Arithmetic processing unit

Abstract

Provided is a carbon management system, etc., with which it is possible to adjust the supply / demand balance of CO2. This carbon management system (100) comprises a plurality of discharge sources that discharge a CO2-containing exhaust gas, a CO2 recovery facility (1) that separates and recovers CO2 from the exhaust gas discharged from the plurality of discharge sources, conduit tubes (2a to 2c) that are provided between the discharge sources and the CO2 recovery facility (1) so that the exhaust gas discharged from the plurality of discharge sources is collected in the CO2 recovery facility (1), and a computation processing device (3) that sets an operating condition for at least one of the plurality of discharge sources or an operating condition for the CO2 recovery facility (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention , performance relates to an arithmetic processing device.

Background Art

[0002] In order to realize a carbon-neutral society, the introduction of renewable energy and facility electrification are being promoted. However, according to the prediction of the IEA (International Energy Agency), facilities that use fossil fuels will still remain at a certain ratio. Therefore, the introduction of CO2 reduction technology is essential. For example, regarding the recovery of CO2 emitted from factories and the like, the technologies described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 are known.

[0003] That is, Patent Document 1 discloses a system that converts CO2 emissions into costs, evaluates the costs of the process paths, and proposes an optimal path.

[0004] Further, Patent Document 2 discloses an information management system for managing information such as identification information of users of a CO2 recovery device, CO2 recovery amount, usage purpose, usage amount, etc. between a CO2 collection stand, a transport vehicle, a processing factory such as CO2 fuelization, and an information management center.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] Patent documents 1 and 2 do not disclose the operation of CO2 capture facilities or CO2 resource recovery facilities that take into account the supply and demand balance of CO2 or carbon-containing materials. In a concept in which multiple facilities are connected, a system is required to adjust the supply and demand balance of CO2 or recycled carbon-containing materials in order to operate the main components such as CO2 capture facilities and CO2 resource recovery facilities.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention is capable of adjusting the supply and demand balance of CO2 or carbon-containing substances. Arithmetic processing unit The objective is to provide this. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the aforementioned problems, the present invention Arithmetic processing unit This includes a plurality of emission sources that emit exhaust gas containing CO2, a CO2 recovery facility that separates and recovers CO2 from the exhaust gas emitted from the plurality of emission sources, and a conduit provided between the emission sources and the CO2 recovery facility so that the exhaust gas emitted from the plurality of emission sources is collected in the CO2 recovery facility. A computing device used in a carbon management system, the carbon management system includes a first detection unit that acquires the carbon equivalent concentration and exhaust gas flow rate of the carbon-containing components in the exhaust gas emitted from the emission source, and the CO 2 The CO2 system includes a second detection unit that acquires the carbon equivalent concentration and gas flow rate of the carbon-containing components in the gas discharged from the recovery equipment, and 2 CO2 recovered by the recovery equipment 2 , or CO in the atmosphere 2 CO2 recovered by DAC equipment 2 A recycling facility that uses CO as a raw material, and the CO 2 CO2 supplied from the recovery facility 2 CO2 storage 2 Storage facility and the CO 2 The CO2 is collected from the recovery equipment. 2 CO supplied to storage facilities 2 CO2 adjusts supply 2 The system comprises a storage flow rate adjustment means, a conduit for guiding resources produced by the recycling facility from the recycling facility to the emission source, and a third detection unit for acquiring the carbon equivalent concentration and gas flow rate of carbon-containing components in the gas supplied from the recycling facility to at least one of the plurality of emission sources, wherein the calculation processing unit, based on the data acquired by the first detection unit and the second detection unit, determines the CO2 concentration and gas flow rate of at least one of the plurality of emission sources. 2 A calculation processing function for setting the operating conditions of the recovery equipment, and at least one of the plurality of emission sources and the CO 2 The system includes a management function for managing the recovery equipment, and calculates the amount of fuel used in the emission source based on the carbon equivalent concentration of the carbon-containing components in the gas and the gas flow rate acquired by the third detection unit, and calculates the amount of CO used in the resource recycling equipment based on the amount of fuel used in the emission source. 2 The supply amount is calculated, and the CO 2 CO2 in storage facilities 2 The amount recovered and the CO2 required by the recycling facility 2 From the difference with the supply, the aforementioned CO 2 Set the operating conditions for the storage flow rate adjustment mechanism. That's what we decided. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to adjust the supply and demand balance of CO2 or carbon-containing substances. Arithmetic processing unit We can provide this. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] It is a configuration diagram of a carbon management system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a flowchart showing the processing of the carbon management system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3A] It is an explanatory diagram of a CO2 emission plan when it is predicted that the upper limit of the CO2 recovery amount in the CO2 recovery facility will be temporarily exceeded in the carbon management system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3B] It is an explanatory diagram of the CO2 emission plan after the CO2 emission plan has been reviewed in the carbon management system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3C] It is an explanatory diagram regarding the actual CO2 emission amount in the carbon management system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a configuration diagram of a carbon management system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a flowchart showing the processing of the carbon management system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6A] It is an explanatory diagram of a CO2 emission plan when it is predicted that the upper limit of the CO2 recovery amount in the CO2 recovery facility will be temporarily exceeded in the carbon management system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6B] It is an explanatory diagram after the CO2 storage amount has been reviewed in the carbon management system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6C] It is an explanatory diagram showing another example after the CO2 storage amount has been reviewed in the carbon management system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a configuration diagram of a carbon management system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a flowchart showing the processing in the carbon management system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 9A] It is an explanatory diagram showing the transition of the predicted values of the CO2 emission amount and CO2 concentration of the thermal power plant in area A in the carbon management system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 9B]This is an explanatory diagram showing the predicted trends in CO2 emissions and CO2 concentrations for factories 31a, 31b, and 31n in area B in the carbon management system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 9C] This is an explanatory diagram showing the changes in the amount of CO2 recovered and the CO2 concentration in the CO2 recovery equipment in the carbon management system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 9D] This is an explanatory diagram showing the predicted changes in CO2 emissions and CO2 concentration of the thermal power plant in Area A when the CO2 enrichment equipment is in operation, according to the carbon management system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 9E] This is an explanatory diagram showing the predicted changes in CO2 emissions and CO2 concentration at factories 31a, 31b, and 31n in area B when the CO2 concentration equipment is in operation, according to the carbon management system of the third embodiment. [Figure 9F] This is an explanatory diagram showing the actual values ​​of CO2 recovery amount and CO2 concentration in the CO2 recovery equipment in the carbon management system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the carbon management system according to the fourth and fifth embodiments. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The same components will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions may be omitted if they are redundant. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. A carbon management system 100 (see Figure 1) according to one embodiment of the present invention is configured to collect exhaust gases containing multiple CO2s in areas that emit such exhaust gases, such as industrial clusters, recover the CO2 in a single batch, and supply it to downstream equipment. This allows for the distribution of the cost burden associated with introducing CO2 reduction technologies, as well as the reduction of load on each component equipment and the management of supply and demand.

[0012] ≪First Embodiment≫ Figure 1 is a diagram of the carbon management system 100 according to the first embodiment. The carbon management system 100 comprises a plurality of emission sources that emit exhaust gas containing CO2 (carbon dioxide) (in the example of Figure 1, a thermal power plant 21 and factories 31a to 31n), a CO2 recovery facility 1 that collects the exhaust gas emitted from the plurality of emission sources and separates and recovers CO2 from the collected exhaust gas, conduits 2a to 2c that lead the exhaust gas emitted from the plurality of emission sources to the CO2 recovery facility 1, and a calculation processing unit 3 that sets an operating plan (operating conditions) for at least one of the plurality of emission sources or an operating plan (operating conditions) for the CO2 recovery facility 1. The plurality of emission sources include, for example, an emission source that emits a large amount and high concentration of CO2, and an emission source that emits a lower concentration or smaller amount of CO2 than this emission source. Area A has an emission source that emits a large amount and high concentration of CO2. In the example of Figure 1, a thermal power plant 21 is provided as such an emission source. Examples of thermal power plants 21 include gas-fired power plants, coal-fired power plants, and steel mills. Conduits 2a to 2c are installed between the emission sources and the CO2 capture equipment 1, and are configured so that exhaust gases emitted from multiple emission sources are collected in the CO2 capture equipment 1.

[0013] Adjacent to Area A is Area B, which contains facilities with CO2 emissions at lower concentrations and lower emissions than those in Area A. For example, Area B could be an industrial zone or an industrial cluster. Within Area B are factories 31a to 31n. Examples of industries in these factories 31a to 31n include chemical manufacturing, food processing, steel manufacturing, and cement manufacturing.

[0014] Each of the factories 31a to 31n within Area B is connected to a conduit 2b. The exhaust gases emitted from each factory 31a to 31n and the exhaust gases emitted from the thermal power plant 21 flow through conduits 2b and 2a, respectively, and merge in conduit 2c. The merged exhaust gases are then guided by conduit 2c to the CO2 recovery facility 1. In other words, the exhaust gases emitted from Area A and Area B are supplied to the CO2 recovery facility 1 via conduits 2a and 2b. In the first embodiment, an example is described in which the exhaust gases supplied from Areas A and B to the CO2 recovery facility 1 are supplied through conduits 2a and 2b. However, for supplying exhaust gases from the CO2 emission source to the CO2 recovery facility 1, a transport vehicle (not shown) can also be used.

[0015] CO2 recovery equipment 1 has the function of recovering CO2 from exhaust gas. One method of recovering CO2 is chemical absorption, in which an alkaline CO2 absorbent is brought into contact with the exhaust gas to absorb the CO2 in the CO2 absorbent. Other methods include physical adsorption using an adsorbent that utilizes van der Waals forces, and chemical adsorption, in which an alkaline CO2 adsorbent (solid) is brought into contact with the exhaust gas to adsorb the CO2 in the exhaust gas onto the CO2 adsorbent. CO2 recovery equipment 1 may be installed at a site separate from the emission source, or it may be installed at the same site (within the factory) as the emission source. In other words, CO2 recovery equipment 1 may be installed at a site where any of multiple emission sources are located.

[0016] In the example shown in Figure 1, the exhaust gas from area A flows through conduit 2a and the exhaust gas from area B flows through conduit 2b, which merge by connecting to conduit 2c before being supplied to the CO2 recovery facility 1. However, the system is not limited to this configuration. For example, the exhaust gas from area A and the exhaust gas from area B may be supplied to the CO2 recovery facility 1 individually. It is preferable that the conduits 2a from area A and 2b from area B are combined (merged) in conduit 2c, which is upstream of the CO2 recovery facility 1, before being supplied to the CO2 recovery facility 1, as this allows for centralized management of the CO2 supplied to the CO2 recovery facility 1.

[0017] As in the first embodiment, exhaust gases generated from multiple emission sources are supplied to the CO2 recovery equipment 1 for CO2 separation and recovery, thereby reducing the cost burden associated with reducing CO2 emissions. Furthermore, for those who own the CO2 recovery equipment 1, it is possible to improve the operating rate of the CO2 recovery equipment 1.

[0018] As shown in Figure 1, carbon detection units 4a to 4i capable of measuring the carbon equivalent concentration of carbon-containing components in the exhaust gas and the exhaust gas flow rate are provided at predetermined locations in the conduits 2a to 2e. In the first embodiment, carbon detection units 4a to 4e are each installed near the outlets of the exhaust gas sources (thermal power plant 21 and factories 31a to 31n). Carbon detection unit 4f is installed at the point where the outlet conduits of factories 31a and 31b, which are exhaust gas sources in area B, merge. Carbon detection unit 4g is installed near the inlet of the CO2 recovery equipment 1 (where the merged exhaust gases flow). The "first detection unit" that acquires the carbon equivalent concentration of carbon-containing components in the exhaust gas emitted from the emission source (hereinafter referred to as carbon concentration) and the exhaust gas flow rate is composed of carbon detection units 4a to 4g.

[0019] The carbon detection unit 4h shown in Figure 1 is installed in the conduit 2d for CO2 flowing out of the CO2 recovery facility 1. The carbon detection unit 4i is installed in the conduit 2e (outlet gas conduit) for gases other than CO2 flowing out of the CO2 recovery facility 1. The "second detection unit," which acquires the carbon equivalent concentration and gas flow rate of carbon-containing components in the gas emitted from the CO2 recovery facility 1, is composed of the carbon detection units 4h and 4i.

[0020] Carbon-containing components in exhaust gases include CO2, CO, and CH4. These components can be measured using methods such as mass spectrometry, gas chromatography, infrared spectroscopy, and cavity ring-down spectroscopy. Exhaust gas flow rates can be detected using process gas flow meters. Furthermore, the concentrations and flow rates of these carbon components (CO2, CO, CH4) can be calculated based on the fuel consumption of the exhaust gas source. By obtaining the carbon-equivalent concentrations of carbon-containing components in exhaust gases, it is possible to manage the flow of not only CO2 but also other carbon-containing substances such as CO and CH4.

[0021] Information from carbon detection units 4a to 4i is aggregated into a data collection system 7 (database) via a network (not shown). The processing unit 3 of the carbon management system 100 is capable of communicating with the data collection system 7 via a network (not shown).

[0022] The arithmetic processing unit 3 uses the information from the carbon detection units 4a to 4i, which are aggregated in the data collection system 7, to set the operating plans for the CO2 recovery equipment 1 and each emission source. In other words, the arithmetic processing unit 3 has a calculation processing function that sets the operating conditions for at least one of the multiple emission sources or the CO2 recovery equipment 1 based on the data acquired by the carbon detection units 4a to 4g (first detection unit) and the carbon detection units 4h, 4i (second detection unit), and a management function that manages at least one of the multiple emission sources and the CO2 recovery equipment 1.

[0023] Figure 2 is a flowchart showing the process in a carbon management system (see also Figure 1 as appropriate). Although not specifically shown in Figure 2, it is assumed that the system includes a "collection process" in which exhaust gases emitted from multiple emission sources via conduits 2a to 2c are collected in the CO2 recovery facility 1, and a "separation process" in which CO2 is separated from the exhaust gases collected in the CO2 recovery facility 1.

[0024] (a) Step S101: The processing unit 3 collects data on CO2 emission plans from each area for a predetermined period. For example, the processing unit 3 sets the predetermined period to one month and manages the daily CO2 emissions and CO2 capture amounts. The exhaust gas sources (i.e., the thermal power plant 21 in area A and the factories 31a to 31n in area B in Figure 1) transmit data on their daily CO2 emission plans to the processing unit 3. The processing unit 3 then registers the daily CO2 emissions and CO2 capture amounts at the exhaust gas sources.

[0025] Furthermore, in its calculation processing function for setting the operating conditions (operating plan) of the CO2 recovery equipment 1, the arithmetic processing unit 3 uses the aggregated value of all daily CO2 emission plans from exhaust gas sources as the initial planned value for the amount of CO2 recovered by the CO2 recovery equipment 1.

[0026] (b) Step S102: The arithmetic processing unit 3 determines whether the amount of CO2 recovered by the CO2 recovery equipment 1 (for example, the amount recovered per day) exceeds a predetermined upper limit. If the amount of CO2 recovered in step S102 does not exceed the upper limit (S102: No), the processing unit 3 returns to "START". If the amount of CO2 recovered in step S102 exceeds the upper limit (S102: Yes), the processing unit 3 proceeds to step S103.

[0027] (c) Step S103: The arithmetic processing unit 3 instructs a review of the CO2 emission plan. For example, in the management function of the emission source and the CO2 recovery equipment 1, if there is a period (times t1 to t2 in Figure 3A) during which the initial plan value exceeds the design upper limit of the amount of CO2 that can be recovered by the CO2 recovery equipment 1, the arithmetic processing unit 3 instructs the exhaust gas source to review the CO2 emission plan for the period (times t1 to t2) during which the upper limit is exceeded. In other words, the arithmetic processing unit 3 transmits a predetermined instruction signal regarding the review of the CO2 emission plan to the thermal power plant 21 and factories 31a to 31n.

[0028] The thermal power plants 21 and factories 31a to 31n in each area reset their CO2 emission plans based on instructions from the computing device 3 (S103) and transmit the data of the reset CO2 emission plans to the computing device 3. The computing device 3 then retrieves the CO2 emission plan data again (S101). As a result, the reset CO2 emission plans are re-registered in the computing device 3.

[0029] In its calculation processing function for setting operating conditions, the arithmetic processing unit 3 again aggregates the daily CO2 emission plans for all exhaust gas sources. In its management function for emission sources and CO2 recovery equipment 1, if it determines that the amount of CO2 recovered by the CO2 recovery equipment during a predetermined period does not exceed the design upper limit (upper limit) (S103: No), the arithmetic processing unit 3 determines that the CO2 recovery equipment 1 is ready to operate and proceeds to step S104.

[0030] (d) Step S104: The calculation processing unit 3 sets the operating conditions for the CO2 recovery equipment 1 (calculation processing). The calculation processing unit 3 measures the amount of CO2 emitted by the carbon detection units 4a to 4e installed in the conduits 2a and 2b of the exhaust gas source in the management function of the emission source and the CO2 recovery equipment 1, and calculates the difference from the reset plan value for each of the carbon detection units 4a to 4e. If the calculation processing unit 3 determines that the detected value of the CO2 emission exceeds the reset plan value, it identifies the carbon detection unit that caused the value to exceed the plan value (omitted in Figure 2), and notifies the exhaust gas source that is the source of the identified carbon detection unit to further reduce the amount of CO2 emitted and the amount of that reduction.

[0031] Furthermore, the computing device 3 manages the revised planned value and detected value of the CO2 recovery amount at the CO2 recovery equipment 1, and if the detected value of the CO2 amount is about to exceed the upper limit (for example, if the amount of CO2 increases and reaches a predetermined value that is lower than the upper limit), it identifies the carbon detection unit that caused the amount to exceed the planned value. The computing device 3 then notifies the exhaust gas source (thermal power plant 21 or factories 31a~31n) that is the source of the identified carbon detection unit to further reduce the amount of CO2 emitted, and the amount of that reduction.

[0032] Furthermore, the CO2 recovery amount detected in the calculation processing function that sets the operating conditions of CO2 recovery equipment 1 is calculated from the measured values ​​of CO2 concentration and exhaust gas volume in the exhaust gas of carbon detection units 4g and 4h shown in Figure 1. For example, the CO2 recovery amount can be obtained as follows: CO2 recovery amount = (exhaust gas volume of carbon detection unit 4g × CO2 concentration of carbon detection unit 4g) - (exhaust gas volume of carbon detection unit 4i × CO2 concentration of carbon detection unit 4i), or CO2 recovery amount = (exhaust gas volume of carbon detection unit 4h × CO2 concentration of carbon detection unit 4h).

[0033] Exhaust gas sources that have been notified of the reduction in CO2 emissions and the amount of reduction will implement the reduction in CO2 emissions. The calculation processing unit 3 confirms whether or not the exhaust gas source has implemented the reduction in CO2 emissions using information from the carbon detection unit. In this way, the calculation processing unit 3 calculates the amount of CO2 supplied from multiple emission sources to the CO2 recovery equipment 1 based on the carbon concentration and exhaust gas flow rate acquired by the carbon detection units 4a to 4g (first detection unit), and calculates the amount of reduction in CO2 emissions emitted from the emission sources so that the amount of CO2 supplied to the CO2 recovery equipment 1 falls within the design value of the CO2 recovery equipment 1.

[0034] Figure 3A is an explanatory diagram of the CO2 emission plan when it is predicted that the upper limit of CO2 capture capacity in the CO2 capture facility will be temporarily exceeded. The five graphs in Figure 3A, from top to bottom, show the trends in CO2 emissions from the thermal power plant 21 in Area A, the trends in CO2 emissions from factories 31a, 31b, and 31n, and the trends in the predicted amount of CO2 captured by CO2 capture facility 1. The sum of CO2 emissions from thermal power plant 21 and factories 31a, 31b, and 31n at each time point equals the amount of CO2 captured by CO2 capture facility 1. In the example in Figure 3A, it is predicted that the amount of CO2 captured by CO2 capture facility 1 will exceed a predetermined upper limit Q0 during the time period from t1 to t2.

[0035] Figure 3B is an explanatory diagram of the CO2 emissions plan after the revision of the CO2 emissions plan. In the example shown in Figure 3B, based on instructions from the processing unit 3 (S103 in Figure 2), the CO2 emission plan is revised at factories 31a and 31b, and CO2 emissions for the time period including time t1 to t2 are reduced. As a result, the amount of CO2 recovered by the CO2 recovery equipment 1 (revised plan value) is kept below a predetermined upper limit Q0.

[0036] Figure 3C is an explanatory diagram regarding actual CO2 emissions. Note that the thick lines in each graph in Figure 3 represent the detected values ​​for CO2 emissions and CO2 capture. As described above, if the arithmetic processing unit 3 determines that the detected CO2 emission value for each emission source exceeds the revised plan value, it will notify the system of further reductions in CO2 emissions and the amount of those reductions.

[0037] As described above, the carbon management system 100 according to the first embodiment includes a computing device 3 that communicates with a CO2 recovery facility 1 that collects exhaust gases discharged from multiple emission sources via conduits 2a to 2g and separates CO2 from the collected exhaust gases. The computing device 3 sets the operating conditions for at least one of the multiple emission sources or the operating conditions for the CO2 recovery facility. With this configuration, the computing device 3 can determine whether or not to adjust the CO2 emissions from the emission sources based on the design upper limit of the CO2 recovery facility 1 and the CO2 emission plan of the emission sources, and can instruct the emission sources to reduce their CO2 emissions.

[0038] Furthermore, if CO2 reduction technologies were to be introduced individually, the cost burden would be significant. However, in the first embodiment, exhaust gases are aggregated and recovered in bulk in industrial clusters, thereby distributing the cost burden associated with introducing CO2 reduction technologies. By keeping the amount of CO2 supplied by CO2 recovery equipment 1 and recycling equipment within the design range and adjusting the supply and demand, the operational burden can be reduced, while also ensuring product purity and a balance between supply and demand. Thus, according to the first embodiment, a carbon management system 100 capable of adjusting the supply and demand balance of CO2 or carbon-containing substances can be provided. Note that "carbon-containing substances" include CO2.

[0039] ≪Second Embodiment≫ The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that an exhaust gas storage facility (see Figure 4) is provided between multiple emission sources and the CO2 recovery facility 1 (see Figure 4). Furthermore, the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a DAC facility 6 (see Figure 4) is provided. Other aspects are the same as the first embodiment. Therefore, we will explain the parts that differ from the first embodiment, and omit explanations of overlapping parts.

[0040] Figure 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the carbon management system 100A according to the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, a method is described for controlling the amount of CO2 supplied so that the amount of CO2 recovered by the CO2 recovery equipment 1 is kept below an upper limit, even if each exhaust gas source, as described in the first embodiment, cannot flexibly change its CO2 emission plan, without specifically changing their CO2 emission plans.

[0041] The carbon management system 100A shown in Figure 4 has the same configuration as the first embodiment, but also includes an exhaust gas storage facility 5 (exhaust gas storage means) installed between the CO2 emission source and the CO2 recovery equipment 1, and further includes a DAC (Direct Air Capture) facility 6 which can be installed at any location. The connection configuration of the emission source, CO2 recovery equipment 1, carbon detection units 4a to 4i, and the conduits connecting each facility are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0042] The exhaust gas storage facility 5 has the function of storing exhaust gas from emission sources such as the thermal power plant 21 and factories 31a to 31n. The amount of exhaust gas stored in the exhaust gas storage facility 5 has a predetermined upper limit, and it is managed so as not to exceed that limit. For example, the amount of exhaust gas present in the exhaust gas storage facility 5 is calculated from the internal pressure of the exhaust gas storage facility 5 as well as from the relationship between the supply and discharge rates of exhaust gas in the exhaust gas storage facility 5. As shown in Figure 4, the exhaust gas storage facility 5 is connected to the conduit 2f through which exhaust gas from each CO2 emission source converges. The exhaust gas stored in the exhaust gas storage facility 5 is then guided to the CO2 recovery facility 1 via the conduit 2g. Note that exhaust gas storage facilities may be individually installed downstream of each emission source, and there are no limitations on the location or number of facilities to be installed. Furthermore, the conduit connecting the emission source and the CO2 recovery facility 1 may itself be considered as the exhaust gas storage facility, and the equipment configuration is not particularly limited.

[0043] The DAC equipment 6 has the function of recovering CO2 from the atmosphere. The recovery method of the DAC equipment 6 may be the same as that of the CO2 recovery equipment 1. That is, CO2 recovery methods include a chemical absorption method in which an alkaline CO2 absorbent liquid is brought into contact with the exhaust gas to absorb the CO2 in the exhaust gas into the CO2 absorbent liquid, a physical adsorption method using an adsorbent that utilizes van der Waals forces, and a chemical adsorption method in which an alkaline CO2 adsorbent (solid) is brought into contact with the exhaust gas to adsorb the CO2 in the exhaust gas onto the CO2 adsorbent. The conduit 2h on the inlet side of the DAC equipment 6 may be connected to any of the conduits 2a to 2g, for example, or to any other predetermined location.

[0044] As shown in Figure 4, the carbon management system 100A further includes carbon detection units 4j to 4n, in addition to the carbon detection units 4a to 4i described in the first embodiment, which are capable of measuring the carbon equivalent concentration of carbon-containing components in the exhaust gas and the exhaust gas flow rate. Carbon detection unit 4j is installed in the conduit 2g on the outlet side of the exhaust gas storage facility 5. Carbon detection unit 4k is installed in the conduit 2h on the inlet side of the DAC facility 6. Carbon detection unit 4m is installed in the conduit 2i that guides the recovered CO2 flowing out of the DAC facility 6. Carbon detection unit 4n is installed in the conduit 2k (outlet gas conduit) that guides gases other than recovered CO2 flowing out of the DAC facility 6. The data detected by these carbon detection units 4a to 4n is aggregated in the data collection system 7 connected to the arithmetic processing unit 3, as in the first embodiment.

[0045] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the process in a carbon management system (see also Figure 4 as appropriate). Steps S201, S202, and S204 in Figure 5 are in the same order as steps S101, S102, and S104 in the first embodiment (see Figure 2).

[0046] (a) Step S201: The processing unit 3 collects CO2 emission plans from each area for a predetermined period. For example, the processing unit 3 sets the predetermined period to one month and manages the daily CO2 emissions and CO2 capture amounts. The exhaust gas sources (i.e., the thermal power plant 21 in area A and the factories 31a to 31n in area B in Figure 4) transmit data of their daily CO2 emission plans to the processing unit 3. The processing unit 3 then registers the daily CO2 emissions and CO2 capture amounts at the exhaust gas sources.

[0047] Furthermore, in its calculation processing function for setting operating conditions (operating plans) for the exhaust gas storage facility 5, etc., the arithmetic processing unit 3 uses the aggregated value of all daily CO2 emission plans from the exhaust gas sources as the initial planned value for the amount of CO2 recovered by the CO2 recovery facility 1.

[0048] (b) Step S202: The arithmetic processing unit 3 determines whether the amount of CO2 recovered by the CO2 recovery equipment 1 (for example, the amount recovered per day) exceeds a predetermined upper limit. If the amount of CO2 recovered in step S202 does not exceed the upper limit (S202: No), the processing unit 3 returns to "START". If the amount of CO2 recovered in step S202 exceeds the upper limit (S202: Yes), the processing unit 3 proceeds to step S203.

[0049] (c): Step S203: The processing unit 3 instructs the exhaust gas storage facility 5 on the amount of exhaust gas to be stored. In the management function of the exhaust gas storage facility 5, if there is a period (times t1 to t2 in Figure 4) during which the initial planned value of the CO2 recovery facility 1 exceeds the upper limit of the amount of CO2 that can be recovered by the CO2 recovery facility 1 (S202: Yes), the processing unit 3 instructs the exhaust gas storage facility 5 to store exhaust gas so that it stays within the upper limit (S203). Specifically, the processing unit 3 sends a predetermined instruction signal to the exhaust gas storage facility 5 requesting a review of the amount of CO2 to be stored.

[0050] (d) Although not shown in Figure 5, the processing unit 3 obtains actual CO2 emission values ​​from the emission sources in each area from the carbon detection units 4a to 4n and supplies exhaust gas to the exhaust gas storage facility 5 in accordance with the operating conditions of the exhaust gas storage facility 5. At this time, the processing unit 3 uses the data from the carbon detection units 4b, 4c, 4d, and 4e to adjust the operating plan of the exhaust gas storage facility 5 as appropriate if there is an increase or decrease in the amount of exhaust gas from the emission sources compared to the plan. Note that the initial planned value of the CO2 recovery facility 1 is below the design upper limit during the time period (t in Figure 6A).<t1,t> In t2), the exhaust gas stored in the exhaust gas storage facility 5 may be supplied within a range that does not exceed the design upper limit of the CO2 recovery facility 1.

[0051] Because exhaust gases have a larger volume compared to the CO2 to be recovered, it may be difficult to install the exhaust gas storage facility 5 depending on the scale of the emission source. Therefore, a method using the DAC facility 6 is shown below. Note that this method is omitted from the flowchart in Figure 5.

[0052] If the amount of CO2 recovered by CO2 recovery equipment 1 exceeds the design upper limit during planning in step S202, the calculation processing unit 3 instructs DAC equipment 6 to recover the amount of CO2 exceeding the design upper limit during the time period in which the upper limit is exceeded. DAC equipment 6 recovers CO2 according to the plan, but if the amount of exhaust gas from the emission source is greater than planned, it adjusts the operating conditions of DAC equipment 6 as appropriate. Note that during this time period (t1 to t2 in Figure 6A), exhaust gas exceeding the design value may not be supplied to CO2 recovery equipment 1, but rather released into the atmosphere, for example. Furthermore, since CO2 recovery equipment 1 and DAC equipment 6 may be further equipped with, for example, CO2 storage equipment or CO2 recycling equipment, keeping the amount of CO2 recovered as constant as possible simplifies the operation of the downstream equipment. Therefore, it is preferable to set the operating time of DAC equipment 6 to a time period other than (t1 to t2) in Figure 6A, which will be explained next.

[0053] Figure 6A is an explanatory diagram of the CO2 emission plan when it is predicted that the upper limit of CO2 capture capacity in the CO2 capture facility will be temporarily exceeded. Figure 6A is the same as Figure 3A used in the description of the first embodiment, and it is predicted that the amount of CO2 recovered in the CO2 recovery equipment 1 will exceed a predetermined upper limit Q0 during the time period from t1 to t2. In such a case, the arithmetic processing unit 3 transmits a predetermined instruction signal to the exhaust gas storage equipment 5 so that the amount of CO2 recovered at each time is kept below the upper limit Q0.

[0054] Figure 6B is an explanatory diagram showing the CO2 storage capacity after the revision. As shown in Figure 6B, by adjusting the amount of CO2 stored in the exhaust gas storage facility 5 at each time point, the amount of CO2 recovered in the CO2 recovery facility 1 is kept below the upper limit Q0 while remaining near the upper limit Q0. Furthermore, the thermal power plant 21 in Area A and the factories 31a to 31n in Area B can operate without making any particular changes to their initial CO2 emission plans (see Figure 6A).

[0055] Figure 6C is an explanatory diagram showing another example after the CO2 storage amount has been revised. In the example shown in Figure 6C, during the time period t1-t2 when the amount of CO2 recovered by CO2 recovery equipment 1 exceeds the predetermined upper limit Q0, as per the initial CO2 emission plan (see Figure 6A), the excess is stored in the exhaust gas storage equipment 5. Even with this treatment, the amount of CO2 recovered by CO2 recovery equipment 1 is kept below the upper limit Q0.

[0056] Furthermore, the CO2 storage amount detected in the calculation processing function for setting the operating conditions of the exhaust gas storage facility 5 is calculated from the measured values ​​of the CO2 concentration and gas amount in the carbon detection units 4g and 4j shown in Figure 4. For example, the CO2 storage amount of the exhaust gas storage facility 5 can be obtained by the formula: CO2 storage amount = (gas amount in carbon detection unit 4g × CO2 concentration in carbon detection unit 4g) - (gas amount in carbon detection unit 4j × CO2 concentration in carbon detection unit 4j). It should be noted that the CO2 storage amount of the exhaust gas storage facility 5 can also be calculated using a method that does not use the carbon detection units, for example, based on the detection value of a pressure gauge (not shown) installed in the exhaust gas storage facility 5.

[0057] The processing unit 3 calculates the amount of CO2 supplied from multiple emission sources to the CO2 recovery equipment 1 based on the carbon concentration and exhaust gas flow rate acquired by the carbon detection units 4a to 4g (first detection unit). If the amount of CO2 recovered exceeds the design value (upper limit) of the CO2 recovery equipment 1, the processing unit 3 temporarily stores the excess exhaust gas in the exhaust gas storage equipment 5 (exhaust gas storage means). Subsequently, when the amount of CO2 supplied falls below the design value of the CO2 recovery equipment 1, the processing unit 3 sets the operating conditions of the exhaust gas storage equipment 5 so that exhaust gas is supplied from the exhaust gas storage equipment 5 to the CO2 recovery equipment 1 within a range that does not exceed the design value of the CO2 recovery equipment 1.

[0058] Furthermore, the CO2 recovery amount detected in the calculation processing function that sets the operating conditions of the DAC equipment 6 is calculated from the measured values ​​of the CO2 concentration and gas volume in the gas of the carbon detection units 4k, 4m, and 4n shown in Figure 4. For example, the CO2 recovery amount is obtained as follows: CO2 recovery amount = (gas volume in carbon detection unit 4k × CO2 concentration in carbon detection unit 4k) - (gas volume in carbon detection unit 4n × CO2 concentration in carbon detection unit 4n), or CO2 recovery amount = (gas volume in carbon detection unit 4m × CO2 concentration in carbon detection unit 4m).

[0059] The processing unit 3 calculates the amount of CO2 to be supplied to the CO2 recovery equipment 1 from multiple emission sources based on the carbon concentration and exhaust gas flow rate acquired by the carbon detection units 4a to 4g (first detection unit). If the amount of CO2 supplied exceeds the design value (upper limit) of the CO2 recovery equipment 1, the processing unit 3 supplies exhaust gas equal to the design value of the CO2 recovery equipment 1 from the multiple emission sources to the CO2 recovery equipment 1. Furthermore, the processing unit 3 calculates the amount of excess CO2 exceeding the design value of the CO2 recovery equipment 1 from the amount of CO2 supplied and the design value, and sets the operating conditions of the DAC equipment 6 to recover the excess CO2.

[0060] The second embodiment describes a control method for cases where the emission sources in each area cannot flexibly change their CO2 emission plans, but it is not limited to this. For example, the second embodiment can also be applied when the emission sources in each area can change their CO2 emission plans, as in the first embodiment, and this does not limit the conditions. With the above configuration, even if exhaust gas is supplied to CO2 capture equipment 1 without changing the CO2 emission plans of the emission sources in each area, the amount of CO2 captured can be kept below the design upper limit of CO2 capture equipment 1.

[0061] ≪Third Embodiment≫ The third embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that CO2 concentration equipment 8a and 8b (CO2 concentration adjustment equipment: see Figure 7) are provided between the multiple emission sources and the exhaust gas storage facility 5 (see Figure 7). Other aspects are the same as the second embodiment. Therefore, the differences from the second embodiment will be explained, and the overlapping parts will be omitted.

[0062] Figure 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of the carbon management system 100B according to the third embodiment. Generally, the CO2 capture equipment 1 (see Figure 7) is designed based on the assumed CO2 concentration of the gas supplied from the inlet. If the CO2 concentration in the supplied gas falls below this level, the energy consumption required to separate CO2 in the CO2 capture equipment 1 may increase, or the concentration of captured CO2 at the outlet may decrease. Furthermore, the conduits connecting the emission sources in each area to the CO2 capture equipment 1 or the exhaust gas storage facility 5 need to be designed to be larger if the volume of exhaust gas from the emission sources is large. Therefore, in order to reduce the operational load of the CO2 capture equipment 1 and the initial cost of the conduits, it is desirable to increase the CO2 concentration of the exhaust gas before supplying it to the conduits, especially if the CO2 concentration of the exhaust gas emitted from the emission sources falls below the design value of the CO2 capture equipment 1. The third embodiment describes a method for solving these problems.

[0063] Figure 7 shows the system configuration of the second embodiment (see Figure 4), plus additional CO2 concentration equipment 8a and 8b (CO2 concentration adjustment equipment) installed between each emission source in area B and the exhaust gas storage facility 5. The configuration and connection of elements other than the CO2 concentration equipment 8a and 8b are the same as in the second embodiment. The method for controlling the amount of CO2 supplied to the CO2 recovery facility 1 to be below the design upper limit of the CO2 recovery facility 1 is also the same as in the second embodiment, so a description is omitted.

[0064] CO2 concentration equipment 8a and 8b are facilities that adjust the CO2 concentration of exhaust gas emitted from at least one of multiple emission sources (in the example in Figure 7, factories 31a, 31b, and 31c), and are installed between the multiple emission sources and the CO2 recovery equipment 1. These CO2 concentration equipment 8a and 8b have the function of increasing the CO2 concentration in the exhaust gas. For example, in addition to an N2 separation membrane that separates N2, which is an exhaust gas component other than CO2, and the CO2 recovery method in the CO2 recovery equipment 1 described in the first embodiment, there is a method of separating CO2 with a CO2 separation membrane and improving the CO2 concentration by combining it with the exhaust gas from other emission sources. Furthermore, for example, in addition to the CO2 recovery method in the CO2 recovery equipment 1 described in the first embodiment, CO2 may be separated with a CO2 separation membrane, a conduit (not shown) that bypasses one CO2 concentration equipment may be provided, and the bypassed exhaust gas and concentrated CO2 gas may be combined to adjust the CO2 concentration.

[0065] The CO2 concentration equipment 8a and 8b may be installed downstream of each emission source, or they may be installed at a location where the exhaust gases of multiple emission sources are combined; their installation location is not limited. Furthermore, CO2 concentration equipment may be installed at all emission sources, or, for example, only at emission sources that consistently emit exhaust gas at or below the design CO2 concentration of CO2 recovery equipment 1; the number and location of CO2 concentration equipment are not limited.

[0066] As shown in Figure 7, a carbon detection unit 4p is installed in the conduit 2m downstream of the CO2 concentration equipment 8a, and a carbon detection unit 4q is installed in the conduit 2n downstream of the CO2 concentration equipment 8b. The carbon detection units 4p and 4q have the function of measuring the carbon equivalent concentration of carbon-containing components in the gas and the exhaust gas flow rate. The data detected by these carbon detection units 4p and 4q is aggregated in a data collection system 7 connected to the arithmetic processing unit 3, as in the first and second embodiments.

[0067] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the process in a carbon management system (see also Figure 7 as appropriate). Note that steps S301 and S304 in Figure 8 are in the same order as steps S101 and S104 in the first embodiment (see Figure 2).

[0068] (a) Step S301: The processing unit 3 collects CO2 emission plans (exhaust gas flow rate plans) from each area for a predetermined period and predicts the amount of CO2 recovered by the CO2 recovery equipment 1 and the CO2 concentration. For example, the processing unit 3 sets the predetermined period to one month and manages the daily CO2 emissions, CO2 recovery amounts, and CO2 concentration. The exhaust gas sources (i.e., the thermal power plant 21 in area A and the factories 31a to 31n in area B in Figure 7) transmit data on daily CO2 emission plans and exhaust gas flow rate plans to the processing unit 3. The processing unit 3 then registers the daily CO2 emission plans and exhaust gas flow rate plans.

[0069] Furthermore, in its calculation processing function for setting the operating conditions of the CO2 concentration equipment 8a and 8b, the CO2 concentration at the inlet of the CO2 recovery equipment 1 is set to the planned initial value based on the amount of CO2 recovered and the exhaust gas flow rate aggregated from each exhaust gas source by the CO2 recovery equipment 1.

[0070] (b) Step S302: The arithmetic processing unit 3 determines whether the CO2 concentration at the inlet of the CO2 recovery equipment 1 is less than the design CO2 concentration. If the CO2 concentration at the inlet of the CO2 recovery equipment 1 is equal to or greater than the design CO2 concentration (S302: No), the processing unit 3 proceeds to step S304. In step S304, the arithmetic processing unit 3 sets the operating conditions of each piece of equipment to a predetermined level. Also, in the management function of the CO2 concentration equipment 8a, 8b, if the CO2 concentration at the inlet of the CO2 recovery equipment 1 is less than the design CO2 concentration (S302: Yes), the processing unit 3 proceeds to step S303.

[0071] (c) Step S303: The arithmetic processing unit 3 transmits predetermined operating instructions to the CO2 concentration equipment 8a and 8b. That is, the arithmetic processing unit 3 transmits operating instructions to the CO2 concentration equipment 8a and 8b so that the CO2 concentration exceeds the design CO2 concentration of the CO2 recovery equipment 1. In this case, it is sufficient that the CO2 concentration at the inlet side of the CO2 recovery equipment 1 is equal to or greater than the design CO2 concentration, and it is not particularly necessary that the CO2 concentration at the outlet side of all CO2 concentration equipment 8a and 8b is equal to or greater than the design CO2 concentration. In parallel with the above operating instructions, similar to the second embodiment, predetermined operating conditions based on the management functions of the arithmetic processing unit 3 may be instructed to the exhaust gas source, the exhaust gas storage equipment 5, and the DAC equipment 6 so that the amount of CO2 recovered in the CO2 recovery equipment 1 does not exceed the design upper limit.

[0072] Although not shown in Figure 8, the processing unit 3 obtains actual CO2 flow rates and CO2 concentrations from the CO2 concentration equipment 8a, 8b and CO2 recovery equipment 1, as well as from the exhaust gas sources in each area, from the carbon detection units 4a to 4q, and operates each piece of equipment according to the operating conditions of the CO2 concentration equipment. At this time, if the actual exhaust gas volume and CO2 concentration values ​​from the emission sources increase or decrease compared to the planned values, the processing unit 3 appropriately changes the operating conditions of the CO2 concentration equipment 8a and 8b according to the data from the carbon detection units 4b, 4c, 4d, and 4e, so that the CO2 concentration at the inlet side of CO2 recovery equipment 1 is equal to or greater than the design value (design CO2 concentration).

[0073] In this manner, the processing unit 3 sets the operating conditions of the CO2 concentration equipment 8a and 8b (CO2 concentration adjustment equipment) so that the carbon concentration in the exhaust gas supplied to the CO2 recovery equipment 1 falls within a set numerical range, based on the carbon concentration acquired by the carbon detection units 4a to 4g (first detection units).

[0074] Figure 9A is an explanatory diagram showing the projected trends in CO2 emissions and CO2 concentration from thermal power plants in Area A. In the example shown in Figure 9A, CO2 emissions from thermal power plant 21 (see Figure 7) in Area A are predicted to increase and then decrease. Furthermore, the concentration of CO2 emitted from thermal power plant 21 (see Figure 7) is predicted to exceed the design concentration of CO2 capture equipment 1.

[0075] Figure 9B is an explanatory diagram showing the predicted trends in CO2 emissions and CO2 concentrations for factories 31a, 31b, and 31n in Area B. As shown in Figure 9B, CO2 emissions from factories 31a, 31b, and 31c (see Figure 7) in Area B are predicted to increase or decrease as specified. Furthermore, while the CO2 concentration emitted from factory 31n exceeds the design concentration of CO2 capture equipment 1, the CO2 concentrations emitted from factories 31a and 31b are predicted to be significantly lower than the design concentration of CO2 capture equipment 1.

[0076] Figure 9C is an explanatory diagram showing the changes in CO2 recovery amount and CO2 concentration in the CO2 recovery facility. In the example shown in Figure 9C, it is predicted that the amount of CO2 recovered by CO2 recovery equipment 1 will exceed a predetermined upper limit Q0 during the time period t1 to t2. Furthermore, it is predicted that the CO2 concentration in CO2 recovery equipment 1 will fall below a predetermined design concentration.

[0077] Figure 9D is an explanatory diagram showing the predicted trends in CO2 emissions and CO2 concentration at the thermal power plant in Area A when the CO2 enrichment equipment is in operation. For thermal power plant 21 in Area A (see Figure 7), the CO2 concentration was already above the design concentration of CO2 capture equipment 1 from the beginning, so the CO2 emission plan will not be changed.

[0078] Figure 9E is an explanatory diagram showing the predicted changes in CO2 emissions and CO2 concentrations at factories 31a, 31b, and 31n in Area B when the CO2 concentration equipment is in operation. In the example shown in Figure 9E, CO2 emissions at factories 31a and 31b are revised so that the amount of CO2 recovered by CO2 recovery equipment 1 is kept below the upper limit Q0 during the time period including time t1 to t2 (see Figure 9C). Furthermore, it is predicted that the concentration of CO2 emitted from factories 31a and 31b, as well as from factory 31n, will exceed the design concentration of the CO2 recovery equipment when CO2 concentration equipment 8a and 8b (see Figure 7) are operating as planned.

[0079] Figure 9F is an explanatory diagram showing the actual values ​​of CO2 recovery amount and CO2 concentration in the CO2 recovery facility. The thick solid line in the upper graph of Figure 9F shows the trend of the actual amount of CO2 recovered by CO2 recovery equipment 1. The thick solid line in the lower graph of Figure 9F shows the trend of the actual concentration of CO2 emitted from CO2 recovery equipment 1. As shown in Figure 9F, the actual amount of CO2 recovered by CO2 recovery equipment 1 is kept below the predetermined upper limit Q0. In addition, the actual concentration of CO2 emitted from CO2 recovery equipment 1 exceeds the design concentration of CO2 recovery equipment 1. As a result, CO2 can be efficiently recovered within the capacity of CO2 recovery equipment 1.

[0080] Returning to Figure 7, the explanation continues. The processing unit 3 measures and manages the CO2 concentration using carbon detection units 4p and 4q installed on the outlet side of the CO2 concentration equipment 8a and 8b, and changes the operating conditions of the CO2 concentration equipment 8a and 8b. A carbon detection unit (not shown) may also be provided in the outlet gas conduit (not shown) connected to the CO2 concentration equipment 8a and 8b, through which gases other than concentrated CO2 flow. The carbon detection unit installed in the outlet gas conduit detects the gas volume and CO2 concentration, and the processing unit 3 may update the operating conditions of the CO2 concentration equipment 8a and 8b as appropriate based on these detected values.

[0081] Thus, according to the third embodiment, increasing the exhaust gas CO2 concentration makes it possible to reduce the energy consumption of the CO2 recovery equipment 1 and ensure the designed purity of recovered CO2. In addition, since the exhaust gas flow rate from the exhaust gas source is reduced due to the concentration, it also contributes to reducing the initial cost of the pipeline.

[0082] ≪Fourth Embodiment≫ The fourth embodiment differs from the third embodiment (see Figure 7) in that the carbon management system 100C (see Figure 10) includes a CO2 storage facility 9 (see Figure 10), as well as a hydrogen production facility 10 (see Figure 10), a resource recycling facility 11 (see Figure 10), and a CO2 storage flow rate adjustment means 12 (see Figure 10). Other aspects are the same as the third embodiment. Therefore, we will explain the parts that differ from the third embodiment, and omit explanations of overlapping parts.

[0083] " Figure 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of the carbon management system 100C according to the fourth embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, the operation methods of the resource recycling facility 11 and the CO2 storage facility 9 will be described. The carbon management system 100C shown in Figure 10 includes, in addition to the system configuration described in the third embodiment (see Figure 7), a CO2 storage facility 9, a hydrogen production facility 10, a resource recycling facility 11, and a CO2 storage flow rate adjustment means 12. The CO2 storage facility 9 is a facility that stores CO2 supplied from the CO2 recovery facility 1 and is located downstream of the CO2 recovery facility 1.

[0084] The hydrogen production facility 10 is a facility that produces hydrogen using renewable energy and supplies the produced hydrogen to the resource recycling facility 11. The resource recycling facility 11 is a facility that uses CO2 recovered by the CO2 capture facility 1 and the DAC facility 6 as raw materials, as well as hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen production facility 10 for resource recycling. Conduits 2r, 2s, 2t, 2u, etc. are provided as means of supplying the recycled fuel to the thermal power plant 21, factories 31a to 31n, chemical product manufacturing facilities 13, and other consumers 14, which are sources of exhaust gas. The "conduits" that lead the resources produced in the resource recycling facility 11 from the resource recycling facility 11 to the emission sources include conduits 2r and 2u as shown in Figure 10.

[0085] The CO2 storage flow rate adjustment means 12 has the function of adjusting the amount of CO2 supplied from the CO2 capture equipment 1 to the CO2 storage equipment 9. Although Figure 10 shows a configuration in which renewable energy is supplied to the hydrogen production equipment 10, it is not limited to this. For example, chemical products may be manufactured using methods that do not utilize renewable energy, or hydrogen may be imported from overseas, and the source of hydrogen is not limited.

[0086] Examples of substances recycled by the recycling facility 11 include methane and ethanol, but these vary widely depending on the customer. In the fourth embodiment, these are described as "fuel" or "resources," but there may be one type of substance or multiple types.

[0087] The CO2 storage facility 9 has the function of temporarily or permanently storing the CO2 supplied from the CO2 recovery facility 1. Examples of temporary storage include tanks that store CO2 under high pressure, and tanks that store CO2 by freezing it (storage in a supercritical state depending on the gaseous or liquid state and temperature). As for methods of permanent storage, for example, the recovered CO2 may be liquefied and injected into a shielding layer that prevents CO2 from leaking from the ground. These methods are appropriately selected depending on the operating conditions of the system. In addition, only temporary storage may be used, only permanent storage may be used, or both types may be used depending on the situation.

[0088] As shown in Figure 10, in addition to the carbon detection units 4a to 4q described in the third embodiment (see Figure 7), carbon detection units 4r to 4z are provided, which are capable of measuring the carbon equivalent concentration of carbon-containing components in the gas and the exhaust gas flow rate. Carbon detection unit 4r is installed in the conduit 2p connecting the recovered CO2 side of the CO2 recovery equipment 1 and the recycling equipment 11. Carbon detection unit 4s is installed on the outlet side of the recycling equipment 11. Carbon detection units 4t to 4z are installed on the inlet side of the exhaust gas source, chemical product manufacturing equipment 13, and other consumers 14 that utilize the fuel or resources produced by the recycling equipment 11. Furthermore, the conduit 2d in which carbon detection unit 4h is installed is connected to the CO2 storage equipment 9. The conduit 2i in which carbon detection unit 4m is installed is connected to the recycling equipment 11.

[0089] Furthermore, the "third detection unit," which acquires the carbon equivalent concentration and gas flow rate of carbon-containing components in the gas supplied from the recycling facility 11 to at least one of multiple emission sources, is composed of carbon detection units 4s to 4z.

[0090] The arithmetic processing unit 3 calculates the amount of combustion or resource used in exhaust gas sources and chemical product manufacturing from the data of carbon detection units 4s to 4z acquired by the data collection system 7, and calculates the amount of CO2 supplied to the recycling facility 11 from this information. In other words, the arithmetic processing unit 3 calculates the amount of fuel used at the emission source based on the carbon equivalent concentration of carbon-containing components in the gas and the gas flow rate acquired by the carbon detection units 4s to 4z (third detection unit), and calculates the amount of CO2 supplied to the recycling facility 11 from the amount of fuel used at the emission source. Furthermore, the arithmetic processing unit 3 calculates the CO2 flow rate to be supplied to the CO2 storage facility 9 from the difference between the amount of CO2 recovered calculated from the data of carbon detection unit 4j and the amount of CO2 supplied to the recycling facility 11.

[0091] The processing unit 3 then determines the operating conditions for the CO2 storage flow rate adjustment means 12 based on the amount of CO2 supplied to the recycling facility 11 and the amount of CO2 supplied to the CO2 storage facility 9, and instructs the CO2 storage flow rate adjustment means 12 accordingly. In other words, the processing unit 3 sets the operating conditions for the CO2 storage flow rate adjustment means 12 based on the difference between the amount of CO2 recovered in the CO2 recovery facility 1 and the amount of CO2 required by the recycling facility 11.

[0092] Furthermore, the processing unit 3 may have a function to acquire information on the amount of electricity supplied from renewable energy sources and the demand for synthetic fuels, and to determine the operating conditions of the hydrogen production facility 10 based on this information. In other words, the processing unit 3 may set the operating conditions of the hydrogen production facility 10 based on the amount of renewable energy electricity supplied to the hydrogen production facility 10 and the demand for synthetic fuels.

[0093] Furthermore, in a configuration that includes conduits 2r, 2s, 2t, and 2u as a means of supplying the synthetic fuel produced in the recycling facility 11 to at least one of multiple emission sources or to other consumers, the computing device 3 may calculate the amount of carbon (for example, the amount of CO2 or CO) contained in the synthetic fuel supplied to each consumer. According to the fourth embodiment, the recycling facility 11 can produce the necessary amount of fuel or resources for exhaust gas sources and other consumers. Furthermore, according to the fourth embodiment, it becomes possible to adjust the supply and demand of not only CO2, but also the entire carbon-containing substance, including synthetic fuels recycled from CO2.

[0094] ≪Fifth Embodiment≫ In the fifth embodiment, a method for supplying an appropriate amount of recycled fuel or resources to the exhaust gas source when the operating conditions of the exhaust gas source are changed and the amount of fuel or raw materials used changes will be described. Although the recycling equipment 11 (see Figure 10) produces a wide range of items including fuel and resources, in the fifth embodiment they will be collectively referred to as "fuel." The configuration of the carbon management system according to the fifth embodiment is the same as that of the fourth embodiment (see Figure 10), so the explanation of each configuration will be omitted.

[0095] First, in the configuration shown in Figure 10, we will explain a case where the operating conditions of the thermal power plant 21 and factories 31a-31n, which are exhaust gas sources, as well as the chemical manufacturing facility 13 and other consumers 14, which are consumers, are changed, and fuel consumption increases. The calculation processing unit 3 calculates the total fuel demand for the entire system based on the data from the carbon detection units 4t-4z acquired by the data collection system 7. The calculation processing unit 3 also calculates the amount of recycled fuel that can be produced by the recycling facility 11 from the fuel consumption and carbon equivalent amount acquired from the carbon detection units 4a-4f.

[0096] If the total fuel demand for the entire system exceeds the amount that can be produced by the recycling facility 11, the computing device 3 sets the operating conditions of the DAC facility 6 to supply the additional amount of CO2 needed to the recycling facility 11. The computing device 3 then ensures that the amount of CO2 needed is supplied from the DAC facility 6 to the recycling facility 11.

[0097] In other words, if the operating conditions of at least one of the multiple emission sources are changed and fuel consumption increases, the arithmetic processing unit 3 first calculates the amount of CO2 to be supplied to the recycling facility 11 from the fuel consumption obtained from the carbon detection units 4s to 4z (third detection unit). Then, based on the difference between the amount of CO2 supplied from the multiple emission sources to the CO2 recovery facility 1 and the amount supplied to the CO2 recycling facility, the arithmetic processing unit 3 sets the operating conditions of the DAC facility 6, which recovers CO2 from the atmosphere, to supply the additional amount of CO2 to be supplied to the recycling facility 11. This allows the amount of fuel supplied detected by the carbon detection unit 4s to be adjusted to match the total fuel demand of the system.

[0098] The recycled fuel produced in the recycling facility 11 is further adjusted by the carbon detection units 4t to 4z to match the demand of each exhaust gas source or consumer. Here, the DAC facility 6 is given as an additional CO2 supply required for the recycling facility 11, but the required amount of CO2 may also be supplied from a predetermined CO2 storage facility (not shown).

[0099] Next, we will explain a case where the operating conditions of the thermal power plant 21 and factories 31a-31n, which are sources of exhaust gas, as well as the chemical manufacturing facility 13 and other customers 14, which are consumers, are changed, resulting in a decrease in fuel consumption. The calculation processing unit 3 calculates the total fuel demand for the entire system based on the data from the carbon detection unit 4s-4z acquired by the data collection system 7. The calculation processing unit 3 also calculates the amount of recycled fuel that can be produced by the recycling facility 11 from the fuel consumption and carbon equivalent amount acquired from the carbon detection unit 4a-4f. If the total fuel demand for the system as described above falls below the amount that can be produced by the recycling facility 11, the calculation processing unit 3 sets the operating conditions for the CO2 storage flow rate adjustment means 12 and stores the excess CO2 in the CO2 storage facility 9.

[0100] In other words, when the fuel consumption of the emission source decreases, the processing unit 3 calculates the amount of CO2 to be supplied to the recycling facility 11 from the fuel consumption obtained from the carbon detection units 4s to 4z (third detection unit), and sets the operating conditions of the CO2 storage flow rate adjustment means 12 based on the difference between the CO2 supply amount and the CO2 recycling facility supply amount. As a result, the CO2 flow rate detected by the carbon detection unit 4h is adjusted to match the difference between the amount of carbon detected by the carbon detection units 4a to 4f and the amount of carbon adjusted to match the demand for recycled fuel for the entire system. According to the fifth embodiment, when the demand for recycled fuel in each area increases or decreases, it becomes possible to control the amount of CO2 supplied to the recycling facility 11 to an appropriate value.

[0101] ≪Variations≫ Although the carbon management system 100 and the like according to the present invention have been described in each embodiment above, the present invention is not limited to these descriptions and various modifications can be made. For example, some of the configurations described in each embodiment may be omitted as appropriate. Furthermore, each embodiment can be combined as appropriate. For example, in the fourth and fifth embodiments (see Figure 10), a configuration was described in which CO2 is supplied to the recycling facility 11 from both the CO2 capture facility 1 and the DAC facility 6, but the configuration is not limited to this. That is, the CO2 captured by the CO2 capture facility 1, or the CO2 captured by the DAC facility 6 which captures CO2 from the atmosphere, may be used as raw materials for the recycling facility 11.

[0102] Furthermore, one or more computers, such as a server (not shown), may execute all or part of the program that implements the functions (carbon management method) of the carbon management system 100 described in each embodiment. All or part of the aforementioned program may be implemented in hardware by designing it as an integrated circuit. Alternatively, the configurations and functions described in the embodiments may be implemented in software by having a processor interpret and execute the program that implements each function. Information such as programs, tables, and files that implement each function may be stored in memory or a hard disk, as well as in a recording device such as an SSD (Solid State Drive), or in a recording medium such as an IC card, SD card, CD-ROM, or DVD. The aforementioned program can also be provided via a communication line.

[0103] Furthermore, each embodiment is described in detail to clearly explain the present invention and is not necessarily limited to having all the configurations described. Also, it is possible to add, delete, or replace some of the configurations in the embodiments with other configurations. In addition, the mechanisms and configurations described above are those that are considered necessary for explanation and do not necessarily represent all the mechanisms and configurations in the product. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0104] 1 CO2 capture equipment 2a,2b,2c,2d,2e,2f,2g,2h,2i,2k,2m,2n,2p,2q,2r,2s,2t,2u Conduit 3. Arithmetic Processing Unit 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g Carbon detection unit (first detection unit) 4h,4i Carbon detection unit (second detection unit) 4s, 4t, 4u, 4v, 4w, 4x, 4y, 4z Carbon detection unit (3rd detection unit) 5. Exhaust gas storage equipment (exhaust gas storage means) 6 DAC equipment 7. Data Acquisition System 8a,8b CO2 concentration equipment (CO2 concentration adjustment equipment) 9 CO2 storage facilities 10. Hydrogen production facilities 11 Recycling equipment 12 CO2 storage flow rate adjustment means 21. Thermal power plants (source of emissions) 31a,31b,31c,...,31n Factory (emission source) 100, 100A, 100B, 100C Carbon Management System

Claims

1. CO ２ Multiple emission sources that emit exhaust gas containing CO, and exhaust gas emitted from the multiple emission sources ２ CO2 is separated and recovered. ２ The recovery equipment and the exhaust gas discharged from the multiple emission sources are the CO ２ The emission source and the CO2 are collected in the recovery facility. ２ A computing device used in a carbon management system that includes a conduit installed between it and a recovery facility, The aforementioned carbon management system is A first detection unit that acquires the carbon-equivalent concentration of carbon-containing components in the exhaust gas discharged from the aforementioned exhaust source and the exhaust gas flow rate, The aforementioned CO ２ It includes a second detection unit that acquires the carbon equivalent concentration and gas flow rate of carbon-containing components in the gas discharged from the recovery equipment, A recycling facility that uses CO2 recovered by the aforementioned CO2 recovery facility, or CO2 recovered by a DAC facility that recovers CO2 from the atmosphere, as raw material, A CO2 storage facility for storing CO2 supplied from the aforementioned CO2 recovery facility, CO2 storage flow rate adjustment means for adjusting the amount of CO2 supplied from the CO2 recovery equipment to the CO2 storage equipment, A conduit for guiding resources produced in the aforementioned recycling facility from the aforementioned recycling facility to the aforementioned discharge source, The system includes a third detection unit that acquires the carbon equivalent concentration and gas flow rate of the carbon-containing component in the gas supplied from the recycling facility to at least one of the plurality of emission sources, The aforementioned arithmetic processing unit is Based on the data acquired by the first detection unit and the second detection unit, at least one of the plurality of emission sources or the CO ２ A calculation processing function for setting the operating conditions of the recovery equipment, and at least one of the plurality of emission sources and the CO ２ It is equipped with a management function for managing the collection equipment, A calculation processing device that calculates the amount of fuel used in the emission source based on the carbon equivalent concentration of the carbon-containing component in the gas and the gas flow rate acquired by the third detection unit, calculates the amount of CO2 supplied by the recycling facility from the amount of fuel used in the emission source, and sets the operating conditions of the CO2 storage flow rate adjustment means based on the difference between the amount of CO2 recovered in the CO2 storage facility and the amount of CO2 supplied by the recycling facility.

2. The arithmetic processing apparatus according to claim 1, The carbon management system is between the plurality of emission sources and the CO ２ recovery equipment, and includes a CO ２ concentration adjustment facility for adjusting the CO ２ concentration in the exhaust gas discharged from at least one of the plurality of emission sources. The arithmetic processing unit, based on the carbon concentration obtained by the first detection unit, determines the CO ２ The CO2 is used so that the carbon concentration in the exhaust gas supplied to the recovery equipment falls within the set numerical range. ２ A processing unit that sets the operating conditions for concentration adjustment equipment.

3. The arithmetic processing apparatus according to claim 1, The carbon management system uses CO2 from the atmosphere. ２ Furthermore, equipped with DAC equipment to recover, The calculation processing unit, based on the carbon concentration and exhaust gas flow rate acquired by the first detection unit, determines the CO2 from the plurality of emission sources. ２ CO2 in the recovery facility ２ The supply amount is calculated, and the CO ２ The amount supplied is the CO ２ If the CO2 exceeds the design value of the recovery equipment, ２ The CO2 is collected from the multiple emission sources in an amount equal to the design value of the recovery equipment. ２ The CO2 is supplied to the recovery equipment. ２ Excess CO2 exceeding the design value of the recovery equipment ２ The amount of the CO ２ The excess CO2 is calculated from the supply amount and the design value. ２ A processing unit that sets the operating conditions of the DAC equipment to recover a certain amount.

4. The arithmetic processing apparatus according to claim 1, The carbon management system further comprises an exhaust gas storage means, The calculation processing unit, based on the carbon concentration and exhaust gas flow rate acquired by the first detection unit, determines the CO2 from the plurality of emission sources. ２ CO2 in the recovery facility ２ Calculate the supply amount, CO ２ The amount recovered is the CO ２ If the exhaust gas exceeds the design value of the recovery equipment, the excess exhaust gas is temporarily stored in the exhaust gas storage means, and the CO ２ The amount supplied is the CO ２ When the CO2 is below the design value of the recovery equipment, the exhaust gas storage means releases the CO2. ２ The exhaust gas is collected within the range that does not exceed the design value of the recovery equipment. ２ A computing device that sets the operating conditions of the exhaust gas storage means to supply the exhaust gas to the recovery equipment.

5. The arithmetic processing apparatus according to claim 1, The calculation processing unit, based on the carbon concentration and exhaust gas flow rate acquired by the first detection unit, determines the CO2 from the plurality of emission sources. ２ CO2 supplied to the recovery facility ２ The supply amount is calculated, and the CO ２ CO2 supplied to the recovery facility ２ The amount supplied is the CO ２ CO2 emitted from the emission source is collected so that it fits within the design specifications of the recovery equipment. ２ A processing unit that calculates the amount of emissions reduction.

6. The arithmetic processing apparatus according to claim 1, The carbon management system further comprises a hydrogen production facility that supplies hydrogen to the recycling facility, The aforementioned recycling facility is CO ２ The hydrogen from the aforementioned hydrogen production facility is recycled as a raw material. The arithmetic processing unit is characterized by setting the operating conditions of the hydrogen production facility based on the amount of renewable energy supplied to the hydrogen production facility and the demand for synthetic fuel.

7. The arithmetic processing apparatus according to claim 6, The facility provides means for supplying the synthetic fuel produced by the recycling facility to at least one of the multiple emission sources or to other consumers. The aforementioned computing device is characterized by calculating the amount of carbon contained in the synthetic fuel supplied to each consumer.

8. The arithmetic processing apparatus according to claim 6, The calculation processing unit, when the operating conditions of at least one of the plurality of emission sources are changed and fuel consumption increases, calculates the amount of CO2 required by the recycling facility from the amount of fuel consumption obtained from the third detection unit. ２ The amount of CO2 supplied to the recycling facility is calculated, and the CO2 is collected from the multiple emission sources. ２ CO2 in the recovery facility ２ Supply amount and the aforementioned CO ２ Based on the difference with the supply of recycling facilities, the additional CO2 required ２ CO2 from the atmosphere is supplied to the recycling equipment in order to supply the amount of CO2 to the recycling equipment. ２ The operating conditions for the DAC equipment that recovers CO2 are set, and if the fuel consumption of the emission source decreases, the amount of CO2 required by the recycling equipment is calculated from the amount of fuel consumption obtained from the third detection unit. ２ The amount of CO2 supplied to the recycling facility is calculated, ２ Supply amount and the aforementioned CO ２ Based on the difference with the amount of recycling equipment supplied, the CO ２ A computing device characterized by setting the operating conditions for a storage flow rate adjustment means.

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