Information processing method, information processing device, and computer program

Abstract

In this information processing method, a computer: calculates, for each lot of intermediate in-process products of a battery-related product, the carbon dioxide emission amount in a manufacturing process of the intermediate in-process products; stores data items related to the carbon dioxide emission amounts of the intermediate in-process products in association with identification data items of the respective lots of the intermediate in-process products; selects lots of a plurality of intermediate in-process products to be assembled in an assembly process of a finished product of the battery-related product, on the basis of the data items related to the carbon dioxide emission amounts associated with the identification data items of the respective lots of the plurality of intermediate in-process products; adds up the carbon dioxide emission amounts of the intermediate in-process products of the selected lots; and outputs the addition result as the carbon dioxide emission amount of the finished product of the battery-related product.

Description

Information Processing Method, Information Processing Apparatus, and Computer Program

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing method, an information processing apparatus, and a computer program for carbon dioxide emissions in battery-related products.

[0002] For the major goal of achieving carbon neutrality, battery-powered electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions during operation are becoming widespread. The value as a product that can suppress carbon dioxide emissions is further enhanced by the low amount of carbon dioxide emissions during the manufacture of the battery.

[0003] Various methods have been proposed for accurately calculating the carbon dioxide emissions during the manufacture of products. Patent Document 1 discloses that the energy used during the manufacture of a battery is distinguished and calculated for carbon dioxide emissions depending on whether it is renewable energy such as self-generated power, the power grid, or other manufacturing facilities during manufacture, or by production lot.

[0004] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2012 - 108691

[0005] Finished products shipped from a manufacturing business are manufactured by assembling work-in-progress products. When assembling a plurality of work-in-progress products with different carbon dioxide emissions, the calculation of the carbon dioxide emissions of the finished product becomes inaccurate.

[0006] An aspect of the present invention aims to provide an information processing method, an information processing apparatus, and a computer program for carbon dioxide emissions in battery-related products.

[0007] An information processing method according to one embodiment of the present invention involves a computer calculating the carbon dioxide emissions during the manufacturing process of intermediate work-in-progress products for each lot of intermediate work-in-progress products, storing data on the carbon dioxide emissions of the intermediate work-in-progress products in association with the identification data of the lot of the intermediate work-in-progress products, and in the assembly process of the finished battery-related product, selecting a plurality of lots of intermediate work-in-progress products to be assembled based on the data on carbon dioxide emissions associated with the identification data of each of the plurality of intermediate work-in-progress product lots, summing up the carbon dioxide emissions of each intermediate work-in-progress product in the selected lots, and outputting the summed result as the carbon dioxide emissions of the finished battery-related product.

[0008] According to an information processing method of one embodiment of the present invention, the carbon dioxide emissions of battery-related products can be output more accurately, taking into account the carbon dioxide emissions of work in progress.

[0009] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an information processing system including an information processing device. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing device. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a terminal device. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the process for calculating carbon dioxide emissions of work-in-progress. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the process for calculating carbon dioxide emissions of finished products. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the process for calculating carbon dioxide emissions of finished products during the testing phase. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the process for estimating carbon dioxide emissions of finished products during the testing phase in a modified example. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the grade determination process in the second embodiment. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the process for calculating carbon dioxide emissions of finished products in the third embodiment. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the grade determination process in the third embodiment.

[0010] First, an overview of the information processing methods, information processing devices, and computer programs disclosed herein will be provided.

[0011] (1) The information processing method involves a computer calculating the carbon dioxide emissions during the manufacturing process of intermediate work-in-progress products for each lot of intermediate work-in-progress products, storing the data on the carbon dioxide emissions of the intermediate work-in-progress products in association with the identification data of the lot of the intermediate work-in-progress products, and in the assembly process of the finished battery-related products, selecting multiple lots of intermediate work-in-progress products to be assembled based on the data on carbon dioxide emissions associated with the identification data of each of the multiple lots of intermediate work-in-progress products, summing the carbon dioxide emissions of each intermediate work-in-progress product in the selected lots, and outputting the sum as the carbon dioxide emissions of the finished battery-related products.

[0012] In the information processing method disclosed herein, carbon dioxide emissions are stored for each lot, not only for raw materials but also for work-in-progress. By selecting and assembling work-in-progress with clearly defined carbon dioxide emissions on a lot-by-lot basis, the carbon dioxide emissions of the finished battery-related products can be accurately calculated, although they may vary depending on the combination of work-in-progress.

[0013] (2) In the information processing method described in (1) above, the computer determines a grade for the finished battery-related product based on the aggregated carbon dioxide emissions, and outputs the determined grade in association with the product identification data of the finished battery-related product.

[0014] With the above configuration, the grade of finished battery-related products is linked to the carbon dioxide emissions during manufacturing, including work-in-progress of battery-related products. By clarifying the carbon dioxide emissions of battery-related products, it is possible to increase the market value of battery-related products in accordance with their contribution to carbon neutrality. This allows users to appropriately select battery-related products based on whether or not they contribute to reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

[0015] (3) In the information processing method described in (2) above, the computer calculates the price of the battery-related products of the finished product according to the determined grade.

[0016] With the above configuration, the market value of battery-related products can be reflected in their pricing based on their contribution to carbon neutrality. This allows users to appropriately select battery-related products based on whether or not they contribute to reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

[0017] (4) In any one of the information processing methods described in (1) to (3) above, the computer uses multiple set values ​​for carbon dioxide emissions for the finished battery-related products and selects lots of the multiple work-in-progress products such that the sum of the results falls below or equal to one of the set values ​​in the multiple stages.

[0018] With the above configuration, it is also possible to select intermediate work-in-progress products on a lot-by-lot basis, anticipating the grade of the finished product. Rather than assigning varying values ​​to the carbon dioxide emissions of finished battery-related products for each lot, it is possible to appropriately select and adjust them to converge to each of the multiple grade levels, thereby achieving value differentiation and price stabilization.

[0019] (5) In any one of the information processing methods described in (1) to (4) above, the computer adds to the total carbon dioxide emissions of the work-in-progress in the same lot as the work-in-progress, based on the results of quality assessment for each work-in-progress produced, the amount corresponding to the carbon dioxide emissions during the manufacturing process of the work-in-progress determined to be below a predetermined quality.

[0020] In the process of assembling manufactured work-in-progress (WPM) parts to produce finished products, even within the same lot, some WPM parts may be of insufficient quality to be assembled. These substandard WPM parts are removed during the manufacturing process. With the above configuration, lots with higher yields are evaluated as having lower carbon dioxide emissions, making it possible to calculate the carbon dioxide emissions of the finished battery-related products more accurately.

[0021] (6) In any one of the information processing methods described in (1) to (5) above, the computer calculates the amount of carbon dioxide emissions per lot of the work-in-progress based on at least one of the materials of the work-in-progress, the amount of electricity consumed during the manufacture of the work-in-progress, and the power source for the electricity consumed during the manufacture of the work-in-progress.

[0022] With the above configuration, the carbon dioxide emissions of work-in-progress are calculated for each lot based on at least one of the following: the carbon dioxide emissions associated with the materials, the carbon dioxide emissions corresponding to the energy consumed, such as the amount of electricity consumed, and the type of power supply source.

[0023] (7) In any one of the information processing methods described in (1) to (6) above, the computer obtains the manufacturing date and time of the lot, which is stored in the production management system for the battery-related products in association with the lot identification data of the work-in-progress lot, and the material information of the work-in-progress lot, and calculates the carbon dioxide emissions for each lot of the work-in-progress lot based on the obtained information.

[0024] With the above configuration, it is possible to calculate the carbon dioxide emissions of work-in-progress by linking with the production management system and referencing the information stored in the production management system. By linking with the lot-by-lot information management of the production management system, it is relatively easy to add value to battery-related products according to carbon dioxide emissions.

[0025] (8) In any one of the information processing methods described in (1) to (7) above, the work in progress is an energy storage cell, and the battery-related product is an energy storage module that combines the energy storage cells.

[0026] With the above configuration, the carbon dioxide emissions corresponding to the materials and / or power consumption during manufacturing of the energy storage cells are reflected in the carbon dioxide emissions of the energy storage module manufactured by combining these energy storage cells. The carbon dioxide emissions of the finished energy storage module can be adjusted by choosing to combine energy storage cells with balanced carbon dioxide emissions, or by combining energy storage cells with high and low carbon dioxide emissions to reduce the total carbon dioxide emissions of the battery pack.

[0027] (9) In the information processing method described in (8) above, the computer refers to the log data of energy storage and power supply in the capacity determination process for each energy storage cell, and calculates the carbon dioxide emissions of the energy storage module based on the amount of power supplied up to the assembly of each energy storage cell constituting the energy storage module and the carbon dioxide emissions of each energy storage cell.

[0028] With the above configuration, the carbon dioxide emissions corresponding to the multiple energy storage and power supply (discharge) cycles performed in the capacity determination process after the assembly process are reflected, resulting in more accurate information.

[0029] (10) In the information processing method of (8) above, the computer obtains the result of estimating the amount of electricity that can be supplied from manufacturing to disposal for each energy storage cell based on the data obtained in the capacity determination step for each energy storage cell, and calculates the amount of carbon dioxide emissions per amount of electricity that can be supplied based on the amount of electricity that can be supplied and the carbon dioxide emissions of each energy storage cell.

[0030] Based on the capacity obtained in the capacity determination process for each energy storage cell, the amount of electricity that can be supplied from manufacturing to disposal can be estimated based on historical statistics or based on inference using known methods. With the above configuration, it is possible to estimate the amount of carbon dioxide emissions per unit of electricity that can be supplied in advance.

[0031] (11) The information processing device includes a processing unit that calculates the carbon dioxide emissions during the manufacturing process of intermediate work-in-progress products for each lot of intermediate work-in-progress products, stores data relating to the carbon dioxide emissions of the intermediate work-in-progress products in association with the identification data of the lot of the intermediate work-in-progress products, and in the assembly process of the finished battery-related product, selects a plurality of lots of intermediate work-in-progress products to be assembled based on the data relating to the carbon dioxide emissions associated with the identification data of each of the plurality of intermediate work-in-progress products, sums up the carbon dioxide emissions of each intermediate work-in-progress product in the selected lots, and outputs the sum as the carbon dioxide emissions of the finished battery-related product.

[0032] (12) The computer program causes the computer to calculate the carbon dioxide emissions during the manufacturing process of the intermediate work-in-progress products of battery-related products for each lot of the intermediate work-in-progress products, store the data on the carbon dioxide emissions of the intermediate work-in-progress products in association with the identification data of the lot of the intermediate work-in-progress products, and in the assembly process of the finished battery-related products, to select a lot of intermediate work-in-progress products to be assembled based on the data on the carbon dioxide emissions associated with the identification data of each lot of the multiple intermediate work-in-progress products, sum up the carbon dioxide emissions of each intermediate work-in-progress product in the selected lot, and output the sum as the carbon dioxide emissions of the finished battery-related products.

[0033] An information processing method, an information processing device, and a computer program according to one aspect of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to drawings illustrating the embodiments.

[0034] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an information processing system 100 including an information processing device 1. The information processing system 100 is a system for storing information about energy storage modules 4 at a manufacturer that manufactures energy storage modules 4 as battery-related products. The information processing system 100 is configured by connecting the information processing device 1, a terminal device 2, and a production management system 3 via a network LN within the company. The information processing device 1 and the server of the production management system 3 may be integrated.

[0035] The production management system 3 is a Manufacturing Execution System (MES) that records and makes available the manufacturing of the energy storage module 4 from planning to execution. The production management system 3 has a database 30. The database 30 stores information such as material procurement plans and material arrival dates, separated by data that identifies the material and lot. The database 30 stores the manufacturing plan for the energy storage cells 40 as work-in-progress. The database 30 stores the manufacturing date and time, the identification data of the materials used, and the lot number, associated with the identification data (model number, part number) of the energy storage cell 40 and the data that identifies the lot of the energy storage cell 40 (lot number). The database 30 stores the manufacturing plan for the finished energy storage module 4. The database 30 stores the manufacturing date and time, the identification data and lot number of the energy storage cells 40 used as work-in-progress, and data such as the shipping date, associated with the identification data (model number, part number) of the energy storage module 4 and the data that identifies the lot of the energy storage module 4 (lot number). The database 30 stores the results of quality assessments of the energy storage cells 40 as work-in-progress products, as well as test results including the determination of the capacity of the energy storage modules 4. Quality assessments of the energy storage cells 40 are performed individually, and the assessment results are stored in association with individual identification data. The energy storage modules 4 to be tested may be several energy storage modules 4 selected as samples. The production management system 3 updates the information stored in the database 30 each time that material procurement, manufacturing of the energy storage cells 40 or energy storage modules 4, or testing processes for the energy storage modules 4 progress.

[0036] The production management system 3 includes a power management system that stores the power demand to the power grid at a manufacturing plant of a manufacturing company. The power management system manages and records the grid load (power consumption) to the power grid by electrical loads, using the manufacturing machinery, lighting and other equipment of the manufacturing plant, as well as equipment in management departments and research institutions, as electrical loads. The power management system can record power consumption for each grid to which the power grid is distributed to the equipment. If the manufacturing plant has private power generation facilities such as solar, wind, or geothermal power, the power management system can manage and record the amount of power supplied to the electrical loads from these private power generation facilities. These power consumption records can be accessed from the information processing device 1 via the network LN.

[0037] The information processing device 1 calculates the carbon dioxide emissions from the time the energy storage cells 40, which are work-in-progress products, are manufactured from raw materials, to the assembly of the energy storage modules 4, and their shipment. The information processing device 1 can read information on raw materials, energy storage cells 40, and energy storage modules 4 from the database 30 of the production management system 3. The information processing device 1 calculates the carbon dioxide emissions for each lot number of the energy storage cells 40 and energy storage modules 4 from the database 30 according to the production plan and production results. The carbon dioxide emission information calculated by the information processing device 1 is reflected in the information on the finished energy storage modules 4 in the production management system 3.

[0038] Terminal device 2 is a device used by operators of manufacturers that produce energy storage modules 4. Terminal device 2 inputs and outputs information to and from the information processing device 1 and the production management system 3 via a network LN. Operators can use terminal device 2 to view information stored and updated in the database 30 of the production management system 3. Operators can also use terminal device 2 to view information calculated by the information processing device 1.

[0039] Network LN is an Ethernet® or optical communication network installed by the service provider. Network LN includes wireless communication devices such as Wi-Fi communication devices or short-range wireless communication devices, and can also communicate with terminal devices 2 that perform wireless communication.

[0040] The configuration of the information processing system 100 and the calculation processing performed by the information processing device 1 will be described below. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing device 1. The information processing device 1 may be either a personal computer or a server computer. If it is a server computer, the information processing device 1 is not limited to one unit, but may be distributed among multiple units. The information processing device 1 comprises a processing unit 10, a storage unit 11, and a communication unit 12.

[0041] The processing unit 10 includes one or more processors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit), or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The processing unit 10 also includes memory, which is a temporary storage medium such as SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) or DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory). The processing unit 10 may be configured as a single hardware (SoC: System On a Chip) integrating the processor, memory, storage unit 11, and communication unit 12. The processing unit 10 reads the information processing program P1 stored in the storage unit 11 into memory and executes it, thereby causing a general-purpose computer to perform various processes described later, and to function as the information processing device 1 of this disclosure.

[0042] The storage unit 11 is a relatively large-capacity non-temporary storage medium such as a hard disk, flash memory, or SSD (Solid State Drive). The storage unit 11 stores the program (program product) necessary for the processing unit 10 to execute processing. The program product includes the information processing program P1.

[0043] The information processing program P1 stored in the memory unit 11 may be one that the processing unit 10 downloads from a download server via the communication unit 12 and stores in the memory unit 11, or it may be one that the processing unit 10 reads and stores from an information processing program P9 stored on a non-temporary storage medium 9 that can be read from a computer.

[0044] The storage unit 11 stores information regarding carbon dioxide emissions for each identification data of the material. The storage unit 11 may store information regarding carbon dioxide emissions for each lot number that identifies a lot of the material. The carbon dioxide emissions of the material are the sum of the emissions determined by the supplier of the material for each material and the emissions required for the procurement of the material. The carbon dioxide emissions of the material may be the emissions required from the stage of raw material extraction to the shipment from the supplier. The storage unit 11 stores in advance carbon dioxide emissions corresponding to the magnitude of the power consumption due to the production of the power storage cell 40 and the power storage module 4. The carbon dioxide emissions corresponding to the magnitude of the power consumption may be stored for each type of power supply source. The types of power supply sources include power grids and self-generated power (such as solar power, wind power, geothermal power, etc.).

[0045] The communication unit 12 realizes communication with the terminal device 2 and the production management system 3 via the network LN. The communication unit 12 is a wired communication device such as Ethernet (registered trademark) or a wireless communication device for WiFi.

[0046] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the terminal device 2. The terminal device 2 is a personal computer, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, etc. used by an operator. The terminal device 2 includes a processing unit 20, a storage unit 21, a communication unit 22, a display unit 23, and an operation unit 24.

[0047] The processing unit 20 includes one or more processors such as a CPU, an MPU, and a GPU. The processing unit 10 includes a memory which is a temporary storage medium such as SRAM and DRAM. The processing unit 20 reads out various programs stored in the storage unit 21 into the memory and executes them.

[0048] The storage unit 21 is a non-temporary storage medium such as a flash memory or an SSD. The storage unit 21 stores programs (program products) necessary for the processing unit 20 to execute processing. The program products include a Web browser program.

[0049] The communication unit 22 enables communication with the information processing device 1 and the production management system 3 via the network LN. The communication unit 22 is a wireless communication device for Wi-Fi or a wireless communication device that connects to a carrier network. The communication unit 22 may also be a wired communication device corresponding to the communication unit 12 of the information processing device 1.

[0050] The display unit 23 is a display such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The display unit 23 may also be a touch panel display. The processing unit 20 displays a screen on the display unit 23 that presents information from the information processing device 1 or the production management system 3 based on a web browser program stored in the storage unit 21, and the operator can operate on the screen.

[0051] The operation unit 24 is a user interface that can input and output to the processing unit 20. The processing unit 20 receives operator input from the operation unit 24. The operation unit 24 is a touch panel with a built-in display unit 23. The operation unit 24 may include physical buttons, switches, and physical dials. The operation unit 24 may be connected to a user interface such as a keyboard or mouse. The terminal device 2 may also include an audio input / output unit, including a speaker and a microphone, as one of its user interfaces.

[0052] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the process for calculating carbon dioxide emissions from work-in-progress. The processing unit 10 of the information processing device 1 periodically performs the following processes.

[0053] The processing unit 10 of the information processing device 1 refers to the database 30 of the production management system 3 (step S101) and obtains the manufacturing plan for the energy storage cell 40, which is work in progress (step S102). The processing unit 10 selects the identification data of the unprocessed manufacturing plan from the obtained manufacturing plans (step S103). The processing unit 10 associates the identification data of the selected manufacturing plan with the fact that the processing of the manufacturing plan for the work in progress is underway and stores it (step S104). In step S104, the processing unit 10 stores the identification data of the manufacturing plan being processed in the storage unit 11 or the database 30 of the production management system 3 so that it can be referenced.

[0054] The processing unit 10 obtains the lot number of the material allocated in the manufacturing plan identified by the selected identification data (step S105). The processing unit 10 reads the carbon dioxide emissions of the material stored in the storage unit 11 in association with the obtained lot number (step S106). The carbon dioxide emissions stored in the storage unit 11 are the sum of the emissions determined by the material supplier and the emissions required for procuring the material, for each material. The emissions determined by the supplier may be the emissions from raw material extraction to shipment. The carbon dioxide emissions of the material also include the carbon dioxide emissions of materials that have been determined to be discarded, etc., at the stage up to shipment or as a result of quality assessment before use by the manufacturer.

[0055] The processing unit 10 determines whether or not the energy storage cell 40 corresponding to the manufacturing plan identified by the selected identification data has been completed (step S107). If it is determined that it has not been completed (S107: NO), the processing unit 10 returns to step S107.

[0056] If it is determined that the process is complete (S107: YES), the processing unit 10 identifies the manufacturing period of the energy storage cell 40 from the manufacturing record of the production management system 3 (step S108). The processing unit 10 derives the power consumption at the factory during the identified manufacturing period from the records of the production management system 3 or from the power management system of the manufacturing factory (step S109).

[0057] In step S109, the processing unit 10 may obtain the actual power consumption of the machinery used in manufacturing based on the target manufacturing plan and calculate the power consumption per number of energy storage cells 40, or it may estimate the power consumption by multiplying the total power consumption of the energy storage cell 40 manufacturing plant by a predetermined ratio for the lot of energy storage cells 40. In step S109, if the energy storage cell 40 manufacturing plant has a private power generation facility (solar, wind, geothermal, etc.) as a power supply source other than the power grid, the processing unit 10 will determine whether the private power generation facility was used as the power supply source or the power grid was used as the power supply source.

[0058] The processing unit 10 calculates the carbon dioxide emissions corresponding to the power consumption required to manufacture the energy storage cell 40, which was derived in step S109 (step S110). In step S110, the processing unit 10 converts the carbon dioxide emissions corresponding to the power consumption value according to the type of power supply source (power grid or private generation, etc.). The conversion standard is defined by a predetermined external organization and may be stored in the memory unit 11 and used by the processing unit 10, or the processing unit 10 may calculate it using a conversion formula.

[0059] In step S110, the processing unit 10 may add to the carbon dioxide emissions from the manufacturing process of the energy storage cells 40 that passed the quality check of the same lot, the amount corresponding to the carbon dioxide emissions of the energy storage cells 40 that were determined to be below a predetermined quality level and therefore to be discarded or recycled. This allows the processing unit 10 to accurately calculate the carbon dioxide emissions.

[0060] The processing unit 10 adds up the carbon dioxide emissions from the materials read in step S106 and the carbon dioxide emissions from the manufacturing of the energy storage cells 40 calculated in step S110 (step S111). The processing unit 10 stores the carbon dioxide emissions added in step S111 in association with the lot number of the completed energy storage cells 40 (step S112). The processing unit 10 stores the identification data of the selected manufacturing plan in association with the fact that it has been processed (step S113), and terminates the process.

[0061] According to the processing procedure shown in Figure 4, the carbon dioxide emissions of the intermediate work-in-progress energy storage cells 40 are stored in the storage unit 11 or database 30 for each lot. Next, in the manufacturing process of the energy storage module 4, which is manufactured by combining the energy storage cells 40, the information processing device 1 uses the stored carbon dioxide emissions of the energy storage cells 40 to select the energy storage cells 40 to be combined so that the carbon dioxide emissions of the completed energy storage module 4 fall within a predetermined range.

[0062] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the process for calculating the carbon dioxide emissions of the finished product. The processing unit 10 of the information processing device 1 periodically performs the following processes.

[0063] The processing unit 10 of the information processing device 1 refers to the database 30 of the production management system 3 (step S201) and obtains the manufacturing plan (assembly process plan) for the finished product, the energy storage module 4 (step S202). At the time of step S202, the manufacturing plan for the energy storage module 4 does not yet include the allocation of the energy storage cells 40, which are work-in-progress.

[0064] The processing unit 10 selects the identification data (lot number) of an unprocessed manufacturing plan from the acquired manufacturing plans for the energy storage module 4 (step S203). The processing unit 10 associates the identification data of the selected manufacturing plan with the fact that the manufacturing plan for the finished product is currently being processed and stores it in that order (step S204). In step S204, the processing unit 10 stores the identification data of the manufacturing plan being processed in the storage unit 11 or the database 30 of the production management system 3 in a referable format.

[0065] The processing unit 10 identifies a target value for carbon dioxide emissions set for the finished energy storage module 4 (step S205). The processing unit 10 selects a lot of multiple energy storage cells 40 to be assembled so that the carbon dioxide emissions of the energy storage module 4 meet the identified target value (step S206). In step S206, the processing unit 10 selects the multiple energy storage cells 40 such that the sum of the carbon dioxide emissions associated with them falls within a predetermined tolerance range relative to the target carbon dioxide emissions. When the processing unit 10 manufactures one energy storage module 4 by assembling 16 energy storage cells 40, it selects a lot of energy storage cells 40 whose corresponding carbon dioxide emissions are the amount obtained by dividing the target carbon dioxide emissions by "16".

[0066] The processing unit 10 stores the lot identification data (lot number) of the selected energy storage cell 40 as the target for allocation to the energy storage module 4, associating it with the identification data of the manufacturing plan selected in step S203 (step S207). The processing unit 10 outputs the lot identification data of the multiple energy storage cell 40 lots to be allocated to the assembly of the energy storage module 4 to be manufactured in that manufacturing plan, associating it with the identification data of the selected manufacturing plan, to the production management system 3 (step S208).

[0067] The processing unit 10 stores in the storage unit 11 the total carbon dioxide emissions of the multiple energy storage cells 40 of the lot selected in step S206 as the carbon dioxide emissions of the energy storage module 4 to be manufactured, in association with the identification data of the selected manufacturing plan (step S209). The processing unit 10 outputs to the production management system 3 the total carbon dioxide emissions of the multiple energy storage cells 40 to be assembled as the carbon dioxide emissions of the energy storage module 4 to be manufactured (step S210).

[0068] The processing unit 10 associates the identification data of the selected manufacturing plan with the status that it has been processed (step S211) and then terminates the processing. The processing in step S211 may be performed after the assembly process of the energy storage module 4 is completed.

[0069] According to the processing procedure shown in Figure 5, the production management system 3 automatically selects a storage cell 40 whose carbon dioxide emissions meet the target value for the assembly process of the target storage module 4. The carbon dioxide emissions may also include those corresponding to the power consumption of equipment such as machinery used in the assembly process. Furthermore, the total carbon dioxide emissions are added to the record on the production management system 3 for each finished storage module 4.

[0070] After the assembly process of the energy storage modules 4, the manufacturer performs a capacity determination process for each energy storage module 4 to determine its actual full charge capacity. In the capacity determination process, multiple cycles of energy storage in the battery and power supply from the battery are performed. The production management system 3 records log data of energy storage and power supply in the capacity determination process. The information processing device 1 calculates the accurate carbon dioxide emissions from the manufacturer to shipment, taking into account the carbon dioxide emissions in the capacity determination process.

[0071] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the process for calculating carbon dioxide emissions during the testing phase of the finished product. The processing unit 10 of the information processing device 1 periodically performs the following processes.

[0072] The processing unit 10 of the information processing device 1 refers to the database 30 of the production management system 3 (step S301) and obtains the test results of the finished product, the energy storage module 4 (step S302).

[0073] The processing unit 10 selects identification data for unprocessed test results from the acquired test results of the energy storage module 4 (step S303). The processing unit 10 stores the selected identification data of the test results in association with the fact that the test result reflection process is underway (step S304). In step S304, the processing unit 10 stores the identification data of the manufacturing plan being processed in the storage unit 11 or the database 30 of the production management system 3 in a referable format.

[0074] The processing unit 10 references log data of energy storage and power supply during the capacity determination process in the target test results from the power management system (step S305). Based on the log data, the processing unit 10 calculates the carbon dioxide emissions corresponding to the power consumption required for energy storage and the carbon dioxide emissions corresponding to power supply (discharge) (step S306). In step S306, the processing unit 10 converts the carbon dioxide emissions corresponding to the power consumption value according to the type of power supply source (power grid or private generation, etc.). The conversion method is the same as in step S110.

[0075] The processing unit 10 stores the carbon dioxide emissions calculated in step S306 during the capacity determination process in the storage unit 11, associating them with the identification data (lot number) of the energy storage module 4 under test (step S307). The processing unit 10 adds the carbon dioxide emissions calculated in step S306 to the carbon dioxide emissions calculated as a result of the assembly process (step S308). The processing unit 10 stores this in association with the identification data (lot number) of the energy storage module 4 (step S309), and outputs the sum of the processing results from step S309 to the production management system 3 as the carbon dioxide emissions of the energy storage module 4 (step S310).

[0076] The processing unit 10 associates the identification data of the selected test result with the fact that it has been processed and stores it in memory (step S311), and then terminates the processing.

[0077] The process shown in Figure 6 allows for the calculation of the exact carbon dioxide emissions for each energy storage module 4 with the same identification data (lot number), by summing the carbon dioxide emissions from the materials, the carbon dioxide emissions from the manufacturing process of the work-in-progress, the carbon dioxide emissions from the assembly process, and the carbon dioxide emissions from the testing process.

[0078] The information processing system 100 of the first embodiment stores the carbon dioxide emissions not only for materials but also for the intermediate work-in-progress energy storage cells 40 on a lot-by-lot basis. By selecting and assembling energy storage cells 40 with clearly defined carbon dioxide emissions on a lot-by-lot basis, the carbon dioxide emissions of the completed energy storage module 4 can also be accurately calculated.

[0079] (Modified Version) In the modified version, the processing unit 10 uses the results of the capacity determination process for the energy storage module 4, which is a combination of energy storage cells 40, and estimates the amount of carbon dioxide emissions per unit of power supplyable energy from the time of manufacture to disposal of the finished energy storage module 4, based on actual statistics or by a predetermined algorithm.

[0080] The configuration of the modified information processing system 100 is the same as that of the information processing system 100 of the first embodiment, except for the details of the processing by the information processing device 1. Components of the modified information processing system 100 that are common to the information processing system 100 of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0081] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the carbon dioxide emission estimation process during the testing phase of the finished product in the modified example. For steps in Figure 7 that are common to those in Figure 6, the same step numbers are used, and detailed explanations are omitted.

[0082] In the modified example, the processing unit 10 obtains the result of estimating the amount of power that can be supplied from manufacturing to disposal based on the result of the capacity determination process (step S321). In step S321, the processing unit 10 may obtain the result estimated by another device from the past charge and discharge power amounts of the energy storage module 4 stored in the database 30, or it may estimate it through processing in its own device. The other device or the processing unit 10 estimates the amount of power that can be supplied for a symmetric energy storage cell 40 by statistical processing from the actual data for each model number of the energy storage cell 40, that is, the actual amount of power that can be supplied until disposal (a specific State of Health (SOH)) of an energy storage cell 40 with a determined capacity. The processing unit 10 may also estimate the amount of power that can be supplied for each energy storage cell 40 by inference using a specific algorithm. The processing unit 10 may obtain the amount of power that can be supplied using a learning model that has been trained to output an estimated amount of power that can be supplied when the result of the capacity determination process is input.

[0083] The processing unit 10 calculates the amount of carbon dioxide emissions corresponding to the power consumption required for energy storage and the amount of carbon dioxide emissions corresponding to the power supply (discharge) in the capacity determination process (S306), stores the calculation results (S307), and adds them to the carbon dioxide emissions of the assembly process (S308).

[0084] The processing unit 10 calculates the amount of carbon dioxide emissions per kWh of electricity supplied by dividing the carbon dioxide emissions from pre-shipment processing such as manufacturing and capacity determination processes obtained in S308 by the estimated amount of electricity that can be supplied until disposal for the target energy storage cell 40 (step S322).

[0085] The processing unit 10 stores the carbon dioxide emissions per unit of power supply, associated with the identification data (lot number) of the energy storage module 4 (step S323). The processing unit 10 outputs the sum of the results of the processing in step S323 to the production management system 3 as the carbon dioxide emissions of the energy storage module 4 (step S324).

[0086] The processing unit 10 associates the identification data of the selected test result with the fact that it has been processed and stores it (S311), and then terminates the processing.

[0087] In this way, to calculate carbon dioxide emissions more accurately by reflecting the carbon dioxide emissions including the results of the capacity determination process, the processing unit 10 calculates the carbon dioxide emissions per unit of supplyable electricity by dividing the total amount of electricity that the finished energy storage module 4 can supply throughout its entire lifecycle from manufacturing to disposal. This makes it possible to estimate in advance the carbon dioxide emissions per unit of supplyable electricity of the finished energy storage module 4.

[0088] (Second Embodiment) In the second embodiment, the information processing device 1 divides the finished energy storage module 4 into grades based on the level of carbon dioxide emissions, selects a plurality of energy storage cells 40 to be assembled for each grade, and calculates a price according to the total value of carbon dioxide emissions for each grade.

[0089] The configuration of the information processing system 100 in the second embodiment is the same as that of the information processing system 100 in the first embodiment, except for the details of the processing by the information processing device 1 which will be described later. Among the components of the information processing system 100 in the second embodiment, those components that are common with the information processing system 100 in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0090] In the second embodiment, the information processing device 1 calculates and outputs the carbon dioxide emissions for the completed energy storage module 4 shown in Figure 4, and then performs a process to determine the grade according to the calculated carbon dioxide emissions.

[0091] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the grade determination process in the second embodiment. The processing unit 10 of the information processing device 1 refers to the following process for the energy storage module 4 before shipment.

[0092] The processing unit 10 selects the identification data (lot number) of the energy storage module 4 that corresponds to the carbon footprint data (hereinafter referred to as CF data) of the finished energy storage module 4 from the database 30 of the production management system 3, excluding the grade data (step S401).

[0093] The processing unit 10 obtains the total carbon dioxide emissions stored for the selected identification data (step S402). The processing unit 10 determines whether the obtained carbon dioxide emissions are equal to or greater than the predetermined grade sorting criteria stored in the storage unit 11 (step S403).

[0094] If the total carbon dioxide emissions are determined to be equal to or greater than the sorting criteria for a predetermined grade stored in the memory unit 11 (S403: YES), the processing unit 10 determines that the selected energy storage module 4 is of the high-emission grade (step S404). The processing unit 10 stores the result of determining that the selected energy storage module 4 is of the high-emission grade in the memory unit 11 (step S405). The processing unit 10 calculates the price for the high-emission grade energy storage module 4 based on the table or rate stored in the memory unit 11 (step S406). The processing unit 10 outputs the grade determination result and the calculated price to the production management system 3 (or terminal device 2) (step S407), and terminates the process.

[0095] If the processing unit 10 determines that the total carbon dioxide emissions are below a predetermined grade classification standard stored in the storage unit 11 (S403: NO), the processing unit 10 determines that the selected identification data energy storage module 4 is of the low emission grade (step S408). The processing unit 10 stores the result of determining that the selected identification data energy storage module 4 is of the low emission grade in the storage unit 11 (step S409). The processing unit 10 calculates the price for the low emission grade energy storage module 4 based on the table or rate stored in the storage unit 11 (step S410). The price calculated in step S410 is higher than the price calculated in step S406.

[0096] The processing unit 10 outputs the grade determination result and the calculated price to the production management system 3 (or terminal device 2) (S407), and then terminates the process.

[0097] The processing procedure shown in Figure 8 may be performed either before or after the capacity determination process.

[0098] In the production management system 3, the grade determination result and the calculated price are obtained from the information processing device 1 and stored in the database 30. The grade result or price data may be referenced when applying labels. In the second embodiment, the carbon dioxide emissions of the energy storage module 4 can be clarified. This makes it possible to increase the market value of battery-related products in accordance with their contribution to carbon neutrality. In addition, since the grade is clarified, users can appropriately select battery-related products based on whether or not they contribute to reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

[0099] (Third Embodiment) In the third embodiment, the information processing device 1 sets multiple levels of carbon dioxide emissions corresponding to the grade of the finished energy storage module 4, and selects energy storage cells 40 such that the sum of the carbon dioxide emissions of the intermediate work-in-progress energy storage cells 40 falls within these emission levels.

[0100] The configuration of the information processing system 100 in the third embodiment is the same as that of the information processing system 100 in the first embodiment, except for the details of the processing by the information processing device 1 which will be described later. Among the components of the information processing system 100 in the third embodiment, components that are common with the information processing system 100 in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0101] In the third embodiment, the finished energy storage module 4 is assigned three grades: high emissions, medium emissions, and low emissions. Multiple levels of carbon dioxide emission settings corresponding to each grade are pre-stored in the storage unit 11 of the information processing device 1. These settings may be variable, such as being updated seasonally according to the power supply and demand cycle.

[0102] In the third embodiment, the information processing device 1 may sort the energy storage cells 40, which store the carbon dioxide emissions for each lot in the storage unit 11 or database 30, into high, medium, and low based on the carbon dioxide emissions.

[0103] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the process for calculating the carbon dioxide emissions of the finished product in the third embodiment. The processing unit 10 of the information processing device 1 in the third embodiment periodically executes the following processes. Of the processing steps shown in Figure 9, steps that are common to the processing steps shown in Figure 5 of the first embodiment are given the same step numbers and detailed explanations are omitted.

[0104] In the third embodiment, the processing unit 10 associates the selected unprocessed manufacturing plan identification data (lot number) with the fact that the manufacturing plan for the finished product is being processed (S204), and then identifies the grade for the energy storage module 4 to be manufactured (step S221). In step S221, the processing unit 10 identifies the manufacturing plan identification data (lot number) from the three grades mentioned above.

[0105] The processing unit 10 reads the set value for carbon dioxide emissions corresponding to the specified grade (step S222). The processing unit 10 selects the identification data (lot number) of multiple energy storage cells 40, each associated with carbon dioxide emissions, so that the sum of the results falls below the read set value (step S223), and proceeds to step S207.

[0106] In steps S222 and S223, the processing unit 10 may, after assembling the energy storage module 4 using multiple energy storage cells 40, anticipate that additional carbon dioxide emissions will be added in the capacity determination process, and set the value obtained by subtracting the increase in the capacity determination process from the set value as the target value for the sum.

[0107] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the grade determination process in the third embodiment. The processing unit 10 of the information processing device 1 refers to the following processes before or after the capacity determination process for the energy storage module 4 before shipment. Of the processing steps shown in Figure 10, steps that are common with the processing steps shown in Figure 8 of the second embodiment are given the same step numbers and detailed explanations are omitted.

[0108] Step S421 determines whether the acquired total carbon dioxide emissions are within the range of the set value of carbon dioxide emissions corresponding to one of the three grades stored in the memory unit 11 (step S421). In step S421, the processing unit 10 determines the grade to be low emissions if the total carbon dioxide emissions are less than or equal to the lowest set value of carbon dioxide emissions among the three grades: high emissions, medium emissions, and low emissions. The processing unit 10 determines the grade to be medium emissions if the total carbon dioxide emissions exceed the set value corresponding to the low emissions grade but are less than or equal to the set value corresponding to the medium emissions grade. The processing unit 10 determines the grade to be high emissions if the total carbon dioxide emissions exceed the set value corresponding to the medium emissions grade but are less than or equal to the set value corresponding to the high emissions grade.

[0109] The processing unit 10 stores the grade determined in step S421 for the selected identification data energy storage module 4 in the storage unit 11 (step S422). Based on the table or rate stored in the storage unit 11, the processing unit 10 calculates the price for the energy storage module 4 of the grade determined in step S421 (step S423). The processing unit 10 outputs the grade determination result and the calculated price to the production management system 3 (or terminal device 2) (S407), and terminates the process.

[0110] In the third embodiment, the processing unit 10 of the information processing device 1 selected energy storage cells 40 in lot units, based on a predetermined estimated total carbon dioxide emissions for each grade of the completed energy storage module 4. This allows for appropriate selection and adjustment of the carbon dioxide emissions value of the finished energy storage module 4 to converge to each of the multiple grade levels, rather than assigning different values ​​to each lot, thereby achieving value differentiation and price stabilization.

[0111] In the first to third embodiments described above, carbon dioxide emissions were calculated, summed, and stored for each identification data of the intermediate product energy storage cell 40 and the finished product energy storage module 4. Although the identification data was set to a lot unit, it may be calculated and summed for each serial number that identifies each individual energy storage cell 40 and energy storage module 4. If the processing unit 10 can store the power consumption for each manufacturing date and time and the machine used for manufacturing, it may also calculate carbon dioxide emissions individually for each group manufactured at the same time using the serial number.

[0112] The embodiments disclosed above are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. In the first to third embodiments, the work-in-progress was described as a storage cell 40 and the finished battery-related product as a storage module 4, but the invention is not limited thereto. The battery-related product may be a storage panel made up of multiple storage modules 4, or an uninterruptible power supply unit containing multiple storage cells 40. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, and all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims are included.

[0113] 1. Information Processing Device 10. Processing Unit 11. Storage Unit 12. Communication Unit P1. Information Processing Program (Computer Program) 2. Terminal Device 20. Processing Unit 22. Communication Unit 23. Display Unit 24. Operation Unit 3. Production Management System

Claims

1. An information processing method comprising: a computer calculating the carbon dioxide emissions during the manufacturing process of intermediate work-in-progress (WORK) products for each lot of WORK-in-progress; storing data on the carbon dioxide emissions of the WORK-in-progress products in association with the identification data of each lot of WORK-in-progress; in the assembly process of the finished battery-related product, selecting multiple lots of WORK-in-progress products to be assembled based on the data on carbon dioxide emissions associated with the identification data of each lot of WORK-in-progress; summing the carbon dioxide emissions of each WORK-in-progress product in the selected lots; and outputting the sum as the carbon dioxide emissions of the finished battery-related product.

2. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein the computer determines a grade for the finished battery-related product based on the aggregated carbon dioxide emissions, and outputs the determined grade in association with the product identification data of the finished battery-related product.

3. The information processing method according to claim 2, wherein the computer calculates the price of the battery-related products of the finished product according to the determined grade.

4. The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the computer uses multiple set values ​​for carbon dioxide emissions for the battery-related products of the finished product, and selects lots of the multiple work-in-progress products such that the sum of the results falls below or equal to any of the set values ​​of the multiple stages.

5. The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the computer adds to the total carbon dioxide emissions of work-in-progress products in the same lot as the work-in-progress product, based on the results of quality assessment for each manufactured work-in-progress product, an amount corresponding to the carbon dioxide emissions during the manufacturing process of work-in-progress products that are determined to be below a predetermined quality.

6. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein the computer calculates the carbon dioxide emissions for each lot of work-in-progress based on at least one of the materials of the work-in-progress, the amount of electricity consumed during the manufacture of the work-in-progress, and the power source for the electricity consumed during the manufacture of the work-in-progress.

7. The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the computer acquires the manufacturing date and time of the lot, which is stored in the production management system for the battery-related products in association with the lot identification data of the work-in-progress lot, and the material information of the work-in-progress lot, and calculates the carbon dioxide emissions for each lot of the work-in-progress lot based on the acquired information.

8. The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the work-in-progress is an energy storage cell, and the battery-related product is an energy storage module combining the energy storage cells.

9. The information processing method according to claim 8, wherein the computer refers to the log data of energy storage and power supply in the capacity determination process for each energy storage cell, and calculates the carbon dioxide emissions of the energy storage module based on the amount of power supplied up to the assembly of each energy storage cell constituting the energy storage module and the carbon dioxide emissions of each energy storage cell.

10. The information processing method according to claim 8, wherein the computer obtains, based on the data obtained in the capacity determination process for each energy storage cell, the estimated amount of energy that can be supplied from manufacturing to disposal for each energy storage cell, and calculates the amount of carbon dioxide emissions per amount of energy that can be supplied based on the amount of energy that can be supplied and the carbon dioxide emissions of each energy storage cell.

11. An information processing device comprising a processing unit that calculates the carbon dioxide emissions during the manufacturing process of intermediate work-in-progress products of battery-related products for each lot of the intermediate work-in-progress products, stores data on the carbon dioxide emissions of the intermediate work-in-progress products associated with the identification data of the lot of the intermediate work-in-progress products, and in the assembly process of the finished battery-related product, selects a plurality of lots of intermediate work-in-progress products to be assembled based on the data on the carbon dioxide emissions associated with the identification data of each of the plurality of intermediate work-in-progress products, sums the carbon dioxide emissions of each intermediate work-in-progress product in the selected lot, and outputs the sum as the carbon dioxide emissions of the finished battery-related product.

12. A computer program that causes a computer to perform the following processes: calculate the carbon dioxide emissions during the manufacturing process of work-in-progress (WPM) products for each lot of WPM products; store the data on the carbon dioxide emissions of WPM products in association with the identification data of each WPM lot; in the assembly process of finished battery-related products, select multiple WPM lots to be assembled based on the data on the carbon dioxide emissions associated with the identification data of each of the multiple WPM lots; sum the carbon dioxide emissions of each WPM lot in the selected lots; and output the sum as the carbon dioxide emissions of the finished battery-related product.

Images