JPWO2002011005A1 - Money-saving evaluation device, money-saving evaluation method, and money-saving service providing method - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Abstract] A money-saving evaluation device includes a process input means for inputting process values of the plant from the plant via a data input device, an information input means for inputting information other than plant data related to money saving, an evaluation formula input/change means for inputting or changing a formula for evaluating money saving in the plant, a money-saving evaluation processing means for performing evaluation processing regarding money saving in the plant based on the process values, information other than plant data, and the input or change of the evaluation formula, and an output means for outputting the evaluation results to an output device.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention provides an evaluation device and evaluation method for the effects of money saving on plants. Here, "money saving" is defined in this specification as "reducing constant costs.""Energysaving" means saving energy, but "money saving" is defined as above. Note that there are cases where "energy saving" does not result in "money saving." For example, there are cases where equipment is installed to minimize energy, but the business operator ends up doing the opposite of what they originally wanted to do to reduce expenses. In contrast, "money saving" is a concept that focuses on money from the start.
This is a new idea that breaks the fixed concept that energy conservation = money saving. In addition, the term "plant" here can be anything. In this book, we will use private power generation plants (hereinafter referred to as private power generation plants) as an example. "Facilities" is a term that mainly refers to the various pieces of equipment that make up various plants such as power stations and substations and factories, and is not limited to what is generally called facilities, but also includes various components that make up a plant, such as devices attached to such facilities and various pieces of equipment included in such facilities. Furthermore, facilities are not limited to those that make up a plant, but can also include household appliances, water supply facilities, etc.
This term includes anything that can capture status or process quantities via electrical or optical signals. "Communication network" includes various networks capable of communication, but typically involves a wide-area network such as the Internet. "User-identifying information" encompasses various types of user-identifying information, such as the user's name, address, and telephone number. "Service information" refers to services provided to users, such as diagnosis, analysis, report creation, and display/modification of collected equipment data, and includes various information used for those services and information required to execute those services. "Data collection device" includes all devices capable of inputting and transmitting data, regardless of whether the device inputs data automatically or externally, for example, via keystroke. Therefore, terminals are also included as data collection devices as long as they have this function. "Storage for each user" refers to the storage of user-related information in a manner that allows for the extraction of user-identifying information and service information provided to that user when a specific user is specified; it does not necessarily have to be sorted by user. "Storage" includes not only permanent storage but also temporary storage in volatile memory, etc. A "data server" generally refers to a server that handles various types of data. Background Art: Figure 1 illustrates a typical conventional plant and its monitoring device. In Figure 1, process values from a plant 81 are input via a data input device 82 to a process input unit 83 of a plant monitoring device 83. The information input to the process input unit 83 is then processed by a plant monitoring processing unit 85. The processed information is output to a CRT 87 or a printer 88, thereby conveying the status of the plant 81 to an operator. This device does not, in principle, process economic indicators (e.g., fuel costs, power generation costs) for commercial power plants or self-power plants. There are economic operation devices, which are positioned above the plant monitoring device, that process economic indicators. However, these devices do not periodically reduce costs, and do not implement cost-saving measures for the plant. In other words, they are devices that perform economic evaluations of the plant's current operating conditions without changing them. On the other hand, there is a business called ESCO (Energy Service Company). The ESCO business is a business that originated in the United States and develops money-saving businesses targeting buildings and factories. ESCO operators conduct energy audits and propose energy-saving measures for the target building or factory, and if energy savings are achieved through the implementation of the proposals, the costs saved through the energy savings are shared between the customer and the ESCO operator. The business has the following four characteristics: (1) All costs of the ESCO business are covered by energy savings. (2) The ESCO operator guarantees the amount of savings in the initial plan. (3) Services include diagnosis, planning, funding, construction, and operation management. (4) Measurement of the effects after the project is implemented and operation management are carried out. ESCO is expected to grow in Japan as a new energy-saving business. Incidentally, when developing a money-saving business targeting a plant, there are two main components: consulting on money-saving measures for the plant, and implementing solutions for the money-saving measures identified through the consultation.
In this specification, this series of businesses is specifically defined as the "Plant Consultation &Solutions" business, and for the sake of simplicity, it is referred to as PLACS (Plant Consultation & Solutions).
The main differences between the ESCO business and the PLACS business are as follows: (1) The ESCO business focuses on energy conservation, but
The PLACS business targets a wide range of money-saving activities, not just energy-saving ones.
(Money-saving measures can be soft measures such as changing operations, hard measures such as adding or changing piping, or a combination of both.) (2) ESCO business targets both buildings and factories. PLACS business targets factories only, and within factories, it targets plants in particular. As mentioned above, PLACS business is a new business that is an extension of ESCO business. When implementing money-saving measures in a plant and calculating the value of those measures,
It can be broadly divided into the following two categories. (1) The evaluation information for money savings is definitive, and the estimated amount of money savings obtained from that evaluation information is generally reliable. For example, if a new power generation facility is added to a plant, the amount of electricity purchased from the power company will decrease, and the cost of generating electricity will increase. In this situation, if the amount of electricity purchased is
By assuming, "What if we had purchased it from the electric power company?", it is possible to calculate the money-saving effect. (2) The evaluation information for money-savings is not necessarily definitive, and therefore the amount of money-savings cannot be calculated, or can only be calculated as a very rough estimate. Generally, this is the more common case. For example, replacing the blades of a turbine generator will improve the efficiency of the plant as a whole, and money will be saved. However, in this case, after replacing the blades, the power generation cost if they had not been replaced becomes unknown, so it is not possible to say with certainty "how much money was saved." This is because the generator load and heat load conditions change, and it is difficult to present a definitive amount taking these conditions into consideration. This can be explained more clearly using an analogy. An additive that improves fuel efficiency was mixed into the gasoline of a certain car. The fuel efficiency for one month before mixing and the fuel efficiency for one month after mixing are compared.
Comparing fuel economy over the past month, it is clear that the month after mixing is better. If the driving conditions are different between the month before mixing and the month after mixing, fuel economy will also change depending on the driving conditions. For example, the driving conditions were normal in the month before mixing.
The month-long drive included long-distance driving in traffic jams, continuous air conditioning, and mountain roads. In this case, it is unclear to what extent the addition of the additive contributed to improved fuel economy. As mentioned above, the plant conditions change depending on the "load," making it impossible to say anything definitive. Thus, the PALCS project faced challenges, such as the lack of established equipment and methods. These challenges can be summarized as follows: - Even in case (1) above, there was no equipment that could calculate the money-savings valuation amount appropriately based on the plant conditions. Similarly, there was no method for doing so. - For case (2) above, there was no equipment or method for calculating the money-savings valuation amount. Disclosure of the Invention The present invention aims to provide an apparatus and method for calculating the money-savings valuation amount appropriately based on the plant conditions, as well as an apparatus and method for calculating the money-savings valuation amount. A money-saving evaluation device according to a first aspect of the present invention is characterized by comprising process input means for inputting process values of the plant from the plant via a data input device, information input means for inputting information other than plant data relating to money saving, evaluation formula input/change means for inputting or changing a formula for evaluating money saving in the plant, money-saving evaluation processing means for performing evaluation processing for money saving in the plant based on the process values, information other than plant data, and the input or change of the evaluation formula, and output means for outputting the evaluation result to an output device. A money-saving evaluation method according to a second aspect of the present invention is a method for evaluating money saving in a plant, in a first step, a formula for evaluating money saving is adjusted between a customer and a business operator and inputted to a money-saving evaluation processing means for performing money-saving evaluation based on predetermined evaluation information,
Thereafter, in a second stage, the amount of money saved is calculated using the money-saving evaluation means based on the plant data and information other than the plant data related to money saving over a predetermined period of time. A money-saving evaluation device according to a third aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in a situation where twin plants X and Y having the same electric load and the same thermal load are implemented with money-saving measures in one plant and no money-saving measures in the other plant, the device comprises: process input means for inputting plant process values from each of plants X and Y via a data input device; information input means for inputting information other than the plant data related to money saving; evaluation information input/change means for inputting or changing information for evaluating money saving in the plants; money-saving evaluation processing means for obtaining a money-saving evaluation result by mainly subtracting the plant running costs of the plant where money-saving measures are implemented from the plant running costs of the plant where money-saving measures are not implemented based on the input or change of the process values, the information other than the plant data, and the evaluation information; and output means for outputting the evaluation result to an output device. A money-saving evaluation method according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is a method for evaluating the effectiveness of money-saving measures in a plant, which includes the steps of: finding twin plants X and Y that can obtain the same electric load and the same thermal load in order to evaluate the effectiveness of money-saving measures; and implementing money-saving measures in one plant and not implementing money-saving measures in the other plant.
and a second step of calculating the amount of money saved by using a money-saving evaluation device that inputs data from the twin plants and performs a money-saving evaluation after the first step to mainly subtract the running costs of the plant where money-saving measures are implemented from the running costs of the plant where money-saving measures are not implemented. A money-saving evaluation method according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a first step of verifying, on an actual plant, any evaluation method related to plant money-savings, the money-saving evaluation method for a given plant using data from the twin plants; and a second step following the first step of readjusting the evaluation information of the money-saving evaluation device based on the verification results. A money-saving evaluation device according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that a money-saving evaluation device that evaluates money-savings based on predetermined evaluation information accumulates process values and information other than plant data. A money-saving evaluation device according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is a money-saving evaluation device that evaluates money-saving measures based on predetermined evaluation information, comprising a first communication device located on the plant side, a second communication device located on a remote site side, a communication line connecting the first and second communication devices, and means for linking with a remote device located on the remote site side. A money-saving evaluation device according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is a money-saving evaluation device that evaluates money-saving measures based on predetermined evaluation information, comprising means for calculating a money-saving effect amount for each fixed period as a money-saving evaluation result, and output means for outputting the money-saving effect amount in a report. A money-saving service provision method according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is a money-saving service provision method that implements money-saving measures at a customer's plant and provides money-saving effect information to the customer, comprising the steps of installing a web server that manages information, storing money-saving effect information on the web server, and having at least one of the customer and the money-saving service provider view the information on the web server. The method further comprises the step of displaying the money-saving effect amount for each fixed period as a money-saving evaluation result. The step of viewing the information on the web server further comprises a step of the customer and the money-saving service provider communicating with each other and a step of saving the results of the communication.A money-saving service providing method according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is a money-saving service providing method for implementing money-saving measures in a customer's plant and providing money-saving effect information to the customer, the method comprising the steps of installing a web server that manages information, and prompting the customer to enter an ID and password when viewing the web page so that only pre-registered customers can view the web page on the web server. A money-saving service provision method according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention is a money-saving service provision method for implementing money-saving measures in a customer's plant and providing money-saving effect information to the customer, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: storing money-saving evaluation information for calculating a money-saving effect based on cost information before the measures and cost information after the measures; storing inputted pre-measure cost information; receiving and storing plant data sent from a transmission device that collects data on the customer's plant after the measures have been taken; calculating post-measure cost information using the stored plant data; calculating a money-saving effect based on the calculated post-measure cost information and the stored pre-measure cost information and money-saving evaluation information; and providing money-saving effect information to the customer based on the calculated money-saving effect. A money-saving service providing method according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention is a money-saving service providing method for implementing money-saving measures at a customer's plant and providing money-saving effect information to the customer, the method comprising the steps of: storing money-saving evaluation information for calculating a money-saving effect based on cost information before the measures and cost information after the measures; presenting confirmation information regarding the money-saving evaluation information to the customer to prompt them to enter confirmation; implementing money-saving measures at the customer's plant on the condition that the confirmation is entered; storing the entered pre-measure cost information; receiving and storing plant data sent from a transmission device that collects data on the customer's plant after the measures have been implemented; calculating post-measure cost information using the stored plant data; calculating a money-saving effect based on the calculated post-measure cost information and the stored pre-measure cost information and money-saving evaluation information; and providing money-saving effect information to the customer based on the calculated money-saving effect. A money-saving service provision method according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention is a money-saving service provision method for implementing money-saving measures in a plant of a regular customer and providing money-saving effect information to the customer, the money-saving service provision method comprising the steps of: storing money-saving evaluation information for calculating a money-saving effect based on cost information before the measures and cost information after the measures; storing pre-measure cost calculation conditions for calculating the pre-measure cost information based on plant data after the measures; presenting confirmation information regarding the money-saving evaluation information and the pre-measure cost calculation conditions to the customer to prompt them to enter confirmation; after the confirmation is entered, receiving and storing plant data sent from a transmission device that collects data of the customer's plant after the measures; calculating post-measure cost information using the stored plant data and calculating pre-measure cost information using the data and the pre-measure cost calculation conditions; calculating a money-saving effect based on the calculated post-measure cost information, pre-measure cost information, and money-saving evaluation information; and providing money-saving effect information to the customer based on the calculated money-saving effect. (3) The system further includes a step of operating the plant in a pre-measure state for a predetermined period to obtain the pre-measure cost information as the pre-measure cost information. (4) The system further includes a step of allowing the customer to input change request information for at least one of the money-saving evaluation information and the pre-measure cost calculation conditions when presenting the confirmation information and prompting the customer to input the confirmation, and changing the stored information based on the change request information if the customer inputs the change request information. (5) The system further includes a step of charging the customer according to the calculated money-saving effect if a positive effect is found. A money-saving service provision method according to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention implements money-saving measures in a customer's plant and provides the customer with money-saving effect information, the method comprising the steps of transmitting plant data to a network, inputting the plant data into a web server and processing/outputting a money-saving evaluation, providing a network terminal that displays the processed results from the web server, and inputting and changing information and an evaluation formula from the network terminal. Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention Below, each embodiment of the present invention will be described. <First Embodiment> FIG. 2 is an overall view of a system including a money-saving evaluation device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The device according to the first embodiment processes the electricity purchase and sale amounts of private power generation companies and large-scale consumers in money-saving evaluation. In Fig. 2, the money-saving evaluation device 10 includes a process input unit 11 (process input means), an information input device 12 (information input means), an evaluation formula input change device 13 (evaluation formula input change means), a money-saving evaluation processing unit 14 (money-saving evaluation processing means),
The system includes an output unit 15 (output means). The process input unit 11 inputs process values. The information input device 12 inputs information other than plant data related to money saving. The evaluation formula input change device 13 inputs or changes information for evaluating money saving. The money saving evaluation processing unit 14 inputs information other than process values and plant data,
Based on the input or change of the evaluation formula, an evaluation process for money saving of the plant is performed. The output unit 15 outputs the results of the evaluation process performed by the money saving evaluation processing unit 14. The process values of the plant are input from the plant 16 to the process input unit 11 of the money saving evaluation device 10 via the data input device 17. The output from the process input unit 11 is input to the money saving evaluation processing unit 14. Meanwhile, information other than the plant data related to money saving is input from the information input device 18 to the information input unit 12 of the money saving evaluation device 10, and this output is also input to the money saving evaluation processing unit 14. In addition, an evaluation formula (described later) for evaluating the effect of money saving is input from the evaluation formula input modification unit 19 to the evaluation formula input modification unit 13 of the money saving evaluation device 10, or a previously input evaluation formula is later modified and input. The output from the evaluation formula input modification unit 13 is input to the money saving evaluation processing unit 14. The money-saving evaluation processing unit 14 receives the outputs of the process input unit 11, the information input unit 12, and the evaluation formula input change unit 13, performs an evaluation process of the money-saving effect based on a predetermined evaluation formula, and outputs the result to the output unit 15. The output unit 15 outputs the evaluation information to an output device 20 such as a display or printer connected to the money-saving evaluation device 10. The operation of the money-saving evaluation processing device 10 will be explained using Figure 3. Step S
In step S11, an evaluation formula to be used in the money-saving evaluation processing unit 14 is determined. This evaluation formula has been input in advance from the evaluation formula input change device 19 via the evaluation formula input change unit 13. In step S12, data on the plant 16 before the money-saving measures are input to the money-saving evaluation processing unit 14 via the data input device 17 and the process input unit 11, and the evaluation amount before the money-saving measures is calculated based on the evaluation formula. At this time, data on information other than the plant 16 has been input from the information input device 18 to the money-saving evaluation processing unit 14 via the information input unit 12. Next, the plant 16 is set to a state after the money-saving measures, and the plant 16 in this state is
The data is input to the money-saving evaluation processing unit 14 via the data input device 17 and the process input unit 11. Therefore, in step S13, the money-saving evaluation processing unit 14 calculates the evaluation amount after the money-saving measures based on the data after the money-saving measures, using the evaluation formula. Next, in step S14, the money-saving effect amount is calculated by subtracting the evaluation amount after the money-saving measures from the evaluation amount before the money-saving measures. This calculated money-saving effect amount is output to the external output device 20 via the output unit 15 in step S15 and presented to a customer, etc. The plant 16 in FIG. 2 is both an evaluation object before the money-saving measures and an evaluation object after the money-saving measures. Data on this plant 16 is collected via the data input device 17 before the money-saving measures are implemented, and the effect amount is calculated based on the reduction in an arbitrary amount (e.g., power generation cost) from the data after the money-saving measures are implemented. If the money-saving measures are software-based, such as operational changes, the effect amount can be evaluated in a relatively short period of time. On the other hand, for hardware changes such as replacing a turbine generator rotor, the benefits can be evaluated after a relatively long period of time. The evaluation formula used to evaluate the money-saving effect is unique to each money-saving measure. For example, let's explain what kind of formula would be used if a new private power generation facility were added to a plant. Qualitatively, adding a private power generation facility reduces the amount of electricity purchased from the power company, while increasing the cost of power generation. In this situation, the money-saving effect can be calculated by assuming the amount of electricity purchased "if it had been purchased from the power company." For simplicity's sake, we will use the example of calculating the money-saving effect for a particular day. The amount of money-saving effect can be obtained using the following formula: X = Y - Z, where X is the money-saving effect (yen), Y is the amount of electricity purchased from the power company based on the amount of electricity generated by the private power generation facility (yen), and Z is the cost of private power generation (yen). Generally, the cost of private power generation is lower than the unit price of electricity purchased from the power company, so the more electricity is generated by private power generation, the greater the money-saving effect. In reality, private power generation supplies steam in addition to electricity, so the above calculation formula becomes more complicated. In the money-saving evaluation device 10 of Fig. 2 in which this evaluation formula is set, the process values of the plant 16 are automatically input to the money-saving evaluation processing unit 14 via the data input device 17 and the process input unit 11. Meanwhile, information other than plant data input from the information input device 18 is input to the money-saving evaluation processing unit 14 via the information input unit 12. Then, based on the money-saving evaluation formula input/modified from the evaluation formula input modification device 19 via the evaluation formula input modification unit 13, the money-saving evaluation processing unit 14 calculates the money-saving evaluation formula of the plant 16.
6 can calculate the evaluation amount relating to the money savings. According to the money-saving evaluation device described above, the money-saving effect of the plant can be measured and evaluated more quantitatively and accurately, so that both the customer and the business can benefit. Here, an embodiment of the invention of a method in which the business consults and adjusts the evaluation formula with the customer in the money-saving evaluation processing device 14 will be explained using FIG. 4. Information other than the process values output from the process input unit 11 and the plant data output from the information input unit 12 input to the money-saving evaluation processing device 14 is input to the evaluation formula input change unit 13.
The money-saving evaluation of the plant, i.e., the amount of money-saving effect, is calculated based on the evaluation formula input by the user. First, in step S21 of FIG. 4, the money-saving evaluation processing unit 14 assumes an evaluation formula to be adopted for evaluating money-saving. Next, in step S22, the business operator consults with the customer and considers whether the assumed evaluation formula is appropriate. If the evaluation formula is approved by the customer, the business operator proceeds to step S2.
2 becomes Yes, and the process moves to step S23, where the money-saving evaluation processing unit 24 decides to use this formula to evaluate money-savings. If the assumed evaluation formula is not appropriate, the result becomes No in step S22, and the evaluation formula is changed in step S24. Then, the business operator again consults with the customer and makes adjustments. The change in the evaluation formula at this time is made by the evaluation formula input change device 19 to the money-saving evaluation device 1.
0 is instructed to the evaluation formula input modification unit 13, and this instruction is input to the money-saving evaluation processing unit 14. If it is still not appropriate, the evaluation formula is changed again in step S24, and whether the evaluation formula is appropriate is examined in step S12. If the evaluation formula is agreed upon between the business operator and the customer, the process proceeds to step S23, where the formula is adopted and decided as the money-saving evaluation formula. Next, the process proceeds to step S25, where the money-saving evaluation processing unit 14 calculates the money-saving effect based on the determined evaluation formula. Next, in step S26, the result obtained by the money-saving evaluation processing unit 14 is output to the output device 20 via the output unit 15, and the result is presented to the customer, thereby completing the evaluation of the money-saving effect. According to the method shown in FIG. 4, the evaluation amount of the money-saving of the plant can be calculated based on the evaluation formula adjusted in advance between the customer and the business operator. Furthermore, this allows the money-saving effect of the plant to be measured and evaluated more quantitatively and accurately, resulting in benefits for both the customer and the business operator. Furthermore, by adjusting the evaluation formula between the customer and the business operator in advance,
This increases objectivity and provides customers with greater peace of mind. An example of an evaluation formula for calculating the energy-saving fee is shown in Figure 5. The annual energy-saving fee S (yen/year) resulting from using a high-efficiency motor can be calculated using the following formula: S = (W1 - W2) x C x N. Here, W1 is the input power (kW) of the standard motor, and W2 is the input power (kW) of the high-efficiency motor. C is the energy rate (yen/kWh), and N is the operating time (h/year). The energy rate is calculated as an effective rate that incorporates the contracted energy rate, basic charges, taxes, and other expenses. In Figure 5, the horizontal axis represents operating time, and the vertical axis represents required expenses. M1 represents the purchase price of the standard motor, and M2 represents the purchase price of the high-efficiency motor. In this case, line L1 represents the sum of the purchase price of the standard motor and the energy rate, and line L2 represents the sum of the purchase price and the energy rate for the high-efficiency motor. Line L3 represents the energy-saving fee resulting from using a high-efficiency motor. The calculation for recovering the increased purchase price of the high-efficiency motor is as follows: The payback period t1 of the increased purchase price of the high-efficiency motor, which is the turning point for economic viability, can be expressed by the following formula: t1 (years) = (M2 - M1) / S (yen/year) where M2 and M1 are the purchase prices (yen) of the high-efficiency motor and standard motor. In Figure 5, t2 is the period during which the cost of the high-efficiency motor can be recovered through the power-saving fee. The money-saving amount calculation information is information for calculating the annual power-saving fee S, and the money-saving evaluation information is information for calculating the payback period t1 (annual power-saving fee S and payback period t
The information from 1 and 2 can be combined to form money-saving evaluation information), and after the payment collection period t2 of the high-efficiency motor has elapsed, the amount obtained by multiplying the benefit amount S by a certain ratio is taken as the profit of the trader, and the calculated information is stored in the money-saving evaluation device. After the money-saving measures are implemented, actual values such as W2 are input to evaluate the money-saving measures. At this time, by confirming this information between the trader and the customer in advance, both parties can trade with peace of mind. In addition, the customer can predict the amount of money saved,
This has the effect of enabling traders to predict profits. Furthermore, by analyzing the difference between the actual value and the predicted value and correcting the stored information, more accurate trading becomes possible. <Second embodiment> Figure 6 shows the overall configuration of a system including a money-saving evaluation device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 6, the money-saving evaluation device 40 comprises a data input unit 40a, a data input unit 40b, an information input unit 40c, and a data input unit 40d.
an information input unit 40c, an evaluation formula input change unit 40d, and a money-saving evaluation processing unit 40
The system includes a data processor 40e and an output unit 20f (output means). The evaluation formula input change unit 40d inputs or changes a formula for evaluating money savings. The money-saving evaluation processing unit 40e performs evaluation processing related to money savings based on the outputs from the data input unit 40a and data input unit 20b using the evaluation formula input changed by the evaluation formula input change unit 40d. The output unit 20f (output means) outputs the results of the evaluation processing performed by the money-saving amount evaluation processing unit 40e. Plant X 41a and plant Y 41b are assumed to be twin plants with the same electrical load and the same thermal load. Money-saving measures are implemented in one plant, while money-saving measures are not implemented in the other plant. Plant data from these plants is input to process input units 40a and 40b via data input devices 42a and 42b. Information other than plant data related to money savings is input to the information input unit 40c of the money-saving device 40 from an information input device 43. Furthermore, input and changes to the evaluation formula are input from the evaluation formula input change device 44 to the evaluation formula input change section 40d in the money-saving device 40. The money-saving evaluation processing section 40e performs a money-saving evaluation based on the evaluation formula input from the evaluation formula input change section 40d, the process values input from the process input sections 40a and 40b, the information input section 40c, and information other than plant data. That is, the money-saving evaluation result is obtained by mainly subtracting the plant running cost on the side where money-saving measures are implemented from the plant running cost on the side where money-saving measures are not implemented. The result obtained by the money-saving evaluation processing section 40e is output to the output device 40 via the output section 40f.
5. According to the second embodiment, it is possible to calculate the estimated amount of money saved for a plant based on actual results, which is generally difficult to achieve. Furthermore, the money-saving effect, which was previously difficult to achieve, can be verified and confirmed in a realistic manner and objectively, thereby benefiting both the customer and the business operator. Furthermore, by finding twin plants X and Y with the same electrical and thermal loads and implementing money-saving measures in one plant while not implementing them in the other, the objectivity of the evaluation is enhanced, providing greater peace of mind to the customer. <Third Embodiment> FIG. 7 shows the overall system configuration of a third embodiment of the money-saving evaluation device of the present invention. This configuration adds a data storage unit 51 to the configuration of FIG. 2. That is, the money-saving evaluation device 10 according to the third embodiment is the same as the money-saving evaluation device according to the first embodiment, except that a data storage unit 51 is added to the money-saving evaluation device 10 for storing process values and information other than plant data. According to the third embodiment, past data can be stored in the data storage unit 51, which has the advantage of allowing the money-saving evaluation amount to be recalculated as needed. According to the third embodiment, when a new money-saving technique is developed, it can be examined and evaluated in advance based on accumulated past data. Furthermore, it is also possible to recalculate the money-saving effect for a given period by improving and readjusting the evaluation formula based on actual results. This allows the customer to know the evaluation results in a quantitative form rather than a qualitative form in advance, which has the advantage that the data can be used by both the customer and the business. <Fourth embodiment> Figure 8 shows the overall system configuration centered on a money-saving evaluation device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The configuration according to the fourth embodiment differs from the configuration in Figure 2 in the following respects. That is, the money-saving evaluation device 10 has a communication unit 61 inside and an external communication device 6
2. The communication device 62 can communicate with the communication device 64 connected to the remote device 63 via a communication line. The money-saving evaluation device 10 according to the fourth embodiment is similar to the money-saving evaluation device according to the first embodiment, except that communication means (communication unit 61, communication device 62) are added. The communication device 62 at the plant side and the communication device 64 at the remote location are connected via a communication line, allowing cooperation with the remote device 63 at the remote location. Therefore, the money-saving evaluation amount can be confirmed from a remote location. According to the fourth embodiment, businesses can reduce travel expenses and labor costs and obtain the data necessary for evaluation without travel time, thereby quickly calculating evaluation results. Furthermore, customers can benefit from receiving evaluation results more quickly. Figure 9 shows an example output from the money-saving evaluation device according to each of the above-described embodiments of the present invention. This output example is a monthly report detailing the daily actual data on the money-saving effect amount for the month of March 2000. In this way, the money-saving evaluation results can be output as a report for a fixed period of time. The output display shown in FIG. 9 allows the amount of money-saving effect to be presented in an easy-to-understand manner. Outputting the evaluation results periodically in this manner allows the customer to obtain, for example, a monthly amount of money-saving effect, thereby providing the advantage of being able to regularly check the degree of money-saving effect. In the present invention, the consumer is not limited to a large-volume consumer, but may be any consumer, and the private power generation company generally may be an electricity supplier. As described above, the present invention has the advantage of providing more quantitative, reliable, and efficient money-saving evaluation results, regardless of whether the money-saving evaluation formula is deterministic or not. (Fifth Embodiment) FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the overall system configuration centered on a money-saving evaluation device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the display of money-saving effect information. Furthermore, FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the device configured as shown in FIG. 10. Information on the plant 16 is input to the interface device 21 via the data input device 17.
The interface device 17 is an interface device for sending data to a network 30 (here, the Internet will be used as the network in the description. Therefore, in the following description, the network will also be referred to as "Internet"), and performs operations such as adding a header that enables data identification and converting the data into packet data of a predetermined length so that the data obtained from the plant 16 can be sent onto the Internet 30. The data sent to the Internet 30 is transmitted to a web server 3 that manages information.
The data is sent to the Internet 1. The web server 31, upon receiving the data, stores the received data as money-saving effect information (step S32). Furthermore, the money-saving effect information stored in the web server 31 is displayed on the Internet terminals of the customer and the money-saving service provider (i.e., the customer terminal 22 and the money-saving service provider terminal 32) (step S33), making it viewable by the customer and the money-saving service provider. Figure 11 shows an example of how money-saving effect information is displayed. While Figure 10 shows an example in which an independent web server 31 is connected to the network 31, for example, the interface device 21 may also have the functionality of the web server 31. In this embodiment, the money-saving service can be implemented using the Internet. In particular, the amount of money saved is displayed on the same screen on both the customer and the money-saving service provider sides, which has the advantage of facilitating smooth information sharing. Furthermore, using the Internet as a communication line has cost advantages, being approximately 1/100 to 1/1000 of the cost of using a dedicated line. Of course, if security is to be ensured, an intranet network can be used instead of the Internet network. As described above, when sharing information via the network 30, there may be cases where communication between the customer and the money service provider is necessary. For this reason, it is preferable to prepare a screen for communication on the web page, as shown in Figure 13, and provide a comment window for communication between the customer and the money service provider. In the example screen shown in Figure 13, the name of the person writing the comment is entered in NAME, and after writing the comment, the "Write" button is clicked with the mouse.
The "Reset" button on the screen is used to erase comments entered in the comment field. When a comment is entered, the comment number (No. 123), the name (Ichiro Yamamoto), and the date and time the comment was entered (11:40, March 1, 2000) are recorded along with the comment. In this example, a customer is asking a question about the plant's output. This screen allows the money-saving service provider to learn about the customer's question and to respond to the question from the same window. Incidentally, by recording the content of the communication, it can be used as a reference for meeting minutes.
This allows the past history to remain even if either the customer or the money-saving service provider is replaced due to a transfer or other reason, which significantly reduces cases where confusion is caused by past events.
Information about the plant 16 is input to the interface device 21 via the data input device 17. Data sent from the interface device 21 to the network 30 (Internet or intranet) is sent to a web server 31 for managing information. The web server 31 receives the data at an input unit 36 and passes the data to a money-saving evaluation processing unit 37. The money-saving evaluation unit 37 performs processing calculations for money-saving evaluation. The processing results are sent to an output unit 38, and the data is sent back to the network 30. Internet terminals such as the customer terminal 22 and the money-saving service provider terminal 32 display data based on the sent data. Furthermore, by inputting information or inputting or updating an evaluation formula from an Internet terminal as necessary, the evaluation processing in the web server 31 is reflected. Note that in this embodiment, it is undesirable for third parties other than customers and providers to be able to log in to the web server in terms of maintaining security.
Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15 , a web page is provided with a screen for entering an ID and password. Users can log in by entering their ID and password and selecting "Login" (e.g., double-clicking on the screen). If the entered ID and password match a pre-registered ID and password, they can access a dedicated page associated with that ID. Since only pre-registered IDs and passwords can access the data stored in the web server, unauthorized third parties can be prevented from viewing the data. Furthermore, by assigning IDs, access history can be checked for each ID, and payment can be requested as necessary. (Sixth Embodiment) FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an information processing system according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 16 , this system is configured by connecting each user's site 101 and a data center 102 via a communication network 103, such as the Internet. Each site 101 is equipped with a plant data collection device 105 for collecting plant data from a plant 4, a business terminal 106, and a printer device 107 connected thereto. The plant data collection device 105 and the business terminal 106 are connected by a LAN 108. The data center 102 also has a data server 9 for storing and managing plant data from each site 101. More specifically, the plant data collection device 105 includes a plant data collection unit 11.
The plant data collection device 105 includes a data transmission/reception unit 112 and a plant data file 113 and a user authentication file 114 as data files. The plant data file 113 is a file that temporarily stores each plant data collected by the plant data collection unit 111. The user authentication file 114 stores "user ID" information that has been set in advance in the plant data collection device 105 of the user or the site.
The business terminal 106 is also provided with an input/output unit 115 including input units such as a keyboard and a mouse and output units such as a display, an input/display unit 116 for inputting and displaying data using the input/output unit 115, an output unit 117 for external output, and a data transmission/reception unit 118. On the other hand, the plant data server 109 is provided with a data transmission/reception unit 121 and a processing unit 122.
The system also includes a plant data file 123 and a user-related information file 24 as data files.
is a file that saves and accumulates plant data transmitted from the plant data collecting device 105 of each site 101. The user-related information file is a file that stores user-related information for each user, including information related to user authentication, including a user ID and a device ID, and service information provided to the user. The processing unit 122 also includes a data search and storage unit 125 that searches for and stores data in the files 123 and 124, and a user identification unit 126 that identifies user authentication. While only a single site 101 is shown in FIG. 16 for the sake of simplicity and clarity, multiple sites 101 will be connected in an actual system. While only the characteristic parts and functional parts of the plant data collecting device 105, the business terminal 106, and the plant data server 109 according to the present invention are shown in FIG. 16 for the sake of simplicity and clarity, in reality, various other parts, functional parts, and
It is clear that the system has related devices and the like.
17 is a flowchart showing an outline of the plant data management procedure by the plant data server 109 of FIG. 17. As shown in FIG. 17, when managing plant data, the plant data server 109 searches for and displays stored plant data in response to a request from a user, and also stores and accumulates new plant data whenever it receives it. In FIG. 17, the plant data server 109 first identifies the user authentication including the device ID or user ID transmitted from the plant data collecting device 105 or business terminal 106 on the user side (S41), and if the user is a registered user (YES in S42), notifies the user of user recognition (S43). Then, if the transmission source is the plant data collecting device 105 and the transmitted content is plant data (YES in S44),
ES), the plant data is received and stored (S45). On the other hand, if the sender is the business terminal 106 and the transmitted content is a plant data display request (NO in S44), plant data is searched in response to the plant data display request (S46), and the search results are sent to the business terminal 106 (S47). If the user is not a registered user (NO in S42), a rejection notice is sent to the sender (S48). The operation of the entire system including the operation of the plant data server 109 will be described below, with the plant data storage procedure and the plant data search and display procedure being individually explained. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an outline of the plant data storage procedure from when plant data generated in the plant 4 is input to the plant data collecting device 105 until it is stored in the plant data file 123 of the plant data server 109. As shown in FIG. 18, first, the plant data collecting device 105 of the site 101
The plant data collecting device 105 inputs plant data at predetermined times using the plant data collecting unit 111 (S51), assigns the input time to each data value of the input plant data, and temporarily stores the plant data in the plant data file 113 (S52). At a preset transmission time, the plant data collecting device 105 first transmits user authentication including the user ID and device ID stored in the user authentication file 114 to the plant data server 109 in the data center 102 via the data transmitting/receiving unit 112 through the communication network 103 (S53). The user authentication thus transmitted from the data collecting device 5 is received by the data transmitting/receiving unit 121 of the plant data server 109, and is then transmitted to the user identification unit 122 of the processing unit 122.
26 (S54). If the user indicated in the user authentication is a registered user registered in the user-related information file 24 (
If the answer is YES in S55, the plant data server 109 notifies the plant data collection device 105 of the user recognition (S56). Upon receiving the user recognition notification, the plant data collection device 105 transmits the plant data temporarily stored in the plant data file 113 to the data transmission/reception unit 11.
2, the plant data is transmitted to the plant data server 109 via the communication network 103 (S57). The plant data server 109 receives the plant data transmitted from the data collection device 5, and stores the plant data in the plant data file 123 by the data search and storage unit 125 of the processing unit 122 (S58).
). If the user is not a registered user, the plant data server 109
19 is a flowchart showing an outline of the plant data search and display procedure from when user authentication is transmitted from the business terminal 106 of the site 101 to when plant data is displayed and output on the business terminal 106. As shown in FIG. 19, first, the user of the site 101 accesses the data center 102.
When making a request to the plant data server 109 of the data center 102 to search and display plant data, the business terminal 106 transmits user authentication including a user ID and the like to the plant data server 109 of the data center 102 via the communication network 103 by the data transmission/reception unit 118 (S61). The user authentication transmitted from the business terminal 106 in this manner is received by the data transmission/reception unit 121 of the plant data server 109, and is then transmitted to the user identification unit 122 of the processing unit 122.
If the result of this identification is that the user indicated in the user authentication is a registered user registered in the user-related information file 24 (S62),
If the answer to step 63 is YES, the plant data server 109 sends a user recognition notification to the business terminal 106 (S64). Upon receiving this user recognition notification, the business terminal 106 displays this user recognition notification on the input/output unit 115 via the input/output unit 116. After confirming the displayed user recognition notification, the user inputs data search conditions using the input/output unit 115 and input/output unit 116 of the business terminal 106. In this case, specific search conditions are the date and time of data generation and a point number uniquely assigned to each data item. A plant data search and display request message is created by adding a user ID (or device ID) to these conditions, and this plant data search and display request message is transmitted to the plant data server 109 via the data transmission/reception unit 118 over the communication network 103 (S65). The plant data server 109 executes a search of the plant data file 123 using the data search storage unit 125 of the processing unit 122 based on the search conditions in the plant data search and display request message transmitted from the business terminal 106 (S66).
The plant data server 109 transmits the search result data obtained by this search to the business terminal 103 via the data transmission/reception unit 121.
06 (S67). The business terminal 106 receives the search result data and displays it on the input/output unit 115 by the input/output unit 116 (S68). As a result, the user checks the displayed search result data and, if necessary, outputs it to the printer device 107 by the output unit 117, and prints it out as a search result data sheet. Note that if the user is not a registered user, the plant data server 109
If the answer is NO in S63, a rejection notice is sent and communication with the user is terminated (S69). As described above, in this embodiment, the plant data server 109 transmits search result data in a timely manner in response to a user's search and display request, and the data can be displayed on the user's business terminal 106. Therefore, the user-related information file 2
In the system of this embodiment, plant journal information such as data items of the plant journal and their arrangement order is stored in advance as part of the service information to be provided to the user, or the user transmits such plant journal information together with a search and display request, and the processing unit 122 of the plant data server 109 automatically creates the plant journal report data based on the plant journal information and displays it on the user's business terminal 106. As described above, according to the system of this embodiment, the plant data of the site 101 is transmitted from the plant data collection device 105 in the site 101 to the communication network 106.
The plant data can be instantly transmitted to the plant data server 109 at the data center 102 via the data server 103, and the transmitted plant data can be appropriately managed by the plant data server 109 based on information such as user information, device IDs, and user IDs. This eliminates the need to install a data server at each site, as in the past. Instead, a single plant data server 109 installed at the data center 102 can instantly manage plant data for multiple user sites 101 located at remote locations. As a result, a user can instantly display and check the contents of the plant data managed by the plant data server 109 on the business terminal 106 simply by inputting a plant data search and display request on the business terminal 106. In particular, this embodiment allows the data center 102 to provide services such as creating a plant logbook in a timely manner. Furthermore, the user does not need to back up data, manage the data server, prepare installation space for the data server, budget for component repair and periodic replacement costs, or install electricity or an uninterruptible power supply, thereby reducing the user's costs, labor, and other burdens. In the sixth embodiment described above, for the sake of simplicity, the plant data storage procedure and the plant data search and display procedure have been described as being performed after user authentication, and then the plant data and the search and display request are transmitted. However, in actual operation, the plant data transmission from the plant data collection device 105 is performed as follows:
Generally, plant data is sent as a batch of transmission information with user authentication information added. If the user authentication added to such plant data determines that the user is not a registered user, the plant data is sent back along with a rejection notice. In the plant data search and display procedure, "user ID" and "device ID" are not used.
In the sixth embodiment, the user ID and device ID for identifying the plant data collecting device 105 are stored in advance in the user authentication file 114 of the plant data collecting device 105 and the user-related information file 24 of the plant data server 109. However, in actual operation, after the user registration,
It is expected that the plant data server 109 will often issue user IDs and device IDs and provide them to users. In this case, specifically, the processing unit 122 of the plant data server 109 is provided with a function for outputting such user IDs and device IDs, so that the user IDs and device IDs are output and stored in the server, and the issued user IDs and device IDs are communicated to the users so that they can enter them into the plant data collection device 105 or the business terminal 106. In particular, since users are unfamiliar with data collection devices, if the device IDs are notified directly or indirectly to a dealer of the data collection device, and the data collection device dealer or the dealer's guidance is used to set the device IDs, the burden on the users will be significantly reduced, and this, together with the effect of the first embodiment of the present invention, will contribute to the development of data management and service businesses. Furthermore, when expanding business over a wide area, given the relatively strong ties between site users and data collection device dealers, the burden on users and data collection device dealers can be further reduced by notifying the storage manager of user identification information such as user names and addresses, as well as service information to be provided to users, via the data collection device dealer. Furthermore, data collection devices are not necessarily limited to fixed devices; portable devices are also possible. For example, plant operators can patrol the plant with such portable data collection devices and transmit data from each facility to the data server. In this case, wireless communication between the data collection device and the data server is even more convenient. Meanwhile, the data collection device and the user's business terminal do not necessarily need to be separate devices; a combined device that integrates them can also be used. When using such an integrated data collection and business terminal, data in the data server can be easily viewed and modified on the same device while simultaneously transmitting data to the data server. Data can also be viewed and modified before transmission. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention relates to an evaluation of the effects of money saving in a plant.

[Brief explanation of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a conventional plant monitoring device. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a first embodiment of a money-saving evaluation device according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of an evaluation procedure in the money-saving evaluation device according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the procedure for changing and adjusting the evaluation formula in the money-saving evaluation device according to the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining another example of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of a second embodiment of a money-saving evaluation device according to the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of a third embodiment of a money-saving evaluation device according to the present invention. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the configuration of a fourth embodiment of a money-saving evaluation device according to the present invention. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of output from a money-saving evaluation device according to the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the overall system configuration centered around a money-saving evaluation device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a display of money-saving effect information. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow when using a network. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for communication. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing details of the web server shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a display when entering an ID and password. FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an information processing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 17 is a flowchart outlining a procedure for managing plant data by a plant data server in a data center in the first embodiment. Fig. 18 is a flowchart outlining a procedure for saving plant data in the sixth embodiment. Fig. 19 is a flowchart outlining a procedure for searching and displaying plant data until the plant data is displayed on a business terminal in the sixth embodiment.

[Procedure Amendment] Submission of a copy of amendments under Article 34 of the Patent Cooperation Treaty (Official)

[Submission date] April 11, 2002 (2002.4.11)

[Procedural Correction 1]

[Name of document to be corrected] Statement

[Item to be amended] Claims

[Correction method] Change

[Contents of the amendment]

[Claims]

[Procedural Correction 2]

[Name of document to be corrected] Statement

[Item name to be corrected] 0001

[Correction method] Change

[Contents of the amendment]

[0001] SPECIFICATIONS Money-Saving Service Method and Money-Saving Service Device Technical Field The present invention relates to an invention that provides a service device and a service method relating to the money-saving effect targeted at plants. Here, "money-saving" is defined in this specification as "reducing constant costs.""Energysaving" means saving energy, but "money-saving" is defined as above. Note that there are cases where "energy saving" does not necessarily mean "money-saving." For example, there are cases where equipment is installed to minimize energy, but the business operator ends up going against their initial intention of reducing expenses. In contrast, "money-saving" is a concept that focuses on money from the start.
This is a new idea that breaks the fixed concept that energy conservation = money saving. In addition, the term "plant" here can be anything. In this book, we will use private power generation plants (hereinafter referred to as private power generation plants) as an example. "Facilities" is a term that mainly refers to the various pieces of equipment that make up various plants such as power stations and substations and factories, and is not limited to what is generally called facilities, but also includes various components that make up a plant, such as devices attached to such facilities and various pieces of equipment included in such facilities. Furthermore, facilities are not limited to those that make up a plant, but can also include household appliances, water supply facilities, etc.
This includes anything that can capture its state or process quantity using electrical or optical signals.

───────────────────────────────────────────────────── (Note) This publication is based on the publication published internationally by the International Bureau of Patents (WIPO). The effect of the international publication of the Japanese patent application (Japanese utility model registration application) related to this publication arises pursuant to Article 184-10, Paragraph 1 of the Patent Act (Article 48-13, Paragraph 2 of the Utility Model Act) and is unrelated to this publication.

Claims (19)

[Claims] [Claim 1] A process input means for inputting process values of a plant from the plant via a data input device; an information input means for inputting information other than plant data related to money saving; an evaluation formula input/change means for inputting or changing a formula for evaluating money saving in the plant; and based on the input or change of the process values, information other than plant data, and evaluation formula,
A money-saving evaluation device comprising: a money-saving evaluation processing means for performing an evaluation process relating to money-saving in a plant; and an output means for outputting an evaluation result to an output device. [Claim 2] A method for evaluating money savings in a plant, characterized in that in a first step, a formula for evaluating money savings is adjusted between the customer and the business operator and input into a money savings evaluation processing means that evaluates money savings based on specified evaluation information, and then in a second step, the amount of money savings is calculated using the money savings evaluation means based on plant data and information other than plant data related to money savings over a specified period. [Claim 3] A money-saving evaluation device for twin plants X and Y having the same electric load and the same heat load, in a situation where money-saving measures are taken in one plant and money-saving measures are not taken in the other plant, comprising: process input means for inputting plant process values from each of plants X and Y via a data input device; information input means for inputting information other than plant data relating to money-saving; evaluation information input/change means for inputting or changing information for evaluating money-saving in the plants; money-saving evaluation processing means for obtaining a money-saving evaluation result by mainly subtracting the plant running costs of the plant where money-saving measures are taken from the plant running costs of the plant where money-saving measures are not taken, based on the input or change of the process values, information other than plant data, and evaluation information; and output means for outputting the evaluation result to an output device. 4. A method for evaluating money-savings in plants, comprising: a first step of finding twin plants X and Y that can obtain the same electric load and the same thermal load in order to evaluate the effectiveness of money-saving measures, and implementing money-saving measures in one plant and not implementing money-saving measures in the other; and a second step of using a money-saving evaluation device that inputs data on the twin plants following the first step and performs a money-saving evaluation, and calculating the amount of money saved by mainly subtracting the running costs of the plant that has implemented money-saving measures from the running costs of the plant that has not implemented money-saving measures. [Claim 5] A money-saving evaluation method, in any evaluation method for money-saving in a plant, characterized by comprising a first step of verifying the money-saving evaluation method for a certain plant on an actual plant by evaluating the method using data from a twin plant, and a second step following the first step of readjusting the evaluation information of the money-saving evaluation device based on the verification results. 6. A money-saving evaluation device for evaluating money-savings based on predetermined evaluation information, the money-saving evaluation device having a data storage means for storing process values and information other than plant data. [Claim 7] A money-saving evaluation device that evaluates money-savings based on specified evaluation information, characterized in that it comprises a first communication device located on the plant side, a second communication device located on the remote location side, a communication line connecting the first and second communication devices, and a means for linking with a remote corresponding device located on the remote location side. [Claim 8] A money-saving evaluation device that evaluates money-savings based on specified evaluation information, characterized in that it is equipped with a means for calculating the amount of money-saving effect for each fixed period as a result of the money-saving evaluation, and an output means for outputting the amount of money-saving effect in a report. [Claim 9] A method for providing a money-saving service that implements money-saving measures at a customer's plant and provides money-saving effect information to the customer, the method comprising the steps of: installing a web server that manages information; storing money-saving effect information on the web server; and having at least one of the customer and the money-saving service provider view the information on the web server. 10. The money-saving service providing method according to claim 9, further comprising a step of displaying the amount of money-saving effect for each fixed period as the money-saving evaluation result. [Claim 11] A method for providing money-saving services as described in claim 9, characterized in that the step of viewing information on the web server further includes a step in which the customer and the money-saving service provider carry out communication, and a step in which the results of the communication are stored. [Claim 12] A method for providing a money-saving service that implements money-saving measures at a customer's plant and provides the customer with information on money-saving effects, the method comprising the steps of: installing a web server that manages information; and prompting a customer to enter an ID and password when the customer views a web page, so that only pre-registered customers can view the web page on the web server. [Claim 13] A method for providing a money-saving service that implements money-saving measures at a customer's plant and provides the customer with money-saving effect information, comprising the steps of: storing money-saving evaluation information for calculating money-saving effects based on cost information before the measures and cost information after the measures; storing input cost information before the measures; receiving and storing plant data sent from a transmission device that collects data on the customer's plant after the measures have been taken; calculating cost information after the measures using the stored plant data; calculating money-saving effects based on the calculated cost information after the measures and the stored cost information before the measures and money-saving evaluation information; and providing money-saving effect information to the customer based on the calculated money-saving effects. [Claim 14] A method for providing a money-saving service that implements money-saving measures at a customer's plant and provides the customer with money-saving effect information, comprising the steps of: storing money-saving evaluation information for calculating money-saving effects based on cost information before the measures and cost information after the measures; presenting confirmation information regarding the money-saving evaluation information to the customer and prompting them to enter confirmation; implementing money-saving measures at the customer's plant on the condition that the confirmation is entered; storing the entered pre-measure cost information; receiving and storing plant data sent from a transmission device that collects data on the customer's plant after the measures have been implemented; calculating post-measure cost information using the stored plant data; calculating money-saving effects based on the calculated post-measure cost information and the stored pre-measure cost information and money-saving evaluation information; and providing the customer with money-saving effect information based on the calculated money-saving effects. 15. The method of claim 13, further comprising a step of operating the plant in a state before the countermeasure for a predetermined period to obtain the cost information before the countermeasure.
Or the money-saving service providing method according to claim 14. [Claim 16] A method for providing a money-saving service that implements money-saving measures at a customer's plant and provides the customer with money-saving effect information, comprising the steps of: storing money-saving evaluation information for calculating money-saving effects based on cost information before the measures and cost information after the measures; storing pre-measure cost calculation conditions for calculating pre-measure cost information based on plant data after the measures have been taken; presenting confirmation information regarding the money-saving evaluation information and the pre-measure cost calculation conditions to the customer and prompting them to enter confirmation; after the confirmation has been entered, receiving and storing plant data sent from a transmission device that collects data on the customer's plant after the measures have been taken; calculating post-measure cost information using the stored plant data and calculating pre-measure cost information using said data and the pre-measure cost calculation conditions; calculating money-saving effects based on the calculated post-measure cost information, pre-measure cost information, and money-saving evaluation information; and providing the customer with money-saving effect information based on the calculated money-saving effects. [Claim 17] A method for providing money-saving services as described in any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that it comprises a step of allowing the input of change request information for at least one of the money-saving evaluation information and the pre-measures cost calculation conditions when presenting the confirmation information and prompting input of confirmation, and a step of changing the stored information based on the change request information when change request information is input by the customer. Claim 18: When the calculation of the money saving effect shows a positive effect,
18. The money-saving service providing method according to claim 13, further comprising a step of charging according to the effect. [Claim 19] A method for providing a money-saving service that implements money-saving measures at a customer's plant and provides the customer with money-saving effect information, comprising the steps of: sending plant data to a network; inputting the plant data into a web server and processing/outputting a money-saving evaluation; providing a network terminal that displays the results processed by the web server; and inputting and changing information and evaluation formulas from the network terminal.