Optimal Location-Allocation of Printing Devices for Energy Saving Using a Novel MILP Approach

Roman Rój,Piotr Pałka,Marcin Malec,Pablo Benalcazar,Przemysław Kaszyński

doi:10.3390/en14196353

Abstract

In recent years, a growing number of enterprises have taken different steps to reduce the energy consumption and carbon emissions of information and communication technology (ICT) assets. Because of the expansion of digitalization and the need for rapid access to information, enterprises have been compelled to optimize the location and utilization of their ICT hardware. In this context, this paper presents a novel method based on a mixed-integer linear programming approach for optimizing the physical location and task allocation of printing devices in office floor plans considering the power usage of the ICT assets, the costs related to the purchase and service of the individual devices, operating costs, and distance between employees and printing devices. The applicability of the proposed model is illustrated using the case study of a company with 100 functional departments located in several office buildings across Poland. The results reveal that the model guarantees the execution of all printing tasks and satisfies the functionality requirements expressed by the users of the workstations. Moreover, the selection of more energy-efficient printing devices leads to a considerable reduction in electricity consumption, related not only to the direct operation of these devices but also to their modes of operation (work, idle, or sleep). Such results also bring tangible effects in reducing carbon dioxide emissions, which is particularly important for businesses operating in countries where fossil fuels still dominate the energy mix.

Highlights

The challenges posed by global warming have increasingly incited governments to implement new policies, regulations, and tools that would accelerate the decarbonization of the power industry and other economic sectors
We propose a novel method for optimizing the location and allocation of printers and multifunctional printing devices (MFD) in enterprises, institutions, and public offices taking into consideration the power usage of the devices already installed and in inventory
The mathematical model, which is based on a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) approach, minimizes the total monthly cost of the office printing system

Summary

Introduction

The challenges posed by global warming have increasingly incited governments to implement new policies, regulations, and tools that would accelerate the decarbonization of the power industry and other economic sectors. A variety of policy actions have been taken in the European Union and other developed economies to support the green digital transformation of the tertiary or service sector (e.g., communications, transport, finance, trade, and others). Various mechanisms have been employed in the EU to expand the use of renewable electricity technologies in households and businesses and increase the energy efficiency of services (reduce energy consumption). In some EU Member States, the application of innovative solutions has become a priority for enterprises, institutions, and public offices, since the reduction of energy consumption and carbon footprint is an essential objective in corporate social responsibility (CSR). The adoption of innovative measures for energy efficiency and mitigation in enterprises, institutions, and public offices can have a broader impact since they can benefit from the economies of scale

Methods

Results

Conclusion