To empower the twin transformation and smart manufacturing of the steelmaking and continuous casting industry, this study aims to develop a dynamic scheduling system that integrates a hybrid genetic algorithm with tabu search (ICBHGA-TS) which can minimize makespan and the total weighted tardiness while considering practical constraints involved in the batching decision of the casting process to reduce energy consumption for cleaner production.

Technology Overview
Effective solution is developed for sustainable steelmaking for energy saving. The batching and sequencing decision of charges are integrated in ICBHGA-TS. An empirical study in a leading steeling making company has validated its value. Developed solution shows significant improvements under various scenarios. Energy saving and resource efficiency of ICBHGA-TS empower sustainability.

Applications & Benefits
This study introduces the ICBHGA-TS, a dynamic scheduling system for steelmaking continuous casting that significantly enhances energy efficiency and resource optimization, fostering sustainable steel production. It demonstrably reduces makespan and total weighted tardiness compared to conventional methods, even under extreme operational conditions, while also minimizing energy consumption. Beyond steelmaking, this "twin transformation" concept is customizable and extendable to other manufacturing industries, promoting cleaner production and a circular supply chain. The practical viability of the ICBHGA-TS for real-time adjustments and rescheduling makes it a valuable tool for achieving sustainable production and overall resource efficiency across various industrial contexts.

Abstract：
Traditional heavy industries that are energy-intensive have much potential for energy saving and carbon emission reduction. Focusing on the production scheduling of steelmaking continuous casting, this study aims to propose a twin transformation strategy and investigate the impact on sustainable indicators while considering resource efficiency and productivity. Continuous casting is energy-intensive and the bottleneck for steelmaking. The batching and sequencing of the charges are crucial for energy resource management. This study developed a hybrid genetic algorithm that integrated charge batching decisions to minimize makespan and the total weighted tardiness for continuous casting while minimizing energy consumption for a circular supply chain. An empirical study is conducted to estimate the validity of this approach under various scenarios in real settings. The results have shown practical viability of the developed solution that has been implemented in this case company, while the developed solutions can be effectively employed in other industries for sustainability.

Towards sustainable production with resource efficiency: An empirical study of steelmaking continuous casting scheduling
Author：Tzu-Yen Hong, Chia-An Chen, Chen-Fu Chien
Year：2024
Source publication：Resources, Conservation and Recycling, Volume 209, October 2024
Subfield Highest percentage：99%  Economics and Econometrics  #1 / 731

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0921344924004002