Automation and energy: the perfect couple

The topic for this month is the “sustainability” of packaging: a very topical subject that can't just be limited to the research and use of eco-compatible materials, but must include the recovery of energy efficiency during production.

Rexroth The topic for this month is the “sustainability” of packaging: a very topical subject that can't just be limited to the research and use of eco-compatible materials, but must include the recovery of energy efficiency during production.

Rexroth has summed up its own ten-year experience of energy efficiency in the 4EE (Rexroth for Energy Efficiency) concept - a methodical and across-the-board approach aimed at reducing energy consumption and therefore CO2 emissions, regardless of whether we're talking about integrated systems or products (hydraulic, electric, mechanical or pneumatic). First of all, it's useful to remember that consumption reduction opportunities can be identified in every phase of the lifecycle of an application, but the best results are only obtained by viewing a project in terms of its energy consumption effects right from the conceptual definition stage.
The 4EE methodical approach is subdivided into four phases:

Energy system design. Designing and optimising the system in relation to the energy requests, working on the architecture, sizing, machine cycles and phases, and using software to simulate and evaluate the consumption levels.

Efficient components. The research and use of high energy efficiency components: brushless motors, inverters, distributed architecture, variable capacity pumps, etc. These are just some of the “tools” that make it possible to optimise consumption levels.

Energy recovery. Energy is too precious to be wasted. One of the most important parameters is the possibility to “store” excess energy so it can be used at a later time. The “energy exchange” can take place between peripheral devices, with the mains system, with mechanics, or with accumulation systems.

Energy on demand. On the basis of this concept, we should only use energy when we actually need it, thereby managing its costs and environmental impact. The use of controls to monitor consumption levels is the starting point for optimising energy requests.

Nowadays, techniques and technology can lend a hand wherever it's necessary to increase the energy efficiency of machines and systems. But it's still essential to be able to rely on competent partners: for its part, Rexroth can boast experience, methods, know-how, products and systems able to provide all-round support for the entire energy consumption optimisation process, with a direct effect on plant costs and sustainability.