Optimization as investment decision support in a Swedish medium-sized iron foundry – A move beyond traditional energy auditing

摘要: Due to increased globalisation, industries are facing greater competition that is pressing companies into decreasing their expenses in order increase profits. As regards Swedish industry, it has been faced with substantial increases energy prices recent years. Barriers efficiency such as imperfect information inhibit investments measures, audits being one means of reducing barriers and overcoming information. However, an evaluation Sweden reveals chiefly low-cost measures undertaken a result audit. Moreover, these often tend focus on support processes ventilation, lighting, air compressors etc., while impacting production not extensively covered, which underlines the need for further addition audits. Decision practised variety different disciplines optimization simulation aim this paper explore whether investment decision practices may be used successfully towards small medium-sized manufacturers when complex production-related decisions taken. The results from cases, involving foundry’s new melting unit, indicate no electricity price fluctuations over day, seems sound lowers overall costs. fluctuating prices, there large differences costs between option retaining existing five furnaces at foundry investing twin furnace removing holding – was initial plan study. It would have possible achieve outcome without use MIND. One main conclusions support, strategic taken, emphasising energy-intensive SMEs beyond level traditional auditing.