to the fluid machine 51 and "Indicator x" improves by "10 or more", "Credit A" will be awarded.

[0040] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the equipment change processing unit 20. When a change is made to a machine managed by the remote monitoring device 2, the equipment change processing unit 20 executes the process shown in Figure 9. First, in step S401, the equipment change processing unit 20 considers the credit issuance target DB 34 and determines whether the made change is eligible for credit issuance. If the equipment change processing unit 20 determines that it is eligible for credit issuance, it proceeds to step S402; if it determines that it is not eligible for credit issuance, it terminates the process shown in Figure 9. In step S402, the equipment change processing unit 20 calculates the credits to be obtained from this change using the credit calculation unit 23. In the following step S403, the equipment change processing unit 20 requests the credit issuance request unit 33 to issue credits and terminates the process shown in Figure 9.

[0041] The calculation performed by the index calculation unit 22 will be explained. Unit cost A [yen / m] 3 ] is the cost to obtain 1 cubic meter of compressed air. Power consumption B [kWh] is the power consumption of the fluid machine 51 per hour. Electricity unit price C [yen / kWh] is the cost of the electricity consumed by the fluid machine 51 per hour. Air volume D [m 3 [ / h] is the volume of compressed air at a given pressure. In this case, the unit consumption A is expressed by the following equation 1.

[0042] A=B x C / D (formula 1)

[0043] The power consumption B in Equation 1 can be calculated using the following Equation 2.

[0044] B=Sqrt(3) x I x V x φ x ψ (Equation 2)

[0045] However, in Equation 2, Sqrt is the operator for calculating the square root, so Sart(3) is the square root of 3. In Equation 2, I represents the current, and measurements taken every 30 minutes are used. In Equation 2, V represents the voltage, and a fixed value from the product specifications is used. In Equation 2, φ represents the power factor, and measurements taken every 30 minutes are used. In Equation 2, ψ represents the motor efficiency, and is identified by referring to a known lookup table. The airflow D in Equation 1 is calculated as the product of the rated airflow E and the load factor F, as shown in Equation 3 below.

[0046] D=E x F (Equation 3)

[0047] However, the rated airflow E is a specification of the fluid machine 51 and is the amount of air discharged per hour at a predetermined pressure. The load factor F is calculated by the following equation 4.

[0048] F = (PQ) / (RQ) (Equation 4)

[0049] However, in Equation 4, P is the measured current value, Q is the unload current, and R is the full load current.

[0050] The credit calculation unit 23 calculates the credit obtained using two indicators calculated by the indicator calculation unit 22 and a predetermined coefficient. The two indicators calculated by the indicator calculation unit 22 are the power efficiency indicators before and after improvement. Information essential for the calculation by the credit calculation unit 23, such as the date and time of any improvement made to each fluid machine 51, is entered by the administrator of the management system 1. For example, for a certain fluid machine 51, if the power efficiency indicator before improvement is 1.2 [kWh / m³] 3 ] and the improved power efficiency index is 1.1 [kWh / m²]. 3 ] and the annual output required for the fluid machine 51 is 1000[m 3 In the case of ], if the predetermined coefficient is set to "0.1", the annual credit Z obtained is expressed by the following equation 5.

[0051] Z=(1.2-1.1) x 1000 x 0.01 =10 (Equation 5)

[0052] The improvement detection unit 24 detects areas where there is room for improvement in the operation of the fluid machine 51 (hereinafter referred to as "improvable configurations") by referring to the operation information DB 25 and the improvement detection DB 28. The improvement detection unit 24 may detect improveable configurations by determining whether or not the corresponding conditions 382 described in the improvement detection DB 28 apply, or it may detect improveable configurations using various known methods. When the improvement detection unit 24 detects that there is room for improvement, it calculates improvement means, estimated change in evaluation value, estimated change in power consumption, and estimated amount of credits obtained. The improved measurement values ​​that are expected to be improved by the improvement means may be based on past data stored in the operation information DB 25.

[0053] The UI generation unit 29 generates a user interface to present to the user using information stored in the operational information DB 25, equipment information DB 26, contract information DB 27, and improvement detection DB 28, as well as the calculation results of the credit calculation unit 23 and improvement detection unit 24. For example, the UI generation unit 29 identifies the user providing the information, identifies the equipment ID associated with that user's user ID from the contract information DB 27, and then searches the operational information DB 25 for all records with that equipment ID, outputting the measured values ​​of each sensor as a time-series graph. The UI generation unit 29 also functions as a change presentation unit that presents users with changes to the equipment and the credits that can be obtained from those changes, and as a presentation unit that presents users with a purchase interface that allows them to use future credits to purchase items related to the equipment.

[0054] Figure 10 shows an example screen 810 generated by the UI generation unit 29, which displays the operating status and equipment information. Hereafter, the screen shown in Figure 10 will also be referred to as the "main screen". The UI generation unit 29 displays the problems detected by the improvement detection unit 24, the improvement methods, and the amount of credit and electricity cost reduction obtained by the improvement. This example screen 810 is displayed on the user terminal 4 of a user who is "AAA Company" and uses a fluid machine 51 with equipment ID "D001". When the user presses the "Parts Ordering" button indicated by code 811, the screen switches to the screen shown in Figure 11, which will be described later. When the user presses the "Maintenance" button indicated by code 812, the screen switches to the screen shown in Figure 12, which will be described later. When the user presses the "Credit" button indicated by code 813, the screen switches to the screen shown in Figure 13, which will be described later.

[0055] Figure 11 shows an example screen 832 generated by the UI generation unit 29, displaying a parts ordering screen. This screen has buttons labeled "Pay with Reserved Credit" (821) and "Normal Payment" (822). Regardless of which button the user presses, an air filter, a part of the fluid machine 51, will be ordered. If the user presses the "Pay with Reserved Credit" button (821), the air filter will be paid for with credits to be earned in the future, rather than in monetary currency. Alternatively, the user can choose a payment method that offers a discount through a combination of credit and monetary currency. Or, they can pay with credits they have already acquired. The relationship between monetary currency and credits will be defined separately. If the user presses the "Normal Payment" button (822), the air filter will be paid for in monetary currency. In this case, payment may be made using a pre-configured credit account or a registered credit card. Of the three buttons shown in the lower right of Figure 11, "Maintenance" and "Credit" are as explained in Figure 10. When the user presses the "Main" button indicated by code 814, the screen switches to the one shown in Figure 10.

[0056] Figure 12 shows an example screen 833 generated by the UI generation unit 29, displaying the maintenance history screen. This screen displays the maintenance history for a specific fluid machine 51 and the calculation results of the improvement detection unit 24. The two buttons shown in the lower right of Figure 12 are as described in Figures 10 and 11.

[0057] Figure 13 shows an example screen 834 generated by the UI generation unit 29, displaying the credit screen. This screen displays the credits earned by a specific fluid machine 51 to date. However, the credits earned may be displayed in user units rather than units of the fluid machine 51. The two buttons shown in the lower right of Figure 13 are as described in Figures 10 and 11.

[0058] According to the first embodiment described above, the following effects and advantages can be obtained. (1) The management system 1 includes a measurement data acquisition unit 21 that acquires measurement data, which is time-series data related to the operation of the fluid machine 51; an index calculation unit 22 that calculates an index based on the measurement data; a credit calculation unit 23 that compares the index before and after changes are made to the fluid machine 51 and calculates credits, which are compensation for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions; and a credit management unit 31 that links a portion of the calculated credits to the users of the equipment. The credit management unit 31 links a portion of the calculated credits to the operators of the management system 1. As a result, an incentive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is created for people other than the users of the fluid machine 51, thus promoting the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

[0059] (2) The remote monitoring device 2 included in the management system 1 is a platform for monitoring services after the sale of the fluid machine 51. Therefore, based on the measurement data of the equipment that needs to be acquired for monitoring the fluid machine 51, credits obtained for environmental improvement can be issued using a cloud-based measurement database built for equipment monitoring, thereby promoting the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

[0060] (3) The measurement data is data obtained by taking measurements periodically. Therefore, credits can be calculated using the periodically obtained data.

[0061] (4) The measurement data is obtained by taking measurements at intervals of 30 minutes or more.

[0062] (5) The equipment targeted by the management system 1 is the fluid machine 51, and the time-series data related to the operation of the equipment is the time-series data of the current value of the fluid machine 51. Therefore, power consumption can be calculated using the time-series data of the current value.

[0063] (6) The equipment under management in management system 1 is an air compressor, and the time-series data related to the operation of the equipment is the time-series data of the output airflow of the air compressor. Therefore, various indicators of the fluid machine 51 can be calculated using the output airflow.

[0064] (7) The equipment managed in the management system 1 is a fluid machine, and the time-series data related to the operation of the equipment is the time-series data of the volume or mass of the fluid discharged by the fluid machine. In the fluid machine 51, the discharge flow rate is an important parameter related to its operation, and various indicators can be calculated using the discharge flow rate.

[0065] (8) The equipment is an air compressor, and the modification to the equipment is the replacement of the air filter built into the air compressor. Therefore, greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced by reducing pressure loss in the filter and improving power efficiency.

[0066] (9) Changes to the fluid machinery 51 include the replacement of equipment. By replacing it with new equipment of the same type, it is possible to eliminate the causes of deterioration over time and various factors that have occurred during use that have reduced power efficiency, thereby improving power efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

[0067] (10) Changes to the fluid machine 51 include changes to the settings related to the operation of the equipment. Therefore, greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced by changing the equipment settings to an appropriate level to improve power efficiency.

[0068] (11) Changes to the fluid machinery 51 include equipment maintenance. Therefore, greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced by improving power efficiency through maintenance. Examples of maintenance include partial replacement of parts, tightening screws, and lubrication. Improvements in operation due to parts replacement, reduction of vibration around screw tightening parts, and improvement of mechanical transmission force can be expected.

[0069] (12) The credit management unit 31 links a portion of the credits for equipment used by users who have given their consent to the user, and all of the credits for equipment used by users who have not given their consent to the user. As a result, credits can be accumulated in a manner that reflects the intentions of the users of the fluid machinery 51.

[0070] (13) The UI generation unit 29 also functions as a change presentation unit that presents the user with changes to the device and the credits obtained as a result of those changes.

[0071] (14) As shown in Figure 11, the UI generation unit 29 also functions as a presentation unit that presents the user with a purchase interface for using future credits to purchase items related to the equipment.

[0072] (15) The system includes a credit issuance request unit 33 that transmits information about the equipment to a credit issuance system 6 that issues credits and obtains credits.

[0073] (Variation 1) The UI generation unit 29 may generate a user interface that allows users of the fluid machine 51 to choose whether or not to consent to transferring a portion of the credits they will receive in the future to the administrator of the management system 1.

[0074] Figure 14 shows an example of an acceptance screen 835 generated by the UI generation unit 29 in the modified example 1. The acceptance screen 835 has YES and NO options, and when the user selects YES, the UI generation unit 29 updates the contract status 27 in the contract information DB 27, recording it as, for example, "Standard Contract".

[0075] According to this modified version, the following effects can be obtained. (16) The management system 1 is equipped with a user interface that allows users to select whether or not to give a predetermined consent. Therefore, it is not necessary to obtain the user's consent in advance, and consent can be obtained on the management system 1.

[0076] (Modification 2) In the embodiment described above, the credits obtained were divided between the user and the administrator of the management system 1. However, the credits obtained may also be divided between the user and the manufacturer of the fluid machine 51, or between the user, the administrator of the management system 1, and the manufacturer of the fluid machine 51. The credits obtained may be distributed to accounts of stakeholders other than the user and the administrator of the management system, such as investors when installing the equipment. Furthermore, the ratio of credits to be divided between the user and others is not limited to 1:1, but may be set to any ratio.

[0077] The distribution ratio may be determined according to the contribution of the modification to the equipment to the environmental improvement indicator. For example, in the case of filter replacement for fluid machinery, 1 could be given to the user who contributed to it, or in the case of modification due to the introduction of new equipment settings, 0.5 each could be given to the equipment manufacturer who derived the settings and the user. Alternatively, for example, data accumulated through equipment monitoring services could be used to separately calculate improvements in operating time due to the user's equipment usage and improvements due to overhauls, and the distribution ratio could be calculated based on these. The distribution ratio can be increased for users who replace parts or perform maintenance on their equipment more frequently than for users who do so less frequently, and for users who contribute more to energy saving by replacing parts or performing maintenance earlier than initially planned. This creates an incentive to operate equipment in a way that reduces environmental impact, thereby improving the actual energy-saving efficiency of the equipment. The above-mentioned distribution ratio can be agreed upon with the management system administrator, etc., before, at, or during the use of the equipment. Making the above arrangements before and after the start of equipment use is effective because it motivates equipment users to operate the equipment in a way that improves energy efficiency or reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

[0078] In the embodiments and modifications described above, the configuration of the functional blocks is merely an example. Several functional configurations shown as separate functional blocks may be integrated, or a configuration represented in one functional block diagram may be divided into two or more functions. Furthermore, some of the functions of each functional block may be provided by other functional blocks.

[0079] Although the embodiments described above were based on fluid machinery, the present invention may also be applied to other industrial equipment capable of measuring input and output energy. For example, the present invention may be applied to industrial equipment that converts power, such as transformers, or to industrial equipment that converts electrical or chemical energy into mechanical operating energy, such as motors or engines.

[0080] Furthermore, the present invention may also be applied to the issuance of environmental market value other than credits related to greenhouse gas emissions, including carbon, or credits that contribute to reducing environmental impact. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 1…Management System 2…Remote monitoring device 3…Credit Processing Unit 4…User terminal 5…Operating Sites 6…Credit Issuance System 21...Measurement data acquisition unit 22...Indicator calculation section 23…Credit Calculation Department 24...Improvement detection unit 25…Operational Information Database 26…Equipment Information Database 27... Contract Information Database 28…Improvement detection database 29...UI generation section 31…Credit Management Department 32…Account Database 33…Credit Issuance Request Department 34…Databases eligible for credit issuance 51...Fluid machinery 52… Measuring instruments

Claims

1. An operation information acquisition unit that acquires operational information of the equipment, A credit calculation unit calculates credits, which are compensation for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, using the operational information acquired by the operational information acquisition unit. A management system comprising an improvement detection unit for detecting areas for improvement of the aforementioned equipment, The credit calculation unit is a management system that calculates an estimated value of the credits when the improvements detected by the improvement detection unit are carried out.

2. In the management system according to claim 1, The system includes an indicator calculation unit that calculates an indicator using the aforementioned operational information, The credit calculation unit is a management system that compares the indicator before and after a change is made to the equipment and calculates credits, which are the compensation for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

3. In the management system according to claim 1, A management system in which the improvement items for the aforementioned equipment include replacing parts, changing operating parameters, or replacing the equipment.

4. In the management system according to claim 1, It further includes a screen generation unit that generates screen information to be output to the user, The screen generation unit is a management system that outputs display information that allows for parts procurement when the improvement item detected by the improvement detection unit is a parts replacement.

5. In the management system according to claim 1, It further includes a screen generation unit that generates screen information to be output to the user, The screen generation unit is a management system that outputs display information that allows for requests to take action on improvement items detected by the improvement detection unit.

6. An operation information acquisition unit that acquires operational information of fluid equipment, A credit calculation unit calculates credits, which are compensation for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, using the operational information acquired by the operational information acquisition unit. A management system comprising an improvement detection unit for detecting areas for improvement in the fluid equipment, The credit calculation unit is a management system that calculates an estimated value of the credits when the improvements detected by the improvement detection unit are carried out.

7. A management method performed by a computer, A step to acquire operational information for obtaining equipment operational information, A credit calculation step, which uses the operational information acquired in the operational information acquisition step to calculate credits, which are the compensation for reducing greenhouse gas emissions; The process includes an improvement detection step for detecting areas for improvement in the aforementioned device, A management method comprising the credit calculation step, which calculates an estimated value of the credits if the improvements detected in the improvement detection step are carried out.

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