Integration of low-cost digital energy meters in learning factory assembly lines

Abstract

The topic of energy efficiency is becoming increasingly important both financially and economically. In view of rising energy prices and the importance of industry 4.0 in today’s technology, this work is exactly the ravages of time. In order to bring a lucrative and businessable product onto the market today, it is necessary to optimize components in order to achieve the best possible output. In particular, this work relates to reducing the energy costs of a manufacturing process with digital measurement techniques and current visualization options. This work was carried out at the Graz University of Technology using modern energy measurement devices and advanced communication techniques. The main purpose of this work is to build a digital energy consumption display in the LEAD Factory at the Institute of Innovation and Industrial Management. Special importance is attached to the creation of use cases for a workshop at the institute in order to impart a broad knowledge to the participating students. By measuring the energy consumption of the workstations and the modern equipment, it is possible to monitor the energy consumption of a running production in real time. The result shows how a digital monitoring system can be integrated into a manufacturing process line for low budget. Furthermore, it enables the operator to monitor consumers with an increased energy consumption which can then be optimized.