Energy efficiency measures for drive cooling system of a machine tool by use of physical simulation models

Due to global resource scarcity, the energy-efficient production constitutes an important measure for future-oriented operation of the manufacturing industry. The machine tool as a central operational unit of production processes therefore offers a wide range of technical and technological capabilities for economization and optimization. This paper deals with the development of a strategy to reduce the energy requirement of the drive coolant system of a machining center. Therefore several simulation models that build on one another with a high accuracy could be created. Based on these, three concepts with high potential for energy savings could be developed. Depending on the operating mode up to approximately 10% of base load could be saved. In addition, the strategy can be applied to a wide range of different types of machine tools.