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5 Development of a Simulation-based Methodology …
5.1
Concept Objective and Requirements
Subsequent, the identified research demand is brought into specific objectives and
requirements, describing the intended state of an energy efficiency optimization
methodology for production as well as process steps leading to it. The formulated requirements are used as the basis for the deductive development of the
methodology. The main objectives and requirements are
• Transparency
The methodology shall contain all relevant material and energy flows as well
as their dynamic interdependencies to increase transparency in production
towards improvements. Additionally, it should outline conflicts and contradicting requirements, to support the optimization of critical parameters and to
reduce operating costs of processes.
• Accuracy
The methodology shall be able to depict production processes in an accurate way to support event-based material flow simulation and time-continuous
energy flow simulation. Thus, process structures should be shown in a
reasonable level of detail.
• Simplicity
The methodology shall be implemented in one software tool to provide a
holistic view without the complexity of interface management, complex data
exchanges, and synchronization requirements.
• Expandability
The methodology shall be applicable to different production scenarios and is
extendible from production sub-systems to factory level.
• Parametrization
The methodology shall easily be configurable for a comfortable use without
the need to consult a simulation expert. To ensure an uncomplicated implementation for a wide range of production cases without causing high efforts
for case-specific adaptations, a high level of configuration and parametrization
must therefore be supported by the approach.
• Modularity
The methodology shall be built up modular in order to allow for flexible coupling and fast adaptation of single system components. All relevant functions
and systems of a production need to be represented in fast configurable modules. Interactions in the production are depicted using defined interfaces and
connecting single modules.
5 Development of a Simulation-based Methodology …
5.1
Concept Objective and Requirements
Subsequent, the identified research demand is brought into specific objectives and
requirements, describing the intended state of an energy efficiency optimization
methodology for production as well as process steps leading to it. The formulated requirements are used as the basis for the deductive development of the
methodology. The main objectives and requirements are
• Transparency
The methodology shall contain all relevant material and energy flows as well
as their dynamic interdependencies to increase transparency in production
towards improvements. Additionally, it should outline conflicts and contradicting requirements, to support the optimization of critical parameters and to
reduce operating costs of processes.
• Accuracy
The methodology shall be able to depict production processes in an accurate way to support event-based material flow simulation and time-continuous
energy flow simulation. Thus, process structures should be shown in a
reasonable level of detail.
• Simplicity
The methodology shall be implemented in one software tool to provide a
holistic view without the complexity of interface management, complex data
exchanges, and synchronization requirements.
• Expandability
The methodology shall be applicable to different production scenarios and is
extendible from production sub-systems to factory level.
• Parametrization
The methodology shall easily be configurable for a comfortable use without
the need to consult a simulation expert. To ensure an uncomplicated implementation for a wide range of production cases without causing high efforts
for case-specific adaptations, a high level of configuration and parametrization
must therefore be supported by the approach.
• Modularity
The methodology shall be built up modular in order to allow for flexible coupling and fast adaptation of single system components. All relevant functions
and systems of a production need to be represented in fast configurable modules. Interactions in the production are depicted using defined interfaces and
connecting single modules.