Carbon dioxide recovery system

Abstract

This carbon dioxide recovery system comprises: a carbon dioxide recovery device; a management server; and a client terminal. The carbon dioxide recovery device has a recovery control unit. The recovery control unit receives a recovery request and outputs operation information of the carbon dioxide recovery device according to the recovery request. The client terminal receives an input of the operation information from the recovery control unit, and transmits, to the management server, request identification information including at least a portion of the operation information. The management server receives the operation information from the recovery control unit, receives the request identification information from the client terminal, and transmits, to the client terminal, an incentive calculated on the basis of the operation information.

Description

Carbon dioxide capture system

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a carbon dioxide capture system. This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-056658 filed on March 30, 2023, and incorporates by reference all of the contents of the Japanese application.

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a method for calculating CO2 emissions according to the distance traveled calculated from the charge amount of an electric vehicle. ２ A system is disclosed that manages eco-points awarded to users by associating the amount of (carbon dioxide) reduction with the user who drives the electric vehicle.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a method for converting and immobilizing carbon dioxide into a harmless substance as a carbonate of a high-valent metal by contacting fine particles or aggregates of fine particles of a substance containing a metal or a low-valent metal in the presence of water.

[0004] JP 2012-59197 A JP 2007-075773 A

[0005] The carbon dioxide capture system disclosed herein includes a carbon dioxide capture device, a management server, and a requester terminal. The carbon dioxide capture device has a capture control unit. The capture control unit accepts a capture request and outputs operation information of the carbon dioxide capture device in response to the capture request. The requester terminal inputs the operation information from the capture control unit and transmits request specification information including at least a portion of the operation information to the management server. The management server receives the operation information from the capture control unit and the request specification information from the requester terminal, and transmits an incentive calculated based on the operation information to the requester terminal.

[0006] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of a carbon dioxide capture system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a carbon dioxide capture apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the carbon dioxide capture apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional schematic view showing an outline of a carbon dioxide capture module provided in the carbon dioxide capture apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional internal configuration of a capture control unit provided in the carbon dioxide capture system according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of basic processing of the capture control unit provided in the carbon dioxide capture system according to an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional internal configuration of a management server provided in the carbon dioxide capture system according to an embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of basic processing of the management server provided in the carbon dioxide capture system according to an embodiment. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional internal configuration of a client terminal provided in the carbon dioxide capture system according to an embodiment.

[0007] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention] Demand for carbon dioxide reduction is increasing. As disclosed in Patent Document 1, reductions are not limited to public organizations and companies; reductions are also being promoted at the individual level. However, measures that can be taken at the individual level only contribute to a relative reduction in carbon dioxide by not emitting carbon dioxide, and do not actually reduce the carbon dioxide present in the atmosphere. For this reason, it cannot be said that there are many opportunities for individuals to actually experience carbon dioxide reduction or to benefit from reductions. In addition, as shown in Patent Document 2, development of carbon dioxide capture methods is also underway. One of the objectives is to realize a device that can increase capture efficiency to a practical level with a simple configuration and to provide a highly convenient carbon dioxide capture system.

[0008] [Advantages of the Present Disclosure] The carbon dioxide capture system of the present disclosure is highly convenient and contributes to reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

[0009] [Description of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described.

[0010] (1) A carbon dioxide capture system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a carbon dioxide capture device, a management server, and a requester terminal. The carbon dioxide capture device has a capture control unit. The capture control unit accepts a capture request and outputs operation information of the carbon dioxide capture device in response to the capture request. The requester terminal inputs the operation information from the capture control unit and transmits request specification information including at least a portion of the operation information to the management server. The management server receives the operation information from the capture control unit and the request specification information from the requester terminal, and transmits an incentive calculated based on the operation information to the requester terminal.

[0011] The carbon dioxide capture system described in (1) above is a highly convenient system that allows clients to directly earn incentives. Because clients can earn incentives in return for their contributions to carbon dioxide reduction, carbon dioxide reduction activities are promoted.

[0012] (2) In the above (1), the collection control unit may record the operation information on an information medium, and the requester terminal may read the operation information from the information medium.

[0013] According to (2) above, the requester can directly obtain the incentive in the form of a tangible information medium. The requester can read the contribution to carbon dioxide reduction from the information medium, which promotes carbon dioxide reduction activities.

[0014] (3) In the above (1) or (2), a supervisory device may be further provided, and the management server may transmit a recovery performance value to the supervisory device and receive carbon dioxide credits from the supervisory device.

[0015] According to (3) above, the collection and management business operator can directly acquire carbon dioxide credits, which are obtained as official certification. By acquiring carbon dioxide credits, the collection and management business operator is encouraged to take part in carbon dioxide reduction activities.

[0016] (4) A carbon dioxide capture system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a carbon dioxide capture device, a management server, and a requester terminal. The carbon dioxide capture device has a capture control unit. The capture control unit includes a request receiving unit that receives a capture request, an operation information transmitting unit that transmits at least a portion of the information included in the capture request and at least a portion of the information related to the carbon dioxide capture operation to the management server as operation information, and an information output unit that outputs the operation information. The requester terminal includes an operation information input unit that inputs the operation information, and a request identification information transmitting unit that transmits request identification information including at least a portion of the operation information to the management server. The management server includes an operation information receiving unit that receives the operation information from the capture control unit, and a request identification information receiving unit that receives the request identification information from the requester terminal.

[0017] The carbon dioxide capture system described in (4) above is a highly convenient system that allows the client to directly receive incentives. Since the client can receive incentives in return for their contribution to carbon dioxide reduction, carbon dioxide reduction activities are promoted.

[0018] (5) In the above (4), the information output unit may include an item provision control unit that outputs an information medium on which the operation information is recorded. The operation information input unit may read the operation information from the information medium.

[0019] According to (5) above, the requester can directly obtain the incentive in the form of a tangible information medium. The requester can read the contribution to carbon dioxide reduction from the information medium, which promotes carbon dioxide reduction activities.

[0020] (6) In the above (4) or (5), the management server may include an incentive calculation unit that calculates an incentive based on the operation information and the request specification information, and an incentive transmission unit that transmits information including the incentive. The client terminal may include an incentive reception unit that receives the incentive via a network.

[0021] According to (6) above, it is a highly convenient system that allows the requester to directly obtain the incentive.

[0022] (7) In any of (4) to (6) above, a supervisor device may be further provided, and the management server may include a recovery amount calculation unit that calculates the amount of carbon dioxide recovered from the operation information, a recovery amount transmission unit that transmits an actual recovery value including the amount of carbon dioxide recovered to the supervisor device, and a credit receiving unit that receives information including carbon dioxide credits from the supervisor device.

[0023] According to (7) above, the collection and management business operator can directly acquire carbon dioxide credits, which are obtained as official certification. By acquiring carbon dioxide credits, the collection and management business operator is encouraged to take part in carbon dioxide reduction activities.

[0024] (8) In any one of (1) to (7) above, the carbon dioxide capture device may include a carbon dioxide capture module, a capture request input unit, a capture result output unit, and the capture control unit. The capture control unit may be configured to cause the capture result output unit to output a capture result of the carbon dioxide capture module based on the capture request from the capture request input unit.

[0025] According to the above (8), the carbon dioxide capture device is equipped with a carbon dioxide capture module, performs the capture work directly, and outputs the results. This efficient system allows the client to earn incentives for their contribution to carbon dioxide reduction, thereby promoting carbon dioxide reduction activities.

[0026] (9) In the above (8), the carbon dioxide capture module may have a carbon dioxide capture material whose main component is iron, and may capture carbon dioxide as iron carbonate.

[0027] According to the above (9), the carbon dioxide capture device includes a carbon dioxide capture module that has excellent carbon dioxide capture efficiency. By using iron as the carbon dioxide capture material, carbon dioxide can be captured efficiently.

[0028] (10) In the above (9), the carbon dioxide capture module may include a first electrode, a second electrode, a solution in which the first electrode and the second electrode are immersed, a gas supply unit that supplies carbon dioxide to the solution, and a voltage application mechanism that applies a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode. The first electrode may include a first metal mainly composed of iron, and the second electrode may include a second metal or carbon that has a lower ionization tendency than the first metal.

[0029] According to the above (10), the carbon dioxide capture device includes a carbon dioxide capture module that has excellent carbon dioxide capture efficiency, and carbon dioxide can be captured efficiently. Therefore, carbon dioxide can be captured more efficiently.

[0030] [Details of the Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] The embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiment described below shows one specific example of the present disclosure. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, the arrangement and connection of the components, procedures, etc. described below are examples of the embodiment. Each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily drawn precisely. The same components in the figures are assigned the same reference numerals. Descriptions of the functions, etc. of the same components will be omitted as appropriate.

[0031] <Carbon Dioxide Capture System> FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of a carbon dioxide capture system 500 according to an embodiment. The carbon dioxide capture system 500 of this example is a system in which a capture requester 540 who has submitted a capture request 586 to a carbon dioxide capture device 560 receives an incentive 583 from a capture management business operator 530 that manages the carbon dioxide capture device 560. The capture requester 540, the carbon dioxide capture device 560, the capture management business operator 530, and the carbon dioxide emission supervisor 550 can exchange information via a network 570. The capture requester 540 uses a client terminal 541. The carbon dioxide capture device 560 includes a capture control unit 561. The capture management business operator 530 uses a management server 531. The carbon dioxide emission supervisor 550 uses a supervisor device 551. The client terminal 541, the management server 531, the capture control unit 561, and the supervisor device 551 are each connected to the network 570. The structure, appearance, capture principle, and operation of the carbon dioxide capture device 560 are not particularly limited. The carbon dioxide capture device 560 may be any device that has the function of capturing carbon dioxide and is capable of information communication. In other words, the carbon dioxide capture device 560 may be a device that outputs operation information 585 as a result of receiving a capture request 586 from the capture requester 540. The installation location of the carbon dioxide capture device 560 may be any location that can be connected to the network 570. For example, the installation location may be any location on Earth. The installation location may be a location where it is desired to capture carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. If the capture requester 540 is able to directly operate the carbon dioxide capture device 560, the capture requester 540 can directly experience the progress and results of the capture work.

[0032] (Capture Requester) The capture requester 540 is an individual, corporation, or the like that requests the carbon dioxide capture device 560 to capture carbon dioxide. The capture requester 540 owns or uses a requester terminal 541 that is used to receive an incentive 583 (described later), etc. The capture requester 540 makes a carbon dioxide capture request 586 by inserting money into the carbon dioxide capture device 560, reading a non-contact IC (Integrated Circuit) card or a smartphone display, or inserting the carbon dioxide capture material 111. The capture request 586 may be made by transmitting information from the requester terminal 541 to the carbon dioxide capture device 560. For example, if the capture requester 540 and the carbon dioxide capture device 560 are installed at different locations, it is effective to make the request via information communication via the network 570. Information transmission between the requester terminal 541 and the carbon dioxide capture device 560 may be performed directly using a communication function between the devices, or may be performed via another server. For example, the recovery request 586 from the requester terminal 541 may be made via the recovery management business operator 530. The recovery requester 540 may receive an item 27 as proof of the recovery result from the carbon dioxide recovery device 560. At least a part of the operation information 585 is recorded on the item 27 in the form of a barcode, a QR code (registered trademark) 28a, or the like. The operation information 585 is information including the result of the carbon dioxide recovery carried out in response to the recovery request 586. Details of the operation information 585 will be described later.

[0033] The requester terminal 541 is a device used by the collection requester 540 to send the request specific information 587 and receive the incentive 583. The requester terminal 541 is typically a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet terminal used by the collection requester 540, or a personal computer. The requester terminal 541 is configured to be able to communicate via the network 570. The requester terminal 541 may preferably have an information reading function such as a QR code, as described below.

[0034] The request specifying information 587 is information used to enable receipt of the incentive 583. The request specifying information 587 includes information that can identify the collection requester 540 or the requester terminal 541, and information that can identify the collection result. The information that can identify the collection result is all or part of the information included in the operation information 585 provided by the collection control unit 561.

[0035] (Recovery Management Business Operator) The recovery management business operator 530 is a business operator that manages the operation of one or more carbon dioxide capture devices 560. Operational management includes tasks such as maintaining the carbon dioxide capture device 560, recovering the captured product 60 described below, replacing the carbon dioxide tank 16a, and replenishing the items 27. Operational management also includes information management such as tasks related to the granting of incentives 583 described below. The recovered captured product 60 can be traded as is as a raw material. The captured product 60 can also be combined with other materials and used as a processed product, such as by molding.

[0036] The recovery management business operator 530 has a management server 531 for information management. The management server 531 is at least one processing device that grasps the status of the carbon dioxide recovery device 560, plans and manages maintenance and inspection work, and manages the operation of incentives 583 and carbon dioxide credits 581 described below. The management server 531 is a device equipped with a calculation unit, a storage unit, and an input / output interface, and is typically a general-purpose computer such as a personal computer, a workstation, or a server. The management server 531 is configured to be able to communicate via a network 570.

[0037] The management server 531 receives operation information 585 of the carbon dioxide capture device 560, including operation information of the carbon dioxide capture module 10, from the capture control unit 561. The carbon dioxide capture module 10 is a device included in the carbon dioxide capture device 560, and details will be described later. Although the operation is explained using one carbon dioxide capture device 560 in Figure 1, the management server 531 may manage multiple carbon dioxide capture devices 560.

[0038] The operation information 585 is generated by the capture control unit 561 as information including the request content and capture results for each capture request 586 that the carbon dioxide capture device 560 receives from the capture requester 540. The request content may include request organization information such as a request number, the requested amount such as the input amount, the request date and time, and, if possible, requester information. The capture results may include information such as the amount of carbon dioxide processed and the operating time of the carbon dioxide capture module 10. Furthermore, if the capture control unit 561 is capable of measuring or calculating the amount of capture product 60 as a result of the operation of the carbon dioxide capture module 10, the capture results may also include the amount of capture product 60 captured. The operation information 585 may further include identification information and an operation code for the carbon dioxide capture device 560. The identification information includes information such as a unique identification number, name, location, and owner. The operation code is a code assigned to each operation unit of the carbon dioxide capture module 10 corresponding to each capture request 586. The operation code may be composed of, for example, a date and time and a serial number. The operation information 585 may include information such as the remaining amount of carbon dioxide in the carbon dioxide tank 16a, abnormality information about the device, the remaining amount of stored carbon dioxide capturing material 111, the remaining amount of items 27, and the like.

[0039] (Providing Incentives) An example of a series of operations in which the recovery requester 540 notifies the recovery management company 530 that he or she has requested carbon dioxide recovery will be described. The recovery requester 540 obtains the contact information for the recovery management company 530 from the QR code 28a or the like printed on the item 27 received from the carbon dioxide recovery device 560. As an example, by reading the QR code with the requester terminal 541, a browser is launched and the user can access a website set up by the recovery management company 530.

[0040] The requester terminal 541 obtains information that can identify the collection result from part of the operation information 585 included as information in the item 27. For example, the above-mentioned identification information and operation code may be used as information that can identify the collection result. The requester terminal 541 generates request identification information 587 by adding information that can identify the collection requester 540 or information that can identify the requester terminal 541 to the information that can identify the collection result. The request identification information 587 is sent from the requester terminal 541 to the management server 531 via the network 570. The request identification information 587 is stored in the management server 531. In an example different from the above, the collection requester 540 can make a collection request 586 via the collection management business operator 530. In this case, the correspondence between the carbon dioxide capture device 560 operated by the collection management business operator 530 and the collection request 586 can be known in advance, and some of the above-mentioned steps of information transmission can be omitted.

[0041] The management server 531 compares the operation information 585 received from the recovery control unit 561 with the request specification information 587 received from the requester terminal 541. This comparison enables the management server 531 to grasp the results of the carbon dioxide recovery requested by the recovery requester 540. The management server 531 stores the request specification information 587 and the operation information 585 in an associated state.

[0042] The management server 531 calculates the incentive 583 based on the stored request specification information 587 and operation information 585. The calculation method of the incentive 583 may be a method predetermined by the collection management business operator 530 and is not limited to this method. The incentive 583 in this embodiment is not particularly limited as long as it allows the collection requester 540 to directly or indirectly enjoy benefits such as economic benefits. Representative examples of the incentive 583 include points from various point systems, miles from a mileage system, electronic money, virtual currency, cash, discount coupons, etc.

[0043] The management server 531 transmits the calculated incentive 583 to the requester terminal 541. Transmission of the incentive 583 to the requester terminal 541 is not limited to direct transmission of the incentive 583 itself. The following description assumes that the incentive 583 is points. As is commonly practiced in many point systems, the points themselves may be virtual numerical values ​​that are managed as numerical values ​​(e.g., point balances) granted to registered users on the server of the point management company. In this case, the incentive 583 is transmitted to the requester terminal 541 when the requester terminal 541 is notified of the addition of the incentive 583 (points). Furthermore, transmission of the incentive 583 to the requester terminal 541 is not limited to proactive transmission from the collection management company 530. The numerical value may be viewable by the collection requester 540 in response to data reference from the collection management company 530.

[0044] (Carbon dioxide emission supervisor) The carbon dioxide emission supervisor 550 is, for example, a national or local government, a public institution, or a business operator commissioned by them. The carbon dioxide emission supervisor 550 receives declarations of carbon dioxide reductions and emission reductions and certifies them. Certification refers to proving contributions to reductions, etc., and providing compensation according to the reductions, etc. The carbon dioxide emission supervisor 550 owns and operates a supervisor device 551. The supervisor device 551 is a device equipped with a calculation unit, a memory unit, and an input / output interface, and is typically a general-purpose computer such as a personal computer, workstation, or server. The supervisor device 551 is configured to be able to communicate via a network 570.

[0045] In this disclosure, tangible and intangible items that are granted as certification and have economic value and are tradable are collectively referred to as carbon dioxide credits 581. As an example, the J-Credit Scheme is in operation at the time of this application (reference URL: https: / / japancredit.go.jp / ). This scheme is based on the principle that "The J-Credit Scheme is a scheme that allows creditors to reduce CO₂ emissions by introducing energy-saving equipment and using renewable energy." ２and CO emissions reductions through appropriate forest management. ２ This is a system in which the government certifies the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed by greenhouse gases, etc. as "credits." This system is a progressive integration of the domestic credit system and the offset credit (J-VER) system, and is run by the government. The credits created under this system can be used for a variety of purposes, including achieving the goals of the Japan Business Federation's Carbon Neutral Action Plan and carbon offsetting. Those who obtain these credits can earn economic benefits in various ways, such as selling the credits.

[0046] The carbon dioxide emission supervisor 550 receives the declaration of the recovery performance value 588 output from the management server 531 of the recovery management business operator 530. Fig. 1 shows a form in which the management server 531 transmits the recovery performance value 588 to the supervisor device 551 owned by the carbon dioxide emission supervisor 550 via the network 570.

[0047] The carbon dioxide emission supervisor 550 issues carbon dioxide credits 581 in accordance with the received recovery performance value 588. The carbon dioxide credits 581 may be calculated by the supervisor device 551. The carbon dioxide credits 581 are transmitted from the supervisor device 551 to the management server 531 of the recovery management business operator 530 via the network 570. Note that the respective communications are not limited to being via the network 570. For example, other methods of transmitting information may be used, such as transmitting the output results from the management server 531 to the carbon dioxide emission supervisor 550 by physical media such as mail and then inputting them into the supervisor device 551.

[0048] The carbon dioxide credits 581 acquired by the collection management business operator 530 can be used at will by the collection management business operator 530. The collection management business operator 530 may distribute the carbon dioxide credits 581 to the collection requester 540 as incentives 583. In this case, the distribution of the carbon dioxide credits 581 is included in the calculation method of the incentives 583. The collection management business operator 530 may own and use the carbon dioxide credits 581 itself.

[0049] <Carbon Dioxide Capture Apparatus> The carbon dioxide capture apparatus 560 is an apparatus that performs carbon dioxide capture operations in response to a capture request 586 from a capture requester 540. The carbon dioxide capture apparatus 560 may be any apparatus that captures carbon dioxide, and is not limited to this example. Here, "capture" refers to converting carbon dioxide contained in the atmosphere or a predetermined gas into a form other than gas through absorption or chemical reaction and then fixing it. Capture can also be expressed as capture. FIG. 3 is a perspective schematic diagram illustrating a carbon dioxide capture apparatus 100 as an example of the carbon dioxide capture apparatus 560. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the internal structure of the carbon dioxide capture apparatus 100. The carbon dioxide capture apparatus 100 includes a carbon dioxide capture module 10, a capture request input unit 20, a capture result output unit 25, and a capture control unit 29. The carbon dioxide capture module 10 has a function of capturing carbon dioxide. The capture request input unit 20 accepts input of a carbon dioxide capture request 586 from the capture requester 540. The capture result output unit 25 outputs the capture result of the carbon dioxide capture module 10. The collection control unit 29 causes the collection result output unit 25 to output the collection result based on the collection request from the collection request input unit 20 .

[0050] (Carbon Dioxide Capture Module) FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an example of the carbon dioxide capture module 10 provided in the carbon dioxide capture device 100. As shown in FIG. 4 , the carbon dioxide capture module 10 captures carbon dioxide 161 by fixing it to a capture product 60 using a carbon dioxide capture material 111 in a solution 14. The carbon dioxide capture module 10 includes a voltage application mechanism 17 that applies a voltage to the carbon dioxide capture material 111. As shown in FIG. 3 , the carbon dioxide capture module 10 is disposed inside the housing 40 of the carbon dioxide capture device 100. The front of the housing 40, at a location facing the carbon dioxide capture module 10, may be configured with a transparent panel. This allows the operating state of the carbon dioxide capture module 10 to be visually observed from outside the housing 40. As shown in FIG. 4 , the carbon dioxide capture module 10 of this example includes a first electrode 11, a magnet 13, a second electrode 12, a solution 14, a storage tank 15, a gas supply unit 16, a voltage application mechanism 17, a sensor unit 18, and a capture control unit 19. The carbon dioxide capture module 10 of this example may further include at least one of a discharge mechanism, a solution adjustment mechanism, and a dissolution promotion mechanism, all of which are not shown.

[0051] The first electrode 11 is a working electrode. The first electrode 11 is connected to a power source 17a via a lead 17b. The first electrode 11 is immersed in the solution 14. The first electrode 11 has a carbon dioxide capture material 111 containing a first metal whose main component is iron. When a voltage is applied between the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 by the voltage application mechanism 17, divalent iron ions are eluted from the first metal contained in the carbon dioxide capture material 111 into the solution 14. These divalent iron ions and carbonate ions (CO ) present in the solution 14 are dissolved. ３ ２－ ) or bicarbonate ion (HCO ３ －) reacts with the first metal 11a, resulting in the precipitation of iron carbonate or iron bicarbonate in the solution 14. This reaction captures carbon dioxide 161. This iron carbonate or iron bicarbonate is the captured product 60. The captured product 60 precipitates in the solution 14. The first electrode 11 in this example has an electrode substrate 11a and an electrode piece 11b. The electrode substrate 11a is made of a metal or carbon having a lower ionization tendency than the first metal. The metal having a lower ionization tendency than the first metal is, for example, copper or platinum.

[0052] The carbon dioxide capturing material 111 in this example is a powder compact containing a powder made of the first metal, or a sintered body made of the first metal. The powder compact is formed by pressurizing powder. The sintered body is formed by sintering the powder compact. Unlike this example, the carbon dioxide capturing material 111 may be a melted material or iron scrap obtained by pulverizing various iron materials to a processable size. The magnet 13 attracts the carbon dioxide capturing material 111, thereby bringing the carbon dioxide capturing material 111 into contact with the electrode substrate 11a.

[0053] The second electrode 12 is a counter electrode. The second electrode 12 is connected to a power source 17a via a conductor 17c. The second electrode 12 is immersed in the solution 14. The second electrode 12 contains a second metal having a lower ionization tendency than the first metal, or carbon. The second metal is, for example, copper or platinum.

[0054] The first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 are immersed in the solution 14. That is, the solution 14 covers the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12. The solution 14 is stored in a storage tank 15. A gas containing carbon dioxide 161 is supplied to the solution 14 from a gas supply unit 16.

[0055] The storage tank 15 stores the solution 14. The first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 are disposed inside the storage tank 15. The storage tank 15 has a supply port 15d and a discharge port 15e. The supply port 15d is an opening through which the solution 14 and the carbon dioxide capture material 111 are introduced from the outside of the storage tank 15 into the inside of the storage tank 15.

[0056] The gas supply unit 16 supplies carbon dioxide 161 to the solution 14. The gas supply unit 16 includes, for example, a carbon dioxide tank 16a serving as a supply source of carbon dioxide 161, a first pipe 16b connecting the carbon dioxide tank 16a to the liquid phase of the storage tank 15, and a valve provided on the first pipe 16b. The carbon dioxide in the carbon dioxide tank 16a may be carbon dioxide recovered from exhaust gas generated by the combustion of fossil fuels, for example. By using previously recovered carbon dioxide as a supply source, carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is indirectly reduced. Note that the gas supply unit 16 may be configured to supply exhaust gas or the atmosphere using a pump without using the carbon dioxide tank 16a.

[0057] The voltage application mechanism 17 applies a voltage between the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12. The voltage is applied so that a current flows between the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12.

[0058] The sensor unit 18 detects at least one selected from the group consisting of the carbon dioxide concentration of the solution 14, the temperature of the solution 14, the pH value of the solution 14, the turbidity of the solution 14, the amount of the capture product 60 produced by the carbon dioxide capture module 10, the voltage value between the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12, and the current value flowing between the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12.

[0059] The capture control unit 19 performs each process required for the operation of the carbon dioxide capture module 10. The capture control unit 19 controls the operation of the voltage application mechanism 17 based on the detection results of the sensor unit 18. The capture control unit 19 controls the timing of the start and end of voltage application by the voltage adjustment unit of the voltage application mechanism 17. Each process (each function) by the capture control unit 19 is realized by a processing circuit including one or more processors. The processing circuit may be composed of an integrated circuit or the like that combines one or more memories, various analog circuits, and various digital circuits in addition to the one or more processors. The one or more memories store programs (instructions) that cause the one or more processors to execute each of the above processes. The one or more processors may execute each of the above processes according to the program read from the one or more memories, or may execute each of the above processes according to a logic circuit designed in advance to execute each of the above processes.

[0060] The collection request input unit 20 shown in Fig. 2 inputs a carbon dioxide collection request 586 (see Fig. 1) from a collection requester 540 (see Fig. 1). The collection request by the collection requester 540 is input by inputting money 211 by cash, credit card, or electronic money payment, inserting the carbon dioxide capturing material 111, or inputting information from outside. The collection request input unit 20 of this example includes a money receiving unit 21 and a capturing material receiving unit 22, as shown in Fig. 3.

[0061] The money receiving unit 21 has a banknote slot 21a through which banknotes are inserted, a coin slot 21b through which coins are inserted, and a reader 21c that reads contactless IC cards such as credit cards or smartphones. The capturing material receiving unit 22 has a capturing material slot 22a through which the carbon dioxide capturing material 111 is inserted.

[0062] The capture material supply unit 23 shown in FIG. 2 includes a capture material injection mechanism 24 that injects the carbon dioxide capture material 111 into the carbon dioxide capture module 10 as shown in FIG.

[0063] The capture result output unit 25 shown in FIG. 2 outputs a capture result corresponding to the input capture request. The capture result is typically the amount of carbon dioxide that can be captured by the carbon dioxide capture material 111 introduced into the carbon dioxide capture module 10. The capture result may also be the amount of capture product 60 generated by the carbon dioxide capture module 10. The item 27 in this example includes the capture product 60 generated in advance by the carbon dioxide capture module 10. The item 27 may be made of, for example, a composite material including the capture product 60 and a resin in which the capture product 60 is embedded. An example of the item 27 in this example is a card 28 made of a composite material, as shown in FIG. 3. The card 28 has, for example, a one-dimensional or two-dimensional code on its surface representing operation information 585 including the capture result. The operation information includes, in addition to the capture result, the identification information of the carbon dioxide capture device 100, the operation date and time, and the operation time. The one-dimensional code is, for example, a barcode. The two-dimensional code is, for example, a QR code. The card 28 in this example has a QR code 28a. Unlike this example, the composite material may be a decorative part for jewelry, a part for daily life, etc. As shown in Figure 3, the recovery result output unit 25 of this example includes an item provider 26 that provides an item 27 according to the recovery result of the carbon dioxide capture module 10. The item provider 26 is not particularly limited as long as it is configured to provide the item 27.

[0064] The carbon dioxide capture device 100 has a display output unit 30 including a display. The inspection hatch 31 is an opening through which an operator can access the inside of the housing 40. The inspection hatch 31 is provided with a door that can be opened and closed freely. The carbon dioxide capture device 100 may also have an operation input unit 32 that notifies the capture control unit 29 of the start and end of inspection work and allows various setting inputs, etc.

[0065] (Capture control unit) The capture control unit 29 is a control device that performs each process necessary for the operation of the carbon dioxide capture device 100. The capture control unit 29 controls each unit of the carbon dioxide capture device 100 to perform a series of operations based on a capture request from the capture request input unit 20. The capture control unit 29 has a communication function.

[0066] The carbon dioxide capture device 100 and capture control unit 29 shown in Fig. 2 correspond to the carbon dioxide capture device 560 and capture control unit 561 in Fig. 1. In the following description, one of the reference symbols will be used corresponding to the drawing being referred to. The capture control unit 561 is configured to be able to communicate via a network 570.

[0067] The basic processing of the collection control unit 29 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. The collection control unit 29 detects receipt of a request from the collection request input unit 20. Upon detecting the receipt of the request, the collection control unit 29 instructs the carbon dioxide capture material 111 to be supplied to the carbon dioxide capture module 10. If the request is received as a signal from the capture material receiving unit 22, the capture material supply unit 23 is instructed to treat the input carbon dioxide capture material 111 as the material to be processed. If the request is received as a signal from the money receiving unit 21, the capture material supply unit 23 is instructed to treat a predetermined amount of carbon dioxide capture material 111 according to the amount of money 211 as the material to be processed.

[0068] The recovery control unit 29 controls the operation of the carbon dioxide capture module 10. The operation control includes various monitoring controls required for operation, such as monitoring the status of the carbon dioxide capture module 10, controlling supply from the carbon dioxide tank 16a, adjusting the solution 14, and controlling the power supply voltage. The recovery control unit 29 instructs the product provider 26 to output the product 27. The provision of the product 27 includes printing a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code. The recovery control unit 29 instructs the display output unit 30 to display various items.

[0069] Each process (each function) performed by the collection control unit 29 is realized by a processing circuit including one or more processors. The processing circuit may be configured as an integrated circuit or the like that combines one or more memories, various analog circuits, and various digital circuits in addition to the one or more processors. The one or more memories store programs (instructions) that cause the one or more processors to execute each of the processes. The one or more processors may execute each of the processes according to the program read from the one or more memories, or may execute each of the processes according to a logic circuit designed in advance to execute each of the processes.

[0070] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 1 , the function of the capture control unit 561 in the carbon dioxide capture system 500 of this embodiment will be described. The capture control unit 561 creates the above-mentioned operation information 585. The operation information 585 is information including the request content and the capture result. The operation information 585 is created in response to each capture request 586 that the carbon dioxide capture device 560 receives from the capture requester 540. The created operation information 585 is transmitted to the management server 531 via the network 570. The transmission method and procedure are not particularly limited. For example, the operation information 585 may be transmitted immediately when the capture process for the capture request 586 is completed. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which multiple pieces of operation information 585 are transmitted collectively at intervals such as every hour or every day.

[0071] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional internal configuration of the collection control unit 561. The collection control unit 561 can be configured, for example, by a computer including a processor 562 (CPU: Central Processing Unit), a memory 563, a communication interface (hereinafter referred to as communication I / F) 564, and an input / output interface (hereinafter referred to as input / output I / F) 565. The processor 562, the memory 563, the communication I / F 564, and the input / output I / F 565 are connected via a bus 566. The memory 563 is configured with volatile or non-volatile memory elements such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory). Programs and data are stored in the memory 563. For example, a program stored in the ROM is loaded into the RAM and executed on the CPU, thereby realizing the functions of the processor 562, etc. The communication I / F 564 is configured to transmit and receive data, such as Ethernet frames (Ethernet is a registered trademark), generated by the processor 562, to and from the outside via a network.

[0072] The processor 562 issues an operational command for carbon dioxide capture by the carbon dioxide capture module 10 based on a request from the capture requester 540. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of basic processing of the capture control unit 561 controlled by the processor 562. The flow of processing shown in Fig. 6 will be described with reference to Fig. 5.

[0073] The request receiving unit 601 waits for a request reception signal from the recovery request input unit 20 (step S101). When reception of a request is detected, the process proceeds to the next step ("Y" in step S101). The recovery request input unit 20 of the carbon dioxide recovery device 100 is composed of a capture material receiving unit 22 and a money receiving unit 21.

[0074] The supply control unit 602 issues an instruction to supply the carbon dioxide capturing material 111 to the carbon dioxide capturing module 10 (step S102). Here, in step S102, if the request reception is a signal from the capturing material receiving unit 22, an instruction is issued to the capturing material supply unit 23 to treat the input carbon dioxide capturing material 111 as the processing target. If the request reception is a signal from the money receiving unit 21, an instruction is output to the capturing material supply unit 23 to treat a predetermined amount of carbon dioxide capturing material 111 according to the amount of the money 211 as the processing target.

[0075] Next, the module control unit 603 controls the operation of the carbon dioxide capture module 10 (step S103). The operation control includes various monitoring controls required for operation, such as monitoring the state of the carbon dioxide capture module 10, controlling the supply from the carbon dioxide tank 16a, adjusting the solution 14, and controlling the power supply voltage.

[0076] The information output unit 605 outputs information relating to the operation of the carbon dioxide capture device 100 to the outside. The information output unit 605 includes either or both of an information display unit 605a and an item provision control unit 605b. The information display unit 605a instructs the display output unit 30 to display a series of capture operations of the carbon dioxide capture module 10 from the request acceptance (step S104).

[0077] When the series of collection operations is completed, the item provision control unit 605b instructs the item provision unit 26 to output the item 27 (step S105). The provision of the item 27 includes the provision of operation information 585 in the form of a barcode or QR code printed directly on the item 27 or printed on a paper medium or the like separately from the item 27.

[0078] Finally, the operation information transmission unit 606 transmits operation information 585, including the request content and the capture results, to the management server 531 via the communication I / F 564 and the network 570 (step S106). The operation information 585 includes at least a portion of the information included in the collection request 586 and at least a portion of the information related to the carbon dioxide capture operation. The information related to the carbon dioxide capture operation includes information related to the series of capture operations of the carbon dioxide capture module 10 and the capture results.

[0079] Although the above has been described as a typical chronological process, the processing flow of the carbon dioxide capture device 100 is not limited to this. For example, the capture process of the carbon dioxide capture module 10 is not limited to a configuration in which it is started each time the request receiving unit 601 receives an instruction. It is permissible to appropriately combine and adjust the order of steps S102 and S103 depending on the timing of the request receiving unit 601 and the state of the capture process. Furthermore, output in response to a request may be performed without waiting for the actual capture operation to end. That is, steps S104 and S105 may be executed immediately after step S101. Furthermore, the capture control unit 561 may have other functions related to the carbon dioxide capture device 560. As an example of such other functions, it is preferable to provide a maintenance work processing unit 607 that processes information related to maintenance and inspection and transmits a maintenance work command to the capture control unit 561.

[0080] (Management Server) FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional internal configuration of the management server 531 provided in the collection management business operator 530. The management server 531 can be configured, for example, by one or more computers equipped with a CPU, RAM, ROM, HDD, communication interface, input / output interface, display device, etc. The management server 531 includes a processor 532, a communication I / F 533, a memory 534, and an input / output I / F 535, all of which are connected to each other via a bus 536. The memory 534 is configured with a volatile or non-volatile memory element, a magnetic storage device such as an HDD, etc. Programs and data are stored in the memory 534. For example, a program stored in the HDD is expanded into RAM and executed on the CPU to realize the functions of the processor 532, etc. The communication I / F 533 is configured to transmit and receive Ethernet frames, which are data generated by the processor 532, etc., to and from the outside via an Ethernet network, for example.

[0081] 8 is a flowchart showing an example of basic processing of the management server 531 controlled by the processor 532. The flow of the processing shown in FIG. 8 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0082] The operation information receiving unit 701 receives the operation information 585 from the carbon dioxide capture device 560 via the communication I / F 533 and stores the information in the memory 534 (step S201). The operation information 585 is received by the communication I / F 533 via the network 570.

[0083] The recovery amount calculation unit 702 calculates the amount of carbon dioxide recovered from the information included in the operation information 585 and stores the calculated amount together with sorting information such as the request number in the memory 534 (step S202). The calculation of the amount of carbon dioxide recovered is performed using a predetermined formula or a pre-stored conversion table from the value of the capture result such as the requested amount or the amount of processed carbon dioxide included in the operation information 585.

[0084] The request specification information receiving unit 703 receives the request specification information 587 from the requester terminal 541 and stores it in the memory 534 (step S203). The request specification information 587 is received by the communication I / F 533 via the network 570. Here, the request specification information 587 includes information that can identify the recovery requester 540 or the requester terminal 541, as well as information that can identify the recovery results, such as request organization information. Therefore, it is possible to associate the amount of carbon dioxide recovery stored in the memory 534 with the value resulting from which recovery requester 540 and at what point in time the request was made.

[0085] The incentive calculation unit 704 calculates the incentive 583 to be given to the recovery requester 540 in accordance with each piece of operation information 585, based on the stored information such as the amount of carbon dioxide recovered, and in accordance with a predetermined calculation formula and procedure (step S204). The calculation formula and procedure may be arbitrarily determined by the recovery management business operator 530 according to the type of incentive 583, and are not limited thereto. The calculated value of the incentive 583 is stored in the memory 534 in association with the request specification information 587.

[0086] The incentive sending unit 705 sends information including the incentive 583 to the client terminal 541 via the communication I / F 533 and the network 570 (step S205). Here, the explanation has been given assuming that the management server 531 actively sends the incentive 583. As explained in the section on the overall system configuration, the incentive 583 may be provided by other means. For example, the management server 531 may send an e-mail regarding the accumulation of the incentive 583 to the client terminal 541 or may notify the client terminal 541 on a website.

[0087] The management server 531 may include a recovery amount transmitter 706 and a credit receiver 707 in the functional block diagram shown in Fig. 7. The recovery amount transmitter 706 transmits a recovery result value 588, which is information including the amount of carbon dioxide recovered, to the supervisor device 551 owned by the carbon dioxide emission supervisor 550 via the communication I / F 533 and the network 570. The credit receiver 707 receives information including carbon dioxide credits 581 from the supervisor device 551 via the communication I / F 533 and the network 570. These transmissions and receptions are performed within the flow of the procedure shown in the flowchart of Fig. 8 or at a timing separate from the procedure.

[0088] The above has described a processing flow centered on the management server 531 as a typical time-series process, but the processing of the management server 531 is not limited to this. For example, the management server 531 may include a capture device control unit 708 that controls the operation of the carbon dioxide capture device 560, and a maintenance management processing unit 709 that manages the maintenance and operation of the carbon dioxide capture device 560. Furthermore, the order and content of the processing may be changed as appropriate depending on time constraints, communication path constraints, contractual constraints, and the like between the capture requester 540, the carbon dioxide emission supervisor 550, and the carbon dioxide capture device 560.

[0089] The client terminal 541 has functional units required for the operation of each of the above devices. Each functional unit is realized by hardware such as input means, such as a camera or a touch panel, and a communication I / F, and software such as application software, which are provided in the client terminal 541.

[0090] The embodiment will be described assuming that the requester terminal 541 is a smartphone used by the collection requester 540. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional internal configuration of the requester terminal 541. The operation information input unit 801 is composed of a camera for recognizing QR codes and a general-purpose code reader application. The collection requester 540 reads operation information 585 using the operation information input unit 801. Information that can identify the collection result is obtained from a portion of the read operation information 585. The request identification information sending unit 802 generates request identification information 587 and sends the request identification information 587 to the management server 531 via the network 570. Thereafter, when the incentive 583 is sent from the management server 531, the incentive receiving unit 803 receives the request.

[0091] Each process (each function) in the above-described embodiments is realized by a processing circuit including one or more processors. The processing circuit may be configured as an integrated circuit or the like that combines one or more memories, various analog circuits, and various digital circuits in addition to the one or more processors. The one or more memories store programs (instructions) that cause the one or more processors to execute each process. The one or more processors may execute each process according to the program read from the one or more memories, or according to a logic circuit pre-designed to execute each process. The processor may be any of various processors suitable for computer control, such as a CPU, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The physically separate processors may also execute each process in cooperation with each other. For example, the processors mounted on a plurality of physically separated computers may cooperate with each other to execute the processes via a network such as a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), the Internet, etc. The program may be installed into the memory from an external server device or the like via the network, or may be distributed in a state stored in a recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory), or a semiconductor memory, and installed into the memory from the recording medium.

[0092] The embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described above. The present invention is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the scope of the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. The form of each part described in each embodiment can be used in combination with or substituted for the form described in another embodiment.

[0093] 100 Carbon dioxide capture device 10 Carbon dioxide capture module 11 First electrode, 11a Electrode substrate, 11b Electrode piece, 111 Carbon dioxide capture material, 12 Second electrode, 13 Magnet, 14 Solution, 15 Reservoir, 15d Supply port, 15e Discharge port, 16 Gas supply unit, 16a Carbon dioxide tank, 16b First piping, 161 Carbon dioxide, 17 Voltage application mechanism, 17a Power supply, 17b Conductor, 17c Conductor, 18 Sensor unit, 19 Capture control unit, 20 Collection request input unit, 21 Money acceptance unit, 21a Banknote insertion slot, 21b Coin insertion slot, 21c Reading unit, 211 Money, 22 Capture material acceptance unit, 22a Capture material insertion port, 23 Capture material supply unit, 24 Capture material injection mechanism, 25 Collection result output unit, 26 Item provision unit, 27 Item, 28 Card, 28a QR code, 29 Recovery control unit, 30 Display output unit, 31 Inspection hatch, 32 Operation input unit, 40 Housing, 60 Captured product 500 Carbon dioxide recovery system 530 Recovery management business operator, 531 Management server 532 Processor, 533 Communication I / F, 534 Memory, 535 Input / output I / F, 536 Bus 540 Recovery requester, 541 Requester terminal, 550 Carbon dioxide emission supervisor, 551 Supervisor device, 560 Carbon dioxide recovery device, 561 Recovery control unit 562 Processor, 563 Memory, 564 Communication I / F, 565 Input / output I / F, 566 Bus, 570 Network 581 Carbon dioxide credit, 583 Incentive, 585 Operation information, 586 Recovery request, 587 Request specification information, 588 Recovery performance value 601 Request receiving unit, 602 Supply control unit, 603 Module control unit, 605 Information output unit, 605a Information display unit, 605b Article provision control unit, 606 Operation information transmission unit, 607 Maintenance work processing unit 701 Operation information reception unit, 702 Collection amount calculation unit, 703 Request specification information reception unit, 704 Incentive calculation unit, 705 Incentive transmission unit, 706 Collection amount transmission unit, 707 Credit reception unit, 708 Collection device control unit, 709 Maintenance management processing unit 801 Operation information input unit, 802 Request specification information transmission unit, 803 Incentive reception unit

Claims

1. The system includes a carbon dioxide capture device, a management server, and a client terminal, The carbon dioxide capture device has a capture control unit, The recovery control unit Accepting collection requests, outputting operation information of the carbon dioxide capture device in response to the capture request; The client terminal The operation information is input from the collection control unit, transmitting request specifying information including at least a part of the operation information to the management server; The management server receiving the operation information and the request specifying information; transmitting an incentive calculated based on the operation information to the client terminal; Carbon dioxide capture system.

2. The management server receiving the operation information from the collection control unit; The carbon dioxide capture system according to claim 1 , wherein the request specifying information is received from the requester terminal.

3. the recovery control unit records the operation information on an information medium; 3. The carbon dioxide capture system according to claim 1, wherein the client terminal reads the operation information from the information medium.

4. further comprising a supervisor device; 3. The carbon dioxide capture system according to claim 1, wherein the management server transmits a capture performance value to the supervisor device and receives carbon dioxide credits from the supervisor device.

5. The system includes a carbon dioxide capture device, a management server, and a client terminal, The carbon dioxide capture device has a capture control unit, The recovery control unit a request receiving unit that receives a collection request; an operation information transmission unit that transmits at least a part of the information included in the collection request and at least a part of the information related to the carbon dioxide capture operation as operation information to the management server; an information output unit that outputs the operation information, The client terminal an operation information input unit for inputting the operation information; a request specifying information sending unit that sends request specifying information including at least a part of the operation information to the management server, The management server an operation information receiving unit that receives the operation information from the collection control unit; a request specifying information receiving unit that receives the request specifying information from the requester terminal, Carbon dioxide capture system.

6. the information output unit includes an article provision control unit that outputs an information medium on which the operation information is recorded, The carbon dioxide capture system according to claim 5 , wherein the operation information input unit reads the operation information from the information medium.

7. the management server includes an incentive calculation unit that calculates an incentive based on the operation information and the request specification information, and an incentive transmission unit that transmits information including the incentive; 7. The carbon dioxide capture system according to claim 5, wherein the client terminal includes an incentive receiving unit that receives the incentive via a network.

8. further comprising a supervisor device; The management server a recovery amount calculation unit that calculates a carbon dioxide recovery amount from the operation information; a recovery amount transmitting unit that transmits a recovery performance value including the carbon dioxide recovery amount to the supervisor device; 7. The carbon dioxide capture system according to claim 5 or claim 6, further comprising: a credit receiving unit that receives information including carbon dioxide credits from the supervisor device.

9. the carbon dioxide capture device includes a carbon dioxide capture module, a capture request input unit, a capture result output unit, and the capture control unit; The carbon dioxide capture system according to claim 1 or claim 5, wherein the capture control unit is configured to cause the capture result output unit to output the capture result of the carbon dioxide capture module based on the capture request from the capture request input unit.

10. The carbon dioxide capture system according to claim 9 , wherein the carbon dioxide capture module has a carbon dioxide capture material whose main component is iron, and captures carbon dioxide as iron carbonate.

11. the carbon dioxide capture module includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a solution in which the first electrode and the second electrode are immersed, a gas supply unit that supplies carbon dioxide to the solution, and a voltage application mechanism that applies a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode; the first electrode includes a first metal containing iron as a main component; The carbon dioxide capture system according to claim 10 , wherein the second electrode contains a second metal having a lower ionization tendency than the first metal or carbon.