Control device and control method

Abstract

To provide a technology that can standardize the quality of waste and prevent the overflow of brought-in waste. [Solution] The control device comprises: means for calculating the number of times required to mix one layer of garbage until an indicator showing the degree of mixing of the garbage reaches a target level when one layer of garbage is received from the receiving area to the receiving area; means for estimating the height of the garbage pile in the receiving area if mixing is only performed the required number of times without receiving; and means for comparing the estimated value of the garbage pile height with a predetermined threshold, and deciding to mix the required number of times if the estimated value of the garbage pile height is below the threshold, and if it exceeds the threshold, reducing the required number of times and deciding to mix to a range such that the garbage pile height does not exceed the threshold.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control device and a control method. [Background technology]

[0002] In order to stabilize combustion in waste incinerators, it is necessary to properly mix the waste brought into the waste pit and homogenize the waste quality before putting it into the incinerator. If the only work done to receive the waste brought into the waste pit (the work of moving the waste brought in by transport vehicles to a dedicated area) is to transport the waste to a designated area, the waste will pile up in the receiving area, and even if you try to mix it later, the waste at the bottom will not be able to be mixed.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that predicts the amount of garbage that will be brought into a garbage pit, predicts the time required for the reloading work (same as receiving work) to transfer the predicted amount of garbage with a crane, performs the reloading work for the predicted time, and creates a schedule that performs mixing work for a predetermined period of time or more during times when the amount of garbage brought in is relatively high.However, with the technology in Patent Document 1, if there is a discrepancy between the predicted amount of garbage brought in and the actual amount brought in, there is a possibility that the garbage will pile up without being mixed properly. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7201458 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] There is a need for technology that can adjust the allocation of receiving and mixing work depending on the amount of waste brought into the waste pit, thereby standardizing the quality of the waste and preventing the brought-in waste from overflowing.

[0006] The present disclosure provides a control device and a control method that can solve the above problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The control device of the present disclosure comprises: a mixing count calculation means for calculating the number of mixing times required to mix one layer of garbage until an indicator indicating the degree of mixing of the garbage reaches a target level when one layer of garbage is received from the receiving source area to the receiving destination area, where the area in a garbage pit where garbage is brought in is defined as a receiving source area; a destination area to which garbage is transported from the receiving source area is defined as receiving; a garbage pile height estimation means for estimating the garbage pile height in the receiving source area if mixing is performed the required number of times without receiving; and a control content determination means for comparing the estimated garbage pile height with a predetermined threshold, and determining to mix the required number of times if the garbage pile height is equal to or less than the threshold, and determining to reduce the required number of mixing times and to mix within a range such that the garbage pile height does not exceed the threshold if the garbage pile height exceeds the threshold.

[0008] The control method disclosed herein includes the steps of: when an area in a garbage pit where garbage is brought in is defined as a receiving source area, a destination where garbage is transported from the receiving source area is defined as a receiving destination area, and the operation of transporting garbage from the receiving source area to the receiving destination area is defined as receiving, and when one layer of garbage is received from the receiving source area to the receiving destination area, a computer calculates the required number of mixing times required to mix the one layer of garbage until an indicator indicating the degree of mixing of the garbage reaches a target level; the computer estimates the garbage pile height in the receiving source area if mixing is performed the required number of times without receiving the garbage; and the computer compares the estimated garbage pile height with a predetermined threshold, and if the garbage pile height is equal to or less than the threshold, determines to mix the required number of times, and if the garbage pile height is greater than the threshold, determines to reduce the required number of mixing times and to mix within a range so that the garbage pile height does not exceed the threshold. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the control device and control method of the present disclosure, it is possible to standardize the quality of the waste and prevent the brought-in waste from overflowing. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a waste treatment plant. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of layers of a receiving area according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the amount of garbage carried in by day of the week and time period according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a threshold value according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of determination and control according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a hardware configuration of a control device according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] <Embodiment> Hereinafter, the control method for a waste treatment plant according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0012] (composition) FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a waste treatment plant according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, a waste treatment plant 100 includes a crane system 1, a pit 2, hoppers 3a and 3b, and a control device 10. The pit 2 is a facility for storing waste transported by a waste collection truck (not shown). The hoppers 3a and 3b are waste inlets for sending the waste to an incinerator (not shown). FIG. 1 is a top view of the pit 2. As shown in the figure, the pit 2 includes a source area (area 2c), a destination area (area 2a), and a mixing / feeding area (area 2b). The source area 2c is where waste is dropped from a waste collection truck. The destination area 2a is where the waste dropped into the source area 2c is received. The mixing / feeding area 2b is the area from which the waste is fed into the hopper 3b. In other words, waste dumped into the source area 2c is transported to the destination area 2a, and then dumped into the incinerator via the mixing / feeding area 2b and hopper 3b. Areas 2a and 2b alternate roles daily. On one day, as shown in Figure 1, area 2a is the destination area and area 2b is the mixing / feeding area. The next day, area 2b is the destination area and area 2a is the mixing / feeding area. In this case, waste is dumped from the mixing / feeding area 2a to hopper 3a. Also, as shown in Figure 1, pit 2 is divided into eight rows (A-E) and 14 columns (1-14). Each area is called a cell. For example, the cell in row A and column 1 is referred to as cell (A, 1). In the example in Figure 1, area 2a is a 5-cell x 5-cell range from rows A to E and columns 9 to 13. However, this is just an example; the location and range of areas 2a-2c can be freely configured by the user.

[0013] The crane system 1 is used to dump waste into the hopper 3b. The crane system 1 is equipped with cranes C1 and C2, which perform operations such as mixing and transporting the waste. The cranes C1 and C2 are movably positioned on rails R1 and R2. The crane C1 cannot overtake the crane C2 and move to the right of the drawing, or the crane C2 cannot move to the left of the crane C1. The cranes C1 and C2 cannot approach each other until the distance between them is within a predetermined range. The operation of the cranes C1 and C2 is controlled by a control device 10. The control device 10 moves the cranes C1 and C2 left and right, up and down, and forward and backward on the drawing to perform operations such as dumping, receiving, and mixing. "Dropping" refers to dumping waste from the mixing / dropping area 2b (or 2a) into the hopper 3b (or 3a). "Receiving" refers to transporting waste dropped into the source area 2c to the destination area 2a (or 2b). Mixing is the process of lifting up the waste piled up in the receiving area 2a (or 2b) and the input / mixing area 2b (or 2a) with cranes C1 and C2 and either dropping it there or moving it to another cell and dropping it there. After mixing, an overall evaluation score is calculated for the state of the waste in each cell (degree of mixing, etc.), and the overall evaluation score is managed for each cell. If the overall evaluation score reaches the target value (target overall evaluation score), the quality of the waste in that cell is considered to be homogenized and in a state suitable for combustion.

[0014] Garbage is continuously delivered to the receiving area 2c from garbage trucks, and if the garbage is not received, the height of the garbage pile in the receiving area 2c will overflow. However, if only receiving is performed, the garbage will be piled up in the receiving area 2a in a state that is not suitable for combustion in an incinerator. Therefore, in this embodiment, the cranes C1 and C2 are controlled to prevent the garbage from overflowing from the receiving area 2c while bringing the garbage in the receiving area 2a (and the mixing / feeding area 2b) into a state suitable for combustion, and the garbage piled up in the receiving area 2a and the mixing / feeding area 2b is mixed.

[0015] Specifically, the control device 10 monitors the height of the waste delivered to the source area 2c (referred to as the waste pile height) each time a layer of waste is received in the destination area 2a, and determines whether to stir or continue receiving. In the example of Figure 1, when a certain amount of waste is delivered to each of the 5 x 5 = 25 cells that make up the destination area 2a, it determines that one layer of waste has been received. Once one layer of waste has been received, the control device 10 determines whether to stir the previously received layer or continue receiving the second layer. This process is shown in Figure 2. If the control device 10 determines that the waste pile height in the source area 2c will not exceed a threshold value during stirring, it stirs the waste from the most recently received layer. Even during stirring, the control device 10 monitors the waste pile height in the source area 2c, and if the waste pile height exceeds the threshold value during stirring, it stops stirring and switches to receiving. In this way, each time a layer of waste is received, it is stirred to the extent that the waste pile height does not exceed a threshold, and when the waste condition in each cell of the receiving area 2a reaches the target (the overall evaluation score becomes the target value) or the waste pile height in the source area 2c exceeds the threshold, the next layer is received. In other words, by repeating the process of receiving the first layer → stirring the first layer until the waste quality reaches the target or the waste pile height does not exceed the threshold → receiving the second layer → stirring the second layer until the waste quality reaches the target or the waste pile height does not exceed the threshold, it is possible to homogenize the waste in the receiving area 2a and prevent the waste pile height in the source area 2c from overflowing.

[0016] (Control device functions and configuration) The control device 10 includes a signal acquisition unit 11, a determination unit 12, a control unit 13, and a storage unit 14.

[0017] The signal acquisition unit 11 acquires, at a predetermined control cycle, signals including the amount of garbage (t) delivered to the receiving area 2c per unit time (10 minutes or 1 hour) and signals including the height of the garbage pile in the receiving area 2c, and records information on the amount of garbage delivered and the height of the garbage pile in the memory unit 14. For example, at the garbage treatment plant 100, the weight of the garbage delivered by the garbage truck is measured each time the truck arrives. The amount of garbage delivered to the pit 2 per unit time can be calculated from this weight measurement. The signal acquisition unit 11 may acquire the weight measurement of the garbage delivered by the truck and calculate the amount of garbage delivered per unit time, or it may acquire an externally calculated amount of garbage delivered per unit time. The height of the garbage pile in the source area 2c may be measured by a distance sensor attached to the side wall or ceiling of the pit 2, or may be measured by determining how far the cranes C1 and C2 need to be lowered until they touch the top of the garbage pile in the source area 2c. The signal acquisition unit 11 also acquires a garbage dump request signal requesting the dumping of garbage from a garbage incinerator (not shown).

[0018] Each time the reception of one layer of waste is completed, the determination unit 12 determines whether to perform agitation or continue reception. If agitation is to be performed, the determination unit 12 determines when to switch to reception during agitation. Details of the process for making these determinations will be explained later with reference to the flowchart in Figure 5, but roughly speaking, the determination is made in the following procedure.

[0019] First, the judgment unit 12 calculates the current overall evaluation score of each cell in the layer that was most recently accepted in the destination area 2a using the following formula (1): The overall evaluation score is an example of an index that indicates the degree of mixing of the waste. Overall score = α number of mixing times + β bulk density + γ residence time (1) α, β, and γ are arbitrary constants. The judgment unit 12 calculates the overall evaluation score for each cell using the above formula (1) and records it in the memory unit 14. For example, each time mixing is performed, the judgment unit 12 calculates and updates the overall evaluation score for the cell that performed the mixing. The larger the value calculated by formula (1), the better the condition of the waste (more suitable for combustion).

[0020] The judgment unit 12 calculates the number of mixing times required to bring the overall evaluation score to a predetermined target overall evaluation score using the following formula (2). The target overall evaluation score is an example of a target level of an index that indicates the degree of mixing of the waste. Required mixing times = (target overall evaluation score - current overall evaluation score) - β bulk density - γ predicted residence time until addition) / α (2)

[0021] The determination unit 12 calculates the time required to bring the overall evaluation score to the target overall evaluation score using the following formula (3). Mixing completion time = (required number of mixing times × mixing time per mixing) / number of cranes operating simultaneously + input time + standby time (3)

[0022] Here, the mixing time per operation can be determined, for example, from past results of the time required for mixing, and this can be applied to equation (3). The charging time is calculated by multiplying the number of charges per unit time by the time required for each charge. The number of charges per unit time and the time required for each charge can be calculated, for example, by calculating average values ​​based on past results, and the charging time calculated from these values ​​can be applied to equation (3). The waiting time can also be calculated by calculating an average waiting time per unit time based on past results, and this value can be applied to equation (3). Depending on the operation of pit 2 and the number of cranes operating simultaneously, there may be no interference and the waiting time need not be taken into account.

[0023] The determination unit 12 estimates the height of the garbage pile in the receiving area 2c after the mixing completion time calculated using equation (3) has elapsed. The determination unit 12 calculates the amount of garbage brought in until the mixing completion time has elapsed by multiplying the mixing completion time by the amount of garbage brought in per unit time corresponding to the day of the week and time period, which is calculated from the most recent amount of garbage brought in per unit time acquired by the signal acquisition unit 11 and the past amount of garbage brought in by day of the week and time period as shown in Figure 3, and then calculates the increase in the height of the garbage pile in the receiving area 2c using the following equation (4). Increase in height of waste pile in receiving area = (amount of waste carried in until mixing is completed / waste density) / area of ​​receiving area (4) The waste density can be a predetermined design value or an average value of past performance. The receiving area area is the total area of ​​the receiving area 2c in Figure 1.

[0024] Next, the judgment unit 12 estimates the height of the garbage pile in the receiving area 2c after the mixing completion time has elapsed using the following equation (5): The latest garbage pile height acquired by the signal acquisition unit 11 can be applied to the current garbage pile height in the receiving area in equation (5). Estimated garbage pile height = Increase in garbage pile height in the receiving area according to equation (4) + Current garbage pile height in the receiving area (5)

[0025] If the estimated garbage pile height after mixing is completed, calculated using equation (5), is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, the judgment unit 12 determines to temporarily stop receiving and perform mixing only the required number of times. If the estimated garbage pile height after mixing is completed exceeds the threshold, or if the judgment unit 12 detects that the rate of increase in the garbage pile height after mixing has started is faster than the initial estimate, the judgment unit 12 lowers the target overall evaluation score in equation (2) (for example, by reducing the target overall evaluation score by 0.5 or 1.0 points), repeats calculations using equations (1) to (5), determines the number of times of mixing that will keep the estimated garbage pile height after mixing completed below the threshold, and determines to perform mixing the determined number of times. Note that if the garbage pile height reaches the threshold after mixing has started, the judgment unit 12 stops mixing and switches to receiving.

[0026] Regarding the threshold for the garbage pile height, thresholds TH1 to TH3 may be set for each time period, as shown in FIG. 4. The vertical axis of FIG. 4 represents the amount of garbage delivered to the receiving area 2c, and the horizontal axis represents time. Graphs 40 to 44 in FIG. 4 show the change in the garbage pile height in the receiving area 2c on different days. As shown in graphs 40 to 44, the garbage pile height gradually increases as time passes from T0 to T3. Therefore, thresholds for each time period may be set so as to encompass the actual garbage pile height values ​​for each time period, such as TH1 for T0 to T1, TH2 for T1 to T2, and TH3 for T2 to T3. For times T0 to T1, if the garbage pile height calculated using Equation (5) is equal to or less than TH1, the garbage pile is agitated. If it exceeds TH1, the target overall evaluation score is reduced. The same applies to times T1 to T2 and T2 to T3.

[0027] It should be noted that the required number of stirrings in formula (3) may not be calculated using formula (2), but a predetermined target number of stirrings may be determined and this value may be applied to the required number of stirrings in formula (3).

[0028] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the amount of waste delivered to the receiving area 2c varies significantly depending on the day of the week and the time of day. For example, the amount of waste delivered is low on Saturdays and high on Mondays. On Saturdays, when the amount of waste delivered is low, more mixing can be performed. On Mondays, when the amount of waste delivered is high, more time is allocated to receiving, so the number of mixing sessions may be lower than on Saturdays. This variation in the number of mixing sessions can also lead to variations in waste quality. Therefore, to minimize variations in waste quality, the actual number of mixing sessions on the previous day (or by time period on the previous day) can be recorded in the memory unit 14. If the required number of mixing sessions calculated using Equation (2) exceeds the number of mixing sessions on the previous day (or the number of mixing sessions during the same time period on the previous day) + θ, the required number of mixing sessions can be set to the number of mixing sessions on the previous day (or the number of mixing sessions during the same time period on the previous day) + θ. If the required number of mixing sessions is less than the number of mixing sessions on the previous day (or the number of mixing sessions during the same time period on the previous day) - θ, the required number of mixing sessions can be set to the number of mixing sessions on the previous day (or the number of mixing sessions during the same time period on the previous day) - θ. This minimizes daily variations in waste quality by keeping the variation in the required number of mixing sessions compared to the previous day within a certain range. θ is an arbitrary constant.

[0029] Furthermore, based on past mixing records, the upper limit of the number of mixing cycles can be set to a value that does not affect the combustibility of the waste. If the required number of mixing cycles calculated using formula (2) exceeds the upper limit of the number of mixing cycles, the upper limit of the number of mixing cycles is set to the required number of mixing cycles. This prevents excessive mixing, thereby reducing unnecessary equipment power consumption and the use of equipment lifespan.

[0030] The control unit 13 controls the operation of the cranes C1 and C2. For example, when the judgment unit 12 judges that reception is to be performed, the control unit 13 controls the cranes C1 and C2 to receive the waste from the source area 2c to the destination area 2a. When the judgment unit 12 judges that mixing is to be performed, the control unit 13 controls the cranes C1 and C2 to mix the waste in the destination area 2a or the mixing / feeding area 2b. Furthermore, when the signal acquisition unit 11 acquires a waste feed request signal, the control unit 13 feeds the waste from the mixing / feeding area 2b into the hopper 3b. The control unit 13 records the number of mixing times by day and time period (e.g., every hour) in the memory unit 14.

[0031] The storage unit 14 stores the signals acquired by the signal acquisition unit 11, the overall evaluation score of each cell, various thresholds, the number of stirrings by day and by time period, and the like.

[0032] (operation) FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of determination and control according to the embodiment. The determination unit 12 determines whether the reception of one layer of waste in the receiving area 2a, which will receive the waste to be put into the incinerator the next day, has been completed (Step S1). For example, the determination unit 12 determines that the reception of one layer has been completed when the number of receptions (the number of times that cranes C1 and C2 transport waste from the receiving area 2c to the receiving area 2a) since the start of reception of the target layer reaches a predetermined number. Alternatively, the signal acquisition unit 11 may acquire the measured height of each cell in the receiving area 2a, and the determination unit 12 may determine that the reception of one layer has been completed if the height of each cell corresponds to the number of target layers. If the determination is that the reception of one layer has not been completed (Step S1; No), the control unit 13 executes (continues) the reception of the target layer (Step S11).

[0033] When it is determined that the reception of one layer has been completed (Step S1; Yes), the determination unit 12 determines whether to perform agitation of the layer for which reception has been completed or to start receiving the next layer (Steps S2 to S10). First, the determination unit 12 calculates the number of agitations required to reach the target overall evaluation score and the agitation completion time (Step S2). The determination unit 12 calculates the number of agitations required using Equation (2) and calculates the agitation completion time using Equation (3). Instead of calculating the number of agitations required using Equation (2), the determination unit 12 may set a predetermined target number of agitations as the number of agitations required, or, if the number of agitations required exceeds the range of the number of agitations required on the previous day ±θ, may correct the number of agitations required to be within the range of the number of agitations required on the previous day ±θ. Furthermore, if the number of agitations required exceeds a predetermined upper limit, the determination unit 12 may set the upper limit as the number of agitations required.

[0034] Next, the judgment unit 12 determines whether the relationship (target overall evaluation score - current overall evaluation score) > 0 holds (step S3). The judgment unit 12 calculates the current overall evaluation score of each cell in the layer for which acceptance has been completed using formula (1) and compares it with the target overall evaluation score. If the current overall evaluation score of each cell is equal to or greater than the target overall evaluation score, there is no need to perform further mixing. Therefore, if the relationship (target overall evaluation score - current overall evaluation score) > 0 does not hold (step S3; No), the control unit 13 executes acceptance of the next layer (step S11).

[0035] If the target overall evaluation score - current overall evaluation score > 0 holds (step S3; Yes), the judgment unit 12 estimates the height of the garbage pile in the source area 2c that will increase until mixing is completed if mixing is performed the required number of times (step S4). The judgment unit 12 estimates the height of the garbage pile in the source area 2c after mixing is completed using equations (4) and (5).

[0036] Next, the judgment unit 12 compares the estimated garbage pile height after mixing is complete with a threshold value and determines whether the estimated garbage pile height is less than or equal to the threshold value (step S5). As described with reference to FIG. 4, the threshold value may be set for each time period based on the actual garbage pile height for each time period, so as to encompass the actual values ​​for each time period. If the estimated garbage pile height is not less than or equal to the threshold value (step S5; No), it is assumed that the garbage pile height will exceed the threshold value during mixing. Therefore, the judgment unit 12 reviews (lowers) the target overall evaluation score (step S10) and repeats the processing from step S2 onward. For example, the judgment unit 12 lowers the target overall evaluation score by 0.5, calculates the number of mixing times and the mixing completion time required to reach the lowered target overall evaluation score (step S2), and determines whether the current overall evaluation score is equal to or greater than the lowered target overall evaluation score (step S3). If the score is already above the target overall score, acceptance continues (step S11), but if it is below the target overall score, the garbage pile height is estimated if mixing is continued until the overall score of each cell reaches the lowered target overall score (step S4).If the estimated garbage pile height exceeds the threshold, the above process (steps S10, S2, S3, S4, S5) is repeated until the estimated garbage pile height falls below the threshold.

[0037] On the other hand, if the estimated garbage pile height is less than or equal to the threshold (Step S5; Yes), the judgment unit 12 judges that mixing should be started for the required number of mixing times. Based on this judgment, the control unit 13 performs the first mixing (Step S6). Mixing can be done by lifting up garbage from a certain cell with cranes C1 and C2 and dropping it into the same cell, or by carrying it to another cell and dropping it there. If the garbage is to be carried to another cell and dropped there, it is necessary to determine which cell it should be carried to. The control unit 13 makes this judgment according to a predetermined logic and performs one mixing of the receiving area 2a. One mixing session refers to the operation of lifting up the garbage and dropping it there. When the control unit 13 performs one stirring, the judgment unit 12 compares the actual value of the garbage pile height in the receiving area 2c (the measured value of the garbage pile height acquired by the signal acquisition unit 11) with the estimated value of the garbage pile height estimated in step S4, and determines whether the actual value of the garbage pile height in the receiving area 2c is less than or equal to the estimated value of the garbage pile height (step S7).

[0038] If the actual value of the waste pile height in the source area 2c is less than or equal to the estimated value (Step S7; Yes), the judgment unit 12 determines whether the overall evaluation score of the waste in each cell of the layer where reception has been completed has reached the target overall evaluation score (Step S8). If the overall evaluation score of the waste in each cell has reached the target overall evaluation score, no further mixing is necessary, regardless of whether the number of mixing times has reached the required number of mixing times. Therefore, if the overall evaluation score of the waste in each cell has reached the target overall evaluation score (Step S8; Yes), the judgment unit 12 determines to switch the operation of the cranes C1 and C2 from mixing to receiving. The control unit 13 executes reception of the next layer (Step S11). If the overall evaluation score of the waste in each cell has not reached the target overall evaluation score (Step S8; No), the process from Step S6 is repeated.

[0039] If the actual value of the garbage pile height in the receiving area 2c is not equal to or less than the estimated value of the garbage pile height (step S7; No), the judgment unit 12 judges whether the actual value of the garbage pile height in the receiving area 2c is equal to or greater than the threshold (step S9). If the actual value of the garbage pile height in the receiving area 2c is equal to or greater than the threshold (step S9; Yes), there is a possibility that the receiving area 2c will overflow, so the judgment unit 12 stops agitating the layer and decides to switch to receiving the next layer. The control unit 13 executes receiving the next layer (step S11).

[0040] If the actual garbage pile height in the source area 2c is not greater than or equal to the threshold (step S9; No) (i.e., the rate of increase in the garbage pile height is faster than expected but does not exceed the threshold), the judgment unit 12 reviews (lowers) the target overall evaluation score (step S10). The judgment unit 12 then repeats the process from step S2 onward based on the lowered target overall evaluation score. That is, the judgment unit 12 considers the number of mixing cycles possible without causing the garbage pile height to exceed the threshold, and performs the above judgment (steps S7 and S8) one by one until the overall evaluation score of each cell reaches the target overall evaluation score or the garbage pile height reaches the threshold (steps S8 and S9). If the judgment in step S8 or step S9 is Yes, the control unit 13 performs the acceptance of the next layer (step S11).

[0041] Next, the determination unit 12 determines whether the acceptance for that day has been completed (step S12). If the acceptance has not been completed (step S12; No), the process from step S1 is repeated. If the acceptance has been completed (step S12; Yes), the flowchart in FIG. 5 ends.

[0042] (effect) As described above, according to this embodiment, by adjusting whether to accept or mix the waste depending on the amount of waste brought into the receiving area 2c, it is possible to standardize the quality of the waste and prevent the received waste from overflowing. Furthermore, even if the amount of waste brought in is large and it is not possible to mix the waste in each cell until it reaches the target overall evaluation score, the quality of the waste fed into the waste incinerator can be improved by mixing to the maximum extent possible. Furthermore, by checking the height of the waste pile each time waste mixing is performed, it is possible to prevent overflow of the receiving area 2c.

[0043] 6 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the control device. The computer 900 includes a CPU 901, a main storage device 902, an auxiliary storage device 903, an input / output interface 904, and a communication interface 905. The above-described control device 10 is implemented in the computer 900. The above-described functions are stored in the auxiliary storage device 903 in the form of a program. The CPU 901 reads the program from the auxiliary storage device 903, loads it into the main storage device 902, and executes the above-described processing in accordance with the program. The CPU 901 also allocates a storage area in the main storage device 902 in accordance with the program. The CPU 901 also allocates a storage area in the auxiliary storage device 903 for storing data being processed in accordance with the program.

[0044] Alternatively, a program for implementing all or part of the functions of the control device 10 may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program may be loaded into a computer system and executed to perform processing by each functional unit. The term "computer system" as used herein includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. Furthermore, if a WWW system is used, the term "computer system" also includes a homepage provision environment (or display environment). Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as CDs, DVDs, and USBs, as well as storage devices such as hard disks built into the computer system. Furthermore, if the program is distributed to the computer 900 via a communication line, the computer 900 that receives the program may load the program into the main storage device 902 and execute the above-described processing. Furthermore, the program may be for implementing part of the above-described functions, or may be capable of implementing the above-described functions in combination with a program already stored in the computer system.

[0045] As described above, several embodiments according to the present disclosure have been described, but all of these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims, as well as in the scope and spirit of the invention.

[0046] <Additional Notes> The control device and the control method described in the embodiment can be understood, for example, as follows.

[0047] (1) A control device according to a first aspect includes a mixing count calculation means for calculating the number of mixing times required to mix one layer of garbage until an indicator indicating the degree of mixing of the garbage reaches a target level when the area in a garbage pit into which garbage is brought is defined as a receiving source area, the destination of the garbage from the receiving source area is defined as a receiving destination area, and the operation of transporting garbage from the receiving source area to the receiving destination area is defined as receiving; a garbage pile height estimation means for estimating the garbage pile height in the receiving source area when mixing is performed the required number of mixing times without performing the receiving; and a control content determination means for comparing the estimated garbage pile height with a predetermined threshold, and determining to mix the required number of mixing times if the garbage pile height is equal to or less than the threshold, and determining to reduce the required number of mixing times and to mix within a range in which the garbage pile height does not exceed the threshold if the garbage pile height exceeds the threshold. This will help to standardize the quality of the waste and prevent the waste brought in from overflowing.

[0048] (2) A control device according to a second aspect is the control device of (1), wherein the control content determination means, when the garbage pile height exceeds the threshold, lowers the target level, causes the mixing count calculation means to calculate the required number of mixing times for the lowered target level, causes the garbage pile height estimation means to estimate the garbage pile height based on the required number of mixing times calculated for the lowered target level, and, when the estimated garbage pile height is equal to or less than the threshold, determines to perform mixing for the required number of mixing times calculated for the lowered target level so as to keep the garbage pile height from exceeding the threshold, and, when the estimated garbage pile height exceeds the threshold, repeatedly lowers the target level until the garbage pile height estimated by the garbage pile height estimation means is equal to or less than the threshold. This allows maximum mixing to be performed within the range where the height of the garbage pile does not exceed the threshold value.

[0049] (3) A control device according to a third aspect is the control device of (1) to (2), further comprising a first comparison means for comparing the estimated value of the garbage pile height estimated by the garbage pile height estimation means with the measured value of the garbage pile height each time mixing is performed, and the control content determination means, when the measured value of the garbage pile height exceeds the estimated value of the garbage pile height, lowers the target level, causes the mixing count calculation means to calculate the required number of mixings for the target level after the lowering, causes the garbage pile height estimation means to estimate the garbage pile height based on the required number of mixings calculated for the target level after the lowering, and, when the estimated garbage pile height is equal to or less than the threshold, determines to perform mixing for the required number of mixings calculated for the target level after the lowering, so as to keep the garbage pile height from exceeding the threshold, and, when the estimated garbage pile height exceeds the threshold, repeatedly lowers the target level until the garbage pile height estimated by the garbage pile height estimation means is equal to or less than the threshold. This allows maximum mixing to be performed while preventing the waste from overflowing, even if the actual amount of waste brought in is greater than expected.

[0050] (4) A control device according to a fourth aspect is a control device according to any one of (1) to (3), further comprising a second comparison means for comparing the measured value of the height of the garbage pile with the threshold value each time mixing is performed, and the control content determination means determines to perform the acceptance when the measured value of the height of the garbage pile is equal to or greater than the threshold value. When the height of the waste pile reaches a threshold during mixing, the system switches to receiving, thereby preventing waste from overflowing.

[0051] (5) A control device according to a fifth aspect is the control device of (1) to (4), wherein the control content determination means determines to perform the acceptance after the required number of stirrings has been performed. By switching to receiving after mixing the required number of times, waste overflow can be prevented.

[0052] (6) A control device according to a sixth aspect is a control device according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the garbage pile height estimation means calculates the increase in the garbage pile height by multiplying the time required to mix the garbage the required number of times, the time required to dump the garbage into the hopper, and the waiting time of the crane that mixes the garbage and dumps the garbage into the hopper, by the amount of garbage brought in per unit time, and divides the result by the area of ​​the receiving area, and estimates the garbage pile height in the receiving area by adding the increase to the garbage pile height in the receiving area before mixing the required number of times. This allows the height of the garbage pile to be estimated.

[0053] (7) A seventh aspect of the control device is the control device according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the threshold value is set for each time period based on the actual value of the height of the garbage pile for each time period. By setting the threshold based on the actual value of the height of the garbage pile for each hour, it is possible to set a threshold that takes into account the amount of garbage that will be piled up in the remaining time.

[0054] (8) A control device according to an eighth aspect is a control device according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein, when the required number of stirrings exceeds an upper limit value, the mixing count calculation means sets the upper limit value as the required number of stirrings. This prevents excessive stirring, and reduces unnecessary equipment power consumption and equipment lifespan.

[0055] (9) A control device according to a ninth aspect is a control device of (1) to (8), wherein the mixing count calculation means, when the required number of mixings deviates from a predetermined allowable range based on the number of mixings on the previous day, sets the upper limit of the allowable range as the required number of mixings if the required number of mixings exceeds the upper limit of the allowable range, and sets the lower limit of the allowable range as the required number of mixings if the required number of mixings is below the lower limit of the allowable range. This reduces the daily variation in the number of mixing times and suppresses fluctuations in the quality of the waste.

[0056] (10) A control method according to a tenth aspect includes the steps of: when an area in a garbage pit where garbage is brought in is defined as a receiving area, a destination where garbage is transported from the receiving area is defined as a receiving area, and the operation of transporting garbage from the receiving area to the receiving area is defined as receiving, and when the garbage is received from the receiving area to the receiving area for one layer, a computer calculates the number of times of mixing required to mix the one layer of garbage until an indicator indicating the degree of mixing of the garbage reaches a target level; the computer estimates the height of the garbage pile in the receiving area if the garbage pile is not received and only mixed the required number of times; and the computer compares the estimated garbage pile height with a predetermined threshold, and if the garbage pile height is equal to or less than the threshold, determines to mix the required number of times, and if the garbage pile height is greater than the threshold, determines to reduce the required number of times and mix within a range such that the garbage pile height does not exceed the threshold. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 10. Control device 11. Signal acquisition unit 12... Judgment Department 13 Control section 14...Storage section 900···Computer 901 CPU 902...Main memory 903...Auxiliary storage device 904 Input / Output Interface 905···Communication Interface

Claims

1. When the area in the garbage pit where garbage is brought in is defined as the source area, the destination where the garbage is transported from the source area is defined as the destination area, and the operation of transporting the garbage from the source area to the destination area is defined as reception, a mixing number calculation means for calculating the number of mixing times required to mix one layer of waste until an index indicating the degree of mixing of the waste reaches a target level when one layer of waste is received from the source area to the destination area; a garbage pile height estimation means for estimating the garbage pile height in the receiving area when mixing is performed the required number of times without performing the receiving; a control content determining means for comparing the estimated garbage pile height with a predetermined threshold, and determining to perform mixing the required number of times if the garbage pile height is equal to or less than the threshold, and determining to reduce the required number of times to perform mixing within a range in which the garbage pile height does not exceed the threshold if the garbage pile height exceeds the threshold; A control device comprising:

2. The control content determination means If the trash pile height exceeds the threshold, decreasing the target level; causing the mixing number calculation means to calculate the required mixing number for the target level after the decrease; causing the waste pile height estimation means to estimate the waste pile height based on the required number of mixing times calculated for the target level after the reduction; If the estimated garbage pile height is equal to or less than the threshold value, it is determined that mixing should be performed the required number of times calculated for the target level after the height has dropped, so that the garbage pile height will not exceed the threshold value; If the estimated garbage pile height exceeds the threshold value, the target level is repeatedly lowered until the garbage pile height estimated by the garbage pile height estimating means becomes equal to or less than the threshold value. The control device according to claim 1 .

3. a first comparison means for comparing the estimated value of the garbage pile height estimated by the garbage pile height estimation means with the measured value of the garbage pile height each time mixing is performed; Furthermore, The control content determination means When the measured garbage pile height exceeds the estimated garbage pile height, the target level is reduced; causing the mixing number calculation means to calculate the required mixing number for the target level after the decrease; causing the waste pile height estimation means to estimate the waste pile height based on the required number of mixing times calculated for the target level after the reduction; If the estimated garbage pile height is equal to or less than the threshold value, it is determined that mixing should be performed the required number of times calculated for the target level after the height has dropped, so that the garbage pile height will not exceed the threshold value; If the estimated garbage pile height exceeds the threshold value, the target level is repeatedly lowered until the garbage pile height estimated by the garbage pile height estimating means becomes equal to or less than the threshold value. The control device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. a second comparison means for comparing the measured value of the height of the waste pile with the threshold value each time mixing is performed; Furthermore, the control content determining means determines to perform the acceptance when the measured value of the garbage pile height is equal to or greater than a threshold value. The control device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. When the area in the garbage pit where garbage is brought in is defined as the source area, the destination where the garbage is transported from the source area is defined as the destination area, and the operation of transporting the garbage from the source area to the destination area is defined as reception, When one layer of waste is received from the source area to the destination area, a computer calculates the number of times that the waste must be stirred to stir the one layer of waste until an index indicating the degree of stirring of the waste reaches a target level; a step in which the computer estimates the height of the waste pile in the receiving area when mixing is performed the required number of times without performing the receiving; the computer compares the estimated garbage pile height with a predetermined threshold, and if the garbage pile height is equal to or less than the threshold, determines to perform mixing the required number of times, and if the garbage pile height exceeds the threshold, determines to reduce the required number of times and perform mixing within a range in which the garbage pile height does not exceed the threshold; A control method comprising:

Images