Carbon Dioxide Capture System

Abstract

To provide a carbon dioxide collection vehicle and a carbon dioxide collection system that are capable of appropriately and efficiently collecting carbon dioxide in air (exhaust) discharged from a plurality of buildings.SOLUTION: A carbon dioxide collection system 1 comprises: a plurality of buildings 2; treatment devices 3 performing a predetermined treatment on air discharged from the buildings 2; storage containers 4 for storing treated air treated by the treatment devices 3; and a carbon dioxide collection device 5 for collecting carbon dioxide in air via collection or separation thereof. The carbon dioxide collection system collects, by the carbon dioxide collection device 5, carbon dioxide in the treated air. The carbon dioxide collection system is provided with: collection vehicles Ve that collect the treated air, and convey the treated air to the carbon dioxide collection device 5 from storage places in each of which the storage container 4 is installed; and a control unit 7 for formulating an operation plan of the collection vehicles Ve, and managing the operations of the collection vehicles Ve.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This invention is a method to measure the amount of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) to collect Episode This concerns the collection system. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an invention related to a vehicle control system aimed at reducing the amount of carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere. The vehicle control system described in Patent Document 1 is a CO 2 The system is configured to control a vehicle equipped with a capture device to capture carbon dioxide in the air (building exhaust) discharged from a specified building outside the vehicle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-65807 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the vehicle control system described in the above Patent Document 1, the exhaust vent of a specific building and the CO 2 When a vehicle equipped with a capture device is connected, the building exhaust is sent to the vehicle, and the carbon dioxide contained in the building exhaust is absorbed by the vehicle's CO 2The carbon dioxide is directly captured by a capture device. Carbon dioxide, which is considered to be one of the causes of global warming, is emitted not only from large-scale power plants and manufacturing plants, but also from small and medium-sized buildings such as ordinary homes, stores, and offices, which are the targets of the vehicle control system described in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1. By capturing carbon dioxide from the exhaust of such ordinary buildings, it is possible to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, which can ultimately contribute to curbing global warming to some extent. However, the vehicle control system described in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 is limited to a single building that captures exhaust and a CO 2 A vehicle equipped with a capture device is connected to the building, and the carbon dioxide in the exhaust from the building is captured. 2 It is not assumed that a single vehicle equipped with a capture device will capture carbon dioxide contained in exhaust gas emitted from multiple buildings. Therefore, for example, when targeting multiple (and a large number of) buildings in a given area and capturing carbon dioxide contained in exhaust gas emitted from each of these buildings, there is a risk that the carbon dioxide cannot be captured efficiently.

[0005] This invention was conceived with a focus on the technical issues described above, and is capable of efficiently and appropriately capturing carbon dioxide in the air (exhaust air) emitted from multiple general buildings. Na2 The present invention provides a carbon oxide recovery system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] In order to achieve the above objectives, The present invention relates to a carbon dioxide capture system that includes a plurality of buildings, a treatment device that performs a predetermined treatment on air discharged from the buildings, a storage container that stores the treated air that has been treated by the treatment device, and a carbon dioxide capture device that captures or separates and recovers carbon dioxide in the air, and that recovers the carbon dioxide in the treated air by the carbon dioxide capture device. It is a capture vehicle that transports the treated air to the carbon dioxide capture device; and a control unit that formulates an operation plan for the capture vehicle and manages the operation of the capture vehicle. The building is equipped with a detection device that detects people entering and leaving the building and detects the number of people entering and leaving the building or a schedule including the people's movement plans or action plans as behavior data, and the control unit acquires storage information related to the storage amount of the treated air stored in the storage container, estimates or predicts the storage information based on the number of people or behavior data detected by the detection device, and formulates the operation plan based on the estimated or predicted storage information.The carbon dioxide capture system is characterized by the above.

[0016] In addition, the control unit in the carbon dioxide capture system of the present invention may be configured to formulate an operating time and an operating route as the operation plan, operate the capture vehicle in accordance with the operating time and the operating route, and collect the treated air.

[0017] In addition, the control unit in the carbon dioxide capture system of the present invention may be configured to instruct or display the driving time and the driving route to the driver of the capture vehicle so that the driver is aware of the driving time and the driving route.

[0018] In addition, the control unit in the carbon dioxide capture system of the present invention may have an automatic driving control unit that drives the capture vehicle automatically, and may be configured to automatically drive the capture vehicle in accordance with the operating time and the operating route.

[0019] In addition, the treatment device in the carbon dioxide capture system of the present invention may be a compression device that compresses air, and the treated air in the carbon dioxide capture system of the present invention may be compressed air obtained by compressing the air discharged from the building by the compression device.

[0020] In addition, the treatment device in the carbon dioxide capture system of the present invention may be a liquefaction device that liquefies air, and the treated air in the carbon dioxide capture system of the present invention may be liquid air liquefied by the liquefaction device from the air discharged from the building.

[0021] The treatment device in the carbon dioxide capture system of the present invention may be a carbon dioxide concentrating device that increases the carbon dioxide concentration in the air, and the treated air in the carbon dioxide capture system of the present invention may be carbon dioxide enriched air in which the carbon dioxide concentration in the air discharged from the building has been increased by the carbon dioxide concentrating device. Effect of the Invention

[0026] child The invention Second In the carbon dioxide recovery system, a detection device (e.g., a mobile information terminal, a security camera, a G sensor, etc.) is provided to detect behavioral data (e.g., person's position information, movement and motion information, etc.) related to the behavior of people entering and leaving the building. At the same time, the above-mentioned storage information in the storage container is estimated or predicted based on the behavioral data detected by such a detection device. For example, the position search function of a mobile information terminal (e.g., a mobile phone, a GPS [Global Positioning System] transmitter, etc.) carried by a person entering and leaving the building is used as the detection device, and the position information of the person entering and leaving the building is detected as the behavioral data. Alternatively, the schedule book function of a mobile information terminal (e.g., a mobile phone, a personal computer, an electronic organizer, etc.) carried by a person entering and leaving the building is used as the detection device, and the schedule (movement, planned actions, etc.) of the person entering and leaving the building is detected as the behavioral data. From the behavioral data detected in this way, for example, the more the position information of the mobile information terminal carried by a person in the building, the more people are in the building, and the higher the carbon dioxide concentration in the exhaust gas from the building discharged from the building is estimated. In other words, the carbon dioxide concentration in the treated air in the storage container is estimated to be high. Alternatively, based on the detected schedule, it is predicted that the concentration of carbon dioxide in the exhaust gas from the building will be higher during times (or periods) when it is predicted that there will be many people than during times (or periods) when it is predicted that there will be few people. In other words, it is predicted that the carbon dioxide concentration in the treated air in the storage container will be higher. Then, for example, the operation timing and operation route of the collection vehicle are formulated so that collection is given priority from storage containers that are estimated or predicted to have a high carbon dioxide concentration in the treated air. Also, for example, the operation timing and operation route of the collection vehicle are formulated so that collection is given priority from storage containers that have a large amount of stored treated air, or so that storage containers with little free capacity are quickly collected.

[0027] By controlling the collection vehicle or managing the operation of the collection vehicle based on the operation plan (operation time and operation route) formulated as described above, the collection vehicle can be operated appropriately between the storage location of the treated air and the carbon dioxide capture device, and the treated air can be collected efficiently.

[0028] In addition, this invention Second The carbon dioxide recovery system is provided with an operation plan instructing unit for instructing or displaying the above-mentioned operation plan (operation time and operation route) to the driver of the collection vehicle, a display device such as a display or monitor, or a speaker for notifying the driver of the collection vehicle of the operation plan. The driver of the collection vehicle recognizes the operation plan (operation time and operation route) instructed or displayed by the operation plan instructing unit or display device, and drives the collection vehicle in accordance with the operation plan, thereby allowing the collection vehicle to be operated appropriately and the treated air to be collected efficiently.

[0029] And this invention Second In the carbon dioxide capture system, an automatic driving control unit is provided that automatically drives the collection vehicle. The automatic driving control unit automatically drives the collection vehicle in accordance with a formulated operation plan (operation time and operation route) on behalf of the driver of the collection vehicle. For example, the automatic driving control unit automatically drives the collection vehicle using internal sensors that detect the running state and operating state and behavior of each part of the collection vehicle, external sensors that detect the surrounding information and external situation of the collection vehicle, and map data. Alternatively, the collection vehicle is automatically driven by a calculation device provided outside the collection vehicle or an external server computer that configures the carbon dioxide capture system together with the control unit in cooperation with the automatic driving control unit. By automatically driving the collection vehicle in accordance with the operation plan (operation time and operation route) as described above, the collection vehicle can be appropriately driven between the storage location of the treated air and the carbon dioxide capture device, and the treated air can be efficiently collected.

[0030] Therefore, this invention SecondAccording to the carbon dioxide capture system, air (exhaust air) discharged from multiple buildings can be processed into treated air such as compressed air or liquid air, and efficiently stored in a storage container with an increased amount or concentration of carbon dioxide per unit volume. The treated air stored in the storage container can then be appropriately transported to a carbon dioxide capture device by a capture vehicle operating according to an operation plan. Therefore, carbon dioxide in the air discharged from each building can be efficiently and appropriately captured. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] This is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the carbon dioxide capture system of this invention, and shows an image of air (building exhaust) emitted from multiple buildings installed in a specified area (smart city) being treated in a treatment device and temporarily stored in a storage container (storage tank), and the stored air (treated air) being collected by a capture vehicle and transported to a carbon dioxide capture device (CO2 capture device), as well as a schematic diagram showing the distribution routes of the building exhaust and treated air in this case, as well as the control system for operating the capture vehicle. [Diagram 2] This is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the carbon dioxide capture system of the present invention, and is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control unit or computing device (external server, on-board controller, building controller, etc.) for operating a capture vehicle, as well as the communication and control systems between the control unit and the building (storage container) and between the control unit and the capture vehicle. [Diagram 3] This is a diagram for explaining the carbon dioxide capture system of the present invention, and is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control unit computing device (external server, on-board controller, building controller, etc.) for operating a capture vehicle, in particular a configuration equipped with an automatic driving control unit for automatically driving the capture vehicle, as well as communication and control systems between the control unit and each building (storage container), and between the control unit and the capture vehicle. [Figure 4]FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of control performed by the carbon dioxide capture system of the present invention, and is a flowchart showing the contents of the control for transmitting storage information of treated air obtained in each building (storage container) to a server, etc. [Diagram 5] A figure for explaining an example of control performed by the carbon dioxide capture system of the present invention, and a flowchart showing the contents of the control for constructing a database related to the storage amount of treated air, etc. based on received storage information of the treated air. [Figure 6] This is a diagram for explaining an example of control performed by the carbon dioxide capture system of the present invention, and is a flowchart showing the content of the control to formulate an operation plan for operating the capture vehicle based on the received storage information (database) of the treated air and to transmit it to the capture vehicle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0032] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiment is merely an example of a specific embodiment of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the present invention.

[0033] In the embodiment of the present invention Ru2 The carbon dioxide capture system targets multiple buildings built in a given area or district, such as a smart city, and separates or captures carbon dioxide in the air emitted from the multiple buildings.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 1, a carbon dioxide capture system 1 and a carbon dioxide capture vehicle (hereinafter, capture vehicle) Ve in an embodiment of the present invention capture carbon dioxide from air (hereinafter, building exhaust) exhausted from a plurality of buildings 2. The building exhaust from the buildings 2 is subjected to a predetermined treatment in a treatment device 3, and is temporarily stored as treated air in a storage container (storage tank) 4. For example, the building exhaust is compressed and stored as compressed air in the storage container 4. Alternatively, the building exhaust is liquefied and stored as liquid air in the storage container 4. The treated air stored in the storage container 4, i.e., the building exhaust in a state in which the amount or concentration of carbon dioxide per unit volume is increased, is collected by the capture vehicle Ve and is then delivered to a carbon dioxide capture device (CO 2 The carbon dioxide is then transported to the carbon dioxide capture device 5. In the carbon dioxide capture device 5, the carbon dioxide in the treated air (exhaust air from the building) is separated or captured. That is, carbon dioxide is captured from the air exhausted from the building 2.

[0035] Specifically, the building 2 is a house or structure built in a specific region or area, such as a house, a store, a restaurant, a factory, a hospital, or a warehouse. For example, even in a relatively small or medium-sized building 2 such as an ordinary home or a store or an office, carbon dioxide is emitted by the breathing of people living in or staying in the building 2. Carbon dioxide is also emitted from heating equipment, cooking utensils, and the like used in the building 2. The carbon dioxide capture system 1 in the embodiment of the present invention captures carbon dioxide from such a relatively small or medium-sized building 2. Note that each of the buildings 2 may be connected to a control unit 7 described later, for example, via a public communication line or a dedicated communication line, so as to enable data communication.

[0036] The treatment device 3 is a device for subjecting the building exhaust gas discharged from the building 2 to a predetermined treatment. Specifically, the treatment device 3 is a gas compression device (air compressor) that compresses the building exhaust gas. The compressed building exhaust gas becomes compressed air as treated air processed by the treatment device 3. Alternatively, the treatment device 3 is a gas liquefaction device that liquefies the building exhaust gas by compressing and cooling it. The liquefied building exhaust gas becomes liquid air as treated air processed by the treatment device 3. Alternatively, the treatment device 3 is a carbon dioxide concentration device that concentrates carbon dioxide in the building exhaust gas. For example, carbon dioxide is adsorbed onto a predetermined filter, and air containing the adsorbed carbon dioxide, or building exhaust gas with the adsorbed carbon dioxide returned to increase the carbon dioxide concentration becomes carbon dioxide-enriched air as treated air processed by the treatment device 3. FIG. 1 shows an image of the treatment device 3 provided for each building 2 treating the building exhaust gas discharged from each building 2. In the carbon dioxide capture system 1 and capture vehicle Ve according to the embodiment of the present invention, for example, a gas compressor and a carbon dioxide concentrator may be combined to configure the processing device 3, and compressed air obtained by compressing carbon dioxide enriched air may be used as the processed air. Alternatively, a gas liquefaction device and a carbon dioxide concentrator may be combined to configure the processing device 3, and liquid air obtained by liquefying the carbon dioxide enriched air may be used as the processed air.

[0037] The storage vessel 4 stores or retains the treated air treated by the treatment device 3. Specifically, the storage vessel 4 is a pressure vessel called a gas cylinder or an air tank. For example, the storage vessel 4 stores compressed air compressed by a gas compressor as the treated air. Alternatively, the storage vessel 4 stores liquid air liquefied by a gas liquefaction device as the treated air. Alternatively, the storage vessel 4 stores carbon dioxide enriched air in which the carbon dioxide concentration is increased by a carbon dioxide enrichment device as the treated air. The storage vessel 4 may also store treated air (i.e., compressed air compressed from carbon dioxide enriched air) treated by a treatment device 3 combining a gas compressor and a carbon dioxide enrichment device as described above. Alternatively, the storage vessel 4 may store treated air (i.e., liquid air liquefied from carbon dioxide enriched air) treated by a treatment device 3 combining a gas liquefaction device and a carbon dioxide enrichment device as described above. The storage vessel 4 is connected to a control unit 7 described later so as to be capable of data communication via, for example, a public communication line or a dedicated communication line.

[0038] Thus, in the carbon dioxide capture system 1 and capture vehicle Ve in the embodiment of the present invention, the building exhaust air discharged from each building 2 is treated by the treatment device 3 and stored as treated air in the storage container 4. For example, the building exhaust air is compressed by a gas compression device and stored as compressed air in the storage container 4. Alternatively, the building exhaust air is liquefied by a gas liquefaction device and stored as liquid air in the storage container 4. Alternatively, the carbon dioxide in the building exhaust air is concentrated by a carbon dioxide concentrating device and stored as carbon dioxide concentrated air in the storage container 4. Therefore, the building exhaust air discharged from each building 2 can be efficiently stored in the storage container 4 with an increased amount or concentration of carbon dioxide per unit volume.

[0039] In the carbon dioxide capture system 1 and capture vehicle Ve in the embodiment of the present invention, for example, the above-mentioned treatment device 3 and storage container 4 may be installed together in a predetermined storage location. Then, building exhaust air discharged from each of the multiple buildings 2 may be collected in a predetermined storage location and treated by the treatment device 3, and the treated treated air may be stored in the storage container 4. Alternatively, the above-mentioned treatment device 3 may be installed for each of the multiple buildings 2, and the storage container 4 may be installed together in a predetermined storage location. Then, the treated air treated by the treatment device 3 for each of the multiple buildings 2 may be collected in a predetermined storage location and stored in the storage container 4.

[0040] The carbon dioxide capture device 5 captures and captures carbon dioxide in the air or exhaust air. As described above, the carbon dioxide capture device 5 in this embodiment of the invention captures and captures the treated air stored in the storage container 4, i.e., the carbon dioxide in the building exhaust air treated by the treatment device 3. The carbon dioxide capture device 5 is connected to a control unit 7 described later so as to be able to communicate data with it via, for example, a public communication line or a dedicated communication line.

[0041] The carbon dioxide recovery in the carbon dioxide recovery device 5 can be performed by applying various well-known methods and techniques, such as the "physical adsorption method," "physical absorption method," "chemical absorption method," and "cryogenic separation method" as described in JP 2021-8852 A. In the "physical adsorption method," for example, a solid adsorbent such as activated carbon or zeolite is brought into contact with the exhaust gas to adsorb carbon dioxide onto the solid adsorbent, and the carbon dioxide is desorbed from the solid adsorbent by heating or reducing the pressure of the solid adsorbent to which the carbon dioxide is adsorbed. In the "physical absorption method," for example, an absorption liquid capable of dissolving carbon dioxide, such as methanol or ethanol, is brought into contact with the exhaust gas to physically absorb carbon dioxide into the absorption liquid under high pressure and low temperature, and the carbon dioxide is recovered from the absorption liquid by heating or reducing the pressure of the absorption liquid that has absorbed the carbon dioxide. In the "chemical absorption method," for example, an amine or other absorbing liquid capable of selectively dissolving carbon dioxide is brought into contact with the exhaust gas, and the carbon dioxide is absorbed into the absorbing liquid through a chemical reaction that occurs during this process. The absorbing liquid that has absorbed the carbon dioxide is then heated to dissociate the carbon dioxide from the absorbing liquid and recover it. In the "cryogenic separation method," the exhaust gas is compressed and cooled to liquefy the carbon dioxide, and the liquefied CO 2 Carbon dioxide is recovered by selectively distilling

[0042] In the carbon dioxide capture system 1 and capture vehicle Ve in the embodiment of the present invention, a so-called smart city 6 is assumed as an example of an area or district where a plurality of buildings 2 are built. The smart city 6 is, for example, a city or district defined as "a sustainable city or district where management (planning, facilities, management, operation) is performed while utilizing new technologies such as ICT [Information and Communication Technology] and the like to achieve overall optimization for various problems faced by the city" (Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism). In recent years, such smart cities 6 have been developed for demonstration experiments and practical use. It is also assumed that carbon dioxide emitted on a daily basis in the smart city 6 is captured and the captured carbon dioxide is effectively used, for example, as fuel for power generation or fertilizer for agriculture. As a result, carbon dioxide is circulated in the smart city 6, and carbon dioxide emissions can be substantially reduced or suppressed.

[0043] FIG. 1 shows an image in which building exhaust air (specifically, treated air treated by a treatment device 3 and stored in a storage container 4) discharged from each building 2 built in a smart city 6 is collected by a collection vehicle Ve for each house and transported to a carbon dioxide capture device 5. The carbon dioxide capture system 1 and the capture vehicle Ve in the embodiment of the present invention may, for example, collect building exhaust air discharged from each building 2 and store it in a predetermined storage container 4, and collect treated air from a predetermined storage location where the storage container 4 is installed by the capture vehicle Ve and transport it to the carbon dioxide capture device 5. Alternatively, the process air may be collected by the capture vehicle Ve from a predetermined storage location where a plurality of storage containers 4 are installed together and transported to the carbon dioxide capture device 5. The process air may be loaded into the capture vehicle Ve together with the storage container 4 and transported to the carbon dioxide capture device 5. Alternatively, the process air may be transferred from the storage container 4 to the capture vehicle Ve and transported to the carbon dioxide capture device 5.

[0044] The carbon dioxide capture system 1 and capture vehicle Ve in the embodiment of the present invention include a control unit 7 for managing the operation of the capture vehicle Ve that transports the above-mentioned treated air to the carbon dioxide capture device 5, as well as a building controller 10 and an on-board controller 11, which will be described later. The carbon dioxide capture system 1 and capture vehicle Ve in the embodiment of the present invention also include a CO 2 The building 2 may be equipped with sensors 8. Also, detection devices 9 may be used to detect behavioral data relating to the behavior of people residing in the building 2 or entering and leaving the building 2.

[0045] The recovery vehicle Ve transports the treated air, which has been treated in the treatment device 3 and stored in the storage container 4, to the carbon dioxide capture device 5. For example, the recovery vehicle Ve is a transport vehicle equipped with a loading platform or a luggage compartment for loading the storage container 4, and collects the treated air stored in the storage container 4 together with the storage container 4, and transports it to the carbon dioxide capture device 5. Alternatively, the recovery vehicle Ve is a transport vehicle equipped with a tank (pressure container) in which the treated air is filled, and transfers the treated air stored in the storage container 4 from the storage container 4 to the tank of the transport vehicle, collects it, and transports it from the storage location where the storage container 4 is installed to the carbon dioxide capture device 5. The recovery vehicle Ve is connected to a control unit 7 described later, for example, via a public communication line or a dedicated communication line, so as to be able to perform data communication. The recovery vehicle Ve travels between the storage location of the storage container 4 and the carbon dioxide capture device 5 based on an operation plan formulated by the control unit 7 (computing device) described later. For this purpose, the collection vehicle Ve is equipped with an operation plan acquisition unit 34, an operation plan instruction unit 35, and a vehicle control unit 36, which will be described later. The collection vehicle Ve may be an autonomous vehicle that operates autonomously. In that case, the collection vehicle Ve is equipped with an autonomous driving control unit 42, which will be described later.

[0046] The control unit 7 is an electronic control device mainly composed of, for example, a server computer or a microcomputer, and constitutes a main part of the carbon dioxide capture system 1 in the embodiment of the present invention. The control unit 7 also constitutes a calculation device of the carbon dioxide capture vehicle Ve in the embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, the control unit 7 formulates an operation plan for the capture vehicle Ve and outputs it as a control command.

[0047] The control unit 7 is connected to the building controller 10 and the vehicle-mounted controller 11. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 7 and the building controller 10 installed in each building 2 or in the storage container 4 that stores the building exhaust (treated air) of each building 2 are connected to each other so as to be able to perform data communication with each other via the transmission / reception units 21, 22 (e.g., a public communication line, a dedicated communication line, or a predetermined communication device, etc.). At the same time, the control unit 7 and the vehicle-mounted controller 11 mounted on the collection vehicle Ve are connected to each other so as to be able to perform data communication with each other via the transmission / reception units 21, 23 (e.g., a public communication line, a dedicated communication line, or a predetermined communication device, etc.). The control unit 7 is also connected to an external server (not shown) and a website on the Internet, for example, via a public communication line or a dedicated communication line. The control unit 7 is connected to, for example, a CO 2 Various data are input from a sensor 8, a predetermined detection device 9, and the like.

[0048] In addition, CO 2 The sensor 8 is installed, for example, near an exhaust vent (not shown) of the building 2 or in a flow path (not shown) between the building 2 and the processing device 3. Placed CO 2 The sensor 8 directly detects the carbon dioxide concentration in the building exhaust air emitted from the building 2 as information related to the carbon dioxide concentration in the building exhaust air.

[0049] The detection device 9 detects the number of people entering and leaving the building 2 and behavioral data related to their behavior. For example, a camera (such as a surveillance camera) that observes people entering and leaving the building 2, or a human presence sensor that detects people entering and leaving the building 2, is used as the detection device 9. Using such a camera or human presence sensor, the number of people entering and leaving the building 2 is detected as behavioral data of people entering and leaving the building 2. Alternatively, the number of people present in the building 2 is detected. Then, based on the detected number of people, the carbon dioxide concentration in the building exhaust is estimated as information related to the carbon dioxide concentration in the building exhaust. It is estimated that the more people present in the building 2, the higher the carbon dioxide concentration in the building exhaust emitted from the building 2. Alternatively, a portable information terminal (not shown) such as a mobile phone, a personal computer, or an electronic notebook, carried by a person entering and leaving the building 2, is used as the detection device 9. The detection device 9 acquires behavioral data related to the number of people entering and leaving the building 2 and their behavior, using, for example, a schedule book function of the portable information terminal as described above, as information related to the carbon dioxide concentration in the building exhaust. Specifically, schedules (travel plans, action plans, etc.) of people entering and leaving building 2 are detected as behavioral data of people entering and leaving building 2. In addition, time periods when there will be many people in building 2 are predicted based on the detected schedules. It is estimated that the carbon dioxide concentration in the building exhaust gas emitted from building 2 will be higher in time periods when there are many people than in time periods when there are few people. Alternatively, it is predicted that the carbon dioxide concentration in the building exhaust gas emitted from building 2 will be higher.

[0050] The control unit 7 also performs calculations using various input data and pre-stored data, calculation formulas, and the like. The control unit 7 is configured to output the calculation results as control command signals and manage the operation of the above-mentioned collection vehicle Ve. Specifically, the control unit 7 formulates the operation time (or operation date and time) and operation route (or travel route, treated air collection route) of the collection vehicle Ve as an operation plan for the collection vehicle Ve. At the same time, the control unit 7 outputs the formulated operation time and operation route of the collection vehicle Ve to the collection vehicle Ve. For example, the operation time and operation route are displayed on the dashboard of the collection vehicle Ve to make the driver of the collection vehicle Ve aware of them. The driver of the collection vehicle Ve drives the collection vehicle Ve in accordance with the displayed operation time and operation route, so that the collection vehicle Ve travels between each building 2 or storage vessel 4 and the carbon dioxide capture device 5. That is, the control unit 7 manages the operation of the collection vehicle Ve based on the formulated operation plan.

[0051] The control unit 7 in the embodiment of the present invention is installed in a predetermined facility in the smart city 6. Alternatively, the control unit 7 may be installed in a predetermined facility outside the smart city 6. Although FIG. 1 shows an image in which one control unit 7 is provided, the control unit 7 in the embodiment of the present invention may be provided with a plurality of control units 7, for example, for each control content or control target. Alternatively, a plurality of individually installed servers (not shown) may be integrated into the control unit 7.

[0052] 2, the control unit 7 has, for example, a control information acquisition unit (database) 31 and an operation plan creation unit 32. The building controller 10 has, for example, a storage information acquisition unit 33. The in-vehicle controller 11 has, for example, an operation plan acquisition unit 34, an operation plan instruction unit 35, and a vehicle control unit 36.

[0053] The control information acquisition unit 31 is a component of the control unit 7, and acquires various data to be applied to control. In particular, the control information acquisition unit 31 acquires various data for formulating an operation plan for the collection vehicle Ve. For example, the control information acquisition unit 31 acquires, as storage information of the building exhaust air of each building 2, the amount of treated air (building exhaust air) stored in the storage vessel 4, or data related to the amount of stored treated air. In addition, the control information acquisition unit 31 acquires, for example, CO 2 Data on the carbon dioxide concentration in the building exhaust gas detected by the sensor 8 is acquired. Also, behavioral data on the behavior of people in the building 2 detected by a detection device 9 such as a mobile information terminal is acquired. Alternatively, data on the number of people in the building 2 detected by a camera, sensor, or the like (not shown) that observes people entering and leaving the building 2 is acquired. The storage information acquired by the control information acquisition unit 31 may be, for example, a detection value that actually detects the amount of treated air stored in the storage container 4, or may be an estimated value estimated based on various data. Also, it may be a predicted value (or look-ahead data) predicted based on the behavioral data of people in the building 2 detected by the detection device 9 as described above.

[0054] Furthermore, the control information acquisition unit 31 constructs a database to be used in the control executed by the carbon dioxide capture system 1 and capture vehicle Ve, based on the various acquired data. The database is updated based on the acquired building exhaust storage information. A new database is also created based on the acquired building exhaust storage information. Note that when the carbon dioxide capture system 1 first starts operating, it may be provided with a predetermined database that serves as a reference or standard model.

[0055] The operation plan creation unit 32 constitutes the control unit 7 together with the control information acquisition unit 31. The operation plan creation unit 32 formulates an operation plan for the collection vehicle Ve based on the database constructed by the control information acquisition unit 31. That is, the operation plan creation unit 32 constitutes a calculation device of the collection vehicle Ve in the embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, the operation plan creation unit 32 formulates at least the operation time (or operation period, collection date and time, etc.) of the collection vehicle Ve and the operation route (or collection order, collection route, etc.) of the collection vehicle Ve as the operation plan for the collection vehicle Ve. For example, the operation plan creation unit 32 formulates the operation time and the operation route of the collection vehicle Ve so as to compare the storage amount of the treated air (building exhaust) stored in the storage container 4 of each building 2 and to collect the storage container 4 with a large amount of stored treated air with priority, or to collect the storage container 4 with a small remaining free capacity as soon as possible. Also, for example, the operation timing and operation route of the collection vehicle Ve are determined so that collection is given priority to a storage container 4 that is estimated or predicted to have a high carbon dioxide concentration in the treated air.

[0056] The storage information acquisition unit 33 is a component of the building controller 10, and acquires various data to be transmitted to the control information acquisition unit 31 of the control unit 7. For example, the storage information acquisition unit 33 acquires the storage amount of treated air (building exhaust air) stored in the storage container 4 for each building 2, or data related to the storage amount, and transmits it to the control information acquisition unit 31. The storage information acquisition unit 33 also acquires data on the number of people in the building 2 detected by a camera, a sensor, or the like (not shown) that observes people entering and leaving the building 2, and transmits it to the control information acquisition unit 31. From the data on the number of people in the building 2, the carbon dioxide concentration in the building exhaust air emitted from the building 2 can be estimated, and from the estimated value of the carbon dioxide concentration in the building exhaust air, the carbon dioxide concentration in the treated air stored in the storage container 4, i.e., the carbon dioxide content corresponding to the storage amount of the treated air, can be estimated.

[0057] The operation plan acquisition unit 34 is a component of the in-vehicle controller 11, and acquires the operation plan (operation time and operation route) of the collection vehicle Ve as a control command, which is formulated by the operation plan creation unit 32 of the control unit 7 and transmitted to the in-vehicle controller 11.

[0058] The operation plan instruction unit 35, together with the operation plan acquisition unit 34, constitutes the in-vehicle controller 11. The operation plan instruction unit 35 instructs or displays the operation plan (operation time and operation route) of the collection vehicle Ve acquired by the operation plan acquisition unit 34 to the driver of the collection vehicle Ve. For example, the operation plan instruction unit 35 includes a monitor, a display, or the like (not shown) for allowing the driver to recognize or acknowledge various information. Alternatively, the operation plan instruction unit 35 is configured to cooperate with a monitor, a display, or the like for allowing the driver to recognize or acknowledge various information. Then, the operation plan instruction unit 35 displays the operation plan of the collection vehicle Ve on a monitor, a display, or the like.

[0059] The vehicle control unit 36, together with the operation plan acquisition unit 34 and the operation plan instruction unit 35, constitutes the in-vehicle controller 11. The vehicle control unit 36 ​​controls the collection vehicle Ve to travel between the storage location of the storage container 4 and the carbon dioxide capture device 5 based on the operation plan (operation time and operation route) of the collection vehicle Ve. For example, the vehicle control unit 36 ​​cooperates with the operation plan instruction unit 35 to display the operation plan of the collection vehicle Ve on a monitor or display, and also displays map information including the operation route and position information of the collection vehicle Ve on a monitor or display. Thereby, the vehicle control unit 36 ​​assists the driver in driving the collection vehicle Ve. The driver recognizes the displayed operation plan of the collection vehicle Ve and drives the collection vehicle Ve in accordance with the operation plan, so that the collection vehicle Ve travels between each building 2 or the storage container 4 and the carbon dioxide capture device 5 based on the formulated operation plan.

[0060] Furthermore, the carbon dioxide capture system 1 and the capture vehicle Ve in the embodiment of the present invention may be a capture vehicle Ve that operates by automatic driving. In that case, the carbon dioxide capture system 1 and the capture vehicle Ve include an on-board controller 41 mounted on the capture vehicle Ve.

[0061] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 3, the in-vehicle controller 41 has an operation plan acquisition unit 34, an operation plan instruction unit 35, and a vehicle control unit 36, which are similar to those of the in-vehicle controller 11 described above. Furthermore, the vehicle control unit 36 ​​in the in-vehicle controller 41 includes an automatic driving control unit 42. Alternatively, the vehicle control unit 36 ​​in the in-vehicle controller 41 is configured to cooperate with the automatic driving control unit 42. Note that in the carbon dioxide capture system 1 and capture vehicle Ve shown in Fig. 3, components having the same configurations and functions as those of the carbon dioxide capture system 1 and capture vehicle Ve shown in Fig. 2 described above are denoted by the same reference symbols as those used in Fig. 2.

[0062] The automatic driving control unit 42 drives the collection vehicle Ve in an automatic manner. The automatic driving control unit 42 generates a course (a travel route along which the collection vehicle Ve proceeds along the target route) of the collection vehicle Ve based on, for example, imaging information of an on-board camera (not shown) that captures the external situation of the collection vehicle Ve, detection data from a RADAR [Radio Detection and Ranging] (not shown), a LIDAR [Laser Imaging Detection and Ranging] (not shown), an ultrasonic sensor (not shown), a target route calculated by a navigation system (not shown), and position information (current position) of the collection vehicle Ve. In addition, the automatic driving control unit 42 generates a travel plan according to the generated course so that the collection vehicle Ve can travel appropriately on the target route in accordance with criteria such as safe travel, travel in compliance with laws and regulations, and efficient travel. Then, the automatic driving control unit 42 automatically controls the travel of the collection vehicle Ve based on the generated travel plan. Furthermore, the automatic driving control unit 42 cooperates with the vehicle control unit 36 ​​to cause the collection vehicle Ve to automatically drive between the storage location of the storage container 4 and the carbon dioxide capture device 5. Specifically, a driving plan for automatic driving as described above is generated based on the operation plan (operation time and operation route) of the collection vehicle Ve. As a result, the collection vehicle Ve automatically drives in accordance with the operation plan. In other words, the collection vehicle Ve automatically drives between each building 2 or the storage container 4 and the carbon dioxide capture device 5 based on the formulated operation plan.

[0063] As described above, the main purpose of the carbon dioxide capture system 1 and capture vehicle Ve in this embodiment of the invention is to efficiently capture carbon dioxide in building exhaust gas emitted from a plurality and large number of buildings 2. To achieve this, the carbon dioxide capture system 1 in this embodiment of the invention is configured to execute the control shown in the following flowcharts of Figures 4 to 6, for example.

[0064] The control shown in the flowchart of Fig. 4 is executed by the building controller 10 installed in each building 2 or storage container 4. In the flowchart shown in Fig. 4, first, in step S11, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has passed since the previous transmission timing. Specifically, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has passed since the previous time when various data was transmitted from the building controller 10 to the control unit (server) 7. The predetermined time in this case is set appropriately, for example, taking into consideration the average pace at which the treated air is stored in the storage container 4.

[0065] If the predetermined time has not yet elapsed and therefore the answer is negative in step S11, the routine shown in the flowchart of Fig. 4 is terminated without executing any further control. On the other hand, if the predetermined time has elapsed and therefore the answer is positive in step S11, the process proceeds to step S12.

[0066] In step S12, the storage information acquisition unit 33 of the building controller 10 acquires data or parameters related to the storage amount of the treated air stored in the storage container 4. At the same time, the acquired data or parameters related to the storage amount of the treated air are transmitted to the control unit 7 together with the identification information of the storage container 4 and the building 2. For example, detection data that actually detects the storage amount of the treated air stored in the storage container 4 is transmitted to the control information acquisition unit 31 of the control unit 7. Alternatively, estimated data that is estimated based on various data related to the storage amount of the treated air is transmitted from the storage information acquisition unit 33 of the building controller 10 to the control information acquisition unit 31 of the control unit 7. Alternatively, predicted data (or look-ahead data) predicted based on the behavior data of people in the building 2 detected by the detection device 9 is transmitted from the storage information acquisition unit 33 of the building controller 10 to the control information acquisition unit 31 of the control unit 7.

[0067] In step S12, data or parameters relating to the storage amount of the process air are transmitted from the building controller 10 to the control unit 7, and then the routine shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4 is temporarily terminated.

[0068] On the other hand, the control shown in the flowchart of Fig. 5 is executed by the control unit (server) 7. In the flowchart shown in Fig. 5, first, in step S21, it is determined whether or not storage information of the treated air has been received. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the control information acquisition section 31 of the control unit 7 has received data or parameters related to the storage amount of the treated air acquired by the storage information acquisition section 33 of the building controller 10.

[0069] If the determination in step S21 is negative because data or parameters related to the amount of stored process air have not yet been received, the routine shown in the flowchart of Fig. 5 is terminated without executing any further control. On the other hand, if the determination in step S21 is positive because data or parameters related to the amount of stored process air have been received, the process proceeds to step S22.

[0070] In step S22, the database is updated. Specifically, the database used in the control executed by the carbon dioxide capture system 1 and the capture vehicle Ve is updated based on the data or parameters related to the storage amount of the process air received by the control information acquisition unit 31 of the control unit 7. For example, existing data is updated. Alternatively, new data is recorded. In other words, the database is constructed.

[0071] In step S22, when the database of the control information acquisition unit 31 is updated, the routine shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5 is then temporarily terminated.

[0072] The control shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6 is executed by the control unit (server) 7 together with the control shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5. In the flowchart shown in FIG. 6, first, in step S31, it is determined whether it is a predetermined timing. Specifically, it is determined whether it is a predetermined timing for formulating an operation plan for the collection vehicle Ve and transmitting the formulated operation plan to the in-vehicle controller 11 of the collection vehicle Ve. In this case, the predetermined timing is, for example, a date and time set for periodically formulating and transmitting an operation plan for the collection vehicle Ve. For example, it is set at a predetermined time every week. Alternatively, in this case, the predetermined timing may be set as a timing when the storage amount of the treated air stored in the storage container 4 (the storage amount of the treated air stored in a predetermined storage container 4, or the total storage amount of the treated air) exceeds a predetermined amount.

[0073] If the predetermined timing for formulating and transmitting an operation plan has not yet arrived and thus a negative determination is made in step S31, the routine shown in the flowchart of Fig. 6 is temporarily terminated without executing the subsequent control. On the other hand, if the predetermined timing for formulating and transmitting an operation plan has arrived and thus a positive determination is made in step S31, the process proceeds to step S32.

[0074] In step S32, an operation plan for the collection vehicle Ve is formulated based on the database and transmitted to the collection vehicle Ve. Specifically, the operation plan creation unit 32 of the control unit 7 formulates the operation time of the collection vehicle Ve and the operation route of the collection vehicle Ve as the operation plan for the collection vehicle Ve. At the same time, the formulated operation plan for the collection vehicle Ve (operation time and operation route) is transmitted to the operation plan acquisition unit 34 of the in-vehicle controller 11.

[0075] In step S32, an operation plan for the collection vehicle Ve is formulated and transmitted to the in-vehicle controller 11. After that, the routine shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6 is temporarily terminated.

[0076] In the collection vehicle Ve to which the operation plan (operation time and operation route) has been transmitted, the collection vehicle Ve is controlled by the on-board controller 11 based on the operation plan. That is, the operation of the collection vehicle Ve is managed in accordance with the established operation plan between each building 2 or storage container 4 and the carbon dioxide capture device 5. For example, the on-board controller 11 displays the established operation plan (operation time and operation route) on a monitor or display provided on the dashboard of the collection vehicle Ve. That is, the on-board controller 11 controls the collection vehicle Ve so that the driver is made aware of the established operation plan. The driver recognizes the established operation plan and drives the collection vehicle Ve in accordance with the operation plan, whereby the collection vehicle Ve travels between each building 2 or storage container 4 and the carbon dioxide capture device 5. Then, the collection vehicle Ve transports the storage container 4 in which the building exhaust (treated air) is stored, or the building exhaust (treated air) in the storage container 4 to the carbon dioxide capture device 5.

[0077] In addition, when the collection vehicle Ve is an autonomous vehicle equipped with the on-board controller 41 and the autonomous driving control unit 42 as described above, the operation plan (operation time and operation route) is linked with the autonomous driving travel plan, and the collection vehicle Ve is autonomously driven in accordance with the established operation plan. For example, the collection vehicle Ve is autonomously driven by the autonomous driving control unit 42 using an internal sensor (not shown) that detects the travel state and the operating state and behavior of each part of the collection vehicle Ve, an external sensor (not shown) that detects the peripheral information and external situation of the collection vehicle Ve, map data (not shown), a navigation system (not shown), and the like. Alternatively, the collection vehicle Ve is autonomously driven by the autonomous driving control unit 42 in cooperation with an external server computer (not shown) that configures the carbon dioxide capture system 1 together with a calculation device of the collection vehicle Ve (i.e., the operation plan creation unit 32 of the control unit 7).

[0078] As described above, in the carbon dioxide capture system 1 and capture vehicle Ve in the embodiment of the present invention, the air (building exhaust) discharged from a plurality of buildings 2 can be processed into treated air such as compressed air or liquid air, and efficiently stored in the storage container 4 in a state in which the amount or concentration of carbon dioxide per unit volume is increased. In addition, in the carbon dioxide capture system 1 and capture vehicle Ve in the embodiment of the present invention, an operation plan (operation time and operation route) of the capture vehicle Ve is formulated based on at least storage information related to the storage amount of the treated air stored in the storage container 4. Then, the operation of the capture vehicle Ve is managed in accordance with the formulated operation plan. As a result, the capture vehicle Ve can be appropriately operated between the storage container 4, i.e., the storage location of the treated air, and the carbon dioxide capture device 5, and the treated air can be efficiently collected. Therefore, according to the carbon dioxide capture system 1 and capture vehicle Ve in the embodiment of the present invention, the capture vehicle Ve operating in accordance with the operation plan can appropriately transport the treated air (building exhaust) stored in the storage container 4 to the carbon dioxide capture device 5. Therefore, the carbon dioxide in the building exhaust gas emitted from each building 2 can be efficiently and appropriately captured. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 1 Carbon dioxide capture system 2. Building 3 Processing equipment (compression equipment, liquefaction equipment, carbon dioxide concentration equipment) 4. Storage containers (storage tanks) 5 Carbon dioxide capture equipment (CO 2 Recovery device) 6. Smart Cities 7. Control Unit 8 CO 2 Sensors 9. Detection Equipment 10 Building Controller 11 On-board controller (for standard recovery vehicles) 21 (Control unit) transmitter / receiver 22 (Building Controller) Transmitter / Receiver 23 Transmitter / receiver (of on-board controller) 31 (Control unit) control information acquisition section (database) 32 (of the control unit) operation plan creation section (calculation device) 33 (Building controller) storage information acquisition unit 34 (In-vehicle controller) Operation plan acquisition unit 35 (In-vehicle controller) Operation plan instruction section 36 Vehicle control unit (of on-board controller) 41 On-board controller (for autonomous recovery vehicles) 42 Automatic driving control unit (for recovery vehicles operated automatically) Ve capture vehicle (carbon dioxide capture vehicle)

Claims

1. A carbon dioxide capture system comprising: a plurality of buildings; a treatment device that performs a predetermined treatment on air discharged from the buildings; a storage container that stores the treated air treated by the treatment device; and a carbon dioxide capture device that captures or separates and recovers carbon dioxide in the air, the carbon dioxide capture system recovering the carbon dioxide in the treated air, A capture vehicle that transports the treated air to the carbon dioxide capture device; A control unit that formulates an operation plan for the collection vehicle and manages the operation of the collection vehicle; a detection device that detects people entering and leaving the building and detects the number of people entering and leaving the building or a schedule including the movement plans or action plans of the people as action data; The control unit includes: obtaining storage information relating to a storage volume of the process air stored in the storage vessel; Estimating or predicting the storage information based on the number of people or behavior data detected by the detection device; The operation plan is formulated based on the estimated or predicted storage information. A carbon dioxide capture system.

2. 2. The carbon dioxide capture system of claim 1, The control unit includes: As the operation plan, a time and route for operation are determined, Operate the collection vehicle in accordance with the operating time and the operating route to collect the treated air. A carbon dioxide capture system.

3. 3. The carbon dioxide capture system of claim 2, The control unit includes: Indicating or displaying the travel time and the travel route to a driver of the collection vehicle, so that the driver is made aware of the travel time and the travel route. A carbon dioxide capture system.

4. The carbon dioxide capture system according to claim 2 or 3, The control unit includes: An automatic driving control unit that causes the collection vehicle to automatically drive, The collection vehicle is automatically driven in accordance with the travel time and the travel route. A carbon dioxide capture system.

5. A carbon dioxide capture system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the processing device is a compression device that compresses air, The treated air is compressed air obtained by compressing the air discharged from the building in the compressor. A carbon dioxide capture system.

6. A carbon dioxide capture system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the treatment device is a liquefaction device for liquefying air, The treated air is liquid air obtained by liquefying the air discharged from the building in the liquefaction device. A carbon dioxide capture system.

7. A carbon dioxide capture system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The treatment device is a carbon dioxide concentration device that increases the concentration of carbon dioxide in the air, The treated air is carbon dioxide enriched air in which the carbon dioxide concentration in the air discharged from the building is increased by the carbon dioxide concentrator. A carbon dioxide capture system.

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