Evaluation of Industrial Energy Flexibility Potential: A Scoping Review

Abstract

It is vital to conduct the evaluation of industrial energy flexibility potential to provide knowledge to relevant market players about the energy potential with economic gain through unlocking flexibility. This paper applies a scoping review methodology and presents the findings for uncovering industrial energy flexibility. The scoping review was conducted in the last quarter of 2019, and 855 publications were found through related databases. Through a systematic quantitative and qualitative review, 26 essential publications fulfill the criteria. The result indicates that the field of evaluating the potential of industrial energy flexibility is matured with an increasing research interest. Meanwhile, the results reveal a tendency to focus on evaluating the potentials in a single process within the industrial facility. Furthermore, the result indicates that optimization is the main evaluation method. Based on the scoping review analysis and results, it was found that there is a gap between the evaluation of energy flexibility and the impact on the production flow. Hence, there is a need to focus on solutions that promote a holistic view of the production flow. Through holistic solutions, it is possible to access to which extent introducing energy flexibility measures may propagate through the production system. This can be achieved through simulation-based solutions that also promote solution validation.

Application of energy informatics in Danish research projects

“…Future research may be beneficial to conduct the energy research from a consumer perspective in which the flexibility implications are considered (Billanes et al 2017); most projects assume that the flexibility will be there without considering the discomfort induced to the provider. Generally, the inclusion of industrial energy flexibility has not been studied in detail by any of the reviewed projects besides specific case studies (Howard et al 2021a;Howard et al 2021c). Therefore, to enable large-scale use of industrial energy flexibility, it will be beneficial to develop a framework for evaluating the potential energy flexibility that can be supplied by industrial consumers based on their risk willingness (Vaerbak et al 2019).…”

“…From a technical point of view, it is essential to transition the industry into industry 4.0 to provide an information basis for evaluating potential energy flexibility. Thereby, the industry can benefit from state-ofthe-art technologies, e.g., Digital Twins, for performance optimization and what-if scenario testing (Howard et al 2021b).…”

Identifying Best Practice Melting Patterns in Induction Furnaces: A Data-Driven Approach Using Time Series K-Means Clustering and Multi-criteria Decision Making

“…For instance, the use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and finite element analysis (FEA) have been used in several studies to optimize the design of melting and casting operations and to study the heat transfer processes within the furnace and mold, allowing for the identification of potential energy savings [16,17]. Optimization techniques such as mathematical programming, artificial intelligence, and machine learning have also been reported to reduce energy consumption in the foundry process [18][19][20][21].…”

Business Models for Digitalization Enabled Energy Efficiency and Flexibility in Industry: A Survey with Nine Case Studies

“…It involves employing technologies, practices, and systems that minimize energy waste and maximize the output obtained from the energy consumed [4]. On the other hand, energy flexibility [5] pertains to the capability of an energy system to adapt its energy production or consumption patterns in response to fluctuations in energy supply or demand conditions. This flexibility allows the system to efficiently balance the energy generated or consumed with the changing needs and availability of energy resources [6].…”