System dynamics modelling for calculation of carbon footprint on a non-homogeneous production system: A case in a ceramic studio

Abstract

The production system of a typical ceramic studio is simple but non-homogeneous. Production stages are batch, and some are accumulative (unit by unit). This inhomogeneity leads to a non-smooth product flow along the production line. Energy for processing comes from three sources: fuel oil, electricity, and liquified petroleum gas (LPG), so it has the potential to generate relatively large carbon emissions. This paper discusses how the inhomogeneity of the production system can be analysed by system dynamics modelling when mathematical modelling is impossible because of its states' complexity, or discrete-events simulation modelling is not efficient enough to use. Scenario analysis can be done using the system dynamics model created. Existing conditions provide a carbon footprint of 19.57 kg. If an additional set of trays is provided, obtaining a firing timing configuration in both kilns is possible. The number of carbon emissions can be reduced by up to 22.8%, or save about US$ 16,350 per year. This value means a lot for a micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME).

Keywords

• Emission quantity
• Ceramic production
• Non-homogeneous production system
• System dynamics