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Publications

Publications by CESE

2024

Toward Digital Twin Conceptualization in Complex Operations Environments

Authors
Ghanbarifard, R; Almeida, AH; Luz, AG; Azevedo, A;

Publication
FLEXIBLE AUTOMATION AND INTELLIGENT MANUFACTURING: MANUFACTURING INNOVATION AND PREPAREDNESS FOR THE CHANGING WORLD ORDER, FAIM 2024, VOL 1

Abstract
This paper advocates for Digital Twin (DT) technology as a pivotal solution to address the complexities of Complex Operations Environments (COEs). Recognizing the need for a thorough understanding of COEs and their DTs, a methodology is introduced to bridge existing gaps. Given the lack of a universal definition, the approach leverages the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) to extract insights, facilitating the development of a comprehensive definition for COE and DT. The methodology integrates Ontology and Systems Modelling Language (SysML) to provide a semantic and conceptual model of COE and DT. Ontology enriches the semantic understanding, exploring existence and entity relationships, while SysML ensures clear and concise communication through standardized graphical representation. This paper aims to present a methodology to achieve a precise understanding of COEs and their corresponding DTs, providing a robust foundation for addressing operational complexities in dynamic environments.

2024

Energy-efficient Manufacturing Scheduling of Footwear Industries with Onsite Photovoltaic Energy and Storage

Authors
Gomes, I; Paulos, J; Bessa, RJ; Sousa, M; Rebelo, R;

Publication
2024 INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON SMART ENERGY SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGIES, SEST 2024

Abstract
The footwear industry is energy-intensive and, consequently, a source of large amounts of greenhouse gas emissions every year. Issues related to climate change and growing conflicts on a global scale that impact the prices of raw materials and energy prices have led companies in the footwear industry to take actions to mitigate these impacts. Among these actions is the growing focus on producing its energy from energy systems based on renewable sources and battery energy storage units. This paper addresses the energy-efficient manufacturing scheduling in footwear industries with onsite energy production from a photovoltaic system with batteries. The problem is formulated as a mixed integer linear programming problem. Different objectives are presented, depending on the priorities of the entity that owns the footwear factory, namely, minimizing operation costs, minimizing CO2 emissions, or both. The case study is footwear factory located in Portugal that uses a manufacturing process based on injection molding. The results show the effectiveness of the proposed approach, with active demand side management playing a fundamental role in shifting periods of higher energy consumption to periods of lower prices or lower CO2 emissions. Also, Pareto fronts are depicted to make the trade-off between CO2 emissions and operation costs. As expected, the reduction of CO2 emissions promotes an increase on operation costs. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis is carried out on the increase in photovoltaic capacity and battery capacity. The results show that increasing photovoltaic and battery capacity promotes reductions in costs up to 30% and in the emissions up to 37%.

2024

Lean and Green Manufacturing Operationalization Through Multi-Layer Stream Mapping - Lean&Green 4.0

Authors
Pecas, P; Lopes, J; Jorge, D; Sahul, AK; Baptista, AJ; Leiter, M;

Publication
ADVANCES IN PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS-PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS FOR VOLATILE, UNCERTAIN, COMPLEX, AND AMBIGUOUS ENVIRONMENTS, APMS 2024, PT III

Abstract
Lean and green (L&G) manufacturing in Industry 4.0 (I4.0) has brought many advantages in manufacturing industries by minimizing waste and maximizing efficiency with integration of renewable energy sources and sustainable materials. Multi-layer Stream Mapping (MSM) is a new framework for the performance assessment of complex manufacturing processes. MSM is used for multi-domain analysis of manufacturing processes to assess resources, and processes, that are used to identify Non-ValueAdded (NVA) procedures or steps that consume unnecessary time and resources, and/or release emissions and waste that can no longer be reused or recycled to be eliminated or replaced to create a Value Added (VA) process flow that avoids waste in a clean, green and environmental friendly manner. This paper presents the implementation of the L&G strategy through MSM in metal working production systems. In metalworking production systems, the variables of operational performance and resources consumption considered are process time, number of operators, consumables, raw material, and energy. These can be suitably used for reduction in water emissions, gas emissions, solid waste and scrap generated in metalworking production systems.

2024

Multidimensional Evaluation of Production Systems Design Based on Design-for-eXcellence Methodologies

Authors
Branco, MI; Almeida, AH; Soares, AL; Baptista, AJ;

Publication
FLEXIBLE AUTOMATION AND INTELLIGENT MANUFACTURING: MANUFACTURING INNOVATION AND PREPAREDNESS FOR THE CHANGING WORLD ORDER, FAIM 2024, VOL 2

Abstract
To address the increasing complexity of product characteristics, demand fluctuations, and higher costs of raw materials, along with pressures for fast-er integration of decarbonized energy resources, manufacturing companies require flexible production systems. These systems should minimize waste, achieve faster cycle times, and deliver high-quality products to stay competitive. In this regard, Product Design-for-Excellence (DfX) principles have gained significant importance in recent years. DfX enables all management levels to perform quick and comprehensive design inputs and performance evaluations, leveraging product lifecycle management platforms. LeanDfX, a dedicated Lean approach for product development performance assessment, has been previously proposed. This work builds upon LeanDfX by presenting a multi-dimensional approach to support design and performance assessment of production systems throughout its lifecycle. This approach coherently integrates different production knowledge areas and strategic foundations (e.g., Lean Manufacturing, Strategic Aspects, Sustainability, and Circular Economy) for the effectiveness and efficiency evaluation of production systems. The research hypothesis revolves around the translational strategy of extending and transforming the LeanDfX methodology for application in production system design within factory operations. This new architecture is presented in the context of the European project RENEE, devoted to designing and deploying remanufacturing processes for a more sustainable, circular, and competitive industry.

2024

Material design-for-X: A decision-making tool applied for high-performance applications

Authors
Oliveira, BF; Pinto, SM; Costa, C; Castro, J; Gouveia, JR; Matos, JR; Dutra, TA; Baptista, AJ;

Publication
MATERIALS TODAY COMMUNICATIONS

Abstract
As the need for enhanced material performance continues to escalate in several sectors, addressing complex parameters such as economic feasibility, ease of manufacturing, and production volume, rises the need for multidomain decision-making tools. In order to explore and streamline this process, this study employed the novel Material Design-for-eXcellence methodology to investigate polymer material selection in aeronautical and power transformer components, using additive manufacturing. The study assessed the X's selected (mechanical, thermal, physical, cost, dielectric, and environmental) by assigning weights to these factors, and identifying the optimal materials for each application. In the aeronautical context, PEI+GF30 was chosen as the best solution, attaining an overall effectiveness of 79 %, primarily due to its exceptional mechanical characteristics. The use of a thermoplastic can lead to lighter components while ensuring the same technical performance, enabling longer flight duration. Conversely, in the energy sector for power transformers, PSU obtained a 78 % score, largely attributable to its outstanding dielectric properties. The application of additive methods on transformers' insulating parts leads to optimized channels for the mineral oil, enhancing its thermal and dielectric performance. The obtained results underscored the importance of tailored material selection approaches, adjusted to specific application requirements. The importance of comprehending and adapting to diverse contexts for effective material design and implementation is also highlighted.

2024

Improving coffee capsules recyclability- A combined assessment of circularity and environmental performance of a novel design

Authors
Pinto, SM; Gouveia, JR; Sousa, M; Rodrigues, B; Oliveira, J; Pinto, C; Baptista, AJ;

Publication
SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION

Abstract
Coffee capsules have gained high levels of popularity in the last decades due to their convenience of use, flavour choices, and consistent extraction quality. As governmental bodies are promoting more circular solutions for packaging products, concerns have been raised regarding the environmental impacts of single-use coffee capsules, namely their end-of-life treatment and effective recyclability. This paper presents a novel design based on thin steel sheet material application for new packaging solutions that can support a more circular economy. To validate this new design, a framework was presented for a cross-assessment of Life Cycle Assessment with Circularity Analysis to compare the new tinplate capsule with conventional polypropylene and aluminium capsules. The novel design is more circular (0.97 in the material circularity indicator), in comparison with the polypropylene (0.1) and aluminium (0.80) conventional capsules, due to the ferromagnetic properties that allow for better effectiveness during sorting in urban packaging recycling facilities. As for the environmental assessment, the tinplate has higher environmental impacts than the aluminium and the polypropylene capsules (more 63 % and more 92 %, respectively) due to the high energy intensity processes required to produce this material. These results demonstrate that the novel tinplate capsule should complement the strong results in circularity with further improvements in its environmental performance, namely by the transition of the steel industry to the upcoming generation of decarbonized steel production.

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