A new modelling approach which combines energy flows in manufacturing with those in a factory building

This paper describes the development of a modelling approach which combines the energy use in industrial production, with the energy flows relating to the building. Through case studies, the effects of energy conservation measures in production on the overall thermal energy balance of a factory production area are explored. The paper identifies three types of manufacturing processes; thermal ‘air’ process (oven), thermal ‘fluid’ process (vat) and electrical processes (motor). Product (material) flow is also discussed, accounting for product heat flux and dispersion upon the overall energy balance of the system, after leaving a process.  This paper includes both methodology and demonstrations on how building physics and manufacturing process systems may be modelled in an integrated manner, in order to improve the way that industry uses and thinks about energy at both facility and systems level.