Methods for optimizing energy distribution in the integrated steel making industry|Metodologie per l’ottimizzazione della distribuzione di energia nell’industria siderurgica a ciclo integrale

Integrated steelworks are energy-intensive facilities that also have a significant environmental impact. Their internal energy demand is characterized by a large diversification of energy sources, and this demand can vary widely during a single production day. However, during steel production, large amounts of process gases are recovered which, besides being used for the internal heat production, are valorized for producing electricity and steam in the power plant. Optimizing their distribution requires accurate forecasting of energy flows and solving complex real-time optimization problems. In this context, this paper presents some methodologies used for developing a decision support system based on machine learning techniques, suitable for the prediction of energy consumption and production, and linear mixed integer optimization techniques. These methodologies have been applied for the optimization of energy distribution in a real steel plant with promising results.