Automated driving management method and automated driving management device

Abstract

To stably manage an operation of a prescribed facility whose operation is performed on the basis of a prescribed operation program.SOLUTION: In an automatic operation management method performed by an automatic operation management device which controls a prescribed facility on the basis of at least two preset set values in parameters for use in an operation of the prescribed facility, and an operation program creation device which is constituted so as to be capable of transmitting and receiving information between the automatic operation management device and itself, and creates an operation program of the prescribed facility, the operation program creation device transmits a first set value out of at least two set values in a prescribed period included in the operation program of the prescribed facility which is created by the operation program creation device to the automatic operation management device before start of the prescribed period, and the automatic operation management device controls the prescribed facility on the basis of the acquired first set value at the start of the prescribed period.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an automatic driving management method and an automatic driving management device, and is an automation technology related to operation management operations such as waste incinerators or biomass treatment facilities. In particular, it is suitable for application to the automation of operation management and driving management of waste power generation facilities.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in waste treatment facilities, a manager who conducts facility or operation management creates a waste treatment plan for each incinerator as an operation plan for the facility for several months to one year. In the incinerator of the waste treatment facility, operation management indicators such as waste treatment volume and evaporation volume, which are managed daily by the operators in the facility based on the operation plan, are set in the monitoring and control device, and the basic operations of operation management are executed. Furthermore, even after setting the operation management indicators, during daily operations, the situation such as the waste treatment volume, the power generated by the heat obtained from the combustion of waste, the temperature, and the concentration of harmful gases in the exhaust gas is monitored, and the operation management indicators are manually operated.

[0003] Also, in Patent Document 1, when shifting to the incineration treatment in the second time region after the incineration treatment in the first time region is completed, if incineration at the target incineration pace is not achieved due to the correction treatment in the first time region, a technique is disclosed in which the target incineration pace in the second time region is changed so that the excess amount of waste that could not be incinerated in the first time region is incinerated in the second time region.

[0004] In Patent Document 2, the operation time zone of the incinerator within a predetermined period is preliminarily divided into a plurality of operation time divisions according to the power demand, and the incineration amount per unit time in each operation time division is set to be larger as the operation time division with a higher power demand, and the target incineration amount within the predetermined period is achieved without deviating from the allowable range of the incineration amount per unit time specific to the incinerator. A configuration for executing combustion control of the incinerator based on the set incineration amount per unit time is disclosed.

[0005] Patent Document 3 discloses a configuration in which the predicted value of the electricity selling price, the predicted value of the heat output of the waste, and the predicted value of the amount of waste brought in are input, and the planned amount of waste to be processed for each predetermined period is output in such a way that the constraints are met and the revenue from selling the generated electricity is maximized, and the planned amount of waste to be processed for each of these periods, and the predicted value of the electricity selling price for each of the fourth periods which is shorter than the third period are input, and the planned amount of waste to be processed for each of the fourth periods is output in such a way that the constraints are met and the revenue from selling the generated electricity in the third period is maximized.

[0006] Patent Document 4 discloses a technique for estimating the change in waste supply rate in a waste incineration facility. This technique involves deriving the change in the input weight of waste as the base component of the waste supply rate, estimating the change in the supply weight of waste supplied to the incinerator from the change in the surface height of the waste in the hopper, deriving the fluctuation in the estimated change in supply weight as the fluctuation component of the waste supply rate based on the base component, and superimposing the fluctuation component on the base component to estimate the change in the waste supply rate. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 3916570 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-281435 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2009-67066 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-106243 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] In conventional waste treatment facility operation management, operational plans were manually planned by managers within each facility, and daily operations were carried out based on these planned plans. In other words, the operational plans created were highly individualized. Furthermore, in recent years, due to trends such as the declining birthrate and aging population, labor shortages, and the need to reduce the costs required for facility maintenance, there is a demand for labor-saving measures in management. Moreover, the number of skilled personnel in waste treatment facility operation management is decreasing, and the number of operators engaged in management work, i.e., managers, is now limited to around 2-3 people working in shifts.

[0009] Thus, the number of skilled personnel capable of creating and managing long-term operational plans for waste treatment facilities, ranging from several months to a year, and appropriately setting operational management indicators such as daily waste processing volume and evaporation rate corresponding to the amount of waste, is decreasing. Therefore, there has been a need for technology that can calculate appropriate operational management indicators for waste treatment facilities to the same extent as skilled personnel, appropriately adjust management indicators as needed, and perform appropriate operational management, thereby realizing labor savings in operational management and enabling stable operation management of facilities operating according to a predetermined operational plan.

[0010] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and its object is to provide an automatic operation management method and an automatic operation management device that can stably manage the operation of a designated facility that operates based on a predetermined operation plan. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objective, an automated operation management method according to one aspect of the present invention is an automated operation management method performed by an automated operation management device that controls a predetermined facility based on at least two preset values ​​of parameters used in the operation of the predetermined facility, and an operation plan generation device configured to send and receive information with the automated operation management device and generate an operation plan for the predetermined facility, wherein the operation plan generation device transmits a first preset value among the at least two preset values ​​for a predetermined period included in the operation plan for the predetermined facility generated by the operation plan generation device to the automated operation management device before the start of the predetermined period, and the automated operation management device controls the predetermined facility based on the acquired first preset value at the start of the predetermined period.

[0012] An automatic driving management method according to one aspect of the present invention, in the above invention, the automatic driving management device derives a second setting value different from the first setting value from among the at least two setting values ​​based on the acquired first setting value, and controls the predetermined facility based on the second setting value at the start of the predetermined period.

[0013] In one aspect of the present invention, the automated driving management method is such that the learning model for deriving the second setting value based on the first setting value is a learning model generated by cluster analysis of the parameters.

[0014] An automatic operation management method according to one aspect of the present invention is a waste incineration facility having a power generation equipment capable of generating electricity using steam produced by the incineration of waste, wherein the first setting value is a set value for the amount of waste to be incinerated in the waste incineration facility, and the second setting value is a set value for the amount of steam to be evaporated.

[0015] An automatic operation management method according to one aspect of the present invention is a waste incineration facility having a power generation equipment capable of generating electricity using steam produced by the incineration of waste, wherein the at least two set values ​​are a set value for the amount of waste to be incinerated in the waste incineration facility and a set value for the amount of steam to be evaporated.

[0016] An automatic driving management method according to one aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the automatic driving management device performs control to change the second setting value based on the difference between the first actual value or first predicted value of the parameter for which the first setting value is set, and the first setting value, while the predetermined facility is in operation.

[0017] An automatic driving management method according to one aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the automatic driving management device performs control to change the second setting value based on the difference between the second actual value of the parameter for which the second setting value is set and the second setting value during the operation of the predetermined facility.

[0018] An automated operation management device according to one aspect of the present invention is an automated operation management device that controls the amount of waste to be processed at a predetermined facility based on at least two preset values ​​of parameters used in the operation of the predetermined facility, and comprises an operation plan generation device that generates and outputs an operation plan for the predetermined facility, and a device configured to send and receive information, which acquires a first preset value from the operation plan generation device before the start of the predetermined period, among the at least two preset values ​​for a predetermined period included in the operation plan, and controls the amount of waste to be processed at the predetermined facility based on the acquired first preset value at the start of the predetermined period. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the automated operation management method and automated operation management device of the present invention, it becomes possible to stably manage the operation of a facility that operates based on a predetermined operation plan. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0020] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an automatic driving management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an overall configuration diagram schematically showing an incineration facility to which an automatic driving management device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a combustion control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a graph showing an example of the relationship between the average values of the incineration amount, evaporation amount, and calorific value of waste in an incineration facility according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an operation plan server in an automatic driving management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6A] Figure 6A is a graph showing an example of the change in the evaporation amount set value by automatic operation on a predetermined day when the automatic driving management method according to an embodiment of the present invention is executed. [Figure 6B] Figure 6B is a graph showing an example of the change in the evaporation amount set value by automatic operation on a predetermined day when the automatic driving management method according to an embodiment of the present invention is executed. [Figure 6C] Figure 6C is a graph showing an example of the change in the evaporation amount set value by automatic operation on a predetermined day when the automatic driving management method according to an embodiment of the present invention is executed. [Figure 6D] Figure 6D is a graph showing an example of the change in the evaporation amount set value by automatic operation on a predetermined day when the automatic driving management method according to an embodiment of the present invention is executed. [Figure 7A] Figure 7A is a graph showing an example of the change in the evaporation amount set value by manual operation on a predetermined day when the automatic driving management method according to the prior art is executed. [Figure 7B] Figure 7B is a graph showing an example of the change in the evaporation amount set value by manual operation on a predetermined day when the automatic driving management method according to the prior art is executed. [Figure 7C]Figure 7C is a graph showing an example of changing the evaporation rate setting value by manual operation on a given day when the conventional automatic operation management method is implemented. [Figure 7D] Figure 7D is a graph showing an example of changing the evaporation rate setting value by manual operation on a given day when the conventional automatic operation management method is implemented. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a graph showing an example of the time variation of the daily processing volume and evaporation volume in an automated driving management method according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a graph showing an example of the time variation of daily processing volume and evaporation volume in the evaporation mode of a conventional automated driving management system. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a graph showing an example of the time variation of the daily processing volume and evaporation volume in the incineration mode of a conventional automated driving management system. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a graph showing an example of the daily waste disposal volume over one week when an automated driving management method according to one embodiment of the present invention is implemented, and when an automated driving management method according to the conventional technology is implemented. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0021] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings of the following embodiment, the same or corresponding parts will be denoted by the same reference numerals. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described below.

[0022] First, the first function realized by the automated operation management system according to one embodiment of the present invention is to automatically link with a monitoring combustion control device that monitors and controls combustion within the facility, and to use the daily waste processing volume, which is the facility's operation plan, for example, the planned waste processing volume (hereinafter referred to as the planned processing volume), which is automated and optimized by a cloud system, as an operation management indicator.

[0023] Many waste treatment facilities are equipped with steam-powered power generation equipment and are capable of selling electricity under normal circumstances. Therefore, in normal operation, control is not performed using an operation management mode (hereinafter referred to as the "incineration amount mode") based on a planned processing amount to be incinerated at predetermined intervals, such as one day, but rather using an operation management mode (hereinafter referred to as the "evaporation amount mode") based on the amount of evaporation per hour due to the high-temperature exhaust gas produced by the combustion of waste, in order to stabilize power generation. Conventionally, the conversion from waste processing amount to evaporation amount has been determined by operators such as engineers based on their experience. Therefore, the second function in this embodiment is a function that automates the method of converting from waste processing amount to evaporation amount and setting the evaporation amount setting value as a second setting value, which is part of the operation management indicator.

[0024] Furthermore, while managing operations based on the operation management indicator (evaporation rate setting value) derived by the second function of the combustion control device, a discrepancy may occur between the planned waste processing volume and the actual waste processing volume (hereinafter referred to as the actual processing volume). In this case, as a third function, a function is implemented that automatically changes the evaporation rate setting value to reduce the discrepancy between the actual processing volume and the planned processing volume.

[0025] Furthermore, waste treatment facilities are typically equipped with power generation facilities. Therefore, as an operational management indicator for waste treatment facilities, the evaporation rate mode is often adopted, which operates based on an evaporation rate setting corresponding to a waste treatment volume that can achieve stable combustion and power generation, rather than the incineration rate mode, which is based on the management of the amount of waste treated, i.e., the management of the planned treatment volume. In operation using the evaporation rate mode, fluctuations in waste quality due to the combustion state may result in an over- or under-planned treatment volume for the day. Therefore, in order to manage the amount of waste treated throughout the day, operators need to correct the evaporation rate setting value when there is a discrepancy between the planned treatment volume and the actual treatment volume. In the operational management of waste treatment facilities, the upper limit of the amount of waste treated is determined based on environmental assessments, and problems may arise in operational management if the actual treatment volume exceeds the upper limit. In contrast, according to this embodiment, even in the evaporation rate mode, operational management can be performed so that the amount of waste treated does not exceed a predetermined value, so that the operation of the waste treatment facility can be made to give the impression to third parties that it is operating safely and securely, and reliability can be improved. One embodiment described below was devised based on the above diligent considerations by the inventors.

[0026] (Operations management system) Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an operation management system according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 1, the operation management system 1, as an automated operation management system according to one embodiment, includes an operation plan server 10 as an operation plan generation device, various terminal devices 20 (terminal devices 20A, 20B), and a monitoring and combustion control device 30, all of which can communicate with each other via a network 2. The monitoring and combustion control device 30 is configured to control a waste incinerator 100, which is a predetermined facility.

[0027] Network 2 consists of the Internet network, mobile phone network, etc. Network 2 may include, for example, a public communication network such as the Internet, and may also include other communication networks such as a WAN (Wide Area Network), a telephone communication network such as a mobile phone network, or a wireless communication network such as Wi-Fi. The data transmitted and received in the communication between the operation planning server 10 and the monitoring combustion control device 30 may include operational management indicators that are important for the operation of the waste incinerator 100. Therefore, considering the security of the transmitted and received data, it is preferable that the communication line between the operation planning server 10 and the monitoring combustion control device 30 be a dedicated line or a VPN line.

[0028] (Terminal device) As shown in Figure 1, terminal devices 20A and 20B, which serve as user terminals, are operated by operators such as office managers and facility operators. Terminal device 20 can transmit various information to the operation plan server 10, such as information related to the operation of the waste incinerator 100 (operation information) and operator information including operator identification information. The operation information includes calculation conditions and start instruction signals related to the operation of the waste incinerator 100. Terminal device 20 is also configured to obtain and view operation plans from the operation plan server 10 via the network 2. Details regarding operation plans will be described later.

[0029] Terminal devices 20A and 20B each comprise a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a communication unit 23, and an input / output unit 24, which are connected to each other in a manner that allows them to communicate with one another.

[0030] The control unit 21 specifically includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), and an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), as well as a main memory unit such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory) (none of which are shown). The storage unit 22 is composed of a storage medium selected from volatile memory such as RAM, non-volatile memory such as ROM, EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), a hard disk drive (HDD), and removable media. Removable media include, for example, USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, or disk recording media such as CD (Compact Disc), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or BD (Blu-ray® Disc). Alternatively, the storage unit 22 may be configured using a computer-readable recording medium such as an externally insertable memory card.

[0031] The memory unit 22 can store the operating system (OS), various programs, various tables, various databases, etc. Here, the various programs include trained models. These programs can also be recorded on computer-readable recording media such as hard disks, flash memory, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, and flexible disks for widespread distribution.

[0032] The control unit 21 comprehensively controls the operation of the storage unit 22, the communication unit 23, and the input / output unit 24 by executing various application programs. The communication unit 23 transmits and receives various information, such as operator identification information, operator selection information, operation information, and operation plan information, to and from an external server such as the operation plan server 10 via the network 2.

[0033] The communication unit 23 is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) interface board and a wireless communication circuit for wireless communication. The LAN interface board and wireless communication circuit are connected to network 2, such as the public communication network, the Internet. The communication unit 23 connects to network 2 and communicates with the operation planning server 10 and other terminal devices 20A and 20B.

[0034] The input / output unit 24 consists of, for example, a keyboard, a touch panel keyboard built into the display unit to detect touch operations on the display panel, or an audio input device that enables communication with the outside. The display unit that makes up the input / output unit 24 consists of, for example, an organic EL panel or a liquid crystal display panel, and communicates information to the outside by displaying characters, graphics, etc. on the display panel.

[0035] The terminal devices 20, 20A, and 20B described above can specifically be mobile phones such as smartphones, information terminals such as tablets, or personal computers.

[0036] (Waste incinerator) Figure 2 shows a waste incinerator as an incineration facility to which an automated operation management device according to one embodiment of the present invention is applied. As shown in Figure 2, the waste incinerator 100, such as a grate-type waste incinerator, comprises a furnace 101 in which waste is burned, a waste inlet 102 into which waste is fed, and a boiler 109. The boiler 109 is equipped with a heat exchanger 109a and a steam drum 109b installed downstream of the furnace outlet 107 of the furnace 101.

[0037] The waste introduced through the waste inlet 102 is transported to the grate 104 by the waste supply device 103. The grate 104 moves back and forth, agitating and moving the waste. The waste on the grate 104 is burned while being dried by combustion air blown into the wind box below the grate 104 by the combustion air blower 106, generating exhaust gas and ash. The generated ash falls through the ash outlet 105 and is discharged outside the furnace 101.

[0038] The total amount of combustion air supplied from below the grate 104 into the furnace 101 is controlled by a combustion air damper 114 located immediately adjacent to the combustion air blower 106. The flow rate of combustion air supplied to each wind box is controlled by grate-under combustion air dampers 114a, 114b, 114c, and 114d, which are installed in the piping supplying combustion air to each wind box. In other words, the ratio of the flow rates of combustion air supplied to each wind box is controlled by the grate-under combustion air dampers 114a to 114d. In Figure 2, the area below the grate 104 is divided into four wind boxes along the waste transport direction, and combustion air is supplied through each wind box. However, the number of grate-under combustion air dampers 114a to 114d and wind boxes is not necessarily limited to four, and can be appropriately changed depending on the size and purpose of the waste incinerator.

[0039] Furthermore, the combustion air damper 114 is connected, for example, to a combustion air temperature damper 126a connected in series and a combustion air temperature damper 126b connected in parallel. These combustion air temperature dampers 126a and 126b adjust the temperature of the combustion air supplied from below the grate 104 into the furnace 101.

[0040] Cooling air is blown into the furnace 101 by a cooling air blower 111 from cooling air inlets 110 located on the furnace walls and ceiling of the furnace 101. The blowing of cooling air into the furnace 101 further burns unburned components in the combustion gas and suppresses an excessive rise in the temperature of the furnace walls. The flow rate of cooling air supplied into the furnace 101 from the cooling air inlets 110 is adjusted by a cooling air damper 115 located immediately adjacent to the cooling air blower 111. An exhaust gas recirculation air damper 128 is provided on the ceiling of the furnace 101, etc., to adjust the flow rates of exhaust gas and combustion air when exhaust gas from the outlet of an exhaust gas treatment device (not shown) is mixed with combustion air and recirculated into the furnace 101 by a recirculation blower 127. Low air-ratio combustion by the exhaust gas recirculation air damper 128 makes it possible to suppress the generation of NOx during combustion.

[0041] Along the direction of waste transport in the grate 104, the combustible gas generated in the upstream waste drying process and main combustion process, and the combustion exhaust gas generated in the downstream post-combustion process, merge at a gas mixing section located on the furnace outlet 107 side of the furnace 101. The combustible gas and combustion exhaust gas that merge at the gas mixing section are stirred and mixed again, and then secondary combustion is carried out by supplying secondary combustion air. The boiler 109 is installed downstream of the section where secondary combustion takes place (hereinafter referred to as the secondary combustion section) along the direction of waste transport. After the thermal energy of the combustion gas from secondary combustion is recovered by the heat exchanger 109a of the boiler 109, it is exhausted to the outside through the chimney 108.

[0042] An intermediate ceiling 116 is provided inside the furnace 101 at an upper position along the height of the furnace 101. The gas flowing inside the furnace 101 can be separated and discharged by the intermediate ceiling 116 into gas containing a large amount of combustible gas generated in the waste drying process and main combustion process upstream, and combustion exhaust gas generated in the post-combustion process downstream. Specifically, the combustion exhaust gas flows through a flue (main flue) below the intermediate ceiling 116, while the gas containing a large amount of combustible gas flows through a flue (secondary flue) above the intermediate ceiling 116. The combustion exhaust gas and the gas containing a large amount of combustible gas merge in the gas mixing section, further promoting gas agitation and mixing in the gas mixing section. As a result, combustion in the secondary combustion section is more stable, the generation of dioxins in the combustion process is suppressed, and the generation of unburned waste is suppressed. Note that the furnace 101 may also be configured without an intermediate ceiling 116.

[0043] Thermometers are provided at multiple locations within the furnace 101 to measure the gas temperature inside the furnace 101. Specifically, a combustion chamber gas thermometer 117 is provided along the height of the furnace 101, at a position midway between the grate 104 and the cooling air inlet 110.

[0044] A main flue gas thermometer 118 is provided along the height direction of the furnace 101, below the furnace outlet 107. A lower furnace outlet gas thermometer 119 is provided along the height direction of the furnace 101, below the furnace outlet 107. A middle furnace outlet gas thermometer 120 is provided along the height direction of the furnace 101, in the middle of the furnace outlet 107. A furnace outlet gas thermometer 121 for measuring the combustion control temperature is provided along the height direction of the furnace 101, downstream of the furnace outlet 107. The temperature measurements taken by the combustion chamber gas thermometer 117, the main flue gas thermometer 118, the lower furnace outlet gas thermometer 119, the middle furnace outlet gas thermometer 120, and the furnace outlet gas thermometer 121 are stored as combustion process measurement values ​​in the storage unit 34 (see Figure 2) of the monitoring combustion control device 30. The temperature measurement data stored in the storage unit 34 may be transmitted from the monitoring combustion control device 30 to the operation planning server 10 as measurement value data.

[0045] The boiler 109 is equipped with a boiler outlet oxygen concentration meter 122 on its outlet side to measure the concentration of oxygen (O2) in the exhaust gas. At the inlet of the chimney 108, carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxides (NO) in the exhaust gas are measured. x A gas concentration meter 123 is provided to measure the concentration of ) (oxygen). An exhaust gas flow meter 124 is provided in the piping connecting the boiler outlet 109 and the chimney 108 to measure the amount of exhaust gas. The measured values ​​of gas concentration and flow rate measured by the boiler outlet oxygen concentration meter 122, the gas concentration meter 123, and the exhaust gas flow meter 124 are stored in the storage unit 34 of the monitoring combustion control device 30 as combustion process measurement values. Note that the combustion process measurement values ​​are also simply called measurement values.

[0046] A combustion image capturing unit 125 is provided on the downstream side of the waste transport direction inside the furnace 101. The combustion image capturing unit 125 captures images of the combustion state of the waste on the grate 104 and stores the captured combustion image data in the storage unit 34 of the monitoring combustion control device 30. Furthermore, the combustion image capturing unit 125 may capture images of the combustion state of the waste on the grate 104 and store the captured combustion image data in, for example, the sensor value database 12c (see Figure 5) of the storage unit 12 of the operation planning server 10.

[0047] (Monitoring and combustion control device) Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the monitoring combustion control device 30. As shown in Figure 3, the monitoring combustion control device 30, as an automatic operation management device, comprises a calculation control unit 31, an operation variable reference value adjustment unit 32, an operation variable reference value correction unit 33, a storage unit 34, and an operation variable adjustment unit 35. Specifically, the calculation control unit 31, the operation variable reference value adjustment unit 32, the operation variable reference value correction unit 33, and the operation variable adjustment unit 35 comprise a processor such as a CPU, DSP, or FPGA, and a main memory unit such as RAM or ROM (none of which are shown). The storage unit 34 is composed of a storage medium selected from volatile memory such as RAM, non-volatile memory such as ROM, EPROM, HDD, and removable media. Removable media include, for example, a USB memory stick or a disk recording medium such as a CD, DVD, or BD. Alternatively, the storage unit 34 may be configured using a computer-readable recording medium such as an externally insertable memory card.

[0048] The calculation control unit 31 derives the evaporation rate setting value for a predetermined period based on the waste incineration rate setting value for that predetermined period (hereinafter referred to as the waste incineration rate setting value) received from the operation plan server 10. The predetermined period is typically one day, but is not necessarily limited to one day and can be determined arbitrarily. The second function, the method for deriving the evaporation rate setting value for a predetermined period of one day, will be described below.

[0049] First, for a period of more than one year, specifically about one and a half years, the actual amount of waste evaporated due to incineration (hereinafter referred to as the actual evaporation amount) relative to the actual amount of waste incinerated (hereinafter referred to as the actual waste incineration amount) was classified into the calorific value of the waste (hereinafter referred to as the calorific value) and measured values ​​were collected. An example of this is shown in Figure 4. Figure 4 is a graph showing an example of the relationship between the average values ​​of the amount of waste incinerated, the amount of evaporation, and the calorific value of waste in the incineration facility according to this embodiment.

[0050] The calculation control unit 31 generates a model capable of deriving an evaporation rate setting value in a predetermined waste incinerator 100 based on, for example, multiple regression analysis of the collected data as shown in Figure 4. In this embodiment, the calculation control unit 31 of the monitoring combustion control device 30 derives the evaporation rate setting value FQ(T)(t / h) for the day from the incineration rate setting value WQ(T)(t / d) for the day and the average value of the waste calorific value HU(T-1)(MJ / kg) for the previous day T-1 as a model, represented by equation (1). Here, the average value of the waste calorific value HU(T-1)(MJ / kg) includes the average value of the waste calorific value from several hours prior to the previous day. As a first function of the operation plan server 10, the incineration rate setting value WQ(T)(t / d) for the day is transmitted to the calculation control unit 31 before the start of the predetermined period T, for example, around 23:00 on the previous day T-1. The calculation control unit 31 automatically obtains the incineration amount setting value WQ(T) as the first setting value from the operation planning server 10. That is, as its first function, the operation planning server 10 automatically transmits information on the incineration amount setting value WQ(T) for a predetermined day (for example, the next day) at a predetermined time (for example, 23:00) to the monitoring combustion control device 30. After obtaining the incineration amount setting value WQ(T), the calculation control unit 31 derives the evaporation amount setting value FQ(T) according to the following equation (1) around midnight when the day T changes. The derived evaporation amount setting value FQ(T) is stored in the operation planning database 342 in the storage unit 34 of the monitoring combustion control device 30. FQ(T)=A×WQ(T)÷24+B×HU(T-1)+C …(1) (A, B, C: real numbers)

[0051] Here, the average value of the waste calorific value (HU(T-1)) can be calculated by the monitoring combustion control device 30 or the terminal device 20 that can communicate with the monitoring combustion control device 30. Furthermore, the waste calorific value is not limited to the previous day; it is also possible to use calorific value data from the most recent past, for example, one week ago. In addition, the values ​​of A, B, and C are constants derived for each waste incinerator 100, and are real numbers determined by the control unit such as the calculation control unit 31 based on incineration amount, evaporation amount, and calorific value data for about one year.

[0052] Traditionally, deriving evaporation rate settings based on waste incineration rate settings for each operating day was the tacit knowledge of the waste incinerator 100 manager or experienced operators. In contrast, this embodiment collects long-term operating data from the waste incinerator 100, for example, about one year, and applies multiple regression analysis and artificial intelligence (AI) prediction techniques. As a result, the derivation of evaporation rate settings based on waste incineration rate settings, which was previously the responsibility of operators, is programmed, making it possible to automatically convert evaporation rate settings as an operational management indicator from waste incineration rate settings and other sources.

[0053] The storage unit 34 can store the OS, various programs, various tables, and various databases for executing the operation of the monitoring combustion control device 30. Here, the various programs include an automatic combustion control program that implements processing based on the learned model according to this embodiment. These various programs can also be recorded on computer-readable recording media such as hard disks, flash memory, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, and flexible disks for widespread distribution. Specifically, the storage unit 34 stores the evaporation amount learning model 341 and the operation plan database 342. The storage unit 34 may be located on another server that can communicate via various networks. Furthermore, these various programs can also be recorded on computer-readable recording media such as hard disks, flash memory, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, and flexible disks for widespread distribution.

[0054] The monitoring combustion control device 30 loads a program stored in the memory unit 34 into the working area of ​​the main memory unit and executes it. By controlling each component through the execution of the program, it can realize a function that matches a predetermined purpose. In this embodiment, the program execution by the monitoring combustion control device 30 executes the processing of the evaporation amount learning model 341, which is the program. The monitoring combustion control device 30 may also be equipped with a learning unit function. In this case, the learning unit of the monitoring combustion control device 30 can perform machine learning, such as deep learning, and enable the monitoring combustion control device 30 to function as artificial intelligence.

[0055] (Method for generating evaporation rate learning models) Here, we will describe the modeling of the operation to change the evaporation rate setting value in the waste incinerator 100 for one day, which is the third function. That is, when the waste incinerator 100 is operated based on the evaporation rate setting value derived from the daily actual waste incineration amount and the average value of the waste calorific value from the previous day, the actual calorific value of the waste fed into the furnace 101 may change over time. If the change in the actual calorific value becomes large and continues, the actual evaporation rate, which is the second actual value, will remain stable, but the actual waste incineration value will fluctuate relative to the daily waste incineration amount setting value. For example, if the actual calorific value increases while the control to keep the actual evaporation rate approximately constant (evaporation rate mode) is being performed, the actual waste incineration amount will decrease, and if the actual calorific value decreases, the actual waste incineration value will increase. Conventionally, in this case, the operator corrects the evaporation rate setting value based on several operating indicators. In contrast, in this embodiment, data analysis technology is used to model at which point of the various measured values ​​that the operator is using as a reference the correction operation is performed.

[0056] In other words, the evaporation rate learning model 341 is generated by deriving, for example, cluster analysis, the conditions for deciding whether to change the evaporation rate setpoint, the amount of manipulation during the change operation, and the conditions for increasing or decreasing the evaporation rate setpoint. These timings for changing the evaporation rate setpoint, the amount of increase or decrease, and the amount of manipulation are obtained from the experience of operators engaged in the operation management of the waste incinerator 100. In other words, points in daily operation where operators increase or decrease the evaporation rate setpoint are extracted from the relationship between the difference between the evaporation rate setpoint and the actual evaporation rate (hereinafter referred to as the evaporation rate difference) and the difference between the waste incineration rate setpoint and the actual waste incineration rate (hereinafter referred to as the incineration rate difference). For example, cluster analysis (clustering) can be used as the extraction method. By cluster analysis, similar operator operation points can be classified into multiple clusters, and the centroid of each cluster can be extracted as the representative value of the operation point. Note that, in addition to the centroid, any percentile value may be used as the operation point extracted from each cluster. Furthermore, cluster analysis methods such as hierarchical clustering, K-means, Gaussian mixture models (GMM), and spectral clustering can be employed. Table 1 shows an example of the data used for modeling. Table 1 is a table showing an example of the data used for modeling.

[0057] [Table 1]

[0058] As shown in Table 1, when the waste incinerator 100 has two furnaces 101, there are cases where only one furnace 101 is operated, and cases where two or more furnaces 101 are operated simultaneously. In this case, when performing a change operation to increase the evaporation rate setpoint in single-furnace operation, there are various indicators that the operator can refer to, but at least one indicator includes the evaporation rate deviation (evaporation rate difference) and the predicted incineration amount as a first predicted value. Also, in the case of single-furnace operation, the power received (purchased power) is also an indicator that the operator can refer to, and if necessary, the incineration rate deviation (incineration rate difference) may also be an indicator. Similarly, when performing a change operation to decrease the evaporation rate setpoint in single-furnace operation, the indicator should at least include the evaporation rate deviation and the predicted incineration amount, and if necessary, chimney NOx concentration and exhaust gas flow rate may also be indicators.

[0059] Furthermore, in the case of operation with two or more furnaces, the change operation to increase the evaporation rate setting should at least include the deviation in evaporation rate and the predicted incineration rate, and if necessary, the deviation in incineration rate may also be used as an indicator. Similarly, the change operation to decrease the evaporation rate setting should at least include the deviation in evaporation rate and the predicted incineration rate, and if necessary, chimney NOx concentration and deviation in incineration rate may also be used as indicators. Based on the above, an example of the evaporation rate learning model 341, which is the operation model when modeled, is shown in Table 2.

[0060] [Table 2]

[0061] In Table 2, the models are applied in order of priority based on the cluster values. Specifically, in cluster "1", the manipulated quantity is derived from the evaporation learning model 341 based on the difference in evaporation and the difference in incineration. In cluster "4", the manipulated quantity is derived from the difference in evaporation, the difference in incineration, and the chimney NOx concentration. By using such an evaporation learning model 341, the monitoring and combustion control device 30 can increase or decrease the evaporation set value at predetermined timings and with appropriate correction amounts during the operation of the waste incinerator 100 as a waste incineration facility. It is also possible to mask the application of the correction amount to the evaporation set value for several hours (1 to 12 hours) starting from 0:00 on the day, thereby preventing operation. This improves the accuracy of processing volume prediction.

[0062] Furthermore, the monitoring combustion control device 30 controls the combustion air volume, cooling air volume, waste supply device feed speed, and grate feed speed as the control variables at each control end, based on a predetermined control variable reference value setting relational expression. The monitoring combustion control device 30 also controls stopping and operating the waste supply device feed speed and grate feed speed. The control variable reference value setting relational expression is a relational expression between the waste incineration amount setting value or waste quality setting value and the control variable reference value (target value of the control variable), and includes control parameters as correction coefficients. The control parameters are adjusted by the control variable reference value adjustment unit 32 to match the waste incineration amount setting value and the waste quality setting value. When at least one of the waste incineration amount setting value and waste quality setting value is changed, the adjusted control parameters are changed by the control variable reference value adjustment unit 32 in accordance with the changed setting value. By changing the control parameters, the preset control variable reference value is corrected.

[0063] The calculation control unit 31 performs various controls and calculations. Specifically, for example, the calculation control unit 31 derives the amount of evaporation per unit of time generated by the combustion of waste in the waste incinerator 100 over a predetermined period, for example, one day (24 hours), as the evaporation amount set value. Also, for example, when the calculation control unit 31 functions as a waste calculation unit, it calculates the waste quality (lower heating value of waste) according to the waste incineration amount set value. The manipulated variable reference value adjustment unit 32 adjusts the manipulated variable reference value by adjusting the control parameters included in the manipulated variable reference value setting relation expression. The manipulated variable reference value correction unit 33 corrects the manipulated variable reference value adjusted by the manipulated variable reference value adjustment unit 32 based on a predetermined control algorithm (PID control, fuzzy logic, etc.). The data referenced by the calculation control unit 31, the manipulated variable reference value adjustment unit 32, and the manipulated variable reference value correction unit 33 are stored in the storage unit 34 in a readable format. The memory unit 34 stores predetermined control variable reference value setting relational expressions and control algorithms, daily evaporation amount setting values ​​and incineration amount setting values ​​transmitted from the operation plan server 10, and combustion process measurement values ​​transmitted from the waste incinerator 100 and acquired as combustion state amounts within the furnace 101.

[0064] The control amount adjustment unit 35 adjusts the respective control amounts at each control end so that they follow the control amount reference value. Specifically, the control amount adjustment unit 35 includes a combustion air volume adjustment unit 351, an air volume ratio adjustment unit 352, a cooling air volume adjustment unit 353, a waste supply device feed speed adjustment unit 354, a grate feed speed adjustment unit 355, a combustion air temperature adjustment unit 356, and an exhaust gas recirculation air flow rate adjustment unit 357.

[0065] The combustion air volume adjustment unit 351 adjusts the control amount so that the combustion air volume follows the control amount reference value (hereinafter referred to as the corrected control amount reference value) corrected by the control amount reference value correction unit 33. The air volume ratio adjustment unit 352 controls each of the under-grille combustion air dampers 114a to 114d to adjust the ratio of the flow rates in each wind box. The cooling air volume adjustment unit 353 adjusts the control amount so that the cooling air volume follows the corrected control amount reference value. Here, the combustion air volume and cooling air volume are adjusted by controlling the opening degrees of the combustion air damper 114, the under-grille combustion air dampers 114a to 114d, and the cooling air damper 115, respectively. The waste supply device feed speed adjustment unit 354 adjusts the control amount so that the waste supply device feed speed follows the corrected control amount reference value. The grate feed speed adjustment unit 355 adjusts the control amount so that the grate feed speed follows the corrected control amount reference value. The combustion air temperature adjustment unit 356 controls the combustion air temperature dampers 126a and 126b, respectively, so that the temperature of the combustion air follows the corrected control amount reference value. The exhaust gas recirculation air flow rate adjustment unit 357 controls the exhaust gas recirculation air damper 128 so that the flow rates of the recirculated exhaust gas and air follow the corrected control amount reference value. If the control amount reference value is not corrected by the control amount reference value correction unit 33, the control amount adjustment unit 35 adjusts each control amount based on the uncorrected control amount reference value.

[0066] (Operational planning server) Figure 5 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the operation planning server 10. As shown in Figure 5, the operation planning server 10 has the configuration of a typical computer that can communicate via network 2. The operation planning server 10 comprises a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a communication unit 13, and an input / output unit 14. The control unit 11, storage unit 12, communication unit 13, and input / output unit 14 are physically and functionally the same as the control unit 21, storage unit 22, communication unit 23, and input / output unit 24 described above.

[0067] The control unit 11 loads the program stored in the memory unit 12 into the work area of ​​the main memory unit and executes it. By controlling each component through the execution of the program, it can realize functions that match a predetermined purpose, specifically the operation plan generation unit 11a, the operation management control unit 11b, and the timing unit 11c.

[0068] The operation plan generation unit 11a reads the software program related to the operation plan stored in the memory unit 12. When various conditions required for operating a predetermined waste incinerator 100 are input as input parameters, the operation plan program outputs an operation plan for a predetermined period, for example, one year, for the predetermined waste incinerator 100 as an output parameter. Based on the conditions for operating the predetermined waste incinerator 100, the operation plan generation unit 11a generates an operation plan for the waste incinerator 100 for a predetermined period, for example, one year. The operation plan generation unit 11a stores the generated operation plan in the operation plan database 12a.

[0069] The timing unit 11c is, for example, a clock synchronized with an atomic clock, which measures the flow of time and outputs time information. The timing unit 11c can also calculate the time between a predetermined time and another time and output this time information. The output time information and time information are input to the operation management control unit 11b. Based on the time information and time information from the timing unit 11c, the operation management control unit 11b transmits evaporation rate settings based on the operation plan to the monitoring and combustion control devices 30 of the various waste incinerators 100. The time information and time information in the operation plan server 10 are based on the information output from the timing unit 11c, but a detailed explanation is omitted here.

[0070] The storage unit 12 stores various information collected from the monitoring and combustion control devices 30 that control each of the waste incinerators 100 constructed in various locations, as a database. Specifically, the storage unit 12 stores an operation plan database 12a, an operation management database 12b, and a sensor value database 12c as information regarding the operation plan, actual operation status, and combustion status of each waste incinerator 100, with various data stored in a searchable format. Note that the databases stored in the storage unit 12 are not limited to the databases described above. These databases 12a, 12b, and 12c are, for example, relational databases (RDBs). Furthermore, the database (DB) described in this embodiment is constructed by a database management system (DBMS) program executed by the processor described above, which manages the data stored in the storage unit 12.

[0071] (Autonomous driving management method) Next, the automated operation management method using the operation management system 1 configured as described above will be explained. Specifically, first, the operator transmits the conditions for creating the operation plan (calculation conditions) and the activation signal for creation from the terminal device 20 to the operation plan server 10. The operation plan server 10 generates the operation plan using the conditions for creating the operation plan as an input parameter and the operation plan as an output parameter. The operation plan server 10 stores the generated operation plan in the operation plan database 12a. Alternatively, the terminal device 20 may store the operation plan in the storage unit 12 of the operation plan server 10. Furthermore, the operation plan stored in the operation plan database 12a is accessible from terminal devices 20A and 20B and is stored in a viewable format on terminal devices 20A and 20B.

[0072] Next, as the first function, the operation plan server 10 transmits the incineration amount setting value for the current day T (or the following day from the previous day T-1) based on the operation plan from the predetermined waste incinerator 100 that has already been generated, to the monitoring combustion control device 30 that controls the waste incinerator 100 at a predetermined time, for example, around 23:00 on the previous day T-1. The monitoring combustion control device 30 stores the received incineration amount setting value in the operation plan database 342.

[0073] In this embodiment, for example, based on the operation plan generated by the operation plan server 10, a daily incineration rate setting of, for example, 78 t / d for the waste incinerator 100 operating at 1 furnace was automatically transmitted to the monitoring and combustion control device 30 of the waste incinerator 100 for, for example, from day B of month A to B+6 of month A.

[0074] Next, as a second function, the calculation control unit 31 of the monitoring combustion control device 30 reads the incineration amount setting value received from the operation plan server 10 from the storage unit 34. Based on the read incineration amount setting value, the calculation control unit 31 derives the evaporation amount setting value from equation (1), in which constants A, B, and C in a predetermined waste incinerator 100 are set. The calculation control unit 31 stores the derived evaporation amount setting value in the operation plan database 342.

[0075] In this embodiment, for example, when the incineration rate setting value is set to 78 t / d, Table 3 shows an example in which the calculation control unit 31 derives the evaporation rate setting value from the incineration rate setting value and the average value of the calorific value of the previous day. In Table 3, for example, on day B of month A, the calculation control unit 31 derives an evaporation rate setting value of 9.9 t / h from equation (1) using the waste incineration rate setting value (78 t / d) and the average calorific value of the previous day (9.68 MJ / kg). The same applies to other days. Note that among the constants A, B, and C which are parameters in equation (1), constant C was adjusted during these periods.

[0076] [Table 3]

[0077] Subsequently, the waste incinerator 100 starts operation based on the evaporation rate set value derived by the calculation control unit 31. As a third function, the control variable reference value adjustment unit 32 of the monitoring combustion control device 30 reads the evaporation rate learning model 341 and performs an operation to change the evaporation rate set value during operation of the waste incinerator 100. Regarding the operation to change the evaporation rate set value by the third function, Table 4 shows the number of automatic changes per day over 7 days. Also, examples of the timing of the changes for 4 days from month B are shown in Figures 6A, 6B, 6C, and 6D, respectively. As a comparative example, Table 5 shows the number of automatic changes per day over 7 days regarding the operation to change the evaporation rate set value by a conventional operator. Also, examples of the timing of the changes for 4 days from month D are shown in Figures 7A, 7B, 7C, and 7D, respectively. In the comparative example, the same waste incinerator 100 is operated under the same conditions.

[0078] [Table 4]

[0079] [Table 5]

[0080] In the monitoring combustion control device 30 according to this embodiment, the frequency of operations to change the evaporation amount setting value by the manipulated variable reference value adjustment unit 32 was 5.9 times per day on average (5.9 times / day). In contrast, in the conventional technology, the frequency of operations to change the evaporation amount setting value by the operator was 7.6 times per day on average (7.6 times / day). Furthermore, comparing Figures 6A to 6D with Figures 7A to 7D, it can be seen that the number of minor adjustment operations is reduced with the evaporation amount setting value adjustment operation according to this embodiment. From these findings, it can be seen that the monitoring combustion control device 30 according to this embodiment can reduce the number of operations to change the evaporation amount setting value, thereby enabling more stable operation of the waste incinerator 100. In addition, regarding the evaporation amount setting value, an operation is performed to return it to the evaporation amount setting value at the start of the day in response to increases or decreases, but according to this embodiment, it is possible to further reduce the number of adjustment operations for return.

[0081] Figure 8 is a graph showing an example of the time variation of the daily processing volume and evaporation volume in the automated operation management method according to this embodiment. Figure 9 is a graph showing an example of the time variation of the daily processing volume and evaporation volume in the evaporation volume mode of a conventional automated operation management system. Figure 10 is a graph showing an example of the time variation of the daily processing volume and evaporation volume in the incineration volume mode of a conventional automated operation management system.

[0082] As shown in the upper graph of Figure 10, if the actual daily waste incineration amount (solid line in Figure 10) is controlled to match the set waste incineration amount (dashed line in Figure 10), the lower graph of Figure 10 shows that the actual evaporation amount (dashed line in Figure 10) can change significantly and deviate greatly from the set evaporation amount (15 t / h in Figure 10: dashed line). In this case, while the actual daily waste incineration amount can be controlled to be almost the same as the set waste incineration amount, the actual evaporation amount can deviate greatly from the set evaporation amount. Therefore, in the conventional incineration mode, it becomes difficult to stabilize power generation.

[0083] Furthermore, as shown in the lower graph of Figure 9, when the actual daily evaporation rate (dashed line in Figure 9) is controlled to match the evaporation rate setting (15 t / h in Figure 9: thick dashed line), it can be seen that the actual incineration rate (solid line in Figure 9), shown in the upper graph of Figure 9, is greater than the incineration rate setting (100 t in 24 hours in Figure 9: dashed line). Conversely, it can be seen that the actual incineration rate may be less than the incineration rate setting. In other words, in order to stabilize the actual evaporation rate, the actual incineration rate fluctuates depending on the actual calorific value of the waste. In this case, while the actual daily evaporation rate can be controlled to be almost equal to the evaporation rate setting, the actual incineration rate may deviate significantly from the incineration rate setting. Therefore, in the evaporation mode of conventional technology, a problem arises in that it becomes difficult to manage the amount of waste to be incinerated.

[0084] In contrast, with the control provided by the monitoring combustion control device 30 of this embodiment, at the start of daily operation of the waste incinerator 100, an evaporation rate setting value is derived based on the waste incineration rate setting value, and the evaporation rate setting value is automatically corrected by the evaporation rate learning model 341 to stabilize the actual evaporation rate from this evaporation rate setting value. As a result, it is possible to operate the waste incinerator 100 with a stable evaporation rate, without the actual waste incineration rate deviating significantly from the waste incineration rate setting value.

[0085] Figure 11 is a graph showing an example of the daily waste disposal volume over one week when an automated driving management method according to one embodiment of the present invention is implemented, and when an automated driving management method according to the conventional technology is implemented.

[0086] As shown in Figure 11, with the automation of operation by the monitoring combustion control device 30 according to this embodiment, the actual waste incineration amount is 76.7 t / d in the conventional technology compared to the daily average waste incineration amount setting value of 78 t / d over a week, while in this embodiment it is 76.4 t / d, which is within an error of about 2%. This shows that the waste incinerator 100 can be operated stably in terms of the actual waste incineration amount.

[0087] According to the embodiment described above, in a waste incinerator, intervention operations that were previously performed by skilled or experienced operators (hereinafter referred to as skilled operators) based on their own judgment are now performed on behalf of the skilled operators based on an evaporation rate learning model 341, which is a program generated by machine learning using cluster analysis. This enables stable control of the evaporation rate by the monitoring combustion control device 30, thereby automating the operation management of the waste incinerator 100 and significantly, preferably to almost zero, the need for operators to change the evaporation rate setting.

[0088] Furthermore, according to one embodiment, the first, second, and third functions enable the automation of daily operation and operation management of the automated operation management device, making it possible to reduce the number of operators and achieve stable and reliable facility operation management. Specifically, the workload of operators is reduced, and the method of determining operation judgments and operation amounts, which has been corrected based on multiple operation indicators considered by many experienced and skilled operators, is modeled using machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI), thereby enabling stable operation management at the managed facility while reducing the workload of operators.

[0089] In other words, while conventional evaporation rate setting changes were performed by operators based on predetermined measurements, in one embodiment of automatic combustion control, it is possible to add control that incorporates combustion state judgments similar to those of a skilled operator. This makes it possible to establish a technology that replaces human judgment of the combustion state, which is based on human observation and skilled techniques, with artificial intelligence using a learning model. Therefore, combustion control that includes the combustion state in addition to process signals becomes possible.

[0090] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an evaporation rate learning model 341 is generated based on an analysis of a large amount of historical data regarding the condition for changing the evaporation rate setting value. This enables appropriate execution of decisions regarding the operation to change the evaporation rate setting value and the setting of the evaporation rate setting value.

[0091] Furthermore, conventionally, the operation and management of incineration facilities required each facility to develop a waste treatment volume plan based on their own experience, determine operational management indicators based on that plan, and then operate according to those indicators, while requiring timely communication between operators and necessary corrective operations. However, these tasks can now be automated. By comprehensively constructing a system that automates these experience-based tasks, and confirming its effectiveness through actual operation results, this system can reduce the workload of operators and provide stable and reliable operational management, even in facilities where labor-saving in operation and management is required. Moreover, even when operators change and it becomes difficult to transfer technical knowledge, the operational management system 1 according to this embodiment allows for the retention of technical knowledge in operation and management.

[0092] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the operation plan server 10 is used as a cloud system, enabling cloud-based use in addition to the conventional monitoring and combustion control device 30 of the waste incinerator 100. As a result, the planning of operation plans, which was previously dependent on individual expertise, can now be easily supported not only by operators who manage and operate the facility, but also by many other stakeholders involved in the operation and management of other incineration facilities.

[0093] Furthermore, in the conventional daily operation of the waste incinerator 100, when operating based on the evaporation rate setting value derived at the beginning of the day T of operation, the operator would periodically monitor the predicted value of the actual waste incineration amount for the day calculated by the monitoring combustion control device, the amount of electricity sold, and the concentration of harmful gases emitted from the chimney as time progressed. Experienced operators, in particular, would manipulate the evaporation rate setting value with the aim of not exceeding the upper limit management value of the waste incineration amount setting value. In contrast, in this embodiment, the monitoring combustion control device 30 can be modeled using machine learning or the like and introduced as a program to the monitoring combustion control device 30 and terminal devices 20, thereby automating the conventional operator's operations.

[0094] (Recording medium) In the above-described embodiment, a program capable of executing an automatic operation management method by the operation planning server 10 and the monitoring combustion control device 30 can be recorded on a recording medium readable by a computer or other machine or device (hereinafter referred to as "computer, etc."). By having the computer, etc. read and execute the program on the recording medium, the computer functions as the operation planning server 10 and the monitoring combustion control device 30. Here, a recording medium readable by a computer, etc. refers to a non-temporary recording medium that stores information such as data and programs by electrical, magnetic, optical, mechanical, or chemical action and can be read by a computer, etc. Examples of such recording media that can be removed from a computer, etc. include flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-ROMs, CD-R / Ws, DVDs, BDs, DATs, magnetic tapes, and memory cards such as flash memory. Examples of recording media fixed to a computer, etc. include hard disks and ROMs. Furthermore, SSDs can be used as both a recording medium that can be removed from a computer, etc. and a recording medium that is fixed to a computer, etc.

[0095] Furthermore, the program to be executed by the operation planning server 10 and the monitoring combustion control device 30 according to one embodiment may be configured to be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network.

[0096] (Other embodiments) Furthermore, in the operation planning server 10, terminal device 20, and monitoring combustion control device 30 according to one embodiment, the above-mentioned "parts" can be read as "circuits" or the like. For example, the communication unit can be read as a communication circuit.

[0097] Further effects and modifications can be readily derived by those skilled in the art. Broader aspects of the present invention are not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments expressed and described above. Accordingly, various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit or scope of the overall concept of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. For example, the types of numerical values ​​and information given in the above-described embodiment are merely examples, and different types of numerical values ​​and information may be used as needed, and the present invention is not limited by the descriptions and drawings that constitute part of the disclosure of the present invention in the above-described embodiment.

[0098] For example, in the embodiment described above, deep learning using a neural network is adopted as an example of machine learning, but machine learning based on other methods may also be performed. For example, other supervised learning methods such as support vector machines, decision trees, Naive Bayes, and k-nearest neighbors may be used. Also, semi-supervised learning may be used instead of supervised learning.

[0099] Even when selectively using the first, second, and third functions in the above-described embodiment, it is possible to automate some of the operator's operations. In this regard, by comprehensively combining the first to third functions, it becomes possible to automate almost all of the operation management and operational tasks of the waste incinerator 100.

[0100] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment applies the present invention to a waste treatment facility, the present invention can be applied to various plants that require operational management, such as biomass treatment facilities. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 1. Operational Management System 2 Network 10. Operational Planning Server 11,21 Control Unit 11a Operation Plan Generation Department 11b Operation Management Control Unit 11c Clock section 12,22 Storage section 12a Operational Plan Database 12b Operations Management Database 12c Sensor Value Database 13,23 Communications Department 14,24 Input / output section 20, 20A, 20B Terminal Devices 30. Monitoring and combustion control device 31 Calculation Control Unit 32 Adjustment unit for controllable variable reference value 33. Manipulated variable reference value correction unit 34 Storage section 35 Operation amount adjustment section 100 waste incinerators 101 Furnace 102 Inlet 103 Feeding device 104 Fire grates 105 Ash fall hole 106 Combustion Air Blower 107 Furnace outlet 108 Chimney 109 Boiler 109a heat exchanger 109b Steam Drum 110 Cooling air inlet 111 Cooling air blower 114 Combustion air damper 114a, 114b, 114c, 114d Air damper for combustion below the grate 115 Cooling air damper 116 Intermediate ceiling 117 Combustion chamber gas thermometer 118 Main flue gas thermometer 119 Lower gas thermometer at furnace outlet 120 Furnace Outlet Central Gas Thermometer 121 Furnace outlet gas thermometer 122 Boiler outlet oxygen concentration meter 123 Gas concentration meter 124 Exhaust gas flow meter 125 Combustion Image Acquisition Unit 341 Evaporation Rate Learning Model 342 Operational Plan Database 351 Combustion air volume adjustment section 352 Air volume ratio adjustment unit 353 Cooling air volume adjustment unit 354 Feeding device feed speed adjustment unit 355 Grate feed speed adjustment unit 356 Combustion air temperature control unit 357 Exhaust gas recirculation air flow rate adjustment unit

Claims

1. An automated operation management method performed by an automated operation management device that controls a predetermined facility based on at least two preset values ​​in parameters used for the operation of the predetermined facility, and an operation plan generation device configured to send and receive information between the automated operation management device and the predetermined facility, and which generates an operation plan for the predetermined facility, wherein The aforementioned designated facility is a waste incineration facility having a power generation equipment capable of generating electricity using steam produced by the incineration of waste, The aforementioned operation plan generation device is The operation plan generation device transmits to the automatic operation management device, before the start of the predetermined period, the first of the at least two setting values ​​included in the operation plan of the predetermined facility generated by the operation plan generation device, The aforementioned automatic driving management device is Based on the acquired first setting value, a second setting value different from the first setting value is derived from the at least two setting values. The first setting value is the set value for the amount of waste to be incinerated in the waste incineration facility. The second setting value is the vapor evaporation rate setting value, At the start of the predetermined period, the predetermined facility is controlled based on the second set value. The evaporation rate setting is changed based on the evaporation rate setting and the actual amount of waste incinerated at the waste incineration facility, so as to reduce the discrepancy between the aforementioned incineration rate setting and the actual amount of waste incinerated at the waste incineration facility. Autonomous driving management method.

2. The learning model that derives the second setting value based on the first setting value is a learning model generated by cluster analysis on the parameters. The automated driving management method according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned automatic driving management device is During the operation of the predetermined facility, control is performed to change the second setting value based on the difference between the first actual value or first predicted value of the parameter for which the first setting value is set, and the first setting value. The automated driving management method according to claim 1.

4. The aforementioned automatic driving management device is During the operation of the predetermined facility, the waste incineration facility is controlled based on the actual incineration amount value obtained by controlling the waste incineration facility based on the evaporation amount setting value of the parameter for which the second setting value is set, and control is performed to change the second setting value. The automated driving management method according to claim 1.

5. An automated operation management device that controls the amount of waste processed at a predetermined facility based on at least two preset values ​​in parameters used for the operation of the predetermined facility, The aforementioned designated facility is a waste incineration facility having a power generation equipment capable of generating electricity using steam produced by the incineration of waste, An operation plan generation device that generates and outputs an operation plan for the aforementioned designated facility, and a device configured to send and receive information, The first of the at least two set values ​​for a predetermined period included in the operation plan is obtained from the operation plan generation device before the start of the predetermined period. Based on the acquired first setting value, a second setting value different from the first setting value is derived from the at least two setting values. The first setting value is the set value for the amount of waste to be incinerated in the waste incineration facility. The second setting value is the vapor evaporation rate setting value, At the start of the predetermined period, the amount of waste to be processed at the predetermined facility is controlled based on the second set value. The evaporation rate setting is changed based on the evaporation rate setting and the actual amount of waste incinerated at the waste incineration facility, so as to reduce the discrepancy between the aforementioned incineration rate setting and the actual amount of waste incinerated at the waste incineration facility. Automated driving management system.

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