Optimization and process development methods in the production of sugar from Cuban sugar cane

Abstract

Cuba's economy has fluctuated strongly due to COVID-19 and natural disasters. In addition, sugar production, which is Cuba's main export product, also fell sharply. In the absence of underdeveloped industrial technologies and digitization, Cuba currently has to allocate its resources with even greater consideration. That's why utilization and optimization of sugar production and transport can take advantage of its inherent potential and reserves. After presenting the history of sugar production and its current, mainly local, technology, we present three simple methods, which do not require very professional knowledge nor expensive software or hardware to optimise these processes. We recommend the establishment of basic collection points, which would operate as specific logistics centres, with the role of service provision and pre-production in addition to the collection. Also, the paper proposes a method that can be used to design layouts in 3D, making the current sugar production process more compact and efficient.