Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

An information processing device according to an embodiment generates a production plan representing a plan for producing a plurality of products by a production plant on the basis of a solution of a production planning problem, generates an energy planning problem on the basis of the production plan, and generates an energy supply plan representing a plan for operating an energy plant that consumes a first energy and supplies a second energy to the production plant on the basis of a solution of the energy planning problem. The production planning problem is a problem of minimizing the time-series energy difference between time-series target energy and time-series consumption energy consumed when the production plant produces the plurality of products, and a solution representing the production plan is obtained. The energy planning problem is a problem of minimizing the first energy under the condition that the second energy of the time series consumed when the production plant is operated according to the production plan is at least supplied to the production plant, and a solution representing the energy supply plan is obtained.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] When producing a plurality of products in a production plant, a production plan is generated in advance by an information processing apparatus. The production plan indicates which processing step for which product each of the plurality of processing apparatuses provided in the production plant executes for each time period.

[0003] The information processing apparatus generates a production plan by solving a mathematical programming problem or the like. The information processing apparatus generates a production plan by allocating a processing step for each time period to each of the plurality of processing apparatuses so that the plurality of processing steps are executed in a predetermined order for each of the plurality of products. Also, usually, a production deadline, which is a target date and time for completing production, is set for each of the plurality of products. For this reason, the information processing apparatus generates a production plan so as to complete the production of each of the plurality of products before the set production deadline.

[0004] Also, when the production plant produces a plurality of products, it consumes one or more types of energy supplied from an energy plant, for example, electric power, high-pressure gas, medium-pressure gas, and low-pressure gas. For this reason, when producing a plurality of products in a production plant, an energy supply plan is generated in advance by an information processing apparatus. The energy supply plan indicates how to operate a plurality of devices provided in the energy plant with what parameters for each time period. Usually, the information processing apparatus supplies at least the energy (second energy) consumed by the production plant when operating the production plant according to the production plan, and generates an energy supply plan so that the amount of energy (first energy) used by the energy plant is minimized.

[0005] Incidentally, conventionally, the amount of primary energy used by the energy plant is not considered when generating production plans. Therefore, conventionally, production plans were not generated in a way that minimized the amount of primary energy consumed by the energy plant when producing multiple products. While it is conceivable to minimize the amount of primary energy when generating production plans by combining production plans and energy supply plans, this introduces numerous constraints, making it difficult to solve the problem within a realistic computation time. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6496470 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] The problem that this invention aims to solve is to calculate a production plan and an energy supply plan that balance the schedule for producing multiple products with the amount of first energy consumed to produce those multiple products. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The information processing device according to this embodiment includes a processing unit that generates a production plan representing a plan to produce multiple products by a production plant based on the solution to a production planning problem, generates an energy planning problem based on the production plan, and generates an energy supply plan representing a plan to operate an energy plant that consumes first energy and supplies second energy to the production plant based on the solution to the energy planning problem. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] A diagram showing the configuration of the production system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2]A diagram showing the configuration of an energy plant. [Figure 3] A diagram showing production information. [Figure 4] A diagram showing the production plan. [Figure 5] A diagram showing the time evolution of the second energy. [Figure 6] A diagram showing the configuration of the scheduling device. [Figure 7] A flowchart illustrating the processing flow of a scheduling device. [Figure 8] A diagram illustrating how to update the time-series target energy. [Figure 9] A diagram showing the Pareto solution. [Figure 10] A diagram showing the hardware configuration of the scheduling device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0011] Figure 1 shows the configuration of a production system 10 according to an embodiment. The production system 10 produces multiple products.

[0012] The production system 10 comprises an energy plant 22, a production plant 24, and a scheduling device 30.

[0013] Energy plant 22 consumes first energy and generates second energy. Then, energy plant 22 supplies the generated second energy to production plant 24.

[0014] The first energy source is, for example, coal, oil, liquefied natural gas, and electricity purchased from power companies, etc. The second energy source is electricity, high-pressure gas, medium-pressure gas, and low-pressure gas, etc. The energy plant 22 generates various types of second energy sources, such as electricity, high-pressure gas, medium-pressure gas, and low-pressure gas, according to an energy supply plan pre-generated by the scheduling device 30.

[0015] The production plant 24 consumes the second energy supplied from the energy plant 22 to produce a plurality of products. The plurality of products do not all have the same type and may include a plurality of types. Each of the plurality of products is completed by executing one or more processes in a predetermined order. The production plant 24 produces each of the plurality of products by executing the processing of one or more processes according to a preset order according to the type.

[0016] The production plant 24 includes a plurality of processing devices. Each of the plurality of processing devices executes any process in any type of product. Each of the plurality of processing devices may be capable of executing a plurality of processes. Also, the production plant 24 may include two or more processing devices capable of executing the same process. The production plant 24 produces each of the plurality of products by operating the plurality of processing devices according to a production plan generated in advance by the scheduling device 30.

[0017] The scheduling device 30 is realized by, for example, one or more information processing devices, and functions by the one or more information processing devices executing a scheduling program. Also, the scheduling device 30 may be realized by a server device or cloud on a network or the like. Also, the scheduling device 30 may be realized by a hardware circuit such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0018] Before producing a plurality of products, the scheduling device 30 acquires production information and energy plant information and generates a production plan and an energy supply plan. The production plan represents a plan to cause the production plant 24 to produce a plurality of products. The energy supply plan represents a plan to operate the energy plant 22.

[0019] Prior to the production of multiple products, the scheduling device 30 provides the generated energy supply plan to the energy plant 22. During the production period in which the multiple products are produced, the energy plant 22 consumes the first energy and generates the second energy according to the given energy supply plan. The scheduling device 30 also provides the generated production plan to the production plant 24 prior to the production of multiple products. During the production period, the production plant 24 produces the multiple products according to the given production plan.

[0020] Figure 2 shows an example of the configuration of the energy plant 22.

[0021] The energy plant 22 includes, for example, equipment for energy conversion such as a boiler, turbine, and generator. The energy plant 22 also includes piping for transmitting gas from equipment to equipment, valves installed in the piping, a transmission mechanism for transmitting the rotational force of the turbine to the generator, etc., wiring, and switches for switching the wiring. Furthermore, the energy plant 22 includes a controller for controlling the operation of the boiler, turbine, generator, valve, etc.

[0022] The scheduling device 30 receives energy plant information that shows the configuration of the equipment in the energy plant 22. Based on the energy plant information, the scheduling device 30 generates an energy supply plan. The energy supply plan describes, in chronological order, parameters for controlling equipment such as boilers, turbines and generators, valves in piping, and switches for switching wiring.

[0023] The controller of the energy plant 22 receives an energy supply plan from the scheduling device 30. The controller controls the equipment and other devices installed in the energy plant 22 in a time series according to the parameters shown in the energy supply plan. This allows the controller to supply a second energy source, such as electricity, high-pressure gas, and low-pressure gas, which changes in a time series according to the energy supply plan, from the energy plant 22 to the production plant 24.

[0024] In this way, the energy plant 22 generates the second energy required for the production plant 24 to produce all of the multiple products, according to the energy supply plan. Therefore, the scheduling device 30 can calculate the amount of first energy that the energy plant 22 consumes for the production plant 24 to produce all of the multiple products, based on the energy supply plan.

[0025] Figure 3 shows an example of production information.

[0026] The scheduling device 30 receives production information created by the user or the like and generates a production plan. The production information includes, for example, the type and the production deadline for each of the multiple products to be produced. For example, the production information may include one or more lot information entries that describe the type of product to be produced, the number of products to be produced, and the production deadline. For example, the production information shown in Figure 3 includes lot information indicating that two units of product A will be produced by October 3rd, and lot information indicating that one unit of product B will be produced by October 4th.

[0027] Furthermore, the production information includes a process sequence representing the execution order of one or more processes for each product type. The content of each of the one or more processes to be executed is predetermined. For example, the production information shown in Figure 3 for product type A is A1→A2→…→A n A sequence of processes showing that the processes are executed in the following order, and for products of type B, B1→B2→…→B nIncludes a sequence of steps indicating that the steps are executed in that order.

[0028] Furthermore, the production information includes process information indicating which of the multiple processes can be executed for each of the multiple processing devices provided in the production plant 24. For example, the production information shown in Figure 3 indicates that the device j is capable of executing A1, A n ...and other processes can be performed, and the k apparatus can perform B1, B n This includes information on processable steps that indicate that the following steps can be performed.

[0029] Furthermore, the production information includes energy consumption information for each executable process for each of the multiple processing devices. The energy consumption information includes the processing time from the start to the completion of the process, the type of secondary energy consumed, and the time change in the amount of secondary energy consumed during the processing time. The time change in the amount of secondary energy consumed may be represented, for example, by a function, or by a numerical sequence of energy amounts for each time period. For example, the production information shown in Figure 3 is for the case where process A1 is performed by device j, and the processing time is T A1 This indicates that the second type of energy is electricity and low-pressure gas. Furthermore, the production information shown in Figure 3 includes a function that represents the time variation of electricity and low-pressure gas during processing time.

[0030] Thus, the production information includes information about multiple products to be produced by the production plant 24, and information about processing equipment and processes for producing multiple products by the production plant 24. The scheduling device 30 generates a production plan to have the production plant 24 produce multiple products in accordance with this production information. If the configuration of the production plant 24 is fixed, the scheduling device 30 may store process sequences, process information that can be processed, and energy consumption information in advance.

[0031] Figure 4 shows an example of a production plan.

[0032] The production plan is information that assigns, for example, which process for which of several products to be executed for each of the multiple processing units included in the production plant 24, for each time period. The time period can be in seconds, minutes, hours, or any other unit of time.

[0033] For example, the production plan shown in Figure 4 indicates that equipment j will perform process A1 for product ID=1 during the time period from t1 to t2, process B1 for product ID=2 during the time period from t3 to t4, and process A1 for product ID=3 during the time period from t4 to t5. Also, the production plan shown in Figure 4 indicates that equipment k will perform process B1 for product ID=2 during the time period from t1 to t3, process A2 for product ID=1 during the time period from t3 to t4, and process B3 for product ID=2 during the time period from t4 to t6.

[0034] The production plant 24 causes each of the multiple processing units to execute processing according to such a production plan. This allows the production plant 24 to produce each of the multiple products by executing processing according to the process sequence shown in the production information.

[0035] Figure 5 shows the time change in the second energy consumed by the production plant 24 when producing multiple products according to the production plan.

[0036] The production plant 24 operates each of its processing units according to the production plan. The second energy consumed when a specific process is performed in each of the processing units is shown in the energy consumption information included in the production information. Therefore, the scheduling device 30 can calculate the time change in the second energy consumed when the production plant 24 is operated according to the production plan by referring to the energy consumption information. For example, the scheduling device 30 can calculate the time change in the amount of energy for each type of second energy (electricity, high-pressure gas, and low-pressure gas), as shown in Figure 5.

[0037] Figure 6 shows the configuration of the scheduling device 30.

[0038] The scheduling device 30 includes a production information input unit 42, an energy plant information input unit 44, a first problem generation unit 46, a first plan generation unit 48, a delivery date penalty calculation unit 50, a second energy calculation unit 52, a second problem generation unit 54, a second plan generation unit 56, a first energy calculation unit 58, an evaluation value calculation unit 60, a storage unit 62, an update unit 64, and an output unit 66.

[0039] The production information input unit 42 acquires production information for multiple products to be produced by the production plant 24. The production information includes information about the multiple products, and information about the processing equipment and processes for producing the multiple products by the production plant 24. For example, the production information includes the type and the production deadline for each of the multiple products. Also, for example, the production information includes a process sequence for each type of product. Also, for example, the production information includes processable process information indicating which of the multiple processes can be executed for each of the multiple processing equipment provided in the production plant 24. Also, for each of the multiple processing equipment, the production information includes energy consumption information for each executable process. If the configuration of the production plant 24 is fixed, the production information input unit 42 may store the process sequence, processable processes, and energy consumption information in advance.

[0040] The energy plant information input unit 44 acquires energy plant information that shows the configuration of the equipment in the energy plant 22. If the configuration of the energy plant 22 is fixed, the energy plant information input unit 44 may store the energy plant information in advance.

[0041] The first problem generation unit 46 generates multiple production planning problems. For example, the first problem generation unit 46 initially generates one production planning problem. Subsequently, each time the first problem generation unit 46 receives update information from the update unit 64, it generates a new production planning problem. Each time the first problem generation unit 46 receives update information from the update unit 64, it generates one new production planning problem that is different from the production planning problems already generated. The first problem generation unit 46 may simultaneously generate two or more predetermined new production planning problems that are different from each other each time it receives update information from the update unit 64. The first problem generation unit 46 may also generate a new production planning problem that is identical to a production planning problem that has already been generated.

[0042] The production planning problem is a mathematical programming problem. In this embodiment, the production planning problem is the problem of minimizing the time-series energy difference between the set time-series target energy and the time-series energy consumption consumed when the production plant 24 produces multiple products. In this embodiment, by solving the production planning problem, a solution is obtained that represents a production plan in which each of the multiple products is produced by the production plant 24.

[0043] More specifically, in this embodiment, the production planning problem is the problem of minimizing an objective function that represents the energy difference over time. In addition to the objective function, the production planning problem may also include a function that represents the constraints.

[0044] The objective function in a production planning problem includes multiple decision variables. For example, the objective function in a production planning problem is a function of order one or higher with respect to multiple decision variables. The values ​​of the multiple decision variables included in the objective function in a production planning problem represent the production plan.

[0045] For example, in a production planning problem, the values ​​of each of the multiple decision variables represent the allocation of a product to be processed from among multiple products and a process to execute the processing from among multiple processes to a first processing unit, which is one of multiple processing units, at a specific time period during the production period. In other words, the values ​​of the multiple decision variables represent, for each of the multiple products, which processing unit, among the multiple processing units, will process the process shown in the corresponding process sequence, and at what time period. In short, a production planning problem is a problem of calculating the values ​​of the multiple decision variables so that each of the multiple products is processed in the order shown in the corresponding process sequence, and furthermore, so that the second time series energy consumed approaches the target time series energy.

[0046] When the first problem generation unit 46 generates the first production planning problem among several production planning problems, it generates the production planning problem based, for example, on predetermined initial time-series target energy and production information.

[0047] Furthermore, when the first problem generation unit 46 generates a production planning problem for the second time or later from among multiple production planning problems, it generates the production planning problem based on the update information received from the update unit 64 and the production information acquired by the production information input unit 42. For example, the first problem generation unit 46 receives a new time-series target energy as update information from the update unit 64. Then, the first problem generation unit 46 generates a production planning problem based on the new time-series target energy and the production information.

[0048] Then, each time the first problem generation unit 46 generates a production plan problem, it provides the generated production plan problem to the first plan generation unit 48.

[0049] The first plan generation unit 48 receives the production plan problem generated by the first problem generation unit 46 and solves the received production plan problem. The first plan generation unit 48 solves the production plan problem using a solver unit implemented by the processor executing a solver program or the like. If the solver program is executed on a server device on the network, the first plan generation unit 48 may use the server device to solve the production plan problem.

[0050] If the production planning problem received from the first plan generation unit 48 is in a form that the solver unit cannot solve, the first plan generation unit 48 formulates the production planning problem into a form that the solver unit can solve. For example, if the solver unit is a QUBO (Quadratic Unconstrained Binary Optimization) solver and the production planning problem includes constraints, the first plan generation unit 48 may generate a QUBO equation by expressing the constraints using a penalty equation and incorporating it into the objective function.

[0051] The first plan generation unit 48 obtains the solution to the production planning problem from the solver unit, that is, it obtains the values ​​of multiple decision variables included in the objective function of the production planning problem. Then, the first plan generation unit 48 generates a production plan based on the solution to the production planning problem. For example, the first plan generation unit 48 generates a production plan for each of the multiple processing devices provided in the production plant 24, showing the products and processes to be processed for each time period.

[0052] The first plan generation unit 48 stores the generated production plan in the storage unit 62. The first plan generation unit 48 also provides the generated production plan to the delivery penalty calculation unit 50 and the second energy calculation unit 52.

[0053] The delivery penalty calculation unit 50 receives the production plan from the first plan generation unit 48. The delivery penalty calculation unit 50 also receives production information from the production information input unit 42.

[0054] The delivery penalty calculation unit 50 calculates the penalty amount based on the production deadlines for each of the multiple products shown in the production information and the production plan. The penalty amount represents the magnitude of the penalty for one or more delivery violations that are completed beyond the production deadline when the production plant 24 is operated according to the production plan. For example, the penalty amount is the sum of the delay time from the production deadline to the completion time for all one or more delivery violation items. Alternatively, the penalty amount may be the number of one or more delivery violation items. Alternatively, the penalty amount may be the sum of the prices of one or more delivery violation items, or additional costs resulting from the occurrence of one or more delivery violation items. The delivery penalty calculation unit 50 stores the calculated penalty amount in the storage unit 62 in association with the production plan.

[0055] The second energy calculation unit 52 receives a production plan from the first plan generation unit 48. The second energy calculation unit 52 also receives production information from the production information input unit 42.

[0056] The second energy calculation unit 52 calculates the time-series second energy consumed when the production plant 24 produces multiple products according to the production plan, based on the energy consumption information included in the production information and the production plan. If the second energy includes multiple types of energy, such as electricity, high-pressure gas, and low-pressure gas, the second energy calculation unit 52 calculates the time-series second energy for each type of energy. The second energy calculation unit 52 provides the calculated time-series second energy to the second problem generation unit 54.

[0057] The second problem generation unit 54 receives the second energy in a time series calculated by the second energy calculation unit 52. The second problem generation unit 54 also receives energy plant information acquired by the energy plant information input unit 44.

[0058] The second problem generation unit 54 generates an energy planning problem based on the time-series second energy and energy plant information each time the second energy calculation unit 52 calculates the time-series second energy.

[0059] The energy planning problem is a mathematical programming problem. In this embodiment, the energy planning problem is to minimize the amount of first energy under the condition that at least the second time-series energy consumed when the production plant 24 is operated according to the production plan is supplied to the production plant 24. In this embodiment, by solving the energy planning problem, a solution representing an energy supply plan for operating the energy plant 22 is obtained.

[0060] More specifically, in this embodiment, the energy planning problem is to minimize an objective function that represents the amount of first energy consumed by the energy plant 22 during a production period in which multiple products are produced. In addition to the objective function, the energy planning problem may also include a function that represents constraints.

[0061] The objective function in an energy planning problem includes multiple decision variables. For example, the objective function in an energy planning problem is a function of order one or higher with respect to multiple decision variables. The values ​​of the multiple decision variables included in the objective function in an energy planning problem represent the energy supply plan.

[0062] For example, each of the multiple decision variables in an energy planning problem represents a parameter for controlling a specific piece of equipment among one or more pieces of equipment installed in the energy plant 22 during a specific time period. In other words, the energy planning problem is a problem of calculating the values ​​of multiple decision variables in such a way as to minimize the amount of first energy, under the condition that the energy plant 22 outputs at least the second time-series energy that would be consumed if the production plant 24 were operated according to the production plan.

[0063] Then, each time the second problem generation unit 54 generates an energy planning problem, it provides the generated energy planning problem to the second plan generation unit 56.

[0064] The second plan generation unit 56 receives the energy planning problem generated by the second problem generation unit 54 and solves the received energy planning problem. The second plan generation unit 56 solves the energy planning problem using a solver unit implemented by the processor executing a solver program or the like. If the solver program is executed on a server device on the network, the second plan generation unit 56 may use the server device to solve the energy planning problem.

[0065] If the energy planning problem received from the second planning generation unit 56 is in a form that the solver unit cannot solve, the second planning generation unit 56 formulates the energy planning problem into a form that the solver unit can solve. For example, if the solver unit is a QUBO solver and the energy planning problem includes constraints, the second planning generation unit 56 may generate a QUBO equation by, for example, expressing the constraints using a penalty equation and incorporating it into the objective function.

[0066] The second plan generation unit 56 obtains the solution to the energy planning problem from the solver unit, that is, it obtains the values ​​of multiple decision variables included in the objective function included in the energy planning problem. Then, the second plan generation unit 56 generates an energy supply plan based on the solution to the energy planning problem. For example, the second plan generation unit 56 represents parameters for controlling the operation of each of the one or more pieces of equipment provided in the energy plant 22, such as boilers, turbines, generators, and valves, for each of them, for each of them, for each of them, for each of them, for each of them, for each of them.

[0067] The second plan generation unit 56 stores the generated energy supply plan in the storage unit 62, paired with the production plan that forms the basis of the generated energy supply plan. The second plan generation unit 56 also provides the generated energy supply plan to the first energy calculation unit 58.

[0068] The first energy calculation unit 58 receives the energy supply plan from the second plan generation unit 56. The first energy calculation unit 58 calculates the amount of first energy that the energy plant 22 will consume if it is operated according to the energy supply plan for the production period from the start time to the end time of production of multiple products. The first energy calculation unit 58 stores the calculated amount of first energy in the storage unit 62, associating it with the energy supply plan. Furthermore, the first energy calculation unit 58 provides the calculated amount of first energy to the evaluation value calculation unit 60.

[0069] The evaluation value calculation unit 60 obtains the penalty amount calculated by the delivery penalty calculation unit 50 and the amount of first energy calculated by the first energy calculation unit 58. Then, the evaluation value calculation unit 60 calculates an evaluation value for the production plan and energy supply plan set stored in the storage unit 62.

[0070] The evaluation value can be expressed, for example, by formula (1). EV = αE + (1-α)D ... (1)

[0071] In equation (1), EV represents the evaluation value. E represents the amount of first energy when the energy plant 22 is operated according to the energy supply plan. D is the penalty amount, which represents the magnitude of the penalty for one or more overdue items that are completed beyond the production deadline when the production plant 24 is operated according to the production plan.

[0072] α is a predetermined real number that is greater than 0 and less than 1.

[0073] α is predetermined in the evaluation of the production plan and energy supply plan pair, based on the balance between the importance of reducing the amount of primary energy and the importance of minimizing penalties for overdue products that are completed beyond the production deadline. The closer α is to 1, the more important it is to reduce the amount of primary energy than to minimize penalties for overdue products.

[0074] The evaluation value calculation unit 60 stores the calculated evaluation value in the storage unit 62, corresponding it to the pair of production plan and energy supply plan that formed the basis of the calculation.

[0075] The memory unit 62 stores the pair of production plan and energy supply plan generated for each of the multiple production planning problems that is generated. Furthermore, the memory unit 62 associates the stored production plan and energy supply plan with the pair and stores the penalty amount, the amount of first energy, and the evaluation value calculated based on the stored production plan and energy supply plan pair.

[0076] The update unit 64 generates update information that will form the basis for the next production planning problem, based on the previously generated production plan and energy supply plan stored in the storage unit 62. For example, the update unit 64 generates a new time-series target energy as update information, based on the previously generated production plan and energy supply plan stored in the storage unit 62. In this case, the scheduling device 30 generates update information such that a new production planning problem different from the already generated production planning problem is generated. For example, the scheduling device 30 generates a new time-series target energy different from the time-series target energy set in the already generated production planning problem.

[0077] Such a scheduling device 30 can sequentially and repeatedly generate production planning problems, production plans, energy planning problems, and energy supply plans, and store multiple sets of production plans and energy supply plans in the storage unit 62.

[0078] The output unit 66 determines whether the repeated generation of the production plan problem, the production plan, the energy plan problem, and the energy supply plan has reached a predetermined termination condition. If the predetermined termination condition has been reached, the output unit 66 stops the repeated generation of the production plan problem, the production plan, the energy plan problem, and the energy supply plan.

[0079] After reaching the termination condition, the output unit 66 selects one or more sets of production plans and energy supply plans from among the multiple sets of production plans and energy supply plans stored in the storage unit 62.

[0080] For example, after reaching the termination condition, the output unit 66 selects the set of production plans and energy supply plans with the minimum evaluation value from among the multiple sets of production plans and energy supply plans stored in the storage unit 62. The output unit 66 then outputs the selected set of production plans and energy supply plans. For example, the output unit 66 provides the production plan in the selected set of production plans and energy supply plans to the production plant 24 and the energy supply plan to the energy plant 22.

[0081] The output unit 66 may also select a predetermined number of production plan and energy supply plan sets from the minimum evaluation value. In this case, the output unit 66 determines one production plan and energy supply plan set from the two or more selected sets, for example, according to instructions from a user. The scheduling device 30 then provides the production plan in the determined production plan and energy supply plan set to the production plant 24 and the energy supply plan to the energy plant 22.

[0082] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the scheduling device 30. The scheduling device 30 executes the processing according to the flow shown in Figure 7.

[0083] First, in S11, the scheduling device 30 acquires production information for multiple products to be produced by the production plant 24. Next, in S12, the scheduling device 30 acquires energy plant information showing the configuration of the equipment in the energy plant 22. Then, in S13, the scheduling device 30 acquires the initial time-series target energy.

[0084] Next, in S14, the scheduling device 30 generates a production planning problem. When the scheduling device 30 generates the first production planning problem, it generates the problem based on the initial time-series target energy obtained in S13 and the production information. When the scheduling device 30 generates the second and subsequent production planning problems, it generates the problem based on the new time-series target energy updated in S25 and the production information.

[0085] Next, in S15, the scheduling device 30 solves the production planning problem generated in S14. The scheduling device 30 solves the production planning problem using, for example, a solver unit implemented by a processor executing a solver program.

[0086] Next, in S16, the scheduling device 30 generates a production plan based on the solution to the production planning problem. The scheduling device 30 then stores the generated production plan in the storage unit 62.

[0087] Next, in S17, the scheduling device 30 calculates a penalty amount based on the production deadlines and production plans for each of the multiple products included in the production information acquired in S11. The scheduling device 30 then stores the calculated penalty amount in the storage unit 62, associating it with the production plan generated in S16.

[0088] Next, in S18, the scheduling device 30 calculates the time-series second energy consumed when the production plant 24 produces multiple products according to the production plan, based on the energy consumption information included in the production information acquired in S11 and the production plan generated in S16. In this case, the scheduling device 30 calculates the time-series second energy for each type of energy.

[0089] Next, in S19, the scheduling device 30 generates an energy planning problem based on the energy plant information acquired in S12 and the second time-series energy generated in S18.

[0090] Next, in S20, the scheduling device 30 solves the energy planning problem generated in S19. The scheduling device 30 solves the energy planning problem using, for example, a solver unit implemented by a processor executing a solver program.

[0091] Next, in S21, the scheduling device 30 generates an energy supply plan based on the solution to the energy planning problem. The scheduling device 30 then stores the generated energy supply plan in the storage unit 62, paired with the production plan generated in S16.

[0092] Next, in S22, the scheduling device 30 calculates the amount of first energy that the energy plant 22 will consume if it is operated according to the energy supply plan during the production period from the start time to the end time of production for multiple products. The scheduling device 30 then stores the calculated amount of first energy in the storage unit 62, associating it with the energy supply plan generated in S21.

[0093] Next, in S23, the scheduling device 30 calculates an evaluation value for the production plan and energy supply plan set stored in the storage unit 62, based on the penalty amount calculated in S17 and the amount of first energy calculated in S22. The scheduling device 30 then stores the calculated evaluation value in the storage unit 62, corresponding to the production plan generated in S16 and the energy supply plan generated in S21.

[0094] Next, in S24, the scheduling device 30 determines whether or not a predetermined termination condition has been reached.

[0095] For example, the scheduling device 30 determines that the termination condition has been reached when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of processing. Alternatively, the scheduling device 30 may determine that the termination condition has been reached when a predetermined number of production plan and energy supply plan pairs have been stored in the storage unit 62. Alternatively, the scheduling device 30 may determine that the termination condition has been reached when a production plan and energy supply plan pair whose evaluation value is less than or equal to a predetermined value has been stored in the storage unit 62. Alternatively, the scheduling device 30 may determine that the termination condition has been reached when the minimum evaluation value has not been updated for a predetermined time since it was last updated. Alternatively, the scheduling device 30 may determine that the termination condition has been reached when a predetermined number or more production plan and energy supply plan pairs have been newly stored in the storage unit 62 since the minimum evaluation value was last updated.

[0096] If the scheduling device 30 determines that the termination condition has not been met (No. in S24), it proceeds to S25.

[0097] In S25, the scheduling device 30 generates update information that will form the basis for the next production planning problem, based on the previously generated production plan and energy supply plan stored in the storage unit 62. For example, the scheduling device 30 generates new time-series target energy as update information, based on the previously generated production plan and energy supply plan stored in the storage unit 62. In this case, the scheduling device 30 generates update information such that a new production planning problem different from the already generated production planning problem is generated. For example, in this case, the scheduling device 30 generates new time-series target energy different from the time-series target energy set in the already generated production planning problem.

[0098] Following S25, the scheduling device 30 proceeds to S14. In the second and subsequent S14 processes, the scheduling device 30 generates a production plan problem based on the updated information generated in S25. This allows the scheduling device 30 to generate different production plan problems in each loop process from S14 to S25. By repeating the loop process from S14 to S25 multiple times, the scheduling device 30 can store multiple sets of production plans and energy supply plans in the storage unit 62.

[0099] If the scheduling device 30 determines that the termination condition has been met (Yes in S24), it exits the loop processing from S14 to S25 and proceeds to processing in S26.

[0100] In S26, the scheduling device 30 selects one production plan and energy supply plan set with the minimum evaluation value from among the multiple production plan and energy supply plan set sets stored in the storage unit 62. Alternatively, the scheduling device 30 may select a predetermined number of production plan and energy supply plan set sets with the minimum evaluation value from among the multiple production plan and energy supply plan set sets stored in the storage unit 62.

[0101] Next, in S27, the scheduling device 30 outputs the production plan and energy supply plan set selected in S26. For example, the scheduling device 30 provides the production plan from the selected production plan and energy supply plan set to the production plant 24 and the energy supply plan to the energy plant 22. If the scheduling device 30 selects two or more production plan and energy supply plan sets, it outputs one of the selected sets of production plan and energy supply plan sets according to instructions from the user or other party.

[0102] Then, once the scheduling device 30 has finished processing S27, it terminates the processing of this flow.

[0103] Next, I will explain how to update the production plan problem from the second time onward.

[0104] When the update unit 64 generates a production plan problem for the second time or later, it generates update information based on the previously generated production plan problem stored in the memory unit 62. The previously generated production plan problem is a production plan problem for which a production plan has already been generated. Then, the first problem generation unit 46 generates a new production plan problem based on the update information. The new production plan problem is a production plan problem for which a production plan has not yet been generated.

[0105] For example, the update unit 64 generates a new time-series target energy based on the production plan and energy supply plan set stored in the storage unit 62, such that a set of production plan and energy supply plan is generated that has a lower evaluation value than the set of production plan and energy supply plan set stored in the storage unit 62.

[0106] For example, when the update unit 64 generates a production plan problem for the second time or later, it updates the time-series target energy used in the previously generated production plan problem, thereby generating a new time-series target energy that is different from the time-series target energy used in the previously generated production plan problem. The first problem generation unit 46 then generates a new production plan problem using the new time-series target energy as the time-series target energy. This allows the update unit 64 to generate a new production plan problem that is different from the production plan problem that has already been generated. As a result, the update unit 64 can generate production plan and energy supply plan pairs that are likely to yield different evaluation values ​​than the production plan and energy supply plan pairs stored in the memory unit 62.

[0107] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating how the time-series target energy is updated.

[0108] For example, the update unit 64 calculates the time-series energy loss by subtracting the second time-series energy consumed when the production plant 24 is operated according to the production plan generated according to the generated production plan problem from the first time-series energy consumed when the energy plant 22 is operated according to the energy supply plan generated according to the generated production plan problem. Then, the update unit 64 generates a new time-series target energy in which the energy change during the time period in which the time-series energy loss is greater than a predetermined threshold is smaller than the target energy of the time series used to generate the generated production plan problem.

[0109] For example, let A(t) represent the first energy in the time series, B(t) represent the second energy in the time series, and C(t) represent the energy loss in the time series. In this case, the energy loss in the time series can be expressed as C(t) = A(t) - B(t).

[0110] Furthermore, if the second energy contains multiple energy types, the time-series second energy is expressed as B(t) = β1x(t) + β2y(t) + β3c(t) + ... where x(t), y(t), and c(t) represent the time-series second energy for each energy type. 1、 β2 and β3 are coefficients corresponding to the enthalpy of each energy type.

[0111] The update unit 64 calculates A(t) and B(t) based on the production plan and energy supply plan set stored in the storage unit 62, and calculates C(t) based on the calculated A(t) and B(t). The update unit 64 may then, for example, compare C(t) with a preset threshold and detect the time period when the threshold is large as the time period during which energy loss occurs.

[0112] For example, as shown in the example in Figure 8, the update unit 64 generates a time-series target energy that reduces or eliminates energy fluctuations during time periods when energy loss between the first time-series energy and the second time-series energy is large. This allows the update unit 64 to generate a pair of production plans and energy supply plans that are likely to result in less loss of the first energy.

[0113] Furthermore, for example, when the production plant 24 is operated according to the generated production plan problem, the update unit 64 identifies products that will be completed beyond their production deadlines among multiple products. The update unit 64 may then generate a new time-series target energy that is greater than the second time-series energy consumed when the production plant 24 is operated according to the generated production plan problem, specifically for the time period during which the products with delayed delivery are produced. By increasing the target energy during time periods when products with delayed delivery are likely to occur but the production plant 24 has sufficient processing capacity, the update unit 64 can fully utilize the processing capacity of the production plant 24. This allows the update unit 64 to generate a combination of a production plan and an energy supply plan that is likely to reduce the occurrence of products with delayed delivery.

[0114] Furthermore, for example, the update unit 64 may change the target energy of the new time series generated as described above based on random numbers or a predetermined function such as a distribution function. This allows the update unit 64 to generate sets of production plans and energy supply plans that are likely to yield different evaluation values ​​than the sets of production plans and energy supply plans stored in the storage unit 62.

[0115] Furthermore, for example, a production planning problem may include constraints in addition to the objective function. In such cases, the update unit 64 may, instead of updating the time-series target energy, or in addition to updating the time-series target energy, generate new constraints as updated information, which are the constraints included in the already generated production planning problem. In this case, the first problem generation unit 46 generates a new production planning problem based on the new constraints. Even in this way, the update unit 64 can generate a new production planning problem that is different from the already generated production planning problem.

[0116] Next, we will explain how to generate the initial production planning problem.

[0117] For example, when the first problem generation unit 46 generates the first production planning problem among several production planning problems, it generates the production planning problem based on a predetermined initial time-series target energy and production information. For example, the first problem generation unit 46 reads a time-series target energy previously generated by a user or the like from memory or the like, and generates the first production planning problem.

[0118] Furthermore, for example, the first problem generation unit 46 may generate the initial production planning problem using a time-series target energy as the time-series target energy, which is greater than or equal to the maximum energy consumed by the production plant 24. For example, the time-series energy consumed greater than or equal to the maximum energy consumed by the production plant 24 is greater than or equal to the time-series energy consumed when all processing units of the production plant 24 are operated at maximum output. This allows the first problem generation unit 46 to determine how many products will be completed beyond their production deadline when the production plant 24 is operated at maximum capacity to produce multiple products.

[0119] Furthermore, for example, the first problem generation unit 46 may generate the first production planning problem using the time-series energy consumption when the production plant 24 is operated based on a production plan represented by the solution to a problem that minimizes a parameter different from the time-series energy difference, as the time-series target energy. The problem that minimizes a parameter different from the time-series energy difference is, for example, a mathematical programming problem that yields a solution representing a plan to produce multiple products by the production plant 24, minimizing the number of products whose production is completed beyond their respective production deadlines. Alternatively, the problem that minimizes a parameter different from the time-series energy difference may be, for example, a mathematical programming problem that yields a solution representing a plan to produce multiple products by the production plant 24, minimizing the time it takes for all of the multiple products to be completed. This allows the first problem generation unit 46 to compare the amount of first energy consumed when multiple products are produced using a production plan generated based on the solution to another problem with the amount of first energy reduction when multiple products are produced using a production plan generated based on the solution to the second and subsequent production planning problems.

[0120] Furthermore, for example, the first problem generation unit 46 may calculate the averaged energy consumption over a time series, which is the average of the time-series energy consumption when the production plant 24 is operated based on a production plan represented by the solution to a problem that minimizes a parameter different from the time-series energy difference, over the production time of multiple products. The first problem generation unit 46 may then generate the initial production plan problem using the averaged energy consumption over a time series as the target energy for the time series. Equipment such as boilers installed in the energy plant 22 have large energy losses due to fluctuations in output. Therefore, by setting a target energy for a time series with small time fluctuations and generating a production plan problem, the first problem generation unit 46 can increase the likelihood of generating a production plan that can produce multiple products with a small amount of first energy.

[0121] Figure 9 shows a modified example of the information output from the output unit 66.

[0122] The output unit 66 may output a Pareto solution based on a set of production plans and energy supply plans stored in the memory unit 62. For example, the output unit 66 may use as the first evaluation value (D) the magnitude of the penalty for one or more overdue products that are completed beyond their production deadline when the production plant 24 is operated according to the production plan. The output unit 66 may also use as the second evaluation value (E) the amount of first energy when the energy plant 22 is operated according to the energy supply plan.

[0123] The output unit 66 then selects and outputs one or more sets from among the multiple sets stored in the storage unit 62 in which the other of the first evaluation value (D) and the second evaluation value (E) is minimized, while one of the first evaluation value (D) and the second evaluation value (E) is fixed.

[0124] There is a high probability that there is a trade-off relationship between the penalty value for products that are not delivered on time and the amount of first energy consumed. Therefore, the output unit 66 outputs a Pareto solution that represents the trade-off relationship between the penalty value and the amount of first energy consumed, as shown in Figure 9, allowing the user to select a balance between the penalty value for products that are not delivered on time and the amount of first energy consumed.

[0125] As described above, the scheduling device 30 according to this embodiment can calculate a production plan and an energy supply plan that balance the schedule for producing multiple products with the amount of first energy consumed to produce multiple products.

[0126] (Hardware configuration) Figure 10 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the scheduling device 30. The scheduling device 30 is implemented by a computer with a hardware configuration as shown in Figure 10. The scheduling device 30 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 301, RAM (Random Access Memory) 302, ROM (Read Only Memory) 303, an operation input device 304, a display device 305, a storage device 306, and a communication device 307. These components are connected by a bus.

[0127] The CPU 301 is a processor that performs arithmetic and control processing according to a program. The CPU 301 uses a predetermined area of ​​the RAM 302 as a working area and performs various processes in cooperation with programs stored in the ROM 303 and storage device 306, etc.

[0128] RAM302 is a type of memory such as SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory). RAM302 functions as a workspace for the CPU301. ROM303 is a memory that stores programs and various information in a non-rewritable format.

[0129] The operation input device 304 is an input device such as a mouse and a keyboard. The operation input device 304 receives information input from the user as an instruction signal and outputs the instruction signal to the CPU 301.

[0130] The display device 305 is a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The display device 305 displays various information based on display signals from the CPU 301.

[0131] The storage device 306 is a device that writes and reads data to and from a storage medium made of semiconductors such as flash memory, or a storage medium that can record magnetically or optically. The storage device 306 writes and reads data to and from the storage medium in response to control from the CPU 301. The communication device 307 communicates with external devices via a network in response to control from the CPU 301.

[0132] The program executed by the computer has a modular configuration that includes a production information input module, an energy plant information input module, a first problem generation module, a first plan generation module, a delivery date penalty calculation module, a second energy calculation module, a second problem generation module, a second plan generation module, a first energy calculation module, an evaluation value calculation module, an update module, and an output module.

[0133] This program is loaded and executed on RAM 302 by the CPU 301 (processor), causing the computer to function as a production information input unit 42, an energy plant information input unit 44, a first problem generation unit 46, a first plan generation unit 48, a delivery date penalty calculation unit 50, a second energy calculation unit 52, a second problem generation unit 54, a second plan generation unit 56, a first energy calculation unit 58, an evaluation value calculation unit 60, an update unit 64, and an output unit 66. Note that the production information input unit 42, the energy plant information input unit 44, the first problem generation unit 46, the first plan generation unit 48, the delivery date penalty calculation unit 50, the second energy calculation unit 52, the second problem generation unit 54, the second plan generation unit 56, the first energy calculation unit 58, an evaluation value calculation unit 60, an update unit 64, and an output unit 66 may be partially or entirely configured as hardware circuits. Furthermore, RAM 302 and storage device 306 function as a storage unit 62.

[0134] Furthermore, programs executed on a computer are provided as files in a format that can be installed on a computer or in an executable format, recorded on computer-readable recording media such as CD-ROMs, flexible disks, CD-Rs, and DVDs (Digital Versatile Disks).

[0135] Furthermore, this program 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. Alternatively, this program may be configured to be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet. Furthermore, the program executed by the scheduling device 30 may be pre-installed in a ROM 303 or the like and provided in that configuration.

[0136] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel 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 novel embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents.

[0137] (Note) Furthermore, the above embodiments can be summarized in the following technical proposal.

[0138] [Technical proposal 1] A processing unit generates a production plan representing a plan to produce multiple products by a production plant based on the solution to a production planning problem, generates an energy planning problem based on the production plan, and generates an energy supply plan representing a plan to operate an energy plant that consumes a first energy and supplies a second energy to the production plant based on the solution to the energy planning problem. An information processing device equipped with the following features.

[0139] [Technical proposal 2] The aforementioned production planning problem can be solved by determining the time-series energy difference between the set time-series target energy and the time-series energy consumption consumed when the production plant produces the multiple products, thereby obtaining a solution that represents the production plan. The aforementioned energy planning problem can be solved by applying the first energy, under the condition that at least the second time-series energy consumed when the production plant is operated according to the production plan is supplied to the production plant, thereby obtaining a solution that represents the energy supply plan. Information processing device as described in Technical Proposal 1.

[0140] [Technical proposal 3] The aforementioned production planning problem is a problem of minimizing the objective function that represents the energy difference in the time series, The values ​​of the multiple decision variables included in the objective function in the aforementioned production planning problem represent the production plan. Information processing device as described in Technical Proposal 2.

[0141] [Technical proposal 4] The aforementioned energy planning problem is a problem of minimizing the objective function that represents the first energy, The values ​​of the multiple decision variables included in the objective function in the aforementioned energy planning problem represent the energy supply plan. An information processing device as described in Technical Proposal 2 or 3.

[0142] [Technical proposal 5] The aforementioned processing unit, A first problem generation unit that generates the aforementioned production plan problem, A first plan generation unit that solves the production planning problem and generates the production plan based on the solution to the production planning problem, A second problem generation unit that generates the aforementioned energy planning problem, A second planning generation unit that solves the aforementioned energy planning problem and generates the aforementioned energy supply plan based on the solution to the aforementioned energy planning problem, Equipped with, The first problem generation unit generates the production plan problem by repeating the process multiple times. Each time the aforementioned production planning problem is generated, The first plan generation unit generates the production plan based on the solution to the production plan problem, The second problem generation unit generates the energy planning problem based on the production plan, The second plan generation unit generates the energy supply plan based on the solution to the energy planning problem. An information processing device described in any one of Technical Proposals 2 to 4.

[0143] [Technical proposal 6] When the processing unit generates the production plan problem for the second time or later, it further includes an update unit that generates update information based on the generated production plan problem, which is the production plan problem for which the production plan has already been generated. The first problem generation unit generates a new production plan problem, which is the production plan problem for which the production plan has not yet been generated, based on the updated information. Information processing device as described in Technical Proposal 5.

[0144] [Technical proposal 7] The update unit generates a new time-series target energy by updating the time-series target energy used to generate the generated production plan problem. The first problem generation unit generates the new production planning problem using the target energy of the new time series as the target energy of the time series. Information processing device as described in Technical Proposal 6.

[0145] [Technical proposal 8] The aforementioned update unit is The time-series energy loss is calculated by subtracting the time-series energy consumed when the production plant is operated according to the production plan generated according to the generated production plan problem from the time-series energy consumed when the energy plant is operated according to the energy supply plan generated according to the generated production plan problem. The target energy of the new time series is generated by making the energy change during the time period in which the energy loss of the aforementioned time series is greater than a predetermined threshold smaller than the target energy of the aforementioned time series used to generate the aforementioned generated production plan problem. The first problem generation unit generates the new production planning problem using the target energy of the new time series as the target energy of the time series. Information processing device as described in Technical Proposal 7.

[0146] [Technical proposal 9] The aforementioned update unit is When the production plant is put into operation due to the aforementioned generated production plan problem, the following products will be identified as being in violation of the delivery deadline, resulting in production being completed beyond the production deadline: The generated production plan problem generates a new time-series target energy that is greater than the second time-series energy consumed when the production plant is operated, during the time period when the products that are not on delivery are produced. The first problem generation unit generates the new production planning problem using the target energy of the new time series as the target energy of the time series. Information processing device as described in Technical Proposal 7.

[0147] [Technical proposal 10] The update unit changes the target energy of the new time series based on random numbers or a predetermined function. Information processing device as described in Technical Proposal 7.

[0148] [Technical proposal 11] The update unit generates new constraints by updating the constraints included in the generated production plan problem. The first problem generation unit generates the new production planning problem based on the new constraints. Information processing device as described in Technical Proposal 6.

[0149] [Technical proposal 12] The first problem generation unit generates the initial production planning problem using a time-series energy consumption that is greater than or equal to the maximum energy consumed by the production plant as the target energy for that time series. An information processing device described in any one of Technical Proposals 5 through 11.

[0150] [Technical proposal 13] The first problem generation unit generates the initial production plan problem, using the time-series energy consumption when the production plant is operated based on the production plan, which is represented by the solution to a problem that minimizes a parameter different from the time-series energy difference, as the target energy for the time series. An information processing device described in any one of Technical Proposals 5 through 11.

[0151] [Technical proposal 14] The first problem generation unit generates the initial production plan problem using the averaged energy consumption of the time series, which is obtained by averaging the energy consumption of the time series over the production time of the multiple products, as the target energy of the time series when the production plant is operated based on the production plan, which is represented by the solution to a problem that minimizes a parameter different from the energy difference of the time series. An information processing device described in any one of Technical Proposals 5 through 11.

[0152] [Technical proposal 15] The aforementioned processing unit, A storage unit that stores a set of production plans and energy supply plans generated in accordance with the same production planning problem, An output unit selects and outputs one or more sets from a plurality of sets stored in the memory unit in response to the fact that the production plan problem has been generated multiple times. To further enhance An information processing device described in any one of the technical proposals 5 through 14.

[0153] [Technical proposal 16] The processing unit further comprises an evaluation value calculation unit that calculates an evaluation value for the set of the production plan and the energy supply plan, The output unit selects and outputs one or more sets of the minimum evaluation value from among the multiple sets stored in the storage unit. The aforementioned evaluation value is expressed by formula (1), EV = αE + (1-α)D ... (1) The aforementioned EV represents the evaluation value, The aforementioned E represents the amount of the first energy when the energy plant is operated in accordance with the energy supply plan, The aforementioned D represents the magnitude of the penalty for one or more products that are completed beyond the production deadline when the production plant is operated in accordance with the production plan. The aforementioned α is a real number greater than 0 and less than 1. Information processing device as described in Technical Proposal 15.

[0154] [Technical proposal 17] The processing unit further comprises a production information input unit that acquires production information including information about the plurality of products, and information about processing equipment and processes for producing the plurality of products by the production plant. The first problem generation unit generates the production plan problem based on the production information. An information processing device as described in Technical Proposal 15 or 16.

[0155] [Technical proposal 18] The information processing device generates a production plan representing a plan to produce multiple products by a production plant based on the solution to a production planning problem, generates an energy planning problem based on the production plan, and generates an energy supply plan representing a plan to operate an energy plant that consumes a first energy and supplies a second energy to the production plant based on the solution to the energy planning problem. Information processing methods.

[0156] [Technical proposal 19] A program for making an information processing device function as a scheduling device, The aforementioned information processing device A processing unit generates a production plan representing a plan to produce multiple products by a production plant based on the solution to a production planning problem, generates an energy planning problem based on the production plan, and generates an energy supply plan representing a plan to operate an energy plant that consumes a first energy and supplies a second energy to the production plant based on the solution to the energy planning problem. Make it work program. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0157] 10 Production Systems 22 Energy Plants 24 Production Plant 30 Scheduling device 42 Production Information Input Section 44 Energy Plant Information Input Section 46 1st problem generation part 48. First Plan Generation Unit 50 Delivery time penalty calculation section 52 Second Energy Calculation Unit 54 2nd problem generation part 56 Second Plan Generation Unit 58 First Energy Calculation Unit 60 Evaluation Value Calculation Unit 62 Storage section 64 Update section Output section of 66

Claims

1. A processing unit generates a production plan representing a plan to produce multiple products by a production plant based on the solution to a production planning problem, generates an energy planning problem based on the production plan, and generates an energy supply plan representing a plan to operate an energy plant that consumes a first energy and supplies a second energy to the production plant based on the solution to the energy planning problem. An information processing device equipped with the following features.

2. The aforementioned production planning problem can be solved by determining the time-series energy difference between the set time-series target energy and the time-series energy consumption consumed when the production plant produces the multiple products, thereby obtaining a solution that represents the production plan. The aforementioned energy planning problem can be solved by applying the first energy, under the condition that at least the second time-series energy consumed when the production plant is operated according to the production plan is supplied to the production plant, thereby obtaining a solution that represents the energy supply plan. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned production planning problem is a problem of minimizing the objective function that represents the energy difference in the time series, The values ​​of the multiple decision variables included in the objective function in the aforementioned production planning problem represent the production plan. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned energy planning problem is a problem of minimizing the objective function that represents the first energy, The values ​​of the multiple decision variables included in the objective function in the aforementioned energy planning problem represent the energy supply plan. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

5. The aforementioned processing unit, A first problem generation unit that generates the aforementioned production plan problem, A first plan generation unit that solves the production planning problem and generates the production plan based on the solution to the production planning problem, A second problem generation unit that generates the aforementioned energy planning problem, A second plan generation unit that solves the aforementioned energy planning problem and generates the aforementioned energy supply plan based on the solution to the aforementioned energy planning problem, Equipped with, The first problem generation unit generates the production plan problem by repeating the process multiple times. Each time the aforementioned production planning problem is generated, The first plan generation unit generates the production plan based on the solution to the production plan problem, The second problem generation unit generates the energy planning problem based on the production plan, The second plan generation unit generates the energy supply plan based on the solution to the energy planning problem. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

6. When the processing unit generates the production plan problem for the second time or later, it further includes an update unit that generates update information based on the generated production plan problem, which is the production plan problem for which the production plan has already been generated. The first problem generation unit generates a new production plan problem, which is the production plan problem for which the production plan has not yet been generated, based on the updated information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5.

7. The update unit generates a new time-series target energy by updating the time-series target energy used to generate the generated production plan problem. The first problem generation unit generates the new production planning problem using the target energy of the new time series as the target energy of the time series. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6.

8. The aforementioned update unit is The time-series energy loss is calculated by subtracting the time-series energy consumed when the production plant is operated according to the production plan generated according to the generated production plan problem from the time-series energy consumed when the energy plant is operated according to the energy supply plan generated according to the generated production plan problem. The target energy of the new time series is generated by making the energy change during the time period in which the energy loss of the aforementioned time series is greater than a predetermined threshold smaller than the target energy of the aforementioned time series used to generate the aforementioned generated production plan problem. The first problem generation unit generates the new production planning problem using the target energy of the new time series as the target energy of the time series. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7.

9. The aforementioned update unit is When the production plant is put into operation due to the aforementioned generated production plan problem, the following products will be identified as being in violation of the delivery deadline, resulting in production being completed beyond the production deadline: The aforementioned generated production plan problem generates a new time-series target energy that is greater than the second time-series energy consumed when the production plant is operated, during the time period when the products that are not on delivery are produced. The first problem generation unit generates the new production planning problem using the target energy of the new time series as the target energy of the time series. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7.

10. The update unit changes the target energy of the new time series based on random numbers or a predetermined function. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7.

11. The update unit generates new constraints by updating the constraints included in the generated production plan problem. The first problem generation unit generates the new production planning problem based on the new constraints. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6.

12. The first problem generation unit generates the initial production planning problem using a time-series energy consumption that is greater than or equal to the maximum energy consumed by the production plant as the target energy for that time series. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5.

13. The first problem generation unit generates the initial production plan problem, using the time-series energy consumption when the production plant is operated based on the production plan, which is represented by the solution to a problem that minimizes a parameter different from the time-series energy difference, as the target energy for the time series. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5.

14. The first problem generation unit generates the initial production plan problem using the averaged energy consumption of the time series, which is obtained by averaging the energy consumption of the time series over the production time of the multiple products, as the target energy of the time series when the production plant is operated based on the production plan, which is represented by the solution to a problem that minimizes a parameter different from the energy difference of the time series, as the target energy of the time series. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5.

15. The aforementioned processing unit, A storage unit that stores a set of production plans and energy supply plans generated in accordance with the same production planning problem, An output unit selects and outputs one or more sets from a plurality of sets stored in the memory unit in response to the fact that the production plan problem has been generated multiple times. Furthermore, it is equipped with The information processing apparatus according to claim 5.

16. The processing unit further comprises an evaluation value calculation unit that calculates an evaluation value for the set of the production plan and the energy supply plan, The output unit selects and outputs one or more sets of the minimum evaluation value from among the multiple sets stored in the storage unit. The aforementioned evaluation value is expressed by formula (1), EV=αE+(1-α)D…(1) The aforementioned EV represents the evaluation value, The aforementioned E represents the amount of the first energy when the energy plant is operated in accordance with the energy supply plan, The aforementioned D represents the magnitude of the penalty for one or more products that are completed beyond the production deadline when the production plant is operated in accordance with the production plan. The aforementioned α is a real number greater than 0 and less than 1. The information processing apparatus according to claim 15.

17. The processing unit further comprises a production information input unit that acquires production information including information about the plurality of products, and information about processing equipment and processes for producing the plurality of products by the production plant. The first problem generation unit generates the production plan problem based on the production information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 15.

18. The information processing device generates a production plan representing a plan to produce multiple products by a production plant based on the solution to a production planning problem, generates an energy planning problem based on the production plan, and generates an energy supply plan representing a plan to operate an energy plant that consumes a first energy and supplies a second energy to the production plant based on the solution to the energy planning problem. Information processing methods.

19. A program for making an information processing device function as a scheduling device, The aforementioned information processing device A processing unit generates a production plan representing a plan to produce multiple products by a production plant based on the solution to a production planning problem, generates an energy planning problem based on the production plan, and generates an energy supply plan representing a plan to operate an energy plant that consumes first energy and supplies second energy to the production plant based on the solution to the energy planning problem. Make it work program.

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