Energy management system, plant information processing system, and real plant

Abstract

[PROBLEM] To provide an energy management system capable of suitably controlling real plant equipment using an operation plan formulated by an operation plan formulation device. [SOLUTION] According to one embodiment, this energy management system comprises: real plant equipment; a plant simulator that simulates operating the real plant equipment; an operation plan formulation device that formulates an operation plan for the real plant equipment; a virtual plant control system that controls the plant simulator on the basis of the operation plan; and a real plant control system that controls the real plant equipment on the basis of the operation plan. The virtual plant control system acquires the operation plan via a communication path that connects the operation plan formulation device and the virtual plant control system. The real plant control system acquires the operation plan via a communication path that connects the operation plan formulation device and the real plant control system.

Description

Energy management system, plant information processing system, and actual plant 【0001】 Embodiments of the present invention relate to an energy management system, a plant information processing system, and an actual plant. 【0002】 There is known an energy management system in which an operation plan determination device determines an operation plan for actual plant facilities, and an actual plant control system controls the actual plant facilities based on the operation plan. In such an energy management system, a plant operator manually inputs the operation plan determined by the operation plan determination device into the actual plant control system. 【0003】 International Patent Application Publication No. WO2012 / 127585, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2015-169624 【0004】 In the above energy management system, the following problems arise. First, labor is required for the plant operator to input the operation plan. Second, if it takes a long time to input the operation plan, the state of the actual plant facilities may change during the input of the operation plan, and calculation errors in the operation plan are likely to occur. Third, since the operation plan cannot be verified in advance, it is difficult to grasp the appropriateness and accuracy of the operation plan in advance. 【0005】 Therefore, embodiments of the present invention provide an energy management system, a plant information processing system, and an actual plant that can suitably control actual plant facilities using an operation plan determined by an operation plan determination device. 【0006】According to one embodiment, the energy management system comprises an actual plant facility, a plant simulator that simulates the operation of the actual plant facility, an operation plan formulation device that formulates an operation plan for the actual plant facility, a virtual plant control system that controls the plant simulator based on the operation plan, and an actual plant control system that controls the actual plant facility based on the operation plan. The virtual plant control system acquires the operation plan via a communication path connecting the operation plan formulation device and the virtual plant control system. The actual plant control system acquires the operation plan via a communication path connecting the operation plan formulation device and the actual plant control system. 【0007】 This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the energy management system of the first embodiment. This is a block diagram showing the configuration of an energy management system of a comparative example of the first embodiment. This is another block diagram showing the configuration of the energy management system of the first embodiment. This is a flowchart showing the operation of the energy management system of the first embodiment. This is another flowchart showing the operation of the energy management system of the first embodiment. This is another flowchart showing the operation of the energy management system of the first embodiment. 【0008】 Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. In Figures 1 to 6, identical components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted. 【0009】 (First Embodiment) Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the energy management system of the first embodiment. 【0010】 The energy management system of this embodiment comprises a plant information processing system 1 and an actual plant 2. The plant information processing system 1 includes an operation plan formulation device 11, a virtual plant control system 12, and a plant simulator 13. The actual plant 2 includes an actual plant control system 21 and actual plant equipment 22. 【0011】The operation plan formulation device 11 formulates an operation plan for the actual plant equipment 22. The operation plan is formulated to optimize the operation of the actual plant equipment 22, for example. This optimizes the operation of the actual plant equipment 22 in terms of the operating cost of the plant equipment 22. In this embodiment, the operation plan is applied not only to the actual plant equipment 22 but also to the plant simulator 13. Therefore, the operation plan formulation device 11 transmits operation plan data, including the operation plan, to the actual plant control system 21 and the virtual plant control system 12. The operation plan formulation device 11 is, for example, a computer such as a PC (Personal Computer). 【0012】 The virtual plant control system 12 controls the plant simulator 13 based on the operation plan included in the operation plan data. The virtual plant control system 12 transmits control commands to the plant simulator 13 to control the plant simulator 13. The virtual plant control system 12 is, for example, a computer such as a PC. 【0013】 The plant simulator 13 simulates the operation of the actual plant equipment 22. The plant simulator 13 performs the simulation in accordance with the operation plan by conducting the simulation based on control commands from the virtual plant control system 12. The plant simulator 13 is, for example, a computer such as a PC. 【0014】 The actual plant control system 21 is the control section within the actual plant 2. The actual plant control system 21 controls the actual plant equipment 22 based on the operation plan included in the operation plan data. The actual plant control system 21 transmits control commands to the actual plant equipment 22 for controlling the actual plant equipment 22. The actual plant control system 21 includes, for example, a computer such as a PC, and plant control equipment that controls valves, pumps, measuring instruments, etc. 【0015】The actual plant equipment 22 is the controlled portion within the actual plant 2. The actual operation of the actual plant equipment 22 is controlled by the actual plant control system 21. The actual plant equipment 22 is operated based on control commands from the actual plant control system 21, thereby operating in accordance with the operation plan. The actual plant equipment 22 includes, for example, various hardware devices within the actual plant 2. 【0016】 Actual Plant 2 is, for example, a power plant such as a thermal power plant. Actual Plant 2 includes, for example, a boiler, steam turbine, generator, condenser, pump, valve, etc. Actual Plant 2 in this embodiment is a thermal power plant that generates thermal power using fossil fuels and renewable energy. Therefore, Actual Plant 2 in this embodiment includes storage facilities for storing surplus energy such as surplus electricity within the Actual Plant Equipment 22. Examples of storage facilities include thermal energy storage systems, hydrogen energy storage systems, fuel cell systems, etc. Therefore, a private power generation plant within a factory also falls under the example of Actual Plant 2, and in this case, Actual Plant 2 supplies the electricity used by the factory. In this case, Actual Plant 2 may also supply steam used by the factory. Furthermore, this factory may use both the electricity supplied from Actual Plant 2 and the electricity supplied by the power company. 【0017】 The plant information processing system 1 performs information processing related to the actual plant 2. For example, the operation plan formulation device 11 within the plant information processing system 1 outputs the operation plan for the actual plant equipment 22 to the actual plant control system 21. This makes it possible to optimize the operation of the actual plant equipment 22. The operation plan formulation device 11 within the plant information processing system 1 also outputs the operation plan for the actual plant equipment 22 to the virtual plant control system 12. This makes it possible to simulate the operation of the actual plant equipment 22 using the plant simulator 13. According to this embodiment, by referring to the results of this simulation, it is possible to verify and modify the operation plan in advance before starting actual operation of the actual plant equipment 22. 【0018】The energy management system of this embodiment manages the energy demand to the actual plant 2 (e.g., electricity demand) and the energy supply from the actual plant 2 (e.g., electricity supply) using the plant information processing system 1. For example, if the actual plant 2 is a power generation plant using renewable energy or a private power generation plant within a factory, an imbalance between energy demand and energy supply is likely to occur. The energy management system of this embodiment can operate the actual plant 2 in a way that suppresses such an imbalance by formulating a suitable operating plan using the plant information processing system 1. 【0019】 In the energy management system of this embodiment, for example, the company that manufactured the actual plant 2 (hereinafter referred to as the "manufacturer") owns the plant information processing system 1, and the company that purchased the actual plant 2 (hereinafter referred to as the "purchaser") owns the actual plant 2. In this case, the manufacturer grants the purchaser permission to use the plant information processing system 1 as an after-sales service after the purchase of the actual plant 2. For example, the plant information processing system 1 is installed on the manufacturer's premises, the actual plant 2 is installed on the purchaser's premises, and the plant information processing system 1 and the actual plant 2 exchange information via a network. The energy management system of this embodiment may further include a terminal device 3 (see Figure 3) for accessing the operation plan formulation device 11 within the plant information processing system 1, as will be described later. For example, the terminal device 3 is installed on the purchaser's premises, and the operation plan formulation device 11 and the terminal device 3 exchange information via a network. 【0020】The actual plant equipment 22 outputs the measured values ​​(actual values) obtained through the operation of the actual plant equipment 22 to the actual plant control system 21 as control results. The actual plant control system 21 transmits these measured values ​​themselves, as well as the information derived from these measured values, to the operation plan formulation device 11 as operation information. Similarly, the plant simulator 13 outputs the measured values ​​obtained through the simulation of the plant simulator 13 to the virtual plant control system 12 as control results. The virtual plant control system 12 transmits these measured values ​​themselves, as well as the information derived from these measured values, to the operation plan formulation device 11 as operation information. The operation plan formulation device 11 can formulate a suitable operation plan or modify the operation plan appropriately by utilizing the operation information from the actual plant control system 21 and the virtual plant control system 12. Further details of the control results and operation information will be described later. 【0021】 Here, the operation planning device 11, virtual plant control system 12, plant simulator 13, actual plant control system 21, and actual plant equipment 22 shown in Figure 1 will be referred to as "device 11," "device 12," "device 13," "device 21," and "device 22," respectively. In this embodiment, any two of the five devices 11 to 22 exchange information via a communication path that connects these two devices by wire and / or wireless. In this embodiment, the five devices 11 to 22 are connected to each other via a wired communication path and / or wireless communication path. The same applies to the terminal device 3 (see Figure 3), which will be described later. That is, the six devices 3, 11 to 22 are connected to each other via a wired communication path and / or wireless communication path. 【0022】For example, the actual plant control system 21 acquires the operation plan from the operation plan formulation device 11 via a network to which the operation plan formulation device 11 and the actual plant control system 21 are connected. That is, the actual plant control system 21 receives operation plan data from the operation plan formulation device 11 via the network. The network is, for example, the Internet. The operation plan formulation device 11 and the actual plant control system 21 may each be connected to the network by wire or by wireless connection. The same applies to the connection between the operation plan formulation device 11 and the virtual plant control system 12. The network between the operation plan formulation device 11 and the virtual plant control system 12 may be the Internet or a LAN (Local Area Network). 【0023】 Furthermore, the virtual plant control system 12 controls the plant simulator 13 via a network to which the virtual plant control system 12 and the plant simulator 13 are connected. That is, the virtual plant control system 12 transmits control commands to the plant simulator 13 via the network. The network may be the Internet or a LAN. The virtual plant control system 12 and the plant simulator 13 may each be connected to the network by wire or by wireless connection. The same applies to the connection between the actual plant control system 21 and the actual plant equipment 22. The actual plant control system 21 and the actual plant equipment 22 may be connected to each other via a network such as a LAN, or they may be connected by a communication path other than a network (e.g., a cable or electrical circuit). 【0024】 The virtual plant control system 12 and the plant simulator 13 may be implemented on the same PC. In this case, the communication path between the virtual plant control system 12 and the plant simulator 13 is, for example, a bus or electrical circuit within the PC. In other words, the virtual plant control system 12 and the plant simulator 13 may be connected to each other within the same PC. 【0025】 Furthermore, the energy management system of this embodiment may have a configuration different from that described above. For example, the purchaser may own not only the actual plant 2 but also the plant information processing system 1. Also, the operation plan formulation device 11 may be located in the actual plant 2 rather than in the plant information processing system 1. 【0026】 The operation planning device 11 is implemented, for example, by installing a computer program for the operation planning device 11 on a PC for the operation planning device 11. This program may be installed by inserting a recording medium (e.g., semiconductor memory) containing the program into the PC, or by downloading the program to the PC via a network. The same applies to the virtual plant control system 12, the plant simulator 13, and the actual plant control system 21. This also applies to the terminal device 3 (see Figure 3), which will be described later. 【0027】 Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an energy management system in a comparative example of the first embodiment. 【0028】 The energy management system of this comparative example (Figure 2) has the same configuration as the energy management system of the first embodiment (Figure 1). However, the plant information processing system 1 of this comparative example includes an operation terminal device 14 instead of the virtual plant control system 12 and the plant simulator 13. Furthermore, the actual plant 2 of this comparative example includes an operation recording device 23. 【0029】 In Figure 2, dashed arrows represent the exchange of information via a communication channel, while solid arrows represent information input by a plant operator (human). In this comparative example, the plant information processing system 1 and the actual plant 2 are not connected to each other by a network or the like. Therefore, the process of providing information generated by the plant information processing system 1 to the actual plant 2, and the process of providing information generated by the actual plant 2 to the plant information processing system 1, are performed manually by the plant operator. On the other hand, in Figure 1, all arrows are dashed. 【0030】The operation terminal device 14 acquires operation plan data from the operation plan formulation device 11 and displays the operation plan included in the operation plan data on the screen. The plant operator manually inputs the operation plan displayed on the screen into the actual plant control system 21. The operation terminal device 14 may also print the operation plan on paper using a printer. In this case, the plant operator manually inputs the operation plan printed on paper into the actual plant control system 21. 【0031】 The actual plant equipment 22 outputs the measured values ​​(actual values) obtained through the operation of the actual plant equipment 22 to the actual plant control system 21 as control results. The actual plant control system 21 outputs these measured values ​​themselves, or the information derived from these measured values, to the operation recording device 23 for recording as operation information. The operation recording device 23 displays the recorded operation information on a screen. The plant operator manually inputs the operation information displayed on the screen into the operation plan formulation device 11. The operation recording device 23 may also print the operation information on paper using a printer. In this case, the plant operator manually inputs the operation information printed on paper into the operation plan formulation device 11, and the operation plan formulation device 11 formulates an operation plan based on the manually input operation information. 【0032】 In this comparative example, the following issues arise. Firstly, the plant operator is required to expend effort inputting the operation plan into the actual plant control system 21 and the operation information into the operation plan formulation device 11. Secondly, if it takes a long time for the plant operator to input the operation information into the operation plan formulation device 11, the state of the actual plant equipment 22 may change during the input of the operation information, which can easily lead to calculation errors in the operation plan formulated by the operation plan formulation device 11 based on the operation information. 【0033】On the other hand, in this embodiment, the plant information processing system 1 and the actual plant 2 are connected to each other by a network or the like. For example, the actual plant control system 21 in this embodiment acquires an operation plan from the operation plan formulation device 11 via the network to which the operation plan formulation device 11 and the actual plant control system 21 are connected. Similarly, the virtual plant control system 12 in this embodiment acquires an operation plan from the operation plan formulation device 11 via the network to which the operation plan formulation device 11 and the virtual plant control system 12 are connected, without going through a plant operator as in the comparative example. This makes it possible to address the first and second problems described above. In addition, in this embodiment, it is possible to verify the operation plan in advance by simulating the operation of the actual plant equipment 22. This makes it possible to grasp the appropriateness and accuracy of the operation plan in advance. Thus, according to this embodiment, it is possible to suitably control the actual plant equipment 22 using the operation plan formulated by the operation plan formulation device 11. 【0034】 Figure 3 is a more detailed view of the block diagram of Figure 1, which shows the configuration of the energy management system of the first embodiment. 【0035】 The dashed arrows in Figure 3 represent the exchange of information within the plant information processing system 1, and the exchange of information between the plant information processing system 1 and the terminal device 3. On the other hand, the solid arrows in Figure 3 represent the exchange of information within the actual plant 2, and the exchange of information between the plant information processing system 1 and the actual plant 2. 【0036】 As shown in Figure 3, the energy management system of this embodiment comprises a plant information processing system 1, a real plant 2, and a terminal device 3. The operation plan formulation device 11 includes an operation plan formulation unit 11a and an operation status display unit 11b. The virtual plant control system 12 includes a virtual interface unit 12a and one or more virtual plant control devices 12b. The real plant control system 21 includes an interface unit 21a and one or more real plant control devices 21b. 【0037】[Terminal Device 3] Terminal device 3 is used by users, such as plant operators, to access the operation planning device 11. Terminal device 3 is, for example, a computer such as a PC. In response to input operations by the user to terminal device 3, terminal device 3 transmits operation request data, including operation requests to the plant simulator 13 or the actual plant equipment 22, to the operation planning device 11. This makes it possible for the user to have the plant simulator 13 perform simulations or to operate the actual plant equipment 22. Terminal device 3 also receives operation information from the operation planning device 11 that indicates the operating status of the plant simulator 13 or the actual plant equipment 22. This makes it possible for terminal device 3 to display the operating status on its screen, and for the user to recognize the operating status from the screen of terminal device 3. Terminal device 3 may also display the operating status on its screen in response to input operations by the user to terminal device 3. Alternatively, instead of locally displaying the operating status on its screen, terminal device 3 may remotely display the operating status on the screen of another device. 【0038】 The operation request data includes various data necessary to request operation of the actual plant equipment 22. The operation request data also corresponds to various data necessary to request simulation from the plant simulator 13. The operation request data includes, for example, demand data and environmental data related to the energy output by the actual plant equipment 22. Examples of demand data include energy demands such as electricity demand and steam demand. Examples of environmental data include the temperature and electricity rates of the region to which the energy consumer belongs. The operation request data may also include fuel prices for power generation and constraints on equipment within the actual plant 2. The operation plan formulation device 11 formulates an operation plan based on the operation request data received from the terminal device 3. This makes it possible to reflect the operation request in the operation plan. 【0039】Operational information relating to the actual plant equipment 22 is obtained based on control results during the actual operation of the actual plant equipment 22 and is recorded as first operational information and second operational information. Operational information relating to the plant simulator 13 is obtained based on control results during the simulated operation of the actual plant equipment 22 performed by the plant simulator 13 and is recorded as first operational information and second operational information. Operational information includes, for example, the aforementioned measured values ​​obtained by the operation of the actual plant equipment 22 or the simulation of the plant simulator 13, and information derived from said measured values. The operation planning device 11 can remotely display information regarding the operating status on the screen of the terminal device 3 by transmitting the operational information. The operation planning device 11 may also locally display information regarding the operating status on the screen of the operation planning device 11 based on the operational information. 【0040】 In this embodiment, the terminal device 3 transmits operation request data to the operation planning device 11 and receives operation information from the operation planning device 11 via a network to which the terminal device 3 and the operation planning device 11 are connected. This network is, for example, the Internet. The terminal device 3 and the operation planning device 11 may each be connected to the network by wire or by wireless connection. In the energy management system of this embodiment, the actual plant 2 exists in physical space from the perspective of the terminal device 3, and the plant information processing system 1 exists in cyberspace from the perspective of the terminal device 3. Specifically, the operation planning device 11 in this embodiment exists on the cloud relative to the terminal device 3. Note that part or all of the plant information processing system 1 may exist in physical space from the perspective of the terminal device 3. 【0041】[Plant Information Processing System 1 and Actual Plant 2] The interface unit 21a functions as an interface between the actual plant control system 21 and the operation plan formulation device 11. The interface unit 21a receives operation plan data from the operation plan formulation device 11, generates setting values ​​(SV values) for the actual plant equipment 22 based on the operation plan included in the operation plan data, and outputs operation commands to each actual plant control device 21b based on the setting values. The operation commands are, for example, demand signals to each actual plant control device 21b. The interface unit 21a generates and outputs operation commands in a predetermined format. 【0042】 The interface unit 21a generates the above-mentioned setting values ​​by, for example, scheduling the operation plan. In this embodiment, the interface unit 21a generates setting values ​​including continuous values ​​based on an operation plan including discrete values ​​by scheduling. The interface unit 21a performs scheduling by, for example, using a rate of change limiter and executing a process to change the setting values ​​in advance. 【0043】 Each actual plant control device 21b is a device for controlling the actual plant equipment 22. The actual plant control system 21 includes, for example, devices that control the opening and closing or the degree of opening of valves in the actual plant equipment 22, as actual plant control devices 21b. Each actual plant control device 21b receives an operation command from the interface unit 21a and outputs a control command to the actual plant equipment 22 based on the operation command. The control command includes, for example, the amount of operation (MV value) of a valve in the actual plant equipment 22. Each actual plant control device 21b performs calculations in response to the received operation command and generates and outputs the optimal control command based on the calculations. 【0044】Each actual plant control device 21b receives an output signal including the control result of the actual plant facility 22 from the actual plant facility 22. The output signal includes, for example, as the control result, a process value (PV value) measured in the actual plant facility 22. The actual plant facility 22 is operated based on the control command received from each actual plant control device 21b, and outputs the process value obtained by the operation to each actual plant control device 21b. Each actual plant control device 21b generates operation information of the actual plant facility 22 based on a control result such as a process value, and outputs the operation information to the interface unit 21a. The operation information is information regarding the operation of the actual plant facility 22. The operation information includes, for example, the process value itself measured in the actual plant facility 22 and information derived from the process value. 【0045】 The interface unit 21a collects operation information from one or more actual plant control devices 21b by receiving the operation information from each actual plant control device 21b. The interface unit 21a outputs first operation information and second operation information to the operation plan determination device 11 based on the collected operation information. The first operation information is an initial state quantity of the actual plant facility 22 for the operation plan determination device 11 to use in formulating an operation plan. The first operation information includes, for example, the energy storage quantity (e.g., hydrogen storage quantity, stored heat quantity, battery remaining quantity, etc.) of the storage facility in the actual plant facility 22. The second operation information is information for generating operation information to be output to the terminal device 3. The second operation information includes, for example, quantities monitored in the actual plant facility 22 (e.g., steam temperature, steam pressure, water level, carbon dioxide emission quantity, etc.) and information regarding the startup and stop of devices in the actual plant facility 22. 【0046】 The virtual interface unit 12a functions as an interface of the virtual plant control system 12 with respect to the operation plan determination device 11. The function of the virtual interface unit 12a is the same as that of the interface unit 21a. The virtual interface unit 12a receives operation plan data from the operation plan determination device 11, generates a set value (SV value) for the plant simulator 13 based on the operation plan included in the operation plan data, and outputs an operation command to each virtual plant control device 12b based on the set value. 【0047】Each virtual plant control device 12b is a device for controlling the plant simulator 13. The function of the virtual plant control device 12b is the same as that of the actual plant control device 21b. The virtual plant control system 12 includes, as the virtual plant control device 12b, for example, a device for controlling the opening / closing and opening degree of a valve simulated by the plant simulator 13. Each virtual plant control device 12b receives an operation command from the virtual interface unit 12a and outputs a control command to the plant simulator 13 based on the operation command. 【0048】 Each virtual plant control device 12b receives an output signal including the control result (e.g., process value) of the plant simulator 13 from the plant simulator 13. The plant simulator 13 simulates the operation of the actual plant equipment 22 based on the control command received from each virtual plant control device 12b, and outputs the process value obtained by the simulation to each virtual plant control device 12b. Each virtual plant control device 12b generates operation information of the plant simulator 13 based on the control result such as the process value, and outputs the operation information to the virtual interface unit 12a. The operation information is information regarding the simulated operation of the actual plant equipment 22 performed by the plant simulator 13. 【0049】 The virtual interface unit 12a collects operation information from one or more virtual plant control devices 12b by receiving the operation information from each virtual plant control device 12b. The virtual interface unit 12a outputs the first operation information and the second operation information to the operation plan formulation device 11 based on the collected operation information. The first operation information is the initial state quantity of the plant simulator 13 for the operation plan formulation device 11 to use in formulating an operation plan. The first operation information includes, for example, the energy storage quantity of the storage facility in the actual plant equipment 22 simulated by the plant simulator 13. The second operation information is information for generating the operation information output to the terminal device 3. The second operation information includes, for example, the quantity being monitored in the actual plant equipment 22 simulated by the plant simulator 13 and information regarding the startup and stop of the equipment in the actual plant equipment 22 simulated by the plant simulator 13. 【0050】The operation plan formulation unit 11a acquires operation request data, including operation requests to the actual plant equipment 22 or plant simulator 13, from the terminal device 3, and formulates an operation plan based on the operation requests contained in the operation request data. This makes it possible to formulate an operation plan that reflects the operation requests. The operation plan formulation unit 11a also formulates an operation plan based on the first operation information received from the interface unit 21a or the virtual interface unit 12a. This makes it possible to formulate an operation plan based on the initial state quantities of the actual plant equipment 22 or plant simulator 13, and to reflect the control results of the actual plant equipment 22 or plant simulator 13 in the operation plan. 【0051】 The operation plan formulation unit 11a includes a database and an optimization engine. The database is used to store operation plans, information obtained from the actual plant 2, and information obtained from outside the energy management system. An example of information obtained from outside the energy management system is weather forecast data. The optimization engine uses the database and other sources to formulate a power generation plan to optimize the operation of the actual plant equipment 22. The operation plan formulation unit 11a further includes various APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) to implement a request response function. Details of the APIs will be described later. 【0052】 The operating status display unit 11b transmits operating information indicating the operating status of the actual plant equipment 22 or the plant simulator 13 to the terminal device 3. This makes it possible to display information regarding the operating status of the actual plant equipment 22 or the plant simulator 13 on the screen of the terminal device 3. The operating status display unit 11b generates operating information based on the second operating information received from the interface unit 21a or the virtual interface unit 12a. This makes it possible to generate operating information based on information acquired from the actual plant equipment 22 or the plant simulator 13. 【0053】As described above, the plant information processing system 1 controls the simulation by the plant simulator 13 based on the operation plan, and the actual plant 2 controls the operation of the actual plant equipment 22 based on the operation plan. The simulation by the plant simulator 13 based on the operation plan is performed, for example, during the engineering phase before the actual operation of the actual plant equipment 22 begins. The control of the actual plant equipment 22 based on the operation plan is performed, for example, during the actual operation phase of the actual plant equipment 22 (the phase in which the actual plant equipment 22 is actually operated). 【0054】 In this embodiment, the plant simulator 13 can be verified to operate according to the operating requirements by using the energy management system. If the plant simulator 13 does not operate according to the operating requirements, the cause is investigated, the operating requirements are modified, and the verification is performed again. On the other hand, if the plant simulator 13 operates according to the operating requirements, these operating requirements are applied to the actual plant equipment 22. This makes it possible to make the actual plant equipment 22 operate as desired and to improve the efficiency of the operation of the actual plant equipment 22 in terms of cost-effectiveness. The verification of the operation of the plant simulator 13 may be performed manually by the user verifying the operation on the screen of the terminal device 3, or it may be performed automatically by the terminal device 3 displaying the verification results on the screen. 【0055】 Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the energy management system of the first embodiment. 【0056】 In this embodiment, data is exchanged between the plant information processing system 1 and the actual plant 2, and between the plant information processing system 1 and the terminal device 3, via a network. Therefore, there is a risk that data may be tampered with on the network. To address this, in this embodiment, the interface unit 21a and the virtual interface unit 12a perform the processing shown in Figure 4. This makes it possible to verify whether or not the data has been tampered with, thereby improving the security of the energy management system. 【0057】The process shown in Figure 4 will be described below as being performed by the interface unit 21a. The following description is also applicable to the virtual interface unit 12a. 【0058】 First, the interface unit 21a performs a time acquisition API within the operation plan formulation unit 11a to obtain the planned completion time data of the operation plan stored within the operation plan formulation unit 11a (step S1). The planned completion time data includes the date and time (planned completion time) when the operation plan formulation was completed. The planned completion time data is an example of timing information that represents the timing when the operation plan was formulated. 【0059】 Next, the interface unit 21a compares the currently acquired planned completion time with the previously acquired planned completion time to determine if the currently acquired planned completion time is the most recent (step S2). Specifically, it determines whether the currently acquired planned completion time is later than the previously acquired planned completion time. 【0060】 If the interface unit 21a determines that the plan completion time acquired this time is the latest, that is, if it determines that the plan completion time acquired this time is later than the plan completion time acquired last time, the interface unit 21a executes the plan acquisition API in the operation plan formulation unit 11a to acquire the operation plan data (JSON format) stored in the operation plan formulation unit 11a (step S3). The operation plan transmitted by the plan acquisition API in step S3 is the operation plan that was formulated at the plan completion time transmitted by the time acquisition API in step S1, that is, the latest operation plan. If the interface unit 21a determines that the plan completion time acquired this time is not the latest, it repeats the process in step S1. 【0061】 Next, the interface unit 21a sends the acquired operation plan data back to the operation plan formulation unit 11a (step S4). 【0062】Next, the interface unit 21a performs the plan matching API within the operation plan formulation unit 11a and requests a comparison between the operation plan data sent back to the operation plan formulation unit 11a and the operation plan data stored within the operation plan formulation unit 11a (step S5). The plan matching API determines whether the sent-back operation plan matches the stored operation plan data and transmits the result of that determination to the interface unit 21a. The processing in steps S4 and S5 is performed to confirm whether the operation plan data has been tampered with. 【0063】 If it is determined that the returned operation plan matches the saved operation plan data, the interface unit 21a converts the operation plan data acquired in step S3 from JSON format to CSV format (step S6). If it is determined that the returned operation plan does not match the saved operation plan data, the interface unit 21a repeats the process in step S1. 【0064】 Next, the interface unit 21a transmits the current operation plan data (CSV format) as an operation command to each actual plant control device 21b (step S7). As a result, the operation of the actual plant equipment 22 is controlled based on the control commands from each actual plant control device 21b. If the virtual interface unit 12a performs the processing in step S7, the virtual interface unit 12a transmits the current operation plan data (CSV format) as an operation command to each virtual plant control device 12b, and the simulation by the plant simulator 13 is controlled based on the control commands from each virtual plant control device 12b. 【0065】 Next, the interface unit 21a saves the plan completion time acquired this time as the new "previously acquired plan completion time" within the interface unit 21a (step S8). The "previously acquired plan completion time" saved in step S8 will be used as the "previously acquired plan completion time" in step S2, which will be performed in the future. In this way, the "previously acquired plan completion time" saved within the interface unit 21a is updated. 【0066】Figure 5 is another flowchart showing the operation of the energy management system of the first embodiment. The process in Figure 5 will be described below as a process performed by the interface unit 21a. The following description is also applicable to the virtual interface unit 12a. 【0067】 After the process shown in Figure 4 is performed, the actual plant equipment 22 is operated based on control commands from the actual plant control equipment 21b. The actual plant control equipment 21b receives the control results obtained as a result, and based on the received control results, the interface unit 21a receives operation information corresponding to the second operation information from each actual plant control equipment 21b (step S11). The second operation information includes, for example, quantities being monitored within the actual plant equipment 22 (e.g., steam temperature, steam pressure, water level, carbon dioxide emissions, etc.) and information regarding the starting and stopping of equipment within the actual plant equipment 22. The interface unit 21a receives operation information corresponding to the second operation information via OPC transmission. If the virtual interface unit 12a performs the process in step S11, the virtual interface unit 12a receives operation information corresponding to the second operation information from each virtual plant control equipment 12b. 【0068】 Next, the interface unit 21a outputs the received second operating information to the operating status display unit 11b (step S12). As a result, the second operating information is written to the storage device of the operating plan formulation device 11. 【0069】 Figure 6 is another flowchart showing the operation of the energy management system of the first embodiment. The process in Figure 6 will be described below as a process performed by the interface unit 21a. The following description is also applicable to the virtual interface unit 12a. 【0070】The interface unit 21a receives operation information corresponding to the first operation information from each actual plant control device 21b after the processing shown in Figure 4 (step S21). The first operation information includes, for example, the amount of energy stored in the storage facilities within the actual plant equipment 22 (e.g., hydrogen storage amount, stored heat amount, battery remaining amount, etc.). The interface unit 21a receives operation information corresponding to the first operation information via OPC transmission. If the virtual interface unit 12a performs the processing in step S21, the virtual interface unit 12a receives operation information corresponding to the first operation information from each virtual plant control device 12b. 【0071】 Next, the interface unit 21a outputs the received first operation information to the operation plan formulation unit 11a (step S22). As a result, the first operation information is written to the storage device of the operation plan formulation device 11. 【0072】 Next, the interface unit 21a acquires the first operation information written in step S22 from the operation plan formulation device 11 and verifies the correctness of the written first operation information (step S23). Specifically, the interface unit 21a determines whether the written first operation information is correct by comparing the first operation information written in step S22 with the first operation information acquired in step S23. 【0073】 If the interface unit 21a determines that the written first operating information is correct, it terminates the writing process (step S24). On the other hand, if the interface unit 21a determines that the written first operating information is incorrect, it repeats the process in step S22 and writes the first operating information again. 【0074】 According to the process shown in Figure 6, it becomes possible to suppress tampering with the first operational information written into the operational plan formulation device 11, thereby improving the appropriateness and accuracy of the power generation plan formulated based on the first operational information. Furthermore, it is possible to avoid placing the burden of inputting the first operational information on the plant operator, and as in the comparative example, it becomes unnecessary for the plant operator to input the first operational information, thus avoiding calculation errors caused by changes in conditions before and after input. 【0075】As described above, the energy management system of this embodiment includes a virtual plant control system 12 and a plant simulator 13, in addition to the operation plan formulation device 11, the actual plant control system 21, and the actual plant equipment 22. Furthermore, these devices 11 to 22 exchange information via a communication path that connects them by wire and / or wireless. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to suitably control the actual plant equipment 22 using the operation plan formulated by the operation plan formulation device 11. 【0076】 Furthermore, the operation plan formulation device 11 also outputs the operation plan for the actual plant equipment 22 to the virtual plant control system 12, making it possible to simulate the operation of the actual plant equipment 22 using the plant simulator 13. By referring to the results of this simulation, it becomes possible to verify and revise the operation plan in advance before starting actual operation of the actual plant equipment 22. 【0077】 Although several embodiments have been described above, these embodiments are presented only as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The novel systems and plants described herein can be implemented in a variety of other forms. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made to the systems and plants described herein without departing from the spirit of the invention. The appended claims and equivalents are intended to include such forms and modifications that fall within the scope and spirit of the invention. 【0078】 1: Plant information processing system, 2: Actual plant, 3: Terminal device, 11: Operation plan formulation device, 11a: Operation plan formulation unit, 11b: Operation status display unit, 12: Virtual plant control system, 12a: Virtual interface unit, 12b: Virtual plant control equipment, 13: Plant simulator, 14: Operation terminal device, 21: Actual plant control system, 21a: Interface unit, 21b: Actual plant control equipment, 22: Actual plant equipment, 23: Operation recording device

Claims

1. An energy management system comprising: actual plant equipment; a plant simulator for simulating the operation of the actual plant equipment; an operation plan formulation device for formulating an operation plan for the actual plant equipment; a virtual plant control system for controlling the plant simulator based on the operation plan; and an actual plant control system for controlling the actual plant equipment based on the operation plan, wherein the virtual plant control system acquires the operation plan via a communication path connecting the operation plan formulation device and the virtual plant control system, and the actual plant control system acquires the operation plan via a communication path connecting the operation plan formulation device and the actual plant control system.

2. The energy management system according to claim 1, wherein the virtual plant control system controls the plant simulator based on the operation plan via a communication path connecting the virtual plant control system and the plant simulator, and the actual plant control system controls the actual plant equipment based on the operation plan via a communication path connecting the actual plant control system and the actual plant equipment.

3. The energy management system according to claim 1, wherein the virtual plant control system generates setting values ​​for the plant simulator based on the operation plan, outputs control commands to the plant simulator based on the setting values, generates operation information for the plant simulator based on process values ​​output from the plant simulator, and outputs the operation information to the operation plan formulation device.

4. The energy management system according to claim 1, wherein the plant simulator simulates the operation of the actual plant equipment based on control commands received from the virtual plant control system, and outputs process values ​​obtained through the simulation to the virtual plant control system.

5. The energy management system according to claim 1, wherein the actual plant control system generates setting values ​​for the actual plant equipment based on the operation plan, outputs control commands to the actual plant equipment based on the setting values, generates operation information for the actual plant equipment based on process values ​​output from the actual plant equipment, and outputs the operation information to the operation plan formulation device.

6. The energy management system according to claim 1, wherein the actual plant equipment is operated based on control commands received from the actual plant control system, and process values ​​obtained by the operation are output to the actual plant control system.

7. The energy management system according to claim 3 or 5, wherein the virtual plant control system or the actual plant control system generates the setpoints, which include continuous values, based on the operation plan, which includes discrete values.

8. The energy management system according to claim 1, wherein the virtual plant control system or the actual plant control system obtains timing information from the operation plan formulation device indicating the timing at which the current operation plan was formulated, and if it determines that the timing at which the current operation plan was formulated is later than the timing at which the previous operation plan was formulated, it obtains the current operation plan from the operation plan formulation device, sends the current operation plan back to the operation plan formulation device, and if it determines that the current operation plan sent back to the operation plan formulation device matches the current operation plan stored in the operation plan formulation device, it controls the plant simulator or the actual plant equipment based on the current operation plan, and transmits operating information of the plant simulator or the actual plant equipment to the operation plan formulation device based on the information output from the plant simulator or the actual plant equipment.

9. The energy management system according to claim 1, wherein the operation plan formulation unit formulates the operation plan based on the initial state quantities for formulating the operation plan.

10. The energy management system according to claim 1, wherein the operation planning unit formulates the operation plan based on first operation information including demand data and / or environmental data relating to energy output by the actual plant equipment.

11. The energy management system according to claim 1, wherein the operation planning device displays second operation information, including information regarding the operating status of the plant simulator or the actual plant equipment, locally or remotely, based on information output from the plant simulator or the actual plant equipment.

12. The energy management system according to claim 1, further comprising a terminal device that transmits operation request data, including an operation request to the plant simulator or the actual plant equipment, to the operation planning device, and receives operation information indicating the operating status of the plant simulator or the actual plant equipment from the operation planning device, wherein the terminal device transmits the operation request data and receives the operation information via a communication path connecting the terminal device and the operation planning device.

13. The energy management system according to claim 12, wherein the operation plan formulation device resides on the cloud relative to the terminal device.

14. A plant information processing system comprising: a plant simulator that simulates the operation of actual plant equipment; an operation plan formulation device that formulates an operation plan for the actual plant equipment; and a virtual plant control system that controls the plant simulator based on the operation plan, wherein the virtual plant control system acquires the operation plan via a communication path connecting the operation plan formulation device and the virtual plant control system.

15. A real plant comprising actual plant equipment and a real plant control system that controls the actual plant equipment based on an operation plan for the actual plant equipment formulated by an operation plan formulation device, wherein the real plant control system acquires the operation plan via a communication path connecting the operation plan formulation device and the real plant control system.

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