Carbon dioxide reduction system

Abstract

The present invention provides a carbon dioxide reduction system for quantifying a reduction amount by efficiently reducing carbon dioxide.　A carbon dioxide reduction system (S) according to the present invention reduces carbon dioxide using an organism (L), the carbon dioxide reduction system comprising: a partition wall (1) that partitions a closed space (R) in which the organism is accommodated; a supply device (3) that concentrates carbon dioxide contained in the gas within the closed space to generate a product gas (Ad); a first concentration acquisition unit (62) that acquires a first concentration of carbon dioxide contained in the gas used to generate the product gas; a second concentration acquisition unit (62) that acquires a second concentration of the carbon dioxide contained in the product gas; a flow rate acquisition unit (62) that acquires the flow rate of the generated gas; and a calculation unit (63) that calculates the reduction amount of the carbon dioxide reduced by the organism on the basis of the first concentration, the second concentration, and the flow rate. The supply device is provided with a concentration film (32) for generating the product gas and supplies the product gas into the closed space.

Description

Carbon dioxide reduction system

[0001] The present invention relates to a carbon dioxide reduction system.

[0002] Achieving carbon neutrality requires reducing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Quantifying the amount of carbon dioxide reduction is important information that contributes to achieving carbon neutrality.

[0003] One method for reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide is to have plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this method, plants absorb carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere. Therefore, the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed by plants per given unit time is small. As a result, it takes a long time for plants to absorb a given amount of carbon dioxide. In other words, the efficiency of carbon dioxide reduction using this method is low.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-170247

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a carbon dioxide reduction system that efficiently reduces carbon dioxide and quantifies the amount of reduction.

[0006] The carbon dioxide reduction system of the present invention is a carbon dioxide reduction system that reduces carbon dioxide using living organisms, and comprises a partition that separates a closed space in which the living organisms are housed, a supply device that concentrates carbon dioxide contained in gas within the closed space to produce a product gas, a first concentration acquisition unit that acquires a first concentration of carbon dioxide contained in gas used to produce the product gas, a second concentration acquisition unit that acquires a second concentration of carbon dioxide contained in the product gas, a flow rate acquisition unit that acquires the flow rate of the product gas, and a calculation unit that calculates the amount of carbon dioxide reduced by the living organisms based on the first concentration, the second concentration, and the flow rate, and is characterized in that the supply device is equipped with a concentration membrane that produces a product gas and supplies the product gas into the closed space.

[0007] The present invention can provide a carbon dioxide reduction system that efficiently reduces carbon dioxide and quantifies the amount of reduction.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of a carbon dioxide reduction system according to the present invention. It is a functional block diagram of the carbon dioxide reduction system of FIG. 1. It is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the carbon dioxide reduction system of FIG. 1. It is a flowchart of a calculation process included in the operation of FIG. 3. It is a flowchart of a concentration control process included in the operation of FIG. 3. It is a timing chart of a concentration control process included in the operation of FIG. 3. It is a flowchart of an introduction control process included in the operation of FIG. 3. It is a timing chart of an introduction control process included in the operation of FIG. 3. It is a schematic diagram showing another embodiment of a carbon dioxide reduction system according to the present invention. It is a functional block diagram of the carbon dioxide reduction system of FIG. 9. It is a schematic diagram showing yet another embodiment of a carbon dioxide reduction system according to the present invention. It is a schematic diagram showing yet another embodiment of a carbon dioxide reduction system according to the present invention.

[0009] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of a carbon dioxide reduction system (hereinafter referred to as "the system") according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0010] This system uses living organisms to reduce carbon dioxide and calculates the amount of carbon dioxide that has been reduced.

[0011] "Living things" absorb carbon dioxide. Living things include plants and bacteria.

[0012] "Reduction amount" is the cumulative amount of carbon dioxide reduced.

[0013] In the following description, "upstream side" refers to the upstream side in the gas flow. "downstream side" refers to the downstream side in the gas flow. "Downward direction" refers to the direction of gravity. "Upward direction" refers to the opposite direction of downward direction.

[0014] In the following description, "A inhales gas" means "A inhales gas." "C delivers gas to D" means "C delivers gas to D."

[0015] The following explanation is an example in which this system is used for hydroponic cultivation in a greenhouse or plant factory installed outdoors.

[0016] ●Embodiment of the Present System (1)● ●Configuration of the Present System (1) The configuration of the present system is described below.

[0017] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of the present system, in which the gas flow is indicated by thick arrows.

[0018] This system S includes a partition wall 1, an intake air flow path P1, an intake device 2, a membrane concentrator 3, a supply flow path P2, an outlet 4, a third concentration meter C3, an outside air flow path 5, a blower B3, a fourth concentration meter C4, a blower B4, and a control device 6.

[0019] The partition wall 1 divides the closed space R. The partition wall 1 is an outer wall of the greenhouse. The partition wall 1 is installed outdoors.

[0020] The closed space R accommodates the plant L and the gas Aa.

[0021] The plant L absorbs (reduces) carbon dioxide. The plant L is a plant that can be grown hydroponically.

[0022] The gas Aa is a gas contained in the closed space R. The gas Aa includes carbon dioxide, nitrogen, oxygen, and the like.

[0023] The intake flow path P1 is a flow path through which the gas Aa flows from the closed space R toward the membrane concentration device 3. The intake flow path P1 is disposed between the partition wall 1 and the membrane concentration device 3.

[0024] The air intake device 2 draws in the gas Aa in the closed space R through an air intake flow path P1. The air intake device 2 delivers the gas Aa drawn in from the closed space R to the upstream side of the blower B2 in the membrane concentrator 3 through the air intake flow path P1. The air intake device 2 is disposed midway along the air intake flow path P1. The gas Aa drawn in from the closed space R flows through the air intake flow path P1 and is delivered to the membrane concentrator 3. The air intake device 2 includes the blower B1 and a first concentration meter C1. Details of the blower B2 will be described later.

[0025] The blower B1 draws in the gas Aa from the closed space R through the intake flow path P1. The blower B1 sends the gas Aa drawn in from the closed space R to the upstream side of the blower B2 in the membrane concentration device 3 through the intake flow path P1. The blower B1 is disposed in the intake device 2, upstream side of the first concentration meter C1.

[0026] The first concentration meter C1 periodically measures the concentration (hereinafter referred to as the “first concentration”) of the gas Aa sucked from the closed space R. The first concentration meter C1 is disposed in the intake device 2 downstream of the blower B1.

[0027] The membrane concentrator 3 draws in the gas Aa delivered from the intake device 2 and the outside air Ab. In the following description, the gas Aa delivered from the intake device 2 and the outside air Ab are collectively referred to as "gas Ac." The membrane concentrator 3 generates gas Ad using the gas Ac. The membrane concentrator 3 delivers the gas Ad within the membrane concentrator 3 to the discharge port 4 via the supply flow path P2. The operation of the membrane concentrator 3 is controlled by the control device 6. The membrane concentrator 3 includes an intake port 31, a blower B2, a concentration membrane 32, an air delivery unit 33, a flow meter F, and a second concentration meter C2. The membrane concentrator 3 is a supply device in the present invention. Details of the gas Ad will be described later.

[0028] The outside air Ab is gas outside the closed space R. The outside air Ab includes carbon dioxide, nitrogen, oxygen, and the like.

[0029] The air intake 31 is an opening through which the outside air Ab passes. The outside air Ab is drawn into the air supply unit 33 through the air intake 31.

[0030] The gas sending unit 33 draws in the gas Ac. The gas sending unit 33 sends the gas Ac drawn in by the gas sending unit 33 to the concentration membrane 32. The gas Ac sent from the gas sending unit 33 permeates the concentration membrane 32. The gas sending unit 33 sends the gas Ad (the part of the gas Ac that has permeated the concentration membrane 32) to the discharge port 4 via the supply flow path P2. The operation of the gas sending unit 33 is controlled by the control device 6. The gas sending unit 33 includes a blower B2 and a vacuum pump 331.

[0031] The blower B2 draws in the gas Ac. The blower B2 sends the gas Ac drawn in by the blower B2 to the concentration membrane 32. The operation of the blower B2 is controlled by the control device 6. The blower B2 is disposed upstream of the concentration membrane 32 in the membrane concentration device 3.

[0032] The concentration membrane 32 allows the gas Ac to permeate. Of the carbon dioxide, nitrogen, oxygen, and other components contained in the gas Ac, the concentration membrane 32 preferentially allows carbon dioxide to permeate. Therefore, the concentration of carbon dioxide contained in the gas Ad (gas flowing downstream of the concentration membrane 32) is higher than the concentration of carbon dioxide contained in the gas Ac (gas flowing upstream of the concentration membrane 32). In other words, the concentration membrane 32 concentrates the carbon dioxide contained in the gas Ac to produce the gas Ad. The concentration membrane 32 is disposed between the blower B2 and the vacuum pump 331. The concentration membrane 32 is, for example, a known membrane having excellent selectivity and permeability for carbon dioxide. The size and thickness of the concentration membrane 32 are not particularly limited.

[0033] The gas Ad is generated by the membrane concentration device 3. The gas Ad is the gas that has permeated the concentration membrane 32 out of the gas Ac. The gas Ad is the generated gas in the present invention.

[0034] The vacuum pump 331 reduces the pressure in the space downstream of the concentration membrane 32 in the membrane concentration device 3 to a predetermined pressure. The pressure in the space downstream of the concentration membrane 32 is lower than the pressure in the space upstream of the concentration membrane 32 in the membrane concentration device 3. The gas Ac sent from the blower B2 permeates the concentration membrane 32 due to the partial pressure difference before and after the concentration membrane 32. That is, the vacuum pump 331 sucks in the gas Ac sent from the blower B2. The vacuum pump 331 sends the gas Ad to the discharge port 4 via the supply flow path P2. The operation of the vacuum pump 331 is controlled by the control device 6 in the membrane concentration device 3. The vacuum pump 331 is arranged downstream of the concentration membrane 32.

[0035] The flow meter F periodically measures the flow rate per unit time of the gas Ad sent from the gas sending unit 33 (hereinafter referred to as the "gas sending flow rate"). The flow meter F measures the time (hereinafter referred to as the "gas sending time") during which the gas Ac is sent by the gas sending unit 33. The flow meter F is disposed between the gas sending unit 33 and the second concentration meter C2. The flow meter in the present invention is, for example, a thermal flow meter such as a thermoflow meter, an impeller flow meter, or the like.

[0036] The second concentration meter C2 periodically measures the concentration (hereinafter referred to as the "second concentration") of the gas Ad sent from the gas sending unit 33. The second concentration meter C2 is disposed downstream of the flow meter F. The second concentration is higher than the first concentration.

[0037] The supply flow path P2 is a flow path through which the gas Ad flows from the membrane concentration device 3 toward the closed space R. The supply flow path P2 is disposed between the membrane concentration device 3 and the discharge port 4.

[0038] The outlet 4 supplies the gas Ad sent from the gas sending unit 33 into the closed space R. In other words, the membrane concentration device 3 supplies the gas Ad inside the membrane concentration device 3 into the closed space R via the supply flow path P2 and the outlet 4. The outlet 4 is arranged in the supply flow path P2. The outlet 4 is arranged within the closed space R. That is, a portion of the supply flow path P2 is arranged within the closed space R. The outlet 4 includes a first outlet 4a, a second outlet 4b, and a third outlet 4c. The first outlet 4a is arranged downstream of the second outlet 4b. The second outlet 4b is arranged downstream of the third outlet 4c. The inner diameter of the first outlet 4a is larger than the inner diameter of the second outlet 4b. The inner diameter of the second outlet 4b is larger than the inner diameter of the third outlet 4c. In other words, the inner diameters of the first outlet 4a, the second outlet 4b, and the third outlet 4c increase from the upstream side to the downstream side.

[0039] The third concentration meter C3 periodically measures the concentration of the gas Aa in the closed space R (hereinafter referred to as the "third concentration"). The third concentration meter C3 is disposed in the closed space R.

[0040] The outside air flow path 5 is a flow path through which outside air Ab flows from the outside of the partition wall 1 toward the inside (closed space R) of the partition wall 1. The outside air Ab is sent (introduced) into the closed space R via the outside air flow path 5 by the blower B3. The outside air flow path 5 is disposed above the partition wall 1 (above the plants L).

[0041] The blower B3 draws in outside air Ab outside the partition wall 1. The blower B3 sends (introduces) the outside air Ab drawn in by the blower B3 into the closed space R. The blower B3 is disposed in the outside air flow path 5. The operation of the blower B3 is controlled by the control device 6. The blower B3 is an introduction unit in the present invention.

[0042] The fourth concentration meter C4 measures the concentration (hereinafter referred to as the “fourth concentration”) of the outside air Ab sent from the blower B3 into the closed space R. The fourth concentration meter C4 is disposed in the outside air flow path 5.

[0043] The blower B4 blows the gas Aa in the lower part of the closed space R toward the upper part of the closed space R (upward). The blower B4 causes convection of the gas Aa in the closed space R. The blower B4 is disposed in the lower part of the closed space R. The operation of the blower B4 is controlled by the control device 6.

[0044] Configuration of the Control Device (1) The configuration of the control device 6 will be described below.

[0045] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the system S equipped with the control device 6.

[0046] The control device 6 controls the overall operation of the system S. The control device 6 includes a storage unit 61, an acquisition unit 62, a calculation unit 63, a determination unit 64, and an operation control unit 65.

[0047] The storage unit 61 stores information necessary for the operation of the entire system S. The storage unit 61 stores the first concentration, second concentration, third concentration, fourth concentration, air supply flow rate, air supply time, etc. The storage unit 61 is, for example, a recording device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive), or a semiconductor memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0048] In the following description, the first concentration meter C1, the second concentration meter C2, the third concentration meter C3, the fourth concentration meter C4, and the flow meter F will be referred to without distinction as "each measuring instrument." The values ​​measured by each measuring instrument will be referred to without distinction as "each measured value."

[0049] The acquisition unit 62 is connected to each measuring instrument via a network that uses a wired or wireless communication method. The acquisition unit 62 acquires (receives), for example, a first concentration from the first concentration meter C1 via the network. The acquisition unit 62 corresponds to the first concentration acquisition unit, the second concentration acquisition unit, the third concentration acquisition unit, the fourth concentration acquisition unit, and the flow rate acquisition unit of the present invention. Specific operations of the acquisition unit 62 will be described later.

[0050] The network is, for example, a communication network such as the Internet, a mobile communication network, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), or Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0051] The calculation unit 63 calculates the amount of carbon dioxide reduction absorbed by the plant L based on the first concentration, the second concentration, and the air supply flow rate acquired by the acquisition unit 62. Here, the reduction amount "V" calculated by the calculation unit 63 based on the first concentration "c1", the second concentration "c2", the air supply flow rate "Q", and the air supply time "T" is expressed by the following formula (1).

[0052] V=Q×T×(c2-c1) (1)

[0053] The determining unit 64 determines whether the first concentration acquired by the acquiring unit 62 exceeds a predetermined threshold value. The specific operation of the determining unit 64 will be described later.

[0054] The operation control unit 65 controls the operation of the entire system S (for example, the first air supply operation of the fan B1, the second air supply operation of the fan B2, the third air supply operation of the vacuum pump 331, the introduction air supply operation of the fan B3, the convection air supply operation of the fan B4, etc.). The operation control unit 65 is, for example, a microcomputer or a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The operation control unit 65 is a control unit in the present invention. The specific operation of the operation control unit 65 will be described later.

[0055] The "first air supply operation" is an operation in which the blower B1 draws in the gas Aa in the closed space R and supplies the drawn-in gas Aa to the upstream side of the blower B2 in the membrane concentration device 3. When the power supply of the blower B1 is "ON", the blower B1 performs the first air supply operation. When the power supply of the blower B1 is "OFF", the blower B1 does not perform the first air supply operation.

[0056] The "second air supply operation" is an operation in which the blower B2 draws in the gas Ac and supplies the drawn-in gas Ac to the concentration membrane 32 in the membrane concentration device 3. When the power supply of the blower B2 is "ON", the blower B2 performs the second air supply operation. When the power supply of the blower B2 is "OFF", the blower B2 does not perform the second air supply operation.

[0057] The "third gas supply operation" is an operation in which the vacuum pump 331 reduces the pressure in the space downstream of the concentration membrane 32 in the membrane concentration device 3 to a predetermined pressure, thereby sucking in the gas Ac supplied from the blower B2 through the concentration membrane 32 and supplying the gas Ad to the discharge port 4. At this time, the gas Ac supplied from the blower B2 permeates the concentration membrane 32 due to the partial pressure difference before and after the concentration membrane 32 in the membrane concentration device 3. The concentration membrane 32 preferentially allows carbon dioxide to permeate among carbon dioxide, nitrogen, oxygen, etc. contained in the gas Ac. The discharge port 4 supplies the gas Ad supplied from the vacuum pump 331 into the closed space R. When the power supply of the vacuum pump 331 is "ON," the vacuum pump 331 performs the third gas supply operation. When the power supply of the vacuum pump 331 is "OFF," the vacuum pump 331 does not perform the third gas supply operation.

[0058] In the following description, when the "first gas supply operation," "second gas supply operation," and "third gas supply operation" are referred to without distinction, they will be referred to as "concentrated gas supply operations." The operation control unit 65 controls the concentrated gas supply operation based on the determination result of the determination unit 64.

[0059] The operation control unit 65 controls, for example, based on the first concentration, the ON / OFF of the power supply to the blower B1, the ON / OFF of the power supply to the blower B2, the ON / OFF of the power supply to the vacuum pump 331, the increase / decrease in the amount of air sent, and the like.

[0060] The "introduction air supply operation" is an operation in which the fan B3 draws in the outside air Ab outside the partition wall 1 and supplies the outside air Ab drawn in by the fan B3 into the closed space R. When the power supply of the fan B3 is "ON", the fan B3 performs the introduction air supply operation. When the power supply of the fan B3 is "OFF", the fan B3 does not perform the introduction air supply operation.

[0061] The operation control unit 65 controls the introduction air supply operation based on the determination result of the determination unit 64. The operation control unit 65 controls, for example, the turning on / off of the power supply of the fan B3 and the increase / decrease of the air supply amount based on the first concentration.

[0062] The "convection air-sending operation" is an operation in which the fan B4 sends the gas Aa in the lower part of the closed space R toward the upper part of the closed space R (upward), thereby causing convection of the gas Aa in the closed space R. When the power supply of the fan B4 is "ON", the fan B4 performs the convection air-sending operation. When the power supply of the fan B4 is "OFF", the fan B4 does not perform the convection air-sending operation.

[0063] The operation control unit 65 controls the introduction air supply operation based on the determination result of the determination unit 64. The operation control unit 65 controls, for example, the turning on / off of the power supply of the fan B4 and the increase / decrease of the air supply amount based on the first concentration.

[0064] Operation of the System (1) The operation of the system is described below. In the following description, reference is made to FIG. 1 as appropriate. The storage unit 61 is assumed to store thresholds V1, V2, V3, and V4 in advance.

[0065] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the system S.

[0066] First, the system S starts a concentrated air supply operation (S1). The system S always performs the concentrated air supply operation except when the concentrated air supply operation is stopped in the concentration control process (S3) described below. When the system S performs the concentrated air supply operation, the first concentration meter C1 periodically measures the first concentration. When the system S performs the concentrated air supply operation, the second concentration meter C2 periodically measures the second concentration. When the system S performs the concentrated air supply operation, the flow meter F periodically measures the air supply flow rate. When the system S performs the concentrated air supply operation, the flow meter F measures the air supply time. When the system S starts the concentrated air supply operation (S1), the system S starts a convective air supply operation. The operation control unit 65 controls the convective air supply operation based on the first concentration.

[0067] Next, the system S periodically executes a calculation process (S2), an air supply control process (S3), and an introduction control process (S4) in parallel.

[0068] The "calculation process (S2)" is a process for calculating the amount of reduction in carbon dioxide absorbed by the plant L. The details of the calculation process (S2) will be described later.

[0069] The "concentration control process (S3)" is a process for controlling the concentrated gas supply operation based on the first concentration. The concentration control process (S3) will be described in detail later.

[0070] The "introduction control process (S4)" is a process for controlling the introduction gas supply operation based on the first concentration. Details of the introduction control process (S4) will be described later.

[0071] In this way, the present system S always performs the concentrated air supply operation except when the concentrated air supply operation is stopped in the concentration control process (S3). The plant L absorbs a portion of the carbon dioxide contained in the gas Aa (carbon dioxide contained in the gas Ad). Therefore, the present system S can reduce carbon dioxide using the plant L. The present system S can also measure the first concentration, the second concentration, the air supply flow rate, and the air supply time. Furthermore, the present system S can prevent the carbon dioxide contained in the gas Aa from stagnating below the closed space R. Furthermore, the present system S can return the carbon dioxide-containing gas Aa that was not absorbed by the plant L to the membrane concentrator 3 and absorb it again by the plant L as gas Ad with a high carbon dioxide concentration.

[0072] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the calculation process (S2) included in the operation of the system S.

[0073] First, the acquisition unit 62 acquires each measurement value from each measuring instrument via the network (S21, S22).

[0074] Next, the calculation unit 63 calculates the reduction amount of carbon dioxide absorbed by the plant L based on the first concentration, the second concentration, the air supply flow rate, and the air supply time acquired by the acquisition unit 62 (S23).

[0075] In this way, the system S can calculate the amount of carbon dioxide reduction absorbed by the plants L.

[0076] In addition, when the blower B3 starts the introduction air supply operation, the calculation unit 63 calculates the amount of carbon dioxide reduction absorbed by the plant L based on the first concentration, the second concentration, the air supply flow rate, the air supply time, and the fourth concentration.

[0077] Concentration Control Process FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the concentration control process (S3) included in the operation of the present system S.

[0078] In the following description, the start of concentrated air supply operation means that the power supplies of the blower B1, the blower B2, and the vacuum pump 331 are turned from "OFF" to "ON." The stop of concentrated air supply operation means that the power supplies of the blower B1, the blower B2, and the vacuum pump 331 are turned from "ON" to "OFF."

[0079] First, the acquisition unit 62 acquires the first concentration from the first concentration meter C1 (S31).

[0080] Next, the determination unit 64 determines whether the system S is performing concentrated air supply operation (S32).

[0081] When the system S is performing concentrated gas supply operation (S32: Yes), the determination unit 64 determines whether the first concentration exceeds the threshold value V1 (S33).

[0082] When the system S is not performing concentrated gas supply operation (S32: No), the determination unit 64 determines whether the first concentration exceeds the threshold value V2 (S35).

[0083] When the determining unit 64 determines that the first concentration does not exceed the threshold value V1 (S33: No), the acquiring unit 62 again acquires the first concentration from the first concentration meter C1 (S31).

[0084] When the determination unit 64 determines that the first concentration is greater than the threshold value V1 (S33: Yes), the operation control unit 65 stops the concentrated air supply operation (S34). That is, the operation control unit 65 turns off the power of the blower B1, the blower B2, and the vacuum pump 331.

[0085] Next, the acquisition unit 62 again acquires the first concentration from the first concentration meter C1 (S31).

[0086] When the determination unit 64 determines that the first concentration does not exceed the threshold value V2 (S35: No), the operation control unit 65 starts the concentrated air supply operation (S36). That is, the operation control unit 65 turns on the power of the blower B1, the blower B2, and the vacuum pump 331.

[0087] Next, the acquisition unit 62 again acquires the first concentration from the first concentration meter C1 (S31).

[0088] When the determining unit 64 determines that the first concentration is greater than the threshold value V2 (S35: Yes), the acquiring unit 62 again acquires the first concentration from the first concentration meter C1 (S31).

[0089] In this way, the system S stops the concentrated air supply operation when it determines that the first concentration is above threshold value V1. The system S starts the concentrated air supply operation when it determines that the first concentration is below threshold value V2. In other words, when the amount of carbon dioxide in the closed space R is excessive, the system S stops the operation of blower B1, blower B2, and vacuum pump 331.

[0090] 6 is a timing chart of the concentration control process (S3) included in the operation of the present system S. This timing chart shows an example of the concentrated air supply operation of the present system S. This diagram shows the relationship between the first concentration and the ON / OFF states of the blowers B1, B2, and the vacuum pump 331. In this diagram, the vertical axis represents the first concentration and the ON / OFF states of the blowers B1, B2, and the vacuum pump 331. The horizontal axis represents time.

[0091] T0 is the time when the system S starts the concentrated gas supply operation (S1).

[0092] T1 is the time when the system S stops the concentrated gas supply operation (S34).

[0093] T2 is the time when the system S starts the concentrated gas supply operation (S36).

[0094] In this way, the system S stops the concentrated air supply operation from T1 to T2. The plant L absorbs the carbon dioxide contained in the gas Aa in the closed space R. Therefore, the first concentration decreases from T1 until T2 after a certain time has elapsed.

[0095] The threshold value V1 may be greater than the threshold value V2 or may be the same as the threshold value V2.

[0096] Introduction Control Process FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the introduction control process (S4) included in the operation of the present system S.

[0097] In the following description, the start of the introduction / air supply operation means that the power supply of the fan B3 is turned from "OFF" to "ON." The stop of the introduction / air supply operation means that the power supply of the fan B3 is turned from "ON" to "OFF."

[0098] First, the acquisition unit 62 acquires the first concentration from the first concentration meter C1 (S41).

[0099] Next, the determination unit 64 determines whether the system S is performing the introduction gas supply operation (S42).

[0100] When the system S is not performing the introduction / air supply operation (S42: Yes), the determination unit 64 determines whether the first concentration is below the threshold value V4 (S43).

[0101] When the system S is not performing the introduction / air supply operation (S42: No), the determination unit 64 determines whether the first concentration is below the threshold value V3 (S45).

[0102] When the determining unit 64 determines that the first concentration is not below the threshold value V4 (S43: No), the acquiring unit 62 again acquires the first concentration from the first concentration meter C1 (S41).

[0103] When the determination unit 64 determines that the first concentration is lower than the threshold value V4 (S43: Yes), the operation control unit 65 starts the introduction air supply operation (S44). That is, the operation control unit 65 turns on the power of the fan B3.

[0104] Next, the acquisition unit 62 again acquires the first concentration from the first concentration meter C1 (S41).

[0105] When the determination unit 64 determines that the first concentration is not below the threshold value V3 (S45: No), the operation control unit 65 stops the air introduction operation (S46). That is, the operation control unit 65 turns off the power of the fan B3.

[0106] Next, the acquisition unit 62 again acquires the first concentration from the first concentration meter C1 (S41).

[0107] When the determining unit 64 determines that the first concentration is lower than the threshold value V3 (S45: Yes), the acquiring unit 62 again acquires the first concentration from the first concentration meter C1 (S41).

[0108] In this way, the present system S starts the gas introduction and supply operation when it determines that the first concentration is below the threshold value V4. The present system S stops the gas introduction and supply operation when it determines that the first concentration is above the threshold value V3. In other words, when the amount of carbon dioxide in the closed space R is low despite the concentrated gas supply operation being performed, the present system S supplies outside air Ab outside the partition 1 into the closed space R.

[0109] The threshold value V1 may be greater than the threshold value V2 or may be the same as the threshold value V2.

[0110] 8 is a timing chart of the introduction control process (S4) included in the operation of the present system S. The figure is a timing chart showing an example of the introduction air supply operation of the present system S. The figure shows the relationship between the first concentration and the ON / OFF state of the fan B3. In the figure, the vertical axis represents the first concentration and the ON / OFF state of the fan B3. The horizontal axis represents time.

[0111] T0 is the time when the system S starts the concentrated gas supply operation (S1).

[0112] T3 is the time when the system S starts the introduction gas supply operation (S44).

[0113] T4 is the time when the system S stops the introduction and supply of gas (S46).

[0114] In this way, the system S starts the introduction gas supply operation from T3 to T4, so the first concentration increases from T3 until T4 after a certain time has elapsed.

[0115] Summary (1) According to the embodiment described above, the system S includes a partition wall 1, an air intake device 2, a membrane concentrator 3, an outlet 4, and a control device 6. The closed space R partitioned by the partition wall 1 contains a plant L and a gas Aa. The air intake device 2 draws in the gas Aa from the closed space R and delivers the gas Aa drawn in from the closed space R to the membrane concentrator 3. The air delivery unit 33 draws in the gas Ac. The air delivery unit 33 delivers the gas Ac drawn in by the air delivery unit 33 to the concentrating membrane 32. The gas Ac delivered from the air delivery unit 33 permeates the concentrating membrane 32. Of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, oxygen, and the like contained in the gas Ac, the concentrating membrane 32 preferentially allows carbon dioxide to permeate. The air supply unit 33 supplies gas Ad, which is a portion of the gas Ac that has permeated the concentration membrane 32, to the discharge port 4. The discharge port 4 supplies the gas Ad supplied from the air supply unit 33 into the closed space R. The plant L absorbs a portion of the carbon dioxide contained in the gas Aa (carbon dioxide that was contained in the gas Ad). The gas Aa containing carbon dioxide that was not absorbed by the plant L is supplied again to the concentration membrane 32 by the air intake device 2 and the air supply unit 33. As a result, the present system S can reduce carbon dioxide efficiently (in a short time). In particular, the higher the carbon dioxide concentration of the gas Aa is than that of the outside air Ab, the more efficiently the present system S can reduce carbon dioxide.

[0116] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the intake device 2 includes a first concentration meter C1 that measures the first concentration. The membrane concentrator 3 includes a flow meter F that measures the air supply flow rate of the gas Ad and a second concentration meter C2 that measures the second concentration. The control device 6 includes an acquisition unit 62 and a calculation unit 63. The acquisition unit 62 acquires the first concentration, the second concentration, the air supply flow rate, and the air supply time. The calculation unit 63 calculates the reduction in carbon dioxide absorbed by the plant L based on the first concentration, the second concentration, the air supply flow rate, and the air supply time acquired by the acquisition unit 62. As a result, the system S can quantify the reduction in carbon dioxide.

[0117] Furthermore, in the past, when the amount of carbon dioxide supplied by the membrane concentrator exceeded the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed by plants, the excess carbon dioxide was not absorbed by the plants. Therefore, the energy used to generate gas containing the excess carbon dioxide (e.g., the electrical energy required to operate the vacuum pump) was wasted. On the other hand, according to the embodiment described above, the control device 6 includes a determination unit 64 and an operation control unit 65. The determination unit 64 determines whether the first concentration acquired by the acquisition unit 62 exceeds the threshold value V1. When the determination unit 64 determines that the first concentration exceeds the threshold value V1, the operation control unit 65 stops the concentrated gas supply operation. That is, when the amount of carbon dioxide in the closed space R is excessive, the present system S stops the operation of the blower B1, the blower B2, and the vacuum pump 331. As a result, the present system S can efficiently (energy-savingly) reduce carbon dioxide.

[0118] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the system S includes the air blower B3. When the determination unit 64 determines that the first concentration is below the threshold V4, the operation control unit 65 starts the introduction air supply operation. Therefore, when the amount of carbon dioxide in the closed space R is low despite the concentrated air supply operation being performed, the system S can supply outside air Ab outside the partition 1 into the closed space R. As a result, the system S can efficiently reduce carbon dioxide.

[0119] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, when the blower B3 starts the introduction air supply operation, the calculation unit 63 calculates the amount of carbon dioxide reduction absorbed by the plants L based on the first concentration, the second concentration, the air supply flow rate, the air supply time, and the fourth concentration. As a result, the system S can quantify the amount of carbon dioxide reduction taking the fourth concentration into consideration.

[0120] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the system S includes a blower B4. The blower B4 convects the gas Aa in the closed space R. When the system S performs the concentrated gas supply operation, the operation control unit 65 controls the introduction gas supply operation based on the first concentration. Therefore, the system S homogenizes the carbon dioxide contained in the gas Aa within the closed space R. As a result, the system S can accurately quantify the amount of carbon dioxide reduction.

[0121] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the outlets 4 include a first outlet 4a, a second outlet 4b, and a third outlet 4c. The inner diameters of the first outlet 4a, the second outlet 4b, and the third outlet 4c increase from the upstream side to the downstream side. Therefore, the system S equalizes the amount of carbon dioxide contained in the gas Ad supplied from the first outlet 4a, the second outlet 4b, and the third outlet 4c. As a result, the system S can efficiently reduce carbon dioxide.

[0122] ●Embodiment 2 of the present system● Another embodiment of the present system (hereinafter referred to as the "second embodiment") described below will be described focusing on the differences from the previously described embodiment of the present system (hereinafter referred to as the "first embodiment").

[0123] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the system includes a derivation unit, an imaging unit, and a state recognition unit.

[0124] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the acquisition unit acquires plant images, the details of which will be described later.

[0125] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the operation control unit controls the operation of the air supply unit based on the growth state, which will be described in detail later.

[0126] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the intake air flow path is disposed between the intake device and the membrane concentrator.

[0127] Configuration of the Present System (2) FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a second embodiment of the present system.

[0128] This system SA includes a partition 1A, an intake air flow path P1A, an intake air device 2A, a membrane concentrator 3, a supply air flow path P2, an outlet 4, a third concentration meter C3, an outside air flow path 5, a blower B3, a fourth concentration meter C4, a blower B4, a control device 6A, an outlet section 7, and an imaging section 8.

[0129] The partition wall 1A divides the closed space RA. The partition wall 1A is an outer wall of the greenhouse. The partition wall 1A is installed outdoors.

[0130] The intake device 2A is disposed upstream of the intake flow path P1A.

[0131] The outlet portion 7 sends (extracts) the gas Aa in the closed space RA to the outside of the closed space RA. The outlet portion 7 is disposed at the bottom of the partition wall 1A. The outlet portion 7 is disposed facing the upstream side of the blower B1.

[0132] The blower B1 draws in the gas Aa sent from the outlet portion 7. The blower B1 sends the gas Aa drawn in from the outlet portion 7 to the upstream side of the blower B2 in the membrane concentration device 3 via the intake flow path P1A.

[0133] The photographing unit 8 photographs an image of the plant L (hereinafter referred to as a "plant image"). The plant image is a photographed image in the present invention.

[0134] Configuration of the Control Device (2) The configuration of the control device 6A is described below.

[0135] FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram of the system SA including the control device 6A.

[0136] The control device 6A controls the operation of the entire system SA and includes a storage unit 61, an acquisition unit 62A, a calculation unit 63, a determination unit 64, an operation control unit 65A, and a state recognition unit 66.

[0137] The acquisition unit 62A is connected to each measuring instrument and the photographing unit 8 via a network that uses a wired or wireless communication method. The acquisition unit 62A acquires (receives) plant images from the photographing unit 8 via the network. The specific operation of the acquisition unit 62A will be described later.

[0138] The state recognition unit 66 estimates the growth state of the plant L based on the plant image captured by the imaging unit 8. The state recognition unit 66 estimates the growth state of the plant L using artificial intelligence such as machine learning, for example.

[0139] The storage unit may store learning data that has been machine-learned. In this case, for example, the state recognition unit of the present invention performs machine learning to estimate the growth state of the organism based on the learning data stored in the storage unit when the acquisition unit acquires the captured image.

[0140] The growth state includes, for example, leaf area, leaf color, fruit size, and the like.

[0141] The operation control unit 65A controls the operation of the entire system SA. The operation control unit 65A controls the concentrated air supply operation based on the growth state estimated by the state recognition unit 66. The control of the concentrated air supply operation includes, for example, controlling the power supply of the blower B1, the blower B2, and the vacuum pump 331 from "ON" to "OFF."

[0142] Summary (2) According to the embodiment described above, the system SA includes an intake device 2A and an outlet section 7. The intake device 2A includes a blower B1. The outlet section 7 sends the gas Aa in the closed space RA to the outside of the closed space RA. The outlet section 7 is arranged facing the upstream side of the blower B1. The blower B1 draws in the gas Aa sent from the outlet section 7. The blower B1 sends the gas Aa drawn in from the closed space R to the upstream side of the blower B2 in the membrane concentration device 3. The gas Ac sent from the air sending section 33 permeates the concentration membrane 32. Of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, oxygen, etc. contained in the gas Ac, the concentration membrane 32 preferentially allows carbon dioxide to permeate. The air supply unit 33 supplies gas Ad, which is a portion of the gas Ac that has permeated the concentration membrane 32, to the discharge port 4. The discharge port 4 supplies the gas Ad supplied from the air supply unit 33 into the closed space RA. The plant L absorbs a portion of the carbon dioxide contained in the gas Aa (carbon dioxide that was contained in the gas Ad). The gas Aa containing carbon dioxide that was not absorbed by the plant L is supplied again to the concentration membrane 32 by the air intake device 2 and the air supply unit 33 via the outlet 7. As a result, the present system SA can efficiently reduce carbon dioxide. In particular, the higher the carbon dioxide concentration of the gas Aa is compared to the carbon dioxide concentration of the outside air Ab, the more efficiently the present system SA can reduce carbon dioxide.

[0143] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the present system SA includes a photographing unit 8 and a control device 6A. The control device 6A includes an acquisition unit 62A, a state recognition unit 66, and an operation control unit 65A. The acquisition unit 62A acquires plant images photographed by the photographing unit 8 from the photographing unit 8 via a network. The state recognition unit 66 estimates the growth state of the plant L based on the plant images photographed by the photographing unit 8. The operation control unit 65A controls the concentrated air supply operation based on the growth state estimated by the state recognition unit 66. As a result, the present system SA can efficiently reduce carbon dioxide.

[0144] ●Embodiment 3 of the present system● Another embodiment of the present system (hereinafter referred to as the "third embodiment") described below will be described focusing on the differences from the first and second embodiments of the present system described above.

[0145] The third embodiment differs from the first and second embodiments in that a partition wall separates two closed spaces.

[0146] Configuration of the Present System (3) FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a third embodiment of the present system.

[0147] This system SB includes a partition 1B, an intake air flow path P1, an intake device 2, a membrane concentrator 3, a supply flow path P2, an outlet 4, a third concentration meter C3, an outside air flow path 5B, a blower B3B, a fourth concentration meter C4, a blower B4, and a control device 6B.

[0148] The partition wall 1B separates the closed space RB from the closed space R2. The partition wall 1B is composed of an outer wall of a plant factory or the like and a vinyl curtain installed on a cultivation shelf in the plant factory. The partition wall 1B is installed outdoors.

[0149] The closed space R2 accommodates the intake device 2 and the membrane concentrator 3. The closed space R2 does not accommodate the plant L. The membrane concentrator 3 does not send the gas Ad therein into the closed space R2.

[0150] The outside air flow path 5B is a flow path through which outside air Ab flows from the outside of the partition wall 1B toward the inside of the partition wall 1B (closed space R2). The outside air Ab is sent into the closed space R2 through the outside air flow path 5B by a blower B3B. The outside air flow path 5B is disposed above the partition wall 1B (above the membrane concentration device 3).

[0151] The fan B3B draws in outside air Ab outside the partition wall 1B. The fan B3B delivers the drawn outside air Ab into the closed space R2. The fan B3B is disposed in the outside air flow path 5B. The operation of the fan B3B is controlled by the control device 6B.

[0152] The control device 6B controls the overall operation of the system SB.

[0153] Summary (3) According to the embodiment described above, the system SB includes a partition wall 1B and a blower B3B. The partition wall 1B separates the closed space RB from the closed space R2. The closed space R2 houses the intake device 2 and the membrane concentrator 3. The closed space R2 does not house a plant L. The blower B3B draws in outside air Ab from outside the partition wall 1B. The blower B3B delivers the drawn outside air Ab into the closed space R2. Therefore, the system SB does not allow the plant L to directly absorb the outside air Ab. The system SB allows the plant L to absorb gas Ad, which is a portion of the outside air Ab that has permeated the concentration membrane 32. As a result, the system S can efficiently reduce carbon dioxide. In particular, the higher the carbon dioxide concentration of gas Aa is compared to the carbon dioxide concentration of the outside air Ab, the more efficiently the system SC can reduce carbon dioxide.

[0154] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the membrane concentration device 3 is disposed in the closed space R2. As a result, the system SB can protect the membrane concentration device 3 from the environment (e.g., rain, wind, etc.) outside the partition wall 1B.

[0155] ●Embodiment (4) of the present system● Another embodiment of the present system (hereinafter referred to as the "fourth embodiment") described below will be described focusing on the differences from the third embodiment of the present system described above.

[0156] The fourth embodiment differs from the third embodiment in that two closed spaces separated by a partition communicate with each other via an outlet portion.

[0157] Configuration of the Present System (4) FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing a fourth embodiment of the present system.

[0158] This system SC includes a partition 1C, an intake flow path P1C, an intake device 2C, a membrane concentrator 3, a supply flow path P2, an outlet 4, a third concentration meter C3, an outside air flow path 5B, a blower B3B, a fourth concentration meter C4, a blower B4, a control device 6C, and an outlet section 7C.

[0159] The partition wall 1C separates the closed space R from the closed space R3. The partition wall 1C is composed of the outer wall of the greenhouse and a vinyl curtain.

[0160] The closed space R3 accommodates the intake device 2 and the membrane concentrator 3. The closed space R3 does not accommodate the plant L. The membrane concentrator 3 does not send the gas Ad therein into the closed space R3.

[0161] The intake device 2C is disposed upstream of the intake flow path P1C.

[0162] The outlet portion 7C sends the gas Aa in the closed space RC into the closed space R3. The outlet portion 7C does not send the gas Aa in the closed space RC to the outside of the partition wall 1C. The outlet portion 7C is disposed below the partition wall 1C. The outlet portion 7C is disposed facing the upstream side of the blower B1.

[0163] The blower B1 draws in the gas Aa sent from the outlet portion 7C, and sends the drawn-in gas Aa to the concentration membrane 32 via the intake flow path P1C.

[0164] The control device 6C controls the operation of the entire system SC.

[0165] Summary (4) According to the embodiment described above, the system SC includes a partition wall 1C and a blower B3B. The partition wall 1C separates the closed space RC from the closed space R3. The closed space R3 houses the intake device 2 and the membrane concentrator 3. The closed space R3 does not house a plant L. The blower B3B draws in outside air Ab from outside the partition wall 1C. The blower B3B sends the drawn outside air Ab into the closed space R3. Therefore, the system SC does not allow the plant L to directly absorb the outside air Ab. The system SC allows the plant L to absorb carbon dioxide contained in gas Ad, which is part of the outside air Ab that has permeated the concentration membrane 32. As a result, the system SC can efficiently reduce carbon dioxide.

[0166] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the system SC includes an outlet 7C. The outlet 7C sends the gas Aa in the closed space RC into the closed space R3. The outlet 7C does not send the gas Aa in the closed space RC outside the partition wall 1C. The outlet 7C is disposed facing the upstream side of the blower B1. Of the gas Aa sent from the outlet 7C, the gas Aa that is not sucked in by the blower B1 is stored in the closed space R3. Therefore, the intake device 2A sucks in the gas Aa stored in the closed space R3. As a result, the system SC can efficiently reduce carbon dioxide. In particular, the higher the carbon dioxide concentration of the gas Aa is compared to the carbon dioxide concentration of the outside air Ab, the more efficiently the system SC can reduce carbon dioxide.

[0167] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the membrane concentration device 3 is disposed in the closed space R3. As a result, the system SC can protect the membrane concentration device 3 from the environment (e.g., rain, wind, etc.) outside the partition wall 1C.

[0168] Other Embodiments Values ​​Used for Control and Calculation In the embodiments described above, the operation control unit 65, 65A controls the concentrated air supply operation and the introduction air supply operation based on the first concentration. However, the information used by the control unit in the present invention to control the air supply unit and the introduction unit is not limited to the first concentration. That is, for example, the information used by the control unit in the present invention to control the air supply unit and the introduction unit may be controlled based on the second concentration, the third concentration, the fourth concentration, the flow rate, the temperature inside the closed space, the temperature outside the closed space, the amount of solar radiation, the humidity, the time of day or night, etc.

[0169] Furthermore, the control unit in the present invention may control the gas supply unit and the introduction unit based on, for example, the difference between the first concentration and the second concentration.

[0170] Furthermore, the determination unit in the present invention may determine, for example, whether or not the difference between the first concentration and the second concentration is within a predetermined range. In this case, for example, when the determination unit determines that the difference between the first concentration and the second concentration is within the predetermined range (the difference between the first concentration and the second concentration is small) (when the amount of carbon dioxide in the closed space is excessive), the control unit stops the operation of the air supply unit.

[0171] Configuration of the Present System In the above-described embodiment, the shapes and materials of the partition walls 1, 1A, 1B, and 1C are limited. However, the partition walls of the present invention are not particularly limited in shape and material as long as they can partition a closed space in which plants are housed. That is, for example, the partition walls of the present invention may be the outer walls of a plant factory or a greenhouse.

[0172] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, the partition walls 1, 1A, 1B, and 1C are placed outdoors. However, the partition walls of the present invention may be placed anywhere as long as they can partition a closed space in which plants are housed, and the location where they are placed is not particularly limited. That is, for example, the partition walls of the present invention may be placed inside a plant factory or a vinyl greenhouse. When the partition walls of the present invention are placed inside a plant factory, the partition walls of the present invention may be, for example, vinyl curtains installed on cultivation shelves in the plant factory.

[0173] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the systems S, SA, SB, and SC were equipped with each measuring instrument. The acquisition unit 62 acquired each measurement value measured by each measuring instrument. However, the system itself does not need to be equipped with each measuring instrument, as long as each measurement value can be acquired by the acquisition unit of the present invention. That is, for example, the system does not need to be equipped with a flow meter. In this case, the memory unit stores, for example, the normal air flow rate of the air supply unit (e.g., a vacuum pump). The acquisition unit of the present invention acquires values ​​necessary for calculating the amount of carbon dioxide reduction from the memory unit. Note that the fewer the number of measuring instruments equipped in the system itself, the lower the cost required for calculating the reduction amount can be.

[0174] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, the present systems S, SA, SB, and SC reduce carbon dioxide using plants L that can be grown hydroponically. However, the organisms used by the present systems to reduce carbon dioxide are not particularly limited. That is, for example, the present systems may reduce carbon dioxide using plants that can be grown in soil. In this case, for example, the closed space partitioned by a partition wall in the present invention contains soil. The soil releases carbon dioxide. As a result, the calculation unit in the present invention can calculate the reduction in carbon dioxide absorbed by the plants based on the concentration of carbon dioxide released from the soil. The concentration of carbon dioxide released from the soil is the fifth concentration in the present invention.

[0175] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the plant L absorbs carbon dioxide supplied to the closed spaces R, RA, RB, and RC. However, the present system may be configured to reduce carbon dioxide using living organisms. That is, for example, when water absorbed by the roots of hydroponically grown plants is contained in the closed spaces, the supply device of the present invention may dissolve carbon dioxide in the water through the supply flow path. In this case, the hydroponically grown plants absorb the water containing carbon dioxide.

[0176] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, the present systems S, SA, SB, and SC include the membrane concentration device 3. However, instead of this, the present systems may include a plurality of supply devices. That is, for example, the plurality of supply devices in the present invention may be connected in series or in parallel to the supply flow path.

[0177] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the membrane concentration device 3 includes a concentration membrane 32. However, instead of this, the supply device of the present invention may include multiple concentration membranes. That is, for example, the multiple concentration membranes of the present invention may be connected in series or in parallel within a single supply device. When multiple concentration membranes are connected in series, the concentration of carbon dioxide supplied into the closed space is higher than the concentration of carbon dioxide supplied into the closed space by a single concentration membrane. When multiple concentration membranes are connected in parallel, the system can supply the product gas into the closed space even if one concentration membrane fails.

[0178] In the embodiment described above, the air sending unit 33 includes the air blower B2. However, the air sending unit of the present invention need not include an air blower as long as it can send the gas in the closed space to the concentration membrane. That is, for example, the air sending unit of the present invention may be composed of a compressor or a blower, or may be composed of only a vacuum pump.

[0179] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the outlets 7, 7C are arranged facing the blower B1. However, the air supply unit of the present invention is only required to supply the gas discharged from the outlet to the concentration membrane. Therefore, the outlets of the present invention do not have to be arranged facing the blower. That is, for example, the outlets of the present invention may be arranged above the air supply unit. Carbon dioxide is known to be heavier than oxygen and nitrogen. In this case, the carbon dioxide discharged from the outlet accumulates downward. The air intake device of the present invention can intake gas containing carbon dioxide that has accumulated downward.

[0180] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, the systems SA and SC send the gas Aa in the closed spaces RA and RC to the outside of the closed spaces RA and RC through the outlets 7 and 7C. However, the location where the gas Aa in the closed spaces RA and RC is sent to the outside of the closed spaces RA and RC is not limited to the outlet. That is, for example, the systems may include multiple openings (small gaps) other than the outlet. The multiple openings are disposed in the partition wall of the present invention. The multiple openings send the gas in the closed spaces to the outside of the closed spaces. The size of the outlet is larger than the multiple openings. In this case, the systems can concentrate the location where the gas in the closed spaces is sent from the closed spaces to the outside of the closed spaces at the outlet, out of the openings and the outlet.

[0181] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, the number of intake devices 2, 2C is one. However, the air supply unit in the present invention is only required to be able to supply the gas in the closed space to the concentration membrane, and the number of intake devices is not limited. That is, for example, when the outlet unit in the present invention is large, multiple intake devices may be used. Each of the multiple intake devices is equipped with a first concentration meter. Each of the multiple first concentration meters measures a first concentration. In this case, the control unit in the present invention can control the operation of the air supply unit and the introduction unit based on the average value of the multiple first concentrations.

[0182] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the number of outlets 7, 7C is one. However, the outlet in the present invention is not limited as long as it can deliver the gas in the closed space to the outside of the closed space. That is, for example, the number of outlets in the present invention may be multiple. In this case, the supply device can deliver the gas delivered from the multiple outlets to one concentration membrane.

[0183] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, the systems S, SA, SB, and SC were provided with a discharge port. However, the systems need only be able to supply the generated gas into the closed space, and need not be provided with a discharge port. That is, for example, when the closed space in the present invention is small, the supply flow path connected to the partition wall in the present invention supplies the generated gas into the closed space.

[0184] Furthermore, the acquisition unit of the present invention may be connected to a display device via a network using a wired or wireless communication method. In this case, each measurement value and production volume are displayed on the display device. As a result, the manager using the system can check the values ​​displayed on the display device.

[0185] Control In the embodiment described above, the operation control unit 65 controls the ON / OFF of the power supplies of the blower B1, the blower B2, and the vacuum pump 331. However, the control of the air supply unit by the control unit in the present invention is not limited to the ON / OFF of the power supply of the air supply unit. That is, for example, the control unit in the present invention may control the operation of the air supply unit in multiple stages (e.g., control the rotation speed of the blower). In this case, the present system can control the amount of gas supplied from the air supply unit to the concentration membrane in multiple stages.

[0186] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the state recognition unit 66 estimated the growth state of the plant L based on the plant image captured by the image capture unit 8. However, the method of estimation by the state recognition unit in the present invention is not particularly limited. That is, for example, the state recognition unit in the present invention may estimate the leaf area of ​​the plant based on the image captured by the image capture unit. The present system stops the concentrated air supply operation when it determines that the estimated leaf area of ​​the plant does not exceed a predetermined threshold. In this case, the present system stops the operation of the supply device when the leaf area of ​​the plant is small (a state in which the plant cannot sufficiently absorb carbon dioxide).

[0187] ●Features of this system● The features of this system that have been explained so far are summarized below.

[0188] This system is a carbon dioxide reduction system (e.g., this system S, SA, SB, SC) that reduces carbon dioxide using living organisms (e.g., plants L), and includes: a partition (e.g., partition 1, 1A, 1B, 1C) that partitions a closed space (e.g., closed space R, RA, RB, RC) that houses the living organisms; a supply device (e.g., membrane concentration device 3) that concentrates carbon dioxide contained in a gas (e.g., gas Aa) in the closed space to generate a product gas (e.g., gas Ad); a first concentration acquisition unit (e.g., acquisition unit 62, 62A) that acquires a first concentration of carbon dioxide contained in the gas used to generate the product gas; a second concentration acquisition unit (e.g., acquisition unit 62, 62A) that acquires a second concentration of carbon dioxide contained in the product gas; and a flow rate acquisition unit (e.g., acquisition unit 62, 62A) that acquires a flow rate of the product gas. a calculation unit (e.g., calculation unit 63) that calculates the amount of carbon dioxide reduced by the organisms based on the first concentration, the second concentration, and the flow rate; and the supply device is provided with a concentration membrane (e.g., concentration membrane 32) that generates the generated gas, and supplies the generated gas into the closed space.

[0189] The present system may include an air supply unit (e.g., air supply unit 33) that supplies the gas to the concentration membrane, and a control unit (e.g., operation control unit 65, 65A) that controls the operation of the air supply unit, and the control unit may control the operation of the air supply unit based on the first concentration.

[0190] In this system, the control unit may control the operation of the gas supply unit based on the difference between the first concentration and the second concentration.

[0191] The system may include a judgment unit (e.g., judgment unit 64) that judges whether the first concentration is within a predetermined range, and the control unit may stop operation of the air supply unit when the judgment unit judges that the first concentration is above the predetermined range, and operate the air supply unit when the judgment unit judges that the first concentration is within the predetermined range.

[0192] The system may include an air supply unit (e.g., air supply unit 33) that supplies the gas to the concentration membrane, a control unit (e.g., operation control unit 65, 65A) that controls the operation of the air supply unit, and a third concentration acquisition unit (e.g., acquisition unit 62, 62A) that acquires a third concentration of carbon dioxide in the closed space, and the control unit may control the operation of the air supply unit based on the third concentration.

[0193] The present system may include an introduction unit (e.g., a blower B3) that supplies outside air (e.g., outside air Ab) from outside the closed space into the closed space, and a control unit (e.g., an operation control unit 65, 65A) that controls the operation of the introduction unit, and the control unit may control the operation of the introduction unit based on the first concentration.

[0194] In this system, the control unit may control the operation of the introduction unit based on the difference between the first concentration and the second concentration.

[0195] The system may include a determination unit (e.g., determination unit 64) that determines whether the first concentration is within a predetermined range, and the control unit may stop operation of the introduction unit when the determination unit determines that the first concentration is within the predetermined range, and operate the introduction unit when the determination unit determines that the first concentration is below the predetermined range.

[0196] The present system may comprise an introduction unit (e.g., blower B3) that supplies outside air from outside the closed space into the closed space, a control unit (e.g., operation control unit 65, 65A) that controls the operation of the introduction unit, and a third concentration acquisition unit (e.g., acquisition unit 62, 62A) that acquires a third concentration of carbon dioxide in the closed space, and the control unit may control the operation of the introduction unit based on the third concentration.

[0197] The system may include a fourth concentration acquisition unit (e.g., acquisition unit 62, 62A) that acquires a fourth concentration of carbon dioxide contained in the outside air introduced into the closed space, and the calculation unit may calculate the reduction amount based on the fourth concentration.

[0198] In this system, the living organism may be a plant planted in soil contained in the closed space, and the system may include a fifth concentration acquisition unit that acquires a fifth concentration of carbon dioxide released from the soil, and the calculation unit may calculate the reduction amount based on the fifth concentration.

[0199] The system may include a blower (e.g., blower B4) that causes convection of the gas within the partition wall, and a control unit (e.g., operation control unit 65, 65A) that controls the operation of the blower, and the control unit may control the operation of the blower based on the first concentration.

[0200] The present system (e.g., present systems SA and SC) may comprise an outlet section (e.g., outlet section 7, 7C) that discharges a portion of the gas in the closed space to the outside of the closed space, and an air supply section (e.g., air supply section 33) that supplies the gas discharged from the outlet section to the concentration membrane.

[0201] The present system may comprise a supply flow path (e.g., supply flow path P2) that supplies the generated product gas into the closed space, and a plurality of discharge ports (e.g., discharge port 4) that discharge the product gas flowing in the supply flow path into the closed space, wherein the discharge ports are arranged in the supply flow path along the flow of the product gas flowing in the supply flow path, and the size of each of the plurality of discharge ports increases from the upstream side to the downstream side of the flow.

[0202] The present system (for example, the present system SA) may comprise: an air supply unit (for example, the air supply unit 33) that supplies the gas from the closed space to the concentration membrane; an imaging unit (for example, the imaging unit 8) that can photograph the organism; a state recognition unit (for example, the state recognition unit 66) that can recognize the growth state of the organism based on the image taken by the imaging unit; and a control unit (for example, the operation control unit 65A) that controls the operation of the air supply unit based on the growth state.

[0203] S: Carbon dioxide reduction system 1: Partition wall 2: Air intake device 3: Membrane concentration device 31: Air intake port 32: Concentration membrane 33: Air supply section 331: Vacuum pump 4: Discharge port 4a: First discharge port 4b: Second discharge port 4c: Third discharge port 5: Outside air flow path 6: Control device 61: Memory section 62: Acquisition section 63: Calculation section 64: Determination section 65: Operation control section 66: State recognition section 7: Derivation section 8: Photography section B1: Fan B2: Fan B3: Fan B4: Fan C1: First concentration meter C2: Second concentration meter C3: Third concentration meter C4: Fourth concentration meter Aa: Gas Ab: Outside air Ac : Gas Ad : Gas F : Flow meter L : Plant P1 : Intake flow path P2 : Supply flow path R : Closed space SA : Carbon dioxide reduction system 1A : Partition wall 2A : Intake device 6A : Control device 62A : Acquisition unit 65A : Operation control unit P1A : Intake flow path RA : Closed space SB : Carbon dioxide reduction system 1B : Partition wall 5B : Outside air flow path 6B : Control device B3B : Blower RB : Closed space R2 : Closed space SC : Carbon dioxide reduction system 1C : Partition wall 2C : Intake device 6C : Control device 7C : Outlet unit P1C : Intake flow path RC : Closed space R3 : Closed space

Claims

1. A carbon dioxide reduction system that reduces carbon dioxide using living organisms, comprising: a partition that defines a closed space in which the organisms are housed; a supply device that concentrates carbon dioxide contained in gas within the closed space to produce a product gas; a first concentration acquisition unit that acquires a first concentration of carbon dioxide contained in the gas used to produce the product gas; a second concentration acquisition unit that acquires a second concentration of carbon dioxide contained in the product gas; a flow rate acquisition unit that acquires the flow rate of the product gas; and a calculation unit that calculates an amount of carbon dioxide reduction achieved by the organisms based on the first concentration, the second concentration, and the flow rate, wherein the supply device is equipped with a concentration membrane that produces the product gas, and supplies the product gas into the closed space.

2. A carbon dioxide reduction system as described in claim 1, comprising: an air supply unit that supplies the gas to the concentration membrane; and a control unit that controls the operation of the air supply unit, wherein the control unit controls the operation of the air supply unit based on the first concentration.

3. The carbon dioxide reduction system according to claim 2, wherein the control unit controls the operation of the air supply unit based on the difference between the first concentration and the second concentration.

4. A carbon dioxide reduction system as described in claim 2, further comprising a judgment unit that judges whether the first concentration is within a predetermined range, wherein the control unit stops operation of the air supply unit when the judgment unit judges that the first concentration is above the predetermined range, and operates the air supply unit when the judgment unit judges that the first concentration is within the predetermined range.

5. A carbon dioxide reduction system as described in claim 1, comprising: an air supply unit that supplies the gas to the concentration membrane; a control unit that controls the operation of the air supply unit; and a third concentration acquisition unit that acquires a third concentration of carbon dioxide in the closed space, wherein the control unit controls the operation of the air supply unit based on the third concentration.

6. A carbon dioxide reduction system as described in claim 1, comprising: an introduction unit that supplies outside air from outside the closed space into the closed space; and a control unit that controls the operation of the introduction unit, wherein the control unit controls the operation of the introduction unit based on the first concentration.

7. The carbon dioxide reduction system according to claim 6, wherein the control unit controls the operation of the introduction unit based on the difference between the first concentration and the second concentration.

8. A carbon dioxide reduction system as described in claim 6, further comprising a judgment unit that judges whether the first concentration is within a predetermined range, wherein the control unit stops operation of the introduction unit when the judgment unit judges that the first concentration is within the predetermined range, and operates the introduction unit when the judgment unit judges that the first concentration is below the predetermined range.

9. A carbon dioxide reduction system as described in claim 1, comprising: an introduction section that supplies outside air from outside the closed space into the closed space; a control section that controls the operation of the introduction section; and a third concentration acquisition section that acquires a third concentration of carbon dioxide in the closed space, wherein the control section controls the operation of the introduction section based on the third concentration.

10. A carbon dioxide reduction system as described in claim 9, further comprising: a fourth concentration acquisition unit that acquires a fourth concentration of carbon dioxide contained in the outside air introduced into the closed space; and the calculation unit that calculates the reduction amount based on the fourth concentration.

11. The carbon dioxide reduction system of claim 1, wherein the living organism is a plant planted in soil contained in the closed space, and the carbon dioxide reduction system further comprises a fifth concentration acquisition unit that acquires a fifth concentration of carbon dioxide released from the soil, and the calculation unit calculates the reduction amount based on the fifth concentration.

12. A carbon dioxide reduction system as described in claim 1, comprising: a blower that circulates the gas within the partition; and a control unit that controls the operation of the blower, wherein the control unit controls the operation of the blower based on the first concentration.

13. A carbon dioxide reduction system as described in claim 1, comprising: an outlet section that discharges a portion of the gas in the closed space to the outside of the closed space; and an air supply section that supplies the gas discharged from the outlet section to the concentration membrane.

14. A carbon dioxide reduction system as described in claim 1, comprising: a supply flow path that supplies the generated product gas into the closed space; and a plurality of discharge ports that discharge the product gas flowing within the supply flow path into the closed space, wherein the discharge ports are arranged in the supply flow path along the flow of the product gas flowing within the supply flow path, and the size of each of the plurality of discharge ports increases from the upstream side to the downstream side of the flow.

15. A carbon dioxide reduction system as described in claim 1, comprising: an air supply unit that supplies the gas from the closed space to the concentration membrane; an imaging unit that can photograph the organism; a state recognition unit that can recognize the growth state of the organism based on the image taken by the imaging unit; and a control unit that controls the operation of the air supply unit based on the growth state.

Images