Skip navigation

A simple energy usage toolkit from manufacturing simulation data

A simple energy usage toolkit from manufacturing simulation data

Wilson, Joel, Arokiam, Alan, Belaidi, Hafid and Ladbrook, John (2016) A simple energy usage toolkit from manufacturing simulation data. Journal of Cleaner Production, 122. pp. 266-276. ISSN 0959-6526 (Print), 1879-1786 (Online) (doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2015.11.071)

[img]
Preview
PDF (Author Accepted Manuscript)
13533_AROKIAM_et_al_Simple_Energy_Usage_Toolkit_2015.pdf - Accepted Version

Download (1MB)

Abstract

A fundamental problem in energy management is the inability to clearly predict any possible energy saving opportunities. The cost of both under or overestimating potential returns on investment can be prohibitive to a decision maker. In recent years the simulation of energy usage using existing manufacturing simulation tools has increased in popularity among researchers, but it is energy managers who need to see the benefits of this discipline. This paper proposes an interactive manufacturing energy management tool which makes use of existing productivity simulation models for the prediction of energy usage. An interactive Microsoft® Excel® based tool is developed to control Lanner’s WITNESS® discrete-event simulation software using Microsoft® Visual Basic® for Applications. The tool has the ability to predict potential areas where energy saving opportunities can be made within a complex manufacturing line, and is accessible from management presentations and proposals. The interactivity of the tool provides an environment which facilitates efficient hypothesis testing. The paper includes an industrial case study where the approach was used to quantify theoretical savings from certain energy usage reduction scenarios within a complex automotive engine manufacturing line.

Item Type: Article
Additional Information: "This is a PDF file of an unedited manuscript that has been accepted for publication. As a service to our customers we are providing this early version of the manuscript. The manuscript will undergo copyediting, typesetting, and review of the resulting proof before it is published in its final form. Please note that during the production process errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain."
Uncontrolled Keywords: Sustainable manufacturing; Energy efficiency; Discrete-event simulation; Energy modelling
Subjects: G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group: Faculty of Engineering & Science
Faculty of Engineering & Science > School of Engineering (ENG)
Last Modified: 18 Sep 2020 23:36
URI: http://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/13533

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item

Downloads

Downloads per month over past year

View more statistics