An approach towards a cost-based production control for energy flexibility

The steady increase of fluctuating and renewable power generation is leading to volatile and rising energy prices. Therefore, it may be beneficial for companies to pursue demand side management by temporarily shifting loads, for example delaying a process. However, as such measures are at odds with the general goals of production, they may entail additional opportunity costs. This paper presents an approach for cost-based online scheduling, which enables reactions on short-term changes in energy prices. Initially, the relevant opportunity costs of energy-oriented adjustments are analysed, as this represents the basis for a further control strategy.