Genetic algorithm for energy consumption variance minimisation in manufacturing production lines through schedule manipulation

Abstract

The typical manufacturing scheduling algorithms do not account for the energy consumption of each job when devising a schedule. This can potentially lead to periods of high energy demand which can be problematic for manufacturers with local infrastructure having limited energy distribution capabilities. In this book chapter, a genetic algorithm based schedule modification algorithm is introduced to optimise an original schedule such that it produces a minimal variance in the total energy consumption in a multi-process manufacturing production line. Results show a significant reduction in energy consumption variance can be achieved on schedules containing multiple concurrent jobs without breaching process constraints.