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

Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine how energy resources are used in the production of unrefi ned sugar in Colombia. To do this, measurements were carried out in eight sugar mills that represent the typical production processes for unrefi ned sugar. These data were used to obtain fi rst and second law balances, which were then used to calculate effi ciencies and some energy use indicators. By comparing the mills it was found that technological improvements enable energy effi ciency 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 effi ciency is not signifi cant, which suggests that cogeneration systems should be implemented in large-scale production processes in order to make a better use of the energy resources.