Managing Energy Efficiency in Manufacturing Processes – Implementing Energy Performance in Production Information Technology Systems

Abstract

Abstract. Climate change and unsecured energy supply are topics that become increasingly important in today's society. Although renewable energy technologies may be a long-term solution, more efficient energy use potentially makes a high and economic contribution to the given challenges in the short term. New CO 2 regulations, rising energy prices and environmentally aware customers make energy efficient manufacturing a priority topic on the agenda of industrial companies. This paper focuses on drives for industrial companies to become more energy efficient in their manufacturing processes by integrating energy efficiency performance information and communication technology (ICT) in production management systems. Based on an EU roadmapping project, the paper analyzes which management tools and concepts support manufacturing companies to successfully implement energy efficiency improvement measures. By integrating energy efficiency performance criteria in ICT systems, decision-makers in industrial companies will be supplied with real-time and accurate information enabling them to make more effective business decisions.

ICT and Sustainable Development

“…Houghton [17] gives significant examples of ICT applications which can mitigate climate change and other environmental pressures. Bunse and Vodicka [18] open the perspective for organizational aspects which are essential for using ICT to manage energy efficiency in manufacturing processes. Santana et al [19] show how information systems with a Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) can be used to support sustainable design.…”

Energy management based on Internet of Things: practices and framework for adoption in production management

“…Sensor technology (Bunse and Vodicka, 2010) and energy metering (O'Driscoll and O'Donnell, 2013) are essential for the assessment of energy performance and improvement targets. Power measurement equipment must be installed at diverse levels in the factory in order to collect energy consumption data.…”

Energy Management Practices’ Determinants in Greek Enterprises

“…Energy efficiency is an important pillar of sustainable business strategies [55]. In practice, environmental management systems (EnMS) often manage energy efficiency.…”

“…The use of modern technological achievements is one of the priorities of energy management. Surveys show that enterprises estimate that most of their energy efficiency potential stems from the use of new technology, which demonstrates how important energy technology is to enterprises' consciousness [55,76]. New measurement and monitoring technologies can enable production managers and process owners to better understand how energy resources are used in processes.…”

“…There is a gap remaining between the available solutions and their actual implementation in industrial enterprises. It should be noted that the education and training of the employees and corporate culture have a key role in the successful implementation of energy management measurement and monitoring solutions and tools [55]. The use of new technologies can give the best performance curves for HVAC systems and reduce the annual energy consumption of refrigeration units by 23.2%, in the information technology sector [78].…”