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“The best energy efficiency measure
is to save energy.”
Egon Müller, Chemnitz University of Technology
trends in automation:
To what extent can a factory plan for
and implement energy self-sufficiency?
Müller:
Using a holistic approach, it is feasible for the planning
of new factories and relevant for the planning and realisation
of factory areas or extensions. The energy-efficient plant exten-
sion project in St. Ingbert/Rohrbach, for which Festo won the
Energy Efficiency Award 2008, is a good example of the type of
development that has taken place in recent years. Since then,
many technologies and possibilities have undergone further
development and are now available for integration in suitable
planning concepts. This also includes potential that can be real-
ised through the use of renewable energy.
trends in automation:
What sector do you see as the leader
in energy efficiency and why?
Müller:
Based on my own experiences, automotive manufac-
turers and their major suppliers are leading the way. The huge
rise in energy costs is by no means the only incentive. Market-
ing is another major consideration, as it focuses not only on
the environmentally-friendly and resource-efficient nature of
the products themselves, but also on their manufacture and,
consequently, the factories in which they are produced. It is
important that the entire product life cycle be taken into account,
particularly the manufacture and use phases.
trends in automation:
Is the automotive industry a good
example for other sectors?
Müller:
Basically, yes. In some cases the automotive industry
is more than just taking the lead role; the major significance of
the industry means it has a direct influence on other sectors.
This applies to mechanical and plant engineering, control and
automation technology as well as electrical engineering and
drive technology.
trends in automation:
What energy-efficient projects is your
institute currently involved in and what conclusions have you
drawn from your research?
Müller:
In the cluster of excellence “Energy-efficient Product
and Process Innovations in Production Engineering” (eniPROD),
we are working on a “Logistics and Factory Planning” sub-
project, which aims to develop methods for factory planning
with a focus on energy efficiency and software systems to sup-
port the planning process. This research has already produced
a conceptual framework for a holistic energy efficiency model.
With this model, knowledge can be created, prepared and
made available in a systematic manner on the one hand, and
competence development and training can be implemented on
the other. In another research project with a stronger techno-
logical focus, we are working on the measurement and recording
of energy consumption in complex factory structures. Initial
findings in relation to measuring systems and their benefits
have already been applied to practical solutions.
trends in automation:
What does a busy man such as yourself
like to do in his spare time?
Müller:
When I have the time, I like to work on my 1976 vintage
car in my garage. During the summer, when the weather is
good, I enjoy going for drives or taking part in vintage rallies.
I also like to read books about automotive engineering. Issues
such as the historical development of factories create a link
between my work and my spare time.