Information processing systems and information processing methods

Abstract

The reduction contribution of carbon dioxide gas caused by the replacement of the base system with the drive system of the drive machine with the target system is calculated as a more realistic value. The sensor (123) actually measures the first power consumption of the target system by the drive machine. The first conversion unit (201) calculates the first power consumption, thereby obtaining the first emission amount of carbon dioxide gas emitted in the power generation of the power equivalent to the first power consumption. The acquisition unit (202) uses the control mode of the drive machine to derive the power consumption model of the power consumption, and obtains the second power consumption consumed according to the control mode of the base system. The second conversion unit (203) calculates the second power consumption, thereby obtaining the second emission amount of carbon dioxide gas emitted in the power generation of the power equivalent to the second power consumption. The calculation unit (204) calculates the difference between the first emission amount and the second emission amount as the reduction contribution.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to information processing technology. Prior Technology

[0002] The proposal includes various technologies that can contribute to reducing carbon dioxide emissions from energy consumption (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3). [Previous Technical Documents] [Patent Literature]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent No. 5408077 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-217450 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent No. 7348421 [Non-patent literature]

[0004] [Non-Patent Literature 1] Japan LCA Society, "Guideline for Calculating Contributions to Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction", Japan LCA Society, 2nd Edition, March 8, 2022 Summary of the Invention

[0005] [The problem that the invention aims to solve] Reductions in greenhouse gas emissions are widely demanded. Emissions from the generation of energy that drives machinery can be reduced, for example, by altering manufacturing processes or transportation procedures. The reductions resulting from such methods are called Avoided Emissions. Avoided Emissions are widely used, for example, as an indicator of achievements in addressing environmental issues and are expected to be calculated as more realistic values.

[0006] In recent years, Japan has seen continuous development of methods for determining greenhouse gas emissions in the chemical and electrical and electronic industries. However, these methods are specialized to specific industries and do not represent a comprehensive approach to calculating the overall contribution of industries to greenhouse gas emission reduction.

[0007] The Japan LCA Society and the WBCSD (World Business Council for Sustainable Development) have compiled ideas on the contribution of the entire industry to greenhouse gas emission reduction, focusing on participating companies. Furthermore, the Japan LCA Society and the WBCSD have reviewed the original form of the assessment method for greenhouse gas emission reduction contributions and published a summary. For example, the Japan LCA Society published "Guidelines for Calculating Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Contributions, 2nd Edition, March 8, 2022" (see Non-Patent Literature 1).

[0008] The above guidelines summarize the assessment of greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, the calculation of the contribution to reduction can be performed by multiplying by the following three items.

[0009] 1. Actual greenhouse gas emission reductions compared to benchmarks derived from life cycle assessments of various functional units, such as end products, that contribute to the reduction. 2. The market penetration of the final products that achieve the reduction effect. 3. Benefit rate of the evaluated products, etc.

[0010] Furthermore, regarding the setting of the benchmark, the principles related to the setting of the benchmark are described below.

[0011] In cases where there is no product or machine to be evaluated (the target machine), products that are likely to become widespread are defined as comparison products or machines (the benchmark machine). When the product or machine to be evaluated is the final product or machine that achieves the reduction effect, the comparison product or machine (the benchmark machine) is defined as the benchmark. The benchmark must have the same function as the final product or machine that achieves the reduction effect.

[0012] However, the aforementioned guidelines ultimately serve as guidance when defining the contribution of greenhouse gas emission reduction. Therefore, they do not specify methods for calculating greenhouse gas emissions during the operation of the target machine, or methods for calculating greenhouse gas emissions generated when a benchmark machine with the same function as the target machine operates for the same purpose. Accordingly, when industrial equipment used for the production and transportation of goods is required to operate, methods for calculating greenhouse gas emissions and mechanisms for evaluating the appropriate reduction contribution are needed.

[0013] As industrial equipment used to produce and transport goods, drive systems can be cited as an example. Drive systems are energy-consuming driving machines consisting of motors, converters, etc., or as mechanical equipment containing such components, consisting of machine tools, conveyors, transport robots, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), etc.

[0014] To reduce energy consumption in the production and transportation of goods, it is important to optimize the energy consumption of drive machines by optimizing the control of their operation. [Methods used to solve problems]

[0015] One implementation of the information processing system provides a reduction contribution for the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions caused by the replacement of a basic system (including a drive system with a driving machine) with an object system. This information processing system includes a sensor, a first conversion unit, an acquisition unit, a second conversion unit, and a calculation unit. The sensor actually measures the electrical power consumed by the object system via the drive machine, i.e., the first consumed electrical power. The first conversion unit calculates the first consumed electrical power actually measured by the sensor, thereby obtaining the amount of carbon dioxide emitted during the generation of electricity equivalent to the first consumed electrical power, i.e., the first emission amount. The acquisition unit uses the control mode based on the drive machine to derive a power consumption model for the consumed electricity, obtaining the electrical power consumed according to the control mode of the basic system, i.e., the second consumed electrical power. The second conversion unit calculates the second consumed electrical power, thereby obtaining the amount of carbon dioxide emitted during the generation of electricity equivalent to the second consumed electrical power, i.e., the second emission amount. The calculation unit calculates the difference between the first emission amount and the second emission amount as the reduction contribution. [The effects of the invention]

[0016] Based on the above pattern, the amount of contribution reduction can be calculated as a more practical value. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0017] [Figure 1] A diagram illustrating an outline of an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] A diagram showing a detailed structural example of an information processing system implementing the present invention. [Figure 3] A diagram showing an example of the data structure of each registration in the database. [Figure 4] A diagram showing an example of the hardware structure of an information processing device. [Figure 5] A flowchart showing an example of the authentication process. [Figure 6] A flowchart showing an example of the processing steps for calculating the reduction contribution. [Figure 7] A flowchart showing an example of the processing steps for calculating the discharge volume of a basic system. [Figure 8] A flowchart showing an example of the processing steps for calculating the discharge volume of an object system. Implementation

[0018] One example of a drive system implementation is an item production system. The implementation will be described in detail below with reference to the diagrams.

[0019] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an outline of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] As shown in Figure 1, the information processing device 100 is connected to the database 110. The information processing device 100 calculates the reduction contribution of carbon dioxide emissions caused by the upgrading of the drive system of the production system of the machine driving the items in the factory 120, and provides it to the target 130.

[0021] In factory 120, the production of items resulting from the updated production system (object system 121) is carried out. Object system 121 is configured as a plurality of drive machines, comprising a plurality of object machines 122. Furthermore, in Figure 1, object system 121 is configured with 3 object machines 122; however, this configuration is merely an example, and the number of object machines 122 constituting object system 121 can be arbitrary.

[0022] Sensors 123 are installed on the object machine 122. The sensors 123 actually measure the electrical power consumed by the object machine 122 constituting the object system 121 in the production of the items.

[0023] The power receiving system 124 receives and transforms the electricity needed to operate the factory 120, and supplies electricity to the target system 121. In this embodiment, the electricity for operating the factory 120 is supplied from multiple sources, and the proportion of electricity supplied by each source related to the supplied electricity is changed in real time. The power receiving system 124 has data (described later) that calculates the proportion based on the electricity supplied by each source related to the supplied electricity and reveals the proportion of electricity supplied by each source.

[0024] The Production Management System (PMS) 125 is a system for managing the production plan of items in factory 120. It has information on the production quantity of items and information (structural information) of the machines that constitute the object system 121.

[0025] Database 110 contains basic machine data 111, basic machine control data 112, and discharge coefficient data 113.

[0026] Basic machine data 111 is data on the control status and power consumption of the individual machines (basic machines) in the production system (basic system) that constitute the production of items before the update.

[0027] Basic machine control data 112 includes information on the production quantity of items caused by the basic system, information on each machine constituting the basic system, control information of each machine, and information on each power supply source.

[0028] The emission coefficient data 113 is data that reveals the emission coefficient of carbon dioxide gas corresponding to each power supply source. The carbon dioxide emission coefficient is the value of the amount of carbon dioxide gas emitted during power generation per unit of electricity supplied by the power supply source that enables the operation of plant 120. In this embodiment, this emission coefficient value is provided in real time from each power supply source.

[0029] The information processing device 100 provides the following functions: target system emission calculation function 101, basic system emission calculation function 102, reduction contribution calculation function 103, authentication function 104, and provision function 105.

[0030] The object system emission calculation function 101 is a function that calculates the amount of carbon dioxide gas emitted due to the production of the article caused by the object system 121. The calculation uses the total power consumption of the object system 121 actually measured by the complex sensor 123, the power supply ratio of each supply source obtained from the power receiving system 124 as described above, and the emission coefficient data 113 obtained from the database 110.

[0031] The basic system emission calculation function 102 is a function that calculates the amount of carbon dioxide gas emitted during the production of articles due to the basic system. This calculation uses basic machine data 111, basic machine control data 112, and emission coefficient data 113 obtained from the database 110.

[0032] The reduction contribution calculation function 103 is a function that calculates the reduction contribution of carbon dioxide gas emissions caused by the replacement of the production system of the product of the factory 120, i.e., the drive system that drives the machine, from the base system to the target system 121. By means of this function, the difference between the emissions calculated by the target system emissions calculation function 101 and the emissions calculated by the base system emissions calculation function 102 is calculated as the reduction contribution.

[0033] The authentication function 104 is a function that verifies the consistency between the information of the object machine 122 constituting the object system 121 in the factory 120 and the information of the constituting machine of the object system 121 managed by the production management system 125. This authentication is used to confirm the spoofing of the constituting machine of the object system 121 and the tampering of data when calculating the reduction contribution, and is performed during the initial operation when the object system 121 is set up in the factory 120.

[0034] The providing function 105 is a function that provides the reduced contribution amount calculated by the reduced contribution amount calculation function 103 to the providing target 130. Furthermore, Figure 1 shows how the reduced contribution amount is provided to four providing targets 130, but this structure is ultimately an example, and the number of providing targets 130 that provide the reduced contribution amount can be arbitrary.

[0035] Next, a description will be given with reference to FIG2. FIG2 is a detailed structural example of the information processing system 200 implementing the present invention.

[0036] The information processing system 200 provides a reduction contribution to the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions caused by the replacement of the basic system of the drive system of the production system with the drive machine with the object system 121. The information processing system 200 is composed of the information processing device 100, the database 110, and the sensor 123 shown in FIG1.

[0037] The sensor 123 in Figure 2 is a collection of the complex sensors 123 in Figure 1, which actually measure the electrical power consumed by the production of the object system 121, which is composed of a complex object machine 122, i.e., the first consumed electrical power.

[0038] The information processing device 100 includes a first conversion unit 201, an acquisition unit 202, a second conversion unit 203, a calculation unit 204, a provision unit 205, and an authentication unit 206.

[0039] The first conversion unit 201 calculates the first power consumption actually measured by the sensor 123, and thus obtains the amount of carbon dioxide gas emitted in the power generation of the power equivalent to the first power consumption, namely the first emission amount.

[0040] Furthermore, the actual measurement of the first power consumption may not be performed by directly measuring the power consumption of the object system 121 as in the case of sensor 123. For example, the power consumption calculated by software sensors that infer the power consumption of the object system 121 based on the power consumption of associated machines or other associated sensors may also be considered as the actual measured first power consumption.

[0041] The acquisition section 202 acquires the corresponding basic system because the electricity consumed in the production of the item is the second electricity consumed.

[0042] In this embodiment, power consumption data and machine control data are registered in database 110. Power consumption data discloses the power consumption of the plurality of basic machines for the basic system, based on the control settings for each individual basic machine. Machine control data discloses the control settings implemented for the individual basic machines in order to produce the items resulting from the basic system. Acquisition unit 202 acquires the power consumption data and machine control data from database 110 and uses this data to calculate the second power consumption, thereby acquiring the data.

[0043] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 202 uses the control mode of the complex object machine 122 based on the constituting object system 121 to derive the power consumption model of the power consumption, and obtains the power consumed by the control mode of the corresponding basic system as the second power consumption.

[0044] That is, for example, as a basic system's power consumption model, the environment of the basic system is constructed in virtual space using a digital twin method. The second power consumption is calculated based on this model, and the acquisition unit 202 can then acquire it. At this time, the basic power consumption model consists of a database 110 that registers the following information: power consumption data that reveals the power consumption of the multiple basic machines for the basic system for each control function, and machine control data that reveals the control functions performed on the multiple basic machines by operating the basic system.

[0045] Furthermore, for example, by simulating the operation mode of the target system 121 when obtaining the first power consumption, a power consumption model of the basic system can be created, and the acquisition unit 202 can obtain the second power consumption based on this model. In this case, the basic power consumption model is composed of a database 110 that registers the following information: power consumption data that reveals the power consumption of the multiple basic machines in the basic system for each control function, and machine control data that reveals the control functions performed on the multiple basic machines by operating the basic system.

[0046] The second conversion unit 203 calculates the second power consumption obtained by the acquisition unit 202, and thus obtains the amount of carbon dioxide gas emitted in the power generation of the power equivalent to the second power consumption, i.e., the second emission amount.

[0047] In the structural example shown in Figure 2, the acquisition unit 202 acquires proportional data and emission coefficient data 113 from the external system 210. The proportional data reveals the proportion of electricity supplied by each power source to the installation location (factory 120) of the target system 121, which is supplied from multiple power sources. The emission coefficient data 113, as described above, reveals the emission coefficient of carbon dioxide gas corresponding to each power source. In this embodiment, the acquisition unit 202 acquires the proportional data from the power receiving and transformation system 124 of the factory 120, and acquires the emission coefficient data 113 from the power generation system of the power supply source through the database 110. That is, the power receiving and transformation system 124 and the power generation system of the power supply source are examples of the external system 210.

[0048] The first conversion unit 201 and the second conversion unit 203 use the proportional data and discharge coefficient data 113 obtained by the acquisition unit 202 to convert the consumed electricity. That is, the first conversion unit 201 uses the proportional data and discharge coefficient data 113 to convert the first consumed electricity actually measured by the sensor 123 to obtain the first discharge amount. Similarly, the second conversion unit 203 uses the proportional data and discharge coefficient data 113 to convert the second consumed electricity obtained by the acquisition unit 202 to obtain the second discharge amount.

[0049] The calculation unit 204 calculates the difference between the first discharge amount obtained by the first conversion unit 201 and the second discharge amount obtained by the second conversion unit 203 and uses it as the reduction contribution.

[0050] The providing unit 205 provides the reduction contribution calculated by the calculation unit 204.

[0051] The information processing system 200 with this structure is used by the system 121 to calculate the contribution of carbon dioxide reduction based on the measured value of the electricity consumed in the production of the product. Therefore, the reduction contribution can be obtained as an actual value.

[0052] The certification unit 206 performs certification to ensure that the multiple machines actually constituting the target system 121 are consistent with the structural information obtained from the external system 210. Furthermore, the structural information is information about the machines specifically constituting the target system 121. In this embodiment, the certification unit 206 obtains the structural information from the production management system 125. That is, the production management system 125 is also an example of the external system 210.

[0053] The information processing system 200 illustrated in Figure 2 possesses the above-mentioned structural elements. Furthermore, among the functions provided by the information processing device 100, the target system emission calculation function 101 is provided by the first conversion unit 201, the basic system emission calculation function 102 is provided by the second conversion unit 203, and the reduction contribution calculation function 103 is provided by the calculation unit 204. Also, the authentication function 104 is provided by the authentication unit 206, and the provision function 105 is provided by the provision unit 205.

[0054] Furthermore, the first conversion unit 201 can calculate the power consumption of each unit of production of the item, calculated from the first power consumption, based on the production volume of the item caused by the object system 121, thereby obtaining the first discharge amount. Similarly, the second conversion unit 203 can calculate the power consumption of each unit of production of the item, calculated from the second power consumption, based on the production volume of the item caused by the base system, thereby obtaining the second discharge amount. At this time, the calculation unit 204 calculates the difference between the first discharge amount obtained by the first conversion unit 201 and the second discharge amount obtained by the second conversion unit 203 as the reduction contribution amount of the aforementioned unit production volume of the aforementioned item.

[0055] Next, Figure 3 will be used to illustrate the data structure example of each registered data in database 110.

[0056] As mentioned above, basic machine data 111, basic machine control data 112, and discharge coefficient data 113 are registered in database 110.

[0057] Basic machine data 111 is an example of power consumption data. For each basic machine that constitutes the basic system, data corresponding to the machine type, model name, manufacturing number, and power consumption of the basic machine is established. Furthermore, for the power consumption, the values ​​of each control logic for the control content of the basic machine (such as the machine's operating mode) are registered and disclosed.

[0058] Basic machine control data 112 is an example of machine control data. For each basic machine constituting the basic system, corresponding data is established between the machine type and model name and the control logic. Furthermore, the control logic records information identifying the control content applicable to each basic machine during the production of the items produced by the basic system. By establishing a correspondence between basic machine control data 112 and basic machine data 111, the machine type and model name information, and the control logic information, the power consumption of each basic machine during the production of the items produced by the basic system can be obtained.

[0059] The emission coefficient data 113 is data that establishes a correspondence between the name of the power supply source that supplies electricity to the plant 120 and the aforementioned emission coefficient of that power supply source.

[0060] Next, an example of the hardware structure of the information processing device 100 will be described using Figure 4.

[0061] The information processing device 100 includes structural elements such as a CPU 301, memory 302, input device 303, output device 304, auxiliary memory 305, object machine interface (I / F) 306, and communication interface (I / F) 307. These structural elements are all connected to an internal bus 308, configured to enable data transmission and reception between the various structural elements. Furthermore, "CPU" is short for Central Processing Unit. Also, "I / F" is short for Interface.

[0062] For example, CPU 301 uses memory 302 to execute a prescribed program to control the various hardware structural elements of information processing device 100, thereby enabling the provision of various functions of information processing device 100.

[0063] Memory 302, for example, is a semiconductor memory, which includes RAM and ROM regions. Furthermore, "RAM" is short for Random Access Memory. Also, "ROM" is short for Read Only Memory.

[0064] Input device 303, for example, a keyboard or pointing device for indicating input.

[0065] Output device 304 is a display device used for outputting various types of information.

[0066] The auxiliary memory device 305 is a non-volatile memory device, such as flash memory.

[0067] The target machine I / F306 sends and receives various data with the target machine 122 according to the instructions sent from the CPU 301. The data received by the target machine I / F306 from the target machine 122 also includes data on the power consumption of the target machine 122, which is actually measured by the sensor 123.

[0068] The communication I / F307 follows instructions from the CPU301 and sends and receives various data between the database 110, the power receiving system 124, the production management system 125, or the target 130 via a communication network (not shown).

[0069] The information processing device 100 has the hardware structure described above.

[0070] Next, the various processes performed by the information processing device 100 will be described. These processes are implemented by the CPU 301 executing a prescribed program.

[0071] The initial explanation pertains to the authentication process. Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating one example of the authentication process.

[0072] The authentication process is a process that verifies the consistency between the multiple machines that actually constitute the object system 121 and the structural information obtained from the external system 210, and it is also a process used to provide the function of the authentication unit 206.

[0073] When the processing of Figure 5 begins, the first step in S101 is to obtain the structural information of the object system 121 from the production management system 125.

[0074] Next, in S102, the process of sending identification information transmission requests to each object machine 122 constituting the object system 121 set up in the factory 120 is performed.

[0075] If the target machine 122 receives the identification information transmission request, it will send back identification information containing its own model name, serial number, and manufacturing number to the source of the request.

[0076] Next, in S103, the process of receiving identification information sent from the target machine 122 is performed. In the subsequent S104, the process of determining whether the identification information has been received is performed. In this determination process, if it is determined that the identification information has been received (when the determination result is YES), the process proceeds to S107.

[0077] On the other hand, in the determination process of S104, if it is determined that no identification information has been received (when the determination result is NO), the process is advanced to S105 to determine whether a predetermined time has elapsed in the state of not receiving identification information.

[0078] In the process of S105, when the decision process of S104 initially becomes NO, a timer (not shown) starts counting down. When the timer has counted down for a specified time, the decision result changes from NO to YES. Furthermore, if the decision process of S104 becomes YES after the start of the timer, the timer is stopped and reset.

[0079] In the determination process of S105, if it is determined that the specified time has elapsed (when the determination result is YES), the process proceeds to S106 to perform the process of outputting information indicating authentication failure through the output device 304. Then the authentication process ends.

[0080] In S107, a process is performed to determine whether the received identification information is appropriate. This process compares the machine type name, model name, and manufacturing number included in the identification information with the machine's structure information obtained from the production management system 125 through the process in S101. The result of this comparison is a determination that the identification information is appropriate if the two are consistent, and a determination that the identification information is inappropriate if they are inconsistent.

[0081] In the determination process of S107, if the identification information is determined to be appropriate (when the determination result is YES), the process proceeds to S108. On the other hand, if the identification information is determined to be inappropriate (when the determination result is NO) in the determination process of S107, the process proceeds to S106, where the output device 304 outputs information indicating authentication failure, and then the authentication process ends.

[0082] In S108, a process is performed to determine whether identification information has been received from all machines shown by the structure information of the object system 121. In this determination process of S108, if it is determined that identification information has been received from all machines (a determination result of YES), the process proceeds to S109. On the other hand, if it is determined in the determination process of S108 that there are still machines that have not received identification information (a determination result of NO), the process returns to S103, and the above process is performed again.

[0083] In the decision processing of S108, if the structural information obtained from the production management system 125 still contains information about machines that have not been compared with the identification information received through the processing of S103, the decision result becomes NO.

[0084] In step S109, the authentication process is performed by outputting a message indicating successful authentication via output device 304. The authentication process then ends.

[0085] The above processing is the authentication process illustrated in Figure 5.

[0086] Furthermore, in the processing of S106, the information of the machine determined as inappropriate in the determination processing of S107, the information of the machine that was not compared with the identification information received in the processing of S103, and the information indicating authentication failure can be output together or as information indicating authentication failure.

[0087] Next, the calculation and processing of the reduction contribution will be explained. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the calculation and processing of the reduction contribution.

[0088] The reduction contribution calculation process is a process that calculates and provides the reduction contribution of carbon dioxide gas emissions resulting from the displacement from the basic system of the drive system of the production system with the drive machine as an article to the object system 121.

[0089] When starting the processing shown in Figure 6, the basic system emission calculation process is first performed in S201. This process calculates the amount of carbon dioxide gas emitted during the production of the product due to the basic system. Details of this process will be described later.

[0090] Next, in S202, the emission calculation process of the target system is performed. This process calculates the emission amount of carbon dioxide gas emitted during the production of the article due to the target system 121. Details of this process will be described later.

[0091] In S203, a process is performed to calculate the reduction contribution based on the carbon dioxide emissions related to the basic system calculated by the process in S201 and the carbon dioxide emissions related to the target system 121 calculated by the process in S202. In this process, the reduction contribution is calculated by subtracting the carbon dioxide emissions related to the basic system (second emission amount) from the carbon dioxide emissions related to the target system 121 (first emission amount). This process is used to provide functionality for the calculation unit 204.

[0092] In S204, the process of receiving the request to provide the calculated reduction contribution amount is performed, and in the subsequent S205, the process of determining whether the request has been received is performed. The request is a request sent from the providing target 130.

[0093] In the determination process of S205, if it is determined that a request has been received (when the determination result is YES), the process proceeds to S206, where the reduction contribution calculated by the process of S203 is sent to the source of the received request, i.e., the request recipient 130. The process of S206 is used to provide the processing that serves as the function of the provision unit 205.

[0094] After processing in S206, the process returns to S202, and the processing after calculating the system discharge volume is repeated.

[0095] On the other hand, in the determination process of S205, if it is determined that the request has not been received (when the determination result is NO), the process of S206 is skipped and the process returns to S202.

[0096] The above processing is the reduction contribution calculation process illustrated in Figure 6.

[0097] Furthermore, in the processing shown in Figure 6, the sending source, i.e., the providing target 130, sends and provides a reduction contribution in response to the receiving request. However, the calculated reduction contribution can also be provided to the providing target 130 each time the reduction contribution is recalculated (regardless of whether there is a receiving request).

[0098] Next, the detailed process of S201, which is the basic system emission calculation process, in the reduction contribution calculation process shown in Figure 6 will be explained. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the basic system emission calculation process.

[0099] When the processing in Figure 7 begins, in S211, the basic machine data 111 and basic machine control data 112 are obtained from the database 110. Next, in S212, the electrical power consumed by the basic system due to the production of the item (secondary electrical power consumption) is calculated using the data obtained by the processing in S211.

[0100] In the S212 process, firstly, for each basic machine shown in the basic machine control data 112, the electrical power consumed when the basic machine operates due to the control logic applicable to the production of the article through the basic system is obtained from the basic machine data 111. Furthermore, the electrical power consumed by each basic machine is summed up, and this summation is used as the calculation result of the second electrical power consumption.

[0101] Next, in S213, the aforementioned proportional data, that is, data representing the proportion of power supply sources, is obtained from the power receiving and transformation system 124. In the subsequent S214, the discharge coefficient data 113 is obtained from the database 110.

[0102] The processes described above, from S211 to S214, are used to provide the functions of the acquisition unit 202.

[0103] Next, in S215, the proportional data and emission coefficient data 113 obtained by the processes in S212 and S213 are used to convert the second electricity consumption calculated by the process in S212 into carbon dioxide emissions. This process is used to provide the function of the second conversion unit 203.

[0104] In the process of S215, firstly, for each power supply source shown in the emission coefficient data 113, the emission coefficient related to the supply source is multiplied by the proportion of that power supply source shown in the proportion data. Furthermore, by summing the values ​​obtained for each power supply source, the emission coefficient of plant 120 is calculated, which is the carbon dioxide emission amount per unit of electricity consumed. By multiplying the emission coefficient of plant 120 thus obtained by the process of S212 by the second electricity consumption, the carbon dioxide emission amount related to the basic system (second emission amount) is calculated.

[0105] When the emission amount of carbon dioxide gas related to the basic system is obtained through the above S215 process, the basic system emission amount calculation process ends, and the process returns to the reduction contribution calculation process in Figure 6.

[0106] The above processing is the basic system discharge calculation processing illustrated in Figure 7.

[0107] Next, the details of the S202 process for calculating the reduction contribution in Figure 6, i.e., the process for calculating the emission amount of the target system, will be explained. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the process for calculating the emission amount of the target system.

[0108] When the processing of Figure 8 begins, in S221, the measured values ​​of the power consumption of each object machine 122 are obtained from the sensors 123 respectively installed in each object machine 122 constituting the object system 121.

[0109] Next, in S222, a process is performed to calculate the total power consumption (first power consumption) of the object system 121 by combining the power consumption data obtained from the sensors 123 through the processing in S221.

[0110] Next, in S223, the aforementioned proportional data, i.e., data representing the proportion of power supply sources, is obtained from the power receiving and transformation system 124. In subsequent S224, the discharge coefficient data 113 is obtained from the database 110. The processes in S223 and S224 are used to provide the processing for the function of the acquisition unit 202.

[0111] Next, in S225, the proportional data and emission coefficient data 113 obtained by the processes in S222 and S223 are used to convert the first electricity consumption calculated by the process in S222 into carbon dioxide emissions. This process is used to provide the function of the first conversion unit 201.

[0112] In the processing of S225, firstly, for each power supply source shown in the emission coefficient data 113, the emission coefficient related to the supply source is multiplied by the proportion of that power supply source shown in the proportion data. Furthermore, by summing the values ​​obtained for each power supply source, the emission coefficient of plant 120 is calculated, which is the carbon dioxide emission amount per unit of electricity consumed. By multiplying the emission coefficient of plant 120 thus obtained by the first electricity consumption calculated through the processing of S222, the carbon dioxide emission amount (first emission amount) related to the target system 121 is calculated.

[0113] When the emission amount of carbon dioxide gas related to the target system 121 is obtained through the above S225 process, the emission amount calculation process of the target system ends, and then the process returns to the reduction contribution calculation process in Figure 6.

[0114] The above processing is the process for calculating the discharge volume of the object system illustrated in Figure 8.

[0115] By performing the aforementioned processes through the information processing device 100, it is possible to provide a reduction contribution to the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions caused by the replacement of the basic system of the drive system of the production system with the drive machine as an article with the object system 121.

[0116] The above has described in detail the disclosed embodiments and advantages. However, those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains may make various changes, additions, or omissions without departing from the scope of the invention as clearly described in the patent application.

[0117] For example, a target value for the reduction contribution can be preset and stored in the memory area of ​​the information processing device 100. In this case, it can be determined whether the reduction contribution calculated by process S203 in the reduction contribution calculation process illustrated in FIG6 meets the target value. If it is determined that it does not meet the target value, a notification of this purpose can be output through the output device 304. Alternatively, if it is determined that the reduction contribution does not meet the target value, in the process S206, information indicating that the reduction contribution does not meet the target value can be sent along with the calculated reduction contribution, or sent instead of the calculated reduction contribution.

[0118] For example, an appropriate range related to the power consumption of the target machine 122 can be preset and stored in the memory area of ​​the information processing device 100. In this case, it can be determined whether the measured value of the power consumption of the target machine 122 obtained from the sensor 123 through the processing S221 illustrated in FIG8 meets the appropriate range. If it is determined that the range is not met, a notification of the relevant information can be output through the output device 304.

[0119] For example, the second power consumption calculated by process S212 in the process illustrated in Figure 7, and the first power consumption calculated by process S222 in the process illustrated in Figure 8, can also be used as the power consumption for each unit production quantity of the article. That is, for example, in process S212, the total power consumption of each basic machine is divided by the production quantity of the article produced by the basic system consuming that total power, as the result of calculating the second power consumption. Similarly, in process S222, the total power consumption obtained from each sensor 123 is divided by the production quantity of the article produced by the object system 121 consuming that total power, as the result of calculating the first power consumption. Thus, the reduction contribution calculated by process S203 in the process illustrated in Figure 6 becomes the reduction contribution for each production quantity of the article. Furthermore, the unit for the production quantity of the article can also be, for example, a batch unit.

[0120] Furthermore, as another implementation of the drive system, an article transport system can be cited. As shown in FIG1, the information processing device 100 is connected to the database 110. The information processing device 100 calculates the reduction contribution of carbon dioxide emissions caused by the upgrading of the drive system of the drive machine in the article transport system in the factory or warehouse, and provides it to the target 130.

[0121] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the information processing system 200 has been described as a driving system related to the production of goods. However, the information processing system 200 can also be used as a goods transportation system. In the goods transportation system, "goods production" can be replaced with "goods transportation", and "Production Management System (PMS)" can be replaced with "Point of Distribution System (PDS)" and "Warehouse Management System (WMS)", etc.

[0122] Furthermore, in the above-described implementation, examples of calculating the reduction contribution for each production quantity of an item and the reduction contribution for each batch unit have been explained. Here, when the information processing system 200 is used as the drive system for the transport-related process, it is also possible to calculate the reduction contribution required for a specific number of transported items and the reduction contribution required for transporting one item. Also, as an example of a business operation, in the automation of the operation of sorting, retrieving items from the factory premises or warehouse, and moving them to a designated location (picking work), the reduction contribution for reducing carbon dioxide emissions due to the upgrade of the drive system with the drive machine in the item transport system is calculated. In this case, the drive machine consists of an inverter, conveyor, transport robot, Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV), etc.

[0123] 100: Information processing device 101: System Discharge Calculation Function 102: Basic system discharge calculation function 103: Function for calculating contribution reduction 104: Authentication Function 105: Provides functionality 110: Database 111: Basic Machine Data 112: Basic Machine Control Data 113: Discharge coefficient data 120: Factory 121: Object System 122: Object Machine 123: Sensor 124: Substation 125: Production Management System 130: Provide target 200: Information Processing System 201: First Conversion Department 202: Acquisition Department 203: Second Conversion Department 204: Computing Department 205: Provision Department 206: Certification Department 210: External System 301: CPU 302: Memory 303: Input device 304: Output device 305: Auxiliary Memory Device 306: Object Machine I / F 307: Communications I / F 308: Internal Bus

Claims

1. An information processing system that provides a reduction contribution of carbon dioxide emissions resulting from the replacement of a base system with a drive system having a drive machine with an object system, characterized by comprising: a sensor that actually measures the electrical power consumed by the object system through the drive machine, i.e., a first consumed electrical power; a first conversion unit that calculates the amount of carbon dioxide emitted in the generation of electricity equivalent to the first consumed electrical power measured by the sensor, i.e., a first emission amount; an acquisition unit that derives a power consumption model based on the control mode of the drive machine, and acquires the electrical power consumed according to the control mode of the base system, i.e., a second consumed electrical power; and a second conversion unit that calculates the second consumed electrical power, i.e., the amount of carbon dioxide emitted in the generation of electricity equivalent to the second consumed electrical power, i.e., a second emission amount. The calculation unit calculates the difference between the first discharge amount and the second discharge amount as the aforementioned reduction contribution; and the authentication unit performs authentication on the consistency between the multiple machines that actually constitute the aforementioned object system and the structural information obtained from the external system.

2. The information processing system as described in claim 1, wherein, The aforementioned acquisition unit further acquires the following data from an external system: proportional data, which reveals the proportion of electricity supplied from each of the multiple supply sources to the installation site of the aforementioned object system; and emission coefficient data, which, corresponding to each of the aforementioned supply sources, reveals the amount of carbon dioxide gas emitted in the generation of a unit of electricity from the aforementioned multiple supply sources. The aforementioned first conversion unit uses the aforementioned proportional data and the aforementioned emission coefficient data to convert the aforementioned first power consumption into the aforementioned first emission amount. The aforementioned second conversion unit uses the aforementioned proportional data and the aforementioned emission coefficient data to convert the aforementioned second power consumption into the aforementioned second emission amount.

3. The information processing system as described in claim 1, wherein, The aforementioned power consumption model consists of a database that registers the following data: power consumption data, which discloses the power consumption of the plurality of aforementioned drive machines for the aforementioned basic system for each control content of the plurality of aforementioned drive machines; and machine control data, which discloses the control content performed on the plurality of aforementioned drive machines by operating the aforementioned basic system. The aforementioned acquisition unit obtains the aforementioned power consumption data and the aforementioned machine control data from the aforementioned database, and calculates the aforementioned second power consumption by using the aforementioned power consumption data and the aforementioned machine control data.

4. The information processing system as described in Request 1, wherein, The first conversion unit calculates the power consumption of each unit of the product produced using the drive system, calculated from the first power consumption, by operating the aforementioned object system, thereby obtaining the first discharge amount. The second conversion unit calculates the power consumption of each unit of the product, calculated from the second power consumption, by operating the aforementioned basic system, thereby obtaining the second discharge amount. The calculation unit calculates the difference between the first discharge amount and the second discharge amount as the reduction contribution of each unit of the product.

5. An information processing method that provides an information processing method for reducing the amount of carbon dioxide gas emitted as a result of the replacement of a base system having a drive system having a drive machine with an object system, characterized in that the information processing apparatus performs the following steps: Calculating the first power consumption, which is actually measured by a sensor that measures the power consumed by the object system via the drive machine, and thus obtaining the amount of carbon dioxide gas emitted in power generation equivalent to the first power consumption, i.e., the first emission amount; deriving a power consumption model based on the control mode of the drive machine to obtain the power consumed according to the control mode of the base system, i.e., the second power consumption; Calculating the second power consumption and thus obtaining the amount of carbon dioxide gas emitted in power generation equivalent to the second power consumption, i.e., the second emission amount; Calculating the difference between the first emission amount and the second emission amount as the reduction contribution amount; and verifying the consistency between the structural information obtained from an external system and the plurality of machines actually constituting the object system.

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