Net-zero energy factory: Exploitation of flexibility – A technical-economic analysis for a German carpentry

Industrial facilities hide a high potential of flexibility, whose exploitation might contribute to accelerating the decarbonization process. This study deals with the identification, quantification and exploitation of flexibility within a German carpentry works. The exploitation of flexibility is considered from the point of view of the factory manager with the aim of operating the factory as a net-zero energy system. A methodology for the identification and quantification of the flexibility has been implemented. A technical and economic analysis has been performed to evaluate the benefits of operating the carpentry works studied as a net-zero energy factory. The simulations point out that about 79 % of the renewable energy source power generation can be integrated directly into the manufacturing system through the methodology suggested. The required investment might be paid back within nine years.