Layout design of a mixed-flow production line based on processing energy consumption and buffer configuration

Green manufacturing is a growing trend, and an effective layout design method for production lines can reduce resource wastage in processing. This study focuses on existing problems such as low equipment utilization, long standby time, and low logistics efficiency in a mixed-flow parallel production line. To reduce the energy consumption, a novel method considering an independent buffer configuration and idle energy consumption analysis is proposed for this production line’s layout design. A logistics intensity model and a machine tool availability model are established to investigate the influences of independent buffer area configuration on the logistics intensity and machine tool availability. To solve the coupling problem between machine tools in such production lines, a decoupling strategy for the relationship between machine tool processing rates is explored. An energy consumption model for the machine tools, based on an optimized configuration of independent buffers, is proposed. This model can effectively reduce the idle energy consumption of the machine tools while designing the workshop layout. Subsequently, considering the problems encountered in workshop production, a comprehensive optimization model for the mixed-flow production line is developed. To verify the effectiveness of the mathematical model, it is applied to an aviation cabin production line. The results indicate that it can effectively solve the layout problem of mixed-flow parallel production lines and reduce the idle energy consumption of machine tools during production. The proposed buffer configuration and layout design method can serve as a theoretical and practical reference for the layout design of mixed-flow parallel production lines.