Support method, support device, and computer program

Abstract

This support method manages attribute information of each of a plurality of energy sources of the same type so as to support consumers of the energy sources. Each piece of attribute information includes the amount of the corresponding energy source, the GHG emissions associated with the corresponding energy source, and a value representing the environmental value of the corresponding energy source. Each of the plurality of energy sources is supplied to consumers through at least one process. The value representing the environmental value changes depending on the execution of the process. The process is executed by a business operator upstream of the consumer in the energy source supply chain (SC). The support method includes: receiving collected data including data regarding amounts of energy sources and data indicating business operators' activity levels; and updating, on the basis of the collected data, the attribute information corresponding to the collected data.

Description

Support method, support device, and computer program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a support method, a support device, and a computer program.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a planning device interconnected with a hydrogen production device, a hydrogen storage and supply device, a hydrogen transport device, a power system, a renewable energy power generation device, and a power storage device. The planning device of Patent Document 1 plans the amount of power supply that each of the hydrogen production device, the hydrogen storage and supply device, and the hydrogen transport device should receive from each of the power system, the renewable energy power generation device, and the power storage device based on the information received from the hydrogen production device, the hydrogen storage and supply device, the hydrogen transport device, the power system, the renewable energy power generation device, and the power storage device. Specifically, the planning device of Patent Document 1 plans the amount of power supply that each of the hydrogen production device, the hydrogen storage and supply device, and the hydrogen transport device should receive from each of the power system, the renewable energy power generation device, and the power storage device so that each of the hydrogen production device, the hydrogen storage and supply device, and the hydrogen transport device can receive a supply of hydrogen that satisfies the target hydrogen amount and the target value of the CO ２ emissions.

[0003] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2024-006485

[0004] However, the amount of hydrogen may decrease while hydrogen is flowing through the supply chain. Also, while hydrogen is flowing through the supply chain, the amount of greenhouse gas emissions may increase due to activities other than power consumption of each operator constituting the supply chain. In contrast, the planning device of Patent Document 1 plans the combination of power supplied to each of the hydrogen production device, the hydrogen storage and supply device, and the hydrogen transport device, and does not present the current amount of hydrogen and the current amount of greenhouse gas emissions to each operator constituting the hydrogen supply chain. Therefore, there is room for further improvement in consideration of the convenience of hydrogen consumers.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a support method, a support device, and a computer program capable of improving the convenience of consumers of an energy source (for example, hydrogen).

[0006] The support method relating to this disclosure is a support method for supporting consumers of energy sources by managing attribute information for each of several energy sources of the same type, wherein each attribute information includes the quantity of the corresponding energy source, the greenhouse gas emissions related to the corresponding energy source, and the value of the environmental value of the corresponding energy source, each of the several energy sources is supplied to the consumer through at least one process, the execution of the process changes the value of the environmental value, the process is performed by a business operator upstream of the consumer in the energy source supply chain, and the support method includes receiving collected data including data on the quantity of the energy source and data indicating the activity level of the business operator, and updating the attribute information corresponding to the collected data based on the collected data.

[0007] The support device relating to this disclosure is a support device that manages attribute information of multiple energy sources of the same type and supports consumers of the energy sources, wherein each attribute information includes the quantity of the corresponding energy source, the amount of greenhouse gas emissions related to the corresponding energy source, and the value of the environmental value of the corresponding energy source, each of the multiple energy sources is supplied to the consumer through at least one process, the value of the environmental value changes as a result of the execution of the process, the process is executed by a business operator upstream of the consumer in the energy source supply chain, and the support device comprises a receiving unit that receives collected data including data on the quantity of the energy source and data indicating the activity level of the business operator, and a processing unit that updates the attribute information corresponding to the collected data based on the collected data.

[0008] The computer program relating to this disclosure is a computer program that causes a computer to function in order to manage attribute information of multiple energy sources of the same type and to assist consumers of the energy sources, wherein each attribute information includes the quantity of the corresponding energy source, the greenhouse gas emissions related to the corresponding energy source, and the value of the environmental value of the corresponding energy source, each of the multiple energy sources is supplied to the consumers through at least one process, the execution of the process changes the value of the environmental value, the process is executed by a business operator upstream of the consumers in the energy source supply chain, and the computer program receives collected data including data on the quantity of the energy sources and data indicating the activity level of the business operator, and causes the computer to function to update the attribute information corresponding to the collected data based on the collected data.

[0009] The support methods, support devices, and computer programs described herein can improve the convenience of energy source consumers.

[0010] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a hydrogen supply chain. This is a diagram showing a management system including a support device according to an embodiment of this disclosure. This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a data server, a data management device, and a terminal device. This is a flowchart showing the processing performed by the server processing unit included in the support device according to an embodiment of this disclosure. This is a flowchart showing the processing performed by the management processing unit included in the support device according to an embodiment of this disclosure. This is a diagram showing two collected data of hydrogen A1 and management data of hydrogen A1. This is a diagram showing the details of the collected data that the terminal device of the manufacturing plant sends to the data server. This is a diagram showing the details of the collected data that the terminal device of the liquefaction plant sends to the data server. This is a diagram showing the details of the management data. This is a diagram showing the details of the first display data. This is a diagram showing the collected data and two management data that the terminal device of the manufacturing plant sends to the data server. This is a diagram showing two first display data generated when a portion of the hydrogen is supplied to a liquefaction plant operator. This is a diagram showing another example of collected data that the terminal device of the liquefaction plant sends to the data server. This is a flowchart showing the generation process of second display data performed by the management processing unit included in the support device according to an embodiment of this disclosure. This is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the process for generating hydrogen combination data performed by the management processing unit included in the support device according to an embodiment of this disclosure. This flowchart shows an example of the process flow for generating hydrogen combination data, which is performed by the management processing unit included in the support device according to the embodiment of this disclosure.

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the support method, support device, and computer program of this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings (Figures 1 to 17). However, this disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from its essence. In addition, explanations may be omitted where necessary to avoid repetition. Furthermore, in the figures, the same or corresponding parts will be denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be repeated in the explanation. Hereinafter, embodiments of this disclosure will be described using "hydrogen" as an example of an energy source.

[0012] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a hydrogen supply chain (SC). The supply chain SC shown in Figure 1 consists of manufacturing plants A10, A20, and A30, liquefaction plants B10, B20, and B30, shipping bases C10, C20, and C30, transport ships D10, D20, D30, and D40, receiving bases E10 and E20, and end-users F10, F20, and F30. In the example shown in Figure 1, manufacturing plants A10 and A20, liquefaction plants B10 and B20, and shipping bases C10 and C20 are located in Country X. Manufacturing plant A30, liquefaction plant B30, and shipping base C30 are located in Country Y. Receiving bases E10 and E20 are located in Country Z. End-users F10, F20, and F30 utilize hydrogen in Country Z. Transport ships D10, D20, and D30 sail the sea to transport hydrogen from country X to country Z. Transport ship D40 sails the sea to transport hydrogen from country Y to country Z.

[0013] In the following explanation, when it is not necessary to distinguish between manufacturing plants A10, A20, and A30, they may be referred to as "manufacturing plant A." Similarly, when it is not necessary to distinguish between liquefaction plants B10, B20, and B30, they may be referred to as "liquefaction plant B." When it is not necessary to distinguish between shipping bases C10, C20, and C30, they may be referred to as "shipping base C." When it is not necessary to distinguish between transport ships D10, D20, D30, and D40, they may be referred to as "transport ship D." When it is not necessary to distinguish between receiving bases E10 and E20, they may be referred to as "receiving base E." When it is not necessary to distinguish between end-users F10, F20, and F30, they may be referred to as "end-user F."

[0014] Manufacturing plant A is a plant that produces hydrogen. Specifically, manufacturing plant A produces hydrogen gas. Manufacturing plant A may also produce compressed hydrogen gas. Liquefaction plant B is a plant that liquefies hydrogen gas or compressed hydrogen gas to convert it into liquid hydrogen. The process of liquefying hydrogen gas or compressed hydrogen gas to convert it into liquid hydrogen is an example of a "process that changes the state of an energy source". The operator of liquefaction plant B purchases hydrogen from the operator of manufacturing plant A. Shipping base C is a base for storing hydrogen. In this embodiment, shipping base C stores liquid hydrogen. The operator of shipping base C purchases hydrogen from the operator of liquefaction plant B. Shipping base C is located, for example, on the coast. For example, hydrogen produced in country X is shipped from shipping bases C10 and C20 to another country (country Z in the example shown in Figure 1).

[0015] The transport vessel D transports hydrogen from the shipping base C to the receiving base E. In this embodiment, the transport vessel D transports liquefied hydrogen. The company transporting hydrogen by the transport vessel D purchases hydrogen from the company operating the shipping base C. The receiving base E is a base that receives and stores the hydrogen transported by the transport vessel D. In this embodiment, the receiving base E stores liquefied hydrogen. The receiving base E is located, for example, on the coast. The company operating the receiving base E purchases hydrogen from the company transporting hydrogen by the transport vessel D. The end user F purchases hydrogen from the company operating the receiving base E. The end user F is, for example, a company operating a hydrogen station.

[0016] In the following explanation, the operator of manufacturing plant A may be referred to as "the operator of manufacturing plant A." Similarly, the operator of liquefaction plant B may be referred to as "the operator of liquefaction plant B," the operator of shipping base C as "the operator of shipping base C," the operator of transport ship D as "the operator of transport ship D," and the operator of receiving base E as "the operator of receiving base E." In this embodiment, the businesses constituting the supply chain SC include the operator of manufacturing plant A, the operator of liquefaction plant B, the operator of shipping base C, the operator of transport ship D, the operator of receiving base E, and the end user F.

[0017] As shown in Figure 1, each business in the supply chain SC may purchase hydrogen from multiple businesses one step upstream and supply the combined hydrogen to the next business. Similarly, end-user F may purchase hydrogen from multiple businesses one step upstream and use the combined hydrogen.

[0018] For example, the operator of liquefaction plant B10 may purchase hydrogen gas from manufacturers A10 and A20 and produce liquefied hydrogen from a mixture of hydrogen (hydrogen gas) produced at manufacturing plant A10 and hydrogen (hydrogen gas) produced at manufacturing plant A20. Similarly, the end user F10 may purchase liquefied hydrogen from receiving terminals E10 and E20 and use a mixture of hydrogen (liquefied hydrogen) stored at receiving terminal E10 and hydrogen (liquefied hydrogen) stored at receiving terminal E20. In this way, each business operator constituting the supply chain SC may supply or utilize hydrogen that is a mixture of multiple hydrogens with different distribution routes, hydrogen that is a mixture of multiple hydrogens from different manufacturers, or hydrogen that is a mixture of multiple hydrogens with different production dates to the next business operator.

[0019] Furthermore, each business constituting the supply chain (SC) may divide and supply a portion of its hydrogen to a business one step downstream from itself. For example, a business at manufacturing plant A10 may divide a portion of the hydrogen produced at manufacturing plant A10 and supply it to a business at liquefaction plant B10 or B20. In this case, the remaining hydrogen, which was produced on the same date and time as the hydrogen supplied to liquefaction plant B10 or B20, remains at manufacturing plant A10.

[0020] Next, with reference to Figure 2, the support device 100 of this embodiment will be described. Figure 2 is a diagram showing the management system 100A including the support device 100 of this embodiment. The support device 100 of this embodiment includes a data server 70 and a data management device 80. First, with reference to Figure 2, the manufacturing plant A, liquefaction plant B, shipping base C, transport ship D, and receiving base E will be described.

[0021] As shown in Figure 2, manufacturing plant A is equipped with manufacturing equipment 12 and storage equipment 13. In this embodiment, terminal equipment 11 is also located in manufacturing plant A.

[0022] The manufacturing equipment 12 is equipment for producing hydrogen gas. The manufacturing equipment 12 may also be equipment for producing hydrogen gas by water electrolysis. In this case, the manufacturing equipment 12 produces hydrogen gas by electrolyzing water. Alternatively, the manufacturing equipment 12 may also be equipment for producing hydrogen gas by reforming coal or natural gas. The coal may be lignite. Alternatively, the manufacturing equipment 12 may also be equipment for generating hydrogen gas from ammonia.

[0023] The storage facility 13 is a facility for storing hydrogen produced by the manufacturing facility 12. The storage facility 13 may be a facility for storing the produced hydrogen gas, or it may be a facility for compressing hydrogen gas under high pressure and storing compressed hydrogen gas.

[0024] The terminal device 11 is connected to the data server 70 via a communication network NW. The terminal device 11 transmits the collected data DG10 to the data server 70 via the communication network NW. The terminal device 11 may also be connected to the data management device 80 via the communication network NW. The terminal device 11 may be, for example, a general-purpose computer equipped with a processor, memory, and communication circuits.

[0025] Furthermore, the communication network NW may include a wired communication network or a wireless communication network. The communication network NW may include both a wired communication network and a wireless communication network. In addition, the communication network NW may include a public communication network or a dedicated communication line.

[0026] The collected data DG10 includes data on the amount of hydrogen and data indicating the activity level of the operators. The activity level is the activity level used to calculate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6). Greenhouse gas emissions can be determined by multiplying the activity level by the emission factor. Hereinafter, data on the amount of hydrogen may be referred to as "hydrogen amount data." Similarly, data indicating the activity level may be referred to as "activity level data." Note that hydrogen is a type of clean energy. Greenhouse gas emissions are used as an indicator to show that hydrogen is a clean energy source.

[0027] The terminal device 11 transmits the collected data DG10 to the data server 70, for example, at the end of a process. Specifically, the terminal device 11 may transmit the collected data DG10 to the data server 70 at the end of the hydrogen production process. Furthermore, the terminal device 11 may transmit the collected data DG10 to the data server 70 at the end of the hydrogen transfer process and at the end of the hydrogen handling process. In addition, the terminal device 11 may transmit the collected data DG10 to the data server 70 while a process is running. For example, the terminal device 11 may transmit the collected data DG10 to the data server 70 while the hydrogen storage process is running. In manufacturing plant A, the hydrogen transfer process refers to the process of transferring hydrogen from manufacturing equipment 12 to storage equipment 13. Therefore, the end of the hydrogen transfer process is also the start of the hydrogen storage process. The hydrogen handling process includes the process of shipping hydrogen from manufacturing plant A.

[0028] For example, the hydrogen quantity data transmitted from the terminal device 11 at the end of the manufacturing process indicates the amount of hydrogen produced (production quantity). The hydrogen production quantity may be a predetermined amount, or it may be the result of a weight sensor that detects the weight of the produced hydrogen.

[0029] The hydrogen quantity data transmitted from the terminal device 11 at the end of the transfer process (start of the storage process) may indicate the amount of hydrogen or the fluctuation value of the amount of hydrogen. The amount of hydrogen at the end of the transfer process may differ from the amount of hydrogen produced. For example, losses may occur when transferring hydrogen gas from the production equipment 12 to the storage equipment 13, causing the amount of hydrogen to fluctuate (decrease). Also, losses may occur when compressing the hydrogen gas, causing the amount of hydrogen to fluctuate (decrease).

[0030] For example, the amount of hydrogen at the end of the transfer process may be a logically calculated value, or the detection result of a weight sensor that detects the weight of hydrogen stored in the storage facility 13 may be used. Alternatively, the amount of hydrogen at the end of the transfer process may be a value calculated from the detection result of a flow sensor. Here, the flow sensor is a sensor that detects the flow rate of hydrogen flowing from the manufacturing facility 12 to the storage facility 13.

[0031] The change in the amount of hydrogen indicates the change since the terminal device 11 last transmitted the collected data DG10. For example, a logically calculated value may be used for the change in the amount of hydrogen. Alternatively, a value calculated from the weight of hydrogen detected by the weight sensor after production and the weight of hydrogen detected by the weight sensor after transport may be used for the change in the amount of hydrogen. Alternatively, a value calculated based on the weight of hydrogen detected by the weight sensor after production and the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor during transport may be used for the change in the amount of hydrogen.

[0032] The hydrogen quantity data transmitted from the terminal device 11 during the execution of the hydrogen storage process may indicate the amount of hydrogen stored in the storage facility 13, or it may indicate the fluctuation value of the amount of hydrogen. The amount of hydrogen may fluctuate (decrease) while the hydrogen is stored in the storage facility 13.

[0033] For example, a logically calculated value may be used for the amount of hydrogen stored in storage facility 13. Alternatively, the detection result of a weight sensor that detects the weight of hydrogen stored in storage facility 13 may be used for the amount of hydrogen stored in storage facility 13. Similarly, a logically calculated value may be used for the fluctuation value of the amount of hydrogen, or a value calculated from the detection result of the weight sensor may be used.

[0034] The hydrogen quantity data transmitted from the terminal device 11 at the end of the shipping process indicates the amount of hydrogen shipped (supplied). The hydrogen supplied quantity may be a predetermined amount, or it may be the result of a weight sensor that detects the weight of the hydrogen to be shipped. Alternatively, the hydrogen supplied quantity may be a value calculated from the result of a flow sensor that detects the flow rate of the hydrogen gas or compressed hydrogen gas to be shipped.

[0035] The activity data transmitted from terminal device 11 indicates the activity level of manufacturing plant A. Hereinafter, the activity data transmitted from terminal device 11 may be referred to as "activity data of manufacturing plant A". The activity data of manufacturing plant A includes, for example, data indicating electricity consumption. When hydrogen gas is produced from raw materials such as coal or natural gas, the activity data of manufacturing plant A further includes data indicating the amount of raw materials such as coal or natural gas used and the type of raw materials. When fuel is consumed in any process, the activity data of manufacturing plant A further includes data indicating the amount of fuel used and the type of fuel. When waste disposal is required due to any process, the activity data of manufacturing plant A further includes data indicating the amount of waste disposed of and the type of waste.

[0036] The activity volume of manufacturing plant A includes the activity volume related to hydrogen production, the activity volume related to the transfer of hydrogen from manufacturing equipment 12 to storage equipment 13, the activity volume related to hydrogen storage, and the activity volume related to the handling of hydrogen for shipment from manufacturing plant A. When storing compressed hydrogen gas, the activity volume of manufacturing plant A further includes the activity volume related to the compression process of hydrogen gas.

[0037] Here, we will specifically explain the activity data of manufacturing plant A, using the collected data DG10 for hydrogen A1 as an example. The collected data DG10 transmitted at the end of the hydrogen A1 manufacturing process represents the activity of manufacturing plant A, specifically the activity related to the production of hydrogen A1. In other words, of the collected data DG10 for hydrogen A1 transmitted from terminal device 11, the first DG10 transmitted shows the activity related to the production of hydrogen A1. Of the collected data DG10 for hydrogen A1 transmitted from terminal device 11, the second and subsequent DG10s show the activity of manufacturing plant A from the time the collected data DG10 for hydrogen A1 was last transmitted until the present. Thus, the activity data for manufacturing plant A shows the activity of manufacturing plant A from the time the collected data DG10 was last transmitted until the present.

[0038] In this embodiment, the terminal device 11 is installed inside the manufacturing plant A, but the terminal device 11 may be installed in a location other than the manufacturing plant A.

[0039] Liquefaction plant B is equipped with liquefaction equipment 22 and storage equipment 23. In this embodiment, terminal equipment 21 is also located within liquefaction plant B.

[0040] The liquefaction equipment 22 is equipment that liquefies hydrogen gas or compressed hydrogen gas at low temperatures to convert it into liquid hydrogen. For example, the liquefaction equipment 22 converts hydrogen gas or compressed hydrogen gas into liquid hydrogen at a temperature of -253°C to -251°C. The storage equipment 23 is equipment for storing liquid hydrogen. The storage equipment 23 stores liquid hydrogen at a temperature of -253°C to -251°C.

[0041] The terminal device 21 is connected to the data server 70 via a communication network NW. The terminal device 21 transmits the collected data DG20 to the data server 70 via the communication network NW. The terminal device 21 also receives the first display data DH1 from the data server 70 via the communication network NW. The first display data DH1 shows attribute information for each hydrogen managed by the support device 100. The terminal device 21 may be, for example, a general-purpose computer equipped with a processor, memory, and communication circuitry. The collected data DG20, like the collected data DG10, includes data on the amount of hydrogen (hydrogen amount data) and data showing the activity level of the operator (activity level data of liquefaction plant B). The terminal device 21 may also be connected to the data management device 80 via a communication network NW.

[0042] Terminal device 21 may, like terminal device 11, transmit collected data DG20 to data server 70 at the end of the process. Specifically, terminal device 21 may transmit collected data DG20 to data server 70 at the end of the hydrogen liquefaction process. Furthermore, terminal device 21 may, like terminal device 11, transmit collected data DG20 to data server 70 at the end of the hydrogen transfer process (start of storage) and at the end of the hydrogen handling process. Also, terminal device 21 may, like terminal device 11, transmit collected data DG20 to data server 70 during the execution of the process. The hydrogen handling process includes the process of receiving hydrogen from manufacturing plant A to liquefaction plant B and the process of shipping hydrogen from liquefaction plant B. The hydrogen transfer process refers to the process of transferring liquefied hydrogen from liquefaction equipment 22 to storage equipment 23. Note that the hydrogen liquefaction process is an example of a "process that converts the state of an energy source".

[0043] For example, the hydrogen quantity data transmitted from the terminal device 21 at the end of the receiving process indicates the amount of hydrogen purchased (purchased or supplied) from manufacturing plant A. The amount of hydrogen purchased (or supplied) may be a predetermined amount, the detection result of a weight sensor that detects the weight of the received hydrogen, or the detection result of a flow sensor that detects the flow rate of the received hydrogen gas or compressed hydrogen gas.

[0044] The hydrogen quantity data transmitted from the terminal device 21 at the end of the liquefaction process may indicate the amount of hydrogen liquefied by the liquefaction process or the variation value of the amount of hydrogen. The amount of hydrogen may vary (decrease) due to the liquefaction process. That is, losses may occur due to the liquefaction process. For the amount of hydrogen, for example, a logically calculated value may be used, or the detection result of a weight sensor that detects the weight of hydrogen liquefied by the liquefaction facility 22 may be used. For the variation value of the amount of hydrogen, for example, a logically calculated value may be used. Alternatively, for the variation value of the amount of hydrogen, a value calculated from the weight of hydrogen detected by the weight sensor at the time of receipt and the weight of hydrogen detected by the weight sensor after being liquefied by the liquefaction facility 22 may be used. Or, for the variation value of the amount of hydrogen, a value calculated based on the flow rate of hydrogen detected by the flow rate sensor at the time of receipt and the weight of hydrogen detected by the weight sensor after being liquefied by the liquefaction facility 22 may be used.

[0045] The hydrogen quantity data transmitted from the terminal device 21 at the end of the transfer process (start of the storage process) is substantially the same as that of the manufacturing plant A, so the description thereof is omitted. Note that the variation value of the amount of liquefied hydrogen indicates the variation value since the terminal device 21 last transmitted the collected data DG20, similar to the manufacturing plant A.

[0046] The hydrogen quantity data transmitted from the terminal device 21 during the execution of the hydrogen storage process may indicate the amount of liquefied hydrogen stored in the storage facility 23 or the variation value of the amount of liquefied hydrogen. The amount of liquefied hydrogen may decrease due to vaporization of a part of the liquefied hydrogen stored in the storage facility 23 (BOG: Boil Off Gas).

[0047] For example, a logically calculated value may be used for the amount of liquefied hydrogen stored in the storage facility 23. Alternatively, the detection result of a weight sensor that detects the weight of the liquefied hydrogen stored in the storage facility 23 may be used for the amount of liquefied hydrogen stored in the storage facility 23. Or, a value calculated from the detection result of a level sensor may be used for the amount of liquefied hydrogen stored in the storage facility 23. Here, the level sensor indicates the water level (liquid surface position) of the liquefied hydrogen stored in the storage facility 23.

[0048] For the variation value of the amount of liquefied hydrogen, for example, a logically calculated value may be used, or a value calculated from the detection result of a weight sensor may be used. Or, a value calculated from the amount of change in the water level detected by a level sensor may be used for the variation value of the amount of liquefied hydrogen. Alternatively, the variation value of the amount of liquefied hydrogen may be a value calculated based on the detection result of a flow rate sensor that detects the flow rate of the vaporized component of the liquefied hydrogen.

[0049] The hydrogen amount data transmitted from the terminal device 21 at the end of the shipping process is substantially the same as that of the manufacturing plant A, so the description thereof is omitted.

[0050] The activity amount data of the liquefaction plant B includes, for example, data indicating the power consumption. When fuel is consumed in any process, the activity amount data of the liquefaction plant B further includes data indicating the amount of fuel used and the type of fuel. When waste treatment is required due to any process, the activity amount data of the liquefaction plant B further includes data indicating the amount of waste treated and the type of waste.

[0051] The activity amount of the liquefaction plant B includes the activity amount related to the handling of hydrogen, the activity amount related to the liquefaction of hydrogen, the activity amount related to the transfer of liquefied hydrogen from the liquefaction facility 22 to the storage facility 23, and the activity amount related to the storage of liquefied hydrogen. The activity amount related to the handling of hydrogen includes the activity amount related to the handling of incoming hydrogen to the liquefaction plant B and the activity amount related to the handling of outgoing hydrogen from the liquefaction plant B.

[0052] Here, we will specifically explain the activity data of liquefaction plant B, using the hydrogen A1 collection data DG20 as an example. When hydrogen A1 is received at liquefaction plant B, the first hydrogen A1 collection data DG20 transmitted from terminal device 21 indicates the activity level related to handling the receipt of hydrogen A1. The hydrogen A1 collection data DG20 transmitted from terminal device 21 from the second time onward indicates the activity level of liquefaction plant B from the time the hydrogen A1 collection data DG20 was last transmitted to the present. In this way, the activity data of liquefaction plant B, similar to the activity data of manufacturing plant A, indicates the activity level of liquefaction plant B from the time the collection data DG20 was last transmitted to the present.

[0053] In this embodiment, the terminal device 21 is installed inside the liquefaction plant B, but the terminal device 21 may be installed in a location other than the liquefaction plant B.

[0054] Shipping base C is equipped with storage facilities 32. In this embodiment, terminal equipment 31 is also located within shipping base C. Storage facilities 32 are facilities for storing liquefied hydrogen. Storage facilities 32 store liquefied hydrogen at a temperature of -253°C to -251°C.

[0055] The terminal device 31 is connected to the data server 70 via a communication network NW. The terminal device 31 transmits the collected data DG30 to the data server 70 via the communication network NW. The terminal device 31 also receives the first display data DH1 from the data server 70 via the communication network NW. The terminal device 31 may be, for example, a general-purpose computer equipped with a processor, memory, and communication circuitry. The collected data DG30, like the collected data DG10, includes data on the amount of hydrogen (hydrogen amount data) and data indicating the activity level of the business operator (activity level data of shipping base C). The terminal device 31 may also be connected to the data management device 80 via a communication network NW.

[0056] Terminal device 31 transmits collected data DG30 to data server 70 during the execution of the hydrogen storage process. Furthermore, terminal device 31 may transmit collected data DG30 to data server 70 at the end of the hydrogen handling process, similar to terminal device 21. Here, the hydrogen handling process includes the process of receiving hydrogen from liquefaction plant B to shipping base C and the process of shipping hydrogen from shipping base C.

[0057] The hydrogen quantity data transmitted from terminal device 31 at the end of the receiving process, the hydrogen quantity data transmitted from terminal device 31 during the execution of the storage process, and the hydrogen quantity data transmitted from terminal device 31 at the end of the shipping process are substantially the same as those of liquefaction plant B, so their explanation is omitted here.

[0058] The activity volume at shipping base C includes the activity volume related to the handling of hydrogen and the activity volume related to the storage of liquefied hydrogen. The activity volume related to the handling of hydrogen includes the activity volume related to the handling of hydrogen received at shipping base C and the activity volume related to the handling of hydrogen shipped from shipping base C. The details of the activity volume data for shipping base C are substantially the same as the activity volume data for liquefaction plant B, so the explanation will be omitted.

[0059] In this embodiment, the terminal device 31 is installed within the shipping base C, but the terminal device 31 may be installed in a location other than the shipping base C.

[0060] The transport vessel D is equipped with storage facilities 42. In this embodiment, terminal equipment 41 is also located on the transport vessel D. The storage facilities 42 are facilities for storing liquefied hydrogen. The storage facilities 42 store liquefied hydrogen at a temperature of -253°C or higher and -251°C or lower.

[0061] The terminal device 41 is connected to the data server 70 via a communication network NW. The terminal device 41 transmits the collected data DG40 to the data server 70 via the communication network NW. The terminal device 41 also receives the first display data DH1 from the data server 70 via the communication network NW. The terminal device 41 may be, for example, a general-purpose computer equipped with a processor, memory, and communication circuitry. The collected data DG40, like the collected data DG10, includes data on the amount of hydrogen (hydrogen amount data) and data indicating the activity level of the operator (activity level data of transport ship D). The terminal device 41 may also be connected to the data management device 80 via a communication network NW.

[0062] Terminal device 41 transmits collected data DG40 to data server 70 during the execution of the hydrogen transport process. Furthermore, terminal device 41 may also transmit collected data DG40 to data server 70 at the end of the hydrogen handling process, similar to terminal device 21. Here, the hydrogen handling process includes the process of receiving hydrogen from shipping base C to transport ship D and the process of shipping hydrogen from transport ship D.

[0063] The hydrogen quantity data transmitted from terminal device 41 at the end of the receiving process and the hydrogen quantity data transmitted from terminal device 41 at the end of the shipping process are substantially the same as those for liquefaction plant B, so their explanation is omitted here. Also, the hydrogen quantity data transmitted from terminal device 41 during the execution of the hydrogen transport process is substantially the same as the hydrogen quantity data transmitted from terminal device 21 during the execution of the hydrogen storage process, so their explanation is omitted here. Note that transport vessel D may use liquefied hydrogen stored in storage facility 42 for navigation at sea. In this case, the amount of hydrogen used for the navigation of transport vessel D will be reflected in the hydrogen quantity data transmitted from terminal device 41 during the execution of the hydrogen transport process.

[0064] The activity volume of transport vessel D includes the activity volume related to hydrogen handling and the activity volume related to hydrogen transportation. The activity volume related to hydrogen handling includes the activity volume related to receiving hydrogen into transport vessel D and the activity volume related to shipping hydrogen from transport vessel D. The activity volume related to hydrogen transportation includes the activity volume related to the navigation of transport vessel D and the activity volume related to hydrogen storage. The details of the activity volume data for transport vessel D are substantially the same as the activity volume data for liquefaction plant B, so the explanation is omitted.

[0065] In this embodiment, the terminal device 41 is installed on the transport ship D, but the terminal device 41 may be installed in a location other than the transport ship D.

[0066] The receiving base E is equipped with storage facilities 52. In this embodiment, terminal devices 51 are also located within the receiving base E. The storage facilities 52 are facilities for storing liquefied hydrogen. The storage facilities 52 store liquefied hydrogen at a temperature of -253°C to -251°C.

[0067] The terminal device 51 is connected to the data server 70 via a communication network NW. The terminal device 51 transmits the collected data DG50 to the data server 70 via the communication network NW. The terminal device 51 also receives the first display data DH1 from the data server 70 via the communication network NW. The terminal device 51 may be, for example, a general-purpose computer equipped with a processor, memory, and communication circuitry. The collected data DG50, like the collected data DG10, includes data on the amount of hydrogen (hydrogen amount data) and data indicating the activity level of the operator (activity level data of receiving base E). The terminal device 51 may also be connected to the data management device 80 via a communication network NW.

[0068] The timing at which the collected data DG50 is transmitted from terminal device 51 is approximately the same as that of shipping base C, so its explanation is omitted. Furthermore, the hydrogen amount data and activity level data included in the collected data DG50 are also approximately the same as those of shipping base C, so their explanations are omitted.

[0069] In this embodiment, the terminal device 51 is installed within the receiving base E, but the terminal device 51 may be installed in a location other than the receiving base E.

[0070] As explained above with reference to Figure 2, the amount of hydrogen may decrease due to leakage and volatilization between the time of production and supply to the end-user F. In addition, greenhouse gases are emitted by the activities of each business operator that makes up the supply chain SC. Therefore, greenhouse gas emissions related to hydrogen may increase between the time of production and supply to the end-user F.

[0071] Next, with reference to Figure 2, the end-user F will be described. As shown in Figure 2, the end-user F owns a terminal device 61. The terminal device 61 is connected to the data server 70 via a communication network NW. The terminal device 61 receives the first display data DH1 from the data server 70 via the communication network NW. The terminal device 61 may be, for example, a general-purpose computer equipped with a processor, memory, and communication circuitry. Furthermore, the terminal device 61 may be connected to the data management device 80 via the communication network NW.

[0072] The end user F may own the storage facility 62. The storage facility 62 is a facility for storing liquefied hydrogen. The storage facility 62 stores liquefied hydrogen at a temperature of -253°C or higher and -251°C or lower.

[0073] Next, with reference to Figure 2, the support device 100 of this embodiment will be described. As already explained, the support device 100 of this embodiment includes a data server 70 and a data management device 80. The support device 100 manages the attribute information of each of the multiple hydrogens circulating in the supply chain SC and supports hydrogen consumers. Multiple hydrogens are an example of "multiple energy sources of the same type".

[0074] Hydrogen consumers include the liquefaction plant B, the shipping base C, the transport ship D, the receiving base E, and the end-user F. Each attribute includes the amount of hydrogen, the greenhouse gas emissions associated with that hydrogen, and the environmental value of that hydrogen. Multiple hydrogen sources are supplied to hydrogen consumers through at least one process. In the following explanation, when it is not necessary to distinguish between collected data DG10 to DG50, they may be referred to simply as "collected data DG".

[0075] The process includes, for example, a hydrogen production process, a hydrogen liquefaction process, a hydrogen storage process, and a hydrogen transport process. The hydrogen production process is carried out by the operator of production plant A. The hydrogen liquefaction process is carried out by the operator of liquefaction plant B. The hydrogen storage process is carried out by the operators of shipping base C and receiving base E. The hydrogen transport process is carried out by the operator of transport ship D. The operator of production plant A is an example of a "manufacturer that produces energy sources". The operator of liquefaction plant B is an example of a "business that transforms the state of energy sources". The operators of shipping base C and receiving base E are examples of "storage operators that store energy sources". The operator of transport ship D is an example of a "transport operator that transports energy sources".

[0076] For example, hydrogen supplied to a company at shipping base C is supplied to the company at shipping base C after going through a hydrogen production process and a hydrogen liquefaction process. In this way, the processes for supplying hydrogen to consumers are carried out by businesses upstream of the consumers in the supply chain SC.

[0077] As shown in Figure 2, the data server 70 is connected to the data management device 80 via a communication network NW. The data server 70 is also connected to terminal devices 11, 21, 31, 41, 51, and 61 via the communication network NW. The data server 70 receives and stores collected data DG from terminal devices 11, 21, 31, 41, and 51. The data server 70 also transmits first display data DH1 for each hydrogen to terminal devices 21, 31, 41, 51, and 61. The first display data DH1 shows the latest attribute information for each hydrogen.

[0078] The data management device 80 is connected to the data server 70 via a communication network NW. The data management device 80 manages the attribute information of each of the multiple hydrogens based on the collected data DG transmitted from the terminal devices 11, 21, 31, 41, and 51. More specifically, the data management device 80 updates the attribute information of each hydrogen. The data management device 80 may also be connected to the terminal devices 11, 21, 31, 41, 51, and 61 via a communication network NW. Hereinafter, the collected data DG transmitted from the terminal devices 11, 21, 31, 41, and 51 may be referred to as "new collected data DG".

[0079] If the data management device 80 receives new collected data DG, it generates new management data DM based on the new collected data DG and stores it in the data server 70. The management data DM includes attribute information. If the new collected data DG does not receive new collected data DG, the data management device 80 updates the attribute information of the management data DM corresponding to the new collected data DG based on the new collected data DG and the existing management data DM. Furthermore, the data management device 80 generates first display data DH1 for each hydrogen based on the management data DM for each hydrogen. The existing management data DM refers to the management data DM that was already stored in the data server 70 at the time the data server 70 received the collected data DG.

[0080] Next, the configurations of the data server 70 and the data management device 80 will be described with reference to Figure 3. Furthermore, the configuration of the terminal device 21 will be described with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configurations of the data server 70, the data management device 80, and the terminal device 21.

[0081] As shown in Figure 3, the data server 70 comprises a server communication unit 71, a server storage unit 72, and a server processing unit 73.

[0082] The server communication unit 71 controls communication conducted via the communication network NW as described with reference to Figure 2. More specifically, the server communication unit 71 communicates between terminal devices 11, 21, 31, 41, 51, and 61 and the data management device 80 via the communication network NW. The server communication unit 71 includes a communication module that conforms to the communication protocol of the communication network NW. The communication module includes a communication circuit.

[0083] Specifically, the server communication unit 71 receives collected data DG from terminal devices 11, 21, 31, 41, and 51. The server communication unit 71 also transmits first display data DH1 to terminal devices 21, 31, 41, 51, and 61. In this embodiment, the server communication unit 71 is an example of a "receiving unit".

[0084] The server storage unit 72 has a main memory and an auxiliary storage device. The main memory includes, for example, semiconductor memory. The auxiliary storage device is composed of non-volatile storage devices such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid Disk Drive). The server storage unit 72 may also include removable media.

[0085] The server storage unit 72 stores a first database 721, a second database 722, and a third database 723. The first database 721 stores collected data DG transmitted from terminal devices 11, 21, 31, 41, and 51. The second database 722 stores management data DM for each hydrogen. The third database 723 stores first display data DH1 for each hydrogen. The server storage unit 72 also stores a computer program and configuration information. The computer program includes a first support program 724.

[0086] The server processing unit 73 is electrically connected to the server communication unit 71 and the server storage unit 72. The server processing unit 73 executes a computer program stored in the server storage unit 72 to perform various processes. This configuration in which the server processing unit 73 executes a computer program stored in the server storage unit 72 is one example of a processing circuit. For example, the server processing unit 73 may have at least one of the following: a general-purpose processor, a dedicated processor, an integrated circuit, and an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuits).

[0087] More specifically, the server processing unit 73 stores the new collected data DG in the first database 721 by executing the first support program 724. For example, the server processing unit 73 may store the collected data DG in the first database 721 in association with each business operator.

[0088] Furthermore, the server processing unit 73 executes the first support program 724 to store the management data DM for each hydrogen in the second database 722 and the first display data DH1 for each hydrogen in the third database 723. Specifically, the server processing unit 73 stores the management data DM in the second database 722 in association with the collected data DG stored in the first database 721. The server processing unit 73 also stores the first display data DH1 in the third database 723 in association with the management data DM stored in the second database 722.

[0089] Furthermore, the server processing unit 73 executes the first support program 724 and, in response to requests from terminal devices 21, 31, 41, 51, and 61, transmits the first display data DH1 for each hydrogen to terminal devices 21, 31, 41, 51, and 61.

[0090] Next, the data management device 80 will be described. As shown in Figure 3, the data management device 80 comprises a management communication unit 81, a management storage unit 82, and a management processing unit 83.

[0091] The management communication unit 81 controls communication conducted via the communication network NW as described with reference to Figure 2. More specifically, the management communication unit 81 communicates with the data server 70 via the communication network NW. The management communication unit 81 includes a communication module that conforms to the communication protocol of the communication network NW. The communication module includes a communication circuit. The management communication unit 81 may also communicate with terminal devices 11, 21, 31, 41, 51 and 61 via the communication network NW.

[0092] The management storage unit 82 has a main memory and an auxiliary storage device. The main memory includes, for example, semiconductor memory. The auxiliary storage device is composed of a non-volatile storage device such as an HDD or SSD. The management storage unit 82 may also include removable media. The management storage unit 82 stores a computer program and configuration information. The computer program includes a second support program 821.

[0093] The management processing unit 83 is electrically connected to the management communication unit 81 and the management storage unit 82. The management processing unit 83 executes a computer program stored in the management storage unit 82 to perform various processes. This configuration in which the management processing unit 83 executes a computer program stored in the management storage unit 82 is an example of a processing circuit. For example, the management processing unit 83 may have at least one of a general-purpose processor, a dedicated processor, an integrated circuit, and an ASIC.

[0094] Specifically, the management processing unit 83 executes the second support program 821 to determine whether the new collected data DG is collected data DG of newly manufactured hydrogen. If the new collected data DG is collected data DG of newly manufactured hydrogen, the management processing unit 83 generates new management data DM based on the new collected data DG. The management processing unit 83 then controls the data server 70 to store the new management data DM in the second database 722. On the other hand, if the new collected data DG is not collected data DG of newly manufactured hydrogen, the management processing unit 83 updates the attribute information of the management data DM corresponding to the new collected data DG based on the new collected data DG and the existing management data DM. In this embodiment, the management processing unit 83 is an example of a "processing unit".

[0095] The management processing unit 83 may, by executing the second support program 821, request the terminal devices 11, 21, 31, 41, and 51 to transmit the collected data DG via the management communication unit 81.

[0096] Next, the terminal device 21 will be described. As shown in Figure 3, the terminal device 21 includes a terminal communication unit 211, a terminal display unit 212, a terminal input unit 213, a terminal storage unit 214, and a terminal processing unit 215.

[0097] The terminal communication unit 211 controls communication conducted via the communication network NW, as described with reference to Figure 2. More specifically, the terminal communication unit 211 communicates with the data server 70 via the communication network NW. The terminal communication unit 211 includes a communication module that conforms to the communication protocol of the communication network NW. The communication module includes a communication circuit. Specifically, the terminal communication unit 211 transmits collected data DG to the data server 70. The terminal communication unit 211 also receives first display data DH1 from the data server 70.

[0098] The terminal display unit 212 includes, for example, a display device such as a liquid crystal display device or an organic EL (electroluminescence) display device. When a touch sensor is superimposed on the display surface of the display device, the terminal display unit 212 functions as a touch panel.

[0099] The terminal display unit 212 displays various screens. Specifically, the terminal display unit 212 is controlled by the terminal processing unit 215 to display an image based on the first display data DH1. The image based on the first display data DH1 shows the attribute information of each hydrogen circulating in the supply chain SC. As a result, the latest attribute information of each hydrogen circulating in the supply chain SC is presented to the operators of the liquefaction plant B. In addition, the terminal display unit 212 may be controlled by the terminal processing unit 215 to display an input screen for inputting activity levels or an input screen for inputting data related to the amount of hydrogen.

[0100] The terminal input unit 213 is a man-machine interface device operated by an operator. The terminal input unit 213 may have, for example, a keyboard and a mouse. The terminal input unit 213 may also have a touch sensor. The touch sensor inputs a signal indicating a touch operation by the operator to the terminal processing unit 215. The touch sensor may be superimposed on the display surface of the terminal display unit 212. For example, the operator may operate the terminal input unit 213 to input data related to the amount of hydrogen. Alternatively, the operator may operate the terminal input unit 213 to input data on the activity level of liquefaction plant B.

[0101] The terminal storage unit 214 has a main memory and an auxiliary storage device. The main memory includes, for example, semiconductor memory. The auxiliary storage device is composed of a non-volatile storage device such as an HDD or SSD. The terminal storage unit 214 may also include removable media. Computer programs and configuration information are stored in the terminal storage unit 214.

[0102] The terminal processing unit 215 is electrically connected to the terminal communication unit 211, the terminal display unit 212, the terminal input unit 213, and the terminal storage unit 214. The terminal processing unit 215 executes a computer program stored in the terminal storage unit 214 to perform various processes. The configuration in which the terminal processing unit 215 executes a computer program stored in the terminal storage unit 214 is an example of a processing circuit. For example, the terminal processing unit 215 may have at least one of a general-purpose processor, a dedicated processor, an integrated circuit, and an ASIC.

[0103] More specifically, the terminal processing unit 215 generates collected data DG20 based on various data input via the terminal input unit 213. Some of the various data may be input to the terminal processing unit 215 from a sensor. The sensor may include, for example, a power consumption meter. Furthermore, a sensor may be used to measure the amount of hydrogen or the fluctuation in the amount of hydrogen. For example, the sensor may include a weight sensor, a level sensor, or a flow sensor.

[0104] When the terminal processing unit 215 generates the collected data DG20, it transmits the collected data DG20 to the data server 70 via the terminal communication unit 211. For example, the terminal processing unit 215 may transmit the collected data DG20 to the data server 70 in response to an operation of the terminal input unit 213 by an operator. Alternatively, the terminal processing unit 215 may determine whether the current time has reached a predetermined time and transmit the collected data DG20 to the data server 70 if the current time has reached the predetermined time. For example, the terminal processing unit 215 may periodically transmit the collected data DG20 to the data server 70. Or, the terminal processing unit 215 may transmit the collected data DG20 to the data server 70 in response to a request from the data management device 80.

[0105] The terminal processing unit 215 further causes the terminal display unit 212 to display an image based on the first display data DH1 received by the terminal communication unit 211.

[0106] Since the configurations of terminal devices 11, 31, 41, 51, and 61 are substantially the same as those of terminal device 21, their descriptions will be omitted.

[0107] Next, with reference to Figures 4 and 5, the processes executed by the server processing unit 73 and the processes executed by the management processing unit 83 will be described. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the processes executed by the server processing unit 73 included in the support device 100 of this embodiment. The first support program 724 causes the server processing unit 73 to function to execute the processes shown in Figure 4. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the processes executed by the management processing unit 83 included in the support device 100 of this embodiment. The second support program 821 causes the management processing unit 83 to function to execute the processes shown in Figure 5. In this embodiment, the support method is implemented by the server processing unit 73 executing the processes shown in Figure 4 and the management processing unit 83 executing the processes shown in Figure 5. Therefore, Figures 4 and 5 show the "support method" of this embodiment.

[0108] The process shown in Figure 4 includes steps S1 and S2. In step S1, the server processing unit 73 receives the collected data DG transmitted from any of the terminal devices 11, 21, 31, 41, and 51 via the server communication unit 71. In step S2, the server processing unit 73 transmits the newly received collected data DG to the data management device 80 via the server communication unit 71.

[0109] The process shown in Figure 5 includes steps S3 to S8. When the management processing unit 83 receives new collected data DG from the data server 70 via the management communication unit 81, it refers to the existing management data DM and determines whether the new collected data DG is collected data DG of newly manufactured hydrogen (step S3).

[0110] When the management processing unit 83 determines that the new collected data DG is collected data DG of newly manufactured hydrogen (Yes in step S3), it generates new management data DM based on the new collected data DG (step S4). The management processing unit 83 also generates new first display data DH1 based on the new management data DM (step S5). Then, the management processing unit 83 sends the new collected data DG, the new management data DM, and the new first display data DH1 to the data server 70 (step S6). As a result, the server processing unit 73 stores the new collected data DG, the new management data DM, and the new first display data DH1 in the first database 721, the second database 722, and the third database 723, respectively. The new management data DM indicates the attribute information of newly manufactured hydrogen. Similarly, the new first display data DH1 indicates the attribute information of newly manufactured hydrogen.

[0111] If the management processing unit 83 determines that the new collected data DG is not the collected data DG of newly manufactured hydrogen (No. in step S3), it updates the attribute information of the existing management data DM corresponding to the new collected data DG based on the new collected data DG and the existing management data DM (step S7). The management processing unit 83 also updates the attribute information of the existing first display data DH1 corresponding to the new collected data DG (step S8).

[0112] Next, referring to Figure 6, the process of updating the attribute information of the management data DM for hydrogen A1 will be explained using the process of updating the attribute information of the management data DM for hydrogen A1 based on the collected data DG20 transmitted at the end of the liquefaction process of hydrogen A1 as an example. In the following, the collected data DG20 transmitted at the end of the liquefaction process may be referred to as "collected data DG22". Also, the collected data DG10 transmitted at the end of the manufacturing process may be referred to as "collected data DG11". Collected data DG11 is the first collected data DG10 of hydrogen A1 transmitted from the terminal device 11 among the collected data DG10 of hydrogen A1 transmitted from the terminal device 11.

[0113] Figure 6 shows two collected data sets DG11 and DG22 for hydrogen A1, and the management data DM for hydrogen A1. In the following, for the sake of simplicity, the process of updating the attribute information of the management data DM will be explained using the case where the data server 70 receives the collected data DG22 for hydrogen A1 after the collected data DG11 for hydrogen A1 as an example.

[0114] As shown in Figure 6, the terminal device 11 transmits the hydrogen A1 collection data DG11 to the data server 70 at the end of the hydrogen A1 production process (time t1). As a result, the hydrogen A1 collection data DG11 is transmitted from the data server 70 to the data management device 80. The hydrogen A1 collection data DG11 shows the amount of hydrogen A1 Q (t1) and the amount of activity AT (t1) related to the production of hydrogen A1. The amount of hydrogen A1 Q (t1) indicates the amount of hydrogen A1 produced.

[0115] When the management processing unit 83 receives the collected hydrogen A1 data DG11 from the data server 70, it determines whether or not the management data DM for hydrogen A1 exists in the existing management data DM. If the management processing unit 83 determines that the management data DM for hydrogen A1 does not exist in the existing management data DM, it generates new management data DM for hydrogen A1 based on the collected hydrogen A1 data DG11. The management data DM for hydrogen A1 indicates the attribute information of hydrogen A1. The attribute information for hydrogen A1 includes the amount of hydrogen A1, the amount of greenhouse gas emissions related to hydrogen A1, and the value of hydrogen A1's environmental impact. Hereinafter, greenhouse gas emissions may be referred to as "GHG emissions".

[0116] More specifically, the management processing unit 83 extracts the amount of hydrogen A1 Q(t1) from the hydrogen A1 collection data DG11 and registers it in the hydrogen A1 management data DM. The management processing unit 83 also extracts the activity level AT(t1) from the hydrogen A1 collection data DG11. Then, the management processing unit 83 calculates the GHG emission level GHG(t1) based on the extracted activity level AT(t1) and a predetermined emission coefficient and registers it in the hydrogen A1 management data DM. Furthermore, the management processing unit 83 calculates the CI value CI(t1) based on the amount of hydrogen A1 Q(t1) and the GHG emission level GHG(t1) and registers it in the hydrogen A1 management data DM.

[0117] The CI value represents the value of the environment. More specifically, the CI value corresponds to the value obtained by dividing the GHG emissions by the amount of hydrogen. For example, the CI value represents the GHG emissions per unit mass of hydrogen and is expressed by the following formula (1). Note that the unit mass of hydrogen is not particularly limited. For example, the unit mass of hydrogen may be 1 kilogram (1 kg) or 1 ton (1 t). CI = GHG emissions / Amount of hydrogen

[0118] The terminal device 21 transmits the collected hydrogen A1 data DG22 to the data server 70 at the end of the hydrogen A1 liquefaction process (time t2). As a result, the collected hydrogen A1 data DG22 is transmitted from the data server 70 to the data management device 80. The collected hydrogen A1 data DG22 shows the amount of hydrogen A1 Q (t2) and the activity amount AT (t2) related to the liquefaction of hydrogen A1.

[0119] When the management processing unit 83 receives the collected data DG22 for hydrogen A1 from the data server 70, it determines whether or not the management data DM for hydrogen A1 exists in the existing management data DM. If the management processing unit 83 determines that the management data DM for hydrogen A1 exists in the existing management data DM, it updates the attribute information of the management data DM for hydrogen A1 based on the collected data DG22 for hydrogen A1 and the management data DM for hydrogen A1.

[0120] In detail, the management processing unit 83 extracts the amount of hydrogen A1 Q(t2) from the hydrogen A1 collection data DG22 and registers it in the hydrogen A1 management data DM. As a result, the amount of hydrogen A1 Q(t1) registered in the hydrogen A1 management data DM is replaced with "Q(t2)". As explained with reference to Figure 2, the amount of hydrogen changes as the process is executed. Specifically, the amount of hydrogen may decrease as the process is executed. Therefore, the amount of hydrogen A1 Q(t2) may be less than the amount of hydrogen A1 Q(t1).

[0121] Furthermore, the management processing unit 83 extracts the activity level AT(t2) from the collected data DG22 of hydrogen A1. Then, the management processing unit 83 calculates the GHG emission level GHG(t2) based on the extracted activity level AT(t2) and a predetermined emission coefficient. In addition, the management processing unit 83 extracts the GHG emission level GHG(t1) from the management data DM of hydrogen A1, adds the GHG emission level GHG(t2) to the GHG emission level GHG(t1), and registers it in the management data DM of hydrogen A1. As a result, the GHG emission level GHG(t1) registered in the management data DM of hydrogen A1 is replaced with "GHG(t1) + GHG(t2)". In this way, the GHG emissions related to hydrogen A1 change as the process is executed. Specifically, the GHG emissions related to hydrogen A1 increase as the process is executed.

[0122] Furthermore, the management processing unit 83 calculates the CI value CI(t2) based on the amount of hydrogen A1 Q(t2) and the GHG emissions "GHG(t1) + GHG(t2)" and registers it in the hydrogen A1 management data DM. As a result, the CI value CI(t1) registered in the hydrogen A1 management data DM is replaced with "CI(t2)". The CI value CI(t2) at the end of the liquefaction process is greater than the CI value CI(t1) at the end of the manufacturing process because the GHG emissions at the end of the liquefaction process are greater than those at the end of the manufacturing process. Also, if the amount of hydrogen A1 Q(t2) at the end of the liquefaction process is less than the amount of hydrogen A1 Q(t1) at the end of the manufacturing process, the CI value CI(t2) at the end of the liquefaction process will be even greater than the CI value CI(t1) at the end of the manufacturing process. Thus, the CI value of hydrogen changes as the process is executed. Specifically, the CI value of hydrogen increases as the process is executed.

[0123] Note that the process of updating the attribute information of the management data DM based on the collected data DG transmitted during the execution of the process (for example, during hydrogen storage) is the same as the process of updating the attribute information of the management data DM based on the collected data DG transmitted at the end of the process, so its explanation will be omitted.

[0124] Furthermore, referring to Figure 6, the processing when the hydrogen amount data indicates the amount of hydrogen has been explained. However, when the hydrogen amount data indicates a fluctuation value α of the amount of hydrogen, the management processing unit 83 extracts the fluctuation value α of the amount of hydrogen from the newly collected data DG and updates the amount of hydrogen by adding the fluctuation value α to the amount of hydrogen registered in the management data DM corresponding to the newly collected data DG. In the following, for the sake of clarity, this embodiment will be described using the case where the hydrogen amount data indicates the amount of hydrogen as an example.

[0125] Next, referring to Figure 7, we will explain the details of the collected data DG10 (collected data DG11) transmitted by the operator of manufacturing plant A10 at the end of the hydrogen A1 manufacturing process, using DG10 as an example. Figure 7 shows the details of the collected data DG11 transmitted from the terminal device 11 of manufacturing plant A10 to the data server 70. As shown in Figure 7, the collected data DG10 includes a first field FD1, a second field FD2, a third field FD3, and a fourth field FD4.

[0126] In the first field FD1, hydrogen quantity data and activity level data are registered. As explained with reference to Figure 6, in the hydrogen A1 collection data DG11, the amount of hydrogen A1 produced and the amount of activity related to the production of hydrogen A1 are registered.

[0127] The origin of the hydrogen is registered in Field FD2. Specifically, if the hydrogen is produced by water electrolysis, "Water Electrolysis" is registered in Field FD2. If the hydrogen is produced by reforming coal or natural gas, "Coal" or "Natural Gas" is registered in Field FD2. If the hydrogen is produced by reforming lignite, "Lignite" is registered in Field FD2. If the hydrogen is produced from ammonia, "Ammonia" is registered in Field FD2.

[0128] Management information is registered in the third field FD3. For example, the management information for the collected data DG10 may be entered into the terminal device 11 by an operator of the terminal device 11 by operating the terminal input unit of the terminal device 11. The management information includes, for example, the vendor management number, the vendor name, the location of the hydrogen, the date and time of hydrogen production, the date and time of hydrogen transaction, and the hydrogen supply destination.

[0129] For details, the vendor management number indicates the management number assigned to the hydrogen by the vendor that sent the collected data DG. The vendor name indicates the name of the vendor that sent the collected data DG. The location indicates the address where the hydrogen is actually located. The transaction date and time indicates the date and time when the transaction regarding the supply of hydrogen was concluded between the current owner of the hydrogen and the business that receives the hydrogen. The recipient indicates the name of the business that receives the hydrogen. Note that the business that receives the hydrogen is one step downstream from the current owner of the hydrogen in the supply chain SC.

[0130] In the example shown in Figure 7, the vendor management number indicates the management number assigned to hydrogen A1 by the vendor at manufacturing plant A10. The vendor name indicates the name of the vendor at manufacturing plant A10. The location indicates the address of manufacturing plant A10. The manufacturing date and time indicates the manufacturing date and time of hydrogen A1. The transaction date and time indicates the date and time when hydrogen A1 was traded between the vendor at manufacturing plant A10 and the vendor at liquefaction plant B. The supplier indicates the name of the business that supplied hydrogen A1. Note that "null" indicates that the information is not registered. In the example shown in Figure 7, the transaction date and time and supplier information are not registered. Specifically, the fields for transaction date and time and supplier are "blank".

[0131] The fourth field FD4 stores the date and time the collected data DG10 was sent. The date and time the collected data DG10 was sent to the data server 70 indicates the date and time the collected data DG10 was sent. In the example shown in Figure 7, the date and time the collected data DG11 for hydrogen A1 was sent to the data server 70 is stored.

[0132] Next, referring to Figure 8, we will explain the details of the collected data DG20, using as an example the collected data DG20 transmitted by the operator of liquefaction plant B10 at the end of the hydrogen A1 receiving process. In the following, the collected data DG20 transmitted from the terminal device 21 at the end of the hydrogen A1 receiving process may be referred to as "collected data DG21". Collected data DG21 is the first collected data DG20 of hydrogen A1 transmitted from the terminal device 21.

[0133] Figure 8 shows the details of the collected data DG21 transmitted from the terminal device 21 of the liquefaction plant B10 to the data server 70. As shown in Figure 8, the collected data DG20 includes a first field FD11, a second field FD12, and a third field FD13.

[0134] In the first field FD11, hydrogen quantity data and activity data are registered, similar to the collected data DG10. In the collected data DG21 for hydrogen A1, the amount of hydrogen purchased from manufacturing plant A10 (purchase amount or supply amount) and the amount of activity related to the handling of hydrogen A1 are registered.

[0135] Management information is registered in the second field FD12. For example, the management information for the collected data DG20 may be entered into the terminal device 21 by an operator of the terminal device 21 by operating the terminal input unit 213 of the terminal device 21. The management information includes, for example, the vendor management number, the vendor name, the location of the hydrogen, the hydrogen supplier, the management number of the hydrogen supplier, the date and time of the hydrogen transaction, and the destination of the hydrogen. The supplier refers to the name of the business operator that supplies the hydrogen. The supplier management number refers to the management number assigned to the hydrogen by the business operator that supplies it.

[0136] In the example shown in Figure 8, the vendor management number indicates the management number assigned to hydrogen A1 by the vendor at liquefaction plant B10. The vendor name indicates the name of the vendor at liquefaction plant B10. The location indicates the address of liquefaction plant B10. The supplier indicates the name of the vendor at manufacturing plant A10. The supplier management number indicates the management number assigned to hydrogen A1 by the vendor at manufacturing plant A10. The transaction date and time indicates the date and time when hydrogen A1 was traded between the vendor at liquefaction plant B10 and the vendor at shipping base C. The recipient indicates the name of the business that received hydrogen A1. Note that in the example shown in Figure 8, the transaction date and time and recipient information are not registered.

[0137] The third field FD13 stores the transmission date and time of the collected data DG20, similar to the collected data DG10.

[0138] Since the structure of collected data DG30 to DG50 is the same as that of collected data DG20, their explanation will be omitted.

[0139] Next, referring to Figure 9, we will explain the details of the management data DM, which is newly generated based on the collected data DG10 (collected data DG11 shown in Figure 7) transmitted by the operator of manufacturing plant A10 at the end of the hydrogen A1 manufacturing process, as an example. In the following, the management data DM corresponding to hydrogen A1 may be referred to as "management data DM1".

[0140] Figure 9 shows the details of the management data DM (management data DM1). Specifically, Figure 9 shows the management data DM (management data DM1) generated when the collected data DG11 shown in Figure 7 is transmitted from the terminal device 11. As shown in Figure 9, the management data DM includes a first field FD21, a second field FD22, a third field FD23, and a fourth field FD24.

[0141] An ID is registered in the first field FD21. The ID is assigned to each piece of management data DM by the management processing unit 83. In other words, an ID is assigned to each piece of hydrogen circulating in the supply chain SC.

[0142] In this embodiment, the current ID and the original ID are registered in the first field FD21. The current ID indicates the current ID. The original ID indicates the ID initially assigned to the corresponding hydrogen. In the example shown in Figure 9, the ID "A100" initially assigned to hydrogen A1 by the management processing unit 83 is registered as the current ID in the first field FD21. Note that the original ID is not registered in the management data DM generated at the end of the manufacturing process.

[0143] The second field, FD22, registers attribute information of hydrogen. In addition to the amount of hydrogen, GHG emissions, and CI value, the attribute information may also include the origin of the hydrogen, the country of origin of the hydrogen, and the date and time of hydrogen production. Note that the country of origin is an example of "place of origin".

[0144] As explained with reference to Figure 6, the management processing unit 83 registers the amount of hydrogen A1, the GHG emissions, and the CI value in the second field FD22 based on the hydrogen amount data and activity amount data of the collected data DG11.

[0145] Furthermore, the management processing unit 83 extracts the origin of hydrogen A1 and the date and time of manufacture of hydrogen A1 from the collected data DG11 and registers them in the second field FD22. In addition, the management processing unit 83 extracts country name information from the information indicating the location of hydrogen A1 contained in the collected data DG11 and registers the country of origin of hydrogen A1 in the second field FD22.

[0146] The third field, FD23, stores hydrogen management information. More specifically, the management table TA is stored in the third field, FD23. The management table TA associates the vendor management number, vendor name, hydrogen location, hydrogen source, supplier vendor management number, hydrogen destination, and transaction information for each vendor that makes up the supply chain SC. However, the manufacturing plant column does not store information on the "hydrogen source" or "supplier vendor management number."

[0147] In more detail, when the management processing unit 83 generates new management data DM1, it extracts the vendor management number from the collected data DG11 and registers the vendor management number assigned to hydrogen A1 by the vendor of manufacturing plant A in the "Vendor Management Number" field in the manufacturing plant column. The management processing unit 83 also extracts the vendor name from the collected data DG11 and registers the name of the vendor of manufacturing plant A10 in the "Vendor Name" field in the manufacturing plant column.

[0148] Furthermore, the management processing unit 83 extracts the supplier from the collected data DG11 and registers the name of the business that supplies hydrogen A1 in the "Supplier" field of the manufacturing plant column. In addition, the management processing unit 83 extracts the transaction date and time from the collected data DG11 and registers the transaction date and time in the "Transaction" field of the manufacturing plant column. However, as illustrated in Figure 7, if the supplier and transaction date and time are not registered in the collected data DG11, the management processing unit 83 registers "null" in the "Supplier" and "Transaction" fields of the manufacturing plant column. Information is registered in the "Supplier" and "Transaction" fields of the manufacturing plant column, for example, at the end of the hydrogen A1 shipment process at manufacturing plant A10.

[0149] Furthermore, when the management processing unit 83 updates the management data DM1 based on the collected data DG21 explained with reference to Figure 8, it registers the information extracted from the second field FD12 (management information) of the collected data DG21 in the liquefaction plant column of the management table TA. Therefore, when hydrogen A1 arrives at liquefaction plant B, at least the vendor management number, vendor name, location of the hydrogen, hydrogen supplier, and supplier vendor management number are registered in the liquefaction plant column of the management table TA. Similarly, when hydrogen A1 arrives at the shipping base C, transport ship D, and receiving base E, information is registered in each item of the management table TA.

[0150] The fourth field FD24 stores the registration date and time of the management data DM. The registration date and time of the management data DM indicates the date and time when the management data DM was stored in the second database 722. Specifically, when a new management data DM is generated, the registration date and time of the management data DM indicates the date and time when the new management data DM was stored in the second database 722. When the information of the management data DM is updated, the registration date and time of the management data DM indicates the date and time when the updated management data DM was stored in the second database 722. In other words, the registration date and time of the management data DM indicates the date and time when the information of the management data DM was updated. In the example shown in Figure 9, the date and time when the management data DM1 of hydrogen A1 was stored in the second database 722 is registered in the fourth field FD24.

[0151] Next, referring to Figure 10, the first display data DH1 for hydrogen A1, which is newly generated based on the management data DM1, will be explained as an example. In the following, the first display data DH1 corresponding to hydrogen A1 may be referred to as "first display data DH11".

[0152] Figure 10 shows the details of the first display data DH1 (first display data DH11). Specifically, Figure 10 shows the first display data DH1 (first display data DH11) generated when the collected data DG11 shown in Figure 7 is transmitted from the terminal device 11. As shown in Figure 10, the first display data DH1 includes a first field FD31, a second field FD32, a third field FD33, and a fourth field FD34.

[0153] An ID is registered in the first field FD31. In this embodiment, the current ID and the original ID are registered in the first field FD31. Specifically, the management processing unit 83 extracts the current ID and the original ID from the management data DM and registers them in the first field FD31.

[0154] The attribute information of hydrogen is registered in the second field FD32. Specifically, the management processing unit 83 extracts attribute information from the management data DM and registers it in the second field FD32.

[0155] The third field FD33 registers the name of the current owner of the hydrogen, the current location of the hydrogen, the hydrogen supplier, the hydrogen recipient, and information regarding the hydrogen transaction. Specifically, the management processing unit 83 registers the name of the current owner of the hydrogen, the current location of the hydrogen, the hydrogen supplier, the hydrogen recipient, and information regarding the hydrogen transaction in the third field FD33 based on the information registered in the management table TA of the management data DM. However, as illustrated in Figure 7, if the recipient and transaction date and time are not registered in the collected data DG11, the management processing unit 83 registers "null" in the "recipient" and "transaction" fields of the third field FD33. Also, since the information of the hydrogen recipient is not registered in the collected data DG11, the management processing unit 83 registers "null" in the "supplier" field of the third field FD33.

[0156] The fourth field FD34 stores the registration date and time of the first display data DH1, similar to the fourth field FD24 described with reference to Figure 9.

[0157] Next, referring to Figures 11 and 12, the processing performed by the management processing unit 83 when hydrogen is divided will be explained using collected data DG10, which is transmitted by the supplier of manufacturing plant A10 at the end of the hydrogen A1 shipping process, as an example. In the following, collected data DG10 transmitted from terminal device 11 at the end of the hydrogen A1 shipping process may be referred to as "collected data DG12".

[0158] Figure 11 shows the collected data DG12 and two management data sets DM11 and DM12 that the terminal device 11 of manufacturing plant A10 transmits to the data server 70. More specifically, Figure 11 shows the collected data DG12 that is transmitted when a portion of hydrogen A1 is supplied to a supplier at liquefaction plant B. In other words, Figure 11 shows the collected data DG12 that is transmitted when a portion of the hydrogen A1 produced at manufacturing plant A is divided.

[0159] As shown in Figure 11, when a portion of hydrogen A1 is supplied to the liquefaction plant B, the first field FD1 of the collected data DG12 registers the first hydrogen quantity data, the second hydrogen quantity data, and the activity amount data. The first hydrogen quantity data indicates the amount of hydrogen A1 supplied to the liquefaction plant B (hydrogen supply amount). The second hydrogen quantity data indicates the amount of hydrogen A1 remaining at the manufacturing plant A (hydrogen remaining amount). The activity amount data indicates the amount of activity related to the shipment of hydrogen A1. In the example shown in Figure 11, the hydrogen supply amount and hydrogen remaining amount are shown as percentages for ease of understanding.

[0160] When the management processing unit 83 receives the collected hydrogen A1 data DG12 from the data server 70, it searches the management table TA for management data DM that matches the vendor management number, vendor name, location, and manufacturing date and time registered in the collected data DG12.Then, the management processing unit 83 generates management data DM11 and management data DM12 based on the collected data DG12 and the searched management data DM (management data DM1).Here, management data DM11 represents the management data DM of hydrogen A1 supplied to the customer.Management data DM12 represents the management data DM of hydrogen A1 remaining at manufacturing plant A.

[0161] For example, if the hydrogen supply amount and remaining hydrogen amount are registered in the collected data DG12, the management processing unit 83 generates a copy of the management data DM1. Then, the management processing unit 83 updates the information registered in the original management data DM1 to generate management data DM11, and updates the information registered in the copied management data DM1 to generate management data DM12.

[0162] In detail, when the management processing unit 83 generates the management data DM11, it assigns a new ID to the hydrogen A1 to be supplied to the supplier. Then, the management processing unit 83 updates the first field FD21 of the original management data DM1. Specifically, the management processing unit 83 replaces the current ID registered in the original management data DM1 with the new ID. In addition, the management processing unit 83 registers the ID initially assigned to hydrogen A1 as the original ID in the original management data DM1. If the original ID information is already registered in the original management data DM1, the management processing unit 83 stores the original ID information in the first field FD21.

[0163] Furthermore, as explained with reference to Figure 6, the management processing unit 83 updates the amount of hydrogen A1, the GHG emissions, and the CI value registered in the second field FD22 of the original management data DM1 based on the first hydrogen amount data (hydrogen supply amount) and activity amount data included in the collected data DG12.

[0164] Furthermore, the management processing unit 83 extracts information about the supplier and the date and time of the transaction from the collected data DG12, and registers the name of the hydrogen A1 supplier and the date and time of the transaction in the "Supplier" and "Transaction" fields of the manufacturing plant column in the management table TA of the original management data DM1, respectively. If the transaction date and time information and supplier information are already registered in the original management data DM1, the management processing unit 83 will keep that information in the management table TA.

[0165] Furthermore, the management processing unit 83 replaces the registration date and time registered in the fourth field FD24 of the original management data DM1 with the registration date and time of the management data DM11.

[0166] When generating the management data DM12, the management processing unit 83 updates the second field FD22 and the fourth field FD24 of the copied management data DM1.

[0167] More specifically, the management processing unit 83 updates the amount of hydrogen A1 registered in the second field FD22 of the copied management data DM1 based on the second hydrogen amount data (remaining hydrogen amount) included in the collected data DG12. On the other hand, the management processing unit 83 does not update the GHG emissions because the activity data indicates the activity amount related to the shipment of hydrogen A1. Then, as explained with reference to Figure 6, the management processing unit 83 updates the CI value based on the updated amount of hydrogen A1 and the GHG emissions.

[0168] Furthermore, the management processing unit 83 replaces the registration date and time registered in the fourth field FD24 of the copied management data DM1 with the registration date and time of the management data DM12.

[0169] Furthermore, if the activity data includes the activity of processes prior to shipment in addition to the activity related to the shipment of hydrogen A1, the management processing unit 83 may allocate the activity of processes prior to shipment between the hydrogen supply amount and the remaining hydrogen amount to calculate the activity amount related to hydrogen A1 supplied to the recipient and the activity amount related to residual hydrogen A1. In this case, the management processing unit 83 updates the amount of hydrogen A1, the GHG emissions, and the CI value registered in the second field FD22 of the original management data DM1 based on the activity amount related to hydrogen A1 supplied to the recipient and the first hydrogen amount data (hydrogen supply amount). Similarly, the management processing unit 83 updates the amount of hydrogen A1, the GHG emissions, and the CI value registered in the second field FD22 of the copied management data DM1 based on the activity amount related to residual hydrogen A1 and the second hydrogen amount data (remaining hydrogen amount).

[0170] Figure 12 shows two first display data DH1 generated when a portion of hydrogen A1 is supplied to a supplier at liquefaction plant B. More specifically, Figure 12 shows two first display data DH11 corresponding to the management data DM11 and management data DM12 explained with reference to Figure 11. Hereafter, the first display data DH11 corresponding to management data DM11 may be referred to as "first display data 111". Also, the first display data DH11 corresponding to management data DM12 may be referred to as "first display data 112".

[0171] For example, when the management processing unit 83 searches for the management data DM1 as described with reference to Figure 11, it searches for the first display data DH11 associated with the management data DM1 in the third database 723 and generates a copy of the first display data DH11. Then, the management processing unit 83 updates the information registered in the original first display data DH11 to generate the first display data DH111, and updates the information registered in the copied first display data DH11 to generate the first display data DH112.

[0172] In more detail, when the management processing unit 83 generates the first display data 111, it extracts the current ID and original ID from the management data DM11 and replaces the current ID and original ID registered in the first field FD31 of the original first display data DH11 with the current ID and original ID extracted from the management data DM11.

[0173] Furthermore, the management processing unit 83 extracts the amount of hydrogen A1 (hydrogen supply), GHG emissions, and CI value from the management data DM11, and replaces the amount of hydrogen A1 (hydrogen supply), GHG emissions, and CI value registered in the second field FD32 of the original first display data DH11 with the amount of hydrogen A1 (hydrogen supply), GHG emissions, and CI value extracted from the management data DM11.

[0174] Furthermore, if the transaction date and time are registered in the management data DM11, the management processing unit 83 registers "Transaction Completed" in the third field FD33 of the original first display data DH11. The management processing unit 83 also extracts information about the hydrogen supply destination from the management data DM11 and registers it in the third field FD33. If "Transaction Completed" and "Supplier" are already registered in the original first display data DH11, the management processing unit 83 stores that information in the third field FD33.

[0175] Furthermore, the management processing unit 83 replaces the registration date and time registered in the fourth field FD34 of the original first display data DH11 with the registration date and time of the first display data DH111.

[0176] In the example shown in Figure 12, information indicating the location of hydrogen A1 shipped from manufacturing plant A10 is not registered in the first display data DH111. However, if the management table TA has an item for registering the address of the hydrogen supply destination, the management processing unit 83 may extract the address of the hydrogen supply destination from the management data DM and register it in the "Location" item of the third field FD33.

[0177] When generating the first display data 112, the management processing unit 83 updates the second field FD32 and the fourth field FD34 of the copied first display data DH11.

[0178] More specifically, the management processing unit 83 extracts the amount of hydrogen A1 (remaining hydrogen), GHG emissions, and CI value from the management data DM12, and replaces the amount of hydrogen A1 (remaining hydrogen), GHG emissions, and CI value registered in the second field FD32 of the copied first display data DH11 with the amount of hydrogen A1 (remaining hydrogen), GHG emissions, and CI value extracted from the management data DM12.

[0179] Furthermore, the management processing unit 83 replaces the registration date and time registered in the fourth field FD34 of the copied first display data DH11 with the registration date and time of the first display data DH112.

[0180] Next, referring to Figures 8 and 13, we will explain the process by which the management processing unit 83 searches for management data DM corresponding to the collected data DG received from the data server 70.

[0181] First, referring to Figure 8, we will explain the process by which the management processing unit 83 searches for management data DM when hydrogen is supplied from the hydrogen supplier to the hydrogen consumer, using the example of a transaction of hydrogen A1 between the supplier of manufacturing plant A10 and the supplier of liquefaction plant B10.

[0182] When the management processing unit 83 receives the hydrogen A1 collection data DG21 from the data server 70, it searches the management table TA for management data DM in which information matching the vendor management number, vendor name, and location registered in the collection data DG21 is registered. If the management processing unit 83 cannot find management data DM in the management table TA that matches the vendor management number, vendor name, and location registered in the collection data DG21, it searches the management table TA for management data DM in which information matching the supplier and the supplier's management number registered in the collection data DG21 is registered.

[0183] Next, referring to Figure 13, we will explain the process by which the management processing unit 83 searches for management data DM for each hydrogen when multiple hydrogens are mixed, using collected data DG22 transmitted from the terminal device 21 at the end of the liquefaction process for hydrogen mixed with hydrogen A1 and hydrogen A2 as an example.

[0184] Figure 13 shows another example of collected data DG22 transmitted from terminal device 21 of liquefaction plant B10 to data server 70. Specifically, Figure 13 shows collected data DG22 transmitted from terminal device 21 at the end of the liquefaction process for hydrogen mixed with hydrogen A1 and hydrogen A2.

[0185] As shown in Figure 13, when a liquefaction process is performed on hydrogen that is a mixture of hydrogen A1 and hydrogen A2, the second field FD12 of the collected data DG22 registers the supplier information for hydrogen, including the supplier of hydrogen A1, the supplier of hydrogen A2, the management number of the supplier of hydrogen A1, and the management number of the supplier of hydrogen A2.

[0186] In this case, the management processing unit 83 searches for management data DM corresponding to hydrogen A1 and management data DM corresponding to hydrogen A2 from the existing management data DM.

[0187] In more detail, when the management processing unit 83 searches for management data DM corresponding to hydrogen A1, it searches among existing management data DM for management data DM in which information matching the vendor management number, vendor name, location, hydrogen A1 supplier, and hydrogen A1 supplier management number registered in the collected data DG22 is registered in the management table TA.

[0188] Similarly, when the management processing unit 83 searches for management data DM corresponding to hydrogen A2, it searches among existing management data DM for management data DM in which information matching the vendor management number, vendor name, location, hydrogen A2 supplier, and hydrogen A2 supplier management number registered in the collected data DG22 is registered in the management table TA.

[0189] Furthermore, the process of searching for management data DM corresponding to each hydrogen based on collected data DG transmitted during the execution of a process for hydrogen mixed with multiple hydrogens (for example, during the storage of multiple hydrogens) is the same as the process of searching for management data DM corresponding to each hydrogen based on collected data DG transmitted at the end of one process for hydrogen mixed with multiple hydrogens, so its explanation will be omitted.

[0190] Next, referring to Figure 13, we will explain the process by which the management processing unit 83 updates the management data DM for each hydrogen when multiple hydrogens are mixed, using collected data DG22 transmitted from the terminal device 21 at the end of the liquefaction process for hydrogen mixed with hydrogen A1 and hydrogen A2 as an example.

[0191] As shown in Figure 13, when a liquefaction process is performed on hydrogen mixed with hydrogen A1 and hydrogen A2, the first field FD11 of the collected data DG22 registers first hydrogen quantity data, second hydrogen quantity data, and activity amount data. The first hydrogen quantity data indicates the amount of hydrogen A1. The second hydrogen quantity data indicates the amount of hydrogen A2. The amounts of hydrogen A1 and hydrogen A2 may be determined, for example, by dividing the amount of hydrogen liquefied by the liquefaction process by the amount of hydrogen A1 purchased (or supplied) and the amount of hydrogen A2 purchased (or supplied).

[0192] When updating the management data DM for hydrogen A1 and the management data DM for hydrogen A2, the management processing unit 83 allocates the activity amount between the amount of hydrogen A1 and the amount of hydrogen A2 to calculate the activity amount related to hydrogen A1 and the activity amount related to hydrogen A2. Then, based on the activity amount related to hydrogen A1 and the first hydrogen amount data (amount of hydrogen A1), the management processing unit 83 updates the amount of hydrogen A1, the GHG emissions, and the CI value registered in the second field FD22 of the management data DM for hydrogen A1. Similarly, based on the activity amount related to hydrogen A2 and the second hydrogen amount data (amount of hydrogen A2), the management processing unit 83 updates the amount of hydrogen A2, the GHG emissions, and the CI value registered in the second field FD22 of the management data DM for hydrogen A2.

[0193] Furthermore, hydrogen consumers can purchase all or part of at least one of several types of hydrogen stored in a single tank (storage facility) of a hydrogen supplier. For example, a company at shipping base C10 can purchase a portion of each of hydrogen A1 and hydrogen A2 stored in a single tank at liquefaction plant B10. In this case, the hydrogen quantity data transmitted from terminal device 21 at liquefaction plant B10 at the end of the shipping process may indicate pre-planned amounts of hydrogen A1 and hydrogen A2 shipped. Alternatively, the amount of hydrogen to be shipped may be detected by a weight sensor and allocated according to the pre-planned ratio of hydrogen A1 and hydrogen A2 shipment amounts to determine the respective amounts of hydrogen A1 and hydrogen A2 shipped. In addition, a company at shipping base C10 can purchase all or part of hydrogen A1 or all or part of hydrogen A2 stored in a single tank at liquefaction plant B10. In this case, the hydrogen quantity data transmitted from the terminal device 21 of liquefaction plant B10 at the end of the shipping process may indicate a predetermined amount as the amount of hydrogen A1 or hydrogen A2 shipped, or it may indicate the result detected by the weight sensor. However, in reality, multiple hydrogens stored in one tank of liquefaction plant B10 are shipped without sorting. For example, if a company at shipping base C10 purchases only hydrogen A1 from among hydrogen A1 and hydrogen A2 stored in one tank of liquefaction plant B10, it does not mean that only hydrogen A1 is shipped and hydrogen A2 is not shipped.

[0194] As described above with reference to Figures 1 to 13, according to this embodiment, the support device 100 can update information on each hydrogen circulating in the supply chain SC. Therefore, it can provide each business operator constituting the supply chain SC with the latest information on each hydrogen. Specifically, the support device 100 can provide each business operator constituting the supply chain SC with the current quantity of each hydrogen, the current total amount of GHG emissions related to each hydrogen, and the current value of the environmental value of each hydrogen. As a result, hydrogen consumers can compare the latest information on each hydrogen and select and purchase the hydrogen that is best suited to their needs. Consequently, convenience for hydrogen consumers is improved.

[0195] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, even when a process is performed on hydrogen that is a mixture of multiple hydrogens, the information of each hydrogen can be managed individually. Therefore, even when multiple hydrogens are mixed, the latest information on each hydrogen can be provided to each business constituting the supply chain SC. Moreover, according to this embodiment, even when hydrogen is divided, the information of each hydrogen can be managed individually. Therefore, even when hydrogen is divided, the latest information on each hydrogen can be provided to each business constituting the supply chain SC.

[0196] Next, other processes performed by the management processing unit 83 will be described with reference to Figures 14 to 17. Figure 14 is a flowchart showing the generation process of the second display data DH2 performed by the management processing unit 83 included in the support device 100 of this embodiment. The second support program 821 causes the management processing unit 83 to function to perform the processes shown in Figure 14. Specifically, the management processing unit 83 generates the second display data DH2 when one business operator constituting the supply chain SC supplies hydrogen to a business operator one step downstream (a hydrogen consumer). Hereinafter, the hydrogen consumer may be referred to as the "consumer." Also, the business operator that supplies hydrogen to the consumer may be referred to as the "supplier."

[0197] The following describes a case where a supplier can supply multiple types of hydrogen to a consumer. These multiple types of hydrogen may be stored in separate tanks (storage facilities), or they may be stored in a mixed state in a single tank (storage facility).

[0198] The process shown in Figure 14 includes steps S11 to S15. By executing the process shown in Figure 14, the management processing unit 83 presents the consumer with at least one combination of hydrogen to be purchased. Note that one hydrogen combination contains one or more hydrogen atoms.

[0199] In step S11, the management processing unit 83 receives purchase condition data via the management communication unit 81. The purchase condition data is transmitted from a terminal device owned by the customer (any of terminal devices 21, 31, 41, 51, and 61). The purchase condition data indicates the purchase conditions set by the customer. The purchase condition data indicates at least one purchase condition. In this embodiment, the purchase condition data includes the following first to fourth purchase conditions.

[0200] <First Purchase Condition> The first purchase condition indicates the amount of hydrogen to be purchased (target purchase amount). In other words, the first purchase condition indicates the amount of hydrogen that consumers need.

[0201] <Second Purchase Condition> The second purchase condition indicates the permissible limit for GHG emissions.

[0202] <Third Purchase Condition> The third purchase condition is to indicate the origin of the hydrogen.

[0203] <Fourth Purchase Condition> The fourth purchase condition specifies the country of origin of the hydrogen.

[0204] In step S12, the management processing unit 83 receives supply condition data and priority data via the management communication unit 81. The supply condition data and priority data are transmitted from a terminal device owned by the supplier (any of terminal devices 11, 21, 31, 41, and 51). The supply condition data indicates the supply conditions set by the supplier. The supply condition data indicates at least one supply condition. In this embodiment, the supply condition data includes the following first to fourth supply conditions.

[0205] <First Supply Condition> The first supply condition indicates that a combination of hydrogens will be selected from among several hydrogen combinations, including the hydrogen with the highest CI value as the preferred hydrogen.

[0206] <Second Supply Condition> The second supply condition indicates that the hydrogen combination that yields the largest amount of preferred hydrogen will be selected from among several hydrogen combinations.

[0207] <Third Supply Condition> The third supply condition indicates that the hydrogen combination containing the smallest amount of hydrogen will be selected from among several hydrogen combinations.

[0208] <Fourth Supply Condition> The fourth supply condition indicates that the hydrogen combination that results in the smallest number of hydrogen atoms being combined will be selected from among several hydrogen combinations.

[0209] Priority hydrogen is one example of a "priority energy source."

[0210] Priority data indicates the priority of multiple supply conditions. The priority is set by the supplier. In this embodiment, priority data indicates the priority of the first, second, third, and fourth supply conditions.

[0211] In step S13, the management processing unit 83 generates hydrogen combination data based on the attribute information of the management data DM corresponding to each hydrogen that can be supplied from the supplier to the consumer, the purchase condition data, the supply condition data, and the priority data. The hydrogen combination data indicates at least one of the hydrogen combinations that can be supplied from the supplier to the consumer.

[0212] In step S14, the management processing unit 83 generates second display data DH2 based on the hydrogen combination data. The second display data DH2 indicates at least one of the hydrogen combinations that can be supplied from the supplier to the consumer. More specifically, the second display data DH2 indicates a hydrogen combination that satisfies both the consumer's purchase conditions and the supplier's supply conditions, among the hydrogen combinations that can be supplied from the supplier to the consumer.

[0213] In step S15, the management processing unit 83 transmits the second display data DH2 via the management communication unit 81. The destination of the second display data DH2 is set by the management processing unit 83 to a terminal device owned by the customer. As a result, an image based on the second display data DH2 is displayed on the terminal display unit of the customer's terminal device. The image based on the second display data DH2 shows a combination of hydrogen that satisfies the customer's purchase conditions and the supplier's supply conditions. Therefore, the support device 100 can present the customer with a combination of hydrogen that satisfies the customer's purchase conditions. As a result, the convenience of the customer is improved.

[0214] Next, with reference to Figures 15 to 17, an example of the process for generating hydrogen combination data (step S13 in Figure 14) will be explained. Figures 15 to 17 are flowcharts showing an example of the process for generating hydrogen combination data executed by the management processing unit 83 included in the support device 100 of this embodiment. The process shown in Figures 15 to 17 includes steps S21 to S38. The priority order of the supply conditions is first supply condition, second supply condition, third supply condition, and fourth supply condition.

[0215] As shown in Figure 15, in step S21, the management processing unit 83 obtains all possible combinations of hydrogen that can be supplied from suppliers to consumers, for example, based on a dynamic optimization algorithm. Once the management processing unit 83 has obtained all combinations, it applies the following equations (1) and (2) to each combination. Equation (1) corresponds to the first purchase condition. Equation (2) corresponds to the second purchase condition.

[0216] Q(A1)×z1 + Q(A2)×z2 + Q(A3)×z3 + ... + Q(Am)×zm = Amount of hydrogen purchased ... (1) GHG(A1)×z1 + GHG(A2)×z2 + GHG(A3)×z3 + ... + GHG(Am)×zm ≤ Permissible limit for GHG emissions ... (2)

[0217] In equation (1), "Q(A1)", "Q(A2)", "Q(A3)", ..., "Q(Am)" represent the amount of each hydrogen contained in a given hydrogen combination. In equation (2), "GHG(A1)", "GHG(A2)", "GHG(A3)", ..., "GHG(Am)" represent the GHG emissions of each hydrogen contained in a given hydrogen combination. In equations (1) and (2), "z1", "z2", "z3", ..., "zm" represent proportions. The left side of equation (1) represents the total amount of hydrogen. The left side of equation (2) represents the total GHG emissions.

[0218] For example, when equations (1) and (2) are applied to a combination of hydrogens consisting of three hydrogens A1, A2, and A3, they become the following equations (1-1) and (2-1): Q(A1) × z1 + Q(A2) × z2 + Q(A3) × z3 = Amount of hydrogen to be purchased ... (1-1) GHG(A1) × z1 + GHG(A2) × z2 + GHG(A3) × z3 ≤ Permissible limit of GHG emissions ... (2-1)

[0219] Note that the number of hydrogen atoms in a hydrogen combination may be just one. For example, equations (1) and (2) applied to a combination containing only hydrogen A1 become equations (1-2) and (2-2) below: Q(A1) × z1 = Amount of hydrogen to be purchased ... (1-2) GHG(A1) × z1 ≤ Permissible limit for GHG emissions ... (2-2)

[0220] In the following, when it is not necessary to distinguish between "z1", "z2", "z3", ..., "zm", "z1", "z2", "z3", ..., "zm" may be written as "the proportion z of each hydrogen".

[0221] In step S22, the management processing unit 83 substitutes "1" for the ratio z of each hydrogen in formula (1) applied to each combination, and deletes hydrogen combinations that do not satisfy the first purchase condition. Then, the management processing unit 83 determines whether or not there is one hydrogen combination remaining (step S23).

[0222] If the management processing unit 83 determines that there is one remaining hydrogen combination (Yes in step S23), it determines whether the remaining hydrogen combination includes preferred hydrogen (step S37), as shown in Figure 17. In other words, the management processing unit 83 determines whether the remaining hydrogen combination satisfies the first supply condition.

[0223] If the management processing unit 83 determines that the remaining hydrogen combination includes preferred hydrogen (Yes in step S37), it calculates the proportion z of each hydrogen based on equations (1) and (2) applied to the remaining hydrogen combination and the second supply conditions (step S35). As a result, the proportion z of each hydrogen is calculated so that the proportion of preferred hydrogen is maximized while satisfying the amount of hydrogen required by the consumer and the GHG emissions within the range acceptable to the consumer. In more detail, the management processing unit 83 may change the proportion z of each hydrogen in a constant increment to calculate the proportion z of each hydrogen so that the first purchase condition (equation (1)), the second purchase condition (equation (2)), and the second supply conditions are satisfied.

[0224] The management processing unit 83 calculates the proportion z of each hydrogen and generates hydrogen combination data based on the formula (1) applied to the remaining hydrogen combinations and the calculated proportion z of each hydrogen (step S36). If multiple combinations of proportion z are calculated as the proportion z of each hydrogen, the hydrogen combination data will show multiple combinations in which the proportion z of each hydrogen is different from each other.

[0225] If the management processing unit 83 determines that the remaining hydrogen combination does not include preferred hydrogen (No. in step S37), it calculates the proportion z of each hydrogen based on equations (1) and (2) applied to the remaining hydrogen combination (step S38). As a result, the proportion z of each hydrogen is calculated to satisfy the amount of hydrogen required by the consumer and the GHG emissions within the range acceptable to the consumer. In detail, the management processing unit 83 may change the proportion z of each hydrogen in a fixed increment to calculate the proportion z of each hydrogen so that the first purchase condition (equation (1)) and the second purchase condition (equation (2)) are satisfied. Once the proportion z of each hydrogen is calculated, the management processing unit 83 generates hydrogen combination data (step S36).

[0226] If the number of remaining hydrogen combinations is zero, the management processing unit 83 may terminate the process shown in Figure 14 and send a message to the terminal device owned by the consumer indicating, for example, that the hydrogen desired by the consumer is not available.

[0227] As shown in Figure 15, if the management processing unit 83 determines that there is more than one remaining hydrogen combination (No. in step S23), it removes hydrogen combinations that do not satisfy the third purchase condition from the remaining hydrogen combinations (step S24). For example, if the third purchase condition is the water electrolysis method, the management processing unit 83 removes hydrogen combinations that do not contain hydrogen produced by the water electrolysis method.

[0228] In step S25, the management processing unit 83 determines, in the same manner as in step S23, whether or not there is one remaining hydrogen combination. If it is determined that there is one remaining hydrogen combination (Yes in step S25), the processing executed by the management processing unit 83 proceeds to step S37 in Figure 17.

[0229] If the management processing unit 83 determines that there is more than one remaining hydrogen combination (No. in step S25), it removes hydrogen combinations that do not satisfy the fourth purchase condition from the remaining hydrogen combinations (step S26). For example, if the fourth purchase condition indicates country X, the management processing unit 83 removes hydrogen combinations that do not contain hydrogen from country X.

[0230] In step S27, the management processing unit 83 determines, in the same manner as in step S23, whether or not there is one remaining hydrogen combination. If it is determined that there is one remaining hydrogen combination (Yes in step S27), the processing executed by the management processing unit 83 proceeds to step S37 in Figure 17.

[0231] If the control processing unit 83 determines that there is more than one combination of hydrogen remaining (No. in step S27), it determines whether or not there is a combination of hydrogen that satisfies the first supply condition among the remaining combinations of hydrogen (step S28). Specifically, the control processing unit 83 determines whether or not there is a combination of hydrogen that includes preferred hydrogen among the remaining combinations of hydrogen.

[0232] If it is determined that there is no hydrogen combination among the remaining hydrogen combinations that satisfies the first supply condition (No. in step S28), the processing performed by the management processing unit 83 proceeds to step S31 in Figure 16.

[0233] If the management processing unit 83 determines that there is a hydrogen combination among the remaining hydrogen combinations that satisfies the first supply condition (Yes in step S28), it deletes the hydrogen combination that does not satisfy the first supply condition (step S29), as shown in Figure 16. In other words, the management processing unit 83 deletes the hydrogen combination that does not contain the preferred hydrogen.

[0234] In step S30, the management processing unit 83 determines, similar to step S23, whether or not there is one remaining hydrogen combination. If it is determined that there is one remaining hydrogen combination (Yes in step S30), the processing executed by the management processing unit 83 proceeds to step S35 in Figure 17.

[0235] If the management processing unit 83 determines that there is more than one combination of hydrogen remaining (No. in step S30), it determines whether there is a combination of hydrogen among the remaining combinations that satisfies the third supply condition (step S31). Specifically, the management processing unit 83 determines whether there is a combination among the remaining combinations of hydrogen that contains the smallest amount of hydrogen available for supply by the supplier.

[0236] If it is determined that there are no hydrogen combinations that satisfy the third supply condition (No in step S31), the processing performed by the management processing unit 83 proceeds to step S34 in Figure 17. If the management processing unit 83 determines that there are hydrogen combinations that satisfy the third supply condition among the remaining hydrogen combinations (Yes in step S31), it deletes the hydrogen combinations that do not satisfy the third supply condition (step S32).

[0237] In step S33, the management processing unit 83 determines, in the same manner as in step S23, whether or not there is one remaining hydrogen combination. If it is determined that there is one remaining hydrogen combination (Yes in step S33), the processing executed by the management processing unit 83 proceeds to step S35 in Figure 17.

[0238] If the control processing unit 83 determines that there is more than one remaining hydrogen combination (No. in step S33), it selects a hydrogen combination that satisfies the fourth supply condition from among the remaining hydrogen combinations, as shown in Figure 17 (step S34). More specifically, the control processing unit 83 selects the hydrogen combination that uses the fewest number of hydrogens from among the remaining hydrogen combinations. Then, the control processing unit 83 calculates the proportion z of each hydrogen for each of the selected hydrogen combinations (step S35).

[0239] In the process described with reference to Figures 15 to 17, the management processing unit 83 generated hydrogen combination data based on priority data. However, after generating hydrogen combination data based on priority data, the management processing unit 83 may swap the priorities of the first to fourth supply conditions and generate other combination data. For example, the management processing unit 83 may set the priority of the fourth supply condition higher than the priority of the first supply condition and generate other combination data. By generating other combination data, the management processing unit 83 enables consumers to compare and consider multiple hydrogen combinations. As a result, consumer convenience is further improved.

[0240] Embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above with reference to Figures 1 to 17. In these embodiments, the energy source was hydrogen, but the energy source is not limited to hydrogen. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the energy source may be ammonia or methane, or fossil fuels such as coal or liquefied natural gas.

[0241] Furthermore, the first support program 724 and the second support program 821 according to one aspect of this disclosure cause at least one processor to execute a support method. The first support program 724 and the second support program 821 may each be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. The storage medium is a non-transitory and tangible medium. The storage medium may be built into or external to a computer. The storage medium includes RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), storage, etc., and may be, for example, a hard disk, flash memory, optical disc, etc. The first support program 724 stored on the storage medium may be executed on a computer to which the storage medium is directly connected, or on a computer connected to the storage medium via a network. Similarly, the second support program 821 stored on the storage medium may be executed on a computer to which the storage medium is directly connected, or on a computer connected to the storage medium via a network. The network is, for example, the internet. The first support program 724 and the second support program 821 may be stored on the same storage medium.

[0242] Furthermore, the functions of the elements disclosed herein can be performed using circuits or processing circuits, including general-purpose processors, dedicated processors, integrated circuits, ASICs, conventional circuits, and / or combinations thereof, configured or programmed to perform the disclosed functions. A processor is considered a processing circuit or circuit because it includes transistors and other circuits. In this disclosure, a circuit, unit, or means is hardware that performs the enumerated functions, or hardware programmed to perform the enumerated functions. The hardware may be hardware disclosed herein, or other known hardware that is programmed or configured to perform the enumerated functions. If the hardware is a processor, which is considered a type of circuit, then the circuit, means, or unit is a combination of hardware and software, and the software is used to configure the hardware and / or the processor.

[0243] According to this embodiment, the support method assists hydrogen consumers by managing attribute information for each of several hydrogen sources, which are an example of multiple energy sources of the same type. Each attribute information includes the amount of hydrogen, the GHG emissions related to that hydrogen, and the environmental value (CI value) of the corresponding hydrogen. Each of the multiple hydrogen sources is supplied to the consumer through at least one process. The environmental value (CI value) changes as the process is executed. The process is executed by a business operator upstream of the consumer in the hydrogen supply chain SC. The support method of this embodiment includes receiving collected data DG, which includes data on the amount of hydrogen (hydrogen quantity data) and data indicating the activity level of the business operator (activity level data), and updating the attribute information corresponding to the collected data DG based on the collected data DG. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the latest information on the amount of hydrogen, GHG emissions, and environmental value (CI value) can be presented to the hydrogen consumer (purchaser) for each hydrogen source. As a result, consumers can purchase hydrogen by referring to the presented latest information. Thus, consumer convenience is improved.

[0244] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the amount of hydrogen changes as the process is executed. Therefore, according to this embodiment, even when managing information on energy sources whose quantity changes as the process is executed, the latest information on the quantity of each energy source can be presented to the consumer (purchaser). As a result, consumers can purchase energy sources by referring to the latest information presented. Thus, consumer convenience is improved.

[0245] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the support method further includes receiving purchase condition data set by the user, and generating combination data that indicates at least one of the hydrogen combinations based on attribute information and the purchase condition data, wherein the hydrogen combination indicates at least one hydrogen. Therefore, according to this embodiment, hydrogen combinations can be presented based on the purchase conditions set by the hydrogen user (purchaser). As a result, the user can purchase hydrogen that matches the purchase conditions they have set. Thus, the user's convenience is improved.

[0246] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the purchase condition data includes the amount of hydrogen to be purchased and the permissible limit for GHG emissions. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to present a combination of hydrogen that matches the amount of hydrogen to be purchased and does not exceed the permissible limit for GHG emissions. Thus, convenience for consumers is improved.

[0247] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the purchase condition data further includes at least one of the origin of the hydrogen and the place of origin of the hydrogen. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the preferences of the consumer (purchaser) can be better reflected in the hydrogen combination.

[0248] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the support method further includes receiving supply condition data set by the supplier. The supplier is a business operator that supplies energy sources to consumers among the businesses that constitute the supply chain SC. When generating hydrogen combination data, the support method of this embodiment generates hydrogen combination data based on attribute information, purchase condition data, and supply condition data. The supply condition data also includes at least one of the first supply condition, second supply condition, third supply condition, and fourth supply condition. The first supply condition indicates selecting a combination that includes preferred hydrogen from among the hydrogen combinations. Preferred hydrogen is the hydrogen with the highest environmental value (CI value) among the hydrogen that the supplier can supply. The second supply condition indicates selecting a combination that has the largest amount of preferred hydrogen from among the hydrogen combinations. The third supply condition indicates selecting a combination that includes the smallest amount of hydrogen that the supplier can supply from among the hydrogen combinations. The fourth supply condition indicates selecting a combination that has the smallest number of hydrogens to combine from among the hydrogen combinations.

[0249] According to this embodiment, since the combination of hydrogen is selected based on the first and second supply conditions, further deterioration of the environmental value of hydrogen can be avoided. Specifically, the higher the CI value of hydrogen, the more deteriorated it becomes. Furthermore, the environmental value deteriorates over time. In contrast, according to this embodiment, since the combination of hydrogen is selected based on the first and second supply conditions, it is possible to encourage consumers (purchasers) to actively purchase hydrogen with a high environmental value (CI value). Therefore, further deterioration of the environmental value of hydrogen can be avoided.

[0250] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the combination of hydrogen is selected based on the third supply conditions, it is possible to encourage consumers to actively purchase hydrogen when their remaining amount is low. Therefore, hydrogen inventory management by suppliers becomes easier.

[0251] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the combination of hydrogen is selected based on the fourth supply condition, it becomes easier for consumers to manage information about hydrogen. Specifically, consumers manage information about the hydrogen they purchase. Therefore, as the number of hydrogens to be combined increases, the amount of information that consumers need to manage increases. In contrast, according to this embodiment, since the combination of hydrogen is selected based on the fourth supply condition, the increase in the amount of information that consumers need to manage can be suppressed. Thus, it becomes easier for consumers to manage information about hydrogen.

[0252] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the support method further includes receiving priority data indicating the priority order of the first, second, third, and fourth supply conditions. When generating hydrogen combination data, the support method of this embodiment generates hydrogen combination data based on attribute information, purchase condition data, supply condition data, and priority data. Therefore, according to this embodiment, suppliers can arbitrarily set the priority order of the first, second, third, and fourth supply conditions, thereby better reflecting their preferences in the hydrogen combination. Thus, the convenience for suppliers is improved.

[0253] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the value of environmental value (CI value) corresponds to the value obtained by dividing GHG emissions by the amount of hydrogen. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the value of environmental value can be expressed with objective data. Thus, the management of environmental value becomes easier.

[0254] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the businesses constituting the supply chain SC include a hydrogen manufacturer, a hydrogen storage company, and a hydrogen transport company. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the amount of GHG emitted during hydrogen production, the amount of GHG emitted during hydrogen storage, and the amount of GHG emitted during hydrogen transport can be reflected in the change over time of the value of environmental impact (CI value). Thus, the value of environmental impact can be determined more accurately.

[0255] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the businesses constituting the supply chain SC further include businesses that convert the state of hydrogen. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the amount of GHG emitted during the state conversion of hydrogen can be reflected in the change over time of the value of environmental impact (CI value). Thus, the value of environmental impact can be determined more accurately.

[0256] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the support device 100 supports hydrogen consumers by managing the attribute information of each of several hydrogen sources, which are an example of multiple energy sources of the same type. Each attribute information includes the amount of hydrogen, the GHG emissions related to the hydrogen, and the value of the environmental value (CI value) of the hydrogen. Each of the multiple hydrogen sources is supplied to the consumer through at least one process. The value of the environmental value (CI value) changes depending on the execution of the process. The process is executed by a business operator upstream of the consumer in the hydrogen supply chain SC. In this embodiment, the support device 100 includes a server communication unit 71 that receives collected data DG, which includes data on the amount of hydrogen (hydrogen amount data) and data indicating the activity level of the business operator (activity level data), and a management processing unit 83 that updates the attribute information corresponding to the collected data DG based on the collected data DG. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the latest information on the amount of hydrogen, GHG emissions, and value of the environmental value (CI value) for each hydrogen source can be presented to the hydrogen consumer (purchaser). As a result, consumers can purchase hydrogen by referring to the presented latest information. Thus, consumer convenience is improved.

[0257] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the first support program 724 and the second support program 821 are computer programs that cause a computer to function in order to support hydrogen consumers by managing the attribute information of each of several hydrogens, which are an example of multiple energy sources of the same type. Each attribute information includes the amount of hydrogen, the GHG emissions related to the hydrogen, and the value of the environmental value (CI value) of the hydrogen. Each of the multiple hydrogens is supplied to the consumer through at least one process. The value of the environmental value (CI value) changes as the process is executed. The process is executed by a business operator upstream of the consumer in the hydrogen supply chain SC. The first support program 724 and the second support program 821 receive collected data DG, which includes data on the amount of hydrogen (hydrogen amount data) and data indicating the activity level of the business operator (activity level data), and cause the computer to function to update the attribute information corresponding to the collected data DG based on the collected data DG. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the latest information on the amount of hydrogen, GHG emissions, and value of the environmental value (CI value) can be presented to the hydrogen consumer (purchaser) for each hydrogen. As a result, consumers can purchase hydrogen by referring to the latest information provided. Therefore, consumer convenience is improved.

[0258] Furthermore, according to other embodiments of this disclosure, the energy source includes ammonia or methane. Accordingly, according to other embodiments, up-to-date information on the amount of ammonia or methane, GHG emissions, and environmental value can be presented to the consumer (purchaser) for each ammonia or methane. As a result, the consumer can purchase ammonia or methane by referring to the presented up-to-date information. Thus, consumer convenience is improved.

[0259] Embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above with reference to the drawings (Figures 1 to 17). However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from its essence. Furthermore, the multiple components disclosed in the above embodiments can be modified as appropriate. For example, some components from all the components shown in one embodiment may be added to the components of another embodiment, or some components from all the components shown in one embodiment may be removed from the embodiment.

[0260] Furthermore, the drawings schematically show each component in order to facilitate understanding, and the thickness, length, number, spacing, etc. of each component shown may differ from the actual dimensions due to the constraints of drawing creation. Also, the configuration of each component shown in the above embodiments is merely an example and is not particularly limiting, and it goes without saying that various modifications are possible within the scope that does not substantially deviate from the effects of this disclosure.

[0261] For example, the support device 100 may further manage information on the price of each hydrogen. In this case, when the management processing unit 83 presents hydrogen combinations to consumers, it may also present the total price of the combined hydrogen. Alternatively, the purchase condition data may include purchase conditions that indicate an upper limit on the purchase price. In this case, since hydrogen combinations that are below the upper limit on the purchase price are presented to consumers, consumer convenience is further improved.

[0262] Furthermore, in the embodiments described with reference to Figures 1 to 17, the energy source (hydrogen) was transported by a transport vessel (transport ship D), but the means of transporting the energy source are not limited to transport vessels. For example, the energy source may be transported by transport vehicles such as tank trucks, or by rail or pipeline. Alternatively, the energy source may be transported by a combination of at least two of the transport vessels, transport vehicles, rail, pipeline, etc.

[0263] Furthermore, in the embodiment described with reference to Figures 1 to 17, the manufacturing plant A is equipped with storage equipment 13, but storage equipment 13 may be omitted. Storage equipment 23 and storage equipment 62 can also be omitted in the same way as storage equipment 13.

[0264] Furthermore, in the embodiments described with reference to Figures 1 to 17, the terminal devices 11, 21, 31, 41, 51, and 61 were external elements of the support device 100, but the terminal devices 11, 21, 31, 41, 51, and 61 may also be components of the support device 100. In other words, the support device 100 may further include, in addition to the data server 70 and the data management device 80, terminal devices 11, 21, 31, 41, 51, and 61.

[0265] Furthermore, in the embodiment described with reference to Figures 1 to 17, the support device 100 includes one data server 70, but the data server 70 may be distributed among multiple servers.

[0266] Furthermore, in the embodiment described with reference to Figures 1 to 17, the support device 100 is equipped with a data server 70, but the data server 70 may be omitted. In this case, the management storage unit 82 may store the first support program 724 and the second support program 821, or it may store a computer program that integrates the first support program 724 and the second support program 821.

[0267] Furthermore, in the embodiment described with reference to Figures 1 to 17, the management processing unit 83 calculated the GHG emissions, but the management processing unit 83 may also convert the GHG emissions into carbon dioxide emissions.

[0268] Furthermore, in the embodiment described with reference to Figures 1 to 17, when the management processing unit 83 receives new collected data DG from the data server 70, it refers to existing management data DM to determine whether the new collected data DG is collected data DG of newly manufactured hydrogen. However, the management processing unit 83 may also refer to existing collected data DG stored in the first database 721 to determine whether the new collected data DG is collected data DG of newly manufactured hydrogen. More specifically, the management processing unit 83 may determine whether the new collected data DG is collected data DG of newly manufactured hydrogen based on whether it was able to find the collected data DG corresponding to the new collected data DG from the existing collected data DG. In this case, the management processing unit 83 extracts the management data DM associated with the searched collected data DG from the second database 722 in response to its determination that the new collected data DG is not collected data DG of newly manufactured hydrogen.

[0269] Furthermore, in the embodiment described with reference to Figures 1 to 17, the management processing unit 83 determined the hydrogen combination based on the amount of hydrogen required by the user. However, the management processing unit 83 may also determine the hydrogen combination based on the amount of heat required by the hydrogen user.

[0270] Furthermore, in the embodiments described with reference to Figures 1 to 17, the purchase condition data includes the first to fourth purchase conditions, but one or both of the third and fourth purchase conditions may be omitted.

[0271] Furthermore, in the embodiment described with reference to Figures 1 to 17, the supply condition data includes the first to fourth supply conditions, but at least one of the first to fourth supply conditions may be omitted.

[0272] Furthermore, in the embodiments described with reference to Figures 1 to 17, hydrogen gas or compressed hydrogen gas was liquefied, but the hydrogen gas or compressed hydrogen gas does not need to be liquefied. Therefore, the shipping base C and receiving base E may store hydrogen gas or compressed hydrogen gas. The transport ship D may transport hydrogen gas or compressed hydrogen gas. Alternatively, the hydrogen gas may be converted into other storage substances such as toluene.

[0273] [Note] This disclosure further discloses the following aspects, which are not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0274] [Aspect 1] A support method for managing attribute information of multiple energy sources of the same type to support consumers of the energy sources, wherein each attribute information includes the quantity of the corresponding energy source, the amount of greenhouse gas emissions related to the corresponding energy source, and the value of the environmental value of the corresponding energy source, each of the multiple energy sources is supplied to the consumer through at least one process, the execution of the process changes the value of the environmental value, the process is executed by a business operator upstream of the consumer in the energy source supply chain, and the support method includes receiving collected data including data relating to the quantity of the energy sources and data indicating the activity level of the business operator, and updating the attribute information corresponding to the collected data based on the collected data.

[0275] [Aspect 2] The support method according to aspect 1, wherein the amount of the energy source changes as the process is executed.

[0276] [Aspect 3] The support method according to aspect 1 or aspect 2, further comprising receiving purchase condition data set by the consumer, and generating combination data indicating at least one of the combinations of energy sources based on the attribute information and the purchase condition data, wherein the combination of energy sources indicates at least one of the energy sources.

[0277] [Aspect 4] The support method according to aspect 3, wherein the purchase condition data includes the amount of energy source to be purchased and the permissible value of greenhouse gas emissions.

[0278] [Aspect 5] The support method according to aspect 4, wherein the purchase condition data further includes at least one of the origin of the energy source and the country of origin of the energy source.

[0279] [Aspect 6] The support method according to any one of aspects 1 to 5, further comprising receiving supply condition data set by a supplier, wherein the supplier is a business operator that supplies the energy source to the consumer, and when generating the combination data, the combination data is generated based on the attribute information, the purchase condition data and the supply condition data, the supply condition data includes at least one of a first supply condition, a second supply condition, a third supply condition and a fourth supply condition, the first supply condition indicates selecting a combination from the combination of energy sources that includes a preferred energy source which has the highest value to the environment, the second supply condition indicates selecting a combination from the combination of energy sources that has the largest amount of the preferred energy source, the third supply condition indicates selecting a combination from the combination of energy sources that includes the smallest amount of the energy source among the plurality of energy sources, and the fourth supply condition indicates selecting a combination from the combination of energy sources that has the smallest number of energy sources to be combined.

[0280] [Aspect 7] The support method according to aspect 6, further comprising receiving priority data indicating the priority order of the first supply condition, the second supply condition, the third supply condition and the fourth supply condition, and generating the combination data based on the attribute information, the purchase condition data, the supply condition data and the priority data.

[0281] [Aspect 8] The support method according to any one of aspects 1 to 7, wherein the value of the value to the environment corresponds to the value obtained by dividing the greenhouse gas emissions by the amount of the energy source.

[0282] [Aspect 9] The support method according to any one of aspects 1 to 8, wherein the businesses constituting the supply chain include a manufacturer that produces the energy source, a storage company that stores the energy source, and a transport company that transports the energy source.

[0283] [Aspect 10] The support method according to aspect 9, wherein the businesses constituting the supply chain further include businesses that convert the state of the energy source.

[0284] [Aspect 11] The support method according to any one of aspects 1 to 10, wherein the energy source includes hydrogen, ammonia, or methane.

[0285] [Aspect 12] A support device for supporting consumers of energy sources by managing attribute information of each of a plurality of energy sources of the same type, wherein each attribute information includes the quantity of the corresponding energy source, the amount of greenhouse gas emissions related to the corresponding energy source, and the value of the environmental value of the corresponding energy source, each of the plurality of energy sources is supplied to the consumer through at least one process, the value of the environmental value changes as a result of the execution of the process, the process is executed by a business operator upstream of the consumer in the supply chain of the energy source, and the support device comprises a receiving unit that receives collected data including data relating to the quantity of the energy source and data indicating the activity level of the business operator, and a processing unit that updates the attribute information corresponding to the collected data based on the collected data.

[0286] [Aspect 13] A computer program that causes a computer to function in order to manage attribute information of multiple energy sources of the same type and to support consumers of the energy sources, wherein each attribute information includes the quantity of the corresponding energy source, the amount of greenhouse gas emissions related to the corresponding energy source, and the value of the environmental value of the corresponding energy source, each of the multiple energy sources is supplied to the consumer through at least one process, the execution of the process changes the value of the environmental value, the process is executed by a business operator upstream of the consumer in the energy source supply chain, the computer program receives collected data including data relating to the quantity of the energy source and data indicating the activity level of the business operator, and causes the computer to function to update the attribute information corresponding to the collected data based on the collected data.

Claims

1. A support method for managing attribute information of multiple energy sources of the same type to support consumers of the energy sources, wherein each attribute information includes the quantity of the corresponding energy source, the greenhouse gas emissions related to the corresponding energy source, and the value of the environmental value of the corresponding energy source; each of the multiple energy sources is supplied to the consumer through at least one process, the execution of the process changes the value of the environmental value; the process is executed by a business operator upstream of the consumer in the energy source supply chain; and the support method includes receiving collected data including data relating to the quantity of the energy sources and data indicating the activity level of the business operator; and updating the attribute information corresponding to the collected data based on the collected data.

2. The support method according to claim 1, wherein the amount of the energy source changes as the process is executed.

3. The support method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising receiving purchase condition data set by the consumer, and generating combination data indicating at least one of the combinations of energy sources based on the attribute information and the purchase condition data, wherein the combination of energy sources indicates at least one of the energy sources.

4. The support method according to claim 3, wherein the purchase condition data includes the amount of energy source to be purchased and the permissible value of greenhouse gas emissions.

5. The support method according to claim 4, wherein the purchase condition data further includes at least one of the origin of the energy source and the country of origin of the energy source.

6. The support method according to claim 3, further comprising receiving supply condition data set by a supplier, wherein the supplier is a business operator that supplies the energy source to the consumer, and when generating the combination data, the combination data is generated based on the attribute information, the purchase condition data and the supply condition data, the supply condition data includes at least one of a first supply condition, a second supply condition, a third supply condition and a fourth supply condition, the first supply condition indicates selecting a combination from the combination of energy sources that includes a preferred energy source which has the highest value to the environment, the second supply condition indicates selecting a combination from the combination of energy sources that has the largest amount of the preferred energy source, the third supply condition indicates selecting a combination from the combination of energy sources that includes the smallest amount of the energy source among the plurality of energy sources, and the fourth supply condition indicates selecting a combination from the combination of energy sources that has the smallest number of energy sources to be combined.

7. The support method according to claim 6, further comprising receiving priority data indicating the priority order of the first supply condition, the second supply condition, the third supply condition and the fourth supply condition, wherein when generating the combination data, the combination data is generated based on the attribute information, the purchase condition data, the supply condition data and the priority data.

8. The support method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the value of the value to the environment corresponds to the value obtained by dividing the greenhouse gas emissions by the amount of the energy source.

9. The support method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the businesses constituting the supply chain include a manufacturer that produces the energy source, a storage operator that stores the energy source, and a transport operator that transports the energy source.

10. The support method according to claim 9, wherein the businesses constituting the supply chain further include businesses that convert the state of the energy source.

11. The support method according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the energy source comprises hydrogen, ammonia, or methane.

12. A support device for supporting consumers of multiple energy sources of the same type by managing attribute information for each of the energy sources, wherein each attribute information includes the quantity of the corresponding energy source, the amount of greenhouse gas emissions related to the corresponding energy source, and the value of the environmental value of the corresponding energy source, each of the multiple energy sources is supplied to the consumer through at least one process, the execution of the process changes the value of the environmental value, the process is executed by a business operator upstream of the consumer in the energy source supply chain, and the support device comprises a receiving unit that receives collected data including data relating to the quantity of the energy source and data indicating the activity level of the business operator, and a processing unit that updates the attribute information corresponding to the collected data based on the collected data.

13. A computer program that causes a computer to function in order to manage attribute information of multiple energy sources of the same type and to assist consumers of the energy sources, wherein each attribute information includes the quantity of the corresponding energy source, the greenhouse gas emissions related to the corresponding energy source, and the value of the environmental value of the corresponding energy source, each of the multiple energy sources is supplied to the consumer through at least one process, the execution of which changes the value of the environmental value, the process is performed by an operator upstream of the consumer in the energy source supply chain, the computer program receives collected data including data relating to the quantity of the energy sources and data indicating the activity level of the operator, and causes the computer to function to update the attribute information corresponding to the collected data based on the collected data.

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