Abnormality determination device, carbon dioxide recovery device, abnormality determination method, and program

Abstract

An abnormality determination device comprises a control unit (100) that acquires first information related to the concentration of a component in a gas in a supply path (71) or the flow rate of the gas, determines an abnormality on the basis of the first information, and, when an abnormality is determined, outputs second information indicating the abnormality.

Description

Abnormal determination device, carbon dioxide recovery device, abnormal determination method, and program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an abnormal determination device, a carbon dioxide recovery device, an abnormal determination method, and a program.

[0002] There is a carbon dioxide recovery device that adsorbs carbon dioxide in the air. The carbon dioxide recovery device described in Patent Document 1 has an adsorption plate on which an adsorbent is supported and a flow pipe that heats the adsorption plate. Carbon dioxide in the air is adsorbed by the adsorbent. The heating medium flowing through the flow pipe heats and regenerates the adsorbent on the adsorption plate. The carbon dioxide desorbed from the adsorbent is recovered in a tank or the like.

[0003] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2023-13169

[0004] In the carbon dioxide recovery device as described in Patent Document 1, it is conceivable to use the gas containing carbon dioxide desorbed from the air for a predetermined supply target. However, if the supplied gas does not meet the conditions desired by the supply target, there is a possibility that this gas cannot be appropriately used by the supply target.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to suppress problems caused by abnormalities in the gas supplied to a supply target.

[0006] The first aspect targets an abnormal determination device applied to a carbon dioxide recovery device (1) including an adsorption member (50) that adsorbs carbon dioxide in target air and a supply path (71) that supplies a gas containing carbon dioxide desorbed from the adsorption member (50) to a predetermined supply target. The abnormal determination device includes a control unit (100) that acquires first information regarding the component concentration or the flow rate of the gas, determines an abnormality of the gas based on the first information, and outputs second information indicating that the gas is abnormal.

[0007] In the first embodiment, a gas containing carbon dioxide detached from the adsorption unit is supplied to a predetermined target via a supply path (71). The control unit (100) acquires first information regarding the component concentration in the gas and the flow rate of the gas, and determines whether or not there is an abnormality based on the first information. If the control unit (100) determines that there is an abnormality, it outputs second information indicating that there is an abnormality. As a result, since the abnormality in the gas can be grasped based on the output second information, problems at the target can be avoided.

[0008] In the second embodiment, the first information includes the carbon dioxide concentration in the gas, as in the first embodiment. The control unit (100) determines that there is an abnormality in the gas if the carbon dioxide concentration is lower than a first value.

[0009] In the second embodiment, it is possible to avoid problems occurring at the supply destination due to a low concentration of carbon dioxide in the gas supplied to that destination.

[0010] In a third aspect, in the second aspect, the control unit (100) stops supplying gas from the supply line (71) to the target when the carbon dioxide concentration is lower than the second value.

[0011] In the third embodiment, when the carbon dioxide concentration in the gas is low, the supply of this gas to the target can be suppressed.

[0012] The fourth embodiment is one of the first to third embodiments, wherein the first information includes the concentration of impurities in the gas. The control unit (100) determines that there is an abnormality in the gas if the concentration of impurities is higher than the third value.

[0013] In the fourth embodiment, it is possible to avoid problems occurring at the supply destination due to a high concentration of impurities in the gas supplied to that destination.

[0014] The fifth aspect is the first aspect, wherein the first information includes the gas flow rate. The control unit (100) determines that there is a gas abnormality when the gas flow rate is lower than the fourth value.

[0015] In the fifth embodiment, it is possible to avoid problems occurring at the supply target due to a low flow rate of gas supplied to the supply target.

[0016] In the sixth embodiment, in any one of the first to fifth embodiments, the control unit (100) outputs the first information and the second information when it determines that there is a gas abnormality.

[0017] In the sixth embodiment, the control unit (100) outputs second information indicating an abnormality and first information relating to the gas component concentration and gas flow rate. Therefore, in addition to gas abnormalities, the status of the gas component concentration and gas flow rate can be grasped.

[0018] The seventh embodiment relates to a carbon dioxide recovery device. The carbon dioxide recovery device comprises an adsorption member (50) that adsorbs carbon dioxide from target air, a supply path (71) that supplies the gas containing carbon dioxide desorbed from the adsorption member (50) to a predetermined target, and a control unit (100) according to any one of the first to sixth embodiments.

[0019] The eighth aspect is the seventh aspect, further comprising a sensor (90) provided in the supply line (71) for detecting the concentration of components or flow rate in the gas as the first information.

[0020] In the eighth aspect, the control unit (100) determines whether or not there is an abnormality based on the first information detected by the sensor (90).

[0021] The ninth aspect is the carbon dioxide capture device, in the eighth aspect, further comprising a pump (72) located in a supply channel (71) for transporting the gas. A sensor (90) is located downstream of the pump (72) in the supply channel (71).

[0022] In the ninth embodiment, the component concentration and flow rate in the gas can be detected at a location close to the supply target, thereby improving the accuracy of the abnormality detection by the control unit (100).

[0023] The tenth aspect relates to an abnormality determination method. The abnormality determination method includes the steps of: acquiring first information relating to the component concentration or flow rate in a gas containing carbon dioxide desorbed from an adsorption member (50) that adsorbs carbon dioxide in the target air; determining an abnormality in the gas based on the first information; and, if an abnormality is determined, outputting second information indicating that an abnormality exists.

[0024] The eleventh aspect is a program that causes a computer to execute the abnormality detection method of the tenth aspect.

[0025] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the carbon dioxide recovery system in the embodiment. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the refrigerant circuit. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the relationship between the main components and the controller. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the carbon dioxide recovery system in the first operation. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the carbon dioxide recovery system in the second operation. Figure 6 is a flowchart of the abnormality detection control. Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the relationship between the main components and the controller in Modification Example 1. Figure 8 is a flowchart of the abnormality detection control in Modification Example 1. Figure 9 is a block diagram showing the relationship between the main components and the controller in Modification Example 2.

[0026] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments shown below, and various modifications are possible without departing from the technical idea of ​​this disclosure. Since the drawings are for conceptual explanation of this disclosure, dimensions, ratios, or numbers may be exaggerated or simplified as necessary for ease of understanding.

[0027] (1) Overall Configuration The embodiment of the present disclosure is a carbon dioxide capture device (1). The carbon dioxide capture device (1) in this example adsorbs carbon dioxide from target air. The target air of the carbon dioxide capture device (1) in this example is outdoor air. The carbon dioxide capture device (1) constitutes a DAC (Direct Air Capture) system that directly separates and collects carbon dioxide from outdoor air.

[0028] As shown in Figure 1, the carbon dioxide recovery device (1) comprises an adsorption device (10), a recovery unit (70), and a water supply unit (80). The adsorption device (10) includes a refrigerant circuit (11), an outer casing (30), an inner casing (40), a fan (26), and an adsorption member (50).

[0029] (2) Adsorption device As shown in Figure 1, the adsorption device (10) has a plurality of adsorption units, namely a first adsorption unit (U1) and a second adsorption unit (U2). Since the configuration of the first adsorption unit (U1) and the second adsorption unit (U2) is basically the same, they are sometimes collectively referred to as the adsorption unit (U). As shown in Figure 2, the adsorption device (10) has a refrigerant circuit (11).

[0030] (2-1) Refrigerant Circuit The refrigerant circuit (11) carries out the refrigeration cycle through the circulation of refrigerant. As shown in Figure 2, the refrigerant circuit (11) includes a compressor (21), a first radiator (60A), a second radiator (60B), an expansion valve (22), a first evaporator (23A), and a second evaporator (23B). The first radiator (60A) and the second radiator (60B) have the same basic structure, so they are sometimes collectively referred to as the radiator (60). The first evaporator (23A) and the second evaporator (23B) have the same basic structure, so they are sometimes collectively referred to as the evaporator (23).

[0031] The compressor (21) draws in refrigerant and discharges compressed refrigerant. The discharge side of the compressor (21) branches into a first discharge side passage (13a) and a second discharge side passage (13b). A first radiator (60A) is provided in the first discharge side passage (13a), and a second radiator (60B) is provided in the second discharge side passage (13b). The radiators (60) are air heat exchangers that exchange heat between the refrigerant and air. In the radiators (60), the refrigerant condenses as it releases heat into the air.

[0032] The outlet end of the first discharge channel (13a) and the outlet end of the second discharge channel (13b) are connected to the liquid channel (14). An expansion valve (22) is provided in the liquid channel (14). The expansion valve (22) is an example of an expansion mechanism. The expansion valve (22) is composed of, for example, an electronic expansion valve.

[0033] The outlet side of the liquid flow path (14) branches into a first suction-side flow path (15a) and a second suction-side flow path (15b). The outlet end of the first suction-side flow path (15a) and the outlet end of the second suction-side flow path (15b) are connected to the suction side of the compressor (21). The first suction-side flow path (15a) is provided with a first evaporator (23A), and the second suction-side flow path (15b) is provided with a second evaporator (23B). The evaporator (23) is an air heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the air. The evaporator (23) evaporates when the refrigerant absorbs heat from the air.

[0034] In the first discharge-side flow path (13a), a first discharge-side control valve (24a) is provided upstream of the first heat sink (60A), and in the second discharge-side flow path (13b), a second discharge-side control valve (24b) is provided upstream of the second heat sink (60B). In the first suction-side flow path (15a), a first suction-side control valve (25a) is provided upstream of the first evaporator (23A), and in the second suction-side flow path (15b), a second suction-side control valve (25b) is provided upstream of the second evaporator (23B). These control valves (24a, 24b, 25a, 25b) are composed of on-off valves such as electromagnetic on-off valves, but they may also be flow control valves.

[0035] (2-2) Adsorption Units As shown in Figure 1, the first adsorption unit (U1) has a first heat sink (60A), a first evaporator (23A), a first adsorption member (50A), and a first fan (26A). The second adsorption unit (U2) has a second heat sink (60B), a second evaporator (23B), a second adsorption member (50B), and a second fan (26B). The first adsorption member (50A) and the second adsorption member (50B) have the same basic structure, so they may be collectively referred to as the adsorption member (50). The first fan (26A) and the second fan (26B) have the same basic structure, so they may be collectively referred to as the fan (26). Each adsorption unit (U) has an outer casing (30) and an inner casing (40), respectively.

[0036] (2-2-1) Outer casing The outer casing (30) forms an air passage (31) through which air flows. The air passage (31) in this embodiment communicates with the outdoor space, so outdoor air flows through the air passage (31). The outer casing (30) has an inlet (32) and an outlet (33). The inlet (32) is formed at the upstream end of the air passage (31), and the outlet (33) is formed at the outflow end of the air passage (31). In other words, the air passage (31) is formed from the inlet (32) to the outlet (33).

[0037] (2-2-2) Inner casing The inner casing (40) forms an internal space (41) inside it. The heat sink (60) and the adsorption member (50) are housed in the internal space (41). The internal space (41) constitutes a depressurized space that can be depressurized. The inner casing (40) is formed in a hollow shape with the airflow direction being the shorter side. The inner casing (40) has a main body (42), a first side plate (43) formed on the upstream side of the airflow in the main body (42), and a second side plate (44) formed on the downstream side of the airflow in the main body (42).

[0038] A first opening (43a) is formed in the first side plate (43) through which air can flow. The first opening (43a) connects the space upstream of the inner casing (40) in the air passage (31) with the internal space (41). A first damper (45) is provided in the first side plate (43) to open and close the first opening (43a).

[0039] A second opening (44a) is formed in the second side plate (44) through which air can flow. The second opening (44a) connects the space downstream of the inner casing (40) in the air passage (31) with the internal space (41). A second damper (46) is provided in the second side plate (44) to open and close the second opening (44a).

[0040] (2-2-3) The fan (26) is positioned in the air passage (31). The fan (26) transports the air so that it passes through the evaporator (23), the heat sink (60), and the adsorption member (50).

[0041] (2-2-4) Adsorbing member The adsorbing member (50) adsorbs carbon dioxide in the air. The adsorbing member (50) has an adsorbent that adsorbs carbon dioxide. The adsorbing member (50) of the present embodiment is configured such that the adsorbent is supported on the surface of a base material. The base material is, for example, a ceramic material.

[0042] The adsorbent has the property of adsorbing carbon dioxide. Strictly speaking, the adsorbent has the property that the higher its temperature, the easier it is for carbon dioxide to desorb, and the lower its temperature, the easier it is for carbon dioxide to be adsorbed. Here, "adsorption" includes not only the adsorption of carbon dioxide on the surface of a solid or liquid but also the absorption of carbon dioxide into the interior of a solid or liquid. Also, "adsorption" includes not only physical adsorption but also chemical adsorption. The adsorbent is composed of a liquid film.

[0043] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first adsorbing member (50A) is disposed in the vicinity of the first radiator (60A). The second adsorbing member (50B) is disposed in the vicinity of the second radiator (60B). In the present embodiment, the first adsorbing member (50A) is in contact with the first radiator (60A), and the second adsorbing member (50B) is in contact with the second radiator (60B).

[0044] (2-2-5) Arrangement of each element in the air flow path As shown in FIG. 1, in the air flow path (31), an evaporator (23), a radiator (60), and an adsorbing member (50) are arranged in this order. Strictly speaking, in the air flow path (31), the evaporator (23), the radiator (60), and the adsorbing member (50) are arranged in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side of the air flow.

[0045] More specifically, in the air flow path (31), a fan (26), an evaporator (23), a radiator (60), and an adsorbing member (50) are arranged in this order. Strictly speaking, in the air flow path (31), the fan (26), the evaporator (23), the radiator (60), and the adsorbing member (50) are arranged in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side of the air flow. In the air flow path (31), the evaporator (23) may be disposed on the downstream side of the adsorbing member (50).

[0046] (3) Recovery Unit The recovery unit (70) supplies the gas containing carbon dioxide (hereinafter also referred to as the supply gas) detached from the adsorption member (50) to a predetermined supply target. The supply target is equipment that uses the supply gas for a predetermined purpose. Examples of the equipment that uses the supply gas include equipment for producing building materials such as concrete, equipment for generating methane or methanol, equipment for using carbon dioxide in agriculture, equipment for producing chemical products, equipment for generating aviation fuel, and the like. The recovery unit (70) has a supply path (71) and a pump (72).

[0047] The supply path (71) is a flow path for sending the carbon dioxide detached from the adsorption member (50) to the supply target. The supply path (71) has a first suction path (73), a second suction path (74), and a main flow path (75). The inflow end of the first suction path (73) is connected to the first adsorption unit (U1) and communicates with the internal space (41) of the first adsorption unit (U1). The inflow end of the second suction path (74) is connected to the second adsorption unit (U2) and communicates with the internal space (41) of the second adsorption unit (U2). The inflow end of the main flow path (75) is connected to the outflow end of the first suction path (73) and the outflow end of the second suction path (74). The other end of the main flow path (75) is connected to the supply target side.

[0048] The pump (72) is provided in the main flow path (75). The pump (72) conveys the carbon dioxide in the supply path (71). The pump (72) constitutes a decompression device that decompresses the internal space (41).

[0049] A first suction valve (76a) is provided in the first suction path (73), and a second suction valve (76b) is provided in the second suction path (74). The first suction valve (76a) and the second suction valve (76b) are constituted by on-off valves such as electromagnetic on-off valves, but may be flow control valves.

[0050] (4) Water Supply Unit The water supply unit (80) supplies the generated water vapor to the internal space (41) of the adsorption unit (U). The water supply unit (80) has a water supply path (81), a water tank (82), and a heating unit (83).

[0051] The water supply channel (81) has a main supply channel (84), a first inlet channel (85), and a second inlet channel (86). The inlet end of the water supply channel (81) is connected to the top of the water tank (82). The inlet end of the first inlet channel (85) and the inlet end of the second inlet channel (86) are connected to the outlet end of the water supply channel (81). The outlet end of the first inlet channel (85) is connected to the first adsorption unit (U1) and communicates with the internal space (41) of the first adsorption unit (U1). The outlet end of the second inlet channel (86) is connected to the second adsorption unit (U2) and communicates with the internal space (41) of the second adsorption unit (U2).

[0052] A first inlet valve (87a) is provided in the first inlet passage (85), and a second inlet valve (87b) is provided in the second inlet passage (86). The first inlet valve (87a) and the second inlet valve (87b) are composed of on-off valves such as electromagnetic on-off valves, but they may also be flow control valves.

[0053] The water tank (82) is a container for generating steam. Water from a water source is supplied to the inside of the water tank (82). The heating unit (83) is located inside the water tank (82). The heating unit (83) generates steam by heating the water in the water tank (82). The steam generated in the water tank (82) is supplied to the adsorption unit (U) via the water supply passage (81). The heating unit (83) is connected to the refrigerant circuit (11) and may be a heat exchanger through which high-pressure refrigerant flows, or it may be another heat source such as an electric heater.

[0054] (5) Sensor, Controller, and Notification Unit As shown in Figure 1, in this embodiment, a carbon dioxide sensor (91) is provided as a sensor (90) in the supply path (71). The carbon dioxide sensor (91) detects the carbon dioxide concentration of the gas containing carbon dioxide desorbed from the adsorption member (50) (hereinafter also referred to as the supply gas). The carbon dioxide sensor (91) is provided in the main flow path (75) of the supply path (71). The carbon dioxide sensor (91) is located downstream of the pump (72), but may also be located upstream of the pump (72). The carbon dioxide sensor (91) is composed of, for example, a non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) sensor. In the supply path (71), it is preferable to provide a removal unit such as a filter upstream of the carbon dioxide sensor (91).

[0055] As shown in Figure 3, the carbon dioxide recovery device (1) has a controller (100) as a control unit, a notification unit (110), and an operation unit (120). The controller (100) in this embodiment is installed on-site together with the adsorption device (10). In this embodiment, the controller (100) constitutes an abnormality detection device. The controller (100) controls the individual components of the adsorption device (10), the refrigerant circuit (11), the recovery unit (70), and the water supply unit (80). The individual components include a compressor (21), an expansion valve (22), a first discharge-side control valve (24a), a second discharge-side control valve (24b), a first suction-side control valve (25a), a second suction-side control valve (25b), a fan (26), a first damper (45), a second damper (46), a pump (72), a first suction valve (76a), and a second suction valve (76b).

[0056] The controller (100) receives the value detected by the carbon dioxide sensor (91). In other words, the carbon dioxide sensor (91) acquires the carbon dioxide concentration of the detected supply gas as the first piece of information. Based on the acquired first piece of information, the controller (100) determines whether there is an abnormality in the supply gas. If the controller (100) determines that there is an abnormality in the supply gas, it outputs second piece of information indicating that there is an abnormality in the supply gas. In addition, if the controller (100) determines that there is an abnormality in the supply gas, it outputs the carbon dioxide concentration at that time as the first piece of information.

[0057] The controller (100) includes a processing unit (101), a storage unit (102), and a communication interface (103).

[0058] The processing unit (101) is implemented by one or more CPUs (Central Processing Units), GPUs (Graphics Processing Units), processing circuits, etc., which may consist of one or more processor cores.

[0059] The storage unit (102) is implemented by non-volatile memory and volatile memory. Non-volatile memory includes HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), flash memory, ROM (Read Only Memory), etc. Volatile memory includes DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) and SRAM (Solid State Drive), etc. The storage unit (102) appropriately stores the results of the controller (100)'s determination of gas abnormalities, the component concentrations of the supplied gas, the physical quantities of the supplied gas, the operating information of the carbon dioxide recovery device (1), the control parameters of the carbon dioxide recovery device (1), etc.

[0060] The communication interface (103) is implemented by a communication circuit that performs wired or wireless communication processing over a communication network. The communication network includes the Internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), and a cellular network.

[0061] The notification unit (110), upon receiving the first and second information output from the controller (100), notifies the user of the first and second information. In addition, "notification" as used herein includes notification of information, display on a screen, and sound emission. "Notification" as used herein includes email, SMS (Short Message Service), and notification on a specified application.

[0062] The notification unit (110) of this embodiment includes a notification unit (111) and a display unit (112). The notification unit (111) is a communication interface that notifies a predetermined communication terminal (200) that the supplied gas is abnormal. The notification unit (111) outputs first information and second information to the communication terminal. The communication terminal (200) includes a personal computer, smartphone, tablet, central monitoring device, etc., which is connected to the notification unit (111) via a communication network. The user, administrator, service provider of the carbon dioxide capture device (1), or the user, administrator, service provider of the supplied gas, etc., owns this communication terminal (200).

[0063] The display unit (112) is a display that displays various information on a screen. The display is composed of a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL display. The display may also be a touch panel that doubles as an operation unit. The display unit (112) is connected to the communication interface (103) of the controller (100) via wireless or wired connection. The display unit (112) displays first information and second information on the display. The notification unit (110) may include a sound generator that outputs the first information and second information by sound.

[0064] The control unit (120) is a device for operators to input information and includes buttons, a keyboard, a touch panel, etc. By operating the control unit (120), operators can switch the operation of the carbon dioxide capture device (1) ON / OFF. In addition, by operating the control unit (120), operators can arbitrarily change various setting values ​​related to abnormality detection control (details of which are described later as the first, second, third, and fourth values).

[0065] (6) Operation The operation of the carbon dioxide recovery device (1) will be described below. The carbon dioxide recovery device (1) alternates between first operation and second operation. In first operation, the first adsorption unit (U1) performs a regeneration operation while the second adsorption unit (U2) performs an adsorption operation. In second operation, the first adsorption unit (U1) performs an adsorption operation while the second adsorption unit (U2) performs a regeneration operation. The first adsorption unit (U1) and the second adsorption unit (U2) repeatedly alternate between adsorption and regeneration operations.

[0066] (6-1) In the first operation shown in Figure 4, the first fan (26A) is stopped, and the second fan (26B), compressor (21), pump (72), and heating unit (83) are in operation. The first damper (45) and second damper (46) of the first adsorption unit (U1) are closed, and the first damper (45) and second damper (46) of the second adsorption unit (U2) are open. In the refrigerant circuit (11), the first discharge control valve (24a) and the second suction control valve (25b) are open, and the second discharge control valve (24b) and the first suction control valve (25a) are closed.

[0067] In the refrigerant circuit (11) during the first operation, a refrigeration cycle is carried out in which the refrigerant compressed by the compressor (21) dissipates heat in the first heat exchanger (60A), is depressurized by the expansion valve (22), and evaporates in the second evaporator (23B).

[0068] During the first operation, in the second adsorption unit (U2), outdoor air transported by the second fan (26B) passes through the second evaporator (23B). In the second evaporator (23B), heat exchange occurs between the air and the refrigerant, and the air is cooled. In the second evaporator (23B), the heat from the air is recovered as the heat of vaporization of the refrigerant. The air that has passed through the second evaporator (23B) flows through the internal space (41) and passes through the second adsorption member (50B). At this time, carbon dioxide in the air is adsorbed by the adsorbent of the second adsorption member (50B). The air that has passed through the second adsorption member (50B) is discharged into the outdoor space.

[0069] During the first operation, the first adsorption unit (U1) heats the first adsorption member (50A) with the first heat sink (60A). Specifically, when the refrigerant flows through the flat tube (63) of the first heat sink (60A), the heat from the refrigerant is transferred to the adsorption section (51) and the connecting section (52) via the flat tube (63). As a result, carbon dioxide is desorbed from the first adsorption member (50A). When the pump (72) is operated, the internal space (41) of the first adsorption unit (U1) becomes negatively pressurized. As a result, the desorption of carbon dioxide from the first adsorption member (50A) is accelerated.

[0070] In the water tank (82), water heated by the heating unit (83) turns into steam. The steam generated in the water tank (82) flows through the main supply passage (84) and the first introduction passage (85) and is supplied to the internal space (41) of the first adsorption unit (U1). The supply of steam around the first adsorption member (50A) promotes the desorption of carbon dioxide from the first adsorption member (50A).

[0071] The carbon dioxide detached from the first adsorption member (50A) flows through the first suction channel (73) and the main channel (75) and is supplied to the target.

[0072] (6-2) In the second operation shown in the second operation diagram 5, the second fan (26B) is stopped, and the first fan (26A), compressor (21), pump (72), and heating unit (83) are in operation. The first damper (45) and second damper (46) of the second adsorption unit (U2) are closed, and the first damper (45) and second damper (46) of the first adsorption unit (U1) are open. In the refrigerant circuit (11), the second discharge control valve (24b) and the first suction control valve (25a) are open, and the first discharge control valve (24a) and the second suction control valve (25b) are closed.

[0073] In the second operating refrigerant circuit (11), a refrigeration cycle is carried out in which the refrigerant compressed by the compressor (21) dissipates heat in the second heat exchanger (60B), is depressurized by the expansion valve (22), and evaporates in the first evaporator (23A).

[0074] During the second operation, in the first adsorption unit (U1), outdoor air transported by the first fan (26A) passes through the first evaporator (23A). In the first evaporator (23A), heat exchange occurs between the air and the refrigerant, and the air is cooled. In the first evaporator (23A), the heat from the air is recovered as the heat of vaporization of the refrigerant. The air that has passed through the first evaporator (23A) flows through the internal space (41) and passes through the first adsorption member (50A). At this time, carbon dioxide in the air is adsorbed by the adsorbent of the first adsorption member (50A). The air that has passed through the first adsorption member (50A) is discharged into the outdoor space.

[0075] During operation of the second adsorption unit (U2), the second heat sink (60B) heats the second adsorption member (50B). Specifically, when the refrigerant flows through the flat tube (63) of the second heat sink (60B), the heat from the refrigerant is transferred to the adsorption section (51) and the connecting section (52) via the flat tube (63). As a result, carbon dioxide is desorbed from the second adsorption member (50B). When the pump (72) is operated, the internal space (41) of the second adsorption unit (U2) becomes negatively pressurized. As a result, the desorption of carbon dioxide from the second adsorption member (50B) is promoted.

[0076] In the water tank (82), water heated by the heating unit (83) turns into steam. The steam generated in the water tank (82) flows through the main supply passage (84) and the second introduction passage (86) and is supplied to the internal space (41) of the second adsorption unit (U2). The supply of steam around the second adsorption member (50B) promotes the desorption of carbon dioxide from the second adsorption member (50B).

[0077] The carbon dioxide detached from the second adsorption member (50B) flows through the second suction channel (74) and the main channel (75) and is supplied to the target.

[0078] (7) Details of the abnormality detection control by the abnormality detection control controller (100) will be explained with reference to Figure 6.

[0079] In step ST11, the carbon dioxide capture device (1) starts operation. In step ST12, the controller (100) determines whether the carbon dioxide concentration detected by the carbon dioxide sensor (91) is lower than a first value. If any problem occurs in the operation of the carbon dioxide capture device (1), the concentration of carbon dioxide sent to the target from the supply line (71) decreases. Therefore, if the condition in step ST12 (hereinafter also referred to as the first condition) is met, the controller (100) determines in step ST13 that there is an abnormality in the supply gas. If the first condition is not met, the controller (100) determines in step ST21 that there is no abnormality in the supply gas.

[0080] If an abnormality is detected in step ST13, in step ST14, the controller (100) outputs second information indicating that the supply gas is abnormal. Specifically, the controller (100) outputs the second information to the notification unit (110).

[0081] Next, in step ST15, the control unit (100) outputs the carbon dioxide concentration when the first condition is met as the first information. Specifically, the controller (100) outputs the first information to the notification unit (110).

[0082] In step ST16, when the notification unit (110) acquires the first and second information, it notifies the user of this information. Specifically, the notification unit (111) notifies the communication terminal (200) that the supply gas is abnormal as the second information. In addition, the display unit (112) displays the abnormality of the supply gas on the display as the second information. The second information here includes "the quality of the supply gas has deteriorated" and "the carbon dioxide concentration of the supply gas does not meet the required value." As a result, the carbon dioxide capture device (1) and the users to whom the gas is supplied can quickly find out that there is an abnormality in the supply gas.

[0083] Furthermore, the notification unit (111) notifies the communication terminal (200) as first information. In addition, the display unit (112) displays the carbon dioxide concentration when the first condition is met as first information on the display. This allows the carbon dioxide capture device (1) and the users to whom the gas is supplied to quickly know the state of carbon dioxide in the supplied gas. The first information is useful when taking countermeasures against abnormalities.

[0084] In step ST17, the controller (100) determines whether the carbon dioxide concentration detected by the carbon dioxide sensor (91) is lower than the second value. In this embodiment, the second value is a predetermined value lower than the first value. If the carbon dioxide concentration becomes even lower, the likelihood of problems occurring at the supply target increases. Therefore, if the condition in step ST17 (hereinafter also referred to as the second condition) is met, the controller (100) stops the supply of gas from the supply line (71) to the supply target in step ST18. Specifically, the controller (100) stops the pump (72) or stops the operation of the carbon dioxide recovery device (1).

[0085] If the second condition is met, in step ST19, the controller (100) outputs third information indicating that the gas supply has been stopped. In step ST20, when the notification unit (110) acquires the third information, the notification unit (110) notifies the user of the third information. Specifically, the notification unit (111) notifies the communication terminal (200) of the gas supply being stopped as third information. In addition, the display unit (112) displays the third information indicating that the gas supply has been stopped on the display. As a result, the carbon dioxide capture device (1) and the users to whom the gas is supplied can quickly find out that the gas supply has been stopped and take appropriate measures.

[0086] (8) Features of the Embodiment (8-1) The controller (100) of this embodiment acquires first information regarding the component concentration in the gas in the supply line (71) and determines an abnormality in the gas based on the first information. If the controller (100) determines that there is an abnormality, it outputs second information indicating that the supply gas is abnormal.

[0087] This control allows users, administrators, and service providers of the carbon dioxide capture device (1) to quickly detect abnormalities in the supplied gas. Therefore, they can promptly take measures such as inspecting the carbon dioxide capture device (1) or changing its operation. Users, administrators, and service providers of the supplied gas can also quickly detect abnormalities in the supplied gas. Therefore, they can promptly take measures such as changing the operation of the supplied gas.

[0088] (8-2) The first piece of information includes the carbon dioxide concentration in the supply gas. The controller (100) determines that there is an abnormality if the carbon dioxide concentration in the gas is lower than the first value. Therefore, in situations where the carbon dioxide concentration in the supply gas is low and problems are likely to occur in the supplied material, prescribed countermeasures can be taken promptly.

[0089] (8-3) The controller (100) stops supplying gas from the supply line (71) to the target if the carbon dioxide concentration in the supply gas is lower than the second value. This ensures that supply gas with a low carbon dioxide concentration is not supplied to the target.

[0090] (8-4) The carbon dioxide capture device (1) is further equipped with a carbon dioxide sensor (91) as a sensor (90) installed in the supply line (71) that detects the concentration or flow rate of components in the gas as primary information. This ensures reliable detection of the carbon dioxide concentration of the supply gas in the supply line (71).

[0091] The sensor (90) is positioned downstream of the pump (72) in the supply path (71). As a result, the position of the sensor (90) is closer to the supply target. Therefore, the concentration of the supply gas can be detected at a position closer to the supply target, thereby improving the accuracy of anomaly detection.

[0092] (8-5) The carbon dioxide capture device (1) has an operating unit (120) that can arbitrarily change the first and second values. Therefore, the conditions for outputting an abnormality can be appropriately changed according to the requirements of the supply target.

[0093] (9) Modified Examples The above-described embodiment may also have the following modified configuration. The differences from the embodiment will be explained below in principle.

[0094] (9-1) Modification 1 As shown in Figure 7, the sensor (90) of Modification 1 includes an impurity sensor (92) that detects the concentration of impurities in the supply gas. The impurity sensor (92) is installed in the supply path (71) in the same manner as the carbon dioxide sensor (91). Examples of impurities include NOx, SOx, dust, and water. In other words, the impurity sensor (92) is composed of a NOx sensor, an SOx sensor, a dust sensor, a humidity sensor, etc.

[0095] As shown in Figure 8, in the abnormality determination control of Modified Example 1, in step ST32, the controller (100) determines whether the component concentration detected by the impurity sensor (92) is higher than the third value. The third value is a predetermined value greater than zero. This is because a high impurity concentration may cause some kind of problem in the supplied substance. If the condition in step ST32 (hereinafter also referred to as the third condition) is met, the controller (100) determines in step ST33 that there is an abnormality in the supplied gas. If the third condition is not met, the controller (100) determines in step ST41 that there is no abnormality in the supplied gas.

[0096] If an abnormality is detected in step ST33, the controller (100) outputs second information in step ST34. This second information includes information such as a high impurity concentration or the presence of impurities in the gas. In step ST25, the controller (100) outputs first information.

[0097] In step ST36, when the notification unit (110) acquires the first and second information, it notifies the user of the first and second information. Specifically, the notification unit (111) notifies the communication terminal (200) of the second information and the impurity concentration when the third condition is met as the first information. In addition, the display unit (112) displays the second information and the impurity concentration when the third condition is met as the first information on the display. This allows the carbon dioxide recovery device (1) and the target user to quickly know the impurity status of the supplied gas.

[0098] In step ST37, the controller (100) determines whether the impurity concentration detected by the impurity sensor (92) is higher than the fourth value. If the impurity concentration is even higher, the likelihood of problems occurring in the supplied material increases. The fourth value is a predetermined value higher than the third value. If the conditions in step ST37 (hereinafter also referred to as the fourth condition) are met, the controller (100) stops the gas supply in step ST38. Specifically, the controller (100) stops the pump (72) or stops the operation of the carbon dioxide recovery device (1).

[0099] If the fourth condition is met, in step ST39, the controller (100) outputs third information indicating that the gas supply has been stopped. In step ST40, the notification unit (110), which has acquired the third information, notifies the user of the third information. This allows the carbon dioxide capture device (1) and the users to whom the gas is supplied to to quickly become aware that the gas supply has been stopped.

[0100] (9-2) Modified Example 2 As shown in Figure 9, the sensor (90) of Modified Example 2 is composed of a flow sensor (93) that detects the flow rate of the supplied gas. The controller (100) acquires the gas flow rate detected by the flow sensor (93) as first information. The controller (100) determines that there is an abnormality if the detected gas flow rate is less than a predetermined value (fifth value). The notification unit (110) outputs this as second information. The controller (100) may also determine that there is an abnormality if the detected gas flow rate is greater than a predetermined value (sixth value). The notification unit (110) may also output the gas flow rate at the time the abnormality was determined as first information.

[0101] (10) Other embodiments The above embodiments and modifications may also have the following configurations.

[0102] The carbon dioxide capture device (1) may use air other than outdoor air as the target air. The target air may be outdoor air, indoor air, industrial exhaust gas, or a mixture of two or more of these.

[0103] The abnormality detection device, including the controller (100), does not have to be installed in the carbon dioxide capture device (1). The abnormality detection device may be installed in a server device on a communication network or in a predetermined communication terminal. The first information detected by the sensor (90) is sent to the controller (100) via the communication network.

[0104] The controller (100) may determine that the gas is abnormal if the decrease in the carbon dioxide concentration in the supplied gas exceeds a predetermined value. The controller (100) may also determine that the gas is abnormal if the carbon dioxide concentration in the supplied gas remains below a predetermined value for a predetermined period of time or longer. If the carbon dioxide concentration in the supplied gas remains below a predetermined value for a predetermined period of time or longer, the controller (100) may stop supplying gas through the supply line (71).

[0105] The controller (100) may determine that the gas is abnormal if the increase in the amount of change in the impurity concentration in the supplied gas exceeds a predetermined value. The controller (100) may also determine that the gas is abnormal if the impurity concentration in the supplied gas remains above a predetermined value for a predetermined period of time or longer. If the impurity concentration in the supplied gas remains above a predetermined value for a predetermined period of time or longer, the controller (100) may stop supplying gas through the supply line (71).

[0106] The second value and the first value described in the embodiment may be equal. In other words, when the first condition is met, the notification unit (110) may output the second information and at the same time the controller (100) may stop supplying the supply gas. Similarly, the fourth value and the third value in Modification 1 may be equal.

[0107] The controller (100) may acquire the pressure of the supply gas as first information, as a physical quantity related to the gas flow rate.

[0108] The controller (100) may acquire both the gas component concentration and the gas flow rate as primary information. In this case, the controller (100) may acquire information on both the carbon dioxide concentration and the gas flow rate as primary information and determine the total amount of carbon dioxide supplied to the target over a predetermined period. The controller (100) may determine that there is an abnormality if the total amount of carbon dioxide is less than a predetermined value.

[0109] In steps ST17 and ST27, the controller (100) may stop supplying gas to the target by releasing all of the gas in the supply channel (71) into the atmosphere without stopping the carbon dioxide capture device (1) or the pump (72). In this case, the supply channel (71) is provided with a branch channel, one end of which is connected to the main channel (75) and the other end which is open to the atmosphere, and an on-off valve that opens and closes the branch channel. When the second or fourth condition is met, the controller (100) opens the on-off valve, which is in a closed state. As a result, the gas in the abnormal state is released into the atmosphere and is not supplied to the target.

[0110] The controller (100) may output other information when each of the above-described conditions (the first to fourth conditions) is met. This other information may include operating data and control parameters of the carbon dioxide capture device (1) over a predetermined period. The predetermined period is preferably the period including the time when each of the above conditions is met, or the period from that time until a predetermined time before, or the period from that time until a predetermined time after. The notification unit (110) may notify this other information.

[0111] The controller (100) may output that there is no abnormality in the supply gas. The notification unit (110) may notify that there is no abnormality in the supply gas.

[0112] The sensor (90) is preferably located as close as possible to the supply target in the supply path (71). It is also preferable that there are no mechanical elements or filter elements between the sensor (90) and the outlet end of the supply path (71).

[0113] (11) Additional Notes Each of the embodiments, modifications, and other embodiments described above includes any of the steps described above. Each of the embodiments, modifications, and other embodiments described above includes a controller (100) which includes a program for causing a computer to perform these steps and a storage device or storage medium for storing this program.

[0114] While embodiments and modifications have been described above, it will be understood that a variety of changes in form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. Furthermore, the embodiments, modifications, and other embodiments described above may be combined or substituted as appropriate, as long as they do not impair the functions covered by this disclosure.

[0115] The designations "first," "second," "third," etc., mentioned above are used to distinguish between the terms to which these designations are attached, and do not limit the number or order of those terms.

[0116] As described above, this disclosure is useful for anomaly detection devices.

[0117] 1 Carbon dioxide capture device 50 Adsorption material 71 Supply path 90 Sensor 100 Controller (control unit)

Claims

1. An abnormality determination device applied to a carbon dioxide recovery device (1) comprising an adsorption member (50) for adsorbing carbon dioxide in target air and a supply path (71) for supplying a gas containing carbon dioxide desorbed from the adsorption member (50) to a predetermined target, the abnormality determination device comprising a control unit (100) that acquires first information relating to the component concentration in the gas or the flow rate of the gas, determines an abnormality in the gas based on the first information, and outputs second information indicating that there is an abnormality.

2. The abnormality determination device according to claim 1, wherein the first information includes the carbon dioxide concentration in the gas, and the control unit (100) determines that the gas is abnormal when the carbon dioxide concentration in the gas is lower than a first value.

3. The abnormality determination device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit (100) stops supplying the gas from the supply path (71) to the target of supply when the carbon dioxide concentration in the gas is lower than a second value.

4. The abnormality determination device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first information includes the concentration of impurities in the gas, and the control unit (100) determines that the gas is abnormal when the concentration of impurities is higher than a third value.

5. The abnormality determination device according to claim 1, wherein the first information includes the flow rate of the gas, and the control unit (100) determines that the gas is abnormal when the flow rate of the gas is lower than a fourth value.

6. The abnormality determination device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control unit (100) outputs the first information and the second information when it determines that there is an abnormality in the gas.

7. A carbon dioxide recovery device comprising: an adsorption member (50) for adsorbing carbon dioxide in target air; a supply path (71) for supplying a gas containing carbon dioxide desorbed from the adsorption member (50) to a predetermined target; and a control unit (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The carbon dioxide recovery device according to claim 7, further comprising a sensor (90) provided in the supply path (71) for detecting the component concentration or flow rate in the gas as the first information.

9. The carbon dioxide recovery device according to claim 8, further comprising a pump (72) arranged in the supply path (71) for transporting the gas, wherein the sensor (90) is arranged downstream of the pump (72).

10. An abnormality determination method comprising the steps of: acquiring first information regarding the component concentration or flow rate in a gas containing carbon dioxide desorbed from an adsorption member (50) that adsorbs carbon dioxide in target air; determining an abnormality in the gas based on the first information; and, if an abnormality is determined, outputting second information indicating that an abnormality exists.

11. A program that causes a computer to execute the abnormality determination method described in claim 10.

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