RESEARCH NEWS
Optimised energy storage systems
The energy consumption of a factory is generally much higher than necessary . A new software program being developed at the Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology ( IWU ) in Chemnitz , Germany , aims to change that . It will take into account all the energy-saving technologies in a company and optimise their interaction . It is also designed to significantly reduce energy costs .
“ Up to now , the energy supply of a factory has usually been determined with spreadsheets , which are rounded off generously to avoid bottlenecks in case of doubt . In addition , numerous electric drives within the production line are repeatedly accelerated or braked over the course of the production process . This not only leads to network fluctuations with considerable power peaks but , in the long run , it also damages the electrical equipment ,” explained the Institute .
Marian Süße from the Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology , Chemnitz , presented the ESIP ( Energy Storage in Production ) project on 30 August 2023 for EMO Hannover ’ s ‘ Let ’ s Talk Science ’ series .
“ Marian explained for which machines and systems the software will be applicable from 2025 and summarised its functions . For example , it will be possible to include hybrid storage systems and locally generated renewable energy in the optimisation of energy management . He also highlighted the average cost savings by using the ESIP software and advised factory users how to save energy in a simple but comprehensive way ,” summarised the IWU .
All EMO Hannover ’ s ‘ Let ’ s Talk Science ’ presentations are available online at https :// emo-hannover . de / lets-talk-science n
www
. ifw . uni-hannover . de /
https :// emo-hannover . com
Above : The efficient design and operational management of storage systems is gaining in importance .
Above left : Marian Süße , Head of the Factory System Design and Production Planning Department , Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology ( IWU ), Chemnitz .
Image source : Fraunhofer IWU .
The University of Wollongong ’ s ( UOW ) Industry 4.0 Hub , based in the Shoalhaven ( Australia ), is not only a makerspace and technology centre but an educational facility that works with businesses to research the adoption of modern technology in their workplace .
Commissioned equipment ( under the Industry 4.0 umbrella ) and housed in the Hub includes Virtual Reality / Augmented Reality ( VR / AR ) devices ; 3D printers ; collaborative robots ( cobots ) and Internet of Things ( IoT ) devices , to name a few .
“ The Hub ’ s research engineers work closely with companies and industry to see how Industry 4.0-related technology could be utilised and integrated with their existing processes . Smith ’ s BBQs , based in Temora ( regional NSW ), is one such business that contacted the Hub to explore the feasibility of using a collaborative robot to automate areas within its processes in the design and manufacture of portable barbecues . The increasing popularity of portable barbecues meant that [ the company ] needed to ramp up production to keep up with demand ,” explained the university .
The manufacturing process of the barbecue ’ s outer stainless-steel skin was laborious , and owner John Smith wanted to explore the use of cobots to reduce manual load . These tasks included machine tending ; the cobot feeding flat sheets of metal into
Industry 4.0 Hub in action
Engineers demonstrate cobot operation in the UOW ’ s Industry 4.0 Hub .
a press brake to form the outer shell of the barbecue and attaching a laser at the end of the cobot to weld parts together . Before purchasing an outright solution , John Smith wasn ’ t sure if this technology was suitable for his application so he sought the assistance of the Industry 4.0 Hub for further information .
Part of the de-risking phase offered by the Hub is to collaborate closely with companies to workshop ideas around their existing process . The Industry 4.0 Hub invited John and his colleague to its full-day cobot workshop to introduce them to the robotic arm and explore how this technology could be incorporated into their application .
“ Topics covered during the day included basic programming , safety , installation and integration , giving John Smith and his team awareness of what the technology could offer . This ‘ try before you buy ’ workshop reduced his risk when purchasing an outright solution as it allowed him to become familiar with the technology to determine if it was a suitable fit ,” added the university .
As a result of the workshop , John Smith gained the confidence to purchase a cobot from a distributor and looks to integrate the robot arm into his workflow and automate some of his processes . This will allow him to ramp up production , scale up to international markets and expand his workforce .
“ UOW ’ s Industry 4.0 Hub in Nowra has been a vital source of information , training and help with the introduction of robotics into my business . Smith ’ s BBQs will be using collaborative robots to help fold the metal BBQ parts and to weld ,” John Smith confirmed .
For further details , email industry4-hub @ uow . edu . au n
www . uow . edu . au
24 | ismr . net | ISMR October 2023