The Physical Model Concept for the Determination of the Least Energy Demand as Energy Efficiency Benchmark for 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 for revealing the actual energy savings potential of production processes as well as to derive actions on its basis. In order to calculate such a reference value for different production processes, the term Least System Energy Change Demand is defined based on the model of the activation energy in the field of chemistry and on the given circumstances. In the following, the fundamental model concepts for describing the processes on an atomic level, which take place during the execution of the respective production process according to DIN 8580, are introduced. Four fundamental models consider the atomic processes under energetic aspects: 1. the chemical, 2. the atom physical, 3. the thermodynamic, and 4. the materials scientific model. The atom physical model includes two model concepts that describe different phenomena: the model concept of the potential well and the model concept of the Coulomb potential. Finally, it is shown to what extent the models can be transferred to the common materials in the manufacturing technology. The presented models form the basis for determining the Least Energy Demand as a reference value to evaluate and calculate the energy efficiency for production processes according to DIN 8580.