Equipment control processing device, equipment control processing method, and program

Abstract

In equipment that processes materials periodically, the control performance is improved when the predetermined operating period, which occurs periodically, is divided into multiple periods and controlled accordingly. [Solution] The equipment control processing device 400 calculates the value of an evaluation index for the control result based on the results of a simulation in which the equipment is controlled for each of several divided periods, and calculates divided period information for specifying the divided period based on the calculated value of the evaluation index.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a processing apparatus for facility control, a facility control method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] As equipment for processing an object to be processed, such as production equipment, there is equipment that periodically and repeatedly processes the object to be processed. When controlling such equipment, the period from the start to the end of a predetermined operation period that arrives periodically may be divided into a plurality of periods, and control may be performed for each of the plurality of periods. As a technique for performing control in this way, there is a technique described in Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 discloses that, in the first half of the combustion period in one cycle of a hot blast stove, the target value of the dome temperature and the target value of the flow rate of the mixed gas are increased, and in the second half, the target value of the dome temperature and the target value of the flow rate of the mixed gas are decreased, so that the temperature and flow rate of the combustion gas in the first half of the combustion period are increased and decreased respectively, and the temperature and flow rate of the combustion gas in the second half are decreased and increased respectively.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, the number of divisions of the combustion period is limited to a predetermined number (specifically, 2). Therefore, the number of divisions of the combustion period may not be appropriate. For example, depending on the operating conditions, the appropriate number of divisions of the combustion period may change. Also, there is no mention of how to specifically determine the timing for dividing the combustion period.

[0005] Therefore, it is desirable to appropriately divide a predetermined operating period that occurs periodically, such as the combustion period, and to perform control for each divided period. However, while increasing the number of divisions of a predetermined operating period that occurs periodically may improve the control performance of the equipment and raise KPIs (Key Performance Indicators), dividing the operating period too many times may lead to frequent switching of control target values, potentially lowering the control performance of the equipment. Furthermore, the appropriate timing for dividing a predetermined operating period that occurs periodically may vary depending on the equipment. As described above, with conventional technology, it is not easy to improve the control performance when dividing a predetermined operating period that occurs periodically and performing control for multiple periods in equipment that processes materials periodically.

[0006] This disclosure has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to improve the control performance when controlling equipment that periodically processes materials by dividing a predetermined operating period that occurs periodically into multiple periods. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The equipment control processing device of the present disclosure is an equipment control processing device that performs processing for controlling equipment that periodically processes a workpiece, and comprises a calculation unit that calculates control information used when controlling the equipment for each of a plurality of divided periods obtained by dividing a predetermined operating period that periodically occurs in the equipment, the control information includes divided period information for specifying the divided period, and the calculation unit calculates a value of an evaluation index for the result of the control based on the result of a simulation of controlling the equipment for each of the plurality of divided periods, and calculates the divided period information based on the calculated value of the evaluation index.

[0008] The equipment control processing method of the present disclosure is an equipment control processing method for performing processing for equipment that periodically processes a workpiece, comprising a calculation step for calculating control information used when controlling the equipment for each of a plurality of divided periods obtained by dividing a predetermined operating period that periodically occurs in the equipment, wherein the control information includes divided period information for specifying the divided period, and the calculation step calculates a value of an evaluation index for the result of the control based on the result of simulating the control of the equipment for each of the plurality of divided periods, and calculates the divided period information based on the calculated value of the evaluation index.

[0009] The program disclosed herein is intended to enable a computer to function as a calculation unit for a processing device for equipment control. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to this disclosure, in equipment that processes materials periodically, it is possible to improve control performance when dividing a predetermined period of operation that occurs periodically into multiple periods and performing control for each period. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the general configuration of a hot air furnace. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the operation of the combustion period and blowing period in a hot air furnace. [Figure 3] This diagram illustrates an example of a typical operation schedule in a staggered parallel configuration. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of the functional configuration of a processing unit for equipment control. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing method for equipment control. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of the relationship between the control target value and time. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of individual pieces of information included in the candidate solutions for control information. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of a candidate solution for control information. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Furthermore, when comparing multiple values ​​such as length, position, size, and spacing, being the same to one another includes not only cases where they are strictly identical, but also cases where they differ to the extent that they do not depart from the spirit of the invention. For example, if multiple values ​​differ within the tolerance range defined at the time of design, those multiple values ​​may be considered the same. Also, for example, if each of the multiple values ​​is within the tolerance range, those multiple values ​​may be considered the same. In this case, those multiple values ​​may be measured values. If those multiple values ​​are measured values, the tolerance may be, for example, the maximum tolerance defined in the measuring instrument used to measure those values. Also, those multiple values ​​may be estimated values ​​(calculated values). If those multiple values ​​are estimated values ​​(calculated values), the tolerance may be the error that arises from the calculation of those values ​​being performed by a computer. Also, the tolerance may be the error that arises from the modeling of the actual phenomenon using mathematical formulas.

[0013] (overview) In this embodiment, control information is calculated for controlling equipment used in a facility that periodically processes materials, where a predetermined operating period that occurs periodically is divided into multiple divided periods. The control information includes divided period information for identifying the divided period. The divided period information is calculated based on the value of an operational evaluation index. The operational evaluation index is an evaluation index for the results of equipment control performed for each of the multiple divided periods, and is calculated based on the results of a simulation of controlling the equipment for each of the multiple divided periods. In the following description, the predetermined operating period that occurs periodically will be abbreviated as the predetermined operating period as needed.

[0014] As long as the equipment is controlled in multiple divided periods as described above, the equipment is not limited. The material to be processed by the equipment may be a solid, liquid, or gas. The equipment may be production equipment or equipment other than production equipment. The predetermined operation period is a period that is preset as a period controlled using control information among the periods that periodically occur in the facility. The predetermined operation periods may occur continuously, or after the predetermined operation period ends, the next predetermined operation period may occur after a lapse of time. Also, the times of each of the periodically occurring predetermined operation periods may be the same or different. Further, the period in which the predetermined operation period occurs (the time from the start time of one predetermined operation period to the start time of the next predetermined operation period) may be constant or not constant. Also, for example, one predetermined operation period may include a period during which the operation is temporarily interrupted. Note that control may not be performed on the period during which the operation is temporarily interrupted.

[0015] The division period information may include the number of division periods. In this case, for example, the predetermined operation period may be equally divided. In this case, if the number of division periods is determined, the start and end timings of each division period are automatically calculated, so it may not be necessary to calculate them as division period information (that is, it may not be necessary to calculate them as information calculated based on the operation evaluation index described above). However, the start and end timings of each division period may be included in the division period information. Also, when calculating the start and end timings of each division period, it may not be necessary to explicitly calculate the number of division periods (that is, the number of division periods may not be included in the variable to be solved).

[0016] The start and end timings of a plurality of division periods may be calculated so that the timing of the boundary (the timing at which the division period switches) between two temporally adjacent division periods is within the range defined for that timing. By doing so, for example, it is possible to suppress the uneven distribution of a plurality of division periods, and since the search range of the solution is limited, the calculation time can be shortened. In the following description, the timing of the boundary between two temporally adjacent division periods is referred to as the division period switching timing as needed.

[0017] The divided time information is calculated based on the value of the operation evaluation index. As described above, the operation evaluation index is an evaluation index for the result of the control of the equipment performed for each of a plurality of divided periods. Evaluating the result of the control of the equipment is, for example, evaluating how close the result of the control of the equipment is to the result as intended by the production manager. The result of the control of the equipment (the object of evaluation) may be a result related to at least one of the quantity and quality of the product (e.g., the produced item) obtained by processing the workpiece with the equipment, a result related to the state of the equipment, or a result related to the operation efficiency of the equipment. Also, the result of the control of the equipment may be a result obtained during the control or a result obtained when the control is completed.

[0018] For example, the operation evaluation index may include at least one (part or all) of a product evaluation index, an efficiency evaluation index, and an equipment constraint evaluation index. The product evaluation index is an evaluation index for evaluating at least one of the quantity and quality of the workpiece processed in the equipment. The efficiency evaluation index is an evaluation index for evaluating the operation efficiency of the equipment. The equipment constraint evaluation index is an evaluation index for evaluating the state of the components of the equipment that are restricted in their state during operation among the components of the equipment. Note that the operation evaluation index is not limited to these evaluation indexes. For example, the operation evaluation index may include an evaluation index related to the external environment. The evaluation index related to the external environment may be, for example, the amount of a predetermined type of gas emitted into the atmosphere.

[0019] Controlling the equipment for each of a plurality of divided periods is performed, for example, by setting a control target value for each of a plurality of divided periods. In this case, as control information used when controlling the equipment for each of a plurality of divided periods, in addition to the divided time information, the control target values for each of a plurality of divided periods may also be calculated based on the value of the operation evaluation index described above.

[0020] The control target value can be any target value set for controlling the equipment. For example, the control target value can be a physical quantity that represents the state of the equipment, or a physical quantity that affects the state of the equipment. The control target value can be a target value for a controlled variable, or a target value for a physical quantity that affects the controlled variable (e.g., a manipulated variable). In the following explanation, the physical quantity for which the control target value is set will be referred to as the equipment state quantity. There may be one or more types of equipment state quantities set for each of the multiple division periods. The number of control target values ​​calculated for each of the multiple division periods is equal to the number of types of equipment state quantities set for each division period. If there are multiple types of equipment state quantities set for each division period, division period information will be calculated for each of the multiple types of equipment state quantities.

[0021] Control information may be calculated by solving an optimization problem in which the evaluation function is a function whose value is determined based on the values ​​of the operational evaluation indicators. Various known methods may be used to solve the optimization problem. For example, the optimization problem may be solved using metaheuristics such as a genetic algorithm. Furthermore, constraints may be included in the optimization problem. The constraints may be, for example, constraints on the range of values ​​that can be taken for the operational evaluation indicators. The constraints may be constraints on operations or constraints on the state of the equipment.

[0022] Furthermore, the calculation of control information may be performed when the operating conditions of the equipment change. Also, the calculation of control information may be performed when the elapsed time since the previous calculation exceeds a predetermined time. However, the calculation of control information may be performed repeatedly at regular intervals, for example, or at timings specified by the operator.

[0023] (equipment) As mentioned above, the equipment is not limited as long as it is controlled for each of the multiple divided periods obtained by dividing a predetermined operating period. However, in this embodiment, we will illustrate the case where the equipment is a hot blast furnace, which is an example of equipment equipped with a thermal energy exchanger. Therefore, we will outline an example of a hot blast furnace.

[0024] Figure 1 shows an example of the schematic configuration of the hot blast furnace 100. Note that, for explanatory purposes, only the necessary parts are shown in each figure, and details are simplified as needed. In Figure 1, the hot blast furnace 100 is a production facility equipped with a regenerative heat exchanger for supplying hot air to a blast furnace (not shown). The hot blast furnace 100 comprises a heat storage chamber 101, a combustion chamber 102, and a mixing and cooling chamber 103. The heat storage chamber 101 is equipment for supplying heat to the air being blown to the blast furnace. The combustion chamber 102 is equipment for heating the heat storage chamber 101. The mixing and cooling chamber 103 is equipment for controlling the temperature of the hot air. Note that there are also hot blast furnaces that do not have a mixing and cooling chamber 103. This embodiment is also applicable to hot blast furnaces that do not have a mixing and cooling chamber 103.

[0025] In the combustion chamber 102, a mixture of BFG (Blast Furnace Gas) and COG (Coke Oven Gas) blown in from the gas supply duct 113, and auxiliary air blown in from the auxiliary air supply duct 114, are burned in the combustion burner 139. In the following description, this mixture of gas and auxiliary air will be referred to as the combustion gas as needed. The combustion gas is passed between the heat storage bricks stacked inside the heat storage chamber 101 to heat the bricks. As a result, the heat storage bricks store heat. A dome thermometer 135 is installed at the top of the heat storage chamber 101. The dome thermometer 135 measures the dome temperature. The dome temperature is the temperature of the dome located at the top of the heat storage chamber 101.

[0026] Figure 1 illustrates a case where, as a heat storage brick, clay brick 110, high-alumina brick 111, and silica brick 112 are stacked in order from bottom to top. Multiple passages extending in the height direction (up and down direction) are formed in the clay brick 110, high-alumina brick 111, and silica brick 112. A high-alumina brick thermometer 136 is attached to the high-alumina brick 111. The high-alumina brick thermometer 136 measures the temperature of the high-alumina brick 111. A silica brick thermometer 137 is attached to the silica brick 112. The silica brick thermometer 137 measures the temperature of the lower end of the silica brick 112.

[0027] A gas shut-off valve 130 is installed in the gas supply duct 113. The portion of the gas supply duct 113 upstream of the gas shut-off valve 130 (to the right in Figure 1) branches into the BFG supply duct 141 and the COG supply duct 142. The BFG supply duct 141 is connected to a blast furnace (not shown). The BFG supply duct 141 supplies BFG generated in the blast furnace to the hot blast furnace 100.

[0028] The BFG supply duct 141 is equipped with a BFG flow control valve 131 and a BFG flow meter 132. By opening and closing the BFG flow control valve 131, the amount of BFG flowing into the hot blast furnace 100 can be adjusted. In addition, the amount of BFG flowing into the hot blast furnace 100 can be monitored based on the measurement results of the BFG flow meter 132. In the following description, the amount of BFG flowing into the hot blast furnace 100 will be referred to as the BFG flow rate as needed.

[0029] The COG supply duct 142 is typically connected to a coke oven (not shown). The COG supply duct 142 blows COG produced in the coke oven to the hot air furnace 100. The COG supply duct 142 is equipped with a COG flow control valve 133 and a COG flow meter 134. By opening and closing the COG flow control valve 133, the amount of COG flowing into the hot blast furnace 100 can be adjusted. In addition, the amount of COG flowing into the hot blast furnace 100 can be monitored based on the measurement results of the COG flow meter 134. In the following description, the amount of COG flowing into the hot blast furnace 100 will be referred to as the COG flow rate as needed.

[0030] The auxiliary combustion air supply duct 114 delivers air blown from the combustion air fan to the hot air furnace 100. The auxiliary combustion air supply duct 114 is equipped with an air flow meter 127, an air butterfly valve 128, and an air shut-off valve 129. The amount of air necessary for combustion flows into the auxiliary combustion air supply duct 114 according to the flow rate of the combustion gas. The air flow meter 127 measures the amount of auxiliary combustion air flowing into the hot blast furnace 100. In the following description, the amount of auxiliary combustion air flowing into the hot blast furnace 100 will be referred to as the air flow rate, as needed.

[0031] A gas inlet / outlet duct 115 is installed at the lower end of the heat storage chamber 101. The gas inlet / outlet duct 115 branches into a gas exhaust duct 119 and a cold air introduction duct 116. The gas exhaust duct 119 is a duct for discharging combustion gases (exhaust gases) containing N2, CO2, etc. The cold air introduction duct 116 is a duct for supplying cold air to the heat storage chamber 101 via the gas inlet / outlet duct 115.

[0032] The gas exhaust duct 119 is equipped with a gas discharge control valve 126, an exhaust gas flow meter 143, and an exhaust gas thermometer 138. By opening and closing the gas discharge control valve 126, the amount of exhaust gas (CO2 gas) discharged from the gas exhaust duct 119 can be adjusted. The exhaust gas flow meter 143 measures the amount of exhaust gas discharged from the gas exhaust duct 119. Based on the measurement results of the exhaust gas flow meter 143, the amount of combustion gas discharged from the gas exhaust duct 119 can be monitored. The exhaust gas thermometer 138 measures the temperature of the exhaust gas discharged from the gas exhaust duct 119. Based on the measurement results of the exhaust gas thermometer 138, the temperature of the exhaust gas can be monitored. In the following description, the amount of exhaust gas discharged from the gas exhaust duct 119 and its temperature will be referred to as exhaust gas flow rate and exhaust gas temperature, respectively, as needed.

[0033] The cold air intake duct 116 is equipped with a blower valve 124 and a blower butterfly valve 125. By opening and closing the blower butterfly valve 125, the amount of cold air flowing into the hot air furnace 100 can be adjusted.

[0034] A hot air exhaust duct 117 is connected to the mixing and cooling chamber 103. The hot air exhaust duct 117 is a duct for exhausting hot air from the blast furnace. A hot air valve 121 is installed in the hot air exhaust duct 117.

[0035] Upstream of the blower butterfly valve 125 in the cold air introduction duct 116 (to the left in Figure 1), a cold air supply duct 118 is installed, which connects to the mixed cooling chamber 103. The cold air supply duct 118 is equipped with a cold air valve 122 and a cold air butterfly valve 123. By opening and closing the cold air butterfly valve 123, the amount of cold air flowing into the mixed cooling chamber 103 can be adjusted.

[0036] Figure 2 shows an example of the general operation of the combustion period and blowing period in the hot blast furnace 100. As shown in Figure 2(a), when heat is stored in the heat storage chamber 101 during the combustion period, the blower valve 124, the cold air valve 122, and the hot air valve 121 are completely closed. Then, the mixed gas and auxiliary air are introduced into the combustion chamber 102 via the gas supply duct 113 and the auxiliary air supply duct 114.

[0037] The mixed gas and auxiliary air are burned by the combustion burner 139 to become combustion gas. The combustion gas passes through openings formed in the clay bricks 110, high-alumina bricks 111, and silica bricks 112 of the heat storage chamber 101, storing heat in the clay bricks 110, high-alumina bricks 111, and silica bricks 112. The combustion gas that has passed through the clay bricks 110, high-alumina bricks 111, and silica bricks 112 is discharged as exhaust gas into the flue via the gas discharge duct 119. Normally, the lowest temperature at the bottom of the silica bricks 112 is controlled so as not to fall below the transformation point temperature. Also, the lower limit of the temperature at the bottom of the clay bricks 110 is controlled to a constant value (so that the exhaust gas temperature does not become too high). Furthermore, in the following description, the lowest temperature at the bottom end of the silica bricks 112 at the end of the blowing period will be referred to as the lowest silica brick temperature as needed.

[0038] Once the heat storage in the heat storage chamber 101 is complete, the gas discharge control valve 126, the air shut-off valve 129, and the gas shut-off valve 130 are completely closed, as shown in Figure 2(b). Then, cold air is introduced into the heat storage chamber 101 via the cold air introduction duct 116. The cold air that enters the heat storage chamber 101 passes through openings formed in the clay bricks 110, high-alumina bricks 111, and silica bricks 112, is heated to 900-1300°C, and is then discharged from the hot air discharge duct 117 as hot air for the blast furnace.

[0039] Figure 3 illustrates an example of a schematic operation schedule in a staggered parallel configuration. In the example shown in Figure 3, the switching from blowing air to combustion, combustion, switching from combustion to blowing air, and blowing air are performed in this order. The combined period of these steps constitutes one cycle (see, for example, the part in Figure 3 that says "1 cycle = switching period 301a + combustion period 302a + switching period 301b + blowing air period 303a"). One cycle is, for example, 180 [min]. The blowing times of two adjacent units (e.g., hot air furnace 1 and hot air furnace 2) that are in the order of supplying hot air overlap. Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 3, for simplicity, the blowing time and combustion time are made to be the same length. Therefore, for two units that are not adjacent in the order of supplying hot air (e.g., hot air furnace 1 and hot air furnace 3), when one hot air furnace is in the blowing period, the other hot air furnace is in the combustion period. Also, when one hot air furnace is in the combustion period, the other hot air furnace is in the blowing period. In this embodiment, the case where the blowing time is the same in all cycles is used as an example for explanation. Note that transition periods 301a, 301c, and 301e are preparation periods for transitioning from the blowing period to the combustion period. Transition periods 301b and 301d are preparation periods for transitioning from the combustion period to the blowing period.

[0040] In Figure 1, the hot air discharged from the hot air discharge duct 117 of each hot air furnace merges in the hot air supply duct 144. In this embodiment, we illustrate the case where the hot air furnaces are operated in a staggered parallel configuration as illustrated in Figure 3. In this case, the hot air is discharged from two hot air furnaces that are adjacent to each other in the order of supply to a blast furnace (not shown). The hot air discharged from the hot air discharge duct 117 of each hot air furnace (two hot air furnaces in the example shown in Figure 3) merges in the hot air supply duct 144. The merged hot air is then discharged (supplied) to the blast furnace.

[0041] The hot air supply duct 144 is equipped with a blower flow meter 145 and a blower thermometer 146. The blower flow meter 145 measures the amount of hot air discharged into the blast furnace. Based on the measurement results of the blower flow meter 145, the amount of hot air discharged into the blast furnace can be monitored. The blower thermometer 146 measures the temperature of the hot air discharged into the blast furnace. Based on the measurement results of the blower thermometer 146, the temperature of the hot air discharged into the blast furnace can be monitored. In the following description, the amount of hot air discharged into the blast furnace and its temperature will be referred to as blower flow rate and blower temperature, respectively, as needed.

[0042] The amount of heat introduced into the heat storage chamber 101 during one cycle is calculated, for example, using the BFG flow rate, COG flow rate, air flow rate, mixed gas calorific value, exhaust gas flow rate, exhaust gas temperature, and dome temperature during the combustion period of the cycle. In the following description, the amount of heat introduced into the heat storage chamber 101 during the combustion period of one cycle will be referred to as the input heat amount, as needed. The amount of heat supplied to the blast furnace during one cycle is calculated, for example, using the blown air flow rate and blown air temperature during the blown air period of the cycle. In this case, the blown air flow rate may be the value obtained by dividing by the number of overlapping hot blast furnaces 100 (2 in the example shown in Figure 3). In the following description, the amount of heat supplied to the blast furnace during one cycle will be referred to as the blown air heat amount, as needed. As described in Patent Document 1, the thermal efficiency (thermal efficiency per furnace, per cycle) of a particular hot blast furnace 100 in one cycle is calculated as the ratio of the blown air heat amount in the cycle to the input heat amount in the cycle. In the following description, the thermal efficiency in one cycle of a particular hot air furnace 100 will be abbreviated as "thermal efficiency" as needed. In the hot air furnace 100 illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the materials to be processed are, for example, clay bricks 110, high-alumina bricks 111, silica bricks 112, and cold air. The process involves, for example, supplying cold air to the clay bricks 110, high-alumina bricks 111, and silica bricks 112 to perform heat exchange between them, and the output is, for example, hot air.

[0043] (Instrument control processing device) Figure 4 shows an example of the functional configuration of the equipment control processing unit 400. The equipment control processing unit 400 has, for example, one or more hardware processors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and one or more memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory) as hardware, and performs various calculations by executing one or more programs stored in memory using one or more hardware processors. Furthermore, the equipment control processing unit 400 has input devices and output devices as hardware. The equipment control processing unit 400 may also be implemented using dedicated hardware such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0044] The equipment control processing device 400 performs processing to control equipment that periodically processes objects to be processed. In this embodiment, Figure 4 illustrates a case where the equipment control processing device 400 comprises an acquisition unit 410, a determination unit 420, a calculation unit 430, and an output unit 440. An example of the function of each unit is described below.

[0045] <Acquisition part 410> The acquisition unit 410 acquires information necessary for processing by the equipment control processing device 400. In this embodiment, an example is given in which the acquisition unit 410 acquires pre-set information, operational performance information, and operational condition information.

[0046] Pre-configured information is information whose content needs to be determined in advance by a person when the equipment control processing device 400 performs processing. Pre-configured information includes, for example, information that needs to be set in advance before performing the simulation described later (e.g., constant values) and information that needs to be set in advance before performing the algorithm to solve the optimization problem described later (e.g., information indicating constraints, information indicating convergence conditions, weight coefficients w1 to w3, and the maximum value of the number of division periods). In this embodiment, an example is given in which the content of the pre-configured information is input to the equipment control processing device 400 by performing an input operation to the input device, and the acquisition unit 410 acquires the content of the pre-configured information. However, the pre-configured information does not necessarily have to be acquired in this manner. For example, the acquisition unit 410 may read the pre-configured information stored in a storage medium, or it may receive the pre-configured information transmitted from an external device via a network or the like.

[0047] The operational performance information is information showing the operational performance of the equipment (hot blast furnace 100 in this embodiment). In this embodiment, the operational performance information includes the measured values ​​of the dome temperature, the temperature of the high alumina brick 111, the temperature of the lower end of the silica brick 112, the exhaust gas temperature, the blown air temperature, the BFG flow rate, the COG flow rate, the air flow rate, and the blown air flow rate, as well as the gas calorific value of the mixed sludge (1 Nm³). 3 Heat energy per unit (J / Nm 3 The actual values ​​of )) and the case in which are included are given as an example. Note that the actual gas calories of the mixed gas may be calculated by the equipment control processing device 400 (e.g., acquisition unit 410) based on the gas calories of BFG, COG, and auxiliary air, and the measured values ​​of BFG flow rate, COG flow rate, and air flow rate. In the following description, the gas calories of the mixed gas will be referred to as mixed gas calories as needed.

[0048] Operating condition information is information indicating the operating conditions of the equipment (in this embodiment, the hot blast furnace 100). In this embodiment, an example is given in which the operating condition information includes control target values ​​for equipment state variables that are not set for each of the multiple divided periods. More specifically, in this embodiment, an example is given in which the control target values ​​for equipment state variables that are not set for each of the multiple divided periods include, for example, control target values ​​for blower temperature, blower flow rate, and combustion time. Note that combustion time is the time from the start of the combustion period to the end of the combustion period.

[0049] In this embodiment, an example is given in which an information processing device (not shown) for managing the operation of the equipment (hot blast furnace 100) transmits operational performance information and operational condition information, and the acquisition unit 410 acquires the operational performance information and operational condition information by receiving it. However, pre-set information does not necessarily have to be acquired in this manner. For example, the acquisition unit 410 may read operational condition information and operational performance information stored on a storage medium. Alternatively, an operator may input the contents of the operational condition information to the equipment control processing device 400 by performing an input operation to an input device, and the acquisition unit 410 may acquire the contents of the operational condition information. Furthermore, an input device connected to a sensor may transmit the measurement value of the sensor, and the acquisition unit 410 may acquire the operational performance information by receiving the measurement value.

[0050] <Determination unit 420> The determination unit 420 determines whether or not it is time to calculate control information.

[0051] In this embodiment, an example is given in which the determination unit 420 determines that it is time to calculate control information (in this embodiment, divided period information and control target values ​​for each divided period) when at least one of the operating conditions of the equipment is changed. In this case, the determination unit 420 determines whether or not it is time to calculate control information based on the operating condition information. The operating conditions that are determined to have been changed in order to determine whether or not it is time to calculate control information may be all of the operating conditions of the equipment or some of the operating conditions. Some of the operating conditions may be pre-set operating conditions. For example, the determination unit 420 determines that it is time to calculate control information when at least one of the target values ​​among the target value of the fan temperature, the target value of the fan flow rate, and the target value of the combustion time is changed.

[0052] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example is given in which the determination unit 420 determines that it is time to calculate control information when the elapsed time since the previous timing of calculating control information is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. Due to changes in the state of the equipment, etc., even if the operating conditions do not change, there is a risk that the control information may deviate from the information corresponding to the state of the equipment. The predetermined value is set in advance from this perspective. This predetermined value may be included in the pre-set information described above.

[0053] <Calculation Unit 430> The calculation unit 430 calculates control information. In this embodiment, an example is given where the control information includes the number of division periods in the combustion period, the start and end timings of each division period, and the control target value for each division period. In this embodiment, an example is given where the calculation unit 430 calculates the optimal solution for the control information using a genetic algorithm that employs an evaluation function to evaluate operational evaluation indicators expressed using thermal efficiency, blown air temperature, and minimum silica brick temperature. The optimal solution is the solution that can be considered optimal in the algorithm used to calculate the optimal solution. For example, the optimal solution may be the solution when the value of the evaluation function satisfies predetermined conditions, or the solution when the number of iterations of calculating the evaluation function satisfies predetermined conditions. In this embodiment, an example is given where the predetermined operating period is the combustion period, and the control target values ​​are the target values ​​for mixed gas calories, dome gas temperature, and mixed gas flow rate, respectively.

[0054] <Output section 440> The output unit 440 outputs control information calculated by the calculation unit 430. In this embodiment, the output unit 440 transmits the start and end timings of each division period and the control target value for each division period to a control device that controls the equipment (hot blast furnace 100). In this case, the control device sets a control target value for each of the multiple division periods and equipment state variables, and controls the equipment for each of the multiple division periods and equipment state variables. The control method itself is implemented by known methods such as PI control, so a detailed explanation is omitted here. The output destination of the control information is not limited to the control device that controls the equipment (hot blast furnace 100). For example, the output unit 440 may display the control information calculated by the calculation unit 430 on a computer display. In this case, the operator may manually set the control target value. Alternatively, the equipment control processing device 400 may control the equipment. In this case, the equipment control processing device 400 may include a control unit (controller) that performs PI control or the like.

[0055] <Flowchart> Next, an example of a processing method for equipment control performed using the equipment control processing device 400 of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart in Figure 5. It should be assumed that the pre-configuration information is acquired by the acquisition unit 410 before the flowchart in Figure 5 begins. Furthermore, the flowchart in Figure 5 will begin as a flowchart for executing processing to control (combustion control) the hot blast furnace 100 during the transition period before the start of the combustion period (the transition periods 301a, 301c, and 301e in Figure 3).

[0056] First, in step S501, the acquisition unit 410 acquires operating condition information. In this embodiment, we will illustrate a case where the operating condition information acquired by the acquisition unit 410 includes operating condition information for the cycle immediately preceding the cycle to which the combustion period of the controlled object belongs.

[0057] Next, in step S502, the determination unit 420 determines whether or not it is time to calculate control information. As described above, in this embodiment, the determination unit 420 determines that it is time to calculate control information if at least one of the operating conditions of the hot blast furnace 100 (target value of blown air temperature, target value of blown air flow rate, and target value of combustion time) has been changed. The determination unit 420 also determines that it is time to calculate control information if the elapsed time since the previous timing for calculating control information is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. On the other hand, if none of the operating conditions of the hot blast furnace 100 have been changed, and the elapsed time since the previous timing for calculating control information is not greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the determination unit 420 determines that it is not time to calculate control information. Whether or not the operating conditions of the hot blast furnace 100 have been changed is determined, for example, based on the operating condition information acquired in step S501.

[0058] If the result of the determination in step S502 is that it is not time to calculate control information (the result in step S502 is NO), the process according to the flowchart in Figure 5 is terminated. On the other hand, if it is time to calculate control information (the result in step S502 is YES), the process in step S503 is performed. In step S503, the acquisition unit 410 acquires operational performance information. In this embodiment, an example is given in which the acquisition unit 410 acquires operational performance information for the cycle immediately preceding the cycle to which the combustion period of the controlled object belongs. For example, in Figure 3, if the flowchart in Figure 5 is executed during the switching period 301c, the acquisition unit 410 acquires operational performance information for the switching period 301a, the combustion period 302a, the switching period 301b, and the blowing period 303a.

[0059] Next, in step S504, the calculation unit 430 sets the initial value of 2 as the number of division periods n. Next, in step S505, the calculation unit 430 calculates upper and lower limits for the timing of switching between division periods.

[0060] Figure 6 shows an example of the relationship between the control target value 610 and time. In Figure 6, Ts is the start time of the combustion period, Te is the end time of the combustion period, and Te-Ts equals the combustion time.

[0061] In this embodiment, we illustrate a case where the upper and lower limits for the switching timing between the m-th division period and the (m+1)-th division period are calculated based on the timing obtained by dividing the combustion time Te-Ts into n equal parts. In this case, the lower limit Tm_min and the upper limit Tm_max for the switching timing between the m-th division period and the (m+1)-th division period are expressed by equations (1) and (2) below, respectively. Here, m is an integer between 1 and n-1. In the following description, the switching timing between the m-th division period and the (m+1)-th division period will be referred to as the switching timing of the m-th and (m+1)-th division periods, as needed. Tm_min = (burning time ÷ n) × (m-1) ... (1) Tm_max = (burning time ÷ n) × m ... (2)

[0062] Figure 6 illustrates the case where n=3. In Figure 6, T1_min is the lower limit of the switching timing between the first and second division periods, and T1_max is the upper limit of the switching timing between the first and second division periods. Similarly, T2_min is the lower limit of the switching timing between the second and third division periods, and T2_max is the upper limit of the switching timing between the second and third division periods. Note that in the example shown in equation (1), the lower limit T1_min of the switching timing between the first and second division periods and the start timing Ts of the combustion period are the same.

[0063] As described above, this embodiment exemplifies a case where a constraint is imposed on the division period, specifically that the timing of switching between division periods must be within upper and lower limits. In this embodiment, as shown in equations (1) and (2), the elapsed time from the start timing Ts of the combustion period is used as the start and end timings of the division period, as well as the timing of switching between division periods. However, these timings do not have to be expressed in this way; for example, they may be expressed in actual time.

[0064] Furthermore, the upper and lower limits for the timing of switching between division periods do not necessarily have to be determined by dividing a predetermined operating period equally. For example, the upper and lower limits for the timing of switching between division periods may be set so that the division period is longer (or shorter) the closer it is to the end of the predetermined operating period (combustion period in this embodiment). Also, in this embodiment, an example is given where the upper and lower limits for the timing of switching between division periods do not change depending on the type of equipment state variable (specifically, dome temperature and mixed gas flow rate, as will be described later). However, the upper and lower limits for the timing of switching between division periods may be different for each type of equipment state variable. Furthermore, it is not necessary to set upper and lower limits for the timing of switching between division periods.

[0065] Returning to the explanation of Figure 5, in step S506, the calculation unit 430 calculates candidate solutions for control information when the number of division periods is n. As mentioned above, in this embodiment, we illustrate the case where the control target values ​​are the target values ​​for the mixed gas calories, dome gas temperature, and mixed gas flow rate, respectively.

[0066] It is not easy to change the calorific value of the mixed gas in the middle of the combustion period. Therefore, in this embodiment, instead of setting target values ​​for each divided period, a common target value is set for the entire combustion period. Control target values ​​that are not set for each divided period may be included in this way. On the other hand, the dome gas temperature and mixed gas flow rate are set to target values ​​for each divided period.

[0067] Therefore, in this embodiment, we illustrate a case in which the calculation unit 430 calculates candidate solutions for each of the n divided periods as candidate solutions for the target values ​​of the dome gas temperature and the mixed gas flow rate. That is, in this embodiment, we illustrate a case in which candidate solutions for the n divided periods are calculated for each of the dome gas temperature and the mixed gas flow rate. In addition, in this embodiment, we illustrate a case in which the calculation unit 430 calculates a common candidate solution for the combustion period (i.e., one candidate solution regardless of the value of n) as a candidate solution for the target value of the mixed gas calories.

[0068] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the calculation unit 430 illustrates a case where upper and lower limits are set for the target values ​​of the mixed gas calories, dome temperature, and mixed gas flow rate. Thus, in this embodiment, a constraint is imposed on the control target value, which must be greater than or equal to the lower limit and less than or equal to the upper limit. Therefore, in this embodiment, the calculation unit 430 illustrates a case in which it calculates candidate solutions for the target values ​​of the mixed gas calories, dome temperature, and mixed gas flow rate in a way that satisfies this constraint. In addition, as mentioned above, in this embodiment, a constraint is also imposed that the switching timing of the division period must be within the upper and lower limits. Therefore, in this embodiment, the calculation unit 430 illustrates a case in which it calculates candidate solutions for the start and end timings of each division period in a way that satisfies this constraint.

[0069] Figure 7 shows an example of individual pieces of information included in the candidate solutions for control information. Specifically, Figure 7(a) shows an example of the relationship between the candidate solution 710 for the target value of the dome temperature and time. Figure 7(b) shows an example of the relationship between the candidate solution 720 for the target value of the mixed gas flow rate and time. Figure 7(c) shows an example of the relationship between the candidate solution 730 for the target value of the mixed gas calories and time. Figure 7 illustrates the case where n=3.

[0070] The start timing Ts of the combustion period is the timing at which control of the combustion period begins. For example, it can be the timing scheduled in the operation schedule at which the output unit 440 outputs control information. The end timing Te of the combustion period is determined based on the start timing Ts of the combustion period and the combustion time included in the operation condition information. In this case, if the switching timing of the divided periods is calculated as the target of optimization calculation, the start and end timings of each of the n divided periods can be obtained. Therefore, in this embodiment, the case in which the switching timing of the divided periods is used as a candidate solution for the start and end timings of each divided period is illustrated.

[0071] Figure 7(a) shows that candidate solutions for the switching timing of the division period relative to the target value of the dome temperature include candidate solution T1_1 for the switching timing of the first and second division periods, and candidate solution T2_1 for the switching timing of the second and third division periods. Figure 7(b) shows that candidate solutions for the switching timing of the division period relative to the target value of the mixed gas flow rate include candidate solution T1_2 for the switching timing of the first and second division periods, and candidate solution T2_2 for the switching timing of the second and third division periods. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 7(c), no division period is set for the target value (candidate solution) of the mixed gas calories (there are no candidate solutions for the switching timing of the division period).

[0072] In this case, the calculation unit 430 calculates candidate solutions T1_1 and T1_2 for the switching timing of the first and second division periods with respect to the target value of the dome temperature and the target value of the mixed gas flow rate, so that they fall within the range of upper and lower limits T1_min to T1_max for the switching timing (T1_min ≤ T1_1 ≤ T1_max, T1_min ≤ T1_2 ≤ T1_max). The calculation unit 430 also calculates candidate solutions T2_1 and T2_2 for the switching timing of the second and third division periods with respect to the target value of the dome temperature and the mixed gas flow rate, within the range of upper and lower limits T2_min and T2_max for the switching timing (T2_min ≤ T2_1 ≤ T2_max, T2_min ≤ T2_2 ≤ T2_max). Note that the range of upper and lower limits for the switching timing of the division periods may not include the lower limit (T1_min <T1_1≦T1_max、T1_min<T1_2≦T1_max、T2_min<T2_1≦T2_max、T2_min<T2_2≦T2_max)。

[0073] Furthermore, Figures 7(a) and 7(b) show that the candidate solutions 710 and 720 for the target values ​​of dome temperature and mixed gas flow rate include candidate solutions for each of the three divided periods (i.e., three candidate solutions for each period). Figure 7(a) shows that the candidate values ​​for the target dome temperature in the first, second, and third divided periods are D1, D2, and D3, and Figure 7(b) shows that the target values ​​for the mixed gas flow rate in the first, second, and third divided periods are G1, G2, and G3. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 7(c), we illustrate that the candidate solution 730 for the target value of mixed gas calories includes a common candidate solution for the entire combustion period (i.e., one candidate solution). Figure 7(c) shows that the candidate value for the target value of mixed gas calories for the entire combustion period is C.

[0074] The calculation unit 430 calculates candidate solutions 710, 720, and 730 for target values ​​of dome temperature, mixed gas flow rate, and mixed gas calories, respectively, within the upper and lower limits of Dmin~Dmax, Gmin~Gmax, and Cmin~Cmax (Dmin≦D1≦Dmax, Dmin≦D2≦Dmax, Dmin≦D3≦Dmax, Gmin≦G1≦Gmax, Gmin≦G2≦Gmax, Gmin≦G3≦Gmax, Cmin≦C≦Cmax). Figure 8 shows an example of a candidate solution 810 for control information calculated in the manner described above.

[0075] The method for calculating candidate solutions may be, for example, a method defined in a genetic algorithm. For example, the initial values ​​of candidate solutions may be calculated using random numbers. Subsequent candidate solutions may be calculated by, for example, selecting (to keep) candidate solutions according to the value of the evaluation function described later, crossover (calculating new candidate solutions), and mutation (modifying candidate solutions).

[0076] Returning to the explanation of Figure 5, in step S507, the calculation unit 430 predicts the results of equipment control performed for each of the multiple divided periods. In this embodiment, we illustrate a case where the calculation unit 430 predicts the results of control in the hot blast furnace 100 when controlling the dome temperature, mixed gas flow rate, and mixed gas calories in each of the n divided periods determined based on the timing Ts of the start of the combustion period, the timing of switching the divided periods included in the candidate solution calculated in step S506 immediately preceding step S507, and the timing Te of the end of the combustion period, using the target values ​​for the dome temperature and mixed gas flow rate, and the target value for the mixed gas calories, as included in the candidate solution. Here, the hot blast furnace 100 is equipment (production equipment) where the time (so-called time constant) from the time an operational action (change of manipulated variable) is performed until the operational action is reflected in the equipment is long. Therefore, in this embodiment, we illustrate a case where the calculation unit 430 predicts the results of control in a cycle N cycles ahead of the cycle to which the combustion period to be controlled belongs. N is set in advance according to the aforementioned time constant.

[0077] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the calculation unit 430 illustrates a case in which it predicts the control results in the hot blast furnace 100 by simulating the control of the hot blast furnace 100 as described above. For example, the simulation may be performed by discretizing the equations representing the physical phenomena occurring in the equipment and using these discretized equations as the simulation model, and solving this model by numerical analysis. The numerical analysis method may be a known method such as the finite element method. If the equipment is a hot blast furnace 100, the hot blast furnace model (a model for simulating the hot blast furnace 100) described in Patent Document 1 may be used. As described in Patent Document 1, the hot blast furnace model may be a heat transfer model in which, for example, a plurality of meshes (micro-regions) are set up so that at least the temperature distribution of the heat storage bricks in the height direction of the heat storage chamber 101 and the temperature of the lower end of the silica brick 112 (the temperature measurement position of the silica brick thermometer 137) can be calculated for a two-dimensional cross-section obtained by cutting the heat storage chamber 101 along the height direction and the horizontal direction, and a numerical solution is calculated for each mesh. Note that in Patent Document 1, the simulation is performed using actual operating values. In contrast, in this embodiment, the simulation is performed using the control target value (included in the candidate solution). The method for predicting the control result in the hot blast furnace 100 is not limited to the simulation using the hot blast furnace model described in Patent Document 1, but may also be a simulation using various known models.

[0078] Next, in step S508, the calculation unit 430 calculates the value of the evaluation function. In this embodiment, an example is given where the evaluation function is expressed using operational evaluation indicators, and the operational evaluation indicators include deliverable evaluation indicators, efficiency evaluation indicators, and equipment constraint evaluation indicators. Specifically, in this embodiment, an example is given where the evaluation function f is expressed by the following equation (3). f=w1×Δη+w2×|BT_ave-BT_ob|-w3×min[(Tsi_pre-Tsi_min),0] ···(3)

[0079] Here, Δη is the value obtained by subtracting the predicted thermal efficiency from the actual thermal efficiency (Δη = actual thermal efficiency - predicted thermal efficiency). The actual thermal efficiency is the actual value in the cycle immediately preceding the cycle to which the combustion period of the controlled system belongs. The predicted thermal efficiency is the predicted value in a cycle N cycles ahead of the cycle to which the combustion period of the controlled system belongs. w1 is a weighting coefficient for Δη and is either 0 or a positive value. Note that w1 being 0 corresponds to not evaluating the thermal efficiency (Δη). The first term on the right-hand side of equation (3) is an example of an efficiency evaluation index.

[0080] BT_ave is the arithmetic mean of the predicted airflow temperature during the airflow period of a cycle N cycles ahead of the cycle to which the controlled combustion period belongs. Note that representative values ​​other than the arithmetic mean (e.g., median or mode) may also be used. BT_ob is the target value of the airflow temperature during the airflow period of the cycle immediately preceding the cycle to which the controlled combustion period belongs, or the target value of the airflow temperature during the airflow period of the cycle to which the controlled combustion period belongs, which is input by the operator as pre-set information and acquired by the acquisition unit 410. w2 is a weighting coefficient for |BT_ave-BT_ob| and is either 0 or a positive value. Note that w2 being 0 corresponds to not evaluating the airflow temperature (|BT_ave-BT_ob|). The second term on the right-hand side of equation (3) is an example of an output evaluation index.

[0081] Tsi_pre is the predicted value of the minimum temperature of the silica brick in a cycle N cycles ahead of the cycle to which the controlled combustion period belongs. Tsi_min is the lower limit of the minimum temperature of the silica brick. As mentioned above, the requirement that the minimum temperature of the silica brick be above the lower limit is one of the constraints (equipment constraints) imposed on the state of the silica brick 112 during operation. min[(Tsi_pre-Tsi_min),0] indicates the smaller of (Tsi_pre-Tsi_min) and 0. If (Tsi_pre-Tsi_min) is a positive value, that value is the value of min[(Tsi_pre-Tsi_min),0]. If (Tsi_pre-Tsi_min) is a negative value, 0 is the value of min[(Tsi_pre-Tsi_min),0]. w3 is a weighting coefficient for min[(Tsi_pre-Tsi_min),0], and is either 0 or a positive value. Note that w3 being 0 corresponds to not evaluating the minimum temperature of the silica brick (min[(Tsi_pre-Tsi_min),0]). The third term on the right-hand side of equation (3) is an example of an equipment constraint evaluation index.

[0082] Note that equation (3) illustrates the case where a smaller value of the evaluation function J indicates a higher evaluation based on the operational evaluation index (i.e., solving a minimization problem). However, it is not always necessary to do so, and a maximization problem may also be solved. In this case, for example, the evaluation function may be obtained by multiplying each term on the right-hand side of equation (3) by (-1).

[0083] Next, in step S509, the calculation unit 430 determines whether or not the convergence condition of the solution is satisfied. The convergence condition of the solution is a condition for determining whether or not the solution is the optimal solution, and may be a condition defined in the genetic algorithm. In this embodiment, an example is given in which the convergence condition of the solution is determined to be satisfied when the number of iterations of calculating the evaluation function (the number of iterations of the process in steps S506 to S509) is a predetermined value. For example, the convergence condition of the solution may be considered satisfied if, among the values ​​of the evaluation function calculated in the current step S508, there is a value whose absolute difference from the value of the evaluation function calculated in the previous step S508 is less than or equal to a predetermined value.

[0084] If the result of the determination in step S509 does not satisfy the convergence condition of the solution (if the result is NO in step S509), the process in step S506 is repeated. The processes in steps S506 to S509 are repeated until the convergence condition of the solution is satisfied. When the convergence condition of the solution is satisfied (if the result is YES in step S509), the process in step S510 is performed. In step S510, the calculation unit 430 saves the optimal solution and the optimal value of the evaluation function J for the case where the number of division periods is n as candidate optimal solutions and candidate optimal values ​​of the evaluation function J, respectively. The optimal value of the evaluation function J for the case where the number of division periods is n is the minimum value of the evaluation function calculated in step S508 immediately before determining that the convergence condition of the solution is satisfied. The optimal solution for the case where the number of division periods is n is the candidate solution used (in the process in step S507) to calculate the optimal value of the evaluation function J for the case where the number of division periods is n. Note that when solving a maximization problem, the optimal value of the evaluation function J is the maximum value (not the minimum value mentioned above).

[0085] Next, in step S511, the calculation unit 430 increments the number of division periods n (adds 1 to n). Next, in step S512, the calculation unit 430 determines whether the number of division periods n exceeds the maximum value n_max. If the result of this determination is that the number of division periods n does not exceed the maximum value n_max (NO in step S512), the process in step S505 described above is performed again. In this case, the process from step S505 onwards is performed again with the updated value for the number of division periods n. The process in steps S505 to S512 is repeated until the number of division periods n exceeds the maximum value n_max. Then, when the number of division periods n exceeds the maximum value n_max (YES in step S512), the process in step S513 is performed.

[0086] In step S513, the calculation unit 430 selects the optimal solution from the candidate optimal solutions saved in step S510. Specifically, the calculation unit 430 calculates the candidate showing the minimum value among the candidate optimal values ​​of the evaluation function J saved in step S510 as the optimal value of the evaluation function J. Then, the calculation unit 430 selects the candidate solution (candidate for the optimal solution) used (in the process of step S507) to calculate the said optimal value as the optimal solution. In this embodiment, an example is given in which the information of the optimal solution selected in this way (the switching timing of the division period, and the target values ​​of the dome temperature, mixed gas flow rate, and mixed gas calories) is used as control information during the combustion period of the controlled object.

[0087] Finally, in step S514, the output unit 440 outputs control information for the combustion period of the controlled device.

[0088] Furthermore, the operational evaluation indicators are not limited to those shown on the right-hand side of equation (3). For example, an operational evaluation indicator that evaluates exhaust gas temperature may be used instead of at least one of thermal efficiency and the lowest temperature of silica bricks. Furthermore, the flowchart in Figure 5 illustrates the use of a genetic algorithm as an example of a metaheuristic. However, metaheuristics are not limited to genetic algorithms; other methods may also be used. In addition, solutions may be searched using heuristics such as greedy algorithms, without solving the optimization problem itself.

[0089] (summary) As described above, in this embodiment, the equipment control processing device 400 calculates a value of an operational evaluation index, which is an evaluation index for the results of the control, based on the results of a simulation of controlling the equipment for each of several divided periods, and calculates divided period information for identifying the divided periods based on the calculated value of the operational evaluation index. The divided period information includes, for example, at least one of the number of divided periods and the start and end timings of the divided periods. Therefore, the divided periods can be set in a way that further enhances the control performance of the equipment. Thus, the control performance when controlling the equipment for each of several periods can be improved.

[0090] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the equipment control processing device 400 calculates the start and end timings of multiple division periods so that the switching timing of the division periods falls within the upper and lower limits. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the uneven distribution of multiple division periods and to shorten the computation time because the search range for the solution is limited.

[0091] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the equipment control processing device 400 calculates division period information for each of several types of control target values. Therefore, the division period can be set in a way that further enhances the control performance of the equipment.

[0092] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the equipment control processing device 400 calculates control target values ​​for each of the multiple divided periods based on the values ​​of the operational evaluation index. Therefore, since the control target values ​​are calculated in accordance with the values ​​of the operational evaluation index in addition to the divided periods, the control performance can be further improved.

[0093] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the equipment control processing device 400 calculates control information when the conditions for calculating control information, including division period information, are met. Therefore, the timing of calculating control information can be limited to the timing when control information is needed, thereby reducing the computational load on the equipment control processing device 400. In this case, the equipment control processing device 400 may also calculate control information when the operating conditions of the equipment are changed. In this way, the division period information can be changed according to the operating conditions, so the division period information can be calculated in a way that further improves control performance.

[0094] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the equipment control processing device 400 calculates control information by solving an optimization problem in which the evaluation function is a function whose value is determined based on the value of the operational evaluation index. Therefore, it is possible to calculate control information that can further improve control performance. In this case, the equipment control processing device 400 may also solve the optimization problem using metaheuristics. In this way, it is possible to calculate control information that can further improve control performance without having to perform complex formulations.

[0095] (Other embodiments) The embodiments of this disclosure described above can be implemented by a computer executing a program. Furthermore, a computer-readable recording medium on which the program is stored, and a computer program product such as the program itself, can also be applied as embodiments of this disclosure. Examples of recording media include flexible disks, hard disks, optical disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-ROMs, magnetic tapes, non-volatile memory cards, ROMs, etc. Moreover, the embodiments of this disclosure may be implemented by a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) or by dedicated hardware such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). Furthermore, the embodiments of this disclosure described above are merely examples of concrete implementations of this disclosure, and the technical scope of this disclosure should not be interpreted as being limited by them. In other words, this disclosure can be implemented in various ways without departing from its technical concept or its main features.

[0096] Furthermore, the disclosure of the above embodiments is as follows, for example. [Disclosure 1] A processing device for controlling equipment that periodically processes materials to be processed, The equipment includes a calculation unit that calculates control information used when controlling the production equipment for each of several divided periods obtained by dividing a predetermined operating period that occurs periodically. The control information includes division period information for specifying the division period, The calculation unit calculates the value of an evaluation index for the control result based on the results of a simulation of controlling the equipment for each of the multiple divided periods, and calculates the divided period information based on the calculated value of the evaluation index, as an equipment control processing device. [Disclosure 2] The equipment control processing apparatus according to Disclosure 1, wherein the division period information includes the number of a plurality of division periods. [Disclosure 3] The equipment control processing apparatus according to disclosure 1 or 2, wherein the division period information includes the start and end timings of a plurality of such division periods. [Disclosure 4] The calculation unit calculates the start and end timings of the plurality of division periods such that the timing of the boundary between two temporally adjacent division periods falls within a range defined for that timing, as described in Disclosure 3. [Disclosure 5] The aforementioned equipment has multiple types of control target values, The multiple division periods are set for each of the multiple types of control target values, The calculation unit calculates the divided period information for each of the multiple types of control target values, as described in any one of disclosures 1 to 4. [Disclosure 6] The control information further includes the control target value in the equipment, The equipment control processing apparatus according to any one of disclosures 1 to 5, wherein the calculation unit further calculates the control target value in each of the plurality of division periods based on the value of the evaluation index. [Disclosure 7] The system includes a determination unit that determines whether or not the conditions for calculating the control information have been met, The calculation unit calculates the control information when the conditions for calculating the control information are met, as described in any one of disclosures 1 to 6, for equipment control processing apparatus. [Disclosure 8] The equipment control apparatus described in Disclosure 7, wherein the calculation conditions described above are met when the operating conditions of the equipment are changed. [Disclosure 9] The equipment control processing apparatus according to any one of disclosures 1 to 8, wherein the calculation unit calculates the control information by solving an optimization problem in which the evaluation function is a function whose value is determined based on the value of the evaluation index. [Disclosure 10] The calculation unit solves the optimization problem using metaheuristics, as described in Disclosure 9, for equipment control processing apparatus. [Disclosure 11] The equipment control apparatus according to any one of disclosures 1 to 10, wherein the evaluation index includes at least one of the following: an output evaluation index that evaluates at least one of the quantity and quality of the workpiece processed in the equipment; an efficiency evaluation index that evaluates the operating efficiency of the equipment; and an equipment constraint evaluation index that evaluates the state of a component of the equipment that is subject to constraints during operation. [Disclosure 12] The aforementioned equipment is a hot air furnace, The aforementioned hot blast furnace comprises a heat storage chamber that provides heat to the air supplied to the blast furnace, and a combustion chamber for heating the heat storage chamber, and operates with a period including the combustion period and the air supply period as one cycle. The equipment control apparatus according to any one of disclosures 1 to 11, wherein the predetermined operating period is the combustion period. [Disclosure 13] A processing method for controlling equipment that periodically processes materials to be processed, The equipment includes a calculation process for calculating control information used when controlling the production equipment for each of several divided periods obtained by dividing a predetermined operating period that occurs periodically. The control information includes division period information for specifying the division period, The calculation step is a processing method for controlling equipment, which calculates the value of an evaluation index for the control result based on the results of a simulation of controlling the equipment for each of the multiple divided periods, and calculates the divided period information based on the calculated value of the evaluation index. [Disclosure 14] A program for causing a computer to function as a calculation unit for a device control processing device described in any one of disclosures 1 to 12. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0097] 100 hot stove 101 Heat storage chamber 102 Combustion chamber 103 Mixed cooling room 110 clay bricks 111 High-alumina bricks 112 Silica brick 113 Gas supply duct 114. Combustion-supporting air supply duct 115 Gas inlet / outlet duct 116 Cool air intake duct 117 Hot air exhaust duct 118 Cold air supply duct 119 Gas exhaust duct 121 Hot air valve 122 Cold air valve 123 Cold air butterfly valve 124 Air blower valve 125 Blower butterfly valve 126 Gas discharge control valve 127 Air flow meter 128 Air butterfly valve 129 Air shut-off valve 130 Gas shut-off valve 131 BFG flow control valve 132 BFG Flowmeter 133 COG flow control valve 134 COG flowmeter 135 Dome Thermometer 136 High-Alumina Brick Thermometer 137 Silica brick thermometer 138 Exhaust gas temperature gauge 139 Combustion Burner 141 BFG supply duct 142 COG supply duct 143 Exhaust gas flow meter 144 Hot air supply duct 301a~301e Transition Period 302a~302b Combustion period 303a~303b Ventilation period 400 Equipment control processing devices 410 Acquisition Department 420 Judgment section 430 Calculation Unit 440 Output section 610 Control target value 710 Candidate solutions for the target value of the dome temperature 720 Candidate solutions for target values ​​of mixed gas flow rate Candidate solutions for the target value of 730 mixed gas calories 810 Candidate solution Timing of the start of the Ts combustion period Timing of the end of the Te combustion period Dmax: Upper limit of the target value for dome temperature. Dmin: Lower limit of the target value for dome temperature. Candidate solutions for target dome temperatures D1-D3 Gmax: Upper limit of the target value for mixed gas flow rate. Gmin: Lower limit of the target value for mixed gas flow rate. Candidate solutions for target values ​​of mixed gas flow rates G1-G3 Cmax: Upper limit of the target value for mixed gas calories. Cmin Lower limit of target value for mixed gas calories Candidate solutions for the target value of the mixed gas calorie C. T1_max: Upper limit of the switching timing between the first and second split periods. T1_min: Lower limit of the switching timing between the first and second division periods. T2_max: Upper limit of the switching timing between the second and third split periods. T2_min: Lower limit of the timing for switching between the second and third division periods. Candidate solutions for the timing of switching between the first and second partition periods T1_1 and T1_2. Candidate solutions for the switching timing between the second and third partition periods T2_1 and T2_2.

Claims

1. A processing device for controlling equipment that periodically processes materials to be processed, The equipment includes a calculation unit that calculates control information used when controlling the equipment for each of several divided periods obtained by dividing a predetermined operating period that occurs periodically. The control information includes division period information for specifying the division period, The calculation unit calculates the value of an evaluation index for the control result based on the results of a simulation of controlling the equipment for each of the multiple divided periods, and calculates the divided period information based on the calculated value of the evaluation index, as an equipment control processing device.

2. The equipment control processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the division period information includes the number of a plurality of division periods.

3. The equipment control processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the division period information includes the start and end timings of a plurality of division periods.

4. The equipment control processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the calculation unit calculates the start and end timings of the plurality of division periods such that the timing of the boundary between two temporally adjacent division periods falls within a range determined for that timing.

5. The aforementioned equipment has multiple types of control target values, The multiple division periods are set for each of the multiple types of control target values, The equipment control apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the calculation unit calculates the divided period information for each of the multiple types of control target values.

6. The control information further includes the control target value in the equipment, The equipment control processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the calculation unit further calculates the control target value in each of the plurality of divided periods based on the value of the evaluation index.

7. The system includes a determination unit that determines whether or not the conditions for calculating the control information have been met, The equipment control processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the calculation unit calculates the control information when the conditions for calculating the control information are met.

8. The equipment control apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the case in which the calculation conditions are met includes the case in which the operating conditions of the equipment are changed.

9. The equipment control processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the calculation unit calculates the control information by solving an optimization problem in which the evaluation function is a function whose value is determined based on the value of the evaluation index.

10. The equipment control apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the calculation unit solves the optimization problem using metaheuristics.

11. The equipment control apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the evaluation index includes at least one of the following: an output evaluation index for evaluating at least one of the quantity and quality of the workpiece processed in the equipment; an efficiency evaluation index for evaluating the operating efficiency of the equipment; and an equipment constraint evaluation index for evaluating the state of a component of the equipment that is subject to constraints during operation.

12. The aforementioned equipment is a hot air furnace, The aforementioned hot blast furnace comprises a heat storage chamber that provides heat to the air supplied to the blast furnace, and a combustion chamber for heating the heat storage chamber, and operates with a period including the combustion period and the air supply period as one cycle. The equipment control apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the predetermined operating period is the combustion period.

13. A processing method for controlling equipment that periodically processes materials to be processed, The equipment includes a calculation step for calculating control information used when controlling the equipment for each of several divided periods obtained by dividing a predetermined operating period that occurs periodically. The control information includes division period information for specifying the division period, The calculation step is a processing method for controlling equipment, which calculates the value of an evaluation index for the control result based on the results of a simulation of controlling the equipment for each of the multiple divided periods, and calculates the divided period information based on the calculated value of the evaluation index.

14. A program for causing a computer to function as a calculation unit of the equipment control processing device described in claim 1 or 2.

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