Development of a model for the promotion of energy efficiency in an automotive industry paint-shop

Abstract

The automotive industry faces technological challenges to improve its sustainability under the pressure of economic and environmental requirements. One of the most cost-effective ways of reducing energy costs is through the implementation of energy efficiency measures. Typically, paint-shops include the most energy intensive processes in a vehicle assembly plant (Fig. 1). They consume both electricity and fuels to drive the different equipment (e.g., fans and pumps), to dry and condition the air in the painting line and to oxidize the Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in the exhaust.