Sustainable increases of energy efficiency by holistically considered structures of factory systems

A number of efficient solutions are already in existence today for reducing specific energy and raw material needs, and they are continuously being improved. Since the competition between individual solutions for sustained energy efficiency may prove to be an obstacle to the system as a whole, the interaction of individual elements and sub-systems in complex domains must be considered in an integrated way with an eye to their reciprocal energy effects. What will be the impact of energy savings resulting from innovative approaches and intelligent solutions at a single systemic level on the system as a whole? Do they serve to reduce overall energy costs? What kinds of energy-related information are necessary to answer these questions? This article examines the issue of how dedicated energy savings in the production sector impact on the total energy requirement in factory systems. In one example, process and building are examined together in order to thereby recognize energy relationships. It was demonstrate that waste heat from machine tools has a significant impact on the factory hall climate and therefore on the heating needs of factory buildings. A model calculation demonstrated that energy savings at individual system levels are transferable to the entire system in direct proportion to the energy efficiency of the building.