E|OptiKlav

project description

The E|OptiKlav research project is investigating a methodology for using artificial intelligence to support the energy-optimized operation of autoclave systems using the example of sand-lime brick production.

The European Green Deal requires an increase in energy-saving potential both socially and through the associated CO2 costs for Small and medium enterprises in the calcium silicate brick industry. The behavior of the steam system is plant-specific. Due to the high process complexity and system dynamics - especially in the case of transfer processes - fully algorithmic modeling can only be achieved with a great deal of experimental effort. As a result, the correct operating parameters for the systems can only be estimated from empirical values and often controlled manually. Energy efficiency is often sacrificed in favor of throughput.

This research project therefore aims to use hybrid AI methods to explore a less complex methodology for achieving energy-optimized operation of autoclave systems. To this end, the plant-specific behavior of the steam systems is learned from historical data and coupled with thermodynamic-physical modeling and expert knowledge. From this, operating recommendations can be derived and provided for energy-optimized system operation. 

The aim of the project is to develop a solution that enables producers to save energy without additional investment and loss of productivity and can be applied to other plants with little effort.