GHG emission calculation device and GHG emission calculation method

Abstract

The present invention provides a GHG emission calculation device that can associate the hydrogen identification code of the hydrogen transport route with the moment-to-moment GHG emissions from the hydrogen compressor, allowing for more accurate calculation than conventional methods. [Solution] The GHG emission calculation device is a device for calculating GHG emissions in a facility equipped with at least one hydrogen compressor. The GHG emission calculation device includes an acquirer that acquires the identification code of hydrogen transported from a hydrogen supply source to the hydrogen compressor via a hydrogen transport route and the GHG emissions associated with the hydrogen identification code, and a processing circuit that calculates the first GHG emissions resulting from the consumption of first energy by the hydrogen compressor from the energy consumed at the facility, and adds the first GHG emissions to the GHG emissions associated with the hydrogen identification code.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a GHG emission calculation device and a GHG emission calculation method.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 proposes an evaluation system capable of evaluating the environmental impact emissions of fuel in a fuel supply facility that supplies primary-stored fuel to consumers.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An aspect of the present disclosure provides a GHG emission calculation device and a GHG emission calculation method that are associated with an identification code of hydrogen in a hydrogen transport path and can more appropriately calculate the GHG emissions that change every moment in a hydrogen compressor.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] To solve the above problems, a GHG emission calculation device according to an aspect of the present disclosure is a device that calculates the GHG emissions in a facility including at least one hydrogen compressor, and includes an acquirer that acquires an identification code of hydrogen transported from a hydrogen supply source to the hydrogen compressor through a hydrogen transport path and a GHG emission amount associated with the identification code of the hydrogen, and a processing circuit that calculates a first GHG emission amount due to consumption of first energy in the energy consumed in the facility by the hydrogen compressor and adds the first GHG emission amount to the GHG emission amount associated with the identification code of the hydrogen.

[0006] Furthermore, a method for calculating GHG emissions in a facility equipped with at least one hydrogen compressor is a method for calculating GHG emissions in a facility equipped with at least one hydrogen compressor, the method being used to obtain the identification code of hydrogen transported from a hydrogen source to the hydrogen compressor via a hydrogen transport route and the GHG emissions associated with the identification code of the hydrogen, to calculate a first GHG emission due to the consumption of a first energy from the energy consumed at the facility by the hydrogen compressor, and to add the first GHG emission to the GHG emissions associated with the identification code of the hydrogen. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The GHG emission calculation device and GHG emission calculation method disclosed herein are associated with the identification code of hydrogen in the hydrogen transport route, and have the effect of being able to calculate GHG emissions that change moment by moment at the hydrogen compressor more accurately than conventional methods. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of an overall system equipped with a GHG emission calculation device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of a GHG emission calculation device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the GHG emission calculation device (GHG emission calculation method) of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of a GHG emission calculation device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the processing content of the processing circuit in the GHG emission calculation device of the second embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the processing content of a processing circuit in a GHG emission calculation device of a modified version of the second embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of a GHG emission calculation device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 8]Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the processing content of the processing circuit in the GHG emissions calculation device of the third embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] In response to the recent trend towards decarbonization, the use of non-fossil energy sources such as hydrogen is progressing. However, fossil energy may still be used at various stages, such as hydrogen production and hydrogen transportation. As a result, greenhouse gases (GHGs) may be emitted at each of these stages.

[0010] In general, the energy sources required for hydrogen production are often identified, so it is possible to determine the GHG emissions resulting from hydrogen production.

[0011] It is generally known that when hydrogen is produced, there are two types of hydrogen: hydrogen that releases carbon dioxide (CO2), an example of a GHG, into the atmosphere, and hydrogen that does not. An example of the former is hydrogen produced from fossil fuels such as natural gas in a reformer. An example of the latter is hydrogen that has been processed using underground storage methods from CO2 generated by the reforming reaction of fossil fuels, or hydrogen produced in a water electrolysis device using renewable energy such as solar or wind power. Therefore, at the hydrogen production stage, it is possible to estimate the GHG emissions caused by hydrogen production by understanding the proportion of each of the above types of hydrogen produced.

[0012] In contrast, the energy sources required to transport hydrogen via hydrogen transport routes have not been accurately understood. Furthermore, the more energy consumed in hydrogen transport, the greater the potential for increased GHG emissions resulting from hydrogen transport, and a considerable amount of energy is consumed in hydrogen compressors along the hydrogen transport route.

[0013] Therefore, as a result of intensive studies by the present inventors, the GHG emissions due to the energy consumed by the hydrogen compressor during the hydrogen compression operation are beneficial data from the perspective of providing hydrogen consumers and hydrogen transportation operators with accurate information on GHG emissions attributable to hydrogen transportation, objective indicators regarding hydrogen sorting managed for each hydrogen identification code, appropriate information regarding the selection of hydrogen transportation routes, and the like. Thus, the present inventors arrived at the above aspects of the present disclosure.

[0014] Hereinafter, specific examples of the above aspects of the present disclosure will be described while referring to the accompanying drawings. Each of the specific examples described below shows an example of the above aspects of the present disclosure. Therefore, the shapes, numerical values, components, arrangement positions of components, connection forms, and the like shown below do not limit the scope of the claims unless they are described in the claims.

[0015] Among the components described below, components not described in the independent claims indicating the most general concept of the present disclosure are described as optional components. Also, in the drawings, components with the same reference numerals may be omitted from the description. The drawings schematically show each component for ease of understanding, and the shapes and dimensional ratios may not be accurately represented.

[0016] Furthermore, in the operation of the apparatus, the order of steps may be changed or known steps may be added as necessary.

[0017] Note that the "hydrogen transportation route" can be constituted, for example, by a hydrogen pipeline, but is not limited thereto. Also, the "hydrogen compressor" is not necessarily limited to a compression device that compresses hydrogen flowing through a hydrogen pipeline.

[0018] For example, the process of transporting hydrogen by a ship, truck, or the like may constitute a part of the "hydrogen transportation route".

[0019] In the following embodiments, the case where the "hydrogen transportation route" is constituted by a hydrogen pipeline will be described.

[0020] (First Embodiment) [Device Configuration] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an overall system including the GHG emission calculation device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the GHG emission calculation device according to the first embodiment.

[0021] The overall system in FIG. 1 includes a facility 100 and a GHG emission calculation device 50.

[0022] Here, the facility 100 includes a hydrogen pipeline 10 including an introduction pipeline 10A and an exhaust pipeline 10B, and at least one hydrogen compressor 11.

[0023] In the example shown in FIG. 1, the hydrogen transported from a hydrogen supply source through the introduction pipeline 10A to the hydrogen compressor 11 is pressurized to a desired pressure by the hydrogen compressor 11. Then, the compressed hydrogen discharged from the hydrogen compressor 11 flows through the exhaust pipeline 10B. Such a hydrogen compressor 11 is a device that compresses hydrogen at a high pressure for storage or transportation by consuming energy such as electric power or fuel, and has been conventionally utilized for various applications. Since the configuration of the hydrogen compressor 11 itself is well-known, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0024] The hydrogen supply source includes, as an example, a hydrogen generator and a hydrogen storage device. The hydrogen generator may be a reformer that produces hydrogen from fossil fuels such as natural gas, or may be a water electrolysis device that produces hydrogen by electrolyzing water using renewable energy such as solar power generation or wind power generation, but is not limited thereto. Examples of the hydrogen storage device include, but are not limited to, a hydrogen tank.

[0025] The facility 100 may be facilities that constitute a hydrogen infrastructure laid in a factory, a power plant, a hydrogen filling station, etc., or may be facilities that constitute a system of an international hydrogen supply chain, but is not limited thereto.

[0026] As shown in Figure 2(A), the GHG emission calculation device 50 comprises an acquisition device 50A and a processing circuit 50B of a control device.

[0027] The data acquisition device 50A acquires the identification code (hereinafter referred to as hydrogen ID) of hydrogen transported from the hydrogen supply source to the hydrogen compressor 11 via the introduction pipeline 10A, and the GHG emissions associated with the hydrogen ID. Examples of data acquisition devices 50A include communication devices. Examples of communication devices include I / O interfaces.

[0028] Here, the hydrogen transported to the hydrogen compressor 11 can be identified as a "hydrogen ID" based on the mass flow rate of hydrogen passing through the introduction pipeline 10A. The mass flow rate of hydrogen is, for example, This can be determined from the temperature, pressure, and flow rate of the hydrogen in the introduction pipeline 10A.

[0029] Here, the GHG emission calculation device 50 may include a thermometer T for measuring the temperature of hydrogen in the hydrogen compressor 11, a pressure meter P for measuring the pressure of the hydrogen, and a flow meter F for measuring the flow rate of the hydrogen, as shown in Figure 2(B). Then, the processing circuit 50B can calculate the mass flow rate of hydrogen in the hydrogen compressor 11 based on the measurement data from the thermometer T, the pressure meter P, and the flow meter F, and as a result, the GHG emission calculation device 50 can accurately estimate the amount of GHG emissions caused by changes in the mass flow rate of hydrogen.

[0030] "GHG emissions associated with hydrogen IDs" can be identified from GHG emissions resulting from hydrogen production, GHG emissions resulting from hydrogen transport in the introduction pipeline 10A, and so on.

[0031] For example, it is generally known that when hydrogen is produced, there are two types of hydrogen: hydrogen that releases carbon dioxide (CO2), an example of a GHG, into the atmosphere, and hydrogen that does not. An example of the former is hydrogen produced from fossil fuels such as natural gas in a reformer. An example of the latter is hydrogen that has been processed using underground storage methods from CO2 generated by the reforming reaction of fossil fuels, or hydrogen produced in a water electrolysis device using renewable energy such as solar or wind power.

[0032] Then, by obtaining information on the mass flow rate of each of the above-mentioned hydrogens in the hydrogen pipeline 10 linked to the hydrogen ID, it is possible to understand the GHG emissions resulting from hydrogen production.

[0033] The control device's processing circuit 50B calculates the first GHG emissions resulting from the first energy being consumed by the hydrogen compressor 11 out of the energy consumed at facility 100, and adds the first GHG emissions to the GHG emissions associated with the hydrogen ID.

[0034] Here, "addition" may mean, but is not limited to, adding "GHG emissions" and "first GHG emissions." For example, if "GHG emissions" are stored and managed in a tabular format for each ID in the memory circuit of the control device, the above "addition" may be performed by adding the data for "first GHG emissions" as a new item to this table. In this case, the hydrogen ID may be newly registered or split and updated in accordance with the first GHG emissions resulting from the consumption of first energy by the hydrogen compressor 11. However, in such a form, since the GHG emissions caused by the hydrogen compressor 11 change moment by moment, there is a possibility that the number of hydrogen IDs will be excessive or that the hydrogen IDs will be too subdivided.

[0035] Therefore, it is preferable to maintain the hydrogen ID as is, without performing new registration or renewal registration, and define the cumulative value of "GHG emissions" during the compression period in which hydrogen is compressed by the hydrogen compressor 11 as the "additional GHG emissions" corresponding to this hydrogen ID.

[0036] The "first energy source" may be electricity or fuel used to perform the hydrogen compression operation in the hydrogen compressor 11. If, for example, electricity is used as the power source in the hydrogen compressor 11, the "first GHG emissions" can be calculated by measuring the electricity using a power meter or the like. A specific example of such a calculation method will be explained in the example.

[0037] Furthermore, the control device may include a memory circuit for storing a control program in addition to the processing circuit 50B, and may control the overall operation of the facility 100. Examples of the processing circuit 50B include an MPU and a CPU. Examples of the memory circuit include a memory. The control device may consist of a single controller that performs centralized control, or it may consist of multiple controllers that cooperate with each other to perform distributed control.

[0038] The functions of the elements disclosed herein can be performed using circuits or processing circuits, including general-purpose processors, dedicated processors, integrated circuits, ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), conventional circuits, or combinations thereof, configured or programmed to perform the disclosed functions. A processor is considered a processing circuit or circuit because it includes transistors and other circuits. In this specification, a circuit, unit, or means is hardware that performs the enumerated functions, or hardware programmed to perform the enumerated functions. The hardware may be hardware disclosed herein, or other known hardware that is programmed or configured to perform the enumerated functions. If the hardware is a processor, which is considered a type of circuit, then the circuit, unit, or means is a combination of hardware and software, and the software is used to configure the hardware or processor.

[0039] [Operation] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the GHG emission calculation device (GHG emission calculation method) of the first embodiment.

[0040] The following operations may be performed, for example, by the control device's processing circuit 50B reading a control program from the control device's memory circuit. However, it is not necessarily required that the control device's processing circuit 50B perform the following operations. The operator may perform some of these operations. The following example describes the case in which the operations are controlled by the processing circuit 50B.

[0041] In step S1, the hydrogen ID and the GHG emissions associated with the hydrogen ID are acquired. For example, the hydrogen ID and the GHG emissions associated with the hydrogen ID may be acquired via a communication network using a communication device, which is an example of an acquisition device 50A. The data communication of the communication network may be conducted in a one-to-one manner.

[0042] Next, in step S2, the first GHG emissions resulting from the consumption of the first energy in the hydrogen compressor 11 among the energy consumed in facility 100 are calculated. The "first energy" may be electricity or fuel used to perform the hydrogen compression operation in the hydrogen compressor 11, as described above.

[0043] Next, the "first GHG emissions" from step S3 are added to the "GHG emissions" from step S1. The details of this "addition" are the same as described above, so we will omit further explanation.

[0044] As described above, the GHG emission calculation device 50 and GHG emission calculation method of this embodiment are associated with the hydrogen ID of the hydrogen pipeline 10, and the GHG emissions that change moment by moment at the hydrogen compressor 11 can be calculated more appropriately than in the conventional method.

[0045] Specifically, the energy sources required to transport hydrogen through the hydrogen pipeline 10 have not been accurately determined. Furthermore, the more energy consumed in hydrogen transport, the greater the potential for increased GHG emissions resulting from hydrogen transport, and a considerable amount of energy is consumed in the hydrogen compressor 11 on the hydrogen pipeline 10.

[0046] Therefore, the GHG emission calculation device 50 and GHG emission calculation method of this embodiment can provide hydrogen consumers and hydrogen transporters with accurate information on GHG emissions resulting from hydrogen transport, objective indicators regarding hydrogen sorting managed for each hydrogen ID, and appropriate information regarding the selection of hydrogen transport routes, by adding the first GHG emissions resulting from the consumption of first energy in the hydrogen compressor 11 to the GHG emissions associated with the hydrogen ID.

[0047] (Examples) Figure 4 shows an example of a GHG emission calculation device according to the first embodiment.

[0048] As shown in Figure 4, the GHG emission calculation device 50 comprises an acquisition device 50A, a control device processing circuit 50B, and a first measuring instrument 50C. Here, the acquisition device 50A is the same as described above, so its explanation is omitted.

[0049] The first measuring instrument 50C is a device that measures the power required to perform the hydrogen compression operation in the hydrogen compressor 11 in real time. The first measuring instrument 50C could be a power meter that measures the power transmitted from the power grid to the hydrogen compressor 11, but is not limited to this.

[0050] The control device's processing circuit 50B, assuming that GHG is carbon dioxide, calculates the first GHG emissions (t-CO2) due to power consumption by the hydrogen compressor 11 by multiplying the integral value (kWh) of the measurement data from the first measuring instrument 50C during a predetermined compression period by a predetermined emission factor [(t-CO2) / kWh].

[0051] Here, the "predetermined emission factor" can be determined from the publicly available list of emission factors [(t-CO2) / kWh] for each electric utility, for example, when grid electricity is used as the power source for the hydrogen compressor 11. In this case, the first GHG emissions are classified as Scope 2 of the GHG protocol (indirect emissions associated with the use of electricity, heat, and steam provided by other companies). However, if the power source for the hydrogen compressor 11 is supplied by the operator's own power generation, the first GHG emissions are classified as Scope 1 of the GHG protocol (direct emissions of GHG by the operator itself).

[0052] As described above, the GHG emission calculation device 50 of this embodiment measures the power used to compress hydrogen in the hydrogen compressor 11 in real time. Compared to cases where such power is not measured in real time, this device can promptly determine the first GHG emissions resulting from the power consumption of the hydrogen compressor 11.

[0053] However, the above is merely an example and is not limited to this example. For example, if fuel is used as the power source for the hydrogen compressor 11, the first measuring instrument 50C may be a device that measures the flow rate of fuel for performing the hydrogen compression operation in the hydrogen compressor 11 in real time. In this case, the first GHG emissions are classified as Scope 1 (direct GHG emissions by the operator itself) under the GHG protocol.

[0054] The GHG emission calculation device 50 in this embodiment may be the same as that of the first embodiment, except for the features described above.

[0055] (Second Embodiment) The GHG emission calculation device 50 of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, except for the processing content of the processing circuit 50B of the control device described below.

[0056] The control device's processing circuit 50B calculates the secondary GHG emissions by distributing the total GHG emissions resulting from the manufacture of equipment or machinery purchased from other companies over the planned operating life of the equipment or machinery, and adds the secondary GHG emissions to the GHG emissions associated with the hydrogen ID. The details of the "addition" are the same as described above, so the explanation is omitted.

[0057] Figures 5A and 5B of Figure 5 show an example of the processing content of the control device's processing circuit 50B when the equipment purchased from another company is a hydrogen compressor 11.

[0058] As shown in Figure 5A, the control device's processing circuit 50B calculates the second GHG emission by distributing the total GHG emissions resulting from the manufacture of the hydrogen compressor 11 at a fixed rate over the planned operating period of the hydrogen compressor 11, and adds the second GHG emission to the GHG emission associated with the hydrogen ID. After the planned operating period of the hydrogen compressor 11 has elapsed, the second GHG emission may be set to zero, or to a fixed amount greater than zero.

[0059] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5B, the control device's processing circuit 50B calculates the second GHG emission by distributing the total GHG emissions resulting from the manufacture of the hydrogen compressor 11 at a fixed rate over the planned operating period of the hydrogen compressor 11, and adds the second GHG emission to the GHG emission associated with the hydrogen ID. After the planned operating period of the hydrogen compressor 11 has elapsed, the second GHG emission may be set to zero, or it may be set to a fixed amount that is greater than zero but less than the fixed amount.

[0060] Here, "total GHG emissions" can be determined by receiving reports from other companies, such as "Total GHG emissions related to the manufacture of hydrogen compressors were XX tons."

[0061] The "planned operating life of hydrogen compressor 11" can be predicted from the catalog specifications of hydrogen compressor 11 or its useful life under tax law.

[0062] As described above, the GHG emission calculation device 50 of this embodiment can accurately calculate the GHG emissions associated with a hydrogen ID compared to the case where such total GHG emissions are not considered, because the total GHG emissions resulting from the manufacture of equipment or machinery purchased from other companies are assigned to the GHG emissions associated with the hydrogen ID.

[0063] The GHG emission calculation device 50 of this embodiment may be the same as that of the first embodiment or an example of the first embodiment, except for the features described above.

[0064] (modified version) The GHG emission calculation device 50 of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, except for the processing content of the processing circuit 50B of the control device described below.

[0065] The control device's processing circuit 50B calculates the third GHG emission by distributing the total GHG emissions resulting from the maintenance of equipment or machinery purchased from other companies over the maintenance cycle of the equipment or machinery, and adds the third GHG emission to the GHG emission associated with the hydrogen ID. The details of the "addition" are the same as described above, so the explanation is omitted.

[0066] Figures 6A and 6B of Figure 6 show an example of the processing content of the control device's processing circuit 50B when the equipment purchased from another company is a hydrogen compressor 11.

[0067] As shown in Figure 6A, the control device's processing circuit 50B calculates a third GHG emission by distributing the total GHG emissions resulting from the maintenance of the hydrogen compressor 11 at a constant rate over the maintenance cycle of the hydrogen compressor 11, and adds the third GHG emission to the GHG emissions associated with the hydrogen ID.

[0068] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6B, the control device's processing circuit 50B calculates a third GHG emission by distributing the total GHG emissions resulting from the maintenance of the hydrogen compressor 11 at a fixed rate over the maintenance cycle of the hydrogen compressor 11, and adds the third GHG emission to the GHG emissions associated with the hydrogen ID.

[0069] Here, "total GHG emissions" can be determined by receiving reports from other companies, such as "Total GHG emissions related to hydrogen compressor maintenance were XX tons."

[0070] The maintenance cycle for the hydrogen compressor 11 can be predicted from the catalog specifications of the hydrogen compressor 11.

[0071] As described above, the modified GHG emission calculation device 50 can accurately calculate the GHG emissions associated with a hydrogen ID compared to the case where such total GHG emissions are not considered, because the total GHG emissions resulting from the maintenance of equipment or machinery purchased from other companies are added to the GHG emissions associated with the hydrogen ID.

[0072] The modified GHG emission calculation device 50 may be the same as that of the first embodiment, the embodiment of the first embodiment, and the second embodiment, except for the features described above.

[0073] (Third embodiment) The GHG emission calculation device 50 of the third embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, except for the processing content of the processing circuit 50B of the control device described below.

[0074] The control device's processing circuit 50B calculates the fourth GHG emissions from non-operating GHG emissions related to the activities of the operator of facility 100, and adds the fourth GHG emissions to the GHG emissions associated with the hydrogen ID. The details of the "addition" are the same as described above, so the explanation is omitted.

[0075] Here, "non-operator GHG emissions related to the activities of the operator of Facility 100" corresponds to Scope 3 (other-operator emissions related to the activities of the operator) in the GHG Protocol, and such GHG emissions include (A) real-time measurable GHG emissions resulting from energy consumption such as electricity and fuel, and (B) non-real-time measurable GHG emissions resulting from worker labor, raw material procurement, product transportation, waste disposal, etc.

[0076] Therefore, in this embodiment, the fourth GHG emission, which is caused by GHG emissions from non-operators related to the facility operator's activities, is calculated as follows, by dividing it into (A) GHG emissions and (B) GHG emissions.

[0077] Figure 7 shows an example of a GHG emission calculation device according to the third embodiment. Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the processing content of the processing circuit in the GHG emission calculation device according to the third embodiment.

[0078] As shown in Figure 7, the GHG emission calculation device 50 comprises an acquisition device 50A, a control device processing circuit 50B, and a second measuring instrument 50D. Here, the acquisition device 50A is the same as described above, so its explanation is omitted.

[0079] The second measuring instrument 50D is a device that measures, in real time, the second type of energy consumed at facility 100, excluding the energy directly consumed by the equipment within facility 100.

[0080] Here, "secondary energy" may refer to electricity or fuel consumed in the back office.

[0081] Therefore, the following example will explain the case where the second measuring instrument 50D is a power meter that measures power.

[0082] The control device's processing circuit 50B calculates the first emission (t-CO2) included in the fourth GHG emission from non-operator GHG emissions related to the activities of the operator of facility 100 by multiplying the value G, obtained by multiplying the integral value (kWh) of the measurement data of the second measuring instrument 50D over a predetermined period by the power ratio M of the equipment within facility 100, by a predetermined emission coefficient [(t-CO2) / kWh], as shown in the real-time addition in Figure 8(A). As a result, since the electricity consumed in the back office is measured in real time, the first emission included in the fourth GHG emission from non-operator GHG emissions related to the activities of the operator of facility 100 can be grasped in a timely manner, compared to when such electricity is not measured in real time.

[0083] The "specified emission factor" can be determined from the publicly available list of emission factors [(t-CO2) / kWh] for each electricity provider, for example, when grid electricity is used as a power source for back-office operations.

[0084] Here, the value G obtained by multiplying the integral value (kWh) of the measurement data from the second measuring instrument 50D by the power ratio M of the equipment within facility 100 can be formulated by the following equation (1).

[0085] G = (Time integral of (total power consumption of the facility - direct power consumption of equipment within the facility)) × M···(1) In equation (1), "(total power consumption of the facility) - (direct power consumption of equipment within the facility) over time" corresponds to the integrated value (kWh) of the measurement data of the second measuring instrument 50D over a predetermined period.

[0086] Furthermore, in equation (1), the power ratio M of the equipment within facility 100 can be formulated by the following equation (2).

[0087] M = Total power consumption of equipment within facility 100 / Σ Power consumption of each piece of equipment within the facility ... (2) In equation (2), "Σ Power consumption of each piece of equipment within the facility" means the sum of the power consumption of each piece of equipment within facility 100.

[0088] Thus, in this embodiment, in calculating the first emissions caused by electricity consumed in the back office, the electricity obtained by subtracting the total electricity directly consumed by each piece of equipment within the facility 100 from the total electricity consumption of the entire facility 100 is considered as the electricity consumption of the back office. Of this electricity consumption, the power ratio M of the equipment within the facility 100 is allocated to this equipment, thereby deriving "the value G obtained by multiplying the integral value (kWh) of the measurement data of the second measuring instrument 50D by the power ratio M of the equipment within the facility 100".

[0089] The control device's processing circuit 50B calculates the second emission included in the fourth GHG emission from non-operator GHG emissions unrelated to the facility 100's activities by averaging over a predetermined period, as shown in Figure 8(B). This averages the GHG emissions from non-operator GHG emissions unrelated to the facility 100's activities. As a result, the second emission included in the fourth GHG emission from non-operator GHG emissions unrelated to the facility 100's activities is assigned to the GHG emission associated with the hydrogen ID, allowing for a more accurate calculation of the GHG emission associated with the hydrogen ID compared to when such second emission is not considered.

[0090] Examples of "GHG emissions that cannot be measured in real time" include GHG emissions resulting from worker labor, raw material purchases, etc., as mentioned above.

[0091] For GHG emissions that cannot be measured in real time, the amount of GHG emissions may be calculated using emission reports provided by other companies, or by the business operator itself through timely information gathering.

[0092] In the latter case, for example, as an example of "GHG emissions that cannot be measured in real time," let's explain "GHG emissions caused by employees' commutes." Information such as the employee's commute distance and means of commuting is collected, the GHG emission coefficient based on the means of commuting is confirmed, and the GHG emissions due to employees' commutes are calculated by multiplying the commute distance by the GHG emission coefficient.

[0093] As described above, the GHG emission calculation device 50 of this embodiment can accurately calculate the GHG emissions associated with a hydrogen ID compared to the case where such fourth GHG emissions are not considered, because the fourth GHG emissions from non-operating entities related to the activities of the operator of facility 100 are assigned to the GHG emissions associated with the hydrogen ID.

[0094] The GHG emission calculation device 50 of this embodiment may be the same as any of the first embodiment, an example of the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and a modified version of the second embodiment, except for the features described above.

[0095] Furthermore, the first embodiment, the embodiment of the first embodiment, the second embodiment, the modified form of the second embodiment, and the third embodiment may be combined with each other, as long as they do not exclude one another.

[0096] From the above description, many improvements and other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the above description should be interpreted as illustrative only and is provided for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art how to implement the disclosure. The structure and function of the disclosure can be substantially modified without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. For example, while carbon dioxide is given as an example of a GHG above, the technology of the disclosure can be adapted to other greenhouse gases such as methane.

[0097] (Regarding each aspect of this disclosure) Based on the above description, the following embodiments of this disclosure can be devised.

[0098] A first aspect of the present disclosure is a GHG emission calculation device for calculating GHG emissions in a facility equipped with at least one hydrogen compressor, comprising: an acquirer that acquires an identification code for hydrogen transported from a hydrogen source to the hydrogen compressor via a hydrogen transport route and the GHG emissions associated with the hydrogen identification code; and a processing circuit that calculates a first GHG emission resulting from the consumption of first energy by the hydrogen compressor from the energy consumed at the facility, and adds the first GHG emission to the GHG emissions associated with the hydrogen identification code.

[0099] With the above configuration, the GHG emission calculation device of this embodiment can be associated with the identification code of hydrogen in the hydrogen transport route, and the GHG emissions that change moment by moment at the hydrogen compressor can be calculated more appropriately than in the conventional method. Specifically, the energy sources required when transporting hydrogen via the hydrogen transport route have not been accurately determined in the past. Furthermore, the more energy consumed in hydrogen transport, the greater the potential for GHG emissions attributable to hydrogen transport, and a considerable amount of energy is consumed at the hydrogen compressor along the hydrogen transport route.

[0100] Therefore, in this embodiment of the GHG emission calculation device, the first GHG emissions resulting from the consumption of first energy in the hydrogen compressor are added to the GHG emissions associated with the hydrogen identification code, thereby enabling hydrogen consumers and hydrogen transporters to receive accurate information on GHG emissions resulting from hydrogen transport, objective indicators regarding hydrogen sorting managed for each hydrogen identification code, and appropriate information regarding the selection of hydrogen transport routes.

[0101] A second aspect of the present disclosure is a GHG emission calculation device that, in the first aspect of the GHG emission calculation device, comprises a flow meter for measuring the flow rate of hydrogen in a hydrogen compressor, a thermometer for measuring the temperature of the hydrogen, and a pressure meter for measuring the pressure of the hydrogen, and the processing circuit may calculate the mass flow rate of hydrogen in the hydrogen compressor based on the measurement data of the flow meter, thermometer, and pressure meter.

[0102] With the above configuration, the GHG emission calculation device of this embodiment can accurately estimate the amount of GHG emissions caused by changes in the mass flow rate of hydrogen by calculating the mass flow rate of hydrogen in the hydrogen compressor.

[0103] A third aspect of the present disclosure is a GHG emission calculation device that, in the first or second aspect of the present disclosure, includes a first measuring instrument for measuring first energy in real time, and the processing circuit may calculate first GHG emissions by multiplying the integral value of the measurement data of the first measuring instrument during a predetermined compression period by a predetermined emission coefficient.

[0104] With the above configuration, the GHG emission calculation device of this embodiment can measure the first energy required to perform the hydrogen compression operation in the hydrogen compressor in real time, and compared to the case where such first energy is not measured in real time, it can grasp the first GHG emissions resulting from the consumption of the first energy in the hydrogen compressor in a timely manner.

[0105] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is a GHG emissions calculation device in any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the first energy may be electricity or fuel consumed by a hydrogen compressor.

[0106] The fifth aspect of the present disclosure is a GHG emission calculation device in any one of the first to fourth aspects, in which the processing circuit calculates a second GHG emission by distributing the total GHG emissions resulting from the manufacture of equipment or machinery purchased from another company over the planned operating period of the equipment or machinery, and adds the second GHG emission to the GHG emission associated with the hydrogen identification code.

[0107] With the above configuration, the GHG emission calculation device of this embodiment can accurately calculate the GHG emissions associated with the hydrogen identification code compared to cases where such total GHG emissions are not considered, because the total GHG emissions resulting from the manufacture of equipment or machinery purchased from other companies are assigned to the GHG emissions associated with the hydrogen identification code.

[0108] The GHG emission calculation device of the sixth aspect of this disclosure, in any one of the GHG emission calculation devices of the first to fifth aspects, may calculate a third GHG emission by distributing the total GHG emissions resulting from the maintenance of equipment or machinery purchased from another company over the scheduled maintenance cycle of the equipment or machinery, and add the third GHG emission to the GHG emission associated with the hydrogen identification code.

[0109] With the above configuration, the GHG emission calculation device of this embodiment can accurately calculate the GHG emissions associated with the hydrogen identification code compared to cases where such total GHG emissions are not considered, because the total GHG emissions resulting from the maintenance of equipment or machinery purchased from other companies are assigned to the GHG emissions associated with the hydrogen identification code.

[0110] The GHG emission calculation device of the seventh aspect of this disclosure, in any one of the GHG emission calculation devices of the first to sixth aspects, may have a processing circuit that calculates a fourth GHG emission due to GHG emissions from non-operators related to the facility operator's activities, and adds the fourth GHG emission to the GHG emission associated with the hydrogen identification code.

[0111] With the above configuration, the GHG emission calculation device of this embodiment can accurately calculate the GHG emissions associated with the hydrogen identification code compared to the case where such fourth GHG emissions are not considered, because the fourth GHG emissions from non-operators related to the facility operator's activities are assigned to the GHG emissions associated with the hydrogen identification code.

[0112] The GHG emissions calculation device of the eighth aspect of this disclosure is a GHG emissions calculation device of the seventh aspect that includes a second measuring instrument that measures in real time a second energy source other than the energy directly consumed by the equipment within the facility, and the processing circuit may calculate the first emissions included in the fourth GHG emissions due to GHG emissions from non-operators related to the facility operator's activities by multiplying the integral value of the measurement data from the second measuring instrument over a predetermined period by the power ratio of the equipment within the facility, and further multiplying the result by a predetermined emission coefficient. Furthermore, the GHG emissions calculation device of the ninth aspect of this disclosure is a GHG emissions calculation device of the eighth aspect that the second energy source may be electricity or fuel consumed in the back office.

[0113] With the above configuration, the GHG emission calculation device in this embodiment can measure the second energy consumed in the back office in real time, and compared to the case where such second energy is not measured in real time, it can timely grasp the first emissions included in the fourth GHG emissions from non-operators related to the facility operator's activities.

[0114] The GHG emission calculation device of the tenth aspect of this disclosure, in the GHG emission calculation device of the seventh aspect, may calculate the second emission included in the fourth GHG emission from non-operators related to the facility operator's activities by averaging over a predetermined period the GHG emissions from non-operators related to the facility operator's activities that cannot be measured in real time.

[0115] With the above configuration, the GHG emission calculation device of this embodiment can accurately calculate the GHG emission associated with the hydrogen identification code compared to the case where such second emissions are not considered, because the second emissions included in the fourth GHG emission due to GHG emissions that cannot be measured in real time are assigned to the GHG emission associated with the hydrogen identification code.

[0116] A method for calculating GHG emissions according to an eleventh aspect of this disclosure is a method for calculating GHG emissions in a facility equipped with at least one hydrogen compressor, comprising: obtaining an identification code for hydrogen transported from a hydrogen source to the hydrogen compressor via a hydrogen transport route and the GHG emissions associated with the identification code for the hydrogen; calculating a first GHG emission due to the consumption of a first energy component by the hydrogen compressor from the energy consumed at the facility; and adding the first GHG emission to the GHG emissions associated with the identification code for the hydrogen.

[0117] Based on the above, the GHG emission calculation method of this embodiment can be associated with the identification code of hydrogen in the hydrogen transport route, and the GHG emissions that change moment by moment at the hydrogen compressor can be calculated more appropriately than in the conventional method. The details of the effects of the GHG emission calculation method of this embodiment are the same as the details of the effects of the GHG emission calculation device of the first embodiment, so the explanation will be omitted. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0118] 10: Hydrogen pipeline 10A: Introduction Pipeline 10B: Discharge pipeline 11: Hydrogen compressor 50:GHG emissions calculation device 50A: Acquirer 50B: Processing circuit 50C: First measuring instrument 50D: Second measuring instrument 100: Facilities

Claims

1. A GHG emission calculation device for calculating GHG emissions in a facility equipped with at least one hydrogen compressor, An acquirer that acquires the identification code of hydrogen transported from a hydrogen supply source to the hydrogen compressor via a hydrogen transport route and the GHG emissions associated with the hydrogen identification code, A processing circuit that calculates the first GHG emissions resulting from the consumption of the first energy in the hydrogen compressor of the energy consumed at the aforementioned facility, and adds the first GHG emissions to the GHG emissions associated with the hydrogen identification code, A GHG emission calculation device equipped with the following features.

2. The hydrogen compressor comprises a flow meter for measuring the flow rate of hydrogen, a thermometer for measuring the temperature of the hydrogen, and a pressure meter for measuring the pressure of the hydrogen. The GHG emission calculation device according to claim 1, wherein the processing circuit calculates the mass flow rate of hydrogen in the hydrogen compressor based on measurement data from the flow meter, the thermometer, and the pressure meter.

3. The system includes a first measuring instrument that measures the first energy in real time, The GHG emission calculation device according to claim 1, wherein the processing circuit calculates the first GHG emission by multiplying the integral value of the measurement data of the first measuring instrument during a predetermined compression period by a predetermined emission coefficient.

4. The GHG emission calculation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first energy is electricity or fuel consumed by the hydrogen compressor.

5. The GHG emission calculation device according to claim 1, wherein the processing circuit calculates a second GHG emission by distributing the total GHG emissions resulting from the manufacture of equipment or machinery purchased from another company over the planned number of years of operation of the equipment or machinery, and adds the second GHG emission to the GHG emission associated with the hydrogen identification code.

6. The GHG emission calculation device according to claim 1, wherein the processing circuit calculates a third GHG emission by distributing the total GHG emissions resulting from the maintenance of equipment or machinery purchased from another company over the scheduled maintenance cycle of the equipment or machinery, and adds the third GHG emission to the GHG emission associated with the hydrogen identification code.

7. The GHG emission calculation device according to claim 1, wherein the processing circuit calculates a fourth GHG emission due to GHG emissions from a business other than the business operator related to the activities of the operator of the facility, and adds the fourth GHG emission to the GHG emission associated with the hydrogen identification code.

8. The facility is equipped with a second measuring instrument that measures in real time a second energy component, which is the energy consumed by the facility other than the energy directly consumed by the equipment within the facility. The GHG emission calculation device according to claim 7, wherein the processing circuit calculates the first emission amount included in the fourth GHG emission by multiplying the integral value of the measurement data of the second measuring instrument over a predetermined period by the power ratio of the equipment in the facility, and further multiplying that value by a predetermined emission coefficient.

9. The GHG emissions calculation device according to claim 8, wherein the second energy source is electricity or fuel consumed in the back office.

10. The GHG emission calculation device according to claim 7, wherein the processing circuit calculates the second emission amount included in the fourth GHG emission amount by averaging over a predetermined period the GHG emission amount from GHG emissions other than those of the aforementioned business operator that cannot be measured in real time.

11. A method for calculating GHG emissions in a facility equipped with at least one hydrogen compressor, The identification code of the hydrogen transported from the hydrogen supply source to the hydrogen compressor via the hydrogen transport route and the GHG emissions associated with the hydrogen identification code are obtained. Of the energy consumed at the aforementioned facility, the first GHG emissions resulting from the first energy being consumed by the hydrogen compressor are calculated. A method for calculating GHG emissions, comprising adding the first GHG emissions to the GHG emissions associated with the hydrogen identification code.

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