Making factory production eco-friendly

Production facilities have generally favoured maximal production over efficient energy usage. However, the dramatic increase in the cost of energy and the pressure of regional emission quotas has led such facilities to seek alternative modes of production. The 'Factory eco-friendly and energy efficient technologies and adaptive automation solutions' (FACTORY-ECOMATION) project continues to work to develop new production systems that can be productive, cost effective and energy efficient. These new systems will hopefully play a pivotal role in achieving the EU 20/20/20 objectives.

Research is being conducted through the analysis of two environmentally prominent sectors: the iron and steel industry, and the woodworking industry. The project began by analysing the targeted end users and formalising the project framework and requirements. The three main pillars of the framework serve as outlines for the research and development activities of the partners. The first pillar involves awareness of the complete performance of a production environment. Technology has been developed to provide more comprehensive monitoring of both productivity and environmental impact.

The second pillar looks at increasing the efficiency of the equipment directly involved in production. FACTORY-ECOMATION is working on solutions to deal with wasted energy, such as low-temperature equipment to save heat and high-efficiency wood working machines.

Finally, the third pillar analyses the impact of decision making, management and control systems on energy efficiency. Decisions rely on the performance of the equipment, which is dependent on the control systems, which are constrained by the decision makers. Thus, solutions to improving the quality of both the control systems and decision making are being developed.

Research and analysis of results already achieved continue in pursuit of the ultimate FACTORY-ECOMATION vision. This vision is of factories that fully incorporate environmental concerns into their structure and management, and monitor, manage, predict and prioritise their own environmental effects. This type of factory, and exporting these ideals through the major players involved, will mean a great step towards reducing energy waste worldwide.