6.5 Evaluation of the Practical Applicability …
191
With a complete database, the methodology can be used to simulate production forecasts of products that have already been produced on the production lines
before. New product start-ups are hard to simulate in advance, since the methodology can only be used if the energy consumption of the individual machines
during the productive machine states is known in the form of value tables, mean
values or mathematical equations. If those data do not exist for new products, the
simulation-based optimization methodology cannot be used.
For a complete database, the simulation-based optimization methodology can
be used to optimize individual production lines or entire production areas. It can
thus be utilized in machine or production line related projects to increase energy
efficiency, but also for the holistic optimization of the energy efficiency of the
total production area. In order to become familiar with the methodology and the
simulation software, it is advisable to start with small projects and later combine
the models to a holistic production model.
The financial valuation of the achievable energy savings was based on the
energy prices of the current valid framework agreement from 2013. It is striking
that the tariff for consumption-dependent energy costs is relatively high compared to electricity bills from other companies that were used as a reference. The
negotiation of new framework agreements for the electricity supply might be a
further starting point for reducing energy costs.
6.5
Evaluation of the Practical Applicability
of the Simulation-based Optimization Methodology
Following the evaluation of the optimization results and the summary of the resulting recommendations for action for the practical partner, this section assesses
the applicability of the simulation-based optimization methodology in practical
use. For this purpose, the defined concept objectives and requirements listed in
section 5.1 are evaluated with regard to their implementation in the methodology
(Table 6.11).
Table 6.11 shows that the methodology meets the requirements in many
respects. By applying the methodology, the interactions between production processes and energy use in production can be presented with high transparency.
Additionally, processes can be modeled very accurately using the various required
simulation paradigms. The modular, clear structure and the many parametrization
possibilities support the simulation of small production areas, but also the extension to entire productions. The systematic approach to model creation and the
execution of optimization experiments provides the user with instructions for the
191
With a complete database, the methodology can be used to simulate production forecasts of products that have already been produced on the production lines
before. New product start-ups are hard to simulate in advance, since the methodology can only be used if the energy consumption of the individual machines
during the productive machine states is known in the form of value tables, mean
values or mathematical equations. If those data do not exist for new products, the
simulation-based optimization methodology cannot be used.
For a complete database, the simulation-based optimization methodology can
be used to optimize individual production lines or entire production areas. It can
thus be utilized in machine or production line related projects to increase energy
efficiency, but also for the holistic optimization of the energy efficiency of the
total production area. In order to become familiar with the methodology and the
simulation software, it is advisable to start with small projects and later combine
the models to a holistic production model.
The financial valuation of the achievable energy savings was based on the
energy prices of the current valid framework agreement from 2013. It is striking
that the tariff for consumption-dependent energy costs is relatively high compared to electricity bills from other companies that were used as a reference. The
negotiation of new framework agreements for the electricity supply might be a
further starting point for reducing energy costs.
6.5
Evaluation of the Practical Applicability
of the Simulation-based Optimization Methodology
Following the evaluation of the optimization results and the summary of the resulting recommendations for action for the practical partner, this section assesses
the applicability of the simulation-based optimization methodology in practical
use. For this purpose, the defined concept objectives and requirements listed in
section 5.1 are evaluated with regard to their implementation in the methodology
(Table 6.11).
Table 6.11 shows that the methodology meets the requirements in many
respects. By applying the methodology, the interactions between production processes and energy use in production can be presented with high transparency.
Additionally, processes can be modeled very accurately using the various required
simulation paradigms. The modular, clear structure and the many parametrization
possibilities support the simulation of small production areas, but also the extension to entire productions. The systematic approach to model creation and the
execution of optimization experiments provides the user with instructions for the