Simulation of Dynamic Energy Consumption in Modular Construction Manufacturing Processes

Abstract

Although industrialized construction methods, such as modular and manufactured buildings, have evolved over decades, core techniques used in prefabrication plants vary only slightly from those used in traditional site-built construction. With the focus of energy efficiency in modular construction, this research presents the development of a simulation, measurement, and optimization system for determining energy consumption (EC) in the manufacturing process of modular construction. The system uses the principles of a loosely coupled system operation to identify the nonvalue-added tasks and possible causes of low energy efficiency. The system includes value stream mapping (VSM), discrete optimization, and system dynamics (SD) for the demonstration and calculation of EC in modular construction. The benefits of implementing this system include the quantity analysis of possible waste factors, reductions in the EC, decrease of energy cost, and increase of profit. In addition, the research reveals the relationships between relocatable workers, energy efficiency, and operation flexibility. This system should provide superior performance over existing operation evaluation systems, enabling decision-making based on reliable quantities and delivery of true EC models to facility construction practitioners.