A Closed Model for Energy Independent Production System in Cacao Processing Industry

Abstract

The objective of this research was to assess energy independent and develop a model of closed system production process of cocoa butter and cocoa powder. Mass balance analysis and potential energy assessment of byproducts were used to develop the closed system of cacao processing industry. The results showed that cacao industry with 4,500 kg of cacao capacity per day has the potential energy of 14,561,290 k cal per day derived from the pod husk and bean shells. This potential energy meets the energy needs for the production process. This study explained that the cacao industry can be developed to be an energy independent industry by using the by-products for energy source.