Monitoring device, monitoring method, and computer program

Abstract

This monitoring device comprises: a carbon intensity calculation unit for calculating the carbon intensity of a renewable energy-derived substance, which is produced in a substance production process for producing the substance and which is stored in a tank; and an alarm issuing unit for issuing an alarm on the basis of the calculated value of the carbon intensity of the substance. The carbon intensity calculation unit calculates the carbon intensity on the basis of the substance newly produced within a time-based shipping interval during which the substance is shipped from the tank.

Description

Monitoring device, monitoring method, and computer program

[0001] The present invention relates to a monitoring device, a monitoring method, and a computer program.

[0002] To achieve a carbon-neutral, decarbonized society, it is expected that the use of variable renewable energy (VRE), such as solar and wind power whose output is dependent on the weather, will become increasingly widespread in the future. One possible way to utilize VRE is to produce hydrogen using VRE, store the produced hydrogen at least temporarily, and use that hydrogen in downstream processes.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes an electrolysis system. The electrolysis system includes a power generation device, a power distribution device, an electrolysis device, and a booster device. The power generation device generates electricity using renewable energy. The power distribution device distributes the generated electricity. The electrolysis device electrolyzes water using the distributed electricity. The booster device uses the distributed electricity (surplus electricity exceeding the power consumption of the electrolysis device) to boost the pressure of hydrogen and oxygen produced by the electrolysis device.

[0004] Non-Patent Document 1 describes recommended work guidelines for calculating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and carbon intensity (CI) for liquefied natural gas (LNG), hydrogen, and ammonia. Non-Patent Document 2 describes a proposed definition of clean ammonia.

[0005] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-026858

[0006] "Recommended Working Guide for Calculating Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Carbon Intensity of LNG, Hydrogen, and Ammonia (GHG-CI Guidelines)," Japan Oil, Gas, and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC), First Edition, May 2022. "Clean Ammonia Definition Proposal (Interim Summary)," Clean Fuel Ammonia Association (CFAA), July 2022, <URL: https: / / greenammonia.org / wp / wp-content / uploads / 2022 / 07 / 4ce6ca3ea2ac50e43d916b51b5cf6682.pdf>

[0007] To achieve carbon neutrality, i.e., to achieve virtually zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, it is necessary to consider the amount of GHG emitted in the process of producing materials using variable renewable energy. For example, carbon intensity (CI) is derived based on the amount of GHG emissions, and the derived carbon intensity is adjusted. Carbon intensity indicates the amount of carbon dioxide emitted per unit of energy, i.e., the carbon dioxide emission intensity.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a monitoring device, a monitoring method, and a program that can monitor carbon intensity in the process of producing materials using renewable energy.

[0009] One aspect of the present invention is a monitoring device comprising: a carbon intensity calculation unit that calculates the carbon intensity of a substance produced in a substance production process that produces a substance derived from renewable energy and stored in a tank; and an alarm issuance unit that issues an alarm based on the calculated value of the carbon intensity of the substance, wherein the carbon intensity calculation unit calculates the carbon intensity based on the substance newly produced within a time interval in which the substance is shipped from the tank. In another aspect of the present invention, the carbon intensity calculation unit calculates at least one of a first carbon intensity that is calculated for the substance newly produced within the shipping interval and a second carbon intensity that is calculated for the substance stored in the tank within the shipping interval. In another aspect of the present invention, the carbon intensity calculation unit calculates the first carbon intensity as the carbon intensity that is calculated for the substance newly produced within the shipping interval, and calculates the second carbon intensity as the carbon intensity that is calculated for the substance stored in the tank within the shipping interval. In one aspect of the present invention, the carbon intensity calculation unit calculates the carbon intensity based on a prediction of the substance to be newly produced within the shipping interval. In another aspect of the present invention, the carbon intensity calculation unit calculates the first carbon intensity, which is the carbon intensity of the substance newly produced within the shipping interval up to the calculation time and the substance predicted to be newly produced within the shipping interval from the calculation time to the end of the shipping interval, and calculates the second carbon intensity, which is the carbon intensity of the substance predicted to be stored in the tank at the end of the shipping interval. In another aspect of the present invention, the carbon intensity calculation unit calculates a third carbon intensity, which is the carbon intensity of the substance stored in the tank when the substance is shipped from the tank. In another aspect of the present invention, the carbon intensity calculation unit calculates the carbon intensity for each of a plurality of calculation intervals that make up the shipping interval. One aspect of the present invention is the monitoring device described above, wherein the shipping interval has a plurality of production terms, and the calculation interval is a interval corresponding to one or more of the production terms.In one aspect of the present invention, the monitoring device is configured such that the carbon intensity calculation unit combines a carbon intensity for the substance already stored in the tank at the start of the shipping interval with a carbon intensity for the substance to be newly produced within the shipping interval. In another aspect of the present invention, the alarm issuing unit issues an alarm when the calculated carbon intensity of the substance exceeds a predetermined threshold. In another aspect of the present invention, the alarm issuing unit issues a preliminary alarm indicating a preliminary warning when the calculated first carbon intensity exceeds a predetermined first threshold, and issues a main alarm urging the user to take action when the calculated second carbon intensity exceeds a predetermined second threshold. In another aspect of the present invention, the monitoring device further includes an advice output unit that outputs advice information indicating predetermined advice based on a comparison of the calculated carbon intensity of the substance with the predetermined threshold. In another aspect of the present invention, the advice information is information indicating advice for preventing the carbon intensity of the substance from exceeding the predetermined threshold. In one aspect of the present invention, the advice information is information indicating at least one of a first advice indicating to reduce the amount of electricity purchased, a second advice indicating to purchase carbon credits, a third advice indicating to reduce the production amount of the substance, and a fourth advice indicating to use saved carbon credits.In another aspect of the present invention, the advice output unit determines a priority of the first to fourth advice based on the cost of implementing each of the first to fourth advice, and includes the first to fourth advice together with the determined priority in the advice information.In another aspect of the present invention, the advice output unit determines an impact of the first or third advice on a production plan for the substance, and includes the first or third advice in the advice information together with the impact assessment result.One aspect of the present invention is a monitoring device in which, in the above-mentioned monitoring device, the advice output unit determines the priority of the first advice to the fourth advice based on the cost of executing each of the first advice to the fourth advice, judges the impact of the first advice or the third advice on the production plan for the material, and determines which of the first advice to the fourth advice to include in the advice information based on the determined priority and the result of the judgment of the impact.

[0010] One aspect of the present invention is a monitoring method executed by a monitoring device, which includes a carbon intensity calculation step of calculating the carbon intensity of a substance produced in a substance production process that produces a substance derived from renewable energy and stored in a tank, and an alarm issuance step of issuing an alarm based on the calculated carbon intensity of the substance, wherein the carbon intensity calculation step calculates the carbon intensity based on the substance that is newly produced within a time shipping interval in which the substance is shipped from the tank.

[0011] One aspect of the present invention is a computer program that causes a computer to execute a carbon intensity calculation step of calculating the carbon intensity of a substance produced in a substance production process that produces a substance derived from renewable energy and stored in a tank, and an alarm issuance step of issuing an alarm based on the calculated carbon intensity of the substance, wherein the carbon intensity calculation step calculates the carbon intensity based on the substance that is newly produced within a time shipping interval in which the substance is shipped from the tank.

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain an effect that the carbon intensity can be monitored in the process of producing a substance using renewable energy.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a monitoring system according to an embodiment; FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a monitoring device according to an embodiment; FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of processing by a carbon intensity calculation unit of a monitoring device according to an embodiment; FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure of a monitoring method according to an embodiment; FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an alarm issuing method according to an embodiment; FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an alarm issuing method according to an embodiment.

[0014] Next, a monitoring device, a monitoring method, and a program according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiment described below is merely an example, and the embodiments to which the present invention is applied are not limited to the following embodiments. In all drawings used to describe the embodiments, the same reference numerals are used for components having the same functions, and repeated explanations are omitted. Furthermore, "based on XX" in this application means "based on at least XX," and includes cases where the component is based on other elements in addition to XX. Furthermore, "based on XX" is not limited to cases where XX is directly used, but also includes cases where the component is based on XX after calculation or processing. "XX" is any element (for example, any information).

[0015] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a monitoring system 1 according to this embodiment. In FIG. 1, the monitoring system 1 includes a monitoring device 10 and a terminal device 20. The monitoring device 10 and the terminal device 20 are communicatively connected to each other. For example, the monitoring device 10 and the terminal device 20 may be communicatively connected using a communication line or a communication cable. The terminal device 20 may be, for example, a mobile communication terminal device such as a smartphone or a tablet computer (tablet PC), or may be a stationary communication terminal device (e.g., a stationary personal computer). For example, the terminal device 20 may be a mobile communication terminal device such as a smartphone, and may be communicatively connected to the monitoring device 10 using a wireless communication line.

[0016] The monitoring device 10 is communicatively connected to the plant 30 using a communication line so as to be able to communicate with the plant 30. For example, the monitoring device 10 may be communicatively connected to the plant 30 using a communication network such as a local area network (LAN) or the Internet.

[0017] The plant 30 is a plant (production facility) that produces a substance derived from renewable energy. As an example of this embodiment, the plant 30 may be a plant that produces hydrogen derived from renewable energy. Hydrogen derived from renewable energy refers to hydrogen produced using renewable energy. As another example of this embodiment, the plant 30 may be a plant that produces chemical substances (chemical products) using hydrogen derived from renewable energy as a raw material. Examples of chemical products include ammonia, methanol, organic hydrides, methane, carbon monoxide, diesel, and hydrogen peroxide.

[0018] The plant 30 includes a material production device 31, a tank 32, and a shipping device 33. The material production device 31 is a device that produces a material derived from renewable energy. The tank 32 is a tank that temporarily stores the material produced by the material production device 31. The shipping device 33 is a device that removes the material from the tank 32 and ships it. A material Mi is input (supplied) to the tank 32 from the material production device 31. A material Mo removed from the tank 32 is input (supplied) to the shipping device 33.

[0019] The plant 30 is supplied with electric power POWa and POWb to be used in the plant 30. The electric power POWa is electric power unique to the plant 30 and is generated using only renewable energy. The electric power POWb is purchased electric power and is generated using energy that may include energy other than renewable energy. Hereinafter, the electric power POWa will be referred to as the unique electric power POWa, and the electric power POWb will be referred to as the purchased electric power POWb.

[0020] In this embodiment, the independent power POWa is power generated using variable renewable energy such as solar power, wind power, etc., as an example of renewable energy. Therefore, the independent power POWa may be affected by weather.

[0021] The monitoring device 10 monitors a material production process for producing a material derived from renewable energy in a plant 30. As an example of monitoring according to this embodiment, the monitoring device 10 monitors the carbon intensity (CI) of the material produced in a material production device 31 (material production process) that produces a material derived from renewable energy and stored in a tank 32.

[0022] For example, the monitoring device 10 may monitor the CI of hydrogen produced by a material production device 31 that produces hydrogen derived from renewable energy and stored in a tank 32. For example, the monitoring device 10 may monitor the CI of a chemical product (e.g., ammonia) produced by a material production device 31 that produces the chemical product using hydrogen derived from renewable energy as a raw material and stored in a tank 32.

[0023] The monitoring device 10 is communicatively connected to the weather information providing device 50 using a communication line so as to be able to communicate with the weather information providing device 50. For example, the monitoring device 10 may be communicatively connected to the weather information providing device 50 using a communication network such as the Internet.

[0024] The weather information providing device 50 is a device that provides weather forecast information indicating a weather forecast that predicts future weather conditions. The monitoring device 10 acquires the weather forecast information from the weather information providing device 50. The monitoring device 10 uses the weather forecast information to predict the independent power POWa, which may fluctuate depending on the weather conditions.

[0025] 2 is a diagram showing an example of the general configuration of the monitoring device 10 according to this embodiment. In FIG. 2, the monitoring device 10 includes a control unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a communication unit 130.

[0026] The control unit 110 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that calls and executes programs stored in the storage unit 120 to realize various functions.

[0027] The control unit 110 includes, as its functions, a carbon intensity calculation unit 1101, an alarm issuing unit 1102, and an advice output unit 1103. These functions are realized by the CPU executing a monitoring program 1201 stored in the storage unit 120.

[0028] The storage unit 120 is configured by a storage medium, such as a hard disk drive (HDD), flash memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), random access read / write memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), or any combination of these storage media. The storage unit 120 stores various programs, such as a monitoring program 1201, executed by the control unit 110 (CPU), and various data.

[0029] The communication unit 130 communicates with devices external to the monitoring device 10 .

[0030] The monitoring device 10 may be configured using a general-purpose computer device, or may be configured as a dedicated hardware device. For example, the monitoring device 10 may be configured using a server computer connected to a communication network such as the Internet. Furthermore, each function of the monitoring device 10 may be realized by cloud computing. Furthermore, the monitoring device 10 may be realized by a single computer, or the functions of the monitoring device 10 may be distributed and realized among multiple computers. Furthermore, the monitoring device 10 may be configured to open a website using, for example, a WWW system.

[0031] The carbon intensity calculation unit 1101 calculates the CI of a substance that is produced in a substance production process that produces a substance derived from renewable energy and stored in a tank. The carbon intensity calculation unit 1101 acquires information necessary to calculate the CI of the substance from the plant 30.

[0032] The alarm issuing unit 1102 issues an alarm based on the calculated value of the CI of the substance. The advice output unit 1103 outputs advice information indicating a predetermined advice based on the result of comparing the calculated value of the CI of the substance with a predetermined threshold.

[0033] Hereinafter, renewable energy-derived substances may be simply referred to as substances.

[0034] 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing by the carbon intensity calculation unit 1101 of the monitoring device 10 according to this embodiment. The n-1th (n is an integer of 2 or greater) transaction term, the nth transaction term, and the n+1th transaction term are shown in FIG. 0. The 0th transaction term does not exist, and the 1st transaction term is the initial transaction term.

[0035] A transaction term is a time interval during which a substance is shipped (released) from the tank 32. In the nth transaction term, the end of the nth transaction term is the shipping timing. Therefore, in the nth transaction term, the substance in the shipping amount for the nth transaction term is released from the tank 32 at the end of the nth transaction term.

[0036] One transaction term is divided into multiple CI calculation intervals M. The carbon intensity calculation unit 1101 calculates the CI for each of the multiple CI calculation intervals M in one transaction term. The carbon intensity calculation unit 1101 calculates the CI based on substances newly produced within one transaction term.

[0037] One transaction term has multiple production terms. For example, if one transaction term is one week, one production term is 30 minutes. A production term may be, for example, an electricity trading period. The CI calculation interval M is an interval corresponding to one or multiple production terms. The CI calculation interval M is set in advance in the monitoring device 10.

[0038] The initial CI value CIa of the substance at the start of the nth transaction term is calculated based on the residual substance remaining in the tank 32 after shipment in the n-1th transaction term. The carbon intensity calculation unit 1101 sets the CI value calculated using the residual substance remaining in the tank 32 after shipment in the n-1th transaction term as the initial CI value CIa of the substance at the start of the nth transaction term. The initial CI value CIa of the substance at the start of the first transaction term is set to a predetermined value (for example, 0).

[0039] The carbon intensity calculation unit 1101 calculates at least one of a first CI, which is calculated for a substance newly produced within the nth transaction term, and a second CI, which is calculated for a substance stored in a tank 32 within the nth transaction term.

[0040] 3, the carbon intensity calculation unit 1101 may calculate a CI value CIb' for a substance newly produced within the nth transaction term as the first CI. The carbon intensity calculation unit 1101 may also calculate a CI value CIc' for a substance stored in the tank 32 within the nth transaction term as the second CI.

[0041] The CI value CIc' in the nth transaction term is a value obtained by combining the CI initial value CIa in the nth transaction term and the CI value CIb' in the nth transaction term. The calculation formula for the CI value CIc' is the following formula (1): CIc'=(CIa×Va+CIb'×Vb') / (Va+Vb') (1)

[0042] In equation (1), Va is the amount of residual substance remaining in the tank 32 at the start of the nth transaction term. Vb' is the amount of substance newly produced up to the CI calculation interval M of the CIc' in the nth transaction term, i.e., the amount of substance Mi that has flowed into the tank 32 up to the CI calculation interval M of the CIc' in the nth transaction term. Va and Vb' are obtained from the plant 30.

[0043] An example of a formula for calculating the CI value CIb' of a substance in the nth transaction term is given below.

[0044] (Calculation formula for CI value CIb′ of hydrogen) The carbon intensity calculation unit 1101 calculates the CI value CIb′ (H ２ Calculate the CI value CIb'. ２ CI value CIb'[t-CO ２ e / t-H ２ ] = (H ２ Amount of electricity purchased from the plant [kWh] x CO ２ Emission factor [t-CO ２ e / kWh]-emission deduction amount [t-CO ２ e]) / H ２ Weight [t] or H ２ Calorific value [MJ] (2)

[0045] In formula (2), H ２The plant purchased power amount [kWh] is the amount of purchased power POWb purchased for producing hydrogen up to the CI calculation interval M at the time of calculation in the nth trading term of the hydrogen producing plant (hydrogen plant). ２ The amount of plant purchased electricity [kWh] is acquired from the plant 30. ２ The emission factor is the amount of CO2 emitted to supply 1 kWh of electricity. ２ It is an indicator of how much CO is being emitted. ２ The emission coefficient is set in advance in the monitoring device 10. ２ e] is set in advance in the monitoring device 10. ２ Weight [t] or H ２ The calorific value [MJ] is the weight or calorific value of hydrogen newly produced in the nth trading term of the hydrogen plant up to the CI calculation interval M at the time of calculation. ２ Weight [t] or H ２ The amount of heat [MJ] is obtained from the plant 30 .

[0046] (Calculation formula for CI value CIb′ of ammonia) The carbon intensity calculation unit 1101 calculates the CI value CIb′ (NH ３ Calculate the CI value CIb'. ３ CI value CIb'[t-CO ２ e / t-NH3]=(H ２ Plant purchased electricity amount [kWh] + NH ３ Plant purchased electricity amount [kWh] × CO ２ Emission factor [t-CO ２ e / kWh]-emission deduction amount [t-CO ２ e]) / NH ３ Weight [t] or NH ３ Calorific value [MJ] (3)

[0047] In formula (3), H ２ The plant purchased power amount [kWh] is the amount of power POWb purchased to produce hydrogen, a raw material used for ammonia newly produced up to the CI calculation interval M at the time of calculation, in the nth trading term of the ammonia producing plant (ammonia plant). H２ The amount of plant purchased electricity [kWh] is acquired from the plant 30. ３ The plant purchased power amount [kWh] is the amount of purchased power POWb purchased for producing ammonia up to the CI calculation interval M at the time of calculation in the nth trading term of the ammonia plant. ３ The amount of plant purchased electricity [kWh] is acquired from the plant 30. ２ The emission coefficient is set in advance in the monitoring device 10. ２ e] is set in advance in the monitoring device 10. ３ Weight [t] or NH ３ The calorific value [MJ] is the weight or calorific value of ammonia newly produced up to the CI calculation interval M at the time of calculation in the nth trading term of the ammonia plant. ３ Weight [t] or NH ３ The amount of heat [MJ] is obtained from the plant 30 .

[0048] 3 , the carbon intensity calculation unit 1101 may calculate, as the first CI, a predicted CI value CIb, which is calculated based on a substance newly produced in the nth transaction term up to the calculation time and a substance predicted to be newly produced in the nth transaction term from the calculation time to the end of the nth transaction term. For example, the predicted CI value CIb may be the sum of a CI value calculated based on a substance newly produced in the nth transaction term up to the calculation time and a CI value calculated based on a substance predicted to be newly produced in the nth transaction term from the calculation time to the end of the nth transaction term. Furthermore, the carbon intensity calculation unit 1101 may calculate, as the second CI, a predicted CI value CIc, which is calculated based on a substance predicted to be stored in the tank 32 at the end of the nth transaction term.

[0049] The predicted CI value CIc for the nth transaction term is a value obtained by combining the initial CI value CIa for the nth transaction term and the predicted CI value CIb for the nth transaction term. The calculation formula for the predicted CI value CIc is the following formula (4): CIc=(CIa×Va+CIb×Vb) / (Va+Vb) (4)

[0050] In equation (4), Va is the amount of residual substance remaining in the tank 32 at the start of the nth transaction term. Vb is the sum of the amount of substance (actual amount of substance) newly produced up to the CI calculation interval M of the CIc in the nth transaction term and the amount of substance (predicted amount of substance) predicted to be newly produced from the CI calculation interval M to the end of the nth transaction term. Va and Vb are obtained from the plant 30.

[0051] An example of a formula for calculating the predicted CI value CIb of a substance in the nth transaction term is given below.

[0052] (Calculation formula for predicted CI value CIb of hydrogen) The carbon intensity calculation unit 1101 calculates the predicted CI value CIb of hydrogen in the n-th trading term (predicted H ２ Calculate the CI value CIb. ２ CI value CIb[t-CO ２ e / t-H ２ ] = (prediction H ２ Amount of electricity purchased from the plant [kWh] x CO ２ Emission factor [t-CO ２ e / kWh]-emission deduction amount [t-CO ２ e]) / Prediction H ２ Weight [t] or predicted H ２ Calorific value [MJ] (5)

[0053] In equation (5), the predicted H ２ The plant purchased power amount [kWh] is the sum of the amount of power purchased POWb (actual purchased power amount) purchased for hydrogen production up to the CI calculation interval M at the time of calculation in the nth trading term of the hydrogen plant, and the amount of power purchased POWb predicted to be newly purchased for hydrogen production from the CI calculation interval M up to the end of the nth trading term (predicted purchased power amount). The actual purchased power amount is obtained from the plant 30.

[0054] On the other hand, the predicted amount of purchased power is estimated by the carbon intensity calculation unit 1101. Specifically, the carbon intensity calculation unit 1101 predicts fluctuations in the own power POWa based on weather forecast information obtained from the weather information providing device 50, compares this prediction result with the amount of power required by the hydrogen plant in the nth trading term, and estimates the shortfall in the own power POWa based on this comparison result. The amount of power required by the hydrogen plant in the nth trading term is obtained from the plant 30. The carbon intensity calculation unit 1101 assumes that the shortfall in the estimated own power POWa will be made up for by purchased power POWb, and sets this shortfall in the own power POWa as the predicted amount of purchased power.

[0055] CO ２ The emission coefficient is set in advance in the monitoring device 10. ２ e] is set in advance in the monitoring device 10. ２ Weight [t] or predicted H ２ The calorific value [MJ] is the sum of the weight (actual weight) or calorific value (actual calorific value) of hydrogen newly produced in the nth trading term of the hydrogen plant up to the CI calculation interval M at the time of calculation, and the weight (predicted weight) or calorific value (predicted calorific value) of hydrogen newly predicted to be produced from the CI calculation interval M until the end of the nth trading term. ２ Weight [t] or predicted H ２ The amount of heat [MJ] is obtained from the plant 30 .

[0056] (Calculation formula for CI value CIb of ammonia) The carbon intensity calculation unit 1101 calculates the predicted CI value CIb (predicted NH ３ Calculate the CI value CIb. ３ CI value CIb[t-CO ２ e / t-NH3] = (predicted H ２ Plant purchased electricity amount [kWh] + predicted NH ３ Plant purchased electricity amount [kWh] × CO ２ Emission factor [t-CO ２ e / kWh]-emission deduction amount [t-CO ２ e]) / Predicted NH ３ Weight [t] or predicted NH ３Calorific value [MJ] (6)

[0057] In equation (6), the prediction H ２ The plant purchased electricity amount [kWh] is the sum of the amount of electricity (actual purchased electricity amount) of purchased electricity POWb purchased to produce hydrogen as a raw material used for ammonia newly produced up to the CI calculation interval M at the time of calculation in the nth trading term of the ammonia plant, and the amount of electricity (predicted purchased electricity amount) of purchased electricity POWb predicted to be purchased to produce hydrogen as a raw material used for ammonia predicted to be newly produced from the CI calculation interval M up to the end of the nth trading term. The actual purchased electricity amount is obtained from the plant 30.

[0058] On the other hand, the carbon intensity calculation unit 1101 estimates the predicted amount of purchased power. Specifically, the carbon intensity calculation unit 1101 predicts fluctuations in the own power POWa based on weather forecast information obtained from the weather information providing device 50, compares this prediction result with the amount of power required to produce hydrogen as a raw material in the nth trading term of the ammonia plant, and estimates a shortfall in the own power POWa based on this comparison result. The amount of power required to produce hydrogen as a raw material in the nth trading term of the ammonia plant is obtained from the plant 30. The carbon intensity calculation unit 1101 assumes that the shortfall in the estimated own power POWa will be made up for by purchased power POWb, and sets this shortfall in the own power POWa as the predicted amount of purchased power.

[0059] Predicted NH ３ The plant purchased power amount [kWh] is the sum of the amount of power purchased POWb (actual purchased power amount) purchased for producing ammonia in the nth trading term of the ammonia plant up to the CI calculation interval M at the time of calculation, and the amount of power purchased POWb predicted to be newly purchased for producing ammonia from the CI calculation interval M up to the end of the nth trading term (predicted purchased power amount). The actual purchased power amount is obtained from the plant 30.

[0060] On the other hand, the predicted amount of purchased power is estimated by the carbon intensity calculation unit 1101. Specifically, the carbon intensity calculation unit 1101 predicts fluctuations in the own power POWa based on weather forecast information obtained from the weather information providing device 50, compares this prediction result with the amount of power required by the ammonia plant in the nth trading term, and estimates a shortfall in the own power POWa based on this comparison result. The amount of power required by the ammonia plant in the nth trading term is obtained from the plant 30. The carbon intensity calculation unit 1101 assumes that the shortfall in the estimated own power POWa will be made up for by purchased power POWb, and sets this shortfall in the own power POWa as the predicted amount of purchased power.

[0061] CO ２ The emission coefficient is set in advance in the monitoring device 10. ２ e] is set in advance in the monitoring device 10. ３ Weight [t] or predicted NH ３ The calorific value [MJ] is the sum of the weight (actual weight) or calorific value (actual calorific value) of ammonia newly produced up to the CI calculation interval M at the time of calculation in the nth trading term of the ammonia plant, and the weight (predicted weight) or calorific value (predicted calorific value) of ammonia predicted to be newly produced from the CI calculation interval M until the end of the nth trading term. ３ Weight [t] or predicted NH ３ The amount of heat [MJ] is obtained from the plant 30 .

[0062] 3 , the carbon intensity calculation unit 1101 may calculate a third CI for the substance stored in the tank 32 when the substance is shipped from the tank 32. The third CI is the actual CI at the time of shipping the substance (actual CI value CIc).

[0063] The actual CI value CIc in the nth transaction term is a value obtained by combining the CI initial value CIa in the nth transaction term and the actual CI value CIb in the nth transaction term. The calculation formula for the actual CI value CIc is the following formula (7): actual CI value CIc=(CIa×Va+actual CI value CIb×Vb) / (Va+Vb) (7)

[0064] In equation (7), Va is the amount of residual material remaining in the tank 32 at the start of the nth transaction term. Vb is the total amount of material newly produced within the nth transaction term. Va and Vb are obtained from the plant 30.

[0065] An example of a formula for calculating the actual CI value CIb of a substance in the nth transaction term is given below.

[0066] (Calculation formula for actual CI value CIb of hydrogen) The carbon intensity calculation unit 1101 calculates the actual CI value CIb of hydrogen in the n-th trading term (actual H ２ Calculate the CI value CIb. ２ CI value CIb[t-CO ２ e / t-H ２ ]=(Actual H ２ Amount of electricity purchased from the plant [kWh] x CO ２ Emission factor [t-CO ２ e / kWh]-emission deduction amount [t-CO ２ e]) / Actual results H ２ Weight [t] or Actual H ２ Calorific value [MJ] (8)

[0067] In equation (8), the actual value H ２ The plant purchased power amount [kWh] is the total amount of power purchased POWb for producing hydrogen within the nth trading term of the hydrogen plant. ２ The amount of plant purchased electricity [kWh] is acquired from the plant 30. ２ The emission coefficient is set in advance in the monitoring device 10. ２ e] is set in advance in the monitoring device 10. ２ Weight [t] or Actual H ２ The calorific value [MJ] is the total weight or calorific value of hydrogen newly produced within the nth trading term of the hydrogen plant. ２ Weight [t] or Actual H ２ The amount of heat [MJ] is obtained from the plant 30 .

[0068] (Calculation formula for actual CI value CIb of ammonia) The carbon intensity calculation unit 1101 calculates the actual CI value CIb of ammonia in the n-th transaction term (actual NH ３ Calculate the CI value CIb. ３ CI value CIb[t-CO ２ e / t-NH3] = (actual H ２ Plant purchased electricity amount [kWh] + Actual NH ３ Plant purchased electricity amount [kWh] × CO ２ Emission factor [t-CO ２ e / kWh]-emission deduction amount [t-CO ２ e]) / Actual NH ３ Weight [t] or Actual NH ３ Calorific value [MJ] (9)

[0069] In equation (9), the actual value H ２ The plant purchased power amount [kWh] is the total amount of power purchased POWb to produce hydrogen as a raw material used for newly produced ammonia within the nth trading term of the ammonia plant. ２ The amount of power purchased from the plant [kWh] is acquired from the plant 30. ３ The plant purchased power amount [kWh] is the total amount of purchased power POWb purchased for producing ammonia in the nth trading term of the ammonia plant. ３ The amount of plant purchased electricity [kWh] is acquired from the plant 30. ２ The emission coefficient is set in advance in the monitoring device 10. ２ e] is set in advance in the monitoring device 10. ３ Weight [t] or Actual NH ３ The calorific value [MJ] is the total weight or calorific value of ammonia newly produced in the nth trading term of the ammonia plant. ３ Weight [t] or Actual NH ３ The amount of heat [MJ] is obtained from the plant 30 .

[0070] An example of a formula for calculating the initial CI value CIa of a substance at the start of the nth transaction term is given below.

[0071] (Calculation formula for hydrogen CI initial value CIa) The carbon intensity calculation unit 1101 calculates the hydrogen CI initial value CIa (H ２ Calculate the initial CI value CIa. ２ CI initial value CIa = [(H at the time of shipment of the n-1th transaction term ２ Product tank remaining amount [t]) - (H of the n-1th transaction term ２ Shipment amount from product tank [t])] × (actual CI value CIc of n-1th transaction term) / [(H at the time of shipment of n-1th transaction term ２ Product tank remaining amount [t]) - (H of the n-1th transaction term ２ Shipping amount from product tank [t])] (10)

[0072] In equation (10), H at the time of shipment of the n-1th transaction term ２ The product tank remaining amount [t] is the amount of hydrogen stored in the tank 32 of the hydrogen plant at the time of shipment (immediately before shipment) of the n-1th transaction term of the hydrogen plant. ２ The remaining amount of product in the tank [t] is obtained from the plant 30. H ２ The shipping amount [t] from the product tank is the shipping amount of hydrogen in the n-1th transaction term of the hydrogen plant, that is, the amount of material (hydrogen) Mo released from the tank 32 of the hydrogen plant at the end of the n-1th transaction term of the hydrogen plant. ２ The shipping amount [t] from the product tank is obtained from the plant 30. [(H ２ Product tank remaining amount [t]) - (H of the n-1th transaction term ２The shipping amount from the product tank [t]) is the amount of hydrogen remaining in the tank 32 of the hydrogen plant after shipping in the (n-1)th transaction term of the hydrogen plant, i.e., the amount of hydrogen remaining in the tank 32 of the hydrogen plant at the start of the nth transaction term of the hydrogen plant. The actual CI value CIc of the (n-1)th transaction term is the actual CI value CIc of hydrogen calculated by the above formula (7) in the (n-1)th transaction term of the hydrogen plant.

[0073] (Calculation formula for initial CI value CIa of ammonia) The carbon intensity calculation unit 1101 calculates the initial CI value CIa(NH ３ Calculate the initial CI value CIa. ３ CI initial value CIa = [(NH at the time of shipment of the n-1th transaction term ３ Product tank remaining amount [t]) - (NH of the n-1th transaction term ３ Shipment amount from product tank [t])] × (actual CI value CIc of n-1th transaction term) / [(NH at the time of shipment of n-1th transaction term ３ Product tank remaining amount [t]) - (NH of the n-1th transaction term ３ Shipping amount from product tank [t])] (11)

[0074] In equation (11), NH at the time of shipment of the n-1th transaction term ３ The product tank remaining amount [t] is the amount of hydrogen stored in the tank 32 of the ammonia plant at the time of shipment (immediately before shipment) of the n-1th transaction term of the ammonia plant. ３ The remaining amount of product in the tank [t] is obtained from the plant 30. ３ The shipping amount [t] from the product tank is the shipping amount of ammonia in the n-1th transaction term of the ammonia plant, that is, the amount of material (hydrogen) Mo released from the tank 32 of the hydrogen plant at the end of the n-1th transaction term of the ammonia plant. ３The shipping amount [t] from the product tank is obtained from the plant 30. [(NH ３ Product tank remaining amount [t]) - (NH of the n-1th transaction term ３ The shipping amount from the product tank [t] is the amount of residual hydrogen remaining in the tank 32 of the ammonia plant after shipping in the (n-1)th transaction term of the ammonia plant, i.e., the amount of residual hydrogen remaining in the tank 32 of the ammonia plant at the start of the nth transaction term of the ammonia plant. The actual CI value CIc of the (n-1)th transaction term is the actual CI value CIc of hydrogen calculated by the above formula (7) in the (n-1)th transaction term of the ammonia plant.

[0075] The above-mentioned formula for calculating CI for hydrogen is a formula that the present inventors have devised based on Non-Patent Document 1. The above-mentioned formula for calculating CI for ammonia is a formula that the present inventors have devised based on Non-Patent Documents 1 and 2.

[0076] Next, the overall flow of operation of the monitoring device 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the monitoring method according to this embodiment.

[0077] The monitoring device 10 executes the process of FIG. 4 for each transaction term.

[0078] (Step S1) The carbon intensity calculation unit 1101 acquires the initial CI value CIa of the substance at the start of the current (n-th) transaction term.

[0079] (Step S2) The carbon intensity calculation unit 1101 calculates CI values ​​such as the CI value CIb', the CI value CIc', the predicted CI value CIb, and the predicted CI value CIc for each CI calculation interval M.

[0080] (Step S3) The alarm issuing unit 1102 determines whether the CI value calculated in step S2 satisfies a predetermined alarm issuing condition (whether an alarm is necessary). If the alarm issuing condition is satisfied (YES in step S3) as a result of this determination, the process proceeds to step S4, and if not (NO in step S3) the process proceeds to step S6.

[0081] (Step S4) The alarm issuing unit 1102 issues an alarm based on a predetermined alarm issuing condition.

[0082] (Step S5) The advice output unit 1103 outputs advice information based on predetermined advice output conditions.

[0083] (Step S6) The carbon intensity calculation unit 1101 determines whether the n-th transaction term has ended. If the result of this determination is that the n-th transaction term has ended (YES in step S6), the process proceeds to step S7. If not (NO in step S6), the process returns to step S2.

[0084] (Step S7) The carbon intensity calculation unit 1101 calculates the actual CI value CIb and the actual CI value CIc for the n-th transaction term.

[0085] (Step S8) The carbon intensity calculation unit 1101 outputs a CI report for the current (n-th) transaction term. The CI report is a report including each CI value calculated for the n-th transaction term.

[0086] Next, the alarm issuing method according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. Figures 5 and 6 are diagrams for explaining the alarm issuing method according to this embodiment.

[0087] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, four types of alarms (HH1 alarm, HH2 alarm, H1 alarm, and H2 alarm) are provided as examples of alarms according to this embodiment.

[0088] (1) HH1 Alarm (See FIG. 5) The HH1 alarm is issued immediately when the CI value CIc′ exceeds a predetermined threshold (HH1 alarm issuance condition).

[0089] (2) HH2 Alarm (See FIG. 5) The HH2 alarm is issued immediately when the predicted CI value CIc exceeds a predetermined threshold (HH2 alarm issuance condition).

[0090] (3) H1 Alarm (See FIG. 6) The H1 alarm is issued immediately when the CI value CIb' exceeds a predetermined threshold (H1 alarm issuance condition).

[0091] (4) H2 Alarm (See FIG. 6) The H2 alarm is issued immediately when the predicted CI value CIb exceeds a predetermined threshold (H2 alarm issuance condition).

[0092] One of the objectives of monitoring according to this embodiment is to ensure that the CI value of materials shipped in each transaction term is equal to or less than a requirement. For this purpose, HH1 alarm and HH2 alarm are provided as main alarms that prompt action when it is predicted that the requirement will not be met under the current circumstances. Furthermore, H1 alarm and H2 alarm are provided as preliminary alarms that indicate a preliminary warning. An example of a required value is the upper limit of the CI value requested by a customer. For example, the upper limit of the CI value is set in a contract with a customer.

[0093] Which alarm among the HH1 alarm, HH2 alarm, H1 alarm, and H2 alarm will actually be used may be set in advance in the monitoring device 10, or the monitor may be able to set it arbitrarily using the terminal device 20.

[0094] The threshold value for each alarm issuance condition may be set in advance in the monitoring device 10, or may be set arbitrarily by the monitor using the terminal device 20. However, it is preferable that the threshold value for each alarm issuance condition is a value equal to or less than the required value, and more preferably a value smaller than the required value with a certain margin.

[0095] The alarm issuing unit 1102 issues each alarm based on the above-mentioned alarm issuing conditions. The alarm is notified to the terminal device 20, and the terminal device 20 notifies the monitor by displaying it on a screen, outputting a sound, or the like.

[0096] The carbon intensity calculation unit 1101 may output the CI report in a graph format as shown in FIG. 5 or FIG.

[0097] Next, an advice output method according to this embodiment will be described.

[0098] The advice output unit 1103 outputs advice information indicating a predetermined advice when the result of comparing a CI value, such as the CI value CIb', the CI value CIc', the predicted CI value CIb, or the predicted CI value CIc, with a predetermined threshold satisfies a predetermined advice output condition. The advice information is information indicating advice to prevent the CI value of a substance shipped in each transaction term from exceeding a predetermined threshold (e.g., a required value or a value smaller than the required value by a certain margin). The advice output condition is a relationship between a CI value, such as the CI value CIb', the CI value CIc', the predicted CI value CIb, or the predicted CI value CIc, and a predetermined threshold, which is a relationship that is considered to be unable to meet the required value in its current state.

[0099] Examples of the timing for outputting the advisory information include the middle of a transaction term or just before shipment of the transaction term. The advisory information may also be output when the alarm issuing unit 1102 issues an alarm. The advisory information output timing may be set in advance in the monitoring device 10, or may be set arbitrarily by the monitor using the terminal device 20.

[0100] As examples of advice according to this embodiment, four types of advice (first advice, second advice, third advice, and fourth advice) are provided.

[0101] (First Advice) The first advice is to "reduce the amount of electricity purchased." By reducing the amount of electricity purchased, the CI value of the substance can be lowered. On the other hand, reducing the amount of electricity purchased reduces the plant operating hours, which may result in production of the substance not proceeding according to the production plan. For this reason, when adopting the first advice, it is preferable to determine the impact that reducing the amount of electricity purchased will have on the production plan of the substance (in particular, whether the required shipping volume can be secured), and include the first advice in the advice information together with the assessment result of the impact.

[0102] (Second Advice) The second advice is to “buy carbon credits.” By buying carbon credits, you can lower the CI value of a substance.

[0103] (Third Advice) The third advice is to "reduce the production volume of the substance." By reducing the production volume of a substance, the CI value of the substance can be lowered. On the other hand, by reducing the production volume of a substance, production of the substance will not proceed according to the production plan. For this reason, when adopting the third advice, it is preferable to determine the impact that reducing the production volume of the substance will have on the production plan of the substance (in particular, whether the required shipping volume can be secured), and to include the third advice in the advice information together with the assessment result of the impact.

[0104] (Fourth Advice) The fourth advice is to “use saved carbon credits.” By using saved carbon credits, the CI value of a substance can be reduced.

[0105] Here, carbon credit savings will be explained. For ease of explanation, assume that the customer's requested value is "10." Even if the actual CI value of a substance shipped to the customer is lower than the requested value of "10," for example, even if the CI value is "7," by shipping it with a CI value of "10," the difference of "3" between the actual CI value and the requested value of "10" becomes a carbon credit savings. This savings of "3" is recorded, and in a subsequent transaction term, if the actual CI value of the substance is higher than the requested value of "10," for example, if the CI value is "11," "1" of the savings of "3" can be used to set the CI value of the substance shipped to the customer to "10," which is lower than the requested value of "10."

[0106] The advice output unit 1103 includes at least one of the first to fourth pieces of advice in the advice information. The advice information is notified to the terminal device 20, and the terminal device 20 notifies the monitor by displaying the information on a screen, outputting audio, or the like.

[0107] The monitoring device 10 may be set in advance as to which of the first to fourth advices is to be included in the advice information.

[0108] In addition, the advice output unit 1103 may determine the priority of the first to fourth advice based on the cost of executing each of the first to fourth advices, and include the first to fourth advices together with the determined priority in the advice information.

[0109] The cost of implementing the first advice is the cost required to purchase the purchased power POWb. The cost of implementing the second advice is the cost required to purchase carbon credits. The cost of implementing the third advice is the decrease in sales revenue of the substance that decreases in accordance with the trading price of the substance by reducing the production volume of the substance. The cost of implementing the fourth advice is the value of the saved carbon credits that decreases in accordance with the trading price of the carbon credits by using the saved carbon credits. The advice output unit 1103 compares the costs of implementing each of the first to fourth advices, and gives higher priority to advice with lower costs.

[0110] Furthermore, the advice output unit 1103 may determine which of the first to fourth pieces of advice to include in the advice information based on the priorities of the first to fourth pieces of advice. For example, the advice output unit 1103 may include a predetermined number (e.g., two) of pieces of advice with higher priorities in the advice information.

[0111] In addition, the advice output unit 1103 may determine which of the first to fourth advices to include in the advice information based on the priority of the first to fourth advices and the judgment result of the impact that the first or third advice will have on the material production plan.

[0112] According to this embodiment, the CI (carbon intensity) of a substance produced in a substance production device 31 (substance production process) that produces a substance derived from renewable energy and stored in a tank 32 is calculated based on the substance newly produced within a transaction term (shipping interval), and an alarm is issued based on the calculated value of the CI of the substance. This makes it possible to monitor the CI during the process of producing a substance using renewable energy.

[0113] According to this embodiment, by monitoring CI in the material production process of a plant that produces substances such as hydrogen and ammonia, it is possible to contribute to producing substances with CI values ​​that meet the requirements of customers, etc.

[0114] According to this embodiment, at least one of a first CI (first carbon intensity) for which a substance newly produced within a transaction term (shipping interval) is to be calculated and a second CI (second carbon intensity) for which a substance stored in a tank 32 within the transaction term is to be calculated is calculated. This makes it possible to monitor the CI during the process of producing a substance using renewable energy using the first CI, the second CI, or both the first CI and the second CI.

[0115] According to this embodiment, the carbon intensity (CI value CIb') of a substance newly produced within a transaction term is calculated as the first CI, and the carbon intensity (CI value CIc') of a substance stored in a tank 32 within the transaction term is calculated as the second CI. This makes it possible to monitor CIs from multiple angles during the process of producing substances using renewable energy using the CI values ​​CIb' and CIc'.

[0116] According to this embodiment, carbon intensity is calculated based on a forecast of new materials to be produced within a transaction term. This makes it possible to predict the CI of materials at the time of future shipment, enabling advance measures to be taken to prevent the CI value of materials at the time of shipment from failing to meet the required value.

[0117] According to this embodiment, the first CI is calculated as a carbon intensity (predicted CI value CIb) for substances newly produced within the transaction term up to the time of calculation and substances predicted to be newly produced within the transaction term from the time of calculation until the end of the transaction term, and the second CI is calculated as a carbon intensity (predicted CI value CIc) for substances predicted to be stored in the tank 32 at the end of the transaction term. This makes it possible to predict the CI of a substance at the time of future shipment from multiple angles.

[0118] According to this embodiment, the third carbon intensity (actual CI value CIc) is calculated for the substance stored in the tank 32 when the substance is shipped from the tank 32. This makes it possible to obtain the actual CI (actual CI value CIc) at the time of shipping the substance.

[0119] According to this embodiment, carbon intensity is calculated for each of a plurality of calculation intervals constituting a transaction term, thereby enabling detailed monitoring of the CI of a substance, which changes from moment to moment in a transaction term, for each calculation interval.

[0120] According to this embodiment, the transaction term includes a plurality of production terms, and the calculation interval corresponds to one or more of the production terms, thereby enabling the CI of a substance to be monitored in accordance with the production term.

[0121] According to this embodiment, the carbon intensity (initial CI value CIa) calculated for materials already stored in the tank 32 at the start of the transaction term is combined with the carbon intensity (CI value CIb' or predicted CI value CIb) calculated for materials newly produced within the transaction term. This allows the CI value to be calculated in the nth transaction term, including the materials remaining in the tank 32 after shipment in the (n-1)th transaction term.

[0122] According to this embodiment, an alarm is issued when the calculated carbon intensity of a substance exceeds a predetermined threshold value. By setting the threshold value to a value that is smaller than the required value and with a certain margin, the CI of a substance can be monitored with a margin of error.

[0123] According to this embodiment, when the calculated value of the first CI (CI value CIb' or predicted CI value CIb) exceeds a predetermined first threshold, a preliminary alarm (H1 alarm or H2 alarm) is issued as a preliminary warning, and when the calculated value of the second CI (CI value CIc' or predicted CI value CIc) exceeds a predetermined second threshold, a main alarm (HH1 alarm or HH2 alarm) is issued to prompt the user to take action. This allows a tiered alarm system to be configured using the preliminary alarm and the main alarm.

[0124] According to this embodiment, advice information indicating a predetermined advice is output based on the result of comparing the calculated value of the carbon intensity of the substance with a predetermined threshold value, thereby making it possible to provide advice to the monitor according to the current state of the carbon intensity of the substance.

[0125] According to this embodiment, the advice information is information indicating advice for preventing the carbon intensity of a substance from exceeding a predetermined threshold, and thus it is possible to provide the monitor with advice for preventing the carbon intensity of a substance from exceeding the predetermined threshold in accordance with the current state of the carbon intensity of the substance.

[0126] According to this embodiment, the advice information is information indicating at least one of a first advice to reduce the amount of electricity purchased, a second advice to purchase carbon credits, a third advice to reduce the amount of material produced, and a fourth advice to use saved carbon credits. This allows at least one of the first to fourth advices to be given to the monitor depending on the current carbon intensity of the material.

[0127] According to this embodiment, the priority of the first to fourth advices is determined based on the cost of implementing each of the first to fourth advices, and the first to fourth advices are included in the advice information together with the determined priority. This allows the monitor to decide which of the first to fourth advices to adopt, by referring to the priority based on the costs of the first to fourth advices.

[0128] According to this embodiment, the influence of the first advice or the third advice on the production plan for the material is determined, and the first advice or the third advice is included in the advice information together with the determination result of the influence. This allows the monitor to decide whether to adopt the first advice or the third advice, taking into account the influence of the first advice or the third advice on the production plan for the material.

[0129] According to this embodiment, the priority of the first to fourth advice is determined based on the cost of implementing each of the first to fourth advices, the impact of the first or third advice on the material production plan is determined, and which of the first to fourth advices to include in the advice information is determined based on the determined priority and the assessment result of the impact. This allows the monitor to decide whether to adopt the advice included in the advice information based on the priority based on the cost of the first to fourth advices and the impact of the first or third advice on the material production plan.

[0130] According to this embodiment, the monitoring device 10 obtains the information necessary to calculate the CI of a substance online from the plant 30, thereby making it possible to monitor the CI in real time during the process of producing the substance using renewable energy.

[0131] The monitoring device 10 may acquire information necessary to calculate the CI of a substance offline from the plant 30. In this case, the CI of the substance in the process of being produced using renewable energy can be verified offline.

[0132] Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and design changes and the like are also included within the scope that does not deviate from the gist of the present invention.

[0133] Furthermore, a computer program for implementing the functions of each of the above-described devices may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on the recording medium may be loaded into a computer system and executed. Note that the term "computer system" here may also include hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. Furthermore, if a WWW system is used, the term "computer system" also includes the homepage provision environment (or display environment). Furthermore, "computer-readable recording medium" refers to a storage device such as a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM, a writable nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory, a portable medium such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or a hard disk built into a computer system.

[0134] Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" also includes a storage medium that stores a program for a certain period of time, such as a volatile memory (e.g., a dynamic random access memory (DRAM)) within a computer system that serves as a server or client when the program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. The program may also be transmitted from a computer system that stores the program in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by transmission waves within the transmission medium. Here, the "transmission medium" that transmits the program refers to a medium that has the function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line. The program may also be a program that realizes part of the aforementioned functions. Furthermore, the program may be a so-called differential file (differential program) that can realize the aforementioned functions in combination with a program already stored in the computer system.

[0135] 1...monitoring system, 10...monitoring device, 110...control unit, 120...storage unit, 130...communication unit, 1101...carbon intensity calculation unit, 1102...alarm issuing unit, 1103...advice output unit, 1201...monitoring program, 20...terminal device, 30...plant, 31...material production device, 32...tank, 33...shipping device, 50...weather information providing device

Claims

1. A monitoring device comprising: a carbon intensity calculation unit that calculates the carbon intensity of a substance produced in a substance production process that produces a substance derived from renewable energy and stored in a tank; and an alarm issuing unit that issues an alarm based on the calculated carbon intensity of the substance, wherein the carbon intensity calculation unit calculates the carbon intensity based on the substance that is newly produced within a time shipping interval in which the substance is shipped from the tank.

2. The monitoring device described in claim 1, wherein the carbon intensity calculation unit calculates at least one of a first carbon intensity for which the substance newly produced within the shipping interval is the object of calculation, and a second carbon intensity for which the substance stored in the tank within the shipping interval is the object of calculation.

3. The monitoring device described in claim 2, wherein the carbon intensity calculation unit calculates, as the first carbon intensity, a carbon intensity for the substance newly produced within the shipping interval, and calculates, as the second carbon intensity, a carbon intensity for the substance stored in the tank within the shipping interval.

4. The monitoring device according to claim 2, wherein the carbon intensity calculation unit calculates the carbon intensity based on a prediction of the substance that will be newly produced within the shipping interval.

5. The monitoring device of claim 4, wherein the carbon intensity calculation unit calculates, as the first carbon intensity, a carbon intensity that is calculated based on the substance that has been newly produced within the shipping interval up to the calculation time and the substance that is predicted to be newly produced within the shipping interval from the calculation time to the end of the shipping interval, and calculates, as the second carbon intensity, a carbon intensity that is calculated based on the substance that is predicted to be stored in the tank at the end of the shipping interval.

6. The monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein the carbon intensity calculation unit calculates a third carbon intensity, which is the calculation target of the substance stored in the tank at the time the substance is shipped from the tank.

7. The monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein the carbon intensity calculation unit calculates the carbon intensity for each of a plurality of calculation intervals that make up the shipping interval.

8. The monitoring device according to claim 7, wherein the shipping interval has a plurality of production terms, and the calculation interval is an interval corresponding to one or more of the production terms.

9. The monitoring device of claim 1, wherein the carbon intensity calculation unit combines the carbon intensity calculated for the substance already stored in the tank at the start of the shipping interval with the carbon intensity calculated for the substance newly produced within the shipping interval.

10. The monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein the alarm issuing unit issues an alarm when the calculated carbon intensity of the substance exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

11. The monitoring device according to claim 2, wherein the alarm issuing unit issues a preliminary alarm indicating a preliminary warning when the calculated value of the first carbon intensity exceeds a predetermined first threshold, and issues a main alarm urging the user to take action when the calculated value of the second carbon intensity exceeds a predetermined second threshold.

12. The monitoring device according to claim 1, further comprising an advice output unit that outputs advice information indicating a predetermined advice based on the result of comparing the calculated value of the carbon intensity of the substance with a predetermined threshold value.

13. The monitoring device according to claim 12, wherein the advice information is information indicating advice for preventing the carbon intensity of the substance from exceeding a predetermined threshold.

14. The monitoring device of claim 13, wherein the advice information is information indicating at least one of a first advice indicating to reduce the amount of electricity purchased, a second advice indicating to purchase carbon credits, a third advice indicating to reduce the amount of production of the substance, and a fourth advice indicating to use saved carbon credits.

15. The monitoring device described in claim 14, wherein the advice output unit determines the priority of the first advice to the fourth advice based on the cost of executing each of the first advice to the fourth advice, and includes the first advice to the fourth advice together with the determined priority in the advice information.

16. The monitoring device described in claim 14, wherein the advice output unit determines the impact of the first advice or the third advice on the production plan for the material, and includes the first advice or the third advice together with the impact assessment result in the advice information.

17. The monitoring device described in claim 14, wherein the advice output unit determines the priority of the first advice to the fourth advice based on the cost of implementing each of the first advice to the fourth advice, judges the impact of the first advice or the third advice on the production plan for the material, and determines which of the first advice to the fourth advice to include in the advice information based on the determined priority and the judgment result of the impact.

18. A monitoring method executed by a monitoring device, comprising: a carbon intensity calculation step of calculating the carbon intensity of a substance produced in a substance production process that produces a substance derived from renewable energy and stored in a tank; and an alarm issuance step of issuing an alarm based on the calculated carbon intensity of the substance, wherein the carbon intensity calculation step calculates the carbon intensity based on the substance that is newly produced within a time shipping interval in which the substance is shipped from the tank.

19. A computer program that causes a computer to execute a carbon intensity calculation step of calculating the carbon intensity of a substance produced in a substance production process that produces a substance derived from renewable energy and stored in a tank, and an alarm issuance step of issuing an alarm based on the calculated carbon intensity of the substance, wherein the carbon intensity calculation step calculates the carbon intensity based on the substance that is newly produced within a time shipping interval in which the substance is shipped from the tank.

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