The Least Energy Demand as Crossbench Reference for the Evaluation and Equation of the Relative Energy Efficiency of Production Processes

Abstract

This paper presents the Least Energy Demand as a comprehensive reference value to evaluate energy efficiency. An objective evaluation and calculation of the energy efficiency of production processes represents a substantial challenge with regard to the state of the art. The reason for this is the lack of appropriate reference values. A comprehensive comparison of the energy efficiency is not possible without consistent reference values. However, this comparison is essential to reveal the actual energy savings potential of production processes and to derive actions on its basis. First, in order to calculate such a reference value for different production processes, the basics to describe a closed system energetically, are defined. Initially, several energy states and the various energy terms were defined to describe a production process as an energetic system. In a second step, the model for the activation energy based on chemical laws is introduced and its basic idea is transferred to the operations of the production processes of DIN 8580. For this purpose, appropriate general conditions have to be defined in order to be able to derive, finally, the existence of a Least Energy Demand for the execution of a production process according to DIN 8580. In conclusion, the term Least System Energy Change Demand is introduced and is defined within the conceptualized model for the activation energy. It forms the basis of independent reference values for the evaluation and calculation of the energy efficiency of production processes.