Facility introduction support device and facility introduction support method

Abstract

A facility introduction support device according to one embodiment of the present invention supports introduction of an energy facility, and comprises: a facility list creation unit that creates an introduction candidate facility list that summarizes energy facilities including at least a water electrolysis device and capable of being introduced for each region, on the basis of map information including at least a water source; and an introduction effect evaluation unit that evaluates and presents the introduction effect of the energy facilities on the basis of system information including a power system, weather data, traffic information, energy demand information, and the introduction candidate facility list.

Description

Equipment installation support device and equipment installation support method

[0001] The present invention relates to an equipment introduction support device and an equipment introduction support method that suggest an effective introduction method for energy generation equipment with a low environmental impact, such as a water electrolysis device, a hydrogen generation device, or a renewable energy device.

[0002] In recent years, the use of natural energy sources such as solar and wind power has been increasing around the world in an effort to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and, in the future, realize a carbon-neutral society in which the amount of carbon dioxide emitted is equal to the amount captured. However, it is not easy to maintain a constant output of natural energy sources, and the increased use of natural energy sources has led to instability in the power grid.

[0003] One way to stabilize the power grid is to convert surplus renewable energy generation relative to power demand into hydrogen and store it. Furthermore, for generators that previously used fossil fuels to generate electricity, studies are underway to reduce exhaust gas emissions by including hydrogen in part of the fuel gas, and to recycle the carbon dioxide and moisture in the exhaust gas to generate electricity, thereby reducing carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere to zero.

[0004] In the future, as the use of renewable energy sources such as solar power generation becomes more widespread, the introduction of hydrogen production facilities is expected to increase in response to the growing demand for hydrogen. Therefore, there is a need for methods to introduce energy generation and storage facilities with low environmental impact, including effective hydrogen production facilities.

[0005] However, while in the past, suitable locations for installing power facilities were searched for based on the power grid, the challenges for hydrogen production equipment are to search for suitable locations that take into account not only the power grid but also supply means and demand, and to select appropriate facility capacity.

[0006] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an investment decision support system that evaluates and displays risks such as weather, in addition to expected returns from investment in an electric power system. Patent Document 1 states that "investment risk is calculated based on settings of risk factors and expected fluctuation ranges, and the fluctuation range of investment effect is displayed based on the calculated investment risk."

[0007] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-168895

[0008] However, according to the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is possible to verify the operation of the installed equipment and verify the cost-effectiveness based on grid information for the area where the equipment is installed, past data or future forecasts of demand, and past data and future forecasts of risk.However, with the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, the verification of cost-effectiveness is based solely on power grid information and does not include calculations for the supply of hydrogen produced by water electrolysis.

[0009] Given the above situation, there was a need for a method to formulate and support effective plans for the introduction of energy facilities, including water electrolysis facilities.

[0010] In order to solve the above problems, one aspect of the present invention provides an equipment introduction support device that supports the introduction of energy equipment, and includes: an equipment list creation unit that creates a list of candidate equipment for introduction, which lists energy equipment that can be introduced in each region, including at least a water electrolysis device, based on map information that includes at least water sources; and an introduction effect evaluation unit that evaluates and presents the introduction effects of the energy equipment based on system information including the power system, weather data, traffic information, energy demand information, and the candidate equipment list.

[0011] According to at least one aspect of the present invention, a list of candidate facilities for introduction can be generated based on facility information, including water source locations, obtained from map information, and the effectiveness of introducing energy facilities can be evaluated by referring to grid information, weather data, traffic information, energy demand information, and the candidate facilities list. Therefore, an effective introduction plan for energy facilities, including water electrolysis facilities, can be formulated and the introduction of such facilities can be supported. Other problems, configurations, and advantages will become clearer from the following description of the preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0012] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an equipment introduction support device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an equipment introduction support device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an equipment list creation unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of area information created by an area creation unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing another example of area information created by the area creation unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of derivation of equipment candidates in a certain region according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is an example of a table tabulating the distribution of scores and the total of scores for each zone based on area information according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of equipment information (equipment list) according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an introduction effect evaluation unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an introduction candidate equipment list input to the introduction effect evaluation unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure until the equipment introduction support device according to the first embodiment of the present invention presents economic effects for the introduction equipment list. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure of a supply and demand calculation unit and an economic effect estimation unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of economic effect presentation means by the equipment introduction support device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an equipment list creation unit in the second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of derivation of equipment candidates in a certain area in the second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an introduction effect evaluation unit in the second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a supply and demand calculation unit in the second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure until an equipment introduction support device in the second embodiment of the present invention presents an introduction equipment list and economic effects.

[0013] Hereinafter, examples of modes for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments") will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and the accompanying drawings, identical or similar components are given the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations may be omitted or only explanations focusing on the differences may be given. Furthermore, when there are multiple identical or similar components, they may be described using the same reference numerals with different subscripts. Note that when it is not necessary to distinguish between these multiple components, the subscripts may be omitted in the description. The number of each component may be singular or plural unless otherwise specified.

[0014] In the following embodiment, various types of information are described in table format, but the various types of information may be in a data format other than table format. Furthermore, various names such as "XX information," "XX table," "XX list," and "XX list" are interchangeable. Furthermore, when describing identification information, expressions such as "identification information," "name," and "ID" are used, but these are interchangeable.

[0015] First Embodiment First, the configuration of an equipment introduction support device according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

[0016] [Configuration of Equipment Introduction Support Device] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an equipment introduction support device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 1, an equipment introduction support system 1 is configured by linking an equipment introduction support device 10 with various data. As an example, these various data (information) can be acquired from a cloud environment (such as a server on a communication network). Details of the various data will be described later.

[0017] The equipment introduction support device 10 is a device that supports the introduction of equipment that generates and stores energy (hereinafter also referred to as "energy equipment") in a given region. In this embodiment, the generation of energy also includes the generation of substances (e.g., hydrogen) that are used to generate energy. In this specification, energy equipment may be abbreviated simply as "equipment." The equipment introduction support device 10 is composed of an equipment list creation unit 11 and an introduction effect evaluation unit 12.

[0018] The equipment list creation unit 11 inputs map data 21, equipment information 22, and system information 23 to create an introduction candidate equipment list 1000 (see FIG. 10 described later) that lists introduction candidate equipment in each region. The map data 21 includes location information of various facilities in addition to map information. The introduction effect evaluation unit 12 inputs system information 23, weather data 24, traffic information 25, and energy demand data 26 into the introduction candidate equipment list 1000 created by the equipment list creation unit 11, evaluates the effects of introducing the introduction candidate equipment, and outputs the evaluation results. The introduction effect evaluation unit 12 presents the introduction area / introduction equipment list and the evaluation results therefor.

[0019] [Hardware Configuration of Computer] Next, the hardware configuration of the equipment introduction support device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the equipment introduction support device 10. The computer 30 shown in Fig. 2 is an example of hardware used as a computer. The equipment introduction support device 10 according to this embodiment realizes equipment introduction support performed by the functional blocks shown in Fig. 1 in cooperation with each other by the computer 30 (computer) executing a program.

[0020] The computer 30 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 31, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 32, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 33, all connected to a system bus. The computer 30 further includes a display device 34, an input device 35, a non-volatile storage 36, and a communication interface 37.

[0021] The CPU 31 reads out the program code of software that realizes each function according to this embodiment from the ROM 32, loads it into the RAM 33, and executes it. Variables, parameters, etc. that are generated during the calculation processing of the CPU 31 are temporarily written to the RAM 33, and these variables, parameters, etc. are read out as appropriate by the CPU 31. The CPU 31 executes the program code read out from the ROM 32, thereby realizing the function of each functional block of the equipment introduction assistance device 10. However, another processor such as an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) may be used instead of the CPU 31.

[0022] The non-volatile storage 36 is an example of a recording medium, and is capable of storing data used by a program, data obtained by executing a program, and the like. For example, the non-volatile storage 36 stores the introduction candidate equipment list 1000, an introduction area / introduction equipment list, and the evaluation results thereof. The non-volatile storage 36 may also store some or all of the various data (information) shown in FIG. 1 . The non-volatile storage 36 may also store an operating system (OS) or programs executed by the CPU 31. Examples of the non-volatile storage 36 that may be used include a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), optical or magnetic disk media, and semiconductor memory cards.

[0023] The communication interface 37 is implemented by a communication device such as a network interface card (NIC). The communication interface 37 is capable of transmitting and receiving various types of data to and from external devices via a communication network such as a connected LAN, a dedicated line, etc. Input of various types of information (data) to the equipment introduction assistance device 10 is realized using the communication interface 37.

[0024] The display device 34 is a monitor such as a liquid crystal display, and displays a GUI (Graphical User Interface) screen, the results of arithmetic processing by the CPU 31, etc. The input device 35 generates an input signal in response to a user's operation and outputs it to the CPU 31. The input device 35 may be, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, a touch sensor, etc., and the user can operate the input device 35 to input information and instructions. The display device 34 and the input device 35 may be integrated into a touch panel.

[0025] [Configuration of Equipment List Creation Unit] Next, the configuration of the equipment list creation unit 11 included in the equipment introduction assistance device 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the equipment list creation unit 11. The equipment list creation unit 11 includes an area creation unit 111, a numerical evaluation unit 112, and an equipment selection unit 113. The area creation unit 111 reads existing facility information for each area from the map data 21 and grid information 23 for the target area, and creates information (area information for facility deployment) that sets areas based on the distance from the facilities. The map data 21 includes facility information including at least water sources. The area creation unit 111 has a function of creating areas based on this facility information. The numerical evaluation unit 112 calculates and assigns a numerical value indicating the suitability of introducing energy equipment for each area created by the area creation unit 111, and outputs the numerical evaluation result 700. The equipment selection unit 113 selects equipment that can be introduced in each area based on the numerical evaluation result 700 by the numerical evaluation unit 112 and the equipment information 22 (equipment list), and creates an introduction candidate equipment list 1000.

[0027] [Example of Area Information] Here, the area information created by the area creating unit 111 will be described with reference to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the area information created by the area creating unit 111.

[0028] Examples of facilities include power generation facilities that use naturally-derived energy, such as wind power generation (WF) and photovoltaic power generation (PV) (hereinafter, these may be referred to as "renewable energy facilities"), water sources, such as distribution reservoirs (reservoirs), rivers, lakes, and the sea, road information, and energy consumers. The area creation unit 111 creates areas starting from these facilities. For example, areas such as areas 411a, 411b, and 411c are created according to the distance from the water source 410 (with the distance from the water source 410 gradually increasing). Similarly, area 421a is created starting from renewable energy facility 420, and area 431a is created starting from consumer 430.

[0029] There are also irregular cases where the area is not circular, such as area 441a of renewable energy facility 440. The shape of the area can be created to avoid existing facilities (such as facilities currently in operation) and slopes, according to the contour information of map data 21 and the location information of existing buildings. By including landscape ordinances in map data 21, it becomes impossible to introduce new facilities in areas designated by the landscape ordinances.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 4 , it is desirable to install the hydrogen production facility 400 near these facilities from an efficiency, i.e., economic, perspective. For example, for the hydrogen production facility 400, the water source that supplies the water used in water splitting, the roads and power grids used to transport the hydrogen generated by water splitting, etc. are important. Furthermore, toward a carbon-neutral society, it is ideal to use renewable energy for the electricity required for water electrolysis. Hydrogen produced using renewable energy electricity produces fewer CO2 emissions than commercial electricity. Furthermore, because water electrolysis devices do not use imported fossil fuels for energy generation, they can be installed inland rather than along the coast.

[0031] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing another example of area information created by the area creation unit 111. In the case of a water source other than a reservoir, such as a river 510, areas are created according to their distance from the water's edge. In FIG. 5, areas 511a, 511c, and 511e are created along the river 510, closest to both banks, and areas 511b, 511d, and 511f are created outside these areas (areas farther from the river 510). Areas 511a, 511c, and 511e are each symmetrically shaped with respect to the river 510. In other words, the boundaries of areas 511a, 511c, and 511e are created so that they are equally far from the water's edge of the river 510. The same applies to areas 511b, 511d, and 511f. In the example of Figure 5, renewable energy facilities 520-1 and 520-2 such as WF and PV, and consumers 530-1 and 530-2 that use hydrogen are located along a river 510, and hydrogen production facilities 500-1 and 500-2 are also shown along the river 510.

[0032] [Example of Derivation of Facility Candidates] Next, derivation of facility candidates in a certain area will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of derivation of facility candidates in a certain area. As described in Figs. 4 and 5, the area creation unit 111 creates areas starting from each facility (renewable energy facility, water reservoir, consumer, transportation network, etc.). In the figure, due to space limitations, renewable energy facility is referred to as "renewable energy."

[0033] For example, in the case of a renewable energy facility 610, the area creation unit 111 takes into consideration the connection to the power grid 650 and creates an area 611a extending from the periphery of the renewable energy facility 610 toward the power grid 650, and then creates an area 611b by further expanding the shape of this area 611a. Because a renewable energy facility is connected to an existing power grid, it is advantageous in terms of line costs to locate the facility between the point of connection between the renewable energy facility and the power grid. Therefore, with regard to the shape of the area starting from the facility, the area boundary line on the side closer to the connection target, such as the power grid, is expanded to approach the connection target. Therefore, any shape other than a circle, such as an oval, can be used for the area shape.

[0034] A score is assigned to each area, with the score decreasing as the area becomes larger. Essentially, the score of an area is determined according to the distance (maximum distance) from the facility that serves as the starting point to the area boundary line. For example, since installation costs (railway installation) vary depending on the distance, areas proportional to the distance are created, and the scores of these areas are evaluated. In the example of FIG. 6 , 10 points are assigned to area 611a related to the renewable energy facility 610, and 5 points are assigned to area 611b (between the boundary line of area 611a and the boundary line of area 611b). In the case of rivers and public roads, evaluation is based on the shortest distance from the facility.

[0035] For the consumer 620, areas 621a and 621b are created with the consumer 620 itself at the center. Similarly, for the distributing reservoir 630, areas 631a and 631b are created with the distributing reservoir 630 itself at the center. Scoring is performed in a similar manner for each facility. For the road 640, points are assigned so that the closer the area is to the road, the higher the score. For example, 10 points are assigned to areas 641a and 641c around the road 640, and 5 points are assigned to areas 641b and 641d (between the boundary line between areas 641a and 641c and the boundary line between areas 641b and 641d further away from the road 640).

[0036] After the areas are set, the numerical evaluation unit 112 divides the areas separated by the boundary lines of each area into "zones," and tallies the points of the areas created by each facility in each zone.

[0037] In this way, the numerical evaluation unit 112 numerically evaluates each area based on the energy demand and physical distance around existing facilities such as renewable energy facilities.

[0038] [Score distribution and total score for each zone] Figure 7 is an example of a table that tabulates the score distribution and total score for each zone based on the area information in Figure 6. This table is an example of the numerical evaluation result 700 in Figure 1. The numerical evaluation result 700 associates the score distribution, total score, and area items for each zone number. The zone number is information (here, a number) for identifying the area and the zones separated by the area boundaries. The score distribution is information indicating the area created by each facility on each zone and the score assigned to that area (0 if outside the area). The total score is the sum of the scores for multiple areas. The area is information on the area of ​​the zone.

[0039] For example, zone 1 ( FIG. 6 ) is a location where areas starting from the renewable energy facility 610, consumer 620, water reservoir 630, and road 640 intersect, and where all of the areas are assigned a score of 10. In this case, zone 1 is determined to be suitable for installing a water electrolysis device that generates hydrogen from renewable energy and a storage battery that charges and discharges renewable energy power. Therefore, in zone 1, the water electrolysis device and the storage battery are listed as candidates for equipment that can be installed. Also, for example, in an area created starting from the water reservoir 630 and road 640 and having a score of 10, it is determined that a water electrolysis device that generates hydrogen using electricity that is not necessarily renewable energy power should be installed, and in a zone where only the renewable energy facility 610 has a score of 10, a storage battery should be installed.

[0040] The area does not indicate the total area of ​​each zone, but the maximum flat area of ​​the zone. This area is the maximum area calculated for areas at the same elevation based on the contour lines included in the map data 21. The equipment selection unit 113 creates the candidate equipment list 1000 using the scores, total scores, and areas assigned to each area included in each zone, as well as the equipment information 22 described next.

[0041] As will be explained in more detail in the second embodiment below, when scoring a zone, it is also possible to set the score to "0" by utilizing the landscape ordinance of the area in the map data 21.

[0042] [Example of Equipment Information (Equipment List)] Next, the equipment information 22 will be described with reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the equipment information 22. The equipment information is information (equipment list) about equipment handled by businesses that provide equipment (equipment manufacturers, distributors, etc.). The equipment list of the equipment information 22 includes specifications and installation costs of equipment such as renewable energy equipment and storage batteries, including at least a hydrogen production device (e.g., a water electrolysis device) that may be candidates for installation. Examples of specifications include rated power, equipment capacity (charging capacity, tank capacity, etc.), output, conversion efficiency, and installation area. In the figure, renewable energy equipment is referred to as "renewable energy" due to space limitations.

[0043] When listing candidate facilities for installation in each zone from the information (equipment list) shown in the equipment information 22, the list is determined mainly based on the score information, total score value, and installation area assigned to each zone, as shown in FIG. 7. For example, in a zone where the score for the water source is "0," the water electrolysis apparatus is excluded from the list of candidate facilities for installation. In other words, a score of "0" indicates that the facility is not suitable for installation or that installation is impossible. This will be explained later with reference to FIG. 10.

[0044] For example, with regard to the score "Score_RE(i)" for renewable energy equipment, the score "Score_wa(i)" for water sources, and the score "Score_Bat(i)" for storage batteries in zone i (i = 1 to m) in Figure 7, any equipment that does not satisfy Score_RE(i) > 0, Score_wa(i) > 0, or Score_Bat(i) > 0 is excluded from the candidate equipment list for introduction. Next, the area Ai of zone i is compared with the installation area Sj (j is the number on the equipment list) included in the equipment list, and any equipment that does not satisfy Sj < Ai is excluded from the candidate equipment list for introduction.

[0045] [Configuration of the introduction effect evaluation unit] Next, the configuration of the introduction effect evaluation unit 12 will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the introduction effect evaluation unit 12. The introduction effect evaluation unit 12 is made up of a facility pattern generation unit 121, a renewable energy output calculation unit 122, a traffic travel time calculation unit 123, a supply and demand calculation unit 124, and an economic effect estimation unit 125. In the drawing, due to space limitations, the renewable energy output calculation unit is referred to as the "renewable energy output calculation unit" and the renewable energy output is referred to as the "renewable energy output".

[0046] The equipment pattern generation unit 121 inputs the introduction candidate equipment list 1000 (see FIG. 10 described later) created by the equipment list creation unit 11 and creates an introduction equipment list for each introduction area (an example of an equipment introduction pattern, see FIG. 13 described later). Here, the equipment pattern generation unit 121 randomly creates a list of introduction equipment corresponding to the introduction area from the introduction candidate equipment list 1000 for each region. "Random" means that when creating the introduction equipment list, the patterns of equipment layout combinations are shuffled without any regularity.

[0047] The renewable energy output calculation unit 122 inputs renewable energy information included in the introduced equipment corresponding to the introduction area and meteorological data 24, and calculates the renewable energy output and power generation amount of the introduced equipment in each time period. The meteorological data 24 includes wind speed, solar radiation, etc. Hereinafter, the renewable energy output, power generation amount, etc. may be referred to as "renewable energy output, etc."

[0048] The traffic travel time calculation unit 123 calculates the travel time of an energy (hydrogen or gas) transport vehicle to a consumer in accordance with traffic information 25 and energy demand data 26. The traffic information 25 includes the traffic network and the traffic volume in the traffic network. The energy demand data 26 here includes hydrogen demand and hydrogen procurement information. The hydrogen procurement information includes the amount of hydrogen distributed and the time and amount of hydrogen received at the hydrogen consumer side. Note that the traffic information 25, which includes the traffic network such as roads and their traffic volume, may be included in the map data 21.

[0049] The supply and demand calculation unit 124 inputs the system information 23, installs equipment on the energy system according to the introduction area / introduction equipment list, and calculates the energy distribution state and supply and demand balance according to the renewable energy output, energy demand data 26, and the travel time of the energy delivery vehicle. Energy distribution is the hourly demand and supply of energy. The supply and demand balance is the balance between the amount of energy supplied by the energy supplier and the amount of energy demanded by the energy consumer. In calculating the supply and demand balance, for example, the required energy supply amount is calculated based on the current or future energy demand amount (such as a few hours later or the next day). The system information 23 includes information on the power system and gas pipelines. The energy demand data 26 here includes hydrogen demand, electricity demand, etc.

[0050] The economic effect estimation unit 125 calculates the economic effect of the installed equipment based on the energy distribution information calculated by the supply and demand calculation unit 124, the energy cost of the energy demand data 26, and the list of installed areas and installed equipment. The economic effect estimation unit 125 calculates and creates a list of at least the economic effects of the installed equipment corresponding to the list of installed equipment, and presents the list on the display device 34. Note that the amount of CO2 emissions may also be added to the economic effect and presented.

[0051] The supply and demand calculation unit 124 calculates energy distribution by arranging equipment in the installation area corresponding to the system diagram according to the system diagram and the installation area / installation equipment list included in the system information 23, inputting energy demand into the system diagram, and then calculating energy distribution. If the system information 23 includes gas pipeline information, the supply and demand calculation unit 124 also takes into account the gas pipeline information. However, if hydrogen is not being transported, the gas pipeline information is not taken into account. The calculation of energy distribution in the supply and demand calculation unit 124 can utilize existing power flow calculation methods, such as Newton's method and the DC method, for electricity. In this case, there are several approaches to the energy supply to the equipment included in the installation equipment list. For example, methods for this supply energy include "supplying according to the demand forecast results" and "following an operation plan that prioritizes cost minimization," but these are not limited to these. Regarding hydrogen, the amount of hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen producer (and hydrogen tank) to the transport vehicle and the amount of hydrogen supplied from the transport vehicle to the hydrogen consumer are calculated taking into account the travel time of the transport vehicle calculated based on the map data 21 and traffic information 25.

[0052] The economic effect estimation unit 125 calculates the economic effect of each installed facility according to its installation cost, operating cost, and energy sales. The installation cost mainly includes the cost of purchasing and installing the facility. The operating cost mainly includes the cost of purchasing energy, maintenance, labor, and transportation. The energy sales mainly include hydrogen sales and renewable energy electricity sales.

[0053] [Example of Introduction Candidate Equipment List] Here, the introduction candidate equipment list 1000 input to the introduction effect evaluation unit 12 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0054] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an introduction candidate equipment list 1000. This introduction candidate equipment list 1000 is a list of introduceable equipment selected from the equipment information 22 (equipment list) according to the score of zone m in region n. The introduction candidate equipment list 1000 includes equipment for which all items, such as columns 0, l, and s, are "0" or "not applicable" (not shown), which means that the equipment is not to be introduced. As described above, when listing the introduction candidate equipment for each zone from the equipment information 22 (equipment list), it is determined mainly based on the score information, total score, and installation area assigned to the zone.

[0055] For example, in the score distribution of the numerical evaluation result 700 shown in Fig. 7 , in a zone where a score of 0 is assigned to the water source, water electrolysis devices such as those in columns "t" to "z" of the candidate equipment list 1000 are excluded from the list of eligible facilities for installation. Also, in a zone where the renewable energy score is 0, storage batteries such as those in columns "0" to "k" of the candidate equipment list 1000 are excluded from the list of eligible facilities for installation. However, some storage batteries may be included as eligible facilities for installation in order to smooth the distribution of energy (balance supply and demand).

[0056] [Method of Calculating Economic Effects] Here, a method of calculating the economic effects of installed equipment will be explained. For example, for equipment i (i = an integer from 0 to z, based on FIG. 8) installed in region n (n = 0 to N, corresponding to a node in the system diagram), the economic evaluation function when the installation cost is CAPEX(n,i,m,t), the operating cost is OPEX(n,i,t), and the energy sales amount is Sale(n,i,t) is expressed by equation (1). Here, T is the evaluation period, and t is the unit time within the period. m is the zone number.

[0057]

[0058] The introduction cost CAPEX(n,i,m,t) is divided into the equipment purchase cost Yi and the installation cost CAPEX_const(n,i,m). The equipment purchase cost Yi is the cost of purchasing the energy equipment to be introduced, such as the equipment price. The installation cost CAPEX_const(n,i,m) includes the direct cost of installing the equipment and the cost of developing a distribution method, such as a transportation route from the target equipment to a public road. The cost of developing a distribution method is a construction cost that varies depending on the weighting of the score for each facility in zone m shown in Figures 6 and 7. For example, if facility i is a water electrolysis device, the construction cost is determined by the score for road 640 in zone m (Figure 6) (the closer the distance, the higher the score). A higher score indicates a shorter path from the water electrolysis device to the road 640 for transportation vehicles, and therefore lower the cost of constructing the path (development costs around the energy facility). The introduction cost CAPEX(n,i,m,t) is the initial investment cost required to introduce the energy equipment.

[0059] Regarding the operating cost OPEX(n,i,t), labor costs and maintenance costs are assumed to be almost fixed, and energy purchasing costs are affected by the market. Energy purchasing costs mainly include electricity prices and transportation costs. Transportation costs mainly include the cost of transporting hydrogen (purchase costs not included). The energy purchasing cost OPEX_en(n,i,t) for equipment i installed in area n is calculated by multiplying the electricity market price by Y E (t) [\ / kWh], transportation cost is Y trans If H2(t) [\ / Nm3], the amount of purchased electricity is E(t) [kWh], and the amount of transported hydrogen is Q(t) [Nm3], then this can be expressed by equation (2).

[0060]

[0061] The energy sales amount Sale(n,i,t) is the energy generated and supplied by facility i, and mainly corresponds to the sales amount of hydrogen. If facility i installed in area n is a water electrolysis device, the conversion efficiency from electricity to hydrogen is Ki [Nm3 / kWh], the purchased amount of electricity is E(t) [kWh], and the sales price is Y H2 The energy sales amount when [\ / Nm3] is expressed by equation (3).

[0062]

[0063] In this way, the economic effect estimation unit 125 estimates the income and expenditure when each energy facility according to the installed equipment list (equipment installation pattern, see Figure 13) is operated for a certain period of time as the economic effect, based on the energy distribution information and energy costs calculated by the supply and demand calculation unit 124.

[0064] [Equipment Introduction Support Processing] Next, the processing performed by the equipment introduction support device 10 to present the economic effects of the introduced equipment list will be summarized with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure performed by the equipment introduction support device 10 to present the economic effects of the introduced equipment list. The introduced equipment list (equipment introduction pattern) is a list of equipment selected from the introduction candidate equipment list 1000 created by the equipment selection unit 113 (Fig. 3).

[0065] First, in step S1, the equipment list creation unit 11 of the equipment introduction support device 10 inputs the map data 21 of the target area and the system information 23. Next, in step S2, the equipment list creation unit 11 reads facility information such as existing renewable energy facilities and water reservoirs, contour lines, and road information from the map data 21, and creates areas starting from the facilities in each area, scores each area, and creates zones.

[0066] Next, in step S3, the equipment list creation unit 11 inputs the equipment information 22. Next, in step S4, the equipment list creation unit 11 creates a list of equipment that is a candidate for introduction (candidate equipment list 1000) for each region from the equipment information 22 and the score and area information for each item of each zone in each region.

[0067] Next, in step S5, the introduction effect evaluation unit 12 of the equipment introduction support device 10 generates a list of introduceable equipment (equipment introduction patterns) from the introduction candidate equipment list 1000 for each region. Next, in step S6, the introduction effect evaluation unit 12 inputs weather data 24. Furthermore, in step S7, the introduction effect evaluation unit 12 inputs traffic information 25. Furthermore, in step S8, the introduction effect evaluation unit 12 inputs system information 23. Furthermore, in step S9, the introduction effect evaluation unit 12 inputs energy demand data 26.

[0068] In step S10, the introduction effect evaluation unit 12 estimates the economic effect of the introduction equipment list (equipment introduction pattern) for the introduction area by reflecting the information generated and input in steps S5 to S9 in the system information. In step S11, the introduction effect evaluation unit 12 presents the economic effect corresponding to the introduction equipment list. After step S11 is completed, the series of processes ends.

[0069] [Processing of the Supply and Demand Calculation Unit and the Economic Effect Estimation Unit] Next, processing of the supply and demand calculation unit 124 and the economic effect estimation unit 125 included in the introduction effect evaluation unit 12 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0070] 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure of the supply and demand calculation unit 124 and the economic effect estimation unit 125. First, in step S21, the introduction effect evaluation unit 12 (equipment pattern generation unit 121) inputs the system information 23 and reflects a system diagram on a map. Next, in step S22, the introduction effect evaluation unit 12 (equipment pattern generation unit 121) generates an introduction pattern (introduced equipment list) of equipment to be placed on the system based on the introduction candidate equipment list 1000 corresponding to the introduction area.

[0071] Next, in step S23, the supply and demand calculation unit 124 of the introduction effect evaluation unit 12 arranges equipment in each area (node / bus) on the system diagram according to the equipment introduction pattern. Next, in step S24, the supply and demand calculation unit 124 inputs demand and price data for energy such as electricity and hydrogen. Note that, in this case, past data is used for the hydrogen demand data, but future prediction values ​​based on past data may also be used.

[0072] Next, in step S25, the introduction effect evaluation unit 12 (traffic travel time calculation unit 123) inputs traffic volume data from the traffic information 25. Furthermore, in step S26, the introduction effect evaluation unit 12 (traffic travel time calculation unit 123) estimates the travel time required for the delivery vehicle to travel from the existing hydrogen production facility (e.g., water electrolysis device) and the hydrogen production facility in the equipment introduction pattern to the hydrogen consumer, based on the traffic volume data and the hydrogen demand data.

[0073] Next, in step S27, the introduction effect evaluation unit 12 (renewable energy output calculation unit 122) inputs meteorological data 24 (wind speed, solar radiation, etc.) and calculates the renewable energy output by the existing equipment and the equipment in the equipment introduction pattern.

[0074] Next, in step S28, the supply and demand calculation unit 124 inputs the grid information 23, the power / hydrogen demand, the renewable energy output, and the travel time of the transport vehicle, and calculates the energy flow based on the power flow calculation.

[0075] In step S29, the supply and demand calculation unit 124 determines whether the calculation results satisfy the grid constraints. If the constraints are not satisfied (NO in step S29), the supply and demand calculation unit 124 invalidates the equipment installation pattern, returns to step S23, and similarly calculates energy distribution according to a new equipment installation pattern. Here, "according to a new equipment installation pattern" means selecting all the equipment in the installation candidate equipment list 1000 in a predetermined combination in order. If the calculation results satisfy the grid constraints (YES in step S29), the process proceeds to step S30.

[0076] Then, in step S30, the economic effect estimation unit 125 of the introduction effect evaluation unit 12 calculates the economic efficiency of an equipment introduction pattern in which energy flows within the range of the grid constraints, and registers the economic effect corresponding to the equipment introduction pattern. The grid constraints mentioned here include the voltage of the power grid and the power flow of the power lines. The bus voltage V grid (n,t) and line current P lineBetween (n, m, t) (n, m are the connection points between the power grids of region n and region m), equations (4) and (5) are constraints.

[0077]

[0078]

[0079] where V grid_lowerlimit is the minimum allowable bus voltage, V grid_upperlimit is the maximum allowable bus voltage, P line_max is the maximum allowable value of the line current. In addition, the constraint expressed by equation (6) holds between the supply amount H2Sup(n,i,t) of hydrogen equipment i installed in area n and the hydrogen demand amount H2Dem(m,j,t) of hydrogen consumer j in area m. Here, T ｎｍ is the time required for the transportation vehicle to move, and the facility i in the area n takes time T ｎｍ This means that previously generated hydrogen was transported by vehicle to hydrogen consumer j in region m.

[0080]

[0081] Next, in step S31, the introduction effect evaluation unit 12 determines whether or not the economic efficiency has been evaluated for all equipment introduction patterns. If the evaluation of all equipment introduction patterns has not been completed (NO in step S31), the process returns to step S23 and repeats the process for another equipment introduction pattern. If the evaluation of all equipment introduction patterns has been completed (YES in step S31), the process ends.

[0082] [Example of Presentation of Economic Effects] Figure 13 is a diagram showing an example of a presentation means for economic effects by the equipment introduction support device 10. The presentation means 1300 shown in the figure assigns a case number to each equipment introduction pattern, and the combination of equipment introduced in area Area_i (i is an integer) differs for each case number. In some cases, multiple pieces of equipment are introduced in a single area. The presentation means 1300 displays the Total economic effect [\] of all equipment in all areas and a breakdown [\] of the economic effect for each piece of equipment for each case number to be evaluated as the introduction effect (balance).

[0083] For example, in Case No. 1, an example of an equipment installation pattern is shown in which Area_1 is "none," Area_2 is a storage battery "BAT_1," Area_m is a renewable energy facility "RE_1," and Area_m+1 is a water electrolysis facility "Hy_1." Also, an example of "Y Total" is shown as the total economic effect [\] of all the equipment. Also, examples of the breakdown of the economic effect for each facility are shown: BAT_1:Y_BAT_1, RE_1:Y_RE_1, and Hy_1:Y_Hy_1. For example, the installation effect evaluation unit 12 displays the contents of this presentation means 1300 on the display device 34 ( FIG. 2 ).

[0084] As described above, the equipment introduction support device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention creates areas and zones based on facility information from map data and grid information, starting from the facility, and scores the zones based on the score information for each area. This makes it possible to identify candidates for equipment that can be introduced in a region that includes the area. Furthermore, by estimating the economic viability of the candidates based on the results of energy distribution calculations, it is possible to show the introduction effect (economic effect) of each piece of equipment. It is then possible to present to customers considering equipment introduction which areas would be economically advantageous to introduce which equipment.

[0085] That is, in this embodiment, a list of candidate facilities for introduction is generated based on facility information, including water source locations, obtained from map information, and the effectiveness of introducing energy facilities can be evaluated by referring to grid information, weather data, traffic information, energy demand information, and the candidate facilities list. Therefore, an effective introduction plan for energy facilities, such as water electrolysis facilities, can be formulated, and the introduction of such facilities can be supported. Therefore, in the present invention, an effective introduction plan for energy generation and storage facilities, such as water electrolysis facilities, can be formulated based on regional geographic information, the demands of local governments (corresponding to the second embodiment), and the like. Note that in the above-described embodiment, the hydrogen production facility is not limited to a water electrolysis facility, as long as it is a facility that produces hydrogen from water.

[0086] Second Embodiment [Configuration of Equipment Introduction Support Device] Next, the configuration of an equipment introduction support device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an equipment introduction support device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0087] The equipment introduction support device 10A is mainly composed of an equipment list creation unit 11A and an introduction effect evaluation unit 12A. The basic configurations of the equipment list creation unit 11A and the introduction effect evaluation unit 12A are the same as those of the equipment list creation unit 11 and the introduction effect evaluation unit 12 shown in FIG.

[0088] However, the equipment list creation unit 11A inputs infrastructure information 1401, local government information 1402, and legal and regulatory information 1403 in addition to the map data 21 and equipment information 22 to create a list of candidate facilities for introduction in each region. "Infrastructure" is an abbreviation of "infrastructure" and refers to the foundation of society and life. The infrastructure information 1401 is information related to infrastructure, including system information. The local government information 1402 is information indicating the local government's policies, such as reducing CO2 emissions. The legal and regulatory information 1403 is information related to legal and regulatory regulations that apply when introducing and expanding new infrastructure facilities.

[0089] The introduction effect evaluation unit 12A inputs infrastructure information 1401, weather data 24, traffic information 25, energy demand data 26, and local government information 1402 into the introduction candidate equipment list created by the equipment list creation unit 11A, and presents the evaluation results for the introduction area and the introduced equipment. In the second embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the introduction effect evaluation unit 12A presents the most effective equipment configuration and economic effect instead of a list.

[0090] [Configuration of the Equipment List Creation Unit] Next, the configuration of the equipment list creation unit 11A in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the equipment list creation unit 11A. The equipment list creation unit 11A includes an area creation unit 111A, a numerical evaluation unit 112A, and an equipment selection unit 113.

[0091] The area creation unit 111A reads existing facility information in each region from the map data 21, infrastructure information 1401, and legal and regulatory information 1403, and reads constraints on facility installation from the local government information 1402 and legal and regulatory information 1403, and creates an area starting from the facility. As an example, the area creation unit 111A creates an area based on at least one of the legal and regulatory information and information on local government facility and infrastructure development plans.

[0092] The local government information 1402 includes information on the establishment of new business facilities and new infrastructure development, information that can predict future energy demand and future energy supply networks, and information that the local government considers important when establishing facilities. For example, the local government information 1402 includes strategic information such as reducing CO2 emissions in hydrogen production and maximizing the use of renewable energy. The legal and regulatory information 1403 includes rules for establishing new infrastructure, such as the spacing required when installing a gas pipeline alongside existing infrastructure, and landscape ordinances for locating renewable energy facilities.

[0093] The numerical evaluation unit 112A inputs local government information 1402 and evaluates the score of the area based on information on current and future facilities, infrastructure development information, and area information. The numerical evaluation unit 112A additionally inputs local government information 1402 to the numerical evaluation unit 112 of the first embodiment.

[0094] The facility selection unit 113, like the facility selection unit 113 of the first embodiment, creates a list of candidate facilities for introduction from the facility information 22 based on the score of each area.

[0095] [Example of Derivation of Facility Candidates] Next, derivation of facility candidates in a certain area in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 6 .

[0096] 16 is a diagram showing an example of derivation of facility candidates in a certain region in this embodiment. In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, areas are created starting from each facility (renewable energy facility, water reservoir, consumer, transportation network, gas pipeline, etc.). Areas are created in the same manner as in the first embodiment, with respect to a renewable energy facility 1610, a consumer 1620, and a water reservoir 1630.

[0097] For the renewable energy facility 1610, an area 1611a and an outer area 1611b are created with the renewable energy facility 1610 itself at the center. For the consumer 1620, an area 1621a and an outer area 1621b are created with the consumer 1620 itself at the center. For the distributing reservoir 1630, an area 1631a and an outer area 1631b are created with the distributing reservoir 1630 itself at the center.

[0098] Areas for the road 1640 and the gas pipeline 1660 are also created in the same manner as for the road 640 in the first embodiment. That is, areas 1641a and 1641c are created around the road 1640, and areas 1641b and 1641d are created further away from the road 1640. In addition, an area (not shown) is also created around the gas pipeline 1660, similar to the road 1640. A power grid 1650 is located parallel to the road 1640, away from the road 1640. Furthermore, with regard to these facilities, new facilities are input based on the infrastructure development plan included in the local government information 1402 and the ordinances included in the legal and regulatory information 1403.

[0099] The equipment installation prohibited area 1670 is an area where installation of equipment is prohibited, created based on landscape ordinances and the like included in the legal restriction information 1403. Zones a, b, c, and d that overlap with this equipment installation prohibited area 1670 are set to have a score of 0. As a result, the number of pieces of equipment that can be introduced into zones a to d is 0. Note that the method of creating areas, the method of evaluating zones, and the selection of equipment candidates are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted here.

[0100] [Configuration of the Introduction Effect Evaluation Unit] Next, the configuration of the introduction effect evaluation unit 12A in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 17. Fig. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the introduction effect evaluation unit 12A.

[0101] The introduction effect evaluation unit 12A is composed of an equipment pattern generation unit 121A, a renewable energy output calculation unit 122, a supply and demand calculation unit 124A, an economic effect estimation unit 125, and a determination unit 1700. The equipment pattern generation unit 121A inputs the introduction candidate equipment list created by the equipment list creation unit 11A and creates an introduction equipment list for each introduction area. Here, as in the first embodiment, the equipment pattern generation unit 121A randomly creates a list of introduction equipment corresponding to the introduction area from the introduction candidate equipment list for each region.

[0102] The renewable energy output calculation unit 122 inputs the renewable energy information contained in the introduced equipment corresponding to the introduction area and the weather data 24, and calculates the renewable energy output and power generation amount of the introduced equipment in each time zone.

[0103] The supply and demand calculation unit 124A configures an energy distribution system based on infrastructure information 1401 such as an electric power system and a gas pipeline, and installs equipment based on the installation area / installation equipment list generated by the equipment pattern generation unit 121A. At this time, future infrastructure expansion plans / projections (addition of gas pipelines, construction / expansion of new roads, expansion of the electric power system, addition of facilities) may be added to the energy distribution system based on the infrastructure utilization information included in the local government information 1402. Then, the distribution of energy such as electricity and hydrogen is calculated. As for the calculation method, for example, both the electric power system and the gas system can be calculated using existing methods such as the Newton method and the DC method, but the method is not limited to these. Details of the supply and demand calculation unit 124A will be described later.

[0104] The economic effect estimation unit 125 calculates the economic effect of the installed equipment based on the energy distribution information calculated by the supply and demand calculation unit 124A, the energy costs of the energy demand data 26, and the installation area / installed equipment list. The economic effect estimation unit 125 has a function of calculating the energy distribution state based on existing infrastructure information and infrastructure information that has been updated to reflect the local government's infrastructure development plans, etc. The economic effect estimation unit 125 calculates and creates a list of the economic effects of at least the installed equipment corresponding to the installed equipment list, and presents this list on the display device 34. As for the calculation method, basically, equations (1) to (3) are introduced.

[0105] The determining unit 1700 evaluates the economic efficiency using the economic effect estimation unit 125, and then presents the most economically advantageous equipment introduction configuration together with the economic effects as an introduction area / introduced equipment list. Note that in this embodiment, when presenting, the equipment introduction pattern and economic effects corresponding to the introduction area are similar to those in Fig. 13, but only one case is presented.

[0106] In this way, the supply and demand calculation unit 124A has the function of calculating energy supply and demand based on infrastructure information including the specifications and system information of each energy facility in the list of installed facilities so as to satisfy constraints on energy distribution, and determining whether or not energy can be supplied.

[0107] [Configuration of the supply and demand calculation unit] Next, the configuration of the supply and demand calculation unit 124A of the introduction effect evaluation unit 12A will be described with reference to Fig. 18. Fig. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the supply and demand calculation unit 124A.

[0108] The supply and demand calculation unit 124A is composed of an energy system configuration unit 1801, a demand pattern generation unit 1802, a facility operation pattern generation unit 1803, a travel time calculation unit 1804, and an energy distribution calculation unit 1805.

[0109] The energy system configuration unit 1801 inputs the infrastructure information 1401, the local government information 1402, the renewable energy output, and the list of facilities to be introduced in each region (facility introduction pattern), and configures the energy system.

[0110] The demand pattern generation unit 1802 generates a demand pattern that indicates fluctuations in energy demand over time based on the energy demand data 26. The demand pattern is also generated based on an optimization calculation of the hydrogen procurement amount, except for the total amount per day.

[0111] The equipment operation pattern generation unit 1803 generates an operation pattern (equipment operation pattern) of the energy equipment in the installed equipment list based on the demand pattern generated by the demand pattern generation unit 1802, the installed equipment list, and the energy supply equipment included in the energy system diagram notified by the energy system configuration unit 1801. When generating this equipment operation pattern, it is advisable to take into consideration the time required for an energy delivery vehicle to travel from each energy supply equipment to a consumer, which is calculated by the travel time calculation unit 1804.

[0112] The travel time calculation unit 1804 calculates the time required for the energy transport vehicle to travel from each energy supply facility to the consumer based on the demand pattern for energy transported by vehicles, including hydrogen, generated by the demand pattern generation unit 1802 and traffic information 25.

[0113] The energy distribution calculation unit 1805 calculates the energy distribution state based on the energy system diagram from the energy system configuration unit 1801, the energy demand pattern from the demand pattern generation unit 1802, the equipment operation pattern from the equipment operation pattern generation unit 1803, and the transport vehicle travel time. Then, the energy distribution calculation unit 1805 transmits the result of the calculation to the economic effect estimation unit 125 ( FIG. 17 ) as energy distribution information.

[0114] The supply and demand calculation unit 124 of the first embodiment has a function of directly reflecting the demand data of energy consumers in the supply and demand calculation, while the supply and demand calculation unit 124A of the second embodiment has a function of generating a demand pattern that changes in each time period based on the demand data of energy consumers.

[0115] [Processing of Equipment Introduction Support Device] Next, a process performed by the equipment introduction support device 10A in this embodiment until the device 10A presents the introduced equipment list and economic effects will be described with reference to Fig. 19. Fig. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the process performed by the equipment introduction support device 10A until the device 10A presents the introduced equipment list and economic effects.

[0116] First, in step S41, the equipment list creation unit 11A of the equipment introduction support device 10A inputs the map data 21 of the target area, infrastructure information 1401, local government information 1402, and legal and regulatory information 1403. Next, in step S42, the equipment list creation unit 11A creates areas starting from facilities, scores each area, and creates zones based on facility information such as current renewable energy facilities and water reservoirs, information on facilities and infrastructure planned for future development by the local government, contour lines, and legal and regulatory information.

[0117] Next, in step S43, the equipment list creation unit 11A inputs the equipment data included in the equipment information 22 (equipment list). Next, in step S44, the equipment list creation unit 11A creates a list of equipment that are candidates for introduction (introduction candidate equipment list 1000) for each region based on the equipment information 22 and the score and area information for each item of each zone in each region.

[0118] Next, in step S45, the introduction effect evaluation unit 12A of the equipment introduction support device 10A generates a list of introduceable equipment (equipment introduction patterns) from the introduction candidate equipment list 1000 for each region.

[0119] Next, in step S46, the introduction effect evaluation unit 12A (the energy system configuration unit 1801 of the supply and demand calculation unit 124A) creates an energy system diagram based on the infrastructure information 1401 and future infrastructure development information included in the local government information 1402. At this time, the introduction effect evaluation unit 12A preferably also takes into account the renewable energy output and the list of installed facilities. The renewable energy output is calculated from the list of installed facilities and the weather data 24.

[0120] Next, in step S47, the introduction effect evaluation unit 12A inputs the traffic information 25.

[0121] Next, in step S48, the introduction effect evaluation unit 12A (demand pattern generation unit 1802 of the supply and demand calculation unit 124A) receives the energy demand data 26 and generates an energy demand pattern.

[0122] Next, in step S49, the introduction effect evaluation unit 12A (travel time calculation unit 1804 of the supply and demand calculation unit 124A) calculates the travel time of the energy transport vehicle from each energy supply facility to the consumer based on the energy demand pattern and traffic information 25.

[0123] Next, in step S50, the introduction effect evaluation unit 12A (the equipment operation pattern generation unit 1803 of the supply and demand calculation unit 124A) generates a supply pattern (corresponding to an equipment operation pattern) on the energy supply side based on the list of introduced equipment (equipment introduction pattern), the energy demand pattern, the energy supply equipment included in the energy system diagram, and the travel time of the transport vehicle.

[0124] Next, in step S51, the introduction effect evaluation unit 12A (the energy distribution calculation unit 1805 of the supply and demand calculation unit 124A) calculates the energy distribution based on the energy supply pattern, the energy demand pattern, the energy system diagram, and the travel time of the transport vehicle.

[0125] Next, in step S52, the introduction effect evaluation unit 12A (economic effect estimation unit 125) estimates the economic effect of each target facility of the facility introduction pattern and of all target facilities from the energy distribution state.

[0126] Next, in step S53, the introduction effect evaluation unit 12A (economic effect estimation unit 125) evaluates the economic effect and determines whether or not the equipment introduction pattern has the greatest economic effect. If the economic effect estimation unit 125 determines that the equipment introduction pattern has the greatest economic effect (YES determination in step S53), it presents the equipment introduction pattern together with its economic effect on the display device 34, etc. On the other hand, if it determines that the equipment introduction pattern does not have the greatest economic effect (NO determination in step S53), the process returns to step S45, and the economic efficiency of the new equipment introduction pattern is estimated.

[0127] Here, in step S48, in the case of an energy source that can also be used as a material for a commodity, such as hydrogen, in the demand data Edemand_in of the energy demand data 26 and the demand pattern Edemand generated by the demand pattern generation unit 1802, the constraint conditions for a certain period T (e.g., one day) such as those in equations (7) and (8) are satisfied.

[0128]

[0129]

[0130] Here, n is the number of regions (the number of buses in the system), i is the number of the equipment installed in region n, and t is the unit time in period T. The equipment number i corresponds to the equipment number in the equipment installation list, and corresponds to the equipment number in the equipment information 22 (equipment list) shown in Fig. 8 in the first embodiment.

[0131] Furthermore, the constraints shown in the following equation (9) are established between each supply facility i and energy demand facility j. In the equation, Psup_pipe is the supply amount through the gas pipeline, Psup_trans is the energy supply amount through the vehicle, Pdem is the amount of energy required at the energy demand facility (hydrogen [Nm3]), and T ｎｍ is the time required for the vehicle transport to travel.

[0132]

[0133] Note that the relational expression (6) explained in the first embodiment holds true for hydrogen. The relational expressions (10) to (13) hold true for the hydrogen production device. Here, Pelec is the power supplied from the grid, and K is the power-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency in hydrogen production. The power-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency indicates how much hydrogen (Nm3) can be produced from a unit of power (kWh) during hydrogen production. H2charge is the amount of hydrogen charged into the hydrogen tank, H2discharge is the amount of hydrogen discharged from the hydrogen tank, Pi is the rated power of equipment i, S is the amount of hydrogen in the hydrogen tank (Nm3) (filled state), and Si is the tank capacity of the hydrogen tank. H2sup is the amount of hydrogen supplied to the gas pipeline. Hydrogen production amount = (amount supplied to the gas pipeline) + (amount filled into the hydrogen tank).

[0134]

[0135] Constraints such as equations (4) and (5) hold for power systems. Constraints exist for gas pipelines regarding pressure and flow rate. If the upper limit of the gas pressure Press(m) at bus m is Press_upperlimit(m), the lower limit is Press_lowerlimit(m), and the maximum gas flow rate is Gasflow_Max, then equations (14) and (15) become constraints.

[0136]

[0137]

[0138] The constraint condition of the following equation (16) holds for the hydrogen consumer j: Here, the hydrogen consumer j is part of the energy demand facility j described above.

[0139]

[0140] The determination method is determined by economic evaluation, and a possible method is to solve the problem by optimization using the functions used in the economic evaluation, for example, equations (1) to (3), as objective functions. The optimization method may be a mixed integer program, a linear program, a nonlinear program, or the like that utilizes equations (7) to (16), but is not limited to these.

[0141] In this way, the economic efficiency evaluation of each energy facility by the economic effect estimation unit 125 is used as a constraint condition in formulating an optimal facility installation pattern. Also, the economic efficiency evaluation of all energy facilities by the economic effect estimation unit 125 is used as an objective function in formulating an optimal facility installation pattern.

[0142] As described above, the equipment introduction support device 10A according to the second embodiment of the present invention creates an area starting from each facility using map data, infrastructure information, facility information, local government information, and legal restriction information as conditions. This makes it possible to create a list of appropriate equipment to be introduced, taking into account the local government's future infrastructure design and goals (such as CO2 reductions). Furthermore, by creating a list of equipment to be introduced using information on future infrastructure development by the local government, rather than limiting the use of only existing infrastructure, it becomes possible to calculate the effects of introducing equipment over a longer period of time.

[0143] As described above, in the second embodiment, compared to the first embodiment, infrastructure information (e.g., gas pipeline information), local government information, and legal and regulatory information are added as conditions. By taking into account local government information and legal and regulatory information, it is possible to consider facility installation, taking into account not only past but also future predictions and possibilities. Another difference from the first embodiment is that this embodiment presents a result determined to be the best answer, rather than an installation list and its economic effects.

[0144] As described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various other modifications and applications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the claims. For example, the above-described embodiments have been described in detail and specifically to clearly explain the present invention, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to those including all of the components described. Furthermore, it is possible to replace part of the configuration of one embodiment with a component of another embodiment. It is also possible to add a component of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment. It is also possible to add, replace, or delete other components from part of the configuration of each embodiment.

[0145] Furthermore, each component of the equipment introduction support device according to the above-described embodiment may be implemented in any hardware as long as the respective hardware can transmit and receive information to and from each other via a network. Furthermore, the processing performed by a certain processing unit may be realized by a single piece of hardware, or may be realized by distributed processing using multiple pieces of hardware.

[0146] In the above-described embodiment, the control lines and information lines are those that are considered necessary for the explanation, and not all control lines and information lines in the product are necessarily shown. In reality, it can be considered that almost all components are connected to each other.

[0147] In this specification, processing steps describing chronological processing include not only processing performed chronologically in the order described, but also processing that is not necessarily performed chronologically but is performed in parallel or individually (for example, processing by objects). Furthermore, the processing order of processing steps describing chronological processing may be changed as long as it does not affect the processing results.

[0148] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1...Equipment introduction support system, 10, 10A...Equipment introduction support device, 11, 11A...Equipment list creation unit, 12, 12A...Introduction effect evaluation unit, 21...Map data, 22...Equipment information, 23...System information, 24...Weather data, 25...Traffic information, 26...Energy demand data, 30...Calculator, 111, 111A...Area creation unit, 112, 112A...Numerical evaluation unit, 113...Equipment selection unit, 121, 121A...Equipment pattern generation unit, 122...Renewable energy output calculation unit, 123...Transportation travel time calculation unit, 124, 124A...Supply and demand calculation unit, 125...Economic effect estimation unit, 700...Numerical evaluation result, 1000...Introduction candidate equipment list, 1670...Equipment installation prohibited area, 1700...Determination unit, 1801... Energy system configuration unit, 1802... Demand pattern generation unit, 1803... Equipment operation pattern generation unit, 1804... Travel time calculation unit, 1805... Energy distribution calculation unit

Claims

1. An equipment introduction support device that supports the introduction of energy equipment, comprising: an equipment list creation unit that creates a list of candidate equipment for introduction, compiling energy equipment that can be introduced in each region, including at least a water electrolysis device, based on map information that includes at least water sources; and an introduction effect evaluation unit that evaluates and presents the introduction effects of the energy equipment based on system information including power systems, weather data, traffic information, energy demand information, and the list of candidate equipment for introduction.

2. The equipment introduction support device according to claim 1, wherein the equipment list creation unit comprises: an area creation unit that creates areas starting from facilities based on information about facilities including at least water sources included in the map information; a numerical evaluation unit that calculates a numerical value indicating the suitability of introducing energy equipment for each of the areas; and an equipment selection unit that selects energy equipment that can be introduced from an equipment list that includes a list of information about the energy equipment handled by a business operator that provides the energy equipment, based on the area and the numerical value assigned to each area, and creates the list of candidate equipment for introduction.

3. The equipment introduction support device according to claim 2, wherein the introduction effect evaluation unit comprises: an equipment pattern generation unit that generates an equipment introduction pattern for each region from the list of candidate equipment for introduction created by the equipment list creation unit; a renewable energy output calculation unit that calculates renewable energy output from the equipment introduction pattern and meteorological information; a supply and demand calculation unit that calculates an energy distribution state from the equipment introduction pattern, system information, the renewable energy output calculated by the renewable energy output calculation unit, energy demand data, and traffic information; and an economic effect estimation unit that estimates, as economic effect, the income and expenditure when each energy facility is operated for a certain period of time according to the equipment introduction pattern, based on the energy distribution state and energy costs calculated by the supply and demand calculation unit.

4. The equipment introduction support device according to claim 2, wherein the area creation section of the equipment list creation section has a function of creating the area based on contour line information included in the map information and the locations of existing facilities.

5. The equipment introduction support device according to claim 2, wherein the numerical evaluation unit of the equipment list creation unit calculates the numerical value of the area based on the energy demand and physical distance around existing facilities including renewable energy facilities.

6. The equipment introduction support device according to claim 2, wherein the equipment selection unit of the equipment list creation unit has a function of creating the list of candidate equipment for introduction in the target area based on the facilities and the areas created starting from the facilities in the area creation unit, the numerical values ​​of the areas calculated by the numerical evaluation unit, and specifications including the installation areas of the energy equipment in the equipment list.

7. The equipment introduction support device according to claim 3, wherein the equipment pattern generation unit of the introduction effect evaluation unit generates, as the equipment introduction pattern, a pattern of a combination of energy equipment to be introduced in each region from the list of candidate equipment for introduction in each region generated by the equipment list creation unit.

8. The equipment introduction support device according to claim 3, wherein the supply and demand calculation unit of the introduction effect evaluation unit has a function of calculating the travel time of hydrogen transport vehicles in each time period from the traffic information included in the map information.

9. The equipment introduction support device according to claim 8, wherein the supply and demand calculation unit of the introduction effect evaluation unit has a function of calculating the energy distribution state and the supply and demand balance between the amount of energy supplied by the energy supplier and the amount of energy demanded by the energy consumer based on the travel time of the hydrogen transport vehicle.

10. The equipment introduction support device according to claim 3, wherein the supply and demand calculation unit of the introduction effect evaluation unit has a function of creating an operation pattern for the energy equipment from the equipment introduction pattern based on demand data of energy consumers or a demand pattern generated based on the demand data.

11. The equipment introduction support device according to claim 3, wherein the economic effect estimation section of the introduction effect evaluation section calculates the development costs around the energy equipment as an initial investment cost based on the introduction costs of the energy equipment described in the equipment introduction pattern and the numerical values ​​for each area calculated by the numerical evaluation section, calculates the operating costs based on the energy costs, and then evaluates the economic efficiency of all energy equipment and each energy equipment.

12. The equipment introduction support device according to claim 3, wherein the economic effect estimation unit of the introduction effect evaluation unit has a function of calculating the energy distribution state based on existing infrastructure information and infrastructure information updated to reflect the infrastructure development plan of the local government in the existing infrastructure information.

13. The equipment introduction support device according to claim 3, wherein the economic evaluation of all energy equipment by the economic effect estimation unit of the introduction effect evaluation unit is utilized as an objective function in formulating an optimal equipment introduction pattern.

14. The equipment introduction support device according to claim 3, wherein the economic evaluation of each energy facility by the economic effect estimation unit of the introduction effect evaluation unit is utilized as a constraint in formulating an optimal equipment introduction pattern.

15. An equipment introduction support method using an equipment introduction support device that supports the introduction of energy equipment, comprising: a process of creating a list of candidate equipment for introduction that compiles energy equipment, including at least a water electrolysis device, that can be introduced in each region based on map information including at least water sources; and a process of evaluating the effectiveness of introducing the energy equipment based on system information including power systems, weather data, traffic information, energy demand information, and the list of candidate equipment for introduction.

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