Energy demand planning generation system, energy demand planning generation method, and program

Abstract

Generate energy demand plans for product production with minimal effort. [Solution] The energy demand plan generation system of the embodiment is an energy demand plan generation system that generates a time-series energy demand plan for each unit time necessary for a process of producing a predetermined number of products in a predetermined period of time, and comprises: a production plan setting unit that sets a production plan for time periods related to product production; an equipment start / stop information setting unit that sets equipment start / stop information consisting of start information and stop information for production equipment; an equipment operation plan generation unit that generates an equipment operation plan which is an operation plan for the production equipment including non-production time for products based on the production plan and the equipment start / stop information; and an energy demand plan generation unit that generates a time-series energy demand plan for each unit time based on the equipment operation plan.

Description

Technical Field

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[0006]

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an energy demand plan generation system, an energy demand plan generation method, and a program. relate to.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there are cases where a time-series energy demand plan for each unit time required for a process of producing a predetermined number of products within a predetermined period in a production department of a factory is generated.

[0003] For this purpose, for example, there is a method of calculating the time-series energy consumption consumed by each facility based on the operation schedule of each facility in the factory. Specifically, the time-series energy consumption of each facility is calculated using the state (operation, stop, etc.) transition time-series data of each facility and the time-series energy consumption of each state.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the prior art, when the production plan including the waiting time is changed, in order to regenerate the energy demand plan, it is necessary to manually regenerate it in consideration of the startup information of the production equipment (such as the time required for startup of the production equipment), the stop information (such as the time required for stopping the production equipment), etc., which is a problem that it takes time and effort.

[0006] Therefore, an object of embodiments of the present invention is to provide an energy demand plan generation system, an energy demand plan generation method, and a program that can generate an energy demand plan related to product production with less effort. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The energy demand planning generation system of the embodiment is an energy demand planning generation system that generates a time-series energy demand plan for each unit time required for a process of producing a predetermined number of products in a predetermined period, and comprises: a production plan setting unit that sets a production plan for time periods related to product production; an equipment start / stop information setting unit that sets equipment start / stop information consisting of start information and stop information for production equipment; an equipment operation plan generation unit that generates an equipment operation plan, which is an operation plan for the production equipment including non-production time for products, based on the production plan and the equipment start / stop information; and an energy demand planning generation unit that generates a time-series energy demand plan for each unit time based on the equipment operation plan. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a functional configuration diagram of the energy demand planning and generation device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows examples of production plans and energy demand plans. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows examples of production plans and energy demand plans. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing part of the process for generating equipment operation plans. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a Gantt chart showing an example of the operating status of production equipment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the overall process for generating an energy demand plan. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram regarding changes to the production plan. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a functional configuration diagram of the energy demand planning and generation device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows examples of production plans and energy demand plans. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the selection process for normal standby, energy-saving standby, and shutdown during non-production time. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a first display screen. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a second display screen. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a third display screen. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a graph regarding the number of stops. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a table regarding the number of stops. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a fourth display screen. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a fifth display screen.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of an energy demand plan generation system, an energy demand plan generation method, and a program of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification, the production plan refers to a plan that determines the number of products to be produced for each product by time zone.

[0010] [First Embodiment] The energy demand plan generation device 1 is a computer device that generates a time-series energy demand plan for each unit time required for a process of producing a predetermined number of products in a predetermined period (for example, producing 50 units of product A, 60 units of product B, and 70 units of product C in one week). The energy demand plan generation device 1 includes a storage unit 2, an input unit 3, an output unit 4, a communication unit 5, and a processing unit 6.

[0011] In this embodiment, for the sake of simplicity of explanation, the energy demand plan generation device 1 is described as being configured by one computer device, but it is not limited thereto. The energy demand plan generation device 1 may be realized by, for example, a plurality of computer devices, or a part or all of the functions may be realized by a cloud server.

[0012] The storage unit 2 is a storage device such as a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive), and stores various types of information. For example, the storage unit 2 stores various operation programs, setting data, parameters, calculation results, and the like.

[0013] The input unit 3 is an input device that receives a user's operation on the energy demand plan generation device 1, and examples thereof include a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, and the like.

[0014] The output unit 4 is a means for outputting various types of information, and examples thereof include a display device such as a liquid crystal display device (LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)), and an audio output device such as a speaker.

[0015] The communication unit 5 is a communication interface for communicating with an external device.

[0016] The processing unit 6 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The CPU comprehensively controls the operation of the energy demand plan generation device 1. The ROM is a storage medium that stores various programs and data. The RAM is a storage medium for temporarily storing various programs and rewriting various data. Then, the CPU executes the programs stored in the ROM, the storage unit 2, etc. using the RAM as a work area (working area).

[0017] Functionally, the processing unit 6 includes an acquisition unit 61, a production plan setting unit 62, a facility start / stop information setting unit 63, a facility operation plan generation unit 64, an energy information setting unit 65, an energy demand plan generation unit 66, and a control unit 67.

[0018] The acquisition unit 61 acquires various types of information from an external device.

[0019] The production plan setting unit 62 sets a production plan for a time zone directly related to product production (details will be described later).

[0020] The equipment start / stop information setting unit 63 sets equipment start / stop information consisting of start information and stop information for production equipment (details will be described later).

[0021] The equipment operation plan generation unit 64 generates an equipment operation plan, which is an operation plan for production equipment that includes non-production time, which is a period of time not directly related to product production, based on the production plan and equipment start / stop information (details will be described later).

[0022] The energy information setting unit 65 sets the information on the energy (power) per unit time required for product production (details will be described later).

[0023] The energy demand plan generation unit 66 generates a time-series energy demand plan for each unit of time based on the equipment operation plan (details will be described later).

[0024] The control unit 67 performs various controls.

[0025] Furthermore, for example, the equipment start / stop information setting unit 63 sets one or more start times, which are the time required to start the production equipment, as start information, and one or more stop times, which are the time required to stop the production equipment, as stop information. In this case, for example, the equipment operation plan generation unit 64 generates an equipment operation plan such that if the non-production time is equal to or greater than the sum of the start time and stop time, the equipment is stopped, and if the non-production time is less than the sum of the start time and stop time, the equipment is put into standby mode.

[0026] Furthermore, for example, the energy information setting unit 65 sets one or more first constant values, which are constant values ​​of the energy per unit time required for product production, and one or more second constant values, which are constant values ​​of the energy per unit time required for standby. In this case, the energy demand plan generation unit 66 generates an energy demand plan using the first constant value and the second constant value.

[0027] Furthermore, for example, the memory unit 2 stores an energy database that stores the energy per unit time required for product production in chronological order for each state of the production equipment. In this case, the energy information setting unit 65 refers to the energy database and sets the energy per unit time in chronological order for each state of the production equipment. Then, the energy demand plan generation unit 66 generates an energy demand plan using that energy per unit time.

[0028] The following will explain in detail using Figures 2 and onward. In Figure 2, (a) shows an example of a production plan when a certain production facility A produces product A. (b) shows an ideal energy demand plan corresponding to the production plan in (a). (c) shows an energy demand plan in actual operation. In (a) to (c), the horizontal axis is time, and the vertical axis is energy per unit time (unit: W (watts)). Hereafter, energy per unit time may be referred to simply as energy for convenience.

[0029] From an energy-saving perspective, it is ideal to consume (demand) energy only during product production. However, when non-production time is short, equipment is often kept on standby (running) to account for the time required to start up and shut down the equipment (production equipment) and the effort required of the equipment operator.

[0030] On the other hand, if the non-production time is longer than a certain predetermined value, the equipment can be stopped to reduce energy consumption. In Figure 3, (a) shows an example of a production plan when the non-production time is longer than a certain predetermined value. (b) shows an energy demand plan for the production plan in (a), taking into account the start-up and shutdown of the equipment. Note that H1 is the time required to shut down the production equipment, and H2 is the time required to start it up.

[0031] The production planning unit 62 sets the production plan for the time period directly related to product production (Figure 2(a) (1)). The production plan for the time period directly related to product production can be set manually by the user on the UI (User Interface) screen, or it can be set by importing production plan data.

[0032] The equipment start / stop information setting unit 63 sets the time H1 required to stop the production equipment and the time H2 required to start it. Multiple start and stop times may be set. Production equipment is assumed to be devices that require a certain amount of time to start up and stop, such as a drying oven. In the case of a drying oven, the start time is the time required to raise the oven temperature to the drying temperature, and the stop time is the time required to lower the oven temperature to a predetermined temperature.

[0033] The equipment operation plan generation unit 64 automatically generates the operating status of the production equipment, including non-production time (Figure 2(C)(2)), which is a period of time not directly related to product production, based on the production plan and equipment start / stop information.

[0034] Here, the process of selecting between normal standby and stop will be explained using Figure 4. In step S1, the equipment operation plan generation unit 64 determines whether the non-production time is less than the stop threshold (e.g., H1 + H2). If yes, the unit proceeds to step S2 and selects normal standby; otherwise, the unit proceeds to step S3 and selects stop.

[0035] The stop threshold may be H1 + H2 + α (buffer). Note that Figure 4 is a processing flow for automatically creating an equipment operation plan, not a control flow for the equipment.

[0036] For example, if we denote the energy demand in the production state as P1 (in watts) and the energy demand when the equipment is shut down as P0, the slope of the energy demand from the production state to the shutdown can simply be expressed as (P1-P0) / H1, or it can be expressed using a quadratic function or an exponential function.

[0037] Furthermore, the operating status of the production equipment generated by the equipment operation plan generation unit 64 may be displayed as a Gantt chart, as shown in Figure 5.

[0038] The energy information setting unit 65 sets the energy per unit time required for product production, the energy per unit time required for normal standby, and so on. The energy to be set may be a constant value or time-series data. Hereinafter, this information about energy may be referred to as energy information.

[0039] The energy demand plan generation unit 66 automatically generates a time-series energy demand plan based on the equipment operation plan and energy information.

[0040] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the overall process for generating an energy demand plan. In step S11, the production plan setting unit 62 sets the manually created production plan.

[0041] Next, in step S12, the equipment start / stop information setting unit 63 sets the equipment start / stop information.

[0042] Next, in step S13, the equipment operation plan generation unit 64 automatically generates an equipment operation plan and displays it on the output unit 4.

[0043] Next, in step S14, the energy information setting unit 65 sets the manually created energy information necessary for product production and the energy information necessary for normal standby.

[0044] Next, in step S15, the energy demand plan generation unit 66 automatically generates an energy demand plan and displays it on the output unit 4.

[0045] Next, in step S16, the control unit 67 determines whether the energy demand plan is valid based on the user input. If the answer is Yes, the process ends; otherwise, the unit proceeds to step S17.

[0046] In step S17, the production plan setting unit 62 sets the modified and adjusted production plan and returns to step S15.

[0047] However, the order of processing is not limited to this. For example, the order of steps S13 and S14 may be swapped. Also, if the user determines that the energy demand plan is not valid (if the answer is No in step S16), after step S17, the process may return to step S12 instead of step S15.

[0048] Furthermore, in step S17, the production plan may be changed or adjusted manually or automatically. If done automatically, for example, the cumulative value of energy demand (in units of W) (in units of J) may be used as the objective function, and the production plan may be modified to minimize that value. Additionally, the manual and automatic settings may be switchable on the operation screen.

[0049] Furthermore, the energy demand plan may be modified as follows. The memory unit 2 further includes a mathematical model memory unit that stores a mathematical model of the power unit on the energy supply side of the production equipment. The energy demand plan generation unit 66 then modifies the energy demand plan based on the mathematical model to create a new, overall optimal energy demand plan that includes the power unit and the production unit on the energy consumption side of the production equipment, specifically as follows.

[0050] Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram regarding changes to the production plan. The energy demand planning system 72 (energy demand plan generation unit 66) passes the energy demand plan to the power unit model 71 (energy demand plan generation unit 66 that executes mathematical models) ((1)). The power unit model 71 outputs a supply energy plan ((2)). Then, the energy demand plan generation unit 66 updates (changes) the energy demand plan through overall optimization including the power unit and the production unit (demand unit) based on the supply energy plan ((3)).

[0051] Furthermore, the overall optimization of the power and production units can be either strongly or weakly coupled. Also, if the power unit does not include devices that cause time delays, such as thermal storage devices, then the energy supply plan will be approximately equal to the energy demand plan, and overall optimization is not necessarily required. Conversely, if the power unit includes devices such as thermal storage devices, then there is a greater need to generate an energy supply plan that takes time delays into account, and therefore overall optimization is effective.

[0052] In this way, the energy demand plan generation device 1 of the first embodiment can automatically generate an equipment operation plan based on the set production plan and equipment start / stop information, and automatically generate an energy demand plan based on that equipment operation plan. In other words, an energy demand plan related to product production can be generated with minimal effort.

[0053] Furthermore, the system generates an equipment operation plan that shuts down equipment if non-productive time is greater than or equal to the sum of start-up time and stop-down time, and keeps equipment on standby if non-productive time is less than the sum of start-up time and stop-down time. This makes it possible to generate an equipment operation plan that suppresses energy consumption.

[0054] Furthermore, the energy required per unit time for product production can be set as a constant, or as a time-series value depending on the state of the production equipment. Therefore, this energy can be set flexibly.

[0055] [Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described. Matters similar to those in the first embodiment will be omitted from the explanation as appropriate.

[0056] In the second embodiment, in addition to normal standby and shutdown, energy-saving standby is considered as a state of production equipment. Energy-saving standby refers to a standby state in which energy consumption is lower than that of normal standby. For example, in a drying oven, energy consumption can be reduced by reducing the flow rate and temperature of the drying air.

[0057] Figure 8 is a functional configuration diagram of the energy demand planning and generation device 1 of the second embodiment. Compared to Figure 1, a standby state information setting unit 68 has been added to the processing unit 6.

[0058] The standby status information setting unit 68 sets one or more energy-saving standby transition times, which are the time required to transition from the product production state to energy-saving standby, and also sets one or more product production return times, which are the time required to return from energy-saving standby to the product production state.

[0059] The equipment operation plan generation unit 64 then generates an equipment operation plan to enable energy-saving standby if the non-production time is less than the sum of the start-up time and stop-down time, and greater than or equal to the sum of the energy-saving standby transition time and the product production return time. This will be explained in detail below.

[0060] In Figure 9, (a) shows an example of a production plan when a certain production facility A produces product A. (b) shows an example of an energy demand plan for the production plan in (a), taking into account the transition to energy-saving standby and the return to the product production state. In (b), h1 is the time required to transition to energy-saving standby, and h2 is the time required to return to the product production state.

[0061] In that case, for example, the standby state information setting unit 68 sets the time h1 required to transition to energy-saving standby and the time h2 required to return to the product production state. Note that multiple values ​​may be set for the time required to transition to energy-saving standby and the time required to return to the product production state.

[0062] Furthermore, with H1+H2 as the stop threshold and h1+h2 as the energy saving threshold, the system stops if the non-productive time is greater than or equal to the stop threshold; it enters normal standby mode if the non-productive time is less than the stop threshold and less than the energy saving threshold; and it enters energy-saving standby mode if the non-productive time is less than the stop threshold and greater than or equal to the energy saving threshold.

[0063] Here, Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the selection process for normal standby, energy-saving standby, and stop during non-production time. In step S21, the equipment operation plan generation unit 64 determines whether the non-production time is less than the stop threshold (e.g., H1 + H2). If yes, it proceeds to step S23; otherwise, it proceeds to step S22 and selects stop.

[0064] In step S22, the equipment operation plan generation unit 64 determines whether the non-production time is less than the energy saving threshold (e.g., h1 + h2). If yes, the unit proceeds to step S25 and selects normal standby; otherwise, the unit proceeds to step S24 and selects energy-saving standby.

[0065] Note that the energy saving threshold may be h1 + h2 + α (buffer). Also, the shutdown threshold is usually greater than the energy saving threshold.

[0066] [Functions of the Equipment Operation Plan Generation Unit] Next, the functions of the equipment operation plan generation unit 64 will be explained.

[0067] For example, the equipment operation plan generation unit 64 has a function to delete all automatically set standby time periods and a function to delete all automatically set shutdown time periods.

[0068] Furthermore, the equipment operation plan generation unit 64 has a function to make the display format for at least one of the standby and stop time periods different from the other display formats.

[0069] Furthermore, the equipment operation plan generation unit 64 has a function to determine the downtime based on pre-registered long holidays, weekends, break times, and work schedule information. These will be explained in detail below.

[0070] Here, Figure 11 shows the first display screen. It displays the time periods directly related to product production and the normal standby or downtime in a way that is easy for the user to distinguish. For example, the production period is displayed in white, the normal standby period in light gray, the energy-saving standby period in dark gray, and the downtime period in black. Alternatively, the normal standby and downtime periods may be made to blink to make them stand out more. In addition, a checkbox may be provided, and when the checkbox is unchecked, that period becomes blank.

[0071] Figure 12 shows the second display screen. It may have a function to delete all automatically set normal standby locations and stop locations at once (by clicking "Delete Automatically Set Locations"). This function can reduce the hassle for the user when manually changing the production plan.

[0072] Furthermore, the system may have a function that allows users to register information such as long holidays, weekends, break times, and work schedules (shift information) in advance, and then determine the stopping sections based on that information.

[0073] Figure 13 shows a third display screen. It may have a settings screen that allows the user to select either normal standby or energy-saving standby, or both. For example, users can select a mode that enables only normal standby and does not use energy-saving standby, a mode that enables only energy-saving standby and does not use normal standby, or a mode that enables both normal standby and energy-saving standby.

[0074] In other words, the equipment operation plan generation unit 64 has the function of generating an equipment operation plan under conditions in which either normal standby or energy-saving standby, or both, are enabled.

[0075] This function allows you to generate equipment operation plans that consider only shutdown and normal standby when only normal standby is enabled, plans that consider only shutdown and energy-saving standby when only energy-saving standby is enabled, and plans that consider shutdown, normal standby, and energy-saving standby when both normal standby and energy-saving standby are enabled.

[0076] For example, if on-site workers do not want to use both energy-saving standby and shutdown modes, they can simply choose to enable either normal standby only or energy-saving standby only.

[0077] Furthermore, if stopping points are automatically determined without any constraints on the target section, the number of stops may increase more than expected. An increase in the number of stops means more opportunities for equipment operators to operate the equipment, thus increasing the likelihood of forgetting to stop the system. In other words, there is a trade-off between the energy reduction effect of increasing the number of stops and the energy increase effect due to forgetting to stop the system. Therefore, blindly increasing the number of stops is not a wise strategy.

[0078] Therefore, the equipment operation plan generation unit 64 may have a stop count limiting function that sets an upper limit on the number of stop counts. The stop count limiting function has a lower-level function and a higher-level function.

[0079] The lower-level function simply sets an upper limit on the number of stops. The stopping points are automatically determined so that the number of stops does not fall below the set upper limit.

[0080] The higher-order function displays the energy reduction effect due to the number of stops, the energy increase effect due to forgetting to stop the device, and the actual expected energy value corresponding to the number of stops on the same graph, and displays the number of stops that minimizes the expected value as the optimal value (Figure 14).

[0081] The energy reduction effect due to the number of stops and the energy increase effect due to forgetting to stop can be expressed by a mathematical formula (e.g., y = ax^2 + bx + c) (Figure 15). The type of formula can be selected from a dropdown menu. Setting or changing the coefficients of the formula will change the trend of each curve and alter the optimal number of stops. A function to modify the curves by dragging and dropping on each curve may also be included.

[0082] In other words, the equipment operation plan generation unit 64 has a higher-order function for limiting the number of stops, which calculates the expected value of cumulative energy demand according to the number of stops based on the energy reduction effect due to an increase in the number of stops and the energy increase effect due to forgetting to stop the equipment, and sets the number of stops that minimizes the expected value of cumulative energy demand.

[0083] [Functions of the Energy Demand Planning and Generation Unit] Next, the functions of the energy demand planning and generation unit 66 will be explained.

[0084] The energy demand plan generation unit 66 has a function to display either or both of the time-series energy demand per unit time and the cumulative energy demand accumulated from the energy demand in the energy demand plan generated based on the equipment operation plan, in association with a combination of whether or not there is a shutdown and whether or not there is an energy-saving standby.

[0085] Furthermore, the energy demand plan generation unit 66 has the function of displaying either or both of the time-series energy demand for each unit of time before and after the change in the energy demand plan, and the cumulative energy demand obtained by accumulating the energy demand. These will be explained in detail.

[0086] The energy demand plan generation unit 66 includes an energy demand plan display control function. The energy demand plan display control function may be provided as an external function of the energy demand plan generation unit 66.

[0087] Figure 16 shows the fourth display screen. The energy demand plan generation unit 66 displays time-series energy demand (in W) and cumulative energy demand (in J) generated based on the equipment operation plan and energy information. Methods for displaying cumulative energy demand include displaying it as a time-series graph and displaying the final value of cumulative energy demand for the target interval.

[0088] Furthermore, the results may be displayed as energy, or converted to fuel consumption or monetary value. The system may also have a function to display the results of various combinations of equipment operating conditions, such as (1) no stoppages and no energy-saving standby, (2) stoppages but no energy-saving standby, and (3) stoppages and energy-saving standby. The combinations may be determined by brute force or by selection.

[0089] Figure 17 shows the fifth display screen. It may have a function to display the cumulative energy demand before and after the change in the energy demand plan.

[0090] These features allow for a clear visualization of energy-saving effects, supporting users in deciding which energy demand plan to adopt.

[0091] Thus, according to the energy demand planning device 1 of the second embodiment, in addition to normal standby and shutdown, energy-saving standby is also added for production equipment. The device generates an equipment operation plan so that energy-saving standby is performed if the non-production time is less than the sum of the start-up time and shutdown time, and greater than or equal to the sum of the energy-saving standby transition time and the product production return time. This makes it possible to create a more appropriate energy demand plan by utilizing energy-saving standby.

[0092] Furthermore, the display screen can be enhanced by providing functions to delete automatically set standby time periods and automatically set stop time periods in bulk.

[0093] Furthermore, by making the display format for at least one of the standby or stopped time periods different from the other display formats on the screen, users can easily see whether the system is in standby mode or stopped mode.

[0094] Furthermore, by automatically determining the downtime based on pre-registered long holidays, weekends, break times, and work schedule information, the workload for users can be reduced.

[0095] Furthermore, by generating an equipment operation plan on the display screen with either normal standby or energy-saving standby enabled, or both, it is possible to create a flexible equipment operation plan that meets the needs of on-site workers.

[0096] Furthermore, by having a lower-level function to set an upper limit on the number of stops, it is possible to avoid situations where the number of stops becomes excessive with simple operation.

[0097] Furthermore, by having a higher-order function for limiting the number of stops that calculates the expected value of cumulative energy demand based on the energy reduction effect of increasing the number of stops and the energy increase effect due to forgetting to stop the system, and sets the number of stops that minimizes the expected value of cumulative energy demand, it is possible to set a more appropriate upper limit for the number of stops.

[0098] Furthermore, the display screen shows either or both of the time-series energy demand per unit time in the energy demand plan, and the cumulative energy demand accumulated from the accumulated energy demand, in association with the combination of whether or not the system is shut down and whether or not it is on energy-saving standby. This allows for the provision of more useful information to the user.

[0099] Furthermore, the system displays either or both of the time-series energy demand for each unit of time before and after changes to the energy demand plan, and the cumulative energy demand accumulated over time. This allows for the provision of more useful information to the user.

[0100] Furthermore, the program executed by the energy demand planning and generation device 1 of this embodiment can be provided as an installable or executable file recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc)-ROM (Read Only Memory), flexible disk (FD), CD-R (Recordable), or DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). Alternatively, the program may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0101] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 1...Energy demand plan generation device, 2...Storage unit, 3...Input unit, 4...Output unit, 5...Communication unit, 6...Processing unit, 61...Acquisition unit, 62...Production plan setting unit, 63...Equipment start / stop information setting unit, 64...Equipment operation plan generation unit, 65...Energy information setting unit, 66...Energy demand plan generation unit, 67...Control unit, 68...Standby status information setting unit

Claims

1. An energy demand planning system that generates a time-series energy demand plan for each unit of time required for a process to produce a predetermined number of products over a predetermined period, A production planning unit that sets production plans for the time periods related to product production, Equipment start / stop information setting unit sets equipment start / stop information consisting of start information and stop information for production equipment, An equipment operation plan generation unit generates an equipment operation plan, which is an operation plan for the production equipment including non-production time for the product, based on the production plan and the equipment start / stop information. An energy demand plan generation unit generates a time-series energy demand plan for each unit of time based on the equipment operation plan, An energy demand planning and generation system equipped with the following features.

2. The aforementioned equipment start / stop information setting unit is: As the aforementioned startup information, one or more startup times, which are the time required to start up the production equipment, are set, As the aforementioned stop information, one or more stop times, which are the time required to stop the production equipment, are set. The aforementioned equipment operation plan generation unit, If the non-production time is equal to or greater than the sum of the start-up time and the stop-down time, the equipment will be stopped. The energy demand planning system according to claim 1, which generates an equipment operation plan such that the equipment remains on standby if the non-production time is less than the sum of the start time and the stop time.

3. Set one or more energy-saving standby transition times, which are the time required to transition from the product production state to energy-saving standby mode. The system further includes a standby state information setting unit that sets one or more product production recovery times, which are the time required to return from energy-saving standby to product production state. The aforementioned equipment operation plan generation unit, If the non-production time is less than the sum of the start-up time and the stop-down time, and greater than or equal to the sum of the energy-saving standby transition time and the product production return time, the equipment operation plan is generated to perform the energy-saving standby. The energy demand planning generation system according to claim 2.

4. One or more first constant values ​​are set, which are constant values ​​of the energy per unit time required for product production, The system further includes an energy information setting unit that sets one or more second constant values, which are constant values ​​of the energy required per unit time for standby. The aforementioned energy demand plan generation unit, The energy demand plan generation system according to claim 1, which generates the energy demand plan using the first constant value and the second constant value.

5. An energy database that stores the energy per unit time required for product production in a time series for each state of the production equipment, The system further includes an energy information setting unit that sets the energy per unit time in a time series for each state of the production equipment by referring to the energy database, The aforementioned energy demand plan generation unit, The energy demand plan generation system according to claim 1, which generates the energy demand plan using the energy per unit time.

6. The aforementioned equipment operation plan generation unit, The energy demand planning generation system according to claim 1, further comprising a function to delete automatically set standby time periods in bulk and a function to delete automatically set shutdown time periods in bulk.

7. The aforementioned equipment operation plan generation unit, The energy demand planning generation system according to claim 1, further comprising a function to make the display format for at least one of the standby and stop periods different from the other display format.

8. The aforementioned equipment operation plan generation unit, The energy demand planning generation system according to claim 1, which has a function to determine the period of shutdown based on pre-registered long holidays, weekends, break times, and work schedule information.

9. The aforementioned equipment operation plan generation unit, The energy demand planning system according to claim 1, having a function to generate the equipment operation plan under conditions in which either or both of normal standby and energy-saving standby are enabled.

10. The aforementioned equipment operation plan generation unit, The energy demand planning generation system according to claim 1, further comprising a lower-level function for limiting the number of stops, which sets an upper limit on the number of stops.

11. The aforementioned equipment operation plan generation unit, The energy demand planning generation system according to claim 1, which has a higher-order function for limiting the number of stops, which calculates the expected value of cumulative energy demand according to the number of stops based on the energy reduction effect due to an increase in the number of stops and the energy increase effect due to forgetting to stop the system, and sets the number of stops that minimizes the expected value of cumulative energy demand.

12. The aforementioned energy demand plan generation unit, The energy demand planning system according to claim 1, having a function to display either or both of the time-series energy demand per unit time in the energy demand planning system generated based on the equipment operation plan, and the cumulative energy demand obtained by accumulating the energy demand, in association with a combination of whether or not there is a shutdown and whether or not there is an energy-saving standby.

13. The aforementioned energy demand plan generation unit, The energy demand planning system according to claim 1, having a function to display either or both of the time-series energy demand for each unit time before and after the change in the energy demand planning system, and the cumulative energy demand obtained by accumulating the energy demands.

14. The energy demand planning generation system according to claim 1, wherein the energy demand planning generation unit changes the energy demand manually or automatically.

15. The equipment further includes a mathematical model storage unit for storing a mathematical model of the power unit on the energy supply side of the aforementioned production equipment, The energy demand plan generation system according to claim 14, wherein the energy demand plan generation unit modifies the energy demand plan based on the mathematical model to create a new, overall optimal energy demand plan that includes the power unit and the production unit on the energy consumption side of the production equipment.

16. An energy demand plan generation method using an energy demand plan generation system that generates a time-series energy demand plan for each unit of time required for a process to produce a predetermined number of products over a predetermined period, The production planning department sets the production plan for the time period related to product production, The equipment start / stop information setting unit sets equipment start / stop information consisting of start information and stop information for production equipment, The equipment operation plan generation unit generates an equipment operation plan, which is an operation plan for the production equipment including non-production time for the product, based on the production plan and the equipment start / stop information. The energy demand plan generation unit generates a time-series energy demand plan for each unit of time based on the equipment operation plan, An energy demand plan generation method comprising the following features.

17. A computer that generates a time-series energy demand plan for each unit of time required for a process to produce a predetermined number of products over a predetermined period, A production planning unit that sets production plans for the time periods related to product production, Equipment start / stop information setting unit sets equipment start / stop information consisting of start information and stop information for production equipment, An equipment operation plan generation unit generates an equipment operation plan, which is an operation plan for the production equipment including non-production time for the product, based on the production plan and the equipment start / stop information. An energy demand plan generation unit generates a time-series energy demand plan for each unit of time based on the equipment operation plan, A program to make it work.

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