Brazilian Energy Matrix Research Articles

Grid-Connected Photovoltaic System for Generating Energy to Dairy Farm Activities

Minas Gerais is the leading milk-producing state in Brazil, and many dairy activities are supplied with electricity by the cable aerial network of the electrical energy state company. Given that the Brazilian energy matrix relies primarily on hydroelectric power, studies on the potential of other renewable energy sources in the context of dairy farms are innovative. Additionally, frequent disturbances and interruptions have motivated the installation of solar energy systems on dairy farms. However, the scarcity of technical and scientific studies demonstrating the benefits of electricity generated from photovoltaic panels in Minas Gerais has caused dairy farmers to fear potential financial losses. In this study, grid-connected photovoltaic systems in dairy farms were evaluated, considering three fixed tilt angles for the panels (latitude - 10°, latitude, and latitude + 10°) and electrical energy demands of dairy activities associated with two herd sizes (100 and 150 cows). Meteorological databases and mathematical models were used to predict daily global radiation on tilted panels in dairy farms of two Brazilian municipalities of Minas Gerais State (Lavras and Paracatu). Energy consumption related to dairy activities was monitored for 12 months. For both municipalities, the best results were verified with the tilt angle of panels equal to the local latitude - 10°. The municipality with the lowest latitude (Paracatu) showed higher electricity generation potential. In all simulated scenarios, a greater energy surplus was found from late spring to early autumn (Southern Hemisphere), when the higher electricity generation by the photovoltaic panels met the elevated electrical energy demand of the dairy farms. A high energy surplus was also verified during midwinter, where lower energy consumption by the dairy farms compensated for the reduced availability of solar radiation. The proposed methodology can be adapted to other dairy farms, agricultural and urban buildings.

Technical and Economica Feasibility of Photovoltaic Tiles Applies to a Single-Family Residence in Belo Horizonte-MG

Objective: The objective of this study is to verify whether photovoltaic tile technology presents technical and economic feasibility to be implemented in a single-family residence located in Belo Horizonte-MG. Theoretical framework: Through the photoelectric effect, photovoltaic tiles directly convert solar energy into electrical energy in a static, silent, non-polluting and renewable way. In this system, photons, energy-carrying particles present in sunlight, fall on a surface composed of photovoltaic cells (made of semiconductor material). At the ends of the semiconductor material, an electrical potential difference appears, responsible for setting the electrons in the structure in motion, producing electric current. Methodology: The methodology adopted for this research consists of simulating the energy consumption of a 77m2 residential building, consisting of 3 members. The tile and photovoltaic panel systems were designed to meet the energy demands of this building. Results and discussion: The results indicated that both systems present technical feasibility for their implementation, since the technologies demonstrated that they are capable of satisfying 100% of energy needs. However, from an economic point of view, only photovoltaic modules were viable. Originality/value: This work makes a contribution to the literature by analyzing a technology that is still little known in the energy market. Implications of the research: The relevance and value of this research are evidenced by the fact that photovoltaic tiles are a sustainable alternative to generate clean energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which can contribute to the diversification of the Brazilian energy matrix and mitigation of impacts. of civil construction.

Combustion and energy performance of non-commercial Corymbia and Eucalyptus wood for use in cogeneration systems in Brazil

The increased representation of biomass in the Brazilian energy matrix will contribute to reducing dependence on hydroenergy and mitigating negative impacts during increasingly frequent drought periods. However, given the changing climate, it is urgent to classify and select new genotypes for the expansion of energy plantations. The objective of this study was to evaluate the energy performance and combustibility of wood from Eucalyptus and Corymbia trees to support a knowledge-based and efficient use of such woods in thermochemical conversion systems. Eight species of Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus amplifolia, E. longirostrata, E. major, and E. urophylla) and Corymbia (Corymbia citriodora, C. variegata, C. henryi, C. torelliana), which are not generally used for energy purposes, were selected at 6 years of age from experimental plantations in southeastern Brazil. Wood basic density (WBD), ash content (AC), higher heating value (HHV), fuel value index (FVI), ignition (Di), flammability (Ci) and combustion (Si) indexes were determined. The wood of E. urophylla and C. torelliana presented showed the highest and lowest FVI, respectively. Regarding combustion indexes E. longirostrata had a higher combustion index (4.00 ×107 %2/(min2°C3)), flammability (1.49 %min−1/°C2) and ignition (4.39 % min−3) while C. variegata presented the lowest values. The FVI showed correlations with the combustibility of wood. Thus, this index can be used for the rapid and reliable classification of new genetic materials for energy forests in Brazil. E. urophylla and E. longirostrata woods demonstrated better energy performance and combustion indexes, making them the most suitable species for use in cogeneration systems and candidates for the expansion of energetic forests in Brazil.

Evaluation of energy forecasting mechanisms with renewable sources for maximizing the brazilian energy matrix using machine learning

O presente estudo concentra-se no cenário energético brasileiro e destaca o aumento progressivo do uso de fontes renováveis na matriz de energia elétrica do país. O principal objetivo deste trabalho é contribuir para a busca de soluções e impulsionar debates e reflexões sobre as ações futuras necessárias para o planejamento energético. Para isso, a pesquisa emprega ferramentas computacionais baseadas em machine learning e mineração de dados, utilizando fontes de dados governamentais e de mercado de energia. A metodologia abrange a utilização de ferramentas computacionais para projetar a previsão do mercado de energia elétrica no país, inclui a execução de modelos de previsão, destacando o comportamento do mercado energético ao longo do tempo, a partir dos métodos Redes Neurais Multilayer Perceptron (MLP), Regressão do Processo Gaussiano (GPR) e Regressão Linear para projetar a geração elétrica por fonte no Brasil. Os resultados indicam um crescimento considerável das fontes renováveis no mercado energético nacional até o ano de 2030, aproximando-se do objetivo do Plano Decenal de Expansão de Energia de atingir 90% de renovabilidade, abrangendo fontes como hidrelétrica, biomassa, eólica e solar. O método de Regressão Linear alcançou 86% de renovabilidade, enquanto o método de GPR atingiu 90%, e o método das MLP chegou a 88%. A projeção da previsão do mercado de energia elétrica, possibilitou a identificação dos padrões de comportamento mercadológico, permitindo antecipar as tendências e mudanças no mercado. Essas previsões têm o propósito de fornecer informações para apoiar o desenvolvimento de ações no processo de planejamento energético, contribuindo para a transição para fontes mais sustentáveis e renováveis de energia no Brasil.

The Role of The State in Diversifying and Expanding the Brazilian Energy Matrix: an Analysis of Legislation

Despite having an essentially renewable electricity matrix, the dependence on hydropower, in the current climate risk scenario and the associated environmental and social impacts, point to the need to diversify energy generation in Brazil. To this end, state action is fundamental for designing and implementing public policies for the country's energy matrix. However, this diversification does not occur at the desired speed and scale. Thus, this article analyses the Brazilian regulatory environmental policies to assess the participation of the Federal constituencies, States, and municipalities in scaling renewable sources in the national electricity matrix. The research revealed that specific legislation on energy is scarce, and much of what is applied is taken from the general environmental legislation. We noticed that, by constitutional imposition, the Federal constituencies have the legislative competence on the theme and, therefore, establish norms and general rules, while States and municipalities act marginally, especially in fiscal matters and environmental licensing. The need for more objectivity, standardization, and the non-existence of specific technical criteria in the norms about energy use. We also verified that most of what was legally established constitutes government programs, not state policies. It is necessary to extend the participation of states and Municipalities in elaborating national energy use plans and in the revision and technical standardization of the licensing norms. These gaps must be filled so sustainable development, a principle established in the Constitution, is strengthened and made possible, with the participation of States and Municipalities.

Brazilian Biofuels Policy (RenovaBio): Overview and generation of decarbonization credits by biodiesel production facilities

Brazil developed its National Biofuels Policy (RenovaBio) to meet goals established at the 21st Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, updated in the context of the Glasgow Climate Pact, and to achieve the scenario established in the Brazilian Energy Plan. RenovaBio is a public policy that has as its main objectives the establishment of goals for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the recognition of the importance of biofuels in the Brazilian energy matrix through the audited certification of biofuel producing plants. RenovaCalc is a RenovaBio tool used to assess the energy-environmental efficiency of installations to calculate the emission of decarbonization credits that can be sold to fossil fuel distributors and other interested parties. In this sense, this work presents an evaluation of the profile of the biodiesel producing plants certified from October 2019 to December 2021, in addition to discussing data such as the carbon emission intensity of the production cycles, the Energy-Environmental Efficiency Note and the eligible volume of biodiesel. The results indicate that RenovaBio has become a national project that should contribute to the energy transition to a low-carbon economy and enable actions to decarbonize technological routes of raw materials conversion.

The dynamics of renewable energies in the Brazilian energy matrix in the 21ST century

In the early 21st century, Brazil began adopting a series of energy policies aimed at analyzing and understanding the dynamics of its energy matrix. In this context, this article aims to analyze the dynamics of the Brazilian energy matrix based on the main energy policies adopted in the early 21st century. The research methodology begins with a bib-liographic review on the topic, directed at understanding the studied dynamics, as well as the construction of a theoretical framework from directly and indirectly related works. The bibliographic survey was conducted through research in libraries, digital repositories, and scientific journals, referencing books, dissertations, theses, databases, and articles related to the topic. This investigation is important as it deals with energy-related issues that are related to climate concerns. We conclude that, based on existing data, although there are concerns and debates about the environment and climate change in Brazil, there has been little progress in terms of the percentage of renewable energy sources incorporated into the Brazilian energy matrix between 1990 and 2020. Examining the Brazilian energy panorama in 1990 and 2020, we can see that the share of renewable sources reached 49%, making it the highest percentage of renewable sources in the internal energy supply during this period of analysis, with 51% of non-renewable sources.

The Electric Energy Production Models and Diversification of Brazilian Energy Matrix

Discussions around electrical and energy matrices across the planet have been constantly growing, and along with these discussions, the diversification of the Brazilian energy matrix has also grown. In this sense, this article aims to show the models of energy production in Brazil, highlighting the main sources used in the electrical matrix in recent years, as well as the formation of the energy matrix in Brazil among the most diverse sources that compose it. This work has three sessions, the first relating to the introduction of the theme; the next section deals with the methodology of the work, and the last block deals with the characterization of the energy matrix and how they present themselves. Within this discussion, this work also brings the characteristics that define the need for diversification of the national matrix. The article brings interesting results in relation to the national matrix, such as how renewable is the electricity matrix in Brazil, how much it can expand in the most diverse sectors of energy production, and the contrast between the matrix of Brazil and the world.

Potentialities and Impacts of Biomass Energy in the Brazilian Northeast Region

In Northeast Brazil, the use of biomass for energy generation is settled on traditional productive arrangements, such as a sugarcane production system in the humid Atlantic coastal area and firewood extraction from native tropical dry forests in the west. In parallel, substantial amounts of other biomass sources, such as residues from agricultural or urban processes, are still little used or wholly wasted, fudging the opportunity to generate new value chains based on these biomass sources. We hypothesize that using these non-traditional biomass sources to produce biofuels would significantly increase the regional bioenergy supply. In this context, this article discusses the potential for the production and use of biofuels and bioenergy in Northeast Brazil and its effects on regional development, which may be useful for both private actors and policymakers in the energy sector. The use of biomass sources for energy in the region is significant, reaching approximately 8.8 million tons of oil equivalent (toe) per year, emphasizing the already consolidated production of sugarcane and its derivatives. The use of all biomass resources in the Northeast region could supply around 4% of the Brazilian national electrical energy demand, with an environmental footprint of 0.055 tCO2eq per toe, which would contribute to reducing emissions from the Brazilian energy matrix generation. Regarding the spatial distribution of biomass sources, sugarcane prevails on the coast, firewood and livestock manure in the dryland area towards the west, and municipal solid waste is distributed throughout the region within urban areas. Different from what we expected, the potential energy recovery from municipal waste and animal manure would increase by only 17% the current bioenergy supply. In the future, since the majority of the region presents a semi-arid climate with limited rainfall, to increase the use of biomass as an energy source, there is a need to increase the supply of biomass sources with high efficiency in water use and good yields in drylands. For this, the cultivation and use of cacti and agave, for example, could contribute to making biorefineries viable in the region. Above all, public policies for harnessing bioenergy in NE Brazil must seek opportunities associated with the carbon/decarbonization economy, with studies being needed to assess the technical, economic, social, and environmental viability of future productive arrangements.

APPLICATION OF THE QUASI-NEWTON IN INTERIOR POINT METHODS FOR SOLVING THE PREDISPATCH PROBLEM

Brazilian energy matrix is essentially based on hydroelectricity with long transmission lines, allowing the exchange of energy produced in all regions of the country, the increased demand for energy and the search for lower costs, the application of more efficient and robust methods to minimize generation and transmission losses is necessary, since these are functions of generated and transmitted power, respectively. The purpose of this work is to implement primal dual interior point method for the predispatchof a hydroelectric system, with partial replacement of the Newton method with the quasi-Newton method in order to compute the system Jacobian matrix and reduce the computational costs of the iterations arising from approximations of the inverses of the Hessian matrix. This means that, in order to obtain a search direction, only a matrix vector product is necessary, which is much more efficient, for example, than the Newton method, in which a linear system has to be solved at each iteration. Computational results prove the efficiency of the approach used.

Economic, energetic and environmental analysis of the utilization of swine manure in Brazil: Opportunities and challenges

Faced with the worsening of climate issues, nations are directing efforts to build renewable energy matrices. Specifically with regard to biomass, it can contribute to the creation and strengthening of green competitive advantages in terms of cost for agricultural units. Strictly, swine biomass, considered to have a high polluting load, can contribute to achieving the aforementioned benefits. Therefore, the objective of this article is to analyze the potential economic, environmental and energy contribution of this waste, whether in breeding units, as well as in the Brazilian energy matrix, both aiming to guide investments in the sector and also to guide the elaboration of public policies for the valorization of externalities ecosystemic of this waste, with emphasis on the bioelectricity, biofertilizers and biomethane market. The methodology used was the analysis of the financial viability of breeding units from 100 to 500 swines from 25 kg to 100 kg, with 252 days of operation, 10 h a day, with the use of canvas biodigestor and motor generator with efficiency between 25% up to 38% for electricity price ranges from USD 35.35/MWh to USD 155.35/MWh, sale of carbon credit, simple superphosphate and potassium chloride. Taxes on the sale of electricity and fertilizers at 34%, with a minimum attractive rate of 12% per annum. The results indicate viability for the entire range of numbers of swine, with the sale of fertilizers and electricity and electricity at a price of USD 35.35/MWh. For the exclusive sale of electricity, for efficiency of the thermoelectric motor between 25% and 38%, there is economic and financial viability beginning at 31% for production units of 100 swine with a price of USD 125.35/MWh. This business is viable with at least 200 swine through the replacement of diesel with 10% generated biogas. It can be concluded that there is a need to reformulate the incentive policy in Brazil, through the implementation of feed in tariffs; price the MWh, in the regulated market, based on its environmental externalities; extension of the free market hiring period; the development of teaching policies with farmers about the importance of reusing waste, aiming at replacing synthetic fertilizer with biofertilizer; convergence between the Union and Federative Units on incentive policies, with emphasis on the standardization of biomethane and the creation of captive markets, which provide predictability to agricultural investors, the industries that manufacture biomethane engines and expansion of the gas pipeline network in the country.

THERMODYNAMIC AND ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF A BIOGAS -FUELED MICRO GAS TURBINE WITH COMPRESSOR PHOTOVOLTAIC DRIVE

The increase in global and Brazilian energy demand plus environmental concern due to pollutant emissions are motivating investigation and development of sustainable energy sources and the interaction between them. In this context, electricity generation through solar and solid urban waste energy harnessing has become an effective option for Brazilian energy matrix diversification. Therefore, in order to ratify this trend, a thermodynamic analysis of a 200 kWe micro gas turbine using biogas as fuel and photovoltaic panels to drive compressor shaft is presented in this paper. In terms of methodology, Engineering Equation Solver (EES) Demo was used to run a classic steady state thermodynamic model and a parametric analysis to evaluate MGT performance with a PV system integrated in order to assess specific fuel consumption reduction (SFC) at Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil, operation. Radiasol 2 was the software used to acquire solar insolation data over the year. The fuel economy occurs since power produced in turbine does not need to be discounted to drive compressor shaft during periods when solar insolation is present or when energy generation during the day is sufficient to be credited as Brazilian legislation allows grid integrated systems. In cases that solar energy is not enough or absent, a transmission mechanism similar to a clutch should be considered as well as proposed in other studies to guarantee uninterrupted system operation. Futhermore, an economic analysis was performed to evaluate kWh cost for conventional and hybrid systems. Interest rate, inflation, construction period and amortization period are important parameters taken into account to calculated annuity factor that must be evaluated to predict energy cost. The thermodynamic results showed that SFC=0,718 kg/kWh for conventional operation and SFC=0,266 kg/kWh for hybrid operation for the best operating compressor pressures ratio. The economic results showed that payback time for MGT and MGT with compressor photovoltaic drive are lower than lifetime systems, and hybrid MGT electricity cost is lower when compared to paid ones nowadays.

GEOTHERMAL ENERGY: AN ALTERNATIVE TO THE WATER–ENERGY DILEMMA IN NORTHEASTERN BRAZIL

This paper proposes geothermal energy as an alternative solution to the water–energy dilemma in the northeastern region of Brazil (NEB). The main application of this study was to provide a theoretical basis to support a different approach to policies minimizing water scarcity and ensuring sustainability. The analysis developed in this study compares the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) for many different energy sources. The novelty of this study is the use of geothermal energy in the context of the Brazilian Northeast, focusing on water desalination processes, which are expensive in terms of energy. Therefore, this study is highly important because it offers the potential of addressing the energy/economic barrier related to water desalination in environments with economically viable geothermal energy. This is the case in Northeast Brazil with potential for reuse of abandoned oil wells. In the form of enhanced geothermal systems (EGS), geothermal energy is a competitive energy source compared to other sources in the Brazilian Energy Matrix, especially when considering factors in addition to the economic benefits. In the form of EGS, geothermal energy is a suitable option for addressing water scarcity in the northeast region in a sustainable and low-emission manner. This is a strategic opportunity for NEB in the context of energy production and freshwater production through desalination.

Socioeconomic impact assessment during the stages of building and operating hydropower plants in the Legal Amazon Region

Hydropower plants (HPPs) play an important role in the Brazilian energy matrix, largely in the Amazon region where the largest amount of hydropower generation potential is found. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze socioeconomic impacts caused in the stages of building and operating a large HPP in the Legal Amazon region. For such a purpose, the socioeconomic impacts detected in environmental studies of five projects (Belo Monte, Jirau, Peixe Angical, São Manoel and São Salvador) were analyzed. Socioeconomic impacts were sorted out according to the stage of their life cycle (construction and operation); these impacts were compared using a matrix and a descriptive analysis of data. Many similarities and correlations between the socioeconomic impacts were found in five studies. During the analysis, it was found that numerous impacts were improperly mitigated in these studies. Furthermore, social costs, such as population relocation, are typically underestimated, and gains brought by operating the HPP are overestimated. It is expected that an assessment of socioeconomic impacts caused by HPP in the Legal Amazon is going to allow broadening discussions about these constructions in areas of socioenvironmental sensitivity. Moreover, it is found that socioeconomic impacts in assessed studies are associated with multiple conflicts between the population affected by the project, government, and enterprise.

Potentiality of Solar Photovoltaic Energy in Paraiba, Brazil, and the Relation with Sustainable Development

The use of non-renewable energy has been a major environmental concern and, therefore, there is a need to look for other renewable energy sources, especially photovoltaic’s. In view of this, an attempt was made to quantify the potential of solar irradiance in the State of Paraiba, as an alternative source for conversion and use in electrical energy, these determinations being the main objectives. Global solar irradiance and solar photovoltaic data were extracted from scientific publications and/or made available on the websites of the National Institute of Meteorology (INMET), the Ministry of Mines and Energy and the National Electric Energy Agency, among others. For the case study, semi-structured questionnaires were applied in different business establishments in Campina Grande, with questions related to socioeconomic aspects and photovoltaic technology. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics criteria and using an Excel spreadsheet. The main results indicated that the Brazilian energy matrix is predominantly from renewable sources. The Northeast is the second region with the highest production of photovoltaic solar energy and the State of Paraiba occupies its fourth position in the generation of this type of energy. The option of photovoltaic technology is a promising alternative, especially for rural areas, where there is not always a conventional electricity grid. The high availability of solar energy in northeastern Brazil, in almost all months of the year, especially in the state of Paraiba, demonstrates the existence of a high potential to generate electricity from photovoltaic systems. This technology contributes to local sustainable development, as it is an activity that generates employment and income, without degrading the environment.

Hydrogen economy development in Brazil: An analysis of stakeholders' perception

The aim of this article is to explore stakeholders' experiences, perceptions, and expectations in Brazilian hydrogen economy development. This is an essential input to define efficient public policies and strategy and convince stakeholders to invest in the hydrogen chain value. In order to understand the vision of the main stakeholders of the Brazilian hydrogen economy, a literature and documental analysis, complemented by interviews and questionnaire-based surveys with 32 experts of five categories (companies, governmental entities, research centers, associations, and universities) were performed. The results showed that, in the long-term vision, interviewees highlighted decarbonization as a key strategic advantage for hydrogen economy development in Brazil. Interviewees affirmed that, as Brazil already has a high share of renewable energy in its electricity mix and potential renewable power capacity additions, production of competitive low-cost green hydrogen is possible. On the other hand, the potential of low-carbon hydrogen production from fossil fuels combined with carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) is still a limited technology in the country. Nevertheless, Brazil needs to address challenges such as scaling up, cost reduction, and adoption and sustainable growth of hydrogen-based technologies. A majority of the interviewees foresaw that a well-established Brazilian hydrogen economy would become a reality at medium term (between 6 and 10 years). Opportunities for green hydrogen were highlighted in the cement, mobility, and fertilizer sectors. Nonetheless, a strong difference can be observed among the different categories about the maturity of hydrogen in the national context. While government entities believe in the medium term (6–10 years), companies foresee that technical and economic maturity will be reached in the long term (more than 11 years) In addition, economic, technical, normative, and social barriers were identified. The results show that Brazilian government needs to create a long-term policy framework that could build up confidence in private investment, create market demand with policy interventions, develop standards and regulations to remove obstacles for the market growth and provide enhanced R&D support. If the current initiatives are driven by the interaction with foreign players, a program centered to the synergy with Brazilian energy matrix and long-term economy planning is recommended. In terms of R&D, the creation of a specific funding program can be considered a strong tool to approximate efficiently and rapidly the industry to the academy through the development of ad hoc solutions to develop the market of hydrogen commodities.

Energy and economic study of the increased energy production of cascaded hydroelectric plants due to the heightening of the upstream reservoir: A case study in Cipó-Rio das Antas dam

Increased hydroelectric reserve capacity through cascade heightening is one option for increasing its overall output. Such increases are relevant to the circumstances faced by the Brazilian energy matrix, which is heavily dependent on hydroelectric dams and where many environmental restrictions may slow the construction of new dams. Thus, this article studies the increase in storage volume in a Brazilian dam and evaluates the gains in terms of electricity generation and water flow on downstream dams. A dam located on the Antas River, in Brazil, was chosen as the study area. Flow regulation capacity from the increased height was determined through multiple hydrological methods which enabled the estimation of energy gains on downstream dams. The results obtained demonstrate that, by increasing the dam height by 1 m to the upstream structure, there would be a regularized flow of 2.47 m3/s along with an increase in energy production of 3.34 GWh/y throughout the entire downstream cascade. Investments of 500,000 USD would be necessary to add an additional meter to the dam construction height, which would be paid off over a period of five years with the increase in energy production. The methodology herein presented can be replicated in other regions, thus aiding in greater efficiency and operation of hydroelectric power plants.

Brazilian sugar cane industry – A survey on future improvements in the process energy management

The Brazilian Energy Matrix is characterised by the presence of Renewables, whose participation reached 46.1% in 2019, equivalent to 133.8 Mtoe, of which 18.0% represented the sugarcane biomass share, 12.4% the hydraulic, 8.7% the wood and charcoal, and 7.0% corresponded to other renewables. The sugarcane industry produces sugar, ethanol, and electricity as main products and, considering the total primary energy produced, 52.861 Mtoe comes from sugarcane products (BEN, 2020). Another aspect of this industry is that it is energy self-sufficient, that being so, the energy used in the production process is also produced (from bagasse) in the same process. The aforementioned data show the significance of the sugarcane industry for the country and being this an energy industry, there is no doubt that the energy management holds importance to its industrial process. The present work will address different alternatives to improve the industrial process of sugarcane, aiming at optimising the energy management. Among the proposals to be presented, the following can be mentioned: increasing of electric energy in cogeneration, thermal integration of process streams using the Pinch Point method, second-generation ethanol production, water use in the process, integration with biodiesel production, vinasse disposition aiming at increasing energy production and reducing pollution. The main objective is to identify each proposal's influence on and contribution to the improvement of the performance and efficiency in the production process from sugarcane.

Characterization of Piezoelectric Energy Production from Asphalt Pavements Using a Numerical-Experimental Framework

The recent increase in demand for electric energy and different ways of harvesting and generating it has been a key research stream in transportation infrastructure in Brazil. Since pavement structures are subjected to the mechanical load of millions of vehicles, the application of piezoelectric sensors is adequate, transforming deformations and vibrations on its layers into electric power. The general objective of this study was to investigate the use of piezoelectricity as a source of renewable energy applied to roadways using computational simulations and laboratory tests. The results indicate that factors such as frequency, load, the number of piezo cells, and spacing all affect the amount of power harvested. Regarding power generation in the simulation and laboratory characterization, the highest values obtained were 648.8 mW and 226.9 mW, respectively. The analysis indicates there is a correlation between the laboratory tests and the computational simulations, enabling the prototype application to capture up to 76.56 MWh of energy per month. Usage of piezoelectricity has been demonstrated to be a promising alternative to complement the Brazilian energy matrix and reduce the environmental impact.

Quantification of greenhouse gas emissions of a steel factory in Brazil

his work aimed to identify and quantify greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions of a steel factory, considering the importance of these data in the context of large global GHG emissions. As a result, Scope 1 emissions were identified as the highest in the industry, representing more than 89% of total emissions in CO2eq. This scenario is mainly identified a result of the Brazilian energy matrix configuration, which contributes to reduce Scope 2 emissions. The used methodology (GHG Protocol v. 2018.1.4) proved to be appropriate for calculating emissions within a broader report (annual amount). However, in order to develop an indicator for the organization, with monthly detailed data, it was necessary to adapt the tool, which is the differential of this work.