On evaluation of alternative switching strategies for energy-efficient operation of modular factory automation systems

In this paper, we propose a state-based, modular model for automation systems enabling the calculation and optimization of switching strategies for energy-efficient operation. This concept is based on the model of networked (priced) timed automata that we call energy system model. It comprises structural, temporal and energetic information of automation subsystems´ behavior providing a basis for automated analysis and calculation of feasible, energy-optimal switching strategies for the complete automation system. The presented real-world automation system enables proof-of-concept and allows discussing the arising, domain-specific complexity of the temporal and energetic analysis. By means of the energy system model, we provide a basis for calculating energy-optimal operation of modular automation systems and support the comparison of alternative, energetic switching strategies of subsystems. For this purpose, a symbolic reachability analysis complemented by solving a constrained optimization problem is applied in this approach.