Evaluation of energy efficiency in sugar cane bass burning processes in sugar and alcoholic plants

Abstract

This work addresses the global need to develop new energy sources, in addition to seeking to improve existing sources due to the growing global energy demand, arising from factors such as population growth, consumerism and economic competitiveness. In Brazil, a third of the energy consumed comes from oil and its derivatives, despite the energy matrix being heterogeneous, with emphasis on energy from biomass, mainly from sugarcane bagasse, which represents 77% of national production. Ethanol, currently one of the main fuels in the country, is also largely responsible for this variety in the energy matrix. It emerged as an alternative to fossil fuels during the oil crises, in addition to bringing with it the cogeneration of sugarcane bagasse, which became a sustainable solution to the excess of this residue in sugar and alcohol plants. Therefore, it is important to look for ways to increase energy efficiency in this sector in order to increase profitability and reduce the environmental impact of processes.