Start-up method for multi-module machine

An energy efficient and wear-reducing method of starting a machine comprising a plurality of modules, each module having a standard run-up time until optimum operating conditions are obtained, the method comprising:

• providing a machine comprising a plurality of modules;
• acquiring for each module of an initial state at a time T0 and a run-up time to reach the optimum operating conditions from the time T0;
• identifying a slow module having a run-up time comprising a greatest span of time and determining a time T1 of optimum operation, following run-up, at which said slow module has its optimum operating conditions;
• establishing, for each module other than the slow module, a starting or run-up time set point for which its optimum operating conditions are reached only at the time T1 or in the immediate vicinity of the time T1,
• controlling or operating the modules with the established starting or run-up time set point;
• and
• wherein energy consumption during the starting of the machine and modules thereof is optimized to maximize efficiency thereof, thereby eliminating premature wear of one or more modules during the starting of the machine.