Smart manufacturing: A sustainable energy perspective

Increasing global energy use, the depletion of fossil fuel reserves, and the greenhouse gas emissions associated with their use motivate the discovery of other sources of energy with a view on sustainability. One promising example is renewable energy, but its implementation is not without challenges. This chapter presents two potential visions for overcoming these challenges: microgrids and combined renewable energy and chemical production. Specifically, the discussion in this chapter provides an insight into the features and potential implementation of these systems as it pertains to sustainable manufacturing of energy and chemical. Conceptually, these systems offer the flexibility to take full advantage of renewable energy resources while mitigating the associated challenges, primarily the intermittency of renewable availability and its effect on utilities. Mathematical optimization is discussed extensively as the backbone of designing and operating these systems to maximize their efficacy and economic viability, as well as that of incorporating renewables as a whole.