Energy use in the production of unrefined sugar in Colombia (exergy analysis)

Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine how energy resources are used in the production of unrefined sugar in Colombia. To do this, measurements were carried out in eight sugar mills that represent the typical production processes for unrefined sugar. These data were used to obtain first and second law balances, which were then used to calculate efficiencies and some energy use indicators. By comparing the mills it was found that technological improvements enable energy efficiency to be increased to acceptable levels due to better combustion processes and reductions in energy losses from exhaust gases and heat transfer to the walls. The effect of these improvements in second law efficiency is not significant, which suggests that cogeneration systems should be implemented in large-scale production processes in order to make a better use of the energy resources.