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5 Development of a Simulation-based Methodology …
5.2
Conceptual Framework
Based on the defined requirements, this section describes the conceptional framework. For the simulation-based optimization methodology considering the
existing production system in a company, the system inputs and outputs, as well
as other constituting factors in a production plant. One focus of the concept will
be put on the definition of interfaces of the material and energy flows to obtain
reliable simulation results. Additionally, optimizations must be integrated in a way
they can handle the complexity of hybrid models and allow the automated generation of altered parameters. Conditions and modalities, specific aspects of single
modules, and their functional principles will be outlined in detail in sections 5.3
and 5.4.
As shown in Figure 5.1, the conceptual framework includes two main modules, a production and energy simulation and an energy optimizer. The simulation
module is split up into three subparts: A part for the development of a model
of the real production flow, a model for the depiction of production machine
behavior and a model of the energy flow in production. The second module includes the optimization tool for performing energy efficiency optimizations using all
production model components. Both modules receive the required production related input data from the actual production system to be able to depict production
processes in the most accurate and realistic way to perform energy efficiency optimizations. To provide an overview of parameters, processes and relevant impact
factors for energy aspects, and to have a full documentation of improvements
and optimization results, a visualization tool should be directly linked to the production and energy module as well as to the energy optimizer. The information
and the recommendations for action outlined in the visualization tool can then be
implemented in the real production.
5.3
Description of the M&S Approach
The modeling and simulation of the material and energy flows in a production
requires the use of different simulation paradigms for a realistic depiction of the
various aspects 1 . Following Djanatliev and German, who propose a methodology targeting to define structured hybrid approaches in domain-specific contexts,
1 Extracts of this section have already been published at the Winter Simulation Conference
2019 [RS2019].
5 Development of a Simulation-based Methodology …
5.2
Conceptual Framework
Based on the defined requirements, this section describes the conceptional framework. For the simulation-based optimization methodology considering the
existing production system in a company, the system inputs and outputs, as well
as other constituting factors in a production plant. One focus of the concept will
be put on the definition of interfaces of the material and energy flows to obtain
reliable simulation results. Additionally, optimizations must be integrated in a way
they can handle the complexity of hybrid models and allow the automated generation of altered parameters. Conditions and modalities, specific aspects of single
modules, and their functional principles will be outlined in detail in sections 5.3
and 5.4.
As shown in Figure 5.1, the conceptual framework includes two main modules, a production and energy simulation and an energy optimizer. The simulation
module is split up into three subparts: A part for the development of a model
of the real production flow, a model for the depiction of production machine
behavior and a model of the energy flow in production. The second module includes the optimization tool for performing energy efficiency optimizations using all
production model components. Both modules receive the required production related input data from the actual production system to be able to depict production
processes in the most accurate and realistic way to perform energy efficiency optimizations. To provide an overview of parameters, processes and relevant impact
factors for energy aspects, and to have a full documentation of improvements
and optimization results, a visualization tool should be directly linked to the production and energy module as well as to the energy optimizer. The information
and the recommendations for action outlined in the visualization tool can then be
implemented in the real production.
5.3
Description of the M&S Approach
The modeling and simulation of the material and energy flows in a production
requires the use of different simulation paradigms for a realistic depiction of the
various aspects 1 . Following Djanatliev and German, who propose a methodology targeting to define structured hybrid approaches in domain-specific contexts,
1 Extracts of this section have already been published at the Winter Simulation Conference
2019 [RS2019].