Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

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

Description

Information processing device, information processing method, and program

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program.

[0002] When multiple products are produced in a production plant, a production plan is generated in advance by an information processing device. The production plan indicates which processing steps for which products are to be executed by each of multiple processing devices installed in the production plant for each time period.

[0003] An information processing device generates a production plan by solving a mathematical programming problem or the like. The information processing device generates the production plan by allocating processing steps to each of a plurality of processing devices for each time period so that the processing steps are executed for each of a plurality of products in a predetermined order. Also, a production deadline, which is a target date and time for completing production, is usually set for each of a plurality of products. Therefore, the information processing device generates a production plan so that production of each of a plurality of products is completed before the set production deadline.

[0004] Furthermore, when a production plant produces multiple products, it consumes one or more types of energy, such as electricity, high-pressure gas, medium-pressure gas, and low-pressure gas, supplied from an energy plant. Therefore, when multiple products are produced in the production plant, an energy supply plan is generated in advance by an information processing device. The energy supply plan indicates the parameters under which multiple devices provided in the energy plant are to operate for each time period. Typically, the information processing device generates the energy supply plan so as to supply at least the energy (second energy) that the production plant would consume if the production plant were operated according to the production plan, and to minimize the amount of energy (first energy) used by the energy plant.

[0005] Conventionally, the amount of the first energy used by the energy plant has not been taken into consideration when generating a production plan. Therefore, conventionally, when a production plant produces multiple products, the production plan has not been generated so as to minimize the amount of the first energy consumed by the energy plant. Furthermore, while it is possible to minimize the amount of the first energy when generating a production plan by combining the production plan and the energy supply plan, this would result in a large number of constraints, making it difficult to solve the problem within a realistic calculation time.

[0006] Patent No. 6496470

[0007] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to calculate a production plan and an energy supply plan that balance a schedule for producing multiple products and the amount of first energy consumed to produce the multiple products.

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

[0009] A diagram showing the configuration of a production system according to an embodiment. A diagram showing the configuration of an energy plant. A diagram showing production information. A diagram showing a production plan. A diagram showing changes in second energy over time. A diagram showing the configuration of a scheduling device. A flowchart showing the processing flow of the scheduling device. A diagram for explaining a method of updating a time-series target energy. A diagram showing a Pareto solution. A diagram showing the hardware configuration of the scheduling device.

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0011] 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a production system 10 according to an embodiment. The production system 10 produces a plurality of products.

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

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

[0014] The first energy is, for example, coal, petroleum, liquefied natural gas, and electricity purchased from an electric power company, etc. The second energy is electricity, high-pressure gas, medium-pressure gas, low-pressure gas, etc. The energy plant 22 generates various types of second energy, such as electricity, high-pressure gas, medium-pressure gas, and low-pressure gas, in accordance with an energy supply plan generated in advance by the scheduling device 30.

[0015] The production plant 24 consumes the second energy supplied from the energy plant 22 to produce a plurality of products. The plurality of products may not all be of the same type, but may include a plurality of types. Each of the plurality of products is completed by performing one or more processes in a predetermined order. The production plant 24 produces each of the plurality of products by performing processing of one or more processes in a predetermined order depending on the type.

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

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

[0018] The scheduling device 30 acquires production information and energy plant information prior to the production of multiple products, and generates a production plan and an energy supply plan. The production plan represents a plan for producing multiple products using the production plant 24. The energy supply plan represents a plan for operating the energy plant 22.

[0019] The scheduling device 30 provides the generated energy supply plan to the energy plant 22 prior to the production of the multiple products. The energy plant 22 consumes a first energy and generates a second energy in accordance with the provided energy supply plan during a production period in which the multiple products are produced. Furthermore, the scheduling device 30 provides the generated production plan to the production plant 24 prior to the production of the multiple products. The production plant 24 produces the multiple products in accordance with the provided production plan during the production period.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the energy plant 22.

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

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

[0023] The controller of the energy plant 22 receives the energy supply plan from the scheduling device 30. The controller controls the equipment and the like provided in the energy plant 22 in a time series manner in accordance with the parameters indicated in the energy supply plan. As a result, the controller can supply second energy, such as electricity, high-pressure gas, and low-pressure gas, which changes in time series in accordance with the energy supply plan, from the energy plant 22 to the production plant 24.

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

[0025] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of production information.

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

[0027] The production information also includes a process sequence that indicates the execution order of one or more processes for each type of product. The content of the processing to be performed for each of the one or more processes is predetermined. For example, the production information shown in FIG. 3 includes a sequence of processes for a product of type A. １ →A ２ →…→A ｎ A sequence of processes indicating that the processes are executed in the order of B, and B for the product of type B. １ →B ２ →…→B ｎ The sequence includes a sequence of steps indicating that the steps are performed in the order shown.

[0028] The production information also includes process-available information indicating which of the multiple processes can be executed by each of the multiple processing devices included in the production plant 24. For example, the production information shown in FIG. １ , A ｎ ...etc., and the kth device can perform the steps B １ , B ｎ The process includes process-available information indicating that processes such as ... can be performed.

[0029] The production information also includes energy consumption information for each executable process for each of the multiple processing devices. The energy consumption information includes the processing time from the start to the completion of the processing, the type of second energy consumed, and the change over time in the amount of the second energy consumed during the processing time. The change over time in the amount of the second energy consumed may be expressed, for example, by a function or by a numerical sequence of the amount of energy for each time period. For example, the production information shown in FIG. 3 includes A １ When the jth device executes the process, the processing time is T Ａ１ 3 indicates that the type of second energy is electric power and low-pressure gas. Furthermore, the production information shown in FIG. 3 includes a function that indicates the time change of electric power and low-pressure gas during the processing time.

[0030] In this way, the production information includes information about multiple products to be produced by the production plant 24, and information about processing equipment and processes for producing the multiple products by the production plant 24. The scheduling device 30 generates a production plan for producing the multiple products in the production plant 24 so as to satisfy this production information. Note that if the configuration of the production plant 24 is fixed, the scheduling device 30 may store in advance the process sequence, process information, and energy consumption information.

[0031] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a production plan.

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

[0033] For example, in the production plan shown in FIG. 4, the jth machine is １ From t ２ A for product ID=1 in the time period up to １ The process is performed, and the time is t ３ From t ４ B for product ID=2 during the time period up to １ The process is performed, and the time is t ４ From t ５ A for product ID=3 during the time period up to １ In addition, the production plan shown in FIG. 4 indicates that the kth device executes the process at time t １ From t ３ B for product ID=2 during the time period up to １ The process is performed, and the time is t ３ From t ４ A for product ID=1 in the time period up to ２ The process is performed, and the time is t ４ From t ６ B for product ID=2 during the time period up to ３ It is shown that the steps are carried out.

[0034] The production plant 24 causes each of the processing devices to perform a process in accordance with the production plan, thereby enabling the production plant 24 to produce each of the multiple products by performing the process in accordance with the process sequence indicated in the production information.

[0035] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the change over time in the second energy consumed by the production plant 24 when a plurality of products are produced according to a production plan.

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

[0037] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of the scheduling device 30.

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

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

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

[0041] The first problem generation unit 46 generates a plurality of production planning problems. For example, the first problem generation unit 46 initially generates one production planning problem. Thereafter, the first problem generation unit 46 generates a new production planning problem every time update information is received from the update unit 64. The first problem generation unit 46 generates one new production planning problem that is different from the production planning problems that have already been generated every time update information is received from the update unit 64. Note that the first problem generation unit 46 may simultaneously generate two or more predetermined number of new production planning problems that are different from each other every time update information is received from the update unit 64. Furthermore, the first problem generation unit 46 may generate a new production planning problem that is the same as a production planning problem that has already been generated.

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

[0043] More specifically, in this embodiment, the production planning problem is a problem of minimizing an objective function that represents a time-series energy difference. The production planning problem may include a function that represents a constraint condition in addition to the objective function.

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

[0045] For example, the values ​​of each of the multiple decision variables in a production planning problem represent the allocation of a product to be processed among a plurality of products and a process to be performed among a plurality of processes to a first processing device, which is one of the multiple processing devices, during a specific time period during a production period. That is, the values ​​of the multiple decision variables represent which of the multiple processing devices will process the process indicated in the corresponding process sequence for each of the multiple products and in which time period. In other words, the production planning problem is a problem of calculating the values ​​of the multiple decision variables so that each of the multiple products is processed in the order indicated in the corresponding process sequence and so that the second energy consumed in a time series approaches the target energy in a time series.

[0046] When generating the first production planning problem among a plurality of production planning problems, the first problem generator 46 generates the production planning problem based on, for example, a predetermined initial time-series target energy and production information.

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

[0048] Then, every time the first problem generator 46 generates a production planning problem, it provides the generated production planning problem to the first plan generator 48 .

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

[0050] If the production planning problem received from the first plan generating unit 48 is in a format that cannot be solved by the solver unit, the first plan generating unit 48 formulates the production planning problem into a format that can be solved by the solver unit. For example, if the solver unit is a QUBO (Quadratic Unconstrained Binary Optimization) solver and the production planning problem includes constraint conditions, the first plan generating unit 48 may generate a QUBO formula by expressing the constraint conditions as a penalty formula and incorporating it into the objective function.

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

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

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

[0054] The delivery date penalty calculation unit 50 calculates a penalty amount based on the production deadline for each of the multiple products indicated in the production information and the production plan. The penalty amount represents the magnitude of the penalty for one or more delivery date violators whose production will be completed beyond the production deadline if the production plant 24 is operated according to the production plan. For example, the penalty amount is the sum of the delay times from the production deadline to the completion time for all of the one or more delivery date violators. The penalty amount may also be the number of one or more delivery date violators. The penalty amount may also be the total price of the one or more delivery date violators, or the additional cost due to the occurrence of the one or more delivery date violators. The delivery date penalty calculation unit 50 stores the calculated penalty amount in the storage unit 62 in association with the production plan.

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

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

[0057] The second problem generator 54 receives the time-series second energy calculated by the second energy calculator 52. The second problem generator 54 also receives the energy plant information acquired by the energy plant information input unit 44.

[0058] The second problem generator 54 generates an energy planning problem based on the time-series second energy and the energy plant information every time the time-series second energy is calculated by the second energy calculator 52 .

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

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

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

[0062] For example, each of the multiple decision variables in the energy planning problem represents a parameter for controlling, during a specific time period, a specific device among one or more devices provided in the energy plant 22. In other words, the energy planning problem is a problem of calculating values ​​of the multiple decision variables so as to minimize the amount of a first energy under the condition that the energy plant 22 outputs at least a time-series second energy that is consumed when the production plant 24 is operated according to the production plan.

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

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

[0065] If the energy planning problem received from the second plan generation unit 56 is in a format that cannot be solved by the solver unit, the second plan generation unit 56 formulates the energy planning problem into a format that can be solved by the solver unit. For example, if the solver unit is a QUBO solver and the energy planning problem includes constraint conditions, the second plan generation unit 56 may generate a QUBO formula, for example, by expressing the constraint conditions as a penalty formula and incorporating them into the objective function.

[0066] The second plan generation unit 56 obtains a solution to the energy planning problem from the solver unit, i.e., obtains values ​​of multiple decision variables included in an objective function included in the energy planning problem. Then, the second plan generation unit 56 generates an energy supply plan based on the solution to the energy planning problem. For example, the second plan generation unit 56 represents parameters for controlling the operation of one or more devices included in the energy plant 22, such as a boiler, a turbine, a generator, and a valve, in each time period.

[0067] The second plan generating unit 56 stores the generated energy supply plan in the storage unit 62 as a pair with the production plan on which the generated energy supply plan is based. The second plan generating unit 56 also provides the generated energy supply plan to the first energy calculating unit 58.

[0068] The first energy calculation unit 58 receives the energy supply plan from the second plan generation unit 56. The first energy calculation unit 58 calculates the amount of first energy that will be consumed by the energy plant 22 when the energy plant 22 is operated in accordance with the energy supply plan during a production period from the production start time to the production end time of a plurality of products. The first energy calculation unit 58 stores the calculated amount of first energy in the storage unit 62 in association with the energy supply plan. Furthermore, the first energy calculation unit 58 provides the calculated amount of first energy to the evaluation value calculation unit 60.

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

[0070] The evaluation value is expressed by, for example, equation (1): EV=αE+(1−α)D (1)

[0071] In formula (1), EV represents an evaluation value, E represents the amount of first energy when the energy plant 22 is operated according to the energy supply plan, and D represents a penalty amount, which represents the magnitude of the penalty for one or more delivery date violating products whose production is completed beyond the production deadline when the production plant 24 is operated according to the production plan.

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

[0073] In evaluating a set of a production plan and an energy supply plan, α is set in advance according to the balance between the importance of reducing the amount of the first energy and the importance of reducing the penalty for a delivery-violating product that is completed beyond the production deadline. α is set to a value closer to 1 as reducing the amount of the first energy becomes more important than reducing the penalty for a delivery-violating product.

[0074] The evaluation value calculation unit 60 stores the calculated evaluation value in the storage unit 62 in association with the set of the production plan and energy supply plan on which the calculation is based.

[0075] The storage unit 62 stores a pair of a production plan and an energy supply plan generated in response to each of a plurality of production planning problems, and stores the penalty amount, the amount of the first energy, and the evaluation value calculated based on the pair of the stored production plan and the energy supply plan, in association with the pair.

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

[0077] Such a scheduling device 30 can sequentially repeat the generation of a production planning problem, a production plan, an energy planning problem, and an energy supply plan, and can store multiple sets of production plans and energy supply plans in the memory unit 62.

[0078] The output unit 66 determines whether the repetition of generating a production planning problem, a production plan, an energy planning problem, and an energy supply plan has reached a predetermined end condition. If the repetition of generating a production planning problem, a production plan, an energy planning problem, and an energy supply plan has reached a predetermined end condition, the output unit 66 stops the repetition of generating a production planning problem, a production plan, an energy planning problem, and an energy supply plan.

[0079] After the termination condition is reached, the output unit 66 selects one or more pairs of production plans and energy supply plans from the plurality of pairs of production plans and energy supply plans stored in the storage unit 62 .

[0080] For example, after the termination condition is reached, the output unit 66 selects the pair of production plans and energy supply plans with the smallest evaluation value from among the multiple pairs of production plans and energy supply plans stored in the storage unit 62. Then, the output unit 66 outputs the selected pair of production plans and energy supply plans. For example, the output unit 66 provides the production plan for the selected pair of production plans and energy supply plans to the production plant 24 and the energy supply plan to the energy plant 22.

[0081] The output unit 66 may select a predetermined number of pairs of production plans and energy supply plans starting from the pair with the smallest evaluation value. In this case, the output unit 66 determines one pair of production plans and energy supply plans from the two or more selected pairs of production plans and energy supply plans in accordance with, for example, an instruction from a user. The scheduling device 30 then provides the production plant 24 with a generation plan for the determined pair of production plans and energy supply plans, and provides the energy supply plan to the energy plant 22.

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

[0083] First, in S11, the scheduling device 30 acquires production information about a plurality of products to be produced by the production plant 24. Next, in S12, the scheduling device 30 acquires energy plant information indicating the configuration of the equipment of the energy plant 22. Next, in S13, the scheduling device 30 acquires an initial time-series target energy.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0092] Next, in S22, the scheduling device 30 calculates the amount of first energy that will be consumed by the energy plant 22 when the energy plant 22 is operated in accordance with the energy supply plan during the production period from the production start time to the production end time of the multiple products. Then, the scheduling device 30 stores the calculated amount of first energy in the storage unit 62 in association with the energy supply plan generated in S21.

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

[0094] Subsequently, in S24, the scheduling device 30 determines whether a predetermined termination condition has been reached.

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

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

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

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

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

[0100] In S26, the scheduling device 30 selects one pair of a production plan and an energy supply plan with the smallest evaluation value from among the plurality of pairs of a production plan and an energy supply plan stored in the storage unit 62. Note that the scheduling device 30 may also select a predetermined number of pairs of a production plan and an energy supply plan with the smallest evaluation value from among the plurality of pairs of a production plan and an energy supply plan stored in the storage unit 62.

[0101] Next, in S27, the scheduling device 30 outputs the set of production plans and energy supply plans selected in S26. For example, the scheduling device 30 provides a generation plan for the selected set of production plans and energy supply plans to the production plant 24, and provides an energy supply plan to the energy plant 22. Note that when two or more sets of production plans and energy supply plans are selected, the scheduling device 30 outputs one set of production plans and energy supply plans in accordance with an instruction from a user or the like, from among the two or more selected sets of production plans and energy supply plans.

[0102] Then, when the scheduling device 30 finishes the process of S27, it ends the process of this flow.

[0103] Next, a method for updating the production planning problem from the second time onwards will be explained.

[0104] When generating a production planning problem for the second or subsequent times, the update unit 64 generates update information based on the generated production planning problem stored in the storage unit 62. The generated production planning problem is a production planning problem for which a production plan has already been generated. Then, the first problem generation unit 46 generates a new production planning problem based on the update information. The new production planning problem is a production planning problem for which a production plan has not yet been generated.

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

[0106] For example, when generating a production planning problem for the second or subsequent time, the update unit 64 updates the time-series target energy used in the previously generated production planning problem to generate a new time-series target energy that is different from the time-series target energy used in the previously generated production planning problem. Then, the first problem generator 46 generates a new production planning problem using the new time-series target energy as the time-series target energy. This allows the update unit 64 to generate a new production planning problem that is different from the already generated production planning problem. This allows the update unit 64 to generate a pair of a production plan and an energy supply plan that is likely to obtain a different evaluation value from the pair of a production plan and an energy supply plan stored in the storage unit 62.

[0107] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a method for updating the target energy in a time series.

[0108] For example, the update unit 64 calculates a time-series energy loss by subtracting a time-series second energy that would be consumed if the production plant 24 were operated in accordance with the production plan generated in accordance with the generated production planning problem from a time-series first energy that would be consumed if the energy plant 22 were operated in accordance with the energy supply plan generated in accordance with the generated production planning problem.The update unit 64 then generates a new time-series target energy by reducing the energy change in a time period in which the time-series energy loss is greater than a predetermined threshold value to a value smaller than the time-series target energy used to generate the generated production planning problem.

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

[0110] In addition, when the second energy includes a plurality of energy types, the second energy in the time series is expressed as B(t)=β １ x(t) + β ２ y(t)+β ３ c(t) + ..., where x(t), y(t) and c(t) represent the second energy in time series for each energy type. β １、 β ２ and β ３ is a coefficient corresponding to the enthalpy of each energy type.

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

[0112] 8 , the update unit 64 generates a time-series target energy that reduces or eliminates the energy fluctuation in a time period when the energy loss between the first energy in the time series and the second energy in the time series is large. This allows the update unit 64 to generate a pair of a production plan and an energy supply plan that is likely to reduce the loss of the first energy.

[0113] Furthermore, for example, the updating unit 64 may identify a delivery-violating product among the multiple products whose production will be completed beyond the production deadline when the production plant 24 is operated according to the generated production planning problem.The updating unit 64 may then generate a new time-series target energy in which the second energy in the time period in which the delivery-violating product is produced is greater than the time-series second energy consumed when the production plant 24 is operated according to the generated production planning problem.The updating unit 64 can fully utilize the processing capacity of the production plant 24 by increasing the target energy in the time period in which the delivery-violating product is likely to occur and in which the production plant 24 has spare processing capacity.In this way, the updating unit 64 can generate a pair of a production plan and an energy supply plan that is likely to reduce the occurrence of delivery-violating products.

[0114] Furthermore, for example, the update unit 64 may change the new time-series target energy generated as described above based on a random number or a predetermined function such as a distribution function, etc. In this way, the update unit 64 can generate a pair of a production plan and an energy supply plan that is likely to obtain a different evaluation value from the pair of the production plan and the energy supply plan stored in the storage unit 62.

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

[0116] Next, a method for generating the initial production planning problem will be explained.

[0117] For example, when generating the first production planning problem among a plurality of production planning problems, the first problem generator 46 generates the production planning problem based on a predetermined initial time-series target energy and production information. For example, the first problem generator 46 reads from a memory or the like a time-series target energy generated in advance by a user or the like, and generates the first production planning problem.

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

[0119] Furthermore, for example, the first problem generator 46 may generate an initial production planning problem using, as a time-series target energy, the time-series energy consumption when the production plant 24 is operated based on a production plan represented by a solution to a problem minimizing a parameter other than the time-series energy difference. The problem of minimizing a parameter other than the time-series energy difference may be, for example, a mathematical programming problem that minimizes the number of products whose production is completed beyond their respective production deadlines, and obtains a solution representing a plan for producing multiple products by the production plant 24. The problem of minimizing a parameter other than the time-series energy difference may be, for example, a mathematical programming problem that minimizes the time it takes to complete production of all of the multiple products, and obtains a solution representing a plan for producing the multiple products by the production plant 24. In this way, the first problem generator 46 can compare the amount of first energy consumption when multiple products are produced according to a production plan generated based on solutions to the second or subsequent production planning problems with the amount of first energy consumption when multiple products are produced according to a production plan generated based on solutions to other problems.

[0120] Furthermore, for example, the first problem generator 46 may calculate a time-series averaged energy consumption by averaging, over the production time of multiple products, the time-series energy consumption when the production plant 24 is operated based on a production plan represented by a solution to a problem that minimizes a parameter other than the time-series energy difference. The first problem generator 46 may then generate an initial production plan problem using the time-series averaged energy consumption as a time-series target energy. Equipment such as boilers provided in the energy plant 22 suffers significant energy loss due to output fluctuations. Therefore, the first problem generator 46 can increase the likelihood of generating a production plan that enables multiple products to be produced with a small amount of first energy by setting a time-series target energy with little time fluctuation and generating a production plan problem.

[0121] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a modified example of information output from the output unit 66. In FIG.

[0122] The output unit 66 may output a Pareto solution based on a plurality of sets of production plans and energy supply plans stored in the storage unit 62. For example, the output unit 66 determines the magnitude of the penalty for one or more delivery date violating products whose production is completed beyond the production deadline when the production plant 24 is operated according to the production plan as a first evaluation value (D). Furthermore, the output unit 66 determines the amount of first energy when the energy plant 22 is operated according to the energy supply plan as a second evaluation value (E).

[0123] Then, the output unit 66 selects and outputs one or more pairs from the multiple pairs stored in the memory unit 62 in which the other of the first evaluation value (D) and the second evaluation value (E) is smallest while one of the first evaluation value (D) and the second evaluation value (E) is fixed.

[0124] There is a high possibility that there is a trade-off relationship between the penalty value for a delivery date violating product and the amount of the first energy, so the output unit 66 outputs a Pareto solution representing the trade-off relationship between the penalty value and the amount of the first energy as shown in FIG. 9 , thereby allowing the user to select a balance between the penalty value for a delivery date violating product and the amount of the first energy to be consumed.

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

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

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

[0128] The RAM 302 is a memory such as an SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory) and functions as a work area for the CPU 301. The ROM 303 is a memory that stores programs and various information in a non-rewritable manner.

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

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

[0131] The storage device 306 is a device that writes and reads data to a semiconductor storage medium such as a flash memory, or a magnetically or optically recordable storage medium, etc. The storage device 306 writes and reads data to the storage medium in accordance with control from the CPU 301. The communication device 307 communicates with external devices via a network in accordance with control from the CPU 301.

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

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

[0134] In addition, the program to be executed by the computer is provided as a file in a format that can be installed on the computer or in a format that can be executed by the computer, and is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk, a CD-R, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk).

[0135] This program may also be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. This program may also be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet. The program executed by scheduling device 30 may also be provided by being pre-installed in ROM 303 or the like.

[0136] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above-described embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These novel embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the inventions and their equivalents as defined in the claims.

[0137] (Additional Note) The above embodiment can be summarized as the following technical proposal.

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

[0139] [Technical proposal 2] The production planning problem is solved based on a time-series energy difference between a set time-series target energy and a time-series energy consumption when the production plant produces the multiple products, thereby obtaining a solution that represents the production plan; and the energy planning problem is solved based on the first energy under the condition that the production plant is supplied with at least a time-series second energy that is consumed when the production plant is operated according to the production plan, thereby obtaining a solution that represents the energy supply plan. An information processing device as described in Technical proposal 1.

[0140] [Technical proposal 3] The information processing device described in Technical proposal 2, wherein the production planning problem is a problem of minimizing an objective function that represents an energy difference in the time series, and values ​​of a plurality of decision variables included in the objective function in the production planning problem represent the production plan.

[0141] [Technical Solution 4] The information processing device described in Technical Solution 2 or 3, wherein the energy planning problem is a problem of minimizing an objective function representing the first energy, and values ​​of a plurality of decision variables included in the objective function in the energy planning problem represent the energy supply plan.

[0142] [Technical Proposal 5] The processing unit comprises: a first problem generation unit that generates the production planning problem; a first plan generation unit that solves the production planning problem and generates the production plan based on a solution of the production planning problem; a second problem generation unit that generates the energy planning problem; and a second plan generation unit that solves the energy planning problem and generates the energy supply plan based on the solution of the energy planning problem, wherein the first problem generation unit repeatedly generates the production planning problem a plurality of times, and each time the production planning problem is generated, the first plan generation unit generates the production plan based on the solution of the production planning problem, the second problem generation unit generates the energy planning problem based on the production plan, and the second plan generation unit generates the energy supply plan based on the solution of the energy planning problem. The information processing device described in any one of Technical Proposals 2 to 4.

[0143] [Technical proposal 6] The information processing device described in Technical proposal 5, wherein the processing unit further includes an update unit that generates update information based on a generated production planning problem, which is the production planning problem for which the production plan has already been generated, when generating the production planning problem for the second or subsequent time, and the first problem generation unit generates a new production planning problem, which is the production planning problem for which the production plan has not yet been generated, based on the update information.

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

[0145] [Technical Proposal 8] The information processing device described in Technical Proposal 7, wherein the update unit calculates a time-series energy loss by subtracting a time-series second energy that would be consumed if the production plant were to be operated in accordance with the production plan generated in accordance with the generated production planning problem from a time-series first energy that would be consumed if the energy plant were to be operated in accordance with the energy supply plan generated in accordance with the generated production planning problem; generates the new time-series target energy by making the energy change in a time period when the time-series energy loss is greater than a predetermined threshold smaller than the time-series target energy used to generate the generated production planning problem; and the first problem generation unit generates the new production planning problem using the new time-series target energy as the time-series target energy.

[0146] [Technical Proposal 9] The information processing device described in Technical Proposal 7, wherein the update unit identifies products among the plurality of products that violate delivery dates and whose production will be completed beyond their production deadlines when the production plant is operated according to the generated production planning problem, generates the new time-series target energy by making the second energy in the time period when the products that violate delivery dates are produced greater than the second time-series energy that would be consumed when the production plant is operated according to the generated production planning problem, and the first problem generation unit generates the new production planning problem using the new time-series target energy as the time-series target energy.

[0147] [Technical Solution 10] The information processing device according to Technical Solution 7, wherein the update unit changes the target energy of the new time series based on a random number or a predetermined function.

[0148] [Technical proposal 11] The information processing device described in Technical proposal 6, wherein the update unit generates new constraint conditions by updating constraint conditions included in the generated production planning problem, and the first problem generation unit generates the new production planning problem based on the new constraint conditions.

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

[0150] [Technical Proposal 13] The information processing device described in any one of Technical Proposals 5 to 11, wherein the first problem generation unit generates the first production planning problem by using the time-series energy consumption that would occur if the production plant were operated based on the production plan represented by a solution to a problem that minimizes a parameter different from the time-series energy difference as the time-series target energy.

[0151] [Technical Proposal 14] The information processing device described in any one of Technical Proposals 5 to 11, wherein the first problem generation unit generates the first production planning problem by averaging time-series energy consumption, which is obtained by averaging time-series energy consumption over the production time of the plurality of products, when the production plant is operated based on the production plan represented by a solution to a problem that minimizes a parameter different from the time-series energy difference.

[0152] [Technical proposal 15] The information processing device described in any one of Technical proposals 5 to 14, wherein the processing unit further includes: a memory unit that stores pairs of the production plan and the energy supply plan generated in response to the same production planning problem; and an output unit that selects and outputs one or more pairs from the multiple pairs stored in the memory unit in response to the production planning problem being repeatedly generated multiple times.

[0153] [Technical Proposal 16] The information processing device described in Technical Proposal 15, wherein the processing unit further includes an evaluation value calculation unit that calculates an evaluation value for the pair of the production plan and the energy supply plan, and the output unit selects and outputs a predetermined number of one or more pairs, starting from the smallest evaluation value, from the plurality of pairs stored in the storage unit, and the evaluation value is expressed by equation (1), EV=αE+(1-α)D... (1) wherein EV represents the evaluation value, E represents the amount of the first energy when the energy plant is operated in accordance with the energy supply plan, and D represents the magnitude of a penalty for one or more delivery date violating products whose production is completed beyond the production deadline when the production plant is operated in accordance with the production plan, and α is a real number greater than 0 and less than 1.

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

[0155] [Technical Solution 18] An information processing method in which an information processing device generates a production plan representing a plan to produce multiple products by a production plant based on a solution to a production planning problem, generates an energy planning problem based on the production plan, and generates an energy supply plan representing a plan to operate an energy plant that consumes first energy and supplies second energy to the production plant based on the solution of the energy planning problem.

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

[0157] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Production system 22 Energy plant 24 Production plant 30 Scheduling device 42 Production information input unit 44 Energy plant information input unit 46 First problem generation unit 48 First plan generation unit 50 Delivery date penalty calculation unit 52 Second energy calculation unit 54 Second problem generation unit 56 Second plan generation unit 58 First energy calculation unit 60 Evaluation value calculation unit 62 Storage unit 64 Update unit 66 Output unit

Claims

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

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the production planning problem is solved based on a time-series energy difference between a set time-series target energy and a time-series energy consumption when the production plant produces the multiple products, thereby obtaining a solution representing the production plan; and the energy planning problem is solved based on the first energy under a condition in which at least a time-series second energy consumed when the production plant is operated in accordance with the production plan is supplied to the production plant, thereby obtaining a solution representing the energy supply plan.

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

4. The information processing device according to claim 2, wherein the energy planning problem is a problem of minimizing an objective function representing the first energy, and values ​​of a plurality of decision variables included in the objective function in the energy planning problem represent the energy supply plan.

5. The information processing device of claim 2, wherein the processing unit comprises: a first problem generation unit that generates the production planning problem; a first plan generation unit that solves the production planning problem and generates the production plan based on a solution of the production planning problem; a second problem generation unit that generates the energy planning problem; and a second plan generation unit that solves the energy planning problem and generates the energy supply plan based on the solution of the energy planning problem, wherein the first problem generation unit generates the production planning problem by repeating multiple times, and each time the production planning problem is generated, the first plan generation unit generates the production plan based on the solution of the production planning problem, the second problem generation unit generates the energy planning problem based on the production plan, and the second plan generation unit generates the energy supply plan based on the solution of the energy planning problem.

6. The information processing device according to claim 5, wherein the processing unit further includes an update unit that generates update information based on a generated production planning problem, which is the production planning problem for which a production plan has already been generated, when generating the production planning problem for the second or subsequent time, and the first problem generation unit generates a new production planning problem, which is the production planning problem for which a production plan has not yet been generated, based on the update information.

7. The information processing device according to claim 6, wherein the update unit generates a new time series target energy by updating the time series target energy used to generate the generated production planning problem, and the first problem generation unit generates the new production planning problem using the new time series target energy as the time series target energy.

8. The information processing device according to claim 7, wherein the update unit calculates a time series energy loss by subtracting a time series second energy consumed when the production plant is operated in accordance with the production plan generated in accordance with the generated production planning problem from a time series first energy consumed when the energy plant is operated in accordance with the energy supply plan generated in accordance with the generated production planning problem, and generates the new time series target energy by making the energy change in a time period when the time series energy loss is greater than a predetermined threshold smaller than the time series target energy used in generating the generated production planning problem, and the first problem generation unit generates the new production planning problem using the new time series target energy as the time series target energy.

9. The information processing device according to claim 7, wherein the update unit identifies products among the plurality of products that violate delivery dates and whose production will be completed beyond their production deadlines when the production plant is operated according to the generated production planning problem, generates the new time series target energy in which the second energy in the time period in which the products that violate the delivery date are produced is greater than the second energy in the time series that would be consumed when the production plant is operated according to the generated production planning problem, and the first problem generation unit generates the new production planning problem using the new time series target energy as the time series target energy.

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

11. The information processing device according to claim 6, wherein the update unit generates new constraint conditions by updating constraint conditions included in the generated production planning problem, and the first problem generation unit generates the new production planning problem based on the new constraint conditions.

12. The information processing device according to claim 5, wherein the first problem generation unit generates the first production planning problem by setting a time-series energy consumption value equal to or greater than a maximum value consumed by the production plant as the time-series target energy.

13. The information processing device according to claim 5, wherein the first problem generation unit generates the first production planning problem by setting the time series energy consumption when the production plant is operated based on the production plan represented by a solution to a problem that minimizes a parameter other than the time series energy difference as the time series target energy.

14. The information processing device according to claim 5, wherein the first problem generation unit generates the first production planning problem by averaging the time series of energy consumption that would occur when the production plant is operated based on the production plan represented by a solution to a problem that minimizes a parameter other than the time series energy difference over the production time of the multiple products, and sets the time series of averaged energy consumption as the target energy.

15. The information processing device of claim 5, further comprising: a memory unit that stores pairs of the production plan and the energy supply plan generated in response to the same production planning problem; and an output unit that selects and outputs one or more pairs from the multiple pairs stored in the memory unit in response to the production planning problem being repeatedly generated multiple times.

16. The information processing device according to claim 15, wherein the processing unit further includes an evaluation value calculation unit that calculates an evaluation value for the pair of the production plan and the energy supply plan, and the output unit selects and outputs a predetermined number of one or more pairs, from the plurality of pairs stored in the memory unit, having the minimum evaluation value, and the evaluation value is expressed by equation (1): EV = αE + (1 - α)D... (1) where EV represents the evaluation value, E represents the amount of the first energy when the energy plant is operated in accordance with the energy supply plan, D represents the magnitude of a penalty for one or more delivery date violating products whose production is completed beyond the production deadline when the production plant is operated in accordance with the production plan, and α is a real number greater than 0 and less than 1.

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

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

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

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