Energy Efficiency and demand side management: A case study of a holistic energy concept in polymer processing

The German energy market transition is based on renewable energy systems (RES), energy efficiency and emissions reduction. Achieving sustainability targets requires consideration of the impacts of and interactions between a diverse range of measures and actors. This research presents a case study of a polymer processing factory, and a holistic energy concept intended to improve industrial sustainability. This concept encompasses the technological modification and extension of the production and factory´s energy supply by combined heat and power generation. The additional simulation of demand side management (DSM) enables the adaptation of the electricity consumption in accordance with the volatile RES generation. The application of both machine-based energy efficiency measures and the grid-oriented DSM contributes to a higher usage rate of RES and reduces the emissions of both the factory and the grid.