CN113544603A

CN113544603A - Simulation device, simulation program, and simulation method

Info

Publication number: CN113544603A
Application number: CN201980093672.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 京屋贵则
Original assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corp
Current assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corp
Priority date: 2019-03-13
Filing date: 2019-03-13
Publication date: 2021-10-22
Also published as: TW202034203A; WO2020183647A1; JPWO2020183647A1; JP6925565B2

Abstract

A grid calculation unit (120) creates a piping model of a grid piping circuit having a plurality of valves and a plurality of pipes that can be opened and closed by control, based on the input grid thickness, and each of the plurality of pipes connects the valves to each other, arranges the plurality of pipes in a grid pattern, and allows a fluid to flow in. A grid calculation unit (120) combines a piping model with a plant layout model representing a model of a plant using a grid piping circuit, thereby creating a plant model that is a model of a simulation object. A construction cost calculation unit (130) calculates the construction cost of the plant shown in the plant model. A production cost calculation unit (140) simulates a plant model and calculates the operating cost of the plant operating using the grid piping circuit. A mesh effect evaluation unit (170) evaluates the effect of the mesh piping circuit based on the construction cost and the operation cost.

Description

Simulation device, simulation program, and simulation method

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a simulation device for a supply path through which a fluid such as compressed air is supplied via a pipe.

Background

Conventionally, there are techniques as follows: a candidate for a leakage site of compressed air and a leakage amount in the leakage site are calculated and output by a metaheuristic optimization method using pressure data and a model-based simulation (for example, patent document 1).

However, the prior art is: a device model representing the input/output relationship of a structural device as branches is connected by a plurality of nodes, and a combination of all leakage sites is diagnosed by a simulator. Therefore, the effect of avoiding the loss depending on the variable supply path cannot be evaluated while changing the supply path of the compressed air.

Documents of the prior art

Patent document

Patent document 1: japanese laid-open patent publication No. 2009-259279

Disclosure of Invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

The present invention aims to provide a simulation device which, in order to perform JIT supply of compressed air with suppressed loss in a plant, presupposes connection of a pipe by a controllable on-off valve and meshing of a supply path of the compressed air, and which evaluates and determines in advance, by simulation, an optimum shape of a mesh-type supply path in which the supply path can be changed.

Means for solving the problems

The simulation device of the present invention includes:

a grid calculation unit that, based on an input grid thickness, creates a pipe model that is a model of a grid pipe circuit including a plurality of valves including a plurality of solenoid valves that can be opened and closed by control, and a plurality of pipes each of which connects the valves to each other and arranges the plurality of pipes in a grid shape for inflow of a fluid, the grid calculation unit creating a plant model that is a model of a plant including the grid pipe circuit and is a simulation target by combining the created pipe model with a plant layout model that is a model of a plant using the grid pipe circuit; a construction cost calculation unit that calculates a construction cost of the plant indicated by the plant model; a production cost calculation unit that calculates an operation cost for operating the plant using the grid piping circuit by simulating the plant model; and a mesh effect evaluation unit that evaluates an effect of the mesh piping circuit based on the construction cost and the operation cost.

ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF INVENTION

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a simulation apparatus that evaluates and determines in advance an optimum shape of a mesh-type supply path that can change the supply path by simulation.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a diagram of embodiment 1, and is a diagram showing a fluid supply system 1000 of a plant provided with a simulation target.

Fig. 2 is a diagram of embodiment 1, and is a diagram illustrating a supply path in the mesh piping circuit 800.

Fig. 3 is a diagram of embodiment 1 and is a block diagram showing the configuration of the simulation apparatus 101.

Fig. 4 is a diagram of embodiment 1, and is a diagram showing 4 mesh piping circuits wired by the mesh wiring part 122.

Fig. 5 is a diagram of embodiment 1, and is a diagram showing a production input plan and a process input to the production cost calculation unit 140.

Fig. 6 is a diagram of embodiment 1 and is a timing chart of the analog device 101.

Fig. 7 is a diagram of embodiment 1 and is a flowchart complementary to fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is a diagram of embodiment 2, and is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the simulation apparatus 102.

Fig. 9 is a diagram of embodiment 3 and is a block diagram showing the function of the simulation apparatus 103.

Fig. 10 is a diagram of embodiment 3, and is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the simulation apparatus 103.

Fig. 11 is a diagram of embodiment 3 and a flowchart following fig. 10.

Fig. 12 is a diagram of embodiment 4, and is a flowchart showing the operation of the simulation apparatus 104.

Fig. 13 is a diagram of embodiment 4 and is a flowchart following fig. 12.

Fig. 14 is a diagram of embodiment 5 and shows a hardware configuration of the

simulation apparatuses

101 and 102.

Fig. 15 is a diagram of embodiment 5, and is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of the

simulation apparatuses

103 and 104.

Fig. 16 is a diagram of embodiment 5 and a diagram of a complementary hardware configuration.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding portions are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the description of the embodiments, the description of the same or corresponding portions is omitted or simplified as appropriate.

(1) Hereinafter, the production facility may be referred to as a facility. The production apparatus is a utilization apparatus that utilizes a fluid.

(2) Hereinafter, compressed air is used as the fluid. However, the fluid is not limited to compressed air, and may be an inert gas other than compressed air or a gas such as carbon dioxide. In addition, the fluid may be a liquid. The fluid may be a powder.

(3) Hereinafter, the piping cost database 133, the piping database 151b, and the facility database 152b appear, but they are represented as the piping cost DB133, the piping DB151b, and the facility DB152 b.

(4) Hereinafter, the term "valve" refers to a solenoid valve having a plurality of on-off valves such as 1 or 4 valves and capable of controlling the on-off of the on-off valves unless otherwise stated. The electromagnetic valve is an opening and closing valve.

Embodiment 1.

A simulation apparatus 101 according to embodiment 1 will be described with reference to fig. 1 to 7.

Description of the structure of Tuliuzhang

Fig. 1 shows a fluid supply system 1000 of a plant 700 provided with a simulation object. In fig. 1, the solid line indicates the flow of compressed air, and the broken line indicates the flow of data. The fluid supply system 1000 includes a production execution system 230, a compressor control device 240, a valve control unit 250, and a plant 700. The plant 700 includes a plurality of compressors 710, valves 720, storage tanks 730, valves 740, and a grid piping circuit 800.

< mesh piping circuit 800 >

The grid piping circuit 800 includes a plurality of valves including a plurality of valves 801 that can be opened and closed by control, and a plurality of pipes 802. The valves of the mesh piping circuit 800 may all be solenoid valves, or may include 1 or more manual valves. The grid piping circuit 800 connects the valves 801 to each other via the respective pipes 802 of the plurality of pipes 802, and arranges the plurality of pipes 802 in a grid pattern so that a fluid flows in. The plurality of

utilization devices

810, 810a, and 810b that utilize fluid are connected to different pipes 802 of the plurality of pipes 802, respectively. The valve control unit 250 forms a supply path by controlling the plurality of valves 801 included in the mesh piping circuit 800.

< simulated object >)

The plant 700 of fig. 1 is a target of simulation by the simulation apparatus 101. Hereinafter, a model of the plant 700 to be simulated is referred to as a plant model.

Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating a supply path in the grid piping circuit 800 of the fluid supply system 1000. The upper left diagram of fig. 2 shows circulation pipes of a comparative example of the mesh pipe circuit 800. In the circulation type piping, even when only the equipment C among the equipment a to equipment D is operated (turned on) and the equipment A, B, D is stopped (turned off), the compressed air needs to be supplied to the entire area of the circulation type piping. Therefore, the compressed air also flows through the path for the stopped equipment A, B, D, and thus leakage of the compressed air occurs in this portion.

On the other hand, the mesh piping circuit 800 of embodiment 1 is as follows. The lower left diagram of fig. 2 schematically illustrates a grid piping circuit 800. The valve V at 16 of the grid piping circuit 800 is connected by piping 802. In the lower left diagram of fig. 2, the devices a to D all stop. The upper right diagram of fig. 2 shows a state in which the apparatus C starts operating. In the upper right drawing of fig. 2, the valve V2 of the valve V1 is open, the valve V3 of the valve V2 is open, and the valve V4 of the valve V3 is open, forming a supply path indicated by a solid line. In this case, since the compressed air is not supplied to the portion indicated by the broken line with respect to the circulation type pipe at the upper left in fig. 2, the leakage of the compressed air is small with respect to the circulation type pipe. The lower right diagram of fig. 2 shows a state in which the apparatus B, C, D is operating.

In this figure, except for the upper right state, the valve V5 direction of the valve V4 is open, the valve V6 direction of the valve V5 is open, the valve V10 direction of the valve V5 is open, the valve V7 direction of the valve V6 is open, the valve V8 direction of the valve V7 is open, and the valve V9 direction of the valve V8 is open, so that a compressed air supply path shown by a solid line is formed. In the lower right drawing of fig. 2, the dotted piping in the mesh piping circuit 800 is not used. Therefore, the leakage of the compressed air is small compared to the circulation type pipe.

The simulation apparatus 101 simulates a plant 700 provided with the grid piping circuit 800 of fig. 2. The simulation apparatus 101 can simulate the construction cost and the operation cost of the plant 700 and evaluate the total cost of each plant model.

< simulation apparatus 101 >

Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the simulation apparatus 101. The simulation apparatus 101 includes a model management unit 110, a grid calculation unit 120, a construction cost calculation unit 130, a production cost calculation unit 140, an operation cost calculation unit 150, a reduction effect calculation unit 160, and a grid effect evaluation unit 170.

< model management part 110 >

The model management unit 110 will be described below. The model management unit 110 includes a plant model management unit 111, a cost model creation unit 112, a piping model creation unit 113, a plant layout model creation unit 114, and an equipment model creation unit 115.

< plant model management section 111 >

The plant model management unit 111 manages a plant model including mesh type piping. As shown in fig. 4 described later, the plant model is data representing a grid-type piping, equipment, and the like of a plant by a model. The plant model is data obtained by modeling the arrangement and connection method of the grid-type piping, equipment, and the like of the plant determined by the grid calculation unit 120 described later. Due to the difference in mesh thickness, there are multiple "factory models". The factory model is used for grid effect evaluation.

The plant model is different from the plant layout model. The plant layout model is a model of the configuration (layout) of the production equipment and associated equipment to the plant floor.

On the other hand, as shown in fig. 4 described later, the plant model is a model of a simulation object in which a plant layout model, a piping model, and the like are combined and operated. The plant model includes not only the arrangement of the production equipment but also the arrangement of the piping and the valve.

< cost model creation section 112 >

The cost model creation unit 112 creates a compressed air cost model. The compressed air cost model is data representing the cost of compressed air by a model. The compressed air cost model is a model for converting the consumption amount of compressed air into cost. The compressed air cost model is used to calculate the cost from the power of the compressor required to supply the compressed air.

< piping model creation unit 113 >

The pipe model creation unit 113 creates a pipe model. The piping model is data representing the mesh piping to which compressed air is supplied by a model. The piping model is used for piping grid design. The piping model is obtained by modeling the material, shape (cross section, thickness, etc.), joint, opening/closing valve, pressure gauge, and the like, which are information required for designing the piping of the equipment related to the consumption and supply of the compressed air, by a general CAD (Computer Aided Design) or the like.

< factory layout model creation section 114 >

The plant layout model creation unit 114 creates a plant layout model. A plant layout model is data that represents a plant layout by a model. The plant layout model is used for piping grid design. The plant layout model is a model obtained by modeling a plant room in which production equipment and related equipment connected to a compressed air pipe are installed, by a general CAD or the like.

< device model creation section 115 >

The device model creation unit 115 creates a device model. The plant model is a model in which the compressed air consumption of the plant is expressed by a model. The equipment model is used for piping grid design and production simulation. The plant model is obtained by modeling the consumption of compressed air according to the operation mode (stop, operation, pause, etc.) of the plant. Here, the operation mode is determined in the production input plan and the production process. The arrangement and wiring of the piping that satisfy the specification of the compressed air consumption are required.

< grid calculating part 120 >

The mesh calculation unit 120 includes a mesh thickness adjustment unit 121 and a mesh wiring unit 122. The mesh calculation unit 120 creates a piping model. The piping model is a model of a mesh piping circuit as follows: the valve assembly includes a plurality of valves including a plurality of solenoid valves which can be opened and closed by control, and a plurality of pipes, and the valves are connected to each other by each of the plurality of pipes, and the plurality of pipes are arranged in a grid pattern, into which a fluid flows. The mesh calculation unit 120 creates a piping model based on the mesh thickness thus input. The grid calculating unit 120 creates a plant model by combining the created piping model and a plant layout model representing a model of a plant using the grid piping circuit. The plant model is a model of a plant including a mesh piping circuit, and is a model of a simulation object.

< adjustment part for mesh thickness 121 >

The mesh-thickness adjusting unit 121 changes the setting so that the thickness-fineness-granularity of the mesh can be indicated to an arbitrary thickness or automatically set to a granularity having a plurality of widths. The mesh-fineness adjusting unit 121 changes the granularity of the mesh from "large fineness" with low introduction cost and small effect to "small fineness" with the opposite effect. The branching portion (between the pipes) may be a joint only or may be an opening/closing valve. The mesh fineness adjustment unit 121 instructs the mesh wiring unit 122 using information on the plant layout model, the equipment model, and the piping model, and the mesh fineness information.

< grid wiring part 122 >

The grid wiring unit 122 automatically performs wiring of the grid piping. The mesh wiring unit 122 automatically performs wiring on the mesh piping according to the mesh thickness setting. The mesh fineness adjustment unit 121 receives opening/closing valve setting information.

Fig. 4 shows 4 mesh piping circuits wired by the mesh wiring unit 122.

(1) The upper left of fig. 4 shows a piping circuit formed in a circulation type by the mesh wiring portion 122 when the mesh thickness is zero.

(2) The lower left of fig. 4 shows a piping circuit formed by a mesh wiring unit 122 using a 3 × 3 mesh when the mesh thickness is "coarse".

(3) The upper right of fig. 4 shows a piping circuit formed by a mesh of 4 × 4 by the mesh wiring unit 122 when the mesh thickness is "medium".

(4) The lower right of fig. 4 shows a piping circuit formed by a mesh 6 × 6 mesh by the mesh wiring unit 122 when the mesh thickness is "thin".

The intersection of the pipes is called a node. Controllable valves are arranged at a plurality of nodes. The grid wiring unit 122 creates a plurality of "plant models" using the thickness of the grid (the number of valves to be arranged), the installation location of the valves (the wiring path), and the presence or absence of the valves as parameters.

< construction cost calculation part 130 >

The construction cost calculation unit 130 includes a baseline evaluation unit 131, a piping cost calculation unit 132, and a piping cost DB 133. The construction cost calculation unit 130 calculates the construction cost of the plant shown in the plant model.

< Baseline evaluation part 131 >

The baseline evaluation unit 131 holds a value related to the construction cost of the baseline piping to be described later. The baseline evaluation unit 131 compares the piping construction cost corresponding to 1 or more "plant models (described later)" corresponding to the mesh particle size with the piping construction cost of the plant model serving as the baseline.

< piping cost calculation section 132 >

The piping cost calculation unit 132 calculates the cost required for the construction of the piping. The piping cost calculation unit 132 calculates the construction cost for each "plant model" of the plurality of "plant models" held by the plant model management unit 111, using the piping cost DB 133.

< piping cost DB133 >

The piping cost DB133 is a database having data of costs required for piping construction. The piping cost DB133 is a database of costs corresponding to conditions such as the material and thickness of the piping, the joint, and the installation of the opening/closing valve. The data included in the piping cost DB133 is, for example, the cost per unit length of the piping and the cost per joint.

< production cost calculating part 140 >

The production cost calculation unit 140 includes a plan input unit 141, a process input unit 142, and a simulation execution unit 143. The production cost calculation unit 140 calculates the operation cost of the plant operating using the grid piping circuit by simulating the plant model.

< plan input part 141 >

The plan input unit 141 inputs a typical production and input plan to be assumed. As for the production input plan, a typical production plan is set in order to simulate a production plan assumed for a plant. For example, 500 vehicles were used for 1 day.

< process input part 142 >

The process input section 142 inputs the production process of each apparatus. The typical production process envisaged is set according to the equipment class. For example, in the case of cleaning a vehicle body, the production process is performed by spraying compressed air at a rate of 0.5 cubic meter per second for 1 minute and then waiting for 5 minutes.

Fig. 5 shows the production input plan and the manufacturing process input to the production cost calculation unit 140. The upper table of fig. 5 shows the production input plan, and the lower table of fig. 5 shows the manufacturing process.

< simulation execution part 143 >

The simulation execution unit 143 simulates production and calculates cost. The simulation execution unit 143 simulates production, and delivers the simulation result to the running cost calculation unit 150 (described later). The simulation execution unit 143 receives the cost calculated by the running cost calculation unit 150 from the running cost calculation unit 150, and calculates the cost of the compressed air consumed in the production simulation. The simulation execution unit 143 inputs a model of each plant, a production plan, a process, and "compressed air consumption of equipment and piping". The simulation execution unit 143 calculates and outputs a cost required for production based on these input values. The simulation executing unit 143 outputs solutions corresponding to the various input values, thereby providing information necessary for the reduction effect calculating unit 160.

< operating cost calculating part 150 >

The running cost calculation unit 150 includes a pipe evaluation unit 151, a facility evaluation unit 152, and a cost conversion unit 153. The running cost calculation unit 150 calculates a running cost corresponding to the compressed air consumed in the production simulated by the simulation execution unit 143.

< piping evaluation unit 151 >

The pipe evaluation unit 151 includes a pipe calculation unit 151a and a pipe DB151 b. The pipe evaluation unit 151 converts the consumption amount of compressed air in the pipe into a cost. The pipe evaluation unit 151 calculates the amount of compressed air consumed by the pipe (volume change and leakage due to opening and closing of the valve) and the electric power of the compressor based on the production simulated by the simulation execution unit 143, and calculates the compressed air amount cost using the cost conversion unit 153.

< device evaluation unit 152 >

The equipment evaluation unit 152 converts the power consumption and the compressed air consumption of the equipment into costs. The equipment evaluation unit 152 calculates the amount of power and compressed air consumed by the equipment based on the production simulated by the simulation execution unit 143, and calculates the cost using the cost conversion unit 153.

The device evaluation unit 152 includes a device calculation unit 152a and a device DB152 b.

< cost conversion part 153 >

The cost conversion unit 153 converts the consumption amount of the compressed air into a cost. The cost conversion unit 153 converts the consumption amount of the compressed air into a cost based on the information of the cost model creation unit 112.

< reduction effect calculating part 160 >

The reduction effect calculation unit 160 includes a mesh type evaluation unit 161 and a baseline evaluation unit 162. As described later, the reduction effect calculation section 160 calculates a loss reduction effect based on comparison of the baseline with the running cost of each grid type.

< grid type evaluation part 161 >

The mesh type evaluation unit 161 evaluates the loss reduction effect for each of the plurality of mesh types. The grid type evaluation unit 161 compares the cost obtained in the production simulation by the simulation execution unit 143 with the baseline calculated by the baseline evaluation unit 162 for a plurality of "plant models" in which the grid thicknesses are changed, and calculates the loss reduction effect.

< Baseline evaluation part 162 >

The baseline evaluation unit 162 sets a value of a baseline serving as an evaluation criterion. The baseline becomes the benchmark for cost comparison. In principle, a conventional piping, that is, a circulation piping having a zero mesh thickness is assumed (a plant layout model and the like are the same as those of other plant models). However, the grid thickness may be arbitrarily changed by a user setting (for example, the grid thickness "middle" is set as a baseline).

Specifically, the baseline evaluation unit 162 receives a setting that does not introduce a mesh pipe from the model management unit 110 and the production cost calculation unit 140, and sets the value of the baseline serving as the evaluation criterion.

< gridding effect evaluation part 170 >

The mesh effect evaluation unit 170 evaluates the effect of the mesh piping circuit based on the construction cost and the operation cost.

The mesh effect evaluation unit 170 evaluates the cost effectiveness of the mesh. The mesh effect evaluation unit 170 evaluates the cost effectiveness of the mesh based on the introduction cost of the construction cost calculation unit 130 and the reduction cost of the reduction effect calculation unit 160 corresponding to the plurality of "plant models". The evaluation by the grid effect evaluation unit 170 is to calculate an optimal solution to be input for the grid thickness, calculate a ROI (return on investment) for each plant model, or optimize the solution according to the investment amount.

Description of the actions of Tuzhang

Fig. 6 is a timing diagram of the analog device 101.

Fig. 7 is a flowchart supplementary to fig. 6. The step numbers of fig. 7 are written in fig. 6.

The operation of the simulation apparatus 101 will be described below with reference to fig. 6 and 7. The operation of the simulation apparatus 101 corresponds to a simulation method. The operation of the simulation apparatus 101 corresponds to the processing of the simulation program.

< A: step S (1) >

Step S (1) is a step of initial setting.

Step S (1) includes step S (2), step S (3), step S (4), and step S (5). In step S (1), the user creates a model, a database, a production plan to be simulated, and a manufacturing process as preparation.

In step S (2), the user creates each piece of model information using the model management unit 110. The cost model creation unit 112 creates a compressed air cost model. The pipe model creation unit 113 creates a pipe model. The plant layout model creation unit 114 creates a plant layout model. The device model creation unit 115 creates a device model.

In step S (3), the user creates the pipe DB151b and the equipment DB152 b.

In step S (4), the user creates the piping cost DB133 for constructing the cost calculation unit 130. In step S (5), the user inputs a production plan to the plan input unit 141 of the production cost calculation unit 140 and inputs a process to the process input unit 142.

< B: step S (6) >

Step S (6) is a step of creating a plant model.

Step S (6) includes step S (7) and step S (8). In step S (6), 1 mesh-type piping plant model is created by "user input" and arrangement and routing of a plurality of coarse meshes.

The user inputs the mesh thickness to the mesh thickness adjustment unit 121. The input form of the mesh thickness degree can be a form that the user selects the thickness degree of the thickness, the medium thickness and the fine thickness, and can also be a form that the user directly inputs the numerical value of the parameter.

In step S (7), the mesh-fineness adjusting unit 121 determines a parameter of fineness based on user input. The mesh wiring unit 122 performs wiring of mesh piping in accordance with the thickness parameter. In this case, constraint conditions (thickening or thinning will be set according to the input budget and line characteristics) can be set. The mesh wiring unit 122 also generates a baseline of a plant model for comparison from the plant layout model and the piping circuit.

In step S (8), "plant model" obtained by adding a grid piping circuit model to the plant layout model, which is the result of step S (7), is managed by the plant model management unit 111.

< C: step S (9) >

Step S (9) is a step of calculating the construction cost of the plant model.

Step S (9) is constituted by step S (10). In step S (9), the construction costs of the "plant model" and the baseline generated in step S (7) are calculated.

In step S (10), the construction cost calculation unit 130 calculates a construction cost corresponding to the "plant model" of the plant model management unit 111.

The baseline evaluation unit 131 refers to the piping cost DB133 and calculates the construction cost of the baseline, which is the comparative plant model managed by the plant model management unit 111. The piping cost calculation unit 132 refers to the piping cost DB133 and calculates the construction cost of the plant model managed by the plant model management unit 111.

< D: step S (11) >

Step S (11) is a step of calculating the running cost of the plant model.

Step S (11) includes step S (12), step S (13), and step S (14). In step S (11), the running cost in the case of executing the assumed production plan corresponding to the "plant model" is calculated in steps S (12) to S (14).

In step S (12), the simulation execution unit 143 simulates the operation of each device and the compressed air distribution network (supply control is performed by the on-off valve) using the "plant model" of the plant model management unit 111, the production plan of the plan input unit 141, and the process of the process input unit 142.

In step S (13), the running cost calculation unit 150 obtains the simulation result in step S (12), calculates the cost of the power consumption of the equipment, and calculates the cost of the compressed air. Specifically, the pipe evaluation unit 151 and the equipment evaluation unit 152 acquire the simulation result from the simulation execution unit 143. The pipe evaluation unit 151 refers to the pipe DB151b, and calculates an operation cost (hereinafter, a pipe operation cost) related to the consumption amount of the compressed air in the pipe based on the consumption amount of the compressed air in the pipe in the simulation result and the power consumption amount of the compressor in the simulation result. The equipment evaluation unit 152 refers to the equipment DB152b, and calculates an operation cost (hereinafter, equipment operation cost) related to the equipment from the power consumed by the equipment in the simulation result and the compressed air used by the equipment in the simulation result.

In step S (14), the simulation execution unit 143 obtains the pipe running cost calculated by the pipe evaluation unit 151 from the pipe evaluation unit 151, and obtains the equipment running cost calculated by the equipment evaluation unit 152 from the equipment evaluation unit 152. The simulation executing unit 143 calculates an operation cost at the time of production corresponding to the "plant model".

< E: step S (15) >

Step S (15) is a step of confirming cost effectiveness.

Step S (15) includes step S (16), step S (17), and step S (18). In step S (15), the loss reduction effect by the supply of compressed air by the mesh-type piping is evaluated.

In step S (16), the baseline evaluation unit 162 holds the running cost calculated by the simulation execution unit 143 in step S (14) based on the data for the "plant model" for the baseline executed in step S (7).

In step S (17), the grid type evaluation unit 161 obtains the running cost corresponding to the "plant model" from the simulation execution unit 143. The grid type evaluation unit 161 obtains the running cost for the baseline held by the baseline evaluation unit 162 in step S (16) from the baseline evaluation unit 162. The grid type evaluation unit 161 compares the operation cost of the plant model obtained from the simulation execution unit 143 with the operation cost for the baseline obtained from the baseline evaluation unit 162.

In step S (18), the mesh effect evaluation unit 170 calculates the cost effectiveness based on the comparison result of "the operation cost of the plant model and the operation cost for the baseline" in step S (17) and the result (the construction cost of the plant model) in step S (10). As an example of cost effectiveness, the mesh effect evaluation unit 170 calculates, for example, the following evaluation: since a construction cost of 200 ten thousand yen is charged and an operation cost reduction effect of 100 ten thousand yen/year is estimated, it can be recovered within 2 years. The user changes the input (grid thickness) to get multiple results. The mesh effect evaluation unit 170 displays a plurality of results (cost effectiveness for each input calculated by the mesh effect evaluation unit 170) on the display device 300 of embodiment 5 described later. The user adopts a result corresponding to 1 mesh thickness (evaluation result calculated by the mesh effect evaluation unit 170) from among the plurality of results displayed on the display device 300.

As another example of use of the simulation by the simulation apparatus 101, there is the following example of use.

The production cost calculation unit 140 calculates the operation cost for each of the plurality of production plans by simulation with respect to the plant model created by the grid calculation unit 120. The mesh effect evaluation unit 170 evaluates each of the operating costs and extracts a production plan of the optimum operating cost.

Hereinafter, a specific example of the simulation is described, which can be used even after the construction of the compressed air pipe.

(1) After the construction of the grid type piping, the running cost for a plurality of production planning plans is evaluated by simulation using the simulation apparatus 101. By this evaluation, a scenario for creating a production plan with the best cost can be created.

(2) The simulation apparatus 101 is used when there are a plurality of production investment plan plans for achieving order acceptance.

(2.1) the grid piping plant model management unit holds 1 "plant model" to be used.

And (2.2) inputting a plurality of plan plans to a production input plan input part.

(2.3) the steps S (12) to S (14) are performed with (2.1) and (2.2) as inputs. Here, expenses such as labor costs and intermediate storage fees may be handled as a part of the running cost of the facility (set in the facility model).

And (2.4) selecting the planning scheme with the most favorable cost.

Effects of embodiment 1

(1) Conventionally, leakage loss of compressed air in a circular supply path is allowed.

However, the simulation apparatus 101 is premised on a mesh piping circuit connected by a controllable valve, and simulates the construction cost depending on the mesh shape and the loss avoidance effect depending on the mesh shape in advance by using a model of the equipment and the piping.

Therefore, the simulator 101 can determine an optimal mesh shape to be used as a mesh piping circuit.

(2) Further, the simulation apparatus 101 can simulate the effect of JIT (Just In Time) supply of compressed air according to the production plan. Therefore, it is possible to realize "prior quantitative evaluation of the effect of reducing the amount of loss of compressed air depending on the production plan" which has been difficult to perform quantitative evaluation in the past. That is, when a production plan is created, information for realizing optimal operation of the entire plant system, such as "productivity and power consumption" and "productivity and compressed air consumption", can be obtained.

Embodiment 2.

The simulation apparatus 102 according to embodiment 2 will be described with reference to fig. 8.

Fig. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the simulation apparatus 102. Fig. 8 corresponds to fig. 7. The simulation apparatus 102 has the same configuration as the simulation apparatus 101 of fig. 3.

In the simulation apparatus 102, the grid effect evaluation unit 170 calculates the recommended optimal solution and the ROI corresponding to the initial investment capacity for a plurality of "plant models" corresponding to a plurality of grid thicknesses (plan 1, plan 2, · · · s) automatically generated by the grid calculation unit 120, and thereby the system configured in the present simulation automatically recommends (presents) the optimal solution. In embodiment 1 described above, the optimal solution is determined by a human. For example, plan 1 (2 nd thickness of 10-level mesh) is that the mesh effect evaluation unit 170 performs the following calculation: since 200 ten thousand yen is charged and the reduction effect is 100 ten thousand yen/year, it can be recovered within 2 years.

Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the simulation apparatus 102. The operation of the simulation apparatus 102 will be described with reference to fig. 8. The operation of the simulation apparatus 102 corresponds to a simulation method. The operation of the simulation apparatus 102 corresponds to the processing of the simulation program.

In fig. 8, step S13, step S16, and step S27 in fig. 7 correspond to step S13-2, step S16-2, and step S27-2, and are the same as in fig. 7 except for the first time.

The simulation device 102 also performs the operations of step S (1) to step S (18) in the same manner as the simulation device 101, but the description will be given of steps having different processing contents from step S (1) to step S (18).

< Steps S (6) to S (8) >

In step S (6), a plurality of mesh-type piping plant models are created by arranging and routing a plurality of coarse meshes.

In step S (7), the mesh calculation unit 120 changes the parameters of the mesh-thickness adjustment unit 121 to implement a plurality of modified arrangement/wiring. In this case, constraint conditions (thickening intention or key thinning intention can be set according to the investment budget and the line characteristics) can be set. The condition of "normal circulation type piping not of the mesh type" which is a basis for comparison is also set for the baseline.

In step S (8), the plant model management unit 111 manages the results of step S (7) as a plurality of plant models.

< step S (6), S (10) >)

In step S (9), a plurality of construction costs (including a baseline) corresponding to the plant model in step S (7) are calculated.

In step S (10), the construction cost calculation unit 130 calculates costs corresponding to each of the plurality of plant models included in the plant model management unit 111.

< Steps S (11) to S (14) >)

In step S (11), the operation costs when the planned production plan is executed are calculated for each of the plurality of "plant models".

In step S (12), the production cost calculation unit 140 simulates the operation of each equipment and the compressed air distribution network a plurality of times using the data of the plurality of plant models, the plan input unit 141, and the process input unit 142 included in the plant model management unit 111.

In step S (13), the result of step S (12) is input to the running cost calculation unit 150, and the cost of the power consumption of the equipment and the cost of the compressed air are calculated (the cost conversion unit 153 converts the costs into the consumption amount of the compressed air for the equipment and the consumption amount of the compressed air for the piping).

In step S (14), the production cost calculation unit 140 receives the result of step S (13), and calculates the running cost at the time of production corresponding to the plurality of plant models.

< Steps S (15) to S (18) >)

In step S (15), the effect of reducing the loss by the supply of compressed air through the mesh-type piping is evaluated.

In step S (16), the baseline evaluation unit 162 holds the cost calculated in step S (14) based on the data of the plant model for baseline executed in step S (7).

In step S (17), the costs corresponding to the plurality of plant models are input to the grid type evaluation unit 161 and compared with the result of step S (16).

In step S (18), the mesh effect evaluation unit 170 calculates the cost effectiveness based on the result of step S (17) and the result of step S (10). For example, the system (simulation apparatus 102) recommends 1 optimal solution based on the result that construction costs of 200 ten thousand yen are invested and the reduction effect of operating costs of 100 ten thousand yen/year is estimated, and thus the result can be collected within 2 years.

Effects of mode for carrying out mode 2

The simulation apparatus 102 according to embodiment 2 receives a plurality of mesh thicknesses as input (step S13-2), outputs an effect for each mesh thickness, and automatically presents an optimal solution (step S27-2). Therefore, the cost effect of each mesh thickness can be obtained quickly.

Embodiment 3.

The simulation apparatus 103 according to embodiment 3 will be described with reference to fig. 9 to 11. In the simulation device 103, artificial intelligence is used for mesh fineness screening that becomes an optimal solution. In the simulation device 104 of embodiment 4 described later, although the artificial intelligence is used for screening the mesh fineness that becomes the optimal solution, the artificial intelligence determines whether or not the optimal solution is obtained for each 1 mesh fineness input in the simulation device 103, and the artificial intelligence outputs the optimal solution for a plurality of mesh fineness inputs in the simulation device 104.

< description of the Structure >

Fig. 9 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the simulation apparatus 103. The simulation apparatus 103 includes a learning unit 180 in comparison with the simulation apparatus 101 of fig. 3. The learning unit 180 is connected to the mesh fineness adjustment unit 121 and the mesh effect evaluation unit 170.

The learning unit 180 obtains the result of the mesh effect evaluation unit 170 and performs feedback to adjust the mesh thickness, instead of randomly changing the mesh thickness, in order to effectively converge the mesh thickness on the optimal solution.

The learning unit 180 uses a deep learning or meta-heuristic genetic algorithm as an effective search method, instead of the "circular grid search".

Fig. 10 and 11 are flowcharts showing the operation of the simulation apparatus 103. The flowchart of fig. 10 corresponds to the flowchart of fig. 7 of embodiment 1. The operation of the simulation apparatus 103 will be described with reference to fig. 10 and 11. The operation of the simulation apparatus 103 corresponds to a simulation method. The operation of the simulation apparatus 103 corresponds to the processing of the simulation program. In fig. 10, steps S13 and S16 in fig. 7 are the same as in fig. 7 except that steps S13-3 and S16-3 are performed, and step S28 proceeds to step S29 in fig. 11.

The simulation device 103 also performs the operations of step S (1) to step S (18) shown in fig. 6, similarly to the simulation device 101, but the steps of step S (1) to step S (18) are different in processing content.

In

embodiment

3, 2 steps of step S (6) and step S (18) among steps S (1) to S (18) are different. The rest is the same as embodiment 1. Step S (6), step S (18), and fig. 11 will be described below.

In step S (6) of embodiment 3, the arrangement and wiring of the mesh is performed according to the thickness of 1 mesh, and 1 mesh-type piping factory model is created.

In step S (18), the mesh effect evaluation unit 170 calculates a cost benefit based on the result of step S (17) and the result of step S (10), and presents one optimal solution to be recommended.

Fig. 11 is explained. Step S28 of fig. 10 proceeds to step S29 of fig. 11.

In step S29, the grid effect evaluation unit 170 inputs the calculation result of the cost effectiveness calculated in step S28 to the learning unit 180. The learning section 180 performs machine learning using artificial intelligence.

In step S30, the learning unit 180 evaluates whether or not there is a mesh shape plan having a higher improvement effect. If there is no mesh shape scheme with a higher improvement effect, the process proceeds to step S34 to determine a mesh shape and determine an effect expectation. In the case where there is a mesh shape scheme with a higher improvement effect, the process advances to step S32.

In step S32, the learning unit 180 calculates a mesh shape plan having a higher improvement effect.

In step S33, the calculation result is input to the mesh fineness adjustment unit 121. The process advances from step S33 to step S13-3 of fig. 10.

< optimum solution presentation method based on learning unit 180 >

(1) The learning section 180 evaluates whether or not there is a mesh shape scheme having an improvement effect higher than 1 cost-effective input from the mesh effect evaluation section 170.

(2) The learning unit 180 presents the input from the mesh effect evaluation unit 170 as an optimal solution if there is no mesh shape plan having a high improvement effect, and inputs the mesh shape plan having a high improvement effect to the 1 mesh-thickness adjustment unit 121 if there is a mesh shape plan having a high improvement effect.

(3) When the mesh shape plan having a high improvement effect is input to 1 mesh fineness adjustment unit 121, the learning unit 180 repeats the steps after step S (6) described above.

< method of learning in learning unit 180 >

The learning unit 180 performs learning in advance before performing the optimal solution presentation. Specifically, the learning unit 180 learns the set value of the optimal mesh thickness by acquiring a plurality of cost efficiencies obtained by the processing described in

embodiments

1 and 2 at the time of learning. In addition, the learning may be performed in common by a plurality of simulation apparatuses.

Effects of mode for carrying out embodiment 3

In the simulation apparatus 103 according to embodiment 3, the learning unit 180 performs the screening of the mesh thickness that is the optimal solution. Thus, the optimal solution can be reached in fewer times or in less time than in previous random or empirical methods.

Embodiment 4.

The simulation apparatus 104 according to embodiment 4 will be described with reference to fig. 12 and 13. The simulation apparatus 104 has the same configuration as the simulation apparatus 103 of fig. 9. The simulation apparatus 104 also includes a learning unit 180. A plurality of grid thicknesses are input in the simulation device 104.

Fig. 12 and 13 are flowcharts showing the operation of the simulation apparatus 104. The operation of the simulation apparatus 104 will be described with reference to fig. 12 and 13. The operation of the simulation apparatus 104 corresponds to a simulation method. The operation of the simulation apparatus 104 corresponds to the processing of the simulation program.

In fig. 12, step S13, step S16, and step S27 in fig. 7 correspond to step S13-4, step S16-4, and step S27-4, and step S28 proceeds to step S29 in fig. 13, and is the same as fig. 7 except for the first time.

FIG. 13 is similar to FIG. 11, with steps specific to FIG. 13 being step S30-4, step S31-4, and step S32-4.

The simulation device 104 also performs the operations of step S (1) to step S (18) in the same manner as the simulation device 101, but the description will be given of steps having different processing contents from step S (1) to step S (18).

The following describes steps different in the processing contents from step S (1) to step S (18) and fig. 13.

< Steps S (6) to S (8) >

In step S (7), the mesh calculation unit 120 changes the parameters of the mesh-thickness adjustment unit 121 to implement a plurality of modified arrangement/wiring. In this case, the constraint condition (thickening or thinning intention can be set according to the initial input budget and the line characteristics required for piping equipment introduction) can be set. The condition of "normal circulation type piping not of the mesh type" which is a basis for comparison is also set for the baseline.

In step S (8), the plant model management unit 111 manages the result of step S (7) as a plurality of plant models.

< step S (9), S (10) >)

< Steps S (11) to S (14) >)

In step S (11), the operation costs when the planned production plan is executed are calculated for each of the plurality of plant models.

In step S (12), the production cost calculation unit 140 simulates the operation of each device and the compressed air distribution network (supply control by the on-off valve) a plurality of times using the data of the plurality of plant models, the plan input unit 141, and the process input unit 142 included in the grid piping plant model management unit.

In step S (13), the result of step S (12) is input to the running cost calculation unit 150, and the cost of the power consumption of the equipment and the cost of the compressed air are calculated (the cost conversion unit 153 converts the consumption amount of the compressed air of the equipment and the consumption amount of the compressed air of the piping into the cost).

< Steps S (15) to S (18) >)

In step S (16), the baseline evaluation unit 162 holds the cost calculated in step S (14) based on the data for the "plant model" for the baseline executed in step S (7).

In step S (17), costs corresponding to a plurality of "plant models" are input to the grid type evaluation unit 161 and compared with the result of step S (16).

In step S (18), the mesh effect evaluation unit 170 calculates a cost benefit based on the result of step S (17) and the result of step S (10), presents a plurality of optimal solution candidates to be recommended, and passes the solution to the learning unit 180, which will be described later.

Fig. 13 is explained. Step S28 of fig. 12 proceeds to step S29 of fig. 13.

In step S30-4, the learning unit 180 learns the mesh shape plan with a high improvement effect using the evaluation result as learning data.

In step S31-4, the learning unit 180 determines whether or not the stop condition is satisfied.

Here, the "stop condition" refers to a condition of condition 1 or condition 2 below.

Condition 1: the difference in mesh thickness deformation is equal to or less than a threshold value.

Condition 2: a condition that the number of cycles or cycle time exceeds a threshold.

If the condition 1 or the condition 2 is satisfied, the process of the learning unit 180 proceeds to step S34.

In the case where the "stop condition" is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S32-4.

In step S32-4, the learning unit 180 selects a plurality of mesh shape plans having a high improvement effect based on the learning result.

In step S33, the learning unit 180 inputs the calculation result to the mesh-thickness adjusting unit 121.

The process advances from step S33 to step S13-4 of fig. 12.

< method for prompting optimum solution by learning unit 180 >

The learning unit 180 according to embodiment 4 performs learning and optimization presentation at the same time.

(1) The learning unit 180 learns conditions for a mesh shape plan having a high improvement effect based on a plurality of cost efficiencies input from the mesh effect evaluation unit 170.

(2) The learning unit 180 performs stop condition determination, and if the stop condition is satisfied (yes in S31-4), sets the mesh shape plan with the highest cost efficiency among the current cost efficiencies as the optimal solution. If the stop condition is not satisfied (no in S31-4), the learning section 180 selects a plurality of mesh shape plans with higher improvement effects based on the learning result (S32), and inputs them to the mesh-thickness adjusting section 121.

(3) When the mesh shape plan is input to 1 mesh-fineness adjusting unit 121, the learning unit 180 repeats the steps after step S (6).

Effects of mode for carrying out embodiment 4

In the simulation apparatus 104 according to embodiment 4, the learning unit 180 obtains an optimal solution of the mesh thicknesses for a plurality of mesh thicknesses. Therefore, an optimal solution of the mesh thickness can be obtained quickly.

Embodiment 5.

Embodiment 5 describes the hardware configuration of the

simulation apparatuses

101, 102, 103, and 104 described in embodiments 1 to 4.

Fig. 14 shows a hardware configuration of the

simulation apparatuses

101 and 102.

Fig. 15 shows a hardware configuration of the

simulation apparatuses

103 and 104.

In fig. 14, the processor 10 does not have the learning section 180, but in fig. 15, the processor 10 has the learning section 180.

< simulation apparatus 101 >

The following description will be given taking the simulation apparatus 101 as an example. The simulation apparatus 101 is a computer. As shown in fig. 14, the simulation apparatus 101 includes a processor 10, and other hardware such as a main storage device 20, an auxiliary storage device 30, an input IF40, an output IF50, and a communication IF 60. In addition, IF denotes an interface. The processor 10 is connected to other hardware via a signal line 70, and controls the other hardware.

The simulation apparatus 101 includes, as functional elements, a model management unit 110, a mesh calculation unit 120, a construction cost calculation unit 130, a production cost calculation unit 140, an operation cost calculation unit 150, a reduction effect calculation unit 160, and a mesh effect evaluation unit 170.

The functions of the model management unit 110, the mesh calculation unit 120, the construction cost calculation unit 130, the production cost calculation unit 140, the operation cost calculation unit 150, the reduction effect calculation unit 160, and the mesh effect evaluation unit 170 are realized by the simulation program 101 a.

The processor 10 is a device that executes the simulation program 101 a. The processor 10 is an IC (Integrated Circuit) that performs arithmetic processing. Specific examples of the Processor 10 include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit).

Examples of the main Memory device 20 include an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) and a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory). The main memory device 20 holds the operation result of the processor 10.

The auxiliary storage device 30 is a storage device that stores data in a nonvolatile manner. An example of the auxiliary storage device 30 is an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The auxiliary storage device 30 may be a removable recording medium such as an SD (registered trademark), (Secure Digital) memory card, a NAND flash memory, a flexible Disk, an optical Disk, a compact disc, a blu-ray (registered trademark) Disk, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). The auxiliary storage device 30 stores the pipe cost DB133, the pipe DB151b, the equipment DB152b, and the simulation program 101 a.

The input IF40 is a port to which an input device 200 such as a mouse or a keyboard is connected and data is input from each device.

The output IF50 is a port to which various devices such as the display device 300 and an external storage device are connected and which outputs data to the various devices via the processor 10.

Communication IF60 is a communication port for processor 10 to communicate with other devices.

The processor 10 loads the simulation program 101a from the auxiliary storage device 30 to the main storage device 20, and reads in and executes the simulation program 101a from the main storage device 20. The main storage device 20 stores an OS (Operating System) in addition to the simulation program 101 a. The processor 10 executes the simulation program 101a while executing the OS.

The simulation apparatus 101 may include a plurality of processors instead of the processor 10. The plurality of processors share the execution of the simulation program 101 a. Each processor is a device that executes the simulation program 101a, as in the processor 10. Data, information, signal values, and variable values utilized, processed, or output by the simulation program 101a are stored in the main storage device 20, the auxiliary storage device 30, or registers or caches within the processor 10.

The simulation program 101a is a program for causing a computer to execute each process, each step, or each step, in which "part" of the model management unit 110, the grid calculation unit 120, the construction cost calculation unit 130, the production cost calculation unit 140, the operation cost calculation unit 150, the reduction effect calculation unit 160, and the grid effect evaluation unit 170 is replaced with "process", "step", or "step".

The simulation detection method is a method performed by executing the simulation program 101a by the simulation apparatus 101 as a computer.

The simulation program 101a may be provided by being stored in a computer-readable recording medium, or may be provided as a program product.

The hardware configuration of the simulation apparatus 102 is also the same as that of the simulation apparatus 101 described above. The hardware configurations of the simulation apparatus 103 and the simulation apparatus 104 are also the same as those of the simulation apparatus 101 described above. The simulation apparatus 103 and the simulation apparatus 104 include a learning unit 180 in addition to the model management unit 110, the grid calculation unit 120, the construction cost calculation unit 130, the production cost calculation unit 140, the running cost calculation unit 150, the reduction effect calculation unit 160, and the grid effect evaluation unit 170. The model management unit 110, the grid calculation unit 120, the construction cost calculation unit 130, the production cost calculation unit 140, the operation cost calculation unit 150, the reduction effect calculation unit 160, the grid effect evaluation unit 170, and the learning unit 180 are realized by the processor 10 executing a program.

< supplement of hardware architecture >

In the simulation apparatuses of fig. 14 and 15, the functions of the simulation apparatuses are realized by software, but the functions of the simulation apparatuses may be realized by hardware.

Fig. 16 shows a configuration in which the function of the simulation apparatus 101 is realized by hardware. The electronic circuit 90 shown in fig. 16 is a dedicated electronic circuit for realizing the functions of the model management unit 110, the grid calculation unit 120, the construction cost calculation unit 130, the production cost calculation unit 140, the operation cost calculation unit 150, the reduction effect calculation unit 160 and the grid effect evaluation unit 170, the main storage device 20, the auxiliary storage device 30, the input IF40, the output IF50, and the communication IF 60. The electronic circuit 90 is connected to a signal line 91. Specifically, the electronic circuit 90 is a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, a logic IC, a GA, an ASIC, or an FPGA. GA is short for Gate Array. The ASIC is an abbreviation for Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC). FPGA is the abbreviation of Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). The functions of the components of the analog device 101 may be realized by 1 electronic circuit, or may be realized by being distributed among a plurality of electronic circuits. A part of the functions of the components of the simulation apparatus 101 may be implemented by electronic circuits, and the remaining functions may be implemented by software.

The processor 10 and the electronic circuit 90, respectively, are also referred to as processing circuitry. In the simulation apparatus 101, the functions of the model management unit 110, the grid calculation unit 120, the construction cost calculation unit 130, the production cost calculation unit 140, the operation cost calculation unit 150, the reduction effect calculation unit 160, and the grid effect evaluation unit 170 may be realized by processing lines. Alternatively, the functions of the model management unit 110, the grid calculation unit 120, the construction cost calculation unit 130, the production cost calculation unit 140, the operation cost calculation unit 150, the reduction effect calculation unit 160 and the grid effect evaluation unit 170, the main storage device 20, the auxiliary storage device 30, the input IF40, the output IF50, and the communication IF160 may be realized by processing circuits. The above description of fig. 16 applies to the

simulation apparatuses

102 and 103 and the simulation apparatus 104 as well.

Description of the reference symbols

10 processors, 20 main storage devices, 30 auxiliary storage devices, 40 input IFs, 50 output IFs, 60 communication IFs, 70 signal lines, 90 electronic circuits, 91 signal lines, 101, 102, 103, 104 simulation devices, 101b simulation programs, 110 model management sections, 111 plant model management sections, 112 cost model creation sections, 113 piping model creation sections, 114 plant layout model creation sections, 115 equipment model creation sections, 120 mesh calculation sections, 121 mesh fineness adjustment sections, 122 mesh wiring sections, 130 construction cost calculation sections, 131 baseline evaluation sections, 132 piping cost calculation sections, 133 piping cost DB, 140 production cost calculation sections, 141 plan input sections, 142 process input sections, 143 simulation execution sections, 150 operation cost calculation sections, 151 piping evaluation sections, 151a piping calculation sections, 151b piping DB, 152 equipment evaluation sections, 152a equipment calculation sections, 152b equipment DB, a 153 cost conversion unit, a 160 reduction effect calculation unit, a 161 grid type evaluation unit, a 162 baseline evaluation unit, a 170 grid effect evaluation unit, a 180 learning unit, a 200 input device, a 230 production execution system, a 240 compressor control device, a 250 valve control unit, a 300 display device, a 700 plant, a 710 compressor, a 720 valve, a 730 storage tank, a 740 valve, an 800 grid piping circuit, a 801 valve, 802 piping, a 803 pressure sensor, and a 1000 fluid supply system.

Claims

1. A simulation apparatus, wherein,

the simulation device is provided with:

a grid calculation unit that, based on an input grid thickness, creates a pipe model that is a model of a grid pipe circuit including a plurality of valves including a plurality of solenoid valves that can be opened and closed by control, and a plurality of pipes each of which connects the valves to each other and arranges the plurality of pipes in a grid shape for inflow of a fluid, the grid calculation unit creating a plant model that is a model of a plant including the grid pipe circuit and is a simulation target by combining the created pipe model with a plant layout model that is a model of a plant using the grid pipe circuit;

a construction cost calculation unit that calculates a construction cost of the plant indicated by the plant model;

a production cost calculation unit that calculates an operation cost for operating the plant using the grid piping circuit by simulating the plant model; and

and a mesh effect evaluation unit for evaluating an effect of the mesh piping circuit based on the construction cost and the operation cost.

2. The simulation apparatus of claim 1,

the production cost calculation unit calculates the operation cost for each of a plurality of production plans by simulation with respect to the plant model created by the grid calculation unit,

the mesh effect evaluation unit evaluates each of the operation costs.

3. A simulation program, wherein,

the simulation program causes a computer to execute:

a grid calculation process of creating a pipe model, which is a model of a plant including a grid pipe circuit having a plurality of valves including a plurality of solenoid valves that can be opened and closed by control, and a plurality of pipes, each of which connects the valves to each other and arranges the plurality of pipes in a grid shape for a fluid to flow in, based on an input grid thickness, creating a plant model, which is a model of the plant including the grid pipe circuit and is a simulation target, by combining the created pipe model with a plant layout model representing a model of the plant using the grid pipe circuit;

a construction cost calculation process of calculating a construction cost of the plant indicated by the plant model;

a production cost calculation process of calculating an operation cost for operating the plant using the grid piping circuit by simulating the plant model; and

and a mesh effect evaluation process for evaluating an effect of the mesh piping circuit based on the construction cost and the operation cost.

4. A method of simulating, wherein,

the computer executes the following processing:

a pipe distribution model that is a model of a grid pipe circuit including a plurality of valves including a plurality of solenoid valves that can be opened and closed by control and a plurality of pipes, each of the plurality of pipes connecting the valves to each other and arranging the plurality of pipes in a grid shape into which a fluid flows, and a plant model that is a model of a plant including the grid pipe circuit and is a simulation object, the plant model being created by combining the pipe distribution model created and a plant layout model representing a model of the plant using the grid pipe circuit, is created based on an input grid thickness;

calculating a construction cost of the plant indicated by the plant model;

calculating an operating cost of the plant operating using the grid piping circuit by simulating the plant model; and

and evaluating the effect of the grid piping circuit based on the construction cost and the operation cost.