Energy-efficient distributed part programme for highly automated production systems

• Published in: International journal of computer integrated manufacturing 2015-04, Vol.28 (4), p.395-407
• Main Authors: Pellegrinelli, S., Valente, A., Molinari Tosatti, L.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: distributed part programme; energy management; pallet configuration; set-up planning
• ISSN: 0951-192X; 1362-3052
• DOI: 10.1080/0951192X.2014.914631

Distributed part programmes (PPs) across the shop-floor resources have been identified as a possible enabler of production flexibility, while the energy assessment has been recognised as a relevant factor for the global sustainability. This article proposes a distributed PP approach, identified as network part programme (NPP), while addressing the minimisation of system energy consumption. The approach, called energy-based NPP, is based on two mathematical models. The first model generates a number of alternative pallet configurations according to the minimisation of workpiece set-ups and energy consumption. The second model grants the energy consumption threshold at system level through the selection of previously-generated and alternative workplans. The application of the approach on a real case shows a reduction of the energy consumption, the respect of the system energy consumption threshold and a substantial improvement in operational costs compared to traditional workplan design methods.