Efficiency Through
Technology
Efficiency generally implies
„a relation between provided service and resource input“.
It is easily comprehensible that, given a reduction of the resource input along
with consistent performance, the efficiency increases; at the same time, though,
a reduction of the use of resources lowers the costs and thus a positive effect
on success is being achieved. (1)
Basically, any production
strives for development. However, the development can be achieved in different
ways. The industrial development is divided into extensive and intensive
development. Extensive development is based on a quantitative increase in
production capacity with a constant technical potential. In this case, the capacities
are being achieved through increasing the number of the means of production (more
devices, machinery, equipment), through the launching of new production lines
and facilities as well as the involvement of more and more natural resources in
the manufacturing process, and through increasing the number of employees. In the given case, the technical development remains
at the same level. Though the largest manufacturing giants following this path
of growth are efficient through their strong brand awareness, large customer
base and production volume, but this efficiency depends on the state of the
market. These enterprises are also strongly affected by seasonal fluctuations and
inflexible in the case of changing market conditions. Additionally, constantly
increasing demands on products and services require new technologies and trained
professionals.
On the contrary, an
intensive development of production is not a quantitative but a qualitative
change. It means, primarily, an increase of efficiency that can mainly be achieved
in the following ways:
- reduction
in energy consumption per manufactured unit,
- increasing
labour productivity,
- material
efficiency.
Reduction
in energy consumption per manufactured unit
Energy efficiency is important
not only from an environmental perspective. In times of rising energy prices, the
economic aspect of energy use is becoming increasingly important, as the
enhancing of energy efficiency enables industrial enterprises to reduce
production costs and thus to generate additional profits.
Measures for the enhancement
of the energy efficiency in technological processes comprise, among other
things,
- efficiency
of energy supply – efficiency through conversion
The main focus
in energy supply should be placed on efficient conversion technologies. Basing
on the principles of energetic effect on physical and chemical properties of
material, some technological processes can be designed much more efficiently. Examples
of efficient energy supply sources include generators for inductive and
dielectric heating, technological laser and plasma generators. (2)
- Energy
recuperation
Recuperation refers to a
procedure for energy recovery, which would otherwise be lost. This can refer to
both thermal energy as well as mechanical and electrical energy. Such types of energy
recovery can be used to enhance the energy efficiency. (3)
Along with the
expansion of renewable energies, the importance of energy storage will steadily
increase, as without a comprehensive storage concept no efficient use of
renewable energies is possible (4). The use of
energy storage systems in production is an important current topic, for it not
only allows the usage of renewable energies, but also reduces peak loads (5).
- Improvement
of process control and maintenance
The efficiency can in many cases be enhanced through optimized process
control and better maintenance (6).
Increasing labour productivity
An increase in labour
productivity, brought about mainly due to higher intensity of work, can be
achieved through a greater physical and mental effort. For in this case the
number of workers as well as the quantity and standard of mechanical equipment remain
unchanged. The increase in labour productivity can, though, also be achieved
through a reduction of work intensity, namely due to the introduction of new
technologies as well as due to automation and modernization of production. Optimization of
personnel structure also belongs to essential tools. Improving employee skills and
enhancing the ratio of managers to staff can also contribute to increasing the
efficiency of human labour.
Material efficiency
Material
frequency is frequently being defined as reduction of material use in products.
The measures to increase material efficiency are in this case mostly aimed at cutting
back the energy consumption and at related cost reduction. One example of this
is production cost optimization aiming at the complete prevention of waste in
manufacturing process. Undoubtedly, the use of recycled materials from
production waste makes a significant contribution to improving the energy
efficiency (7).
Another topic related to material
efficiency is the efficient use of material properties, which is currently not
yet given enough weight to. However, an efficient use of material also means
the efficient use of material properties. „Functional
properties of high-performance materials (e.g. ceramics) open up additional
potentials in the use of energy throughout the entire life cycle. The use of
long-lasting, wear-resistant key components reduces resp. prevents downtime due
to maintenance, thus contributing significantly to an energy-efficient design
of production processes. For an optimal system design it is crucial to achieve
specific material properties exactly where they are being needed. The
development of material-specific, fit-for-purpose connection technologies plays
a key role herewith, as the increasingly smaller systems demand the
implementation of ever more complex operations and functions“ (8).
Furthermore, it is also
possible to provide a construction part with additional mechanical and physical
characteristics due to a specific construction, design, or shape. In this case the
properties, which normally are not typical of the material of this part, are
meant (e.g. thermally thin body). Another example
is providing a graphite component with insulation properties through its
construction (9).
In conclusion, it can be
noted that, that in the current time of modern technologies, of energy
transition and resource scarcity the so-called „intensive way“
of economic growth is indispensable both for large corporations as well
as for small and medium-sized enterprises. Moreover, for small and medium-sized
companies it is nearly the only possible way of economic growth. Due to their high
motivation and innovative capacities, to the ability to react flexibly to
changing conditions, and to well-trained skilled workers the small and
medium-sized enterprises perfectly meet the criteria for this way of
development and are thus a guarantee of success of the modern economy (10).
Literature:
[1] Lambert/Burduroglu (2000), Lambert, Douglas M./Burduroglu,
Renan (2000): Measuring and Selling the Value of Logistics. In: The International Journal of Logistics Management, 11(2000)1, S. 1-17; S. 9; zitiert
nach David Thomas: Gestaltung
effizienter BI-Prozesse in informationsintensiven Dienstleistungsunternehmen:
Ein informationslogistischer Ansatz zur Auswahl einer effizienten
Prozessvariante, 2015; S.130.
[2] Tumanov, Y.: Elektrotechnologien der neuen Generation
bei der Herstellung von anorganischen Materialien. Ökologie, Energieeinsparung,
Qualität; Fismatlit, 2013.
[3] Energie
Lexikon: https://www.energie-lexikon.info/rekuperation.html, [10.07.2018].
[4] The Silent Revolution: https://silentrevolution.com/das-speicherkonzept/energiemanagement/ , [10.07.2018].
[5] Energie-Experten: https://www.energie-experten.org/experte/meldung-anzeigen/news/peak-shaving-baeckerei-reduziert-lastspitzen-mit-pv-stromspeicher-4732.html
/ ), [10.07.2018].
[6] Environmental and
Energy Study Institute: Industrial Energy Efficiency. Using new technologies to
reduce energy use in industry and manufacturing, Washington DC, May 2006; zittiert durch https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energieeffizienz#cite_note-EESI-5, [10.07.2018].
[7] Frauenhofer Institut: Energieeffizienz in der Produktion. Untersuchung zum Handlungs- und Forschungsbedarf; S.12;
online: https://www.fraunhofer.de/content/dam/zv/de/forschungsthemen/energie/Studie_Energieeffizienz-in-der-Produktion.pdf.
[8] Frauenhofer Institut: Energieeffizienz in der Produktion.
Untersuchung zum Handlungs- und Forschungsbedarf; S.7; Online: https://www.fraunhofer.de/content/dam/zv/de/forschungsthemen/energie/Studie_Energieeffizienz-in-der-Produktion.pdf.
[9] IB Engineering GmbH:
Beispiele der Effizienzsteigerung in den Teilprozessen bei der Produktion von Produkten
aus Mineralwolle, online: http://www.ibe.at/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Beispiele-der-Effizienzsteigerung-in-den-Teilprozessen.pdf.
[10] Bundesministerium
für Digitalisierung und Wirtschaftsstandort: https://www.bmdw.gv.at/Unternehmen/UnternehmensUndKMU-Politik/Seiten/KleineundmittlereUnternehmeninOesterreich_FactsandFeatures.aspx; [10.07.2018].