A novel energy efficiency grade evaluation approach for machining systems based on inherent energy efficiency

Abstract

Characterising the energy efficiency grades of machining systems (MS) is an effective analytical methodology or management tool that helps to establish the high energy-efficient MS. However, the current MS energy efficiency approaches still lack scientific and practical formulation strategies to addresses this issue due to its multi-source and variable energy consumption characteristics. Focusing on this challenge, a new concept of inherent energy efficiency (IEE), which is formed in the design and formation phases of the MS, is proposed. Meanwhile, a novel energy efficiency grade evaluation (EEGE) approach based on IEE is also presented. The proposed EEGE approach not only can evaluate the MS energy efficiency grades, but also can reveal the MS high energy-efficient intervals. According to the analysis of IEE in MS, the EEGE approach is developed in three steps: (i) the establishment of IEE evaluating indicator system from both inherent energy utilisation (IEU) and inherent specific energy (ISE), (ii) the acquisition of the IEE, and (iii) the development of a quantitative method for the EEGE in MS. Finally, a case study of energy efficiency grade evaluation and analysis for an XK714D CNC milling machining centre is examined, illustrating the practicability of the proposed method.

KEYWORDS:

• Energy efficiency grade evaluation
• inherent energy efficiency
• energy efficiency ratio
• high energy-efficient intervals
• machining systems

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The project research on the inherent energy efficiency attributes of the mechanical manufacturing system and its optimisation approach (51775392) was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC). Special appreciations to the funds support, as well as the editor and reviewers for their contributions to the paper.

Notes on contributors

Feng Ma

Feng Ma received the PhD degree in mechanical engineering from Wuhan University of Science & Technology, China, in 2019. His current research interests include green manufacturing and manufacturing system energy efficiency. He has authored or coauthored over several academic papers in Journal of Cleaner Production, Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology and other international journals and conference proceedings.

Hua Zhang

Hua Zhang received the Ph.D. degree in mechanical engineering from Chongqing University, China, in 2000, and is currently the Dean of Green Manufacturing Engineering Research Institute, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, the vice-director of the Green Manufacturing Technical Committee (SAC/TC146/SC2) of Standardization Administration of China, and the member of Sino-UK LCMC. Her current research interests include green manufacturing and sustainable manufacturing. Moreover, she presided over more than 30 national scientific research projects and published over 100 scientific papers in international journals and conference proceedings.

Qingshan Gong

Qingshan Gong received the PhD degree in mechanical engineering from Wuhan University of Science & Technology, China, in 2019. Associate professor of Hubei University of Automotive Technology, China. His current research interests include remanufacturing and sustainable design.

K. K. B. Hon

K. K. B. Hon received the Ph.D. degree in engineering production from University of Birmingham, UK, in 1986. Chair Professor of University of Liverpool, Leader of an EPSRC Global Sustainable Manufacturing Research Network between the UK and China and the Chairman of Faculty of Engineering Research Committee. His researches include Sustainable Manufacturing, Manufacturing Systems Optimization and Virtual Manufacturing. Total research grants and contracts from DTI, EPSRC, EU, HEFCE and industry are over £10.3 million. And he published over 120 scientific papers in international journals and conference proceedings.