Driving assistance device, driving assistance method, and driving assistance program

Abstract

Provided is an operation support device which is equipped with: a prediction unit for predicting a recommended maintenance time at which an object in an electrolytic device reaches a recommended maintenance state; and a provision unit for providing information recommending that maintenance of the object be carried out at a first maintenance time. This operation support device may further be equipped with a determination unit for determining the temporal relation between the predetermined first maintenance time, at which maintenance of the object can be carried out, and the recommended maintenance time and the temporal relation between a predetermined second maintenance time, at which maintenance of the object can be carried out, and the recommended maintenance time, wherein the second maintenance time is subsequent to the first maintenance time. When the determination unit has determined that the recommended maintenance time is subsequent to the first maintenance time and is prior to the second maintenance time, a provision unit may provide information recommending that maintenance of the object be carried out at the first maintenance time.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a driving assistance device, a driving assistance method, and a driving assistance program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 states that "the method for renewing an ion exchange membrane of this embodiment includes a step of sandwiching the ion exchange membrane between an anode side gasket and a cathode side gasket..." (paragraph 0052). [Prior art document] [Patent documents] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-19408 A Problem to be Solved

[0003] In order for the electrolysis device to stably and continuously produce products of the required quality, it is preferable that the quality of the brine, the timing of renewal of objects in the electrolysis device, and the operating conditions of the electrolysis device are appropriately controlled. Also, in order to reduce the amount of CO2 (carbon dioxide) generated during the operation of the electrolysis device, it is preferable that the quality of the brine, the timing of at least one of renewal, repair, and renovation of objects in the electrolysis device, and the operating conditions of the electrolysis device are appropriately controlled. Also, it is preferable that the lifespan of objects in the electrolysis device is appropriately managed. General Disclosure

[0004] A first aspect of the present invention provides a driving assistance device including a prediction unit that predicts a recommended maintenance time when an object in an electrolysis device will reach a maintenance recommended state, and a provision unit that provides information recommending that maintenance of the object be performed at a first maintenance time.

[0005] The driving assistance device may further include a determination unit that determines a chronological relationship between a predetermined first maintenance time when the object can be maintained and the recommended maintenance time, and a chronological relationship between a predetermined second maintenance time when the object can be maintained and the recommended maintenance time, where the second maintenance time is later than the first maintenance time. When the determination unit determines that the recommended maintenance time is later than the first maintenance time and earlier than the second maintenance time, the provision unit may provide information recommending that maintenance of the object be performed at the first maintenance time.

[0006] In any of the driving assistance devices described above, the maintenance recommended state may be determined in advance. The prediction unit may predict, as the maintenance recommended time, a first recommended maintenance time when the object will be in the maintenance recommended state.

[0007] Any of the above driving assistance devices may further include a state acquisition unit that acquires a state of the object. In any of the above driving assistance devices, the prediction unit may further predict, as the recommended maintenance time, a second recommended maintenance time when the object will enter a recommended maintenance state, based on the state of the object acquired by the state acquisition unit.

[0008] The status acquisition unit may acquire the status of the object at the first maintenance period.

[0009] If the determination unit determines that the first recommended maintenance time is after the first maintenance time and before the second maintenance time, the status acquisition unit may measure the status of the object at the first maintenance time, and the prediction unit may predict the second recommended maintenance time at the first maintenance time.

[0010] In any of the above driving assistance devices, if the determination unit determines that the first recommended maintenance time is later than the second maintenance time, and also determines that the second recommended maintenance time is later than the first maintenance time and earlier than the second maintenance time, the provision unit may provide information recommending that maintenance of the object be performed at the first maintenance time.

[0011] In any of the above driving assistance devices, if the determination unit determines that the first recommended maintenance time is later than the second maintenance time and that the second recommended maintenance time is earlier than the first maintenance time, the status acquisition unit may acquire the status of the object at the first maintenance time.

[0012] In any of the driving assistance devices described above, the electrolysis device may include an electrolytic cell. The electrolytic cell may include an ion exchange membrane and an anode chamber and a cathode chamber separated by the ion exchange membrane. A first aqueous solution, which is an aqueous solution of an alkali metal chloride, may be introduced into the anode chamber. The electrolysis device may be provided with a detection unit that detects at least one of alkaline earth metal ions, aluminum ions, nickel ions, iron ions, iodine ions, silicon, sulfate ions, suspended solids, and organic matter contained in the first aqueous solution. When the detection unit detects at least one of alkaline earth metal ions, aluminum ions, nickel ions, iron ions, iodine ions, silicon, sulfate ions, suspended solids, and organic matter at a predetermined concentration or higher in the first aqueous solution, the determination unit may determine to introduce or increase an agent that precipitates at least one of suspended solids and organic matter into the first aqueous solution.

[0013] The electrolysis device may be provided with a filter and a first pressure sensor that measures the pressure of the first aqueous solution. At least a portion of the suspended solids contained in the first aqueous solution may be removed by passing through the filter. The first pressure sensor may measure a first pressure of the first aqueous solution before passing through the filter and a second pressure of the first aqueous solution after passing through the filter. The determination unit may determine whether a difference between the first pressure and the second pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold difference. If the determination unit determines that the difference exceeds the threshold difference, the provision unit may provide information recommending filter replacement.

[0014] Any of the electrolysis devices may be provided with an ion exchange resin that removes at least a portion of the alkaline earth metal contained in the first aqueous solution. When the determination unit determines that the backwash rate of the ion exchange resin exceeds a predetermined backwash rate threshold, the provision unit may provide information recommending replacement of the ion exchange resin.

[0015] Any of the electrolysis devices may be provided with an ion exchange resin that removes at least a portion of the alkaline earth metal contained in the first aqueous solution. When the determination unit determines that the regeneration frequency of the ion exchange resin is shorter than a predetermined period, the provision unit may provide information recommending replacement of the ion exchange resin.

[0016] In any of the above driving assistance devices, a second aqueous solution, which is an aqueous solution of an alkali metal hydroxide, may be introduced into the cathode chamber. The electrolysis device may be provided with a first inlet pipe connected to the anode chamber and through which the first aqueous solution passes, and a second inlet pipe connected to the cathode chamber and through which the second aqueous solution passes. The electrolysis device may be provided with a flow sensor that measures at least one of the flow rate of the first aqueous solution passing through the first inlet pipe and the flow rate of the second aqueous solution passing through the second inlet pipe. The status acquisition unit may acquire at least one of the flow rate of the first aqueous solution and the flow rate of the second aqueous solution measured by the flow sensor. The determination unit may determine whether the flow rate of the first aqueous solution or the flow rate of the second aqueous solution is within a predetermined flow rate range, and if it is determined that the flow rate is not within the flow rate range, the provision unit may provide information recommending maintenance of the object.

[0017] The first inlet pipe and the second inlet pipe may be provided with a first switching unit that controls the flow rate of the first aqueous solution and the flow rate of the second aqueous solution. When the determining unit determines that the flow rate of the first aqueous solution or the flow rate of the second aqueous solution is not within the flow rate range, the determining unit may determine whether the flow rate of the first aqueous solution and the flow rate of the second aqueous solution can be controlled within the flow rate range by controlling the first switching unit. When the determining unit determines that the flow rate of the first aqueous solution and the flow rate of the second aqueous solution cannot be controlled within the flow rate range, the providing unit may provide information recommending repair or replacement of the first inlet pipe, the second inlet pipe, and the first switching unit.

[0018] Any of the above electrolysis devices may be provided with a temperature sensor that measures at least one of the temperature of the first aqueous solution and the temperature of the second aqueous solution, a pH sensor that measures at least one of the first pH of the first aqueous solution and the second pH of the second aqueous solution, or a second pressure sensor that measures at least one of the pressure of chlorine gas in the anode chamber and the pressure of hydrogen gas in the cathode chamber. The status acquisition unit may acquire at least one of the temperature of the first aqueous solution and the temperature of the second aqueous solution measured by the temperature sensor, at least one of the first pH of the first aqueous solution and the second pH of the second aqueous solution measured by the pH sensor, or at least one of the pressure of chlorine gas and the pressure of hydrogen gas measured by the second pressure sensor. When the determination unit determines that the temperature of the first aqueous solution or the temperature of the second aqueous solution measured by the temperature sensor exceeds a predetermined temperature threshold, or that the first pH of the first aqueous solution measured by the pH sensor is less than a predetermined first pH threshold, or that the second pH of the second aqueous solution exceeds a predetermined second pH threshold, or that the pressure of chlorine gas or the pressure of hydrogen gas measured by the second pressure sensor exceeds a predetermined pressure threshold, the providing unit may provide information recommending maintenance of the object.

[0019] Any of the above electrolysis devices may be provided with a third inlet pipe connected to the first inlet pipe through which a third aqueous solution, which is an acidic aqueous solution, passes, a second switching unit controlling the flow rate of the third aqueous solution, a fourth inlet pipe connected to the second inlet pipe through which a fourth aqueous solution, which is an aqueous solution of an alkali metal hydroxide, passes, and a third switching unit controlling the flow rate of the fourth aqueous solution. The first inlet pipe and the second inlet pipe may be provided with a first switching unit controlling the flow rate of the first aqueous solution and the second aqueous solution. When the determination unit determines that the temperature of the first aqueous solution or the second aqueous solution exceeds the temperature threshold, the determination unit may determine whether the temperature of the first aqueous solution and the temperature of the second aqueous solution can be controlled to be equal to or lower than the temperature threshold by controlling the third switching unit. When the determination unit determines that the temperature cannot be controlled to be equal to or lower than the temperature threshold, the providing unit may provide information recommending repair or replacement of the fourth inlet pipe and the third switching unit. When the determination unit determines that the first pH of the first aqueous solution is less than a predetermined first pH threshold or that the second pH of the second aqueous solution is greater than a predetermined second pH threshold, the determination unit may determine whether the first pH of the first aqueous solution can be controlled to be equal to or greater than the first pH threshold and whether the second pH of the second aqueous solution can be controlled to be equal to or less than the second pH threshold by controlling the second switching unit, and when it determines that the pH can be controlled to be equal to or greater than the first pH threshold but not equal to or less than the second pH threshold, the providing unit may provide information recommending repair or replacement of the third inlet pipe and the second switching unit. When the determination unit determines that the pressure of the chlorine gas or the pressure of the hydrogen gas measured by the second pressure sensor exceeds a predetermined pressure threshold, the determination unit may determine whether the pressure of the chlorine gas and the pressure of the hydrogen gas can be controlled to be equal to or less than the pressure threshold by controlling the first switching unit, and when it determines that the pressure of the chlorine gas and the pressure of the hydrogen gas cannot be controlled to be equal to or less than the pressure threshold, the providing unit may provide information recommending maintenance of the anode chamber and the cathode chamber.

[0020] In any of the driving assistance devices described above, the status acquisition unit may acquire the current efficiency of the electrolytic bath. The prediction unit may predict the current efficiency of the electrolytic bath at a second maintenance time based on the current efficiency of the electrolytic bath acquired by the status acquisition unit. The determination unit may determine whether the current efficiency of the electrolytic bath predicted by the prediction unit will be less than a predetermined current efficiency threshold. If the determination unit determines that the current efficiency of the electrolytic bath will be less than the current efficiency threshold, the provision unit may provide information recommending that the ion exchange membrane be updated at a first maintenance time.

[0021] In any of the above electric field devices, an anode may be placed in the anode chamber. A cathode may be placed in the cathode chamber. The status acquisition unit may acquire the voltage of the electrolytic cell. The prediction unit may predict the voltage of the electrolytic cell at a second maintenance time based on the voltage of the electrolytic cell acquired by the status acquisition unit. The determination unit may determine whether the voltage of the electrolytic cell predicted by the prediction unit exceeds a predetermined voltage threshold. If the determination unit determines that the voltage of the electrolytic cell exceeds the voltage threshold, the provision unit may provide information recommending that at least one of the ion exchange membrane, the anode, and the cathode be updated at a first maintenance time.

[0022] The status acquisition unit may acquire the current efficiency of the electrolytic cell or the voltage of the electrolytic cell. The determination unit may calculate the amount of carbon dioxide generated in conjunction with operation of the electrolytic device based on the current efficiency of the electrolytic cell acquired by the status acquisition unit and the relationship between the current efficiency of the electrolytic cell and the amount of carbon dioxide generated in conjunction with operation of the electrolytic device, or may calculate the amount of carbon dioxide generated in conjunction with operation of the electrolytic device based on the voltage of the electrolytic cell acquired by the status acquisition unit and the relationship between the voltage of the electrolytic cell and the amount of carbon dioxide generated in conjunction with operation of the electrolytic device. The providing unit may provide the amount of carbon dioxide calculated by the determining unit.

[0023] The status acquisition unit may acquire a current efficiency of the electrolytic cell, and the prediction unit may predict a second recommended maintenance time based on the current efficiency.

[0024] The status acquisition unit may acquire a voltage of the electrolytic cell, and the prediction unit may predict a second recommended maintenance time based on the voltage.

[0025] The status acquisition unit may acquire the impurity concentration in the product produced by the electrolytic bath based on the status of the object. The prediction unit may predict the second recommended maintenance timing based on the impurity concentration in the product produced by the electrolytic bath.

[0026] The status acquisition unit may acquire the temperature of the fourth aqueous solution measured by a temperature sensor. The prediction unit may predict the second recommended maintenance time based on the temperature of the fourth aqueous solution.

[0027] The status acquisition unit may acquire at least one of a first pH and a second pH measured by a pH sensor, and the prediction unit may predict the second recommended maintenance time based on the first pH or the second pH.

[0028] The status acquisition unit may acquire the type of raw salt for producing the first aqueous solution. The determination unit may calculate the amount of carbon dioxide generated in conjunction with operation of the electrolysis device based on the type of raw salt acquired by the status acquisition unit and the relationship between the type of raw salt and the amount of carbon dioxide generated by the electrolysis device. The providing unit may provide the amount of carbon dioxide calculated by the determining unit.

[0029] The status acquisition unit may acquire the amount of chemical introduced into the first aqueous solution or the operating status of a removal device that removes impurities that may deteriorate the ion exchange performance of the ion exchange membrane. The determination unit may calculate the amount of carbon dioxide generated due to the operation of the electrolysis device based on the amount introduced acquired by the status acquisition unit and the relationship between the amount introduced and the amount of carbon dioxide, or based on the operating status of the removal device acquired by the status acquisition unit and the relationship between the operating status of the removal device and the amount of carbon dioxide. The providing unit may provide the amount of carbon dioxide calculated by the determining unit.

[0030] Any of the above driving assistance devices may further include a first generation amount learning unit that generates a first generation amount inference model that outputs a first inferred amount of carbon dioxide generated in conjunction with operation of the electrolysis device based on the current efficiency and the amount of carbon dioxide, by machine learning the relationship between current efficiency and the amount of carbon dioxide, or that generates a second generation amount inference model that outputs a second inferred amount of carbon dioxide generated in conjunction with operation of the electrolysis device based on the voltage and the amount of carbon dioxide, by machine learning the relationship between voltage and the amount of carbon dioxide.

[0031] Any of the above driving assistance devices may further include a second generation amount learning unit that generates a second generation amount inference model that outputs a second inferred amount of carbon dioxide generated in conjunction with the operation of the electrolysis device based on the type of raw salt and the amount of carbon dioxide by machine learning the relationship between the type of raw salt and the amount of carbon dioxide.

[0032] Any of the above driving assistance devices may further include a third generation amount learning unit that generates a third generation amount inference model that outputs a third inferred amount of carbon dioxide generated in conjunction with the operation of the electrolysis device, based on the introduction amount and the amount of carbon dioxide, or based on the operation status of the removal device and the amount of carbon dioxide, by machine learning the relationship between the introduction amount and the amount of carbon dioxide, or the relationship between the operation status of the removal device and the amount of carbon dioxide.

[0033] Any of the above driving assistance devices may further include a fourth generation amount learning unit that generates a fourth generation amount inference model that outputs a fourth inferred amount of carbon dioxide generated in conjunction with the operation of the electrolysis device, based on the period, scale, and amount of carbon dioxide related to the renewal of the electrolysis device, by machine learning the relationship between the period and scale of the renewal of the electrolysis device and the amount of carbon dioxide.

[0034] In a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an operation assistance method, comprising: a first prediction step in which a prediction unit predicts a recommended maintenance time when an object in an electrolysis device will enter a maintenance recommended state; and a first provision step in which a provision unit provides information recommending that maintenance be performed on the object at the first maintenance time.

[0035] The driving assistance method may further include a first determination step in which the determination unit determines a chronological relationship between a predetermined first maintenance time when the object can be maintained and the recommended maintenance time, and a chronological relationship between a predetermined second maintenance time when the object can be maintained and the recommended maintenance time, where the second maintenance time is later than the first maintenance time. The first provision step may be a step in which the provision unit provides information recommending that maintenance of the object be performed at the first maintenance time when it is determined in the first determination step that the recommended maintenance time is later than the first maintenance time and earlier than the second maintenance time.

[0036] In any of the driving assistance methods described above, the maintenance recommended state may be determined in advance. The first prediction step may be a step in which the prediction unit predicts a first recommended maintenance time when the object will enter the maintenance recommended state as the recommended maintenance time.

[0037] Any of the above driving assistance methods may further include a first state acquisition step in which the state acquisition unit acquires the state of the object at a first maintenance time, and a second prediction step in which the prediction unit further predicts a second recommended maintenance time at which the object will enter a maintenance recommended state as the recommended maintenance time based on the state of the object acquired in the first state acquisition step.

[0038] Any of the above driving assistance methods may further include a second determination step in which the determination unit determines the chronological relationship between the first maintenance time and the second recommended maintenance time, and the chronological relationship between the second maintenance time and the second recommended maintenance time, and a second provision step in which the provision unit provides information recommending that maintenance of the object be performed at the first maintenance time if it is determined in the second determination step that the second recommended maintenance time is after the first maintenance time and before the second maintenance time.

[0039] Any of the above operation assistance methods may further include a second state acquisition step in which the state acquisition unit acquires the state of the object while the electrolysis device is operating, and a third prediction step in which the prediction unit further predicts a second recommended maintenance time at which the object will enter a recommended maintenance state based on the state of the object acquired in the second state acquisition step.

[0040] Any of the above driving assistance methods may further include a third determination step in which the determination unit determines the chronological relationship between the second maintenance time and the first recommended maintenance time, and the chronological relationship between the second maintenance time and the second recommended maintenance time, and a second provision step in which the provision unit provides information recommending that maintenance of the object be performed at the first maintenance time if it is determined in the third determination step that the first recommended maintenance time is after the second maintenance time and the second recommended maintenance time is before the second maintenance time.

[0041] The electrolysis device may include an electrolytic cell. The electrolytic cell may include an ion exchange membrane and an anode chamber and a cathode chamber separated by the ion exchange membrane. A first aqueous solution, which is an aqueous solution of an alkali metal chloride, may be introduced into the anode chamber. A second aqueous solution, which is an aqueous solution of an alkali metal hydroxide, may be introduced into the cathode chamber. The electrolysis device may be provided with a first inlet pipe connected to the anode chamber and through which the first aqueous solution passes, a second inlet pipe connected to the cathode chamber and through which the second aqueous solution passes, a third inlet pipe connected to the first inlet pipe and through which a third aqueous solution, which is an acidic aqueous solution, a second switching unit that controls the flow rate of the third aqueous solution, a fourth inlet pipe connected to the second inlet pipe and through which a fourth aqueous solution, which is an aqueous solution of an alkali metal hydroxide, passes, and a third switching unit that controls the flow rate of the fourth aqueous solution. The electrolysis device may be provided with a detection unit that detects at least one of alkaline earth metal ions, aluminum ions, nickel ions, iron ions, iodine ions, silicon, sulfate ions, suspended solids, and organic matter contained in the first aqueous solution. The first inlet pipe and the second inlet pipe may be provided with a first switching unit that controls the flow rate of the first aqueous solution and the flow rate of the second aqueous solution.The operation assistance method may further include a fourth determination step in which the determination unit determines the chronological relationship between the second maintenance time and the first recommended maintenance time, and the chronological relationship between the second maintenance time and the second recommended maintenance time, and a step in which the control unit controls the first switching unit.If, in the fourth determination step, it is determined that the first recommended maintenance time is after the second maintenance time and the second recommended maintenance time is before the first maintenance time, and the concentration of suspended solids or organic matter detected by the detection unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined concentration, in the control step, the control unit may control at least one of the first switching unit, the second switching unit, and the third switching unit and change the amount of chemical agent added to delay the second recommended maintenance time until the first maintenance time.

[0042] In a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a driving assistance program that causes a computer to execute a driving assistance method.

[0043] The above summary of the invention does not list all of the features of the present invention, and subcombinations of these features may also be inventions. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0044] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an electrolysis device 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an electrolysis device 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of details of one electrolysis cell 91 in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of an ion exchange membrane 84 in the electrolysis cell 91 shown in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a block diagram of a driving assistance device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of maintenance timing and recommended maintenance timing for the electrolysis device 200. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the maintenance timing and recommended maintenance timing of the electrolysis device 200. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the maintenance timing and recommended maintenance timing of the electrolysis device 200. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the maintenance timing and recommended maintenance timing of the electrolysis device 200. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the maintenance timing and recommended maintenance timing of the electrolysis device 200. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the maintenance timing and recommended maintenance timing of the electrolysis device 200. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing another example of an electrolysis device 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing another example of a block diagram of the driving assistance device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a first generation amount inference model 140. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a second generation amount inference model 142. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a third generation amount inference model 143. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a fourth generation amount inference model 144. [Figure 18] 1 is a first flowchart including an example of a driving assistance method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] 5 is a second flowchart including an example of a driving assistance method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] 10 is a third flowchart including an example of a driving assistance method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] 4 is a fourth flowchart including an example of a driving assistance method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of a computer 2200 in which the driving assistance device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be implemented in whole or in part. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0045] The present invention will be described below through embodiments of the invention, but the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention as claimed. Furthermore, not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the invention.

[0046] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an electrolysis apparatus 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The electrolysis apparatus 200 of this example includes an electrolysis tank 90. ​​The electrolysis apparatus 200 of this example includes a raw salt dissolution tank 113, a settling tank 112, a filter 114, a first pressure sensor 122, a resin tower 116, a pressure sensor 123, a first inlet pipe 92, and a detection unit 99. In the raw salt dissolution tank 113, raw salt 110 is dissolved. In the settling tank 112, a chemical agent 111 is added to an aqueous solution of the raw salt 110 to precipitate impurities that may deteriorate the ion exchange performance of an ion exchange membrane 84 (described below). The impurities are referred to as impurities Im. The impurities Im will be described later. The chemical agent 111 is, for example, Mg(OH)2 (magnesium hydroxide) or CaCO3 (calcium carbonate). The first inlet pipe 92 is connected to the electrolysis tank 90.

[0047] The raw salt 110 is a chloride of an alkali metal. The raw salt 110 is, for example, NaCl (sodium chloride) or KCl (potassium chloride). The aqueous solution of the raw salt 110 is an aqueous solution of a chloride of an alkali metal. This aqueous solution is referred to as a first aqueous solution 70.

[0048] The raw salt 110 may contain alkaline earth metal elements. Examples of alkaline earth metal elements that may be contained in the raw salt 110 include Ca (calcium), Sr (strontium), Ba (barium), and Mg (magnesium). The settling tank 112 separates the aqueous solution of the raw salt 110 from the impurities Im by precipitating the impurities Im, which may deteriorate the ion exchange performance of the ion exchange membrane 84 (described below). The impurities Im include so-called suspended solids (SS). In this example, the first aqueous solution 70 from which the impurities Im have been separated is introduced into a filter 114.

[0049] The first aqueous solution 70 passes through a filter 114. At least a portion of the impurities Im remaining in the first aqueous solution 70 is removed from the first aqueous solution 70 by passing through the filter 114. The filter 114 is, for example, a precoated pleated filter. In this example, the first aqueous solution 70 that has passed through the filter 114 is introduced into a resin tower 116.

[0050] The first pressure sensor 122 measures the pressure of the first aqueous solution 70. The first pressure sensor 122 may measure the pressure of the first aqueous solution 70 before passing through the filter 114 and the pressure of the first aqueous solution 70 after passing through the filter 114.

[0051] In this example, the resin tower 116 is provided with an ion exchange resin 118, an impurity sensor 117, a flow rate sensor 119, and an image sensor 120. The impurity sensor 117 detects ions of alkaline earth metals, aluminum ions (Al 3+ ), nickel ions (Ni 2+ ), iron ions (Fe 2+ , Fe 3+ ), iodine ion (I -), silicon (Si), sulfate ions (SO4 2- ), suspended solids, and organic matter. The alkaline earth metal ions include, for example, calcium ions (Ca 2+ ), magnesium ions (Mg 2+ ), strontium ions (Sr 2+ ) and barium ions (Ba 2+ ) The suspended matter and organic matter are, for example, suspended solids (SS) and TOC (Total Organic Carbon). The above-mentioned impurities Im may refer to at least one of suspended solids (SS) and TOC (Total Organic Carbon). The flow rate sensor 119 and the pressure sensor 123 will be described later.

[0052] The first aqueous solution 70, from which at least a portion of the impurities Im has been removed by the filter 114, passes through the ion exchange resin 118. The ion exchange resin 118 removes at least a portion of the impurities Im contained in the first aqueous solution 70. In this example, the impurities Im contained in the first aqueous solution 70 are removed by the filter 114 and then further removed by the ion exchange resin 118. The impurity sensor 117 and the image sensor 120 will be described later.

[0053] The electrolytic bath 90 is provided with a detection unit 99. The detection unit 99 will be described later.

[0054] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an electrolysis apparatus 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 2, components other than the electrolytic cell 90 and the first inlet pipe 92 shown in Fig. 1 are omitted. The electrolysis apparatus 200 of this example is provided with a first inlet pipe 92, a second inlet pipe 93, a first outlet pipe 94, and a second outlet pipe 95.

[0055] The electrolytic bath 90 is a bath that electrolyzes an electrolytic solution. In this example, the electrolytic bath 90 electrolyzes a first aqueous solution 70. When the first aqueous solution 70 is an aqueous solution of sodium chloride (NaCl), the electrolytic bath 90 electrolyzes the aqueous solution of sodium chloride (NaCl) to produce chlorine (Cl2), sodium hydroxide (NaOH), and hydrogen (H2). The electrolytic bath 90 may include a plurality of electrolytic cells 91 (electrolytic cells 91-1 to 91-N, where N is an integer of 2 or greater). N is, for example, 50.

[0056] In this example, the first introduction pipe 92 and the second introduction pipe 93 are connected to each of the electrolytic cells 91-1 to 91-N. A first aqueous solution 70 is introduced into each of the electrolytic cells 91-1 to 91-N. The first aqueous solution 70 may pass through the first introduction pipe 92 and then be introduced into each of the electrolytic cells 91-1 to 91-N.

[0057] A second aqueous solution 72 is introduced into each of the electrolytic cells 91-1 to 91-N. The second aqueous solution 72 may be introduced into each of the electrolytic cells 91-1 to 91-N after passing through a second inlet pipe 93. The second aqueous solution 72 is an aqueous solution of an alkali metal hydroxide. The second aqueous solution 72 is, for example, an aqueous solution of NaOH (sodium hydroxide).

[0058] In this example, the first outlet pipe 94 and the second outlet pipe 95 are connected to the electrolytic cells 91-1 to 91-N, respectively. A fourth aqueous solution 76 and a gas 78 (described later) are discharged from each of the electrolytic cells 91-1 to 91-N. The fourth aqueous solution 76 and the gas 78 (described later) may be discharged to the outside of the electrolysis device 200 after passing through the second outlet pipe 95. The fourth aqueous solution 76 is an aqueous solution of an alkali metal hydroxide. When the second aqueous solution 72 is an aqueous solution of NaOH (sodium hydroxide), the fourth aqueous solution 76 is also an aqueous solution of NaOH (sodium hydroxide). The gas 78 (described later) may be H2 (hydrogen).

[0059] A liquid 74 and a gas 77 (described later) are discharged from each of the electrolytic cells 91-1 to 91-N. The liquid 74 and the gas 77 (described later) may be discharged to the outside of the electrolysis device 200 after passing through the first discharge pipe 94. The liquid 74 is an aqueous solution of an alkali metal chloride. When the first aqueous solution 70 is an aqueous solution of NaCl (sodium chloride), the liquid 74 is an aqueous solution of NaCl (sodium chloride). The gas 77 (described later) may be Cl2 (chlorine).

[0060] The electrolysis device 200 of this example is provided with a plurality of first switching units 66 and a plurality of first switching units 67. In this example, the first switching units 66-1 and the first switching units 66-2 are provided in the first inlet pipe 92 and the second inlet pipe 93, respectively. The first switching units 66-1 and the first switching units 66-2 control the flow rates of the first aqueous solution 70 and the second aqueous solution 72, respectively. In this example, the first switching units 67-1 and the first switching units 67-2 are provided in the first outlet pipe 94 and the second outlet pipe 95, respectively. The first switching units 67-1 and the first switching units 67-2 control the flow rates of the liquid 74 and the fourth aqueous solution 76, respectively. The first switching units 66 and the first switching units 67 are, for example, valves.

[0061] The first switching unit 66-1 may control the flow rate per unit time of the first aqueous solution 70 flowing through the first inlet pipe 92 or the integrated value of the flow rate over a predetermined time period. The same applies to the first switching unit 66-2, the first switching unit 67-1, and the first switching unit 67-2.

[0062] The electrolysis apparatus 200 of this example is provided with a flow rate sensor 130. The flow rate sensor 130 measures at least one of the flow rate of the first aqueous solution 70 passing through the first inlet pipe 92 and the flow rate of the second aqueous solution 72 passing through the second inlet pipe 93. The flow rate sensor 130 may be provided in the first inlet pipe 92 and the second inlet pipe 93.

[0063] The electrolysis device 200 of this example is provided with a second pressure sensor 132. The second pressure sensor 132 measures at least one of the pressure of chlorine gas (Cl) in the anode chamber 79 (described below) and the pressure of hydrogen gas (H) in the cathode chamber 98 (described below). The second pressure sensor 132 may be provided in the first outlet pipe 94 and the second outlet pipe 95.

[0064] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the details of one electrolytic cell 91 in FIG. 2. The electrolytic cell 90 has an anode chamber 79, an anode 80, a cathode chamber 98, a cathode 82, and an ion exchange membrane 84. In this example, one electrolytic cell 91 has the anode chamber 79, the anode 80, the cathode chamber 98, the cathode 82, and the ion exchange membrane 84. The anode chamber 79 and the cathode chamber 98 are provided inside the electrolytic cell 91. The anode chamber 79 and the cathode chamber 98 are separated by the ion exchange membrane 84. The anode 80 is disposed in the anode chamber 79. The cathode 82 is disposed in the cathode chamber 98.

[0065] A first inlet pipe 92 and a first outlet pipe 94 are connected to the anode chamber 79. A second inlet pipe 93 and a second outlet pipe 95 are connected to the cathode chamber 98. A first aqueous solution 70 is introduced into the anode chamber 79. A second aqueous solution 72 is introduced into the cathode chamber 98.

[0066] The detection unit 99 (see this figure and FIG. 1) may be provided in the anode chamber 79. The detection unit 99 detects alkaline earth metal ions and aluminum ions (Al 3+ ), nickel ions (Ni 2+ ), iron ions (Fe 2+ , Fe 3+ ), iodine ion (I - ), silicon (Si), sulfate ions (SO4 2- ), suspended solids, and organic matter are detected. These detection targets by the detection unit 99 are referred to as detection targets Db.

[0067] The ion exchange membrane 84 is a membrane-like substance that blocks the passage of ions of the same sign as the ions placed in the ion exchange membrane 84, and allows only ions of the opposite sign to pass through. When the first aqueous solution 70 is an aqueous solution of NaCl (sodium chloride), the ion exchange membrane 84 is + (sodium ions) and Cl - (chloride ions) to be blocked from passing through.

[0068] The anode 80 and the cathode 82 may be maintained at a predetermined positive potential and a predetermined negative potential, respectively. The first aqueous solution 70 introduced into the anode chamber 79 and the second aqueous solution 72 introduced into the cathode chamber 98 are electrolyzed by the potential difference between the anode 80 and the cathode 82. The following chemical reaction occurs at the anode 80: [Chemical formula 1] 2Cl - →Cl2+2e -

[0069] When the first aqueous solution 70 is an aqueous solution of NaCl (sodium chloride), NaCl (sodium chloride) is Na + (sodium ion) and Cl - At the anode 80, Cl2 (chlorine) gas is generated by the chemical reaction shown in Chemical Formula 1. The gas 77 (Cl2 (chlorine) gas) and the liquid 74 may be led out of the anode chamber 79. Na + The (sodium ions) are attracted by the cathode 82 and move from the anode chamber 79 through the ion exchange membrane 84 to the cathode chamber 98 .

[0070] The liquid 73 may remain in the anode chamber 79. The liquid 73 is an aqueous solution of an alkali metal chloride. When the first aqueous solution 70 is an aqueous solution of NaCl (sodium chloride), the liquid 73 is an aqueous solution of NaCl (sodium chloride). + (sodium ion) concentration and Cl - (Chloride ion) concentration is Na in the first aqueous solution 70 + (sodium ion) concentration and Cl - (chloride ion) concentration may be smaller than that.

[0071] At the cathode 82, the following chemical reaction occurs: [Chemical formula 2] 2H2O+2e - →H2+2OH -

[0072] When the second aqueous solution 72 is an aqueous solution of NaOH (sodium hydroxide), NaOH (sodium hydroxide) is Na + (sodium ion) and OH - At the cathode 82, H2 (hydrogen) gas and OH (hydroxide ions) are ionized by the chemical reaction shown in Chemical Formula 2. - The gas 78 (the H2 (hydrogen) gas) and the fourth aqueous solution 76 may be led out of the cathode chamber 98.

[0073] The liquid 75 may be retained in the cathode chamber 98. When the second aqueous solution 72 is an aqueous solution of NaOH (sodium hydroxide), the liquid 75 is an aqueous solution of NaOH (sodium hydroxide). When the second aqueous solution 72 is an aqueous solution of NaOH (sodium hydroxide), the liquid 75 is retained in the cathode chamber 98. When the second aqueous solution 72 is an aqueous solution of NaOH (sodium hydroxide), the liquid 75 is retained in the cathode chamber 98. - (hydroxide ions) and Na that migrated from the anode chamber 79 + A liquid 75 containing dissolved sodium ions (sodium ions) remains.

[0074] 4 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the ion exchange membrane 84 in the electrolysis cell 91 shown in FIG. 3. In this example, anionic groups 86 are fixed to the ion exchange membrane 84. Anions are repelled by the anionic groups 86 and therefore do not easily pass through the ion exchange membrane 84. When the first aqueous solution 70 (see FIG. 3) is an aqueous solution of NaCl (sodium chloride), the anions are Cl - (chloride ions). The cations 71 are not repelled by the anion groups 86 and can pass through the ion exchange membrane 84. When the first aqueous solution 70 is an aqueous solution of NaCl (sodium chloride), the cations 71 are Na + (sodium ion).

[0075] 5 is a diagram showing an example of a block diagram of a driving assistance device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The driving assistance device 100 assists in the operation of an electrolysis device 200 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). The driving assistance device 100 includes a prediction unit 10 and a providing unit 14. The driving assistance device 100 may include a determination unit 12, a state acquisition unit 16, a control unit 20, and an input unit 22.

[0076] The driving assistance device 100 is, for example, a computer including a CPU, a memory, an interface, etc. The control unit 20 may be the CPU. The control unit 20 and the determination unit 12 may be the CPU. When the driving assistance device 100 is a computer, a driving assistance program for executing a driving assistance method described below may be installed in the computer, or a driving assistance program for causing the computer to function as the driving assistance device 100 may be installed in the computer. The driving assistance device 100 may be a tablet computer.

[0077] The status acquisition unit 16 acquires the status of the object 210 in the electrolysis device 200. The object 210 refers to a part, member, etc. included in the electrolysis device 200 and that is preferably maintained periodically. The object 210 may include raw salt 110, a filter 114, an ion exchange resin 118, a first aqueous solution 70, a first inlet pipe 92 (see FIG. 1 ), a second inlet pipe 93, a first outlet pipe 94, a second outlet pipe 95, a first switching unit 66, a first switching unit 67 (see FIG. 2 ), an ion exchange membrane 84, an anode 80, and a cathode 82 (see FIG. 3 ).

[0078] The input unit 22 is, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, etc. When the driving assistance device 100 is a tablet computer, the input unit 22 may be a touch panel of the tablet computer.

[0079] The providing unit 14 provides information regarding the maintenance of the object 210 (described later). The providing unit 14 may be a display, a monitor, or the like that displays the information, or may be a speaker that outputs the information by voice.

[0080] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of maintenance timings and recommended maintenance timings for the electrolysis device 200. Assume that the operation of the electrolysis device 200 starts at time zero. The maintenance timing for the electrolysis device 200 is designated as maintenance timing tr. The maintenance timing tr is determined in advance. The maintenance timing tr may occur periodically at a fixed cycle. The maintenance timing tr may be a timing for planned shutdown of the electrolysis device 200 or a timing for scheduled maintenance of the electrolysis device 200. The maintenance timing tr is a timing when maintenance of the target object 210 (described below) can be performed. FIG. 6 shows the first maintenance timing tr1 to the (n+2)th maintenance timing tr_n+2 after the operation of the electrolysis device 200 starts.

[0081] The current time is assumed to be time tp. Time tp is assumed to be a time between maintenance time tr_n-1 and maintenance time tr_n. From the viewpoint of time tp, the next maintenance time tr is assumed to be the first maintenance time tm1, and the next maintenance time tr is assumed to be the second maintenance time tm2. The second maintenance time tm2 is later than the first maintenance time tm1.

[0082] The state of the object 210 (see FIG. 5 ) is referred to as state S. A state S of the object 210 in which it is preferable to perform maintenance is referred to as maintenance recommended state Sn. The maintenance recommended state Sn may include a state in which maintenance of the object 210 is necessary, and a state in which maintenance is not necessarily required but is preferable. A time when it is preferable to perform maintenance of the electrolysis device 200 is referred to as recommended maintenance time tq. The recommended maintenance time tq may include a time when maintenance of the object 210 is necessary, and a time when maintenance is not necessarily required but is preferable.

[0083] The object 210 (see FIG. 5 ) being in a maintenance recommended state refers to, for example, the object 210 being in an end-of-life state. The object 210 being in a maintenance recommended state may also refer to a state in which the operating cost of the electrolysis device 200 when the object 210 is replaced is lower than the operating cost of the electrolysis device 200 when the object 210 is not replaced. The operating cost may include the electricity cost associated with operating the electrolysis device 200 and the cost of the object 210 when the object 210 is replaced.

[0084] The prediction unit 10 predicts the recommended maintenance time tq at which the object 210 in the electrolysis device 200 will reach the maintenance recommended state Sn. The determination unit 12 (see FIG. 5) determines the chronological relationship between the first maintenance time tm1 and the recommended maintenance time tq, and the chronological relationship between the second maintenance time tm2 and the recommended maintenance time tq. When the determination unit 12 determines that the recommended maintenance time tq is after the first maintenance time tm1 and before the second maintenance time tm2, the provision unit 14 (see FIG. 5) provides information recommending that maintenance of the object 210 (see FIG. 5) be performed at the first maintenance time tm1. This allows the user of the driving assistance device 100 to recognize at the current time tp that the object 210 will not reach the maintenance recommended state Sn at the first maintenance time tm1, but is expected to reach the maintenance recommended state Sn before the second maintenance time tm2.

[0085] The information recommending maintenance of the object 210 (see FIG. 5) may be information recommending replacement of the object 210, or information recommending measuring the lifespan of the object 210. The providing unit 14 (see FIG. 5) may provide the information recommending maintenance of the object 210 at the current time tp, at the first maintenance timing tm1, or continuously from the current time tp to the recommended maintenance timing tq.

[0086] 7 is a diagram showing another example of the maintenance timing and recommended maintenance timing of the electrolysis device 200. The recommended maintenance state Sn may be determined in advance. The predetermined recommended maintenance state Sn is, for example, the lifespan state of the object 210 (see FIG. 5) according to the specifications. The predetermined recommended maintenance state Sn may be the state S of the object 210 that is difficult for the state acquisition unit 16 to acquire. The object 210 that is difficult for the state acquisition unit 16 to acquire the state S of is, for example, the filter 114, the ion exchange resin 118, etc.

[0087] The recommended maintenance time tq at which the object 210 reaches a predetermined recommended maintenance state Sn is defined as the first recommended maintenance time tq1. The prediction unit 10 may predict the first recommended maintenance time tq1 at which the object 210 reaches the recommended maintenance state Sn as the recommended maintenance time tq. The first recommended maintenance time tq1 may be the end of the life span of the object 210 according to the specifications. When the first recommended maintenance time tq1 is the end of the life span of the object 210 according to the specifications, the end of the life span of the object 210 according to the specifications may be input by the input unit 22 (see FIG. 5).

[0088] The prediction unit 10 (see FIG. 5) may predict a second recommended maintenance time, at which the object 210 will enter a recommended maintenance state Sn, as the recommended maintenance time tq based on the state S of the object 210 (see FIG. 5) acquired by the state acquisition unit 16 (see FIG. 5). The recommended maintenance time tq predicted based on the state S is set as the second recommended maintenance time tq2. FIG. 7 is an example of the second recommended maintenance time tq2 predicted at the current time tp. The first maintenance time tq1 and the second maintenance time tq2 may be different.

[0089] The status acquisition unit 16 (see FIG. 5) may acquire the current efficiency CE (described below) of the electrolytic cell 90. The prediction unit 10 (see FIG. 5) may predict the second recommended maintenance timing tq2 based on the current efficiency CE. If the hourly production amount of the product produced by the electrolytic cell 90 is the production amount Pa' [T / h], the daily production amount Pa is the production amount M [kg / kmol], the molecular weight of the product is the molecular weight M [kg / kmol], the current flowing through the electrolytic cell 90 is the current I [kA], and the number of cells in the electrolytic cell 90 is the number of cells N, then it is preferable that the daily production amount Pa' satisfies the following formula 1:

number

[0090] The prediction unit 10 may predict the time when the inequality in Formula 1 is no longer satisfied. The second recommended maintenance time tq2 may be the time when the inequality in Formula 1 is no longer satisfied.

[0091] The status acquisition unit 16 (see FIG. 5) may acquire the voltage CV (described below) of the electrolytic cell 90. The prediction unit 10 (see FIG. 5) may predict a second recommended maintenance timing tq2 based on the voltage CV. If the state of the coating of the metal or the like coated on the surfaces of the anode 80 and the cathode 82 (see FIG. 3) deteriorates, the voltage CV (described below) may rise. Based on the voltage CV, the prediction unit 10 (see FIG. 5) may predict the time when the amount of coating on the anode 80 and the cathode 82 (see FIG. 3) will reach a predetermined ratio of the amount of coating at the start of use of the anode 80 and the cathode 82 (see FIG. 3). This ratio is, for example, 30%.

[0092] The status acquisition unit 16 (see FIG. 5) may acquire the impurity concentration in the product produced by the electrolytic bath 90 based on the status S. If the product is NaOH (sodium hydroxide), the impurity is at least one of NaCl (sodium chloride) and NaClO3 (sodium chlorate). If the product is Cl2 (chlorine), the impurity is O2 (oxygen). The prediction unit 10 (see FIG. 5) may predict a second recommended maintenance time tq2 based on the impurity concentration in the product produced by the electrolytic bath 90. The second recommended maintenance time tq2 may be the time when the impurity concentration becomes equal to or exceeds a predetermined concentration.

[0093] The state acquisition unit 16 (see FIG. 5) may acquire the impurity concentration of the gas 78 (see FIG. 3) based on the state S. When the gas 78 is H2 (hydrogen), the impurity is Cl2 (chlorine). The prediction unit 10 (see FIG. 5) may predict a second recommended maintenance time tq2 based on the impurity concentration of the gas 78 (see FIG. 3). The second recommended maintenance time tq2 may be the time when the impurity concentration reaches or exceeds a predetermined concentration. When the gas 78 is H2 (hydrogen) and the impurity is Cl2 (chlorine), the concentration may be a predetermined concentration relative to the explosion limit concentration at which an explosion due to excessive Cl2 (chlorine) may occur. The concentration is, for example, 0.3%.

[0094] The status acquisition unit 16 (see FIG. 5) may acquire at least one of the temperature of the liquid 74 and the temperature of the fourth aqueous solution 76 measured by a temperature sensor 135 (described below). The prediction unit 10 (see FIG. 5) may predict a second recommended maintenance time tq2 based on the temperature of the liquid 74 or the temperature of the fourth aqueous solution 76. The second recommended maintenance time tq2 may be the time when the temperature of the liquid 74 or the temperature of the fourth aqueous solution 76 becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined first temperature, or the time when the temperature of the liquid 74 or the temperature of the fourth aqueous solution 76 becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined second temperature. The first temperature is, for example, 80°C. The second temperature is, for example, 87°C.

[0095] The status acquisition unit 16 (see FIG. 5) may acquire at least one of a first pH (described below) and a second pH (described below) measured by a pH sensor 136 (described below). The prediction unit 10 (see FIG. 5) may predict a second recommended maintenance time tq2 based on the first pH or the second pH. The second recommended maintenance time tq2 may be the time when at least one of the hydrogen ion concentration of the first aqueous solution 70 and the hydrogen ion concentration of the second aqueous solution 72 reaches 0.15 N (nominal) or higher.

[0096] The status acquisition unit 16 (see FIG. 5) may continuously acquire the status S of the object 210 (see FIG. 5) from the current time tp to the second recommended maintenance time tq2. The prediction unit 10 (see FIG. 5) may continuously predict the second recommended maintenance time tq2. The second recommended maintenance time tq2 may be updated over time.

[0097] The status acquisition unit 16 (see FIG. 5) may acquire the status S of the object 210 (see FIG. 5) regardless of whether the electrolysis device 200 is in operation or the maintenance time tr. The prediction unit 10 (see FIG. 5) may predict the second recommended maintenance time tq2 regardless of whether the electrolysis device 200 is in operation or the maintenance time tr. The status acquisition unit 16 may acquire the status S of the object 210 at the first maintenance time tm1. The prediction unit 10 may predict the second recommended maintenance time tq2 based on the status S of the object 210 measured at the first maintenance time tm1.

[0098] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing another example of the maintenance timing and recommended maintenance timing of the electrolysis device 200. FIG. 8 shows an example of a case where the determination unit 12 (see FIG. 5) determines that the first recommended maintenance timing tq1 is after the first maintenance timing tm1 and before the second maintenance timing tm2. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the status acquisition unit 16 (see FIG. 5) may measure the status S of the target object 210 (see FIG. 5) at the first maintenance timing tm1. The prediction unit 10 (see FIG. 5) may predict the second recommended maintenance timing tq2 at the first maintenance timing tm1.

[0099] As described above, the first maintenance time tq1 is the recommended maintenance time tq when the object 210 (see FIG. 5) reaches the predetermined maintenance recommended state Sn. If the first recommended maintenance time tq1 is after the first maintenance time tm1 and before the second maintenance time tm2, there is a high probability that the time when the object 210 will reach the predetermined maintenance recommended state Sn is approaching. Therefore, by having the prediction unit 10 (see FIG. 5) predict the second recommended maintenance time tq2 at the first maintenance time tm1, the user of the driving assistance device 100 can recognize the recommended maintenance time tq (i.e., the second recommended maintenance time tq2) for the object 210 based on the state S at the first maintenance time tm1. This makes it easier for the user of the driving assistance device 100 to determine whether to replace the object 210 at the first maintenance time tm1.

[0100] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing another example of the maintenance timing and recommended maintenance timing of the electrolysis device 200. FIG. 9 shows an example of a case where the determination unit 12 (see FIG. 5) determines that the first recommended maintenance timing tq1 is later than the second maintenance timing tm2, and determines that the second recommended maintenance timing tq2 is later than the first maintenance timing tm1 and earlier than the second maintenance timing tm2. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the providing unit 14 (see FIG. 5) may provide information recommending that maintenance of the target object 210 (see FIG. 5) be performed at the first maintenance timing tm1. The providing unit 14 may provide the information at the current time tp.

[0101] 9 is a case where the object 210 (see FIG. 5) is likely to enter the maintenance recommended state Sn earlier than the predetermined recommended maintenance time tq (i.e., first recommended maintenance time tq1) at which the object 210 enters the maintenance recommended state Sn. Therefore, by the providing unit 14 (see FIG. 5) providing information recommending that maintenance of the object 210 be performed at the first maintenance time tm1, the user of the driving assistance device 100 is more likely to perform maintenance on the object 210 at the first maintenance time tm1.

[0102] As described above, the object 210 may include multiple types of parts, components, etc. included in the electrolysis device 200. In the examples shown in Figures 8, 9, and 10, the prediction unit 10 may predict a first recommended maintenance time tq1 and a second recommended maintenance time tq2 for the same object 210 (e.g., ion exchange membrane 84).

[0103] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the maintenance timing and recommended maintenance timing of the electrolysis device 200. Fig. 10 shows an example of a case where the determination unit 12 (see Fig. 5) determines that the first recommended maintenance timing tq1 and the second recommended maintenance timing tq2 are later than the second maintenance timing tm2.

[0104] As described above, the filter 114 and the resin tower 116 (see FIG. 1) remove the impurity Im. When an equivalent amount of the chemical 111 equal to the equivalent amount of the alkaline earth metal contained in the raw salt 110 is introduced into the settling tank 112, the alkaline earth metal contained in the raw salt 110 is likely to become carbonate. When the detection unit 99 detects the detection target Db in the first aqueous solution 70 (see FIG. 3), the impurity Im is likely to be introduced into the electrolytic tank 90 after passing through the filter 114 and the resin tower 116. In other words, the equivalent amount of the chemical 111 is likely to be less than the equivalent amount of the alkaline earth metal contained in the raw salt 110. Introducing the chemical 111 into the first aqueous solution 70 increases the likelihood that an amount of the chemical 111 equal to or greater than the equivalent amount of the alkaline earth metal contained in the raw salt 110 will be introduced into the settling tank 112.

[0105] The pressure of the first aqueous solution 70 before passing through the filter 114 (see FIG. 1), measured by the first pressure sensor 122 (see FIG. 1), is defined as a first pressure P1, and the pressure of the first aqueous solution 70 after passing through the filter 114 is defined as a second pressure P2. The determination unit 12 (see FIG. 5) may determine whether the difference between the first pressure P1 and the second pressure P2 exceeds a predetermined threshold difference.

[0106] As described above, the filter 114 (see FIG. 1) removes carbonates of alkaline earth metals, which are poorly water-soluble. Therefore, if the carbonates accumulate in the filter 114, the performance of the filter 114 to remove the carbonates is likely to decrease. The more the carbonates accumulate in the filter 114, the more likely the second pressure P2 is to become smaller than the first pressure P1. The predetermined threshold difference may be a difference at which the performance of the filter 114 to remove the carbonates is equal to or greater than a predetermined performance.

[0107] When the determination unit 12 (see FIG. 5) determines that the difference between the first pressure P1 and the second pressure P2 exceeds a predetermined threshold difference, the provision unit 14 (see FIG. 5) may provide information recommending updating the filter 114. Updating the filter 114 may refer to removing impurities Im accumulated in the filter 114, or may refer to replacing the filter 114. This makes it easier for the user of the driving assistance device 100 to update the filter 114 at an appropriate time. The filter 114 may be updated at a maintenance timing tr.

[0108] The ion exchange resin 118 (see FIG. 1 ) may be regenerated. As described above, the ion exchange resin 118 removes alkaline earth metal ions. Therefore, when alkaline earth metal ions adhere to the anionic groups 86 of the ion exchange resin 118, the performance of the ion exchange resin 118 in removing alkaline earth metal ions is likely to decrease. Regenerating the ion exchange resin 118 may refer to removing the alkaline earth metal ions attached to the anionic groups 86.

[0109] When the ion exchange resin 118 is provided in the resin tower 116, the ion exchange resin 118 may be backwashed by flowing pure water through the resin tower 116 in a direction opposite to the direction in which the first aqueous solution 70 flows. The flow rate sensor 119 (see FIG. 1) measures the flow rate of the pure water. The determination unit 12 (see FIG. 5) may calculate the backwash rate of the ion exchange resin 118 based on the flow rate of the pure water measured by the flow rate sensor 119.

[0110] The determination unit 12 (see FIG. 5) may determine whether the backwashing rate of the ion exchange resin 118 exceeds a predetermined backwashing rate threshold. The more suspended solids or organic matter accumulates in the ion exchange resin 118, the more likely the backwashing rate of the ion exchange resin 118 becomes high. The predetermined backwashing rate threshold may be a backwashing rate at which the performance of the ion exchange resin 118 to remove impurities Im is equal to or higher than a predetermined performance.

[0111] When it is determined that the backwashing rate of the ion exchange resin 118 exceeds a predetermined backwashing rate threshold, the providing unit 14 (see FIG. 5 ) may provide information recommending updating the ion exchange resin 118. Updating the ion exchange resin 118 may refer to removing alkaline earth metal impurities Im accumulated in the ion exchange resin 118 by flowing pure water through the ion exchange resin 118, or may refer to replacing the ion exchange resin 118. This makes it easier for the user of the driving assistance device 100 to update the ion exchange resin 118 at an appropriate time. The ion exchange resin 118 may be updated at a maintenance timing tr.

[0112] When the ion exchange resin 118 is provided in the resin tower 116, the ion exchange resin 118 may be regenerated by introducing a chemical solution such as HCl (hydrochloric acid) or NaOH (sodium hydroxide) into the resin tower 116. The determination unit 12 may determine the amount of the chemical solution introduced. When the determination unit 12 determines that the amount of the chemical solution introduced exceeds a threshold, the providing unit 14 may provide information that the amount of the chemical solution introduced is abnormal.

[0113] The image sensor 120 may be provided in a resin window in the resin tower 116. The image sensor 120 (see FIG. 1) measures the resin height in the resin tower. The determination unit 12 may determine the resin height based on the resin height measured by the image sensor 120. When the determination unit 12 determines that the resin height exceeds a predetermined resin height threshold, the providing unit 14 may provide information recommending regeneration of the ion exchange resin 118. Regeneration of the ion exchange resin 118 may include adding or replacing the ion exchange resin 118. When the determination unit 12 determines that the regeneration frequency of the ion exchange resin 118 is shorter than a predetermined period, the providing unit 14 may provide information recommending replacement of the ion exchange resin 118.

[0114] The status acquisition unit 16 may acquire the regeneration cycle of the ion exchange resin 118. When the determination unit 12 determines that the regeneration cycle exceeds a predetermined regeneration cycle threshold, the provision unit 14 may provide information recommending replacement of the ion exchange resin 118.

[0115] The pressure sensor 123 measures the pressure of the first aqueous solution 70 introduced into the resin tower 116 and the pressure of the first aqueous solution 70 discharged from the resin tower 116. The determination unit 12 may determine whether the difference between the pressure of the first aqueous solution 70 introduced into the resin tower 116 and the pressure of the first aqueous solution 70 discharged from the resin tower 116, measured by the pressure sensor 123, exceeds a predetermined pressure threshold. When the determination unit 12 determines that the difference exceeds the pressure threshold, the provision unit 14 may provide information recommending replacement of the ion exchange resin 118.

[0116] The determination unit 12 (see FIG. 5) determines the SO4 2- It may be determined whether the concentration of (sulfate ions) exceeds a predetermined sulfate ion concentration threshold. 2- When the first aqueous solution 70 containing SO4 (sulfate ions) is introduced into the anode chamber 79 (see FIG. 3), the HO (water) is oxidized in the electrolytic cell 90, which makes it easier for O2 (oxygen) to be generated. 2- The concentration of (sulfate ions) is preferably equal to or less than a predetermined sulfate ion concentration threshold.

[0117] The impurity sensor 117 (see FIG. 1) measures the concentration of alkaline earth metal ions. A removal device for removing impurities Im may be provided outside the resin tower 116. When the concentration of impurities Im measured by the impurity sensor 117 exceeds a predetermined concentration threshold, the impurities Im may be removed by the removal device.

[0118] The status acquisition unit 16 (see FIG. 5) may acquire at least one of the flow rate of the first aqueous solution 70 (see FIG. 2) and the flow rate of the second aqueous solution 72 (see FIG. 2) measured by the flow rate sensor 130 (see FIG. 2). The flow rate of the first aqueous solution 70 is defined as flow rate F1. The flow rate of the second aqueous solution 72 is defined as flow rate F2. The status acquisition unit 16 may acquire the flow rate F1 and the flow rate F2 while the electrolysis device 200 is operating.

[0119] The determination unit 12 (see FIG. 5) may determine whether the flow rate F1 or the flow rate F2 is within a predetermined flow rate range. This flow rate range is referred to as the flow rate range Fr. If the flow rate F1 is not within the flow rate range Fr, salt is likely to precipitate in the electrolytic bath 90. If the flow rate F1 is not within the flow rate range Fr, water electrolysis is likely to occur in the electrolytic bath 90. The flow rate range Fr may include the upper and lower limit flow rates of the flow rate range Fr.

[0120] When the determination unit 12 determines that the flow rate F1 or the flow rate F2 is not within the flow rate range Fr, the provision unit 14 (see FIG. 5) may provide information recommending maintenance of the object 210 (see FIG. 5). As described above, the object 210 refers to a part, member, etc. included in the electrolysis device 200 that is preferably maintained periodically. This makes it easier for the user of the driving assistance device 100 to perform maintenance on the object 210 at the maintenance timing tr.

[0121] If it is determined that the flow rate F1 or the flow rate F2 is not within the flow rate range Fr, the determination unit 12 (see FIG. 5) may determine whether the flow rate F1 and the flow rate F2 can be controlled to the flow rate range Fr by controlling the first switching unit 66 and the first switching unit 67 (see FIG. 2). If the determination unit 12 determines that the flow rate F1 and the flow rate F2 cannot be controlled to the flow rate range Fr, the provision unit 14 (see FIG. 5) may provide information recommending repair or replacement of the first inlet pipe 92, the second inlet pipe 93, the first switching unit 66, and the first switching unit 67. This makes it easier for the user of the driving assistance device 100 to repair or replace the first inlet pipe 92, the second inlet pipe 93, the first switching unit 66, and the first switching unit 67 at the maintenance timing tr. If the determination unit 12 determines that the flow rates F1 and F2 can be controlled within the flow rate range Fr, the user of the driving assistance device 100 may manually control the first switching unit 66 and the first switching unit 67 (see Figure 2) at the maintenance time tr.

[0122] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of the maintenance timing and recommended maintenance timing of the electrolysis device 200. FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a case where the determination unit 12 (see FIG. 5) determines that the first recommended maintenance timing tq1 is later than the second maintenance timing tm2, and that the second recommended maintenance timing tq2 is earlier than the first maintenance timing tm1. When the determination unit 12 determines that the first recommended maintenance timing tq1 is later than the second maintenance timing tm2, and that the second recommended maintenance timing tq2 is earlier than the first maintenance timing tm1, the control unit 20 may delay the second recommended maintenance timing tq2 to the first maintenance timing tm1. The control unit 20 may delay the second recommended maintenance timing tq2 to the first maintenance timing tm1 by controlling the first switching unit 66 and the first switching unit 67.

[0123] The status acquisition unit 16 may acquire the status of the object 210 at the first maintenance time tm1. The status acquisition unit 16 may postpone acquiring the status of the object 210 until the first maintenance time tm1. The status acquisition unit 16 may postpone acquiring the status of the object 210 until the first maintenance time tm1 by changing at least one of the current efficiency CE (described later), the voltage CV (described later), the flow rate F1, the flow rate F2, the temperature T1 (described later), the temperature T2 (described later), the pressure Pr1 (described later), and the pressure Pr2 (described later).

[0124] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing another example of an electrolysis apparatus 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The electrolysis apparatus 200 of this example is provided with a temperature sensor 134, a temperature sensor 135, a pH sensor 136, a third inlet pipe 97, a fourth inlet pipe 102, a second switching unit 68, a third switching unit 69, and a heat exchanger 96. The electrolysis apparatus 200 of this example differs from the electrolysis apparatus 200 shown in FIG. 2 in this respect. A third aqueous solution 81, which is an acidic aqueous solution, passes through the third inlet pipe 97. The third aqueous solution 81 is, for example, HCl (hydrochloric acid). The second switching unit 68 is provided in the third inlet pipe 97. In this example, HCl (hydrochloric acid) is introduced into the first inlet pipe 92 through the third inlet pipe 97.

[0125] The fourth introduction pipe 102 is connected to the heat exchanger 96 and the second introduction pipe 93. The fourth aqueous solution 76 passes through the fourth introduction pipe 102. The heat exchanger 96 cools the fourth aqueous solution 76. The cooled fourth aqueous solution 76 is introduced into the second introduction pipe 93.

[0126] The temperature sensor 134 measures at least one of the temperatures of the first aqueous solution 70 and the second aqueous solution 72. In this example, the temperature sensor 134 measures at least one of the temperatures of the first aqueous solution 70 passing through the first inlet pipe 92 and the second aqueous solution 72 passing through the second inlet pipe 93. The temperature sensor 134 may be provided in the first inlet pipe 92 and the second inlet pipe 93. The temperature of the first aqueous solution 70 is defined as temperature T1. The temperature of the second aqueous solution 72 is defined as temperature T2.

[0127] The temperature sensor 135 measures at least one of the temperature of the liquid 74 and the temperature of the fourth aqueous solution 76. In this example, the temperature sensor 135 measures at least one of the temperature of the liquid 74 passing through the first outlet pipe 94 and the temperature of the fourth aqueous solution 76 passing through the second outlet pipe 95. The temperature sensor 135 may be provided in the first outlet pipe 94 and the second outlet pipe 95.

[0128] The status acquisition unit 16 (see FIG. 5) may acquire at least one of the temperatures T1 and T2 measured by the temperature sensor 134. The status acquisition unit 16 may acquire the temperatures T1 and T2 while the electrolysis device 200 is operating. The determination unit 12 (see FIG. 5) may determine whether the temperature T1 or the temperature T2 exceeds a predetermined temperature threshold. The temperature threshold is defined as a threshold Tth. The threshold Tth may be the upper limit of the temperatures T1 and T2 when the electrolysis device 200 is operating normally.

[0129] When the determination unit 12 determines that the temperature T1 or the temperature T2 exceeds the threshold value Tth, the provision unit 14 (see FIG. 5) may provide information recommending maintenance of the object 210 (see FIG. 5). As described above, the object 210 refers to a part, member, etc. included in the electrolysis device 200 that is preferably maintained periodically. This makes it easier for the user of the driving assistance device 100 to perform maintenance on the object 210 at the maintenance time tr.

[0130] When the determination unit 12 determines that the temperature T1 or the temperature T2 exceeds the threshold value Tth, the determination unit 12 may determine whether it is possible to control the temperature T1 and the temperature T2 to be equal to or lower than the threshold value Tth by controlling the third switching unit 69. When the determination unit 12 determines that the temperature T1 and the temperature T2 cannot be controlled to be equal to or lower than the threshold value Tth, the provision unit 14 (see FIG. 5) may provide information recommending repair or replacement of the fourth inlet pipe 102 and the third switching unit 69. This makes it easier for the user of the driving assistance device 100 to repair or replace the fourth inlet pipe 102 and the third switching unit 69 at the maintenance time tr.

[0131] The pH sensor 136 measures at least one of the pH of the first aqueous solution 70 and the pH of the second aqueous solution 72. In this example, the pH sensor 136 measures at least one of the pH of the first aqueous solution 70 passing through the first inlet pipe 92 and the pH of the second aqueous solution 72 passing through the second inlet pipe 93. The pH sensor 136 may be provided in the first inlet pipe 92 and the second inlet pipe 93. The pH of the first aqueous solution 70 is referred to as a first pH. The pH of the second aqueous solution 72 is referred to as a second pH.

[0132] The status acquisition unit 16 (see FIG. 5) may acquire at least one of the first pH and the second pH measured by the pH sensor 136. The status acquisition unit 16 may acquire the first pH and the second pH while the electrolysis device 200 is operating. The determination unit 12 (see FIG. 5) may determine whether the first pH is less than a predetermined first pH threshold or whether the second pH exceeds a predetermined second pH threshold. The first pH threshold is defined as a threshold Pth1. The second pH threshold is defined as a threshold Pth2. The thresholds Pth1 and Pth2 may be the lower limit of the first pH and the upper limit of the second pH, respectively, when the electrolysis device 200 is operating normally. When the determination unit 12 determines that the first pH measured by the pH sensor 136 is less than the threshold Pth1 or that the second pH exceeds the threshold Pth2, the provision unit 14 (see FIG. 5) may provide information recommending maintenance of the target object 210 (see FIG. 5).

[0133] When the determination unit 12 determines that the first pH is less than the threshold value Pth1 or that the second pH is greater than the threshold value Pth2, the determination unit 12 may control the second switching unit 68 (see FIG. 2) to determine whether the first pH can be controlled to equal to or greater than the threshold value Pth1 and whether the second pH can be controlled to equal to or less than the threshold value Pth2, respectively. When the determination unit 12 determines that the first pH cannot be controlled to equal to or greater than the threshold value Pth1 and that the second pH cannot be controlled to equal to or less than the threshold value Pth2, the provision unit 14 (see FIG. 5) may provide information recommending repair or replacement of the third inlet pipe 97 and the second switching unit 68. This makes it easier for the user of the driving assistance device 100 to repair or replace the third inlet pipe 97 and the second switching unit 68 at the maintenance time tr.

[0134] The second pressure sensor 132 measures at least one of the pressure of chlorine gas (Cl2) in the anode chamber 79 (see FIG. 3) and the pressure of hydrogen gas (H2) in the cathode chamber 98 (see FIG. 3). The pressure of chlorine gas (Cl2) is referred to as pressure Pr1. The pressure of hydrogen gas (H2) is referred to as pressure Pr2.

[0135] The status acquisition unit 16 (see FIG. 5) may acquire at least one of the pressure Pr1 and the pressure Pr2 measured by the second pressure sensor 132. The status acquisition unit 16 may acquire the pressure Pr1 and the pressure Pr2 while the electrolysis device 200 is operating. The determination unit 12 (see FIG. 5) may determine whether the pressure Pr1 or the pressure Pr2 exceeds a predetermined pressure threshold. The pressure threshold is defined as a threshold Prth. The threshold Prth may be the upper limit of the pressure P1 and the pressure P2 when the electrolysis device 200 is operating normally. When the determination unit 12 determines that the pressure P1 or the pressure P2 exceeds the threshold Prth, the provision unit 14 (see FIG. 5) may provide information recommending maintenance of the target object 210 (see FIG. 5).

[0136] When the determination unit 12 determines that the pressure P1 or the pressure P2 exceeds the threshold value Prth, the determination unit 12 may determine whether the pressure Pr1 and the pressure Pr2 can be controlled to be equal to or lower than the threshold value Prth by controlling the first switching unit 66 and the first switching unit 67 (see FIG. 2). When the determination unit 12 determines that the pressure Pr1 and the pressure Pr2 cannot be controlled to be equal to or lower than the threshold value Prth, the provision unit 14 (see FIG. 5) may provide information recommending maintenance of the anode chamber 79 (see FIG. 3) and the cathode chamber 98 (see FIG. 3). This makes it easier for the user of the driving assistance device 100 to perform maintenance of the anode chamber 79 (see FIG. 3) and the cathode chamber 98 (see FIG. 3) at the maintenance timing tr.

[0137] The status acquisition unit 16 (see FIG. 5 ) may acquire the current efficiency of the electrolytic bath 90. The current efficiency of the electrolytic bath 90 is referred to as the current efficiency CE. The current efficiency CE refers to the ratio of the actual production amount of a product produced by the electrolytic bath 90 to the theoretical production amount. The status acquisition unit 16 may acquire the current efficiency CE while the electrolytic device 200 is in operation.

[0138] The prediction unit 10 (see FIG. 5) may predict the current efficiency CE at the second maintenance period tm2 (see FIGS. 6 to 11) based on the current efficiency CE acquired by the status acquisition unit 16 (see FIG. 5). The prediction unit 10 may predict the current efficiency CE at the second maintenance period tm2 at time tp (see FIGS. 6 to 11) based on the current efficiency CE acquired by the status acquisition unit 16. If the ion exchange performance of the ion exchange membrane 84 deteriorates, the current efficiency CE may decrease.

[0139] The determination unit 12 (see FIG. 5 ) may determine whether the current efficiency CE predicted by the prediction unit 10 will be less than a predetermined current efficiency at the second maintenance time tm2. This current efficiency threshold is referred to as a threshold CEth. The threshold CEth may be the lower limit of the current efficiency CE at which the electrolysis device 200 can operate normally, or may be the current efficiency CE at which the target production amount of the product produced by the electrolytic cell 90 is achieved.

[0140] When the determination unit 12 (see FIG. 5) determines that the current efficiency CE will become less than the threshold value CEth at the second maintenance time tm2, the provision unit 14 (see FIG. 5) may provide information recommending that the ion exchange membrane 84 (see FIG. 3) be updated at the first maintenance time tm1 (see FIGS. 6 to 11). This makes it easier for the user of the driving assistance device 100 to update the ion exchange membrane 84 before the current efficiency CE becomes less than the threshold value CEth.

[0141] Renewal of the ion exchange membrane 84 may refer to removing impurities accumulated in the ion exchange membrane 84, or may refer to replacing the ion exchange membrane 84. Impurities Im introduced into the anode chamber 79 or the cathode chamber 98 may accumulate in the ion exchange membrane 84.

[0142] The status acquisition unit 16 (see FIG. 5) may acquire the voltage of the electrolytic bath 90. The voltage of the electrolytic bath 90 is referred to as the voltage CV. The status acquisition unit 16 may acquire the voltage CV while the electrolysis device 200 is in operation. The prediction unit 10 (see FIG. 5) may predict the voltage CV at the second maintenance period tm2 (see FIGS. 6 to 11) based on the voltage CV acquired by the status acquisition unit 16. The prediction unit 10 (see FIG. 5) may predict the voltage CV at the second maintenance period tm2 (see FIGS. 6 to 11) at time tp (see FIGS. 6 to 11) based on the voltage CV acquired by the status acquisition unit 16. If the ion exchange performance of the ion exchange membrane 84 (see FIG. 3) deteriorates, the voltage CV may increase. If the state of a coating such as a metal coated on the surfaces of the anode 80 and the cathode 82 (see FIG. 3) deteriorates, the voltage CV may increase.

[0143] The determination unit 12 (see FIG. 5) may determine whether the voltage CV predicted by the prediction unit 10 exceeds a predetermined voltage threshold at the second maintenance time tm2. This voltage threshold is referred to as a threshold CVth. The threshold CVth may be the upper limit of the voltage CV at which the electrolysis device 200 can operate normally.

[0144] When the determination unit 12 (see FIG. 5) determines that the voltage CV will exceed the threshold value CVth at the second maintenance time tm2, the provision unit 14 (see FIG. 5) may provide information recommending that at least one of the ion exchange membrane 84 (see FIG. 3), the anode 80, and the cathode 82 (see FIG. 3) be updated at the first maintenance time tm1 (see FIGS. 6 to 11). This makes it easier for the user of the driving assistance device 100 to update at least one of the ion exchange membrane 84, the anode 80, and the cathode 82 before the voltage CV exceeds the threshold value CVth.

[0145] A user of the driving assistance device 100 may manually update at least one of the ion exchange membrane 84 (see FIG. 3), the anode 80, and the cathode 82 (see FIG. 3) at the first maintenance time tm1 (see FIGS. 6 to 11). The user may measure the amount of coating of metal or the like coated on the surfaces of the anode 80 and the cathode 82. The user may input the amount of coating into the driving assistance device 100 via the input unit 22 (see FIG. 5).

[0146] The surfaces of the anode 80 and the cathode 82 are coated with a metal such as Ru. The threshold value of the coating amount of this metal is set to threshold value Ath. If the coating amount falls below threshold value Ath, there is a high probability that electrolysis in the electrolytic cell 90 (see FIG. 3) will not operate normally. Threshold value Ath may be a specification value for the anode 80 and the cathode 82.

[0147] If the coating amounts of the anode 80 and the cathode 82 are less than the threshold value Ath at the first maintenance time tm1 (see FIGS. 6 to 11), the providing unit 14 (see FIG. 5) may provide information recommending the renewal of at least one of the anode 80 and the cathode 82 (see FIG. 3) at the second maintenance time tm2 (see FIGS. 6 to 11). If the coating amounts of the anode 80 and the cathode 82 are equal to or greater than the threshold value Ath at the first maintenance time tm1 (see FIGS. 6 to 11), the providing unit 14 (see FIG. 5) may provide information recommending the renewal of the ion exchange membrane 84 (see FIG. 3) at the second maintenance time tm2 (see FIGS. 6 to 11).

[0148] Fig. 13 is a diagram showing another example of a block diagram of a driving assistance device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The driving assistance device 100 of this example differs from the driving assistance device shown in Fig. 5 in that it further includes a storage unit 18, a first generation amount learning unit 25, a second generation amount learning unit 26, a third generation amount learning unit 27, and a fourth generation amount learning unit 28. CO2 (carbon dioxide) may be generated as the electrolysis device 200 operates. CO2 (carbon dioxide) generated as the electrolysis device 200 operates refers to, for example, CO2 (carbon dioxide) generated as a result of the electrolysis device 200 consuming electricity.

[0149] The storage unit 18 may store a relationship between the current efficiency CE and the amount of CO2 (carbon dioxide) generated in conjunction with operation of the electrolysis device 200. The amount of CO2 (carbon dioxide) may refer to the volume of CO2 (carbon dioxide) generated per unit time by the electrolysis device 200. The storage unit 18 may store a relationship between the voltage CV and the amount of CO2 (carbon dioxide) generated in conjunction with operation of the electrolysis device 200.

[0150] The determination unit 12 may calculate the amount of CO2 (carbon dioxide) generated in conjunction with the operation of the electrolysis device 200, based on the current efficiency CE acquired by the state acquisition unit 16 and the relationship between the current efficiency CE and the amount of CO2 (carbon dioxide). The determination unit 12 may calculate the amount of CO2 (carbon dioxide) generated in conjunction with the operation of the electrolysis device 200, based on the voltage CV acquired by the state acquisition unit 16 and the relationship between the voltage CV and the amount of CO2 (carbon dioxide) generated in conjunction with the operation of the electrolysis device 200. The provision unit 14 may provide the amount of CO2 (carbon dioxide) calculated by the determination unit 12. This allows the user of the driving assistance device 100 to recognize the amount of CO2 (carbon dioxide) generated by the electrolysis device 200.

[0151] The memory unit 18 may store the relationship between the type of raw salt 110 (see FIG. 1) and the amount of CO2 (carbon dioxide) generated by the electrolysis device 200. The type of raw salt 110 may refer to the type of elements constituting the raw salt 110, or may refer to the place of origin of the raw salt 110. The status acquisition unit 16 may acquire the type of raw salt 110. The status acquisition unit 16 may acquire the type of raw salt 110 while the electrolysis device 200 is operating.

[0152] The determination unit 12 may calculate the amount of CO2 (carbon dioxide) generated in association with the operation of the electrolysis device 200, based on the type of raw salt 110 (see FIG. 1 ) acquired by the state acquisition unit 16 and the relationship between the type of raw salt 110 and the amount of CO2 (carbon dioxide) generated in association with the operation of the electrolysis device 200. The provision unit 14 may provide the amount of CO2 (carbon dioxide) calculated by the determination unit 12. This allows the user of the driving assistance device 100 to recognize the amount of CO2 (carbon dioxide) generated by the electrolysis device 200.

[0153] The memory unit 18 may store the relationship between the amount of the chemical 111 (see FIG. 1) introduced into the first aqueous solution 70 (see FIG. 1) and the amount of CO2 (carbon dioxide) generated by the electrolysis device 200. The state acquisition unit 16 may acquire the amount of the chemical 111 introduced. The amount of the chemical 111 introduced may be the mass or volume of the chemical 111 introduced into the first aqueous solution 70 per unit time.

[0154] The determination unit 12 may calculate the amount of CO2 (carbon dioxide) generated by the electrolysis device 200 based on the amount of introduced agent 111 (see FIG. 1 ) acquired by the state acquisition unit 16 and the relationship between the amount of introduced agent 111 and the amount of CO2 (carbon dioxide) generated by operation of the electrolysis device 200. The provision unit 14 may provide the amount of CO2 (carbon dioxide) calculated by the determination unit 12. This allows the user of the driving assistance device 100 to recognize the amount of CO2 (carbon dioxide) generated by the electrolysis device 200.

[0155] Similarly, the memory unit 18 may store the relationship between the amount of CO2 (carbon dioxide) and each of the operating status of the electrolysis device 200 and the manufacturing method of the brine treatment equipment. The brine treatment equipment may include a filter 114 and a resin tower 116. The status acquisition unit 16 may acquire the operating status of the electrolysis device 200 and the manufacturing method of the brine treatment equipment. The determination unit 12 may calculate the amount of CO2 (carbon dioxide) generated by the electrolysis device 200 based on the relationship between the amount of CO2 (carbon dioxide) and each of the operating status of the electrolysis device 200 and the manufacturing method of the brine treatment equipment acquired by the status acquisition unit 16. The providing unit 14 may provide the amount of CO2 (carbon dioxide) calculated by the determining unit 12.

[0156] The memory unit 18 may store the relationship between the amount of CO2 (carbon dioxide) and each of the states of the pure water for regenerating or backwashing the resin tower 116, the pure water for adjusting the concentration of the caustic product, the pure water for diluting the third aqueous solution 81, and the pure water that serves as seal water for the pump. The status acquisition unit 16 may acquire the status of each of the pure water for regenerating or backwashing the resin tower 116, the pure water for adjusting the concentration of the caustic product, the pure water for diluting the third aqueous solution 81, and the pure water that serves as seal water for the pump. The determination unit 12 may calculate the amount of CO2 (carbon dioxide) generated by the electrolysis device 200 based on the relationship between the amount of CO2 (carbon dioxide) and each of the states acquired by the status acquisition unit 16. The providing unit 14 may provide the amount of CO2 (carbon dioxide) calculated by the determining unit 12.

[0157] The memory unit 18 may store a relationship between the amount of CO2 (carbon dioxide) and the steam used to increase the temperature in the heat exchanger 96. The status acquisition unit 16 may acquire the status of the steam. The determination unit 12 may calculate the amount of CO2 (carbon dioxide) generated by the electrolysis device 200 based on the relationship between the status of the steam acquired by the status acquisition unit 16 and the amount of CO2 (carbon dioxide). The providing unit 14 may provide the amount of CO2 (carbon dioxide) calculated by the determining unit 12.

[0158] When at least one of the first switching unit 66, the first switching unit 67, the second switching unit 68, and the third switching unit is an automatic valve, the memory unit 18 may store a relationship between the state of the instrumentation air for controlling the automatic valve and the amount of CO2 (carbon dioxide). The status acquisition unit 16 may acquire the state of the instrumentation air. The determination unit 12 may calculate the amount of CO2 (carbon dioxide) generated by the electrolysis device 200 based on the relationship between the state of the instrumentation air acquired by the status acquisition unit 16 and the amount of CO2 (carbon dioxide). The providing unit 14 may provide the amount of CO2 (carbon dioxide) calculated by the determining unit 12.

[0159] The memory unit 18 may store the relationship between the state of compressed air used in the electrolytic cell 90 to remove Cl2 (chlorine) components from brine and the amount of CO2 (carbon dioxide). The status acquisition unit 16 may acquire the state of the compressed air. The determination unit 12 may calculate the amount of CO2 (carbon dioxide) generated by the electrolysis device 200 based on the relationship between the state of the compressed air acquired by the status acquisition unit 16 and the amount of CO2 (carbon dioxide). The providing unit 14 may provide the amount of CO2 (carbon dioxide) calculated by the determining unit 12.

[0160] The first generation amount learning unit 25 generates a first generation amount inference model 140 (described later). The second generation amount learning unit 26 generates a second generation amount inference model 142 (described later). The third generation amount learning unit 27 generates a third generation amount inference model 143 (described later). The fourth generation amount learning unit 28 generates a fourth generation amount inference model 144 (described later).

[0161] 14 is a diagram showing an example of the first generation amount inference model 140. The first generation amount inference model 140 is a model that performs machine learning on the relationship between the current efficiency CE and voltage CV and the amount of CO2 (carbon dioxide) generated by the electrolysis device 200, and outputs a first inferred amount based on the current efficiency CE and voltage CV and the amount of CO2 (carbon dioxide) generated.

[0162] When the product produced by the electrolytic cell 90 is NaOH (sodium hydroxide), the amount of electricity PC required to produce a unit amount (for example, 1 ton) of NaOH (sodium hydroxide) is expressed by the following formula.

number

[0163] 15 is a diagram showing an example of the second generation amount inference model 142. The second generation amount inference model 142 is a model that outputs a second inferred amount based on the type of raw salt 110 (see FIG. 1) and the amount of CO2 (carbon dioxide) generated by the electrolysis device 200, by performing machine learning on the relationship between the type of raw salt 110 and the amount of CO2 (carbon dioxide).

[0164] 16 is a diagram showing an example of the third generation amount inference model 143. The third generation amount inference model 143 is a model that performs machine learning on the relationship between the amount of the introduced chemical 111 (see FIG. 1) and the amount of CO2 (carbon dioxide) generated by the electrolysis device 200, and outputs a third inferred amount based on the amount of the introduced chemical 111 and the amount of CO2 (carbon dioxide). The third generation amount inference model 143 may be a model that performs machine learning on the relationship between the operating status of the electrolysis device 200, the manufacturing method for the brine treatment equipment, and the amount of CO2 (carbon dioxide), and outputs a third inferred amount based on the operating status of the electrolysis device 200, the manufacturing method for the brine treatment equipment, and the amount of CO2 (carbon dioxide).

[0165] The third generation amount inference model 143 may be a model that outputs a third inferred amount based on the operation status of a removal device that removes impurities that may deteriorate the ion exchange performance of the ion exchange membrane and the amount of CO2 (carbon dioxide) generated by the electrolysis device 200, by machine learning the relationship between the operation status of the removal device and the amount of CO2 (carbon dioxide). The removal device may include a filter 114 (see FIG. 1) and a resin tower 116 (see FIG. 1). The removal device may include a desulfurization device that desulfurizes the first aqueous solution 70 and a decomposition tank that decomposes chlorate contained in the first aqueous solution 70.

[0166] 17 is a diagram showing an example of the fourth generation amount inference model 144. The fourth generation amount inference model 144 is a model that performs machine learning on the relationship between the period and scale of updating the electrolysis device 200 and the amount of CO2 (carbon dioxide) generated by the electrolysis device 200, and outputs a fourth inferred amount based on the period and scale of updating the electrolysis device 200 and the amount of CO2 (carbon dioxide). The updating of the electrolysis device 200 may include renovation and repair of the electrolysis device 200.

[0167] The providing unit 14 (see FIG. 13) may provide at least one of the first to fourth inferred quantities. This allows the user of the driving assistance device 100 to recognize a more accurate amount of CO2 (carbon dioxide) generated by the electrolysis device 200. The first to fourth generation amount inference models 140 to 144 may be stored in the storage unit 18 (see FIG. 13).

[0168] 18 is a first flowchart including an example of a driving assistance method according to an embodiment of the present invention. The driving assistance method according to an embodiment of the present invention is a driving assistance method in which a driving assistance device 100 (see FIG. 5) assists in the operation of an electrolysis device 200 (see FIG. 2). The driving assistance method includes a first prediction step S100 and a first providing step S104. The driving assistance method may include a first determination step S102.

[0169] The first prediction step S100 is a step in which the prediction unit 10 (see FIG. 5) predicts the recommended maintenance time tq (see FIG. 6) at which the target object 210 (see FIG. 5) in the electrolysis device 200 will be in the maintenance recommended state Sn. The first determination step S102 is a step in which the determination unit 12 (see FIG. 5) determines the chronological relationship between the first maintenance time tm1 (see FIG. 6) and the recommended maintenance time tq (see FIG. 6), and the chronological relationship between the second maintenance time tm2 (see FIG. 6) and the recommended maintenance time tq.

[0170] The first providing step S104 is a step in which the providing unit 14 (see FIG. 5) provides information recommending that maintenance of the object 210 (see FIG. 5) be performed at the first maintenance time tm1 when it is determined in the first determination step S102 that the recommended maintenance time tq (see FIG. 6) is later than the first maintenance time tm1 (see FIG. 6) and earlier than the second maintenance time tm2 (see FIG. 6). This allows the user of the driving assistance device 100 to recognize at the current time tp (see FIG. 6) that the object 210 will not be in the maintenance recommended state Sn at the first maintenance time tm1, but is expected to be in the maintenance recommended state Sn before the second maintenance time tm2.

[0171] The information recommending maintenance of the object 210 (see FIG. 5) may be information recommending replacement of the object 210, or information recommending measuring the lifespan of the object 210. The providing unit 14 (see FIG. 5) may provide the information recommending maintenance of the object 210 at the current time tp (see FIG. 6), at the first maintenance timing tm1 (see FIG. 6), or continuously from the current time tp to the recommended maintenance timing tq (see FIG. 6).

[0172] If it is not determined in the first determination step S102 that the recommended maintenance time tq (see FIG. 6) is later than the first maintenance time tm1 (see FIG. 6) and earlier than the second maintenance time tm2 (see FIG. 6), the driving assistance method proceeds to a second status acquisition step S112. The second status acquisition step S112 will be described later.

[0173] As described above, the maintenance recommended state Sn and the recommended maintenance time tr (see FIG. 6) may be determined in advance. The first prediction step S100 may be a step in which the prediction unit 10 (see FIG. 5) predicts a first recommended maintenance time tq1 (see FIG. 7) at which the target object 210 (see FIG. 5) will be in the maintenance recommended state Sn as the recommended maintenance time tq (see FIG. 6).

[0174] The driving assistance method may further include a first state acquisition step S106 and a second prediction step S108. The first state acquisition step S106 is a step in which the state acquisition unit 16 (see FIG. 5) acquires the state of the object 210 (see FIG. 5) at a first maintenance time tm1 (see FIG. 7). The first state acquisition step S106 may be a step in which a user of the driving assistance device 100 manually acquires the state S of the object 210 for which it is difficult for the state acquisition unit 16 to acquire the state S, and then the user inputs the state S to the driving assistance device 100 via the input unit 22.

[0175] The second prediction step S108 is a step in which the prediction unit 10 (see FIG. 5) further predicts, as the recommended maintenance time tr, a second recommended maintenance time tq2 (see FIG. 7) at which the object 210 will be in a recommended maintenance state Sn, based on the state S of the object 210 acquired in the first state acquisition step S106. The second prediction step S108 may be performed at the first maintenance time tm1 (see FIG. 7).

[0176] The driving assistance method may further include a second determination step S110 and a second provision step S118. The second determination step S110 is a step in which the determination unit 12 (see FIG. 5) determines the chronological relationship between the first maintenance time tm1 (see FIG. 7) and the second recommended maintenance time tq2 (see FIG. 7), and the chronological relationship between the second maintenance time tm2 (see FIG. 7) and the second recommended maintenance time tq2. The second provision step S118 is a step in which the provision unit 14 (see FIG. 5) provides information recommending that maintenance of the object 210 be performed at the first maintenance time tm1, when it is determined in the second determination step S110 that the second recommended maintenance time tq2 is after the first maintenance time tm1 and before the second maintenance time tm2.

[0177] The driving assistance method may further include a second state acquisition step S112 and a third prediction step S114. The second state acquisition step S112 is a step in which the state acquisition unit 16 (see FIG. 5) acquires a state S of the object 210 (see FIG. 5) while the electrolysis device 200 (see FIG. 2) is operating. The third prediction step S114 is a step in which the prediction unit 10 (see FIG. 5) further predicts a second recommended maintenance timing tq2 (see FIG. 7) based on the state S of the object 210 acquired in the second state acquisition step S112.

[0178] The driving assistance method may further include a third determination step S116 and a second providing step S118. The third determination step S116 is a step in which the determination unit 12 (see FIG. 5) determines the chronological relationship between the second maintenance time tm2 and the first recommended maintenance time tq1, and the chronological relationship between the second maintenance time tm2 and the second recommended maintenance time tq2. The second providing step S118 is a step in which the providing unit 14 (see FIG. 5) provides information recommending that maintenance of the object 210 be performed at the first maintenance time tm1, when it is determined in the third determination step S116 that the first recommended maintenance time tq1 is after the second maintenance time tm2 and the second recommended maintenance time tq2 is before the second maintenance time tm2.

[0179] The operation assistance method may include a life extension or shutdown step S120. The life extension or shutdown step S120 is a step of postponing the time when the object 210 will reach the end of its life by controlling the flow rate F1 of the first aqueous solution 70, the flow rate F2 of the second aqueous solution 72, the temperature T1 of the first aqueous solution 70, the temperature T2 of the second aqueous solution 72, etc., or a step of stopping the operation of the electrolysis device 200. The life extension or shutdown step S120 may be a step of postponing the second recommended maintenance time tq2.

[0180] If it is not determined in the third determination step S116 that the first recommended maintenance time tq1 is after the second maintenance time tm2 and the second recommended maintenance time tq2 is before the second maintenance time tm2, the driving assistance method proceeds to a fifth determination step S200 (described below). After the second provision step S118, the driving assistance method proceeds to a fifth determination step S200 (described below). After the life extension or shutdown step S120, the driving assistance method proceeds to a fifth determination step S200 (described below).

[0181] The driving assistance method may further include a fourth determination step S117 and a control step S119. The fourth determination step S117 is a step in which the determination unit 12 (see FIG. 5) determines the chronological relationship between the second maintenance time tm2 and the first recommended maintenance time tq1, and the chronological relationship between the second maintenance time tm2 and the second recommended maintenance time tq2. The control step S119 is a step in which the first switching unit 66 and the first switching unit 67 (see FIG. 2) are controlled.

[0182] In the fourth judgment step S117, if it is determined that the first recommended maintenance time tq1 is later than the second maintenance time tm2, and the second recommended maintenance time tq2 is determined to be earlier than the first maintenance time tm1, and the concentration of suspended matter or organic matter detected by the detection unit 99 (see Figure 1) is equal to or higher than a predetermined concentration, in the control step S119, the control unit 20 (see Figure 5) may delay the second recommended maintenance time tq2 to the first maintenance time tm1 by controlling at least one of the first switching unit 66, the first switching unit 67, the second switching unit 68, and the third switching unit 69, and by controlling the amount of added chemical 111 (see Figure 1).

[0183] 19 is a second flowchart including an example of a driving assistance method according to an embodiment of the present invention. The driving assistance method according to an embodiment of the present invention is a driving assistance method in which the driving assistance device 100 (see FIG. 5) assists in the operation of the electrolysis device 200 (see FIG. 2). The driving assistance method may further include a fifth determination step S200, an introduction step S202, a sixth determination step S204, a third providing step S206, a seventh determination step S208, a fourth providing step S210, an eighth determination step S212, and a fifth providing step S214.

[0184] The fifth determination step S200 is a step of determining whether the detection unit 99 (see FIG. 3) has detected the detection target Db in the first aqueous solution 70. If it is determined in the fifth determination step S200 that the detection target Db has been detected, the driving assistance method proceeds to an introduction step S202. The introduction step S202 is a step of introducing the drug 111 (see FIG. 1) into the first aqueous solution 70. If it is determined in the fifth determination step S200 that the detection target has not been detected, the driving assistance method proceeds to a sixth determination step S204.

[0185] In the sixth determination step S204, the determination unit 12 (see FIG. 5) determines whether the ratio between the first pressure P1 and the second pressure P2 exceeds a predetermined threshold difference. If it is determined in the sixth determination step S204 that the threshold difference is exceeded, the driving assistance method proceeds to the third provision step S206. If it is determined in the sixth determination step S204 that the threshold difference is not exceeded, the driving assistance method proceeds to the seventh determination step S208 or the eighth determination step S212.

[0186] The third providing step S206 may be a step in which the providing unit 14 (see FIG. 5) provides information recommending updating the filter 114 (see FIG. 1). Updating the filter 114 may refer to removing impurities Im accumulated in the filter 114, or may refer to replacing the filter 114.

[0187] In the seventh determination step S208, the determination unit 12 (see FIG. 5) determines whether the backwashing rate of the ion exchange resin 118 (see FIG. 1) exceeds a predetermined backwashing rate threshold. If it is determined in the seventh determination step S208 that the backwashing rate exceeds the backwashing rate threshold, the operation assistance method proceeds to the fourth providing step S210. If it is not determined in the seventh determination step S208 that the backwashing rate exceeds the regeneration rate threshold, the operation assistance method proceeds to the ninth determination step S216 to the twelfth determination step S228 (described below).

[0188] The fourth providing step S210 may be a step in which the providing unit 14 (see FIG. 5) provides information recommending the renewal of the ion exchange resin 118 (see FIG. 1). Renewal of the ion exchange resin 118 may refer to the removal of impurities Im accumulated in the ion exchange resin 118 by flowing pure water therethrough, or may refer to the replacement of the ion exchange resin 118.

[0189] In the eighth determination step S212, the determination unit 12 (see FIG. 5) determines whether the regeneration rate of the ion exchange resin 118 (see FIG. 1) is shorter than a predetermined period. If it is determined in the eighth determination step S212 that the regeneration rate is shorter than the predetermined period, the driving assistance method proceeds to the fifth providing step S214. If it is not determined in the eighth determination step S212 that the resin height exceeds the resin height threshold, the driving assistance method proceeds to the ninth determination step S216 to the twelfth determination step S228 (described below).

[0190] The fifth providing step S214 may be a step in which the providing unit 14 (see FIG. 5) provides information recommending regeneration of the ion exchange resin 118 (see FIG. 1). Regeneration of the ion exchange resin 118 may include addition or replacement of the ion exchange resin 118.

[0191] 20 is a third flowchart including an example of a driving assistance method according to an embodiment of the present invention. The driving assistance method according to an embodiment of the present invention is a driving assistance method in which the driving assistance device 100 (see FIG. 5) assists in the operation of the electrolysis device 200 (see FIG. 2). The driving assistance method may further include a ninth determination step S216, a tenth determination step S220, an eleventh determination step S224, a twelfth determination step S228, a thirteenth determination step S230, a sixth providing step S234, and a control step S236.

[0192] The ninth determination step S216 is a step in which the determination unit 12 (see FIG. 5) determines whether the flow rate F1 of the first aqueous solution 70 or the flow rate F2 of the second aqueous solution 72 is within the flow rate range Fr. If it is determined in the ninth determination step S216 that the flow rate F1 or the flow rate F2 is not within the flow rate range Fr, the driving assistance method proceeds to a thirteenth determination step S230 (described below). If it is determined in the ninth determination step S216 that the flow rate F1 or the flow rate F2 is within the flow rate range Fr, the driving assistance method proceeds to a fifteenth determination step S300 (described below).

[0193] In the tenth determination step S220, the determination unit 12 (see FIG. 5) determines whether the temperature T1 of the first aqueous solution 70 or the temperature T2 of the second aqueous solution 72 exceeds the threshold value Tth. If it is determined in the tenth determination step S220 that the temperature T1 or the temperature T2 exceeds the threshold value Tth, the driving assistance method proceeds to the thirteenth determination step S230 (described below). If it is determined in the tenth determination step S220 that the temperature T1 or the temperature T2 does not exceed the threshold value Tth, the driving assistance method proceeds to the fifteenth determination step S300 (described below).

[0194] In an eleventh determination step S224, the determination unit 12 (see FIG. 5) determines whether the first pH of the first aqueous solution 70 is less than the threshold value Pth1 or whether the second pH of the second aqueous solution 72 exceeds the threshold value Pth2. If it is determined in the eleventh determination step S220 that the first pH is less than the threshold value Pth1 or the second pH exceeds the threshold value Pth2, the driving assistance method proceeds to a thirteenth determination step S231 (described below). If it is determined in the eleventh determination step S220 that the first pH is less than the threshold value Pth1 or the second pH does not exceed the threshold value Pth2, the driving assistance method proceeds to a fifteenth determination step S300 (described below).

[0195] In twelfth determination step S228, the determination unit 12 (see FIG. 5) determines whether the pressure Pr1 of chlorine gas (Cl2) in the anode chamber 79 (see FIG. 3) and the pressure Pr2 of hydrogen gas (H2) in the cathode chamber 98 (see FIG. 3) exceed the threshold value Prth. If it is determined in twelfth determination step S228 that the pressure Pr1 and the pressure Pr2 exceed the threshold value Prth, the driving assistance method proceeds to a thirteenth determination step S230 (described below). If it is determined in twelfth determination step S228 that the pressure Pr1 and the pressure Pr2 do not exceed the threshold value Prth, the driving assistance method proceeds to a fifteenth determination step S300 (described below).

[0196] The thirteenth determination step S230 may be a step in which the determination unit 12 (see FIG. 5) determines whether the flow rates F1 and F2 can be controlled to within the flow rate range Fr by controlling the first switching unit 66 and the first switching unit 67 (see FIG. 2). If it is determined in the thirteenth determination step S230 that the flow rates F1 and F2 can be controlled to within the flow rate range Fr, the driving assistance method proceeds to a control step S236. If it is determined in the thirteenth determination step S230 that the flow rates F1 and F2 cannot be controlled to below the flow rate range Fr, the driving assistance method proceeds to a sixth providing step S234.

[0197] The thirteenth determination step S230 may be a step in which the determination unit 12 (see FIG. 5) determines whether the temperatures T1 and T2 can be controlled to be equal to or lower than the threshold value Tth by controlling the third switching unit 69 (see FIG. 12). The third switching unit 69 may switch whether or not to supply the fourth aqueous solution 76 to the heat exchanger 96 (see FIG. 12). If it is determined in the thirteenth determination step S230 that the temperatures T1 and T2 can be controlled to be equal to or lower than the threshold value Tth, the driving assistance method proceeds to a control step S236. If it is determined in the thirteenth determination step S230 that the temperatures T1 and T2 cannot be controlled to be equal to or lower than the threshold value Tth, the driving assistance method proceeds to a sixth providing step S234.

[0198] The thirteenth determination step S230 may be a step in which the determination unit 12 (see FIG. 5) determines whether the pressures Pr1 and Pr2 can be controlled to be equal to or less than the threshold value Prth by controlling the first switching unit 66 and the first switching unit 67 (see FIG. 2). If it is determined in the thirteenth determination step S230 that the pressures Pr1 and Pr2 can be controlled to be equal to or less than the threshold value Prth, the driving assistance method proceeds to a control step S236. If it is determined in the thirteenth determination step S230 that the pressures Pr1 and Pr2 cannot be controlled to be equal to or less than the threshold value Prth, the driving assistance method proceeds to a sixth providing step S234.

[0199] The fourteenth determination step S231 may be a step in which the determination unit 12 (see FIG. 5) controls the second switching unit 68 (see FIG. 12) to determine whether the first pH can be controlled to be equal to or greater than the threshold value Pth1 and whether the second pH can be controlled to be equal to or less than the threshold value Pth2. If it is determined in the fourteenth determination step S231 that the first pH can be controlled to be equal to or greater than the threshold value Pth1 and the second pH can be controlled to be equal to or less than the threshold value Pth2, the driving assistance method proceeds to a control step S236. If it is not determined in the fourteenth determination step S231 that the first pH can be controlled to be equal to or greater than the threshold value Pth1 and the second pH can be controlled to be equal to or less than the threshold value Pth2, the driving assistance method proceeds to a sixth provision step S234.

[0200] The control step S236 may be a step of controlling the flow rates F1 and F2 to be equal to or less than a threshold value Fth by controlling the first switching unit 66 and the first switching unit 67 (see FIG. 2). The control step S236 may be a step of controlling the temperatures T1 and T2 to be equal to or less than a threshold value Tth by controlling the first switching unit 66 and the first switching unit 67 (see FIG. 2). The control step S236 may be a step of controlling the first pH to be equal to or greater than a threshold value Pth1 and the second pH to be equal to or less than a threshold value Pth2 by controlling the second switching unit 68 (see FIG. 12). The control step S236 may be a step of controlling the pressures Pr1 and Pr2 to be equal to or less than a threshold value Prth by controlling the first switching unit 66 and the first switching unit 67 (see FIG. 2). In the control step S232, the user of the driving assistance device 100 may control the first switching unit 66 and the first switching unit 67. After control step S236, the driving assistance method proceeds to a fifteenth determination step S300 (described later).

[0201] The sixth providing step S234 may be a step in which the providing unit 14 (see FIG. 5) provides information recommending repair or replacement of the first inlet pipe 92 and the second inlet pipe 93 (see FIG. 2). The sixth providing step S234 may be a step in which the providing unit 14 provides information recommending maintenance of the anode chamber 79 (see FIG. 3) and the cathode chamber 98 (see FIG. 3). The sixth providing step S234 may be a step in which the providing unit 14 provides information recommending repair or replacement of the third inlet pipe 97 and the second switching unit 68. The sixth providing step S234 may be a step in which the providing unit 14 provides information recommending repair or replacement of the fourth inlet pipe 102 and the third switching unit 69. After the sixth providing step S234, the driving assistance method proceeds to a fifteenth determining step S300 (described below).

[0202] 21 is a fourth flowchart including an example of a driving assistance method according to an embodiment of the present invention. The driving assistance method according to an embodiment of the present invention is a driving assistance method in which the driving assistance device 100 (see FIG. 5) assists in the operation of the electrolysis device 200 (see FIG. 2). The driving assistance method may further include a fifteenth determination step S300, a seventh providing step S302, a sixteenth determination step S304, an eighth providing step S306, a seventeenth determination step S308, a ninth providing step S310, and a tenth providing step S312.

[0203] In a fifteenth determination step S300, the determination unit 12 (see FIG. 3) determines whether the current efficiency CE is less than the threshold value CEth. If it is determined that the current efficiency CE is less than the threshold value CEth, the driving assistance method proceeds to a seventh provision step S302. If it is determined that the current efficiency CE is equal to or greater than the threshold value CEth, the driving assistance method proceeds to a sixteenth determination step S304.

[0204] The seventh providing step S302 is a step in which the providing unit 14 (see FIG. 5) provides information recommending that the ion exchange membrane 84 (see FIG. 3) be updated at the first maintenance timing tm1 (see FIG. 6). After the seventh providing step S302, the driving assistance method proceeds to a sixteenth determination step S304.

[0205] In a sixteenth determination step S304, the determination unit 12 (see FIG. 3) determines whether the voltage CV exceeds a threshold value CVth. If it is determined that the voltage CV exceeds the threshold value CVth, the driving assistance method proceeds to an eighth providing step S306. In the eighth providing step S306, the providing unit 14 (see FIG. 5) provides information recommending that at least one of the ion exchange membrane 84, the anode 80, and the cathode 82 (see FIG. 3) be updated at the first maintenance timing tm1 (see FIG. 6). If it is determined that the voltage CV will be equal to or less than the threshold value CVth, the driving assistance method returns to the first prediction step S100.

[0206] In a seventeenth determination step S308, the determination unit 12 (see FIG. 3) determines whether the coating amount of a metal such as Ru coated on the surfaces of the anode 80 and the cathode 82 is less than a threshold value Ath. If it is determined that the coating amount is equal to or greater than the threshold value Ath, the driving assistance method proceeds to a ninth providing step S310. If it is determined that the coating amount is less than the threshold value Ath, the driving assistance method proceeds to a tenth providing step S312.

[0207] The ninth providing step S310 is a step in which the providing unit 14 (see FIG. 5) provides information recommending updating the ion exchange membrane 84 (see FIG. 3) at the second maintenance timing tm2 (see FIGS. 6 to 11). After the ninth providing step S310, the driving assistance method proceeds to an eighteenth determining step S400.

[0208] The tenth providing step S312 is a step in which the providing unit 14 (see FIG. 5) provides information recommending updating at least one of the anode 80 and the cathode 82 (see FIG. 3) at the second maintenance timing tm2 (see FIGS. 6 to 11). After the tenth providing step S312, the driving assistance method proceeds to the eighteenth determining step S400. The process returns to the first prediction step S100.

[0209] The eighteenth determination step S400 is a step in which the determination unit 12 determines whether to continue operation of the electrolysis device 200. If the determination unit 12 determines that operation of the electrolysis device 200 should be continued, the driving assistance method returns to the first prediction step S100. If the determination unit 12 determines that operation of the electrolysis device 200 should not be continued, the driving assistance method ends assistance for the operation of the electrolysis device 200.

[0210] Various embodiments of the present invention may be described with reference to flowcharts and block diagrams. In various embodiments of the present invention, the blocks may represent (1) stages in a process where operations are performed or (2) sections of apparatus responsible for performing the operations.

[0211] Certain steps may be performed by dedicated circuitry, programmable circuitry, or a processor. Certain sections may be implemented by dedicated circuitry, programmable circuitry, or a processor. The programmable circuitry and the processor may be supplied with computer-readable instructions. The computer-readable instructions may be stored on a computer-readable medium.

[0212] The dedicated circuitry may include at least one of digital hardware circuitry and analog hardware circuitry. The dedicated circuitry may include at least one of integrated circuits (ICs) and discrete circuits. The programmable circuitry may include hardware circuits for logical AND, OR, XOR, NAND, NOR, or other logical operations. The programmable circuitry may include reconfigurable hardware circuits including flip-flops, registers, memory elements such as field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic arrays (PLAs), and the like.

[0213] The computer-readable medium may include any tangible device capable of storing instructions that are executed by a suitable device. By including the computer-readable medium as a tangible device, the computer-readable medium having instructions stored on the device comprises an article of manufacture containing instructions that can be executed to create means for performing the operations specified in the flowcharts or block diagrams.

[0214] The computer-readable medium may be, for example, an electronic storage medium, a magnetic storage medium, an optical storage medium, an electromagnetic storage medium, a semiconductor storage medium, etc. More specifically, the computer-readable medium may be, for example, a floppy disk, a diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a Blu-ray (RTM) disk, a memory stick, an integrated circuit card, etc.

[0215] The computer-readable instructions may include any of assembler instructions, instruction set architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine-dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state setting data, source code, and object code. The source code and object code may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including object-oriented programming languages ​​and conventional procedural programming languages. Object-oriented programming languages ​​may be, for example, Smalltalk®, JAVA®, C++, etc. Procedural programming languages ​​may be, for example, the "C" programming language.

[0216] The computer-readable instructions may be provided to a processor or programmable circuitry of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus locally or over a wide-area network (WAN) such as a local area network (LAN), the Internet, etc. The processor or programmable circuitry of the general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus may execute the computer-readable instructions to create means for performing the operations specified in the flowcharts shown in Figures 6-9 or the block diagrams shown in Figures 5 and 13. The processor may be, for example, a computer processor, processing unit, microprocessor, digital signal processor, controller, microcontroller, etc.

[0217] 22 is a diagram showing an example of a computer 2200 in which the driving assistance device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be embodied, in whole or in part. A program installed on the computer 2200 can cause the computer 2200 to perform operations associated with the driving assistance device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention or to function as one or more sections of the driving assistance device 100, or to execute the operations or one or more sections, or to execute each step of the analysis method of the present invention (see FIGS. 6 to 9). The program can be executed by the CPU 2212 to cause the computer 2200 to perform specific operations associated with some or all of the blocks in the flowcharts ( FIGS. 6 to 9 ) and block diagrams ( FIGS. 5 and 13 ) described herein.

[0218] The computer 2200 according to this embodiment includes a CPU 2212, a RAM 2214, a graphics controller 2216, and a display device 2218. The CPU 2212, the RAM 2214, the graphics controller 2216, and the display device 2218 are interconnected by a host controller 2210. The computer 2200 further includes input / output units such as a communication interface 2222, a hard disk drive 2224, a DVD-ROM drive 2226, and an IC card drive. The communication interface 2222, the hard disk drive 2224, the DVD-ROM drive 2226, and the IC card drive are connected to the host controller 2210 via an input / output controller 2220. The computer further includes legacy input / output units such as a ROM 2230 and a keyboard 2242. The ROM 2230, the keyboard 2242, and the like are connected to the input / output controller 2220 via an input / output chip 2240.

[0219] The CPU 2212 controls each unit by operating in accordance with programs stored in the ROM 2230 and the RAM 2214. The graphics controller 2216 acquires image data generated by the CPU 2212 into a frame buffer or the like provided in the RAM 2214 or into the RAM 2214, thereby causing the image data to be displayed on the display device 2218.

[0220] The communication interface 2222 communicates with other electronic devices via a network. The hard disk drive 2224 stores programs and data used by the CPU 2212 in the computer 2200. The DVD-ROM drive 2226 reads programs or data from the DVD-ROM 2201 and provides the read programs or data to the hard disk drive 2224 via the RAM 2214. The IC card drive reads programs and data from an IC card or writes programs and data to an IC card.

[0221] The ROM 2230 stores a boot program or the like that is executed by the computer 2200 upon activation, or a program that depends on the hardware of the computer 2200. The input / output chip 2240 may connect various input / output units to the input / output controller 2220 via a parallel port, a serial port, a keyboard port, a mouse port, or the like.

[0222] The programs are provided by a computer-readable medium such as a DVD-ROM 2201 or an IC card. The programs are read from the computer-readable medium, installed in the hard disk drive 2224, RAM 2214, or ROM 2230, which are also examples of computer-readable media, and executed by the CPU 2212. Information processing described in these programs is read by the computer 2200, and brings about cooperation between the programs and the various types of hardware resources described above. An apparatus or method may be configured by realizing information manipulation or processing according to the use of the computer 2200.

[0223] For example, when communication is performed between the computer 2200 and an external device, the CPU 2212 may execute a communication program loaded into the RAM 2214 and instruct the communication interface 2222 to perform communication processing based on the processing described in the communication program. Under the control of the CPU 2212, the communication interface 2222 reads transmission data stored in a transmission buffer processing area provided in the RAM 2214, the hard disk drive 2224, the DVD-ROM 2201, or a recording medium such as an IC card, and transmits the read transmission data to the network, or writes reception data received from the network to a reception buffer processing area or the like provided on the recording medium.

[0224] The CPU 2212 may read all or a necessary portion of a file or database stored on an external recording medium such as the hard disk drive 2224, the DVD-ROM drive 2226 (DVD-ROM 2201), an IC card, etc. into the RAM 2214. The CPU 2212 may perform various types of processing on the data on the RAM 2214. The CPU 2212 may then write the processed data back to the external recording medium.

[0225] Various types of information, such as various types of programs, data, tables, and databases, may be stored on the recording medium and processed. The CPU 2212 may perform various types of processing on data read from the RAM 2214, including various types of operations, information processing, conditional decisions, conditional branches, unconditional branches, information search or replacement, etc., specified by the instruction sequences of the programs described in this disclosure. The CPU 2212 may write the results back to the RAM 2214.

[0226] CPU 2212 may search for information in a file, database, etc. in the recording medium. For example, if a plurality of entries each having an attribute value of a first attribute associated with an attribute value of a second attribute are stored in the recording medium, CPU 2212 may search the plurality of entries for an entry that matches a condition specified by the attribute value of the first attribute, read the attribute value of the second attribute stored in the entry, and by reading the second attribute value, obtain the attribute value of the second attribute associated with the first attribute that satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0227] The above-described programs or software modules may be stored on the computer 2200 or in a computer-readable medium of the computer 2200. A recording medium such as a hard disk or RAM provided in a server system connected to a dedicated communication network or the Internet can be used as the computer-readable medium. The programs may be provided to the computer 2200 by the recording medium.

[0228] Although the present invention has been described above using embodiments, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and improvements can be made to the above embodiments. It is clear from the claims that such modifications and improvements can also be included within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0229] It should be noted that the order of execution of each process, such as operations, procedures, steps, and stages, in the devices, systems, programs, and methods shown in the claims, specifications, and drawings is not specifically stated as "before," "prior to," etc., and that the processes can be performed in any order unless the output of a previous process is used in a subsequent process. Even if the operational flow in the claims, specifications, and drawings is described using "first," "next," etc. for convenience, this does not mean that the processes must be performed in this order. [Explanation of symbols]

[0230] 10 prediction unit, 12 determination unit, 14 provision unit, 16 status acquisition unit, 18 storage unit, 20 control unit, 22 input unit, 25 first generation amount learning unit, 26 second generation amount learning unit, 27 third generation amount learning unit, 28 fourth generation amount learning unit, 66 first switching unit, 67 first switching unit, 68 second switching unit, 69 third switching unit, 70 first aqueous solution, 71 cation, 72 second aqueous solution, 73 liquid, 74 liquid, 75 liquid, 76 fourth aqueous solution, 77...gas, 78...gas, 79...anode chamber, 80...anode, 81...third aqueous solution, 82...cathode, 84...ion exchange membrane, 86...anion group, 90...electrolytic cell, 91...electrolytic cell, 92...first inlet pipe, 93...second inlet pipe, 94...first outlet pipe, 95...second outlet pipe, 96...heat exchanger, 97...third inlet pipe, 98...cathode chamber, 99...detector, 100...operation support device, 102...fourth inlet pipe, 110...raw salt, 111...chemical, 112...settling tank, 113···raw salt dissolution layer, 114···filter, 116···resin tower, 117···impurity sensor, 118···ion exchange resin, 119···flow rate sensor, 122···first pressure sensor, 123···pressure sensor, 130···flow rate sensor, 132···second pressure sensor, 134···temperature sensor, 135···temperature sensor, 136···pH sensor, 140···first generation amount inference model, 142···second generation amount inference model, 143···third generation amount inference model, 144···fourth generation amount inference model, 200· ··Electrolytic device, 210···Object, 2200···Computer, 2201···DVD-ROM, 2210···Host controller, 2212···CPU, 2214···RAM, 2216···Graphics controller, 2218···Display device, 2220···Input / output controller, 2222···Communication interface, 2224···Hard disk drive, 2226···DVD-ROM drive, 2230···ROM, 2240···Input / output chip, 2242···Keyboard

Claims

1. a prediction unit that predicts a maintenance recommendation time when an object in the electrolysis device will reach a maintenance recommendation state; a providing unit that provides information recommending that maintenance of the object be performed at a first maintenance time; Equipped with a determination unit that determines a chronological relationship between a predetermined first maintenance time when the object can be maintained and the recommended maintenance time, and a chronological relationship between a predetermined second maintenance time when the object can be maintained and the recommended maintenance time, the second maintenance time being later than the first maintenance time; When the determination unit determines that the recommended maintenance time is later than the first maintenance time and earlier than the second maintenance time, the provision unit provides the information recommending that maintenance of the object be performed at the first maintenance time, The maintenance recommended state is predetermined, the prediction unit predicts, as the recommended maintenance time, a first recommended maintenance time at which the object will be in the recommended maintenance state; further comprising a state acquisition unit that acquires a state of the object; the prediction unit further predicts, as the recommended maintenance time, a second recommended maintenance time at which the object will enter the recommended maintenance state, based on the state of the object acquired by the state acquisition unit; When the determination unit determines that the first recommended maintenance time is later than the second maintenance time and that the second recommended maintenance time is earlier than the first maintenance time, a control unit delays the second recommended maintenance time until the first maintenance time.

2. The driving assistance device according to claim 1 , wherein the state acquisition unit acquires the state of the object at the first maintenance time.

3. 3. The driving assistance device according to claim 2, wherein, when the determination unit determines that the first recommended maintenance time is after the first maintenance time and before the second maintenance time, the status acquisition unit measures the status of the object at the first maintenance time, and the prediction unit predicts the second recommended maintenance time at the first maintenance time.

4. A prediction unit that predicts a maintenance recommendation time when an object in an electrolysis device will reach a maintenance recommendation state; a providing unit that provides information recommending that maintenance of the object be performed at a first maintenance time; Equipped with a determination unit that determines a chronological relationship between a predetermined first maintenance time when the object can be maintained and the recommended maintenance time, and a chronological relationship between a predetermined second maintenance time when the object can be maintained and the recommended maintenance time, the second maintenance time being later than the first maintenance time; When the determination unit determines that the recommended maintenance time is later than the first maintenance time and earlier than the second maintenance time, the provision unit provides the information recommending that maintenance of the object be performed at the first maintenance time, The maintenance recommended state is predetermined, the prediction unit predicts, as the recommended maintenance time, a first recommended maintenance time at which the object will be in the recommended maintenance state; further comprising a state acquisition unit that acquires a state of the object; the prediction unit further predicts, as the recommended maintenance time, a second recommended maintenance time at which the object will enter the recommended maintenance state, based on the state of the object acquired by the state acquisition unit; the electrolysis device has an electrolytic cell; the electrolytic cell includes an ion exchange membrane and an anode chamber and a cathode chamber separated by the ion exchange membrane; A first aqueous solution, which is an aqueous solution of an alkali metal chloride, is introduced into the anode chamber; the electrolysis device is provided with a detection unit that detects at least one of alkaline earth metal ions, aluminum ions, nickel ions, iron ions, iodine ions, silicon, sulfate ions, suspended solids, and organic matter contained in the first aqueous solution; When the detection unit detects at least one of alkaline earth metal ions, aluminum ions, nickel ions, iron ions, iodine ions, silicon, sulfate ions, suspended matter, and organic matter at a predetermined concentration or higher in the first aqueous solution, the determination unit determines to introduce or increase an agent that precipitates at least one of the suspended matter and the organic matter into the first aqueous solution.

5. the electrolysis device is provided with a filter and a first pressure sensor that measures a pressure of the first aqueous solution; at least a portion of suspended solids contained in the first aqueous solution is removed by passing through the filter; the first pressure sensor measures a first pressure of the first aqueous solution before passing through the filter and a second pressure of the first aqueous solution after passing through the filter; The determination unit determines whether a difference between the first pressure and the second pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold difference, When the determination unit determines that the difference exceeds the threshold difference, the provision unit provides information recommending updating the filter. The driving assistance device according to claim 4.

6. the electrolysis device is provided with an ion exchange resin that removes at least a portion of the alkaline earth metal contained in the first aqueous solution; When the determination unit determines that the backwashing rate of the ion exchange resin exceeds a predetermined backwashing rate threshold, the provision unit provides information recommending the renewal of the ion exchange resin. The driving assistance device according to claim 5.

7. the electrolysis device is provided with an ion exchange resin that removes at least a portion of the alkaline earth metal contained in the first aqueous solution; When the determination unit determines that the regeneration rate of the ion exchange resin is shorter than a predetermined period, the provision unit provides information recommending replacement of the ion exchange resin. The driving assistance device according to claim 5.

8. A second aqueous solution, which is an aqueous solution of an alkali metal hydroxide, is introduced into the cathode chamber; the electrolysis device is provided with a first inlet pipe connected to the anode chamber and through which the first aqueous solution passes, and a second inlet pipe connected to the cathode chamber and through which the second aqueous solution passes, the electrolysis device is provided with a flow rate sensor that measures at least one of a flow rate of the first aqueous solution passing through the first inlet pipe and a flow rate of the second aqueous solution passing through the second inlet pipe; the state acquisition unit acquires at least one of a flow rate of the first aqueous solution and a flow rate of the second aqueous solution measured by the flow rate sensor; the determining unit determines whether the flow rate of the first aqueous solution or the flow rate of the second aqueous solution is within a predetermined flow rate range, and when it is determined that the flow rate is not within the flow rate range, the providing unit provides information recommending maintenance of the object. The driving assistance device according to claim 4.

9. a first switching unit that controls a flow rate of the first aqueous solution and a flow rate of the second aqueous solution is provided in the first inlet pipe and the second inlet pipe; when the determination unit determines that the flow rate of the first aqueous solution or the flow rate of the second aqueous solution is not within the flow rate range, the determination unit determines whether the flow rate of the first aqueous solution and the flow rate of the second aqueous solution can be controlled to be within the flow rate range by controlling the first switching unit; when the determining unit determines that the flow rates of the first aqueous solution and the second aqueous solution cannot be controlled within the flow rate ranges, the providing unit provides information recommending repair or replacement of the first inlet pipe, the second inlet pipe, and the first switching unit. The driving assistance device according to claim 8.

10. The electrolysis device includes: a temperature sensor for measuring at least one of the temperature of the first aqueous solution and the temperature of the second aqueous solution; a pH sensor for measuring at least one of a first pH of the first aqueous solution and a second pH of the second aqueous solution; or a second pressure sensor for measuring at least one of the pressure of chlorine gas in the anode chamber and the pressure of hydrogen gas in the cathode chamber; is established, The status acquisition unit at least one of the temperature of the first aqueous solution and the temperature of the second aqueous solution measured by the temperature sensor; At least one of a first pH of the first aqueous solution and a second pH of the second aqueous solution measured by the pH sensor, or acquiring at least one of the pressure of the chlorine gas and the pressure of the hydrogen gas measured by the second pressure sensor; The determination unit It is determined that the temperature of the first aqueous solution or the temperature of the second aqueous solution measured by the temperature sensor exceeds a predetermined temperature threshold value; It is determined that the first pH of the first aqueous solution measured by the pH sensor is less than a predetermined first pH threshold, or it is determined that the second pH of the second aqueous solution is greater than a predetermined second pH threshold, or When it is determined that the pressure of the chlorine gas or the pressure of the hydrogen gas measured by the second pressure sensor exceeds a predetermined pressure threshold, The providing unit provides information recommending maintenance of the object. The driving assistance device according to claim 8.

11. the electrolysis device is provided with a third inlet pipe connected to the first inlet pipe and through which a third aqueous solution, which is an acidic aqueous solution, passes; a second switching unit that controls a flow rate of the third aqueous solution; a fourth inlet pipe connected to the second inlet pipe and through which a fourth aqueous solution, which is an aqueous solution of an alkali metal hydroxide, passes; and a third switching unit that controls the flow rate of the fourth aqueous solution; a first switching unit that controls a flow rate of the first aqueous solution and a flow rate of the second aqueous solution is provided in the first inlet pipe and the second inlet pipe; When the determination unit determines that the temperature of the first aqueous solution or the temperature of the second aqueous solution exceeds the temperature threshold, the determination unit determines whether the temperature of the first aqueous solution and the temperature of the second aqueous solution can be controlled to be equal to or lower than the temperature threshold by controlling the third switching unit, and when it determines that the temperature cannot be controlled to be equal to or lower than the temperature threshold, the provision unit provides information recommending repair or replacement of the fourth introduction pipe and the third switching unit; When the determination unit determines that the first pH of the first aqueous solution is less than a predetermined first pH threshold value or that the second pH of the second aqueous solution is greater than a predetermined second pH threshold value, the determination unit determines whether the first pH of the first aqueous solution can be controlled to be equal to or greater than the first pH threshold value and whether the second pH of the second aqueous solution can be controlled to be equal to or less than the second pH threshold value by controlling the second switching unit, and when it determines that the pH can be controlled to be equal to or greater than the first pH threshold value but cannot be controlled to be equal to or less than the second pH threshold value, the provision unit provides information recommending repair or replacement of the third introduction pipe and the second switching unit; When the determination unit determines that the pressure of the chlorine gas or the pressure of the hydrogen gas measured by the second pressure sensor exceeds a predetermined pressure threshold, the determination unit determines whether the pressure of the chlorine gas and the pressure of the hydrogen gas can be controlled to be equal to or lower than the pressure threshold by controlling the first switching unit, and when the determination unit determines that the pressure of the chlorine gas and the pressure of the hydrogen gas cannot be controlled to be equal to or lower than the pressure threshold, the provision unit provides information recommending maintenance of the anode chamber and the cathode chamber. The driving assistance device according to claim 10.

12. the state acquisition unit acquires a current efficiency of the electrolytic cell, the prediction unit predicts the current efficiency of the electrolytic bath at the second maintenance time based on the current efficiency of the electrolytic bath acquired by the status acquisition unit; and the determination unit determines whether the current efficiency of the electrolytic cell predicted by the prediction unit is less than a predetermined current efficiency threshold; When the determination unit determines that the current efficiency of the electrolytic cell will be less than the current efficiency threshold, the provision unit provides information recommending that the ion exchange membrane be replaced at the first maintenance time. The driving assistance device according to claim 4.

13. an anode is disposed in the anode chamber, and a cathode is disposed in the cathode chamber; the state acquisition unit acquires a voltage of the electrolytic cell; the prediction unit predicts the voltage of the electrolytic bath at the second maintenance time based on the voltage of the electrolytic bath acquired by the status acquisition unit; and the determination unit determines whether the voltage of the electrolytic cell predicted by the prediction unit exceeds a predetermined voltage threshold; When the determination unit determines that the voltage of the electrolytic cell exceeds the voltage threshold, the provision unit provides information recommending that at least one of the ion exchange membrane, the anode, and the cathode be updated at the first maintenance time. The driving assistance device according to claim 4.

14. the state acquisition unit acquires a current efficiency of the electrolytic cell or a voltage of the electrolytic cell, the determination unit calculates the amount of carbon dioxide generated in association with operation of the electrolytic device based on the current efficiency of the electrolytic cell acquired by the status acquisition unit and the relationship between the current efficiency of the electrolytic cell and the amount of carbon dioxide generated in association with operation of the electrolytic device, or calculates the amount of carbon dioxide generated in association with operation of the electrolytic device based on the voltage of the electrolytic cell acquired by the status acquisition unit and the relationship between the voltage of the electrolytic cell and the amount of carbon dioxide generated in association with operation of the electrolytic device; The providing unit provides the amount of carbon dioxide calculated by the determining unit. The driving assistance device according to claim 4.

15. the state acquisition unit acquires the type of raw salt used to generate the first aqueous solution; the determination unit calculates the amount of carbon dioxide generated in association with operation of the electrolysis device based on the type of raw salt acquired by the status acquisition unit and a relationship between the type of raw salt and the amount of carbon dioxide generated by the electrolysis device; The providing unit provides the amount of carbon dioxide calculated by the determining unit. The driving assistance device according to claim 14.

16. the status acquisition unit acquires an amount of the agent introduced into the first aqueous solution or an operating status of a removal device that removes impurities that may deteriorate the ion exchange performance of the ion exchange membrane; the determination unit calculates the amount of carbon dioxide generated in association with operation of the electrolysis device based on the introduced amount acquired by the status acquisition unit and the relationship between the introduced amount and the amount of carbon dioxide, or based on the operating status of the removal device acquired by the status acquisition unit and the relationship between the operating status of the removal device and the amount of carbon dioxide; The providing unit provides the amount of carbon dioxide calculated by the determining unit. The driving assistance device according to claim 14.

17. 15. The driving assistance device according to claim 14, further comprising a first generation amount learning unit that generates a first generation amount inference model that outputs a first inferred amount of carbon dioxide generated in association with operation of the electrolysis device, based on the current efficiency, the voltage, and the amount of carbon dioxide, by machine learning the relationship between the current efficiency, the voltage, and the amount of carbon dioxide.

18. 16. The driving assistance device according to claim 15, further comprising a second generation amount learning unit that generates a second generation amount inference model that outputs a second inferred amount of carbon dioxide generated in conjunction with operation of the electrolysis device, based on the type of raw salt and the amount of carbon dioxide, by machine learning the relationship between the type of raw salt and the amount of carbon dioxide.

19. 17. The driving assistance device according to claim 16, further comprising a third generation amount learning unit that generates a third generation amount inference model that outputs a third inferred amount of carbon dioxide generated in conjunction with operation of the electrolysis device, based on the introduction amount and the amount of carbon dioxide, or based on the operation status of the removal device and the amount of carbon dioxide, by machine learning the relationship between the introduction amount and the amount of carbon dioxide, or the relationship between the operation status of the removal device and the amount of carbon dioxide.

20. 15. The driving assistance device according to claim 14, further comprising a fourth generation amount learning unit that generates a fourth generation amount inference model that outputs a fourth inferred amount of carbon dioxide generated in conjunction with operation of the electrolysis device, based on the period, scale, and amount of carbon dioxide related to the renewal of the electrolysis device, by machine learning the relationship between the period, scale, and amount of carbon dioxide related to the renewal of the electrolysis device.

21. a first prediction step in which a prediction unit predicts a maintenance recommendation time when an object in the electrolysis device will be in a maintenance recommended state; a first providing step in which a providing unit provides information recommending that maintenance of the object be performed at a first maintenance time; Equipped with a first determination step in which a determination unit determines a chronological relationship between a predetermined first maintenance time when the object can be maintained and the recommended maintenance time, and a chronological relationship between a predetermined second maintenance time when the object can be maintained and the recommended maintenance time, the second maintenance time being later than the first maintenance time; the first providing step is a step in which, when it is determined in the first determination step that the recommended maintenance time is after the first maintenance time and before the second maintenance time, the providing unit provides the information recommending that maintenance of the object be performed at the first maintenance time; The maintenance recommended state is predetermined, the first prediction step is a step in which the prediction unit predicts, as the recommended maintenance time, a first recommended maintenance time when the object will be in the recommended maintenance state; a first status acquisition step in which a status acquisition unit acquires a status of the object at the first maintenance period; a second prediction step in which the prediction unit further predicts, as the recommended maintenance time, a second recommended maintenance time at which the object will enter the recommended maintenance state, based on the state of the object acquired in the first state acquisition step; Furthermore, The method further includes a third determination step in which the determination unit determines a chronological relationship between the second maintenance time and the first recommended maintenance time, and a chronological relationship between the second maintenance time and the second recommended maintenance time, a second providing step in which, when it is determined in the third determination step that the first recommended maintenance time is after the second recommended maintenance time and the second recommended maintenance time is before the second recommended maintenance time, the providing unit provides information recommending that maintenance of the object be performed at the first maintenance time; the electrolysis device has an electrolytic cell; the electrolytic cell includes an ion exchange membrane and an anode chamber and a cathode chamber separated by the ion exchange membrane; A first aqueous solution, which is an aqueous solution of an alkali metal chloride, is introduced into the anode chamber; A second aqueous solution, which is an aqueous solution of an alkali metal hydroxide, is introduced into the cathode chamber; the electrolysis device is provided with: a first inlet pipe connected to the anode chamber and through which the first aqueous solution passes; a second inlet pipe connected to the cathode chamber and through which the second aqueous solution passes; a third inlet pipe connected to the first inlet pipe and through which a third aqueous solution that is an acidic aqueous solution passes; a second switching unit that controls the flow rate of the third aqueous solution; a fourth inlet pipe connected to the second inlet pipe and through which a fourth aqueous solution that is an aqueous solution of an alkali metal hydroxide passes; and a third switching unit that controls the flow rate of the fourth aqueous solution; the electrolysis device is provided with a detection unit that detects at least one of alkaline earth metal ions, aluminum ions, nickel ions, iron ions, iodine ions, silicon, sulfate ions, suspended solids, and organic matter contained in the first aqueous solution; a first switching unit that controls a flow rate of the first aqueous solution and a flow rate of the second aqueous solution is provided in the first inlet pipe and the second inlet pipe; a fourth determination step in which the determination unit determines a chronological relationship between the second maintenance time and the first recommended maintenance time, and a chronological relationship between the second maintenance time and the second recommended maintenance time; a control step in which a control unit controls the first switching unit; Furthermore, an operation assistance method in which, if in the fourth determination step, it is determined that the first recommended maintenance time is later than the second maintenance time, the second recommended maintenance time is determined to be earlier than the first maintenance time, and the concentration of the suspended matter or the organic matter detected by the detection unit is equal to or higher than a predetermined concentration, in the control step, the control unit controls at least one of the first switching unit, the second switching unit, and the third switching unit, and changes the amount of chemical agent added, thereby delaying the second recommended maintenance time to the first maintenance time.

22. a second state acquisition step in which the state acquisition unit acquires a state of the object during operation of the electrolysis device; a third prediction step in which the prediction unit further predicts, as the recommended maintenance time, a second recommended maintenance time when the object will be in the recommended maintenance state, based on the state of the object acquired in the second state acquisition step; The driving assistance method of claim 21 further comprising:

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