PROPOSED MODIFICATIONS TO THE ENERGY SUBSYSTEM OF THE “HÉCTOR MOLINA” SUGAR AGROINDUSTRIAL COMPANY

Abstract

Introduction:
The use of biomass from sugar cane for the formation of a predominantly energy industry is a real possibility, both from a technical and economic point of view.
Objective:
To evaluate alternatives to increase the generation of electrical energy in the agroindustrial company Héctor Molina in a safe and stable way.
Materials and Methods:
The Thermo-Sugar System software (STA v4.1) was used for the simulation of the thermo-energetic system (STE). The alternatives evaluated were: modification of parameters in the low pressure zone, modification of parameters in the high pressure zone, combination of both, installation of a system made up of two steam generators and two turbogenerators and installation of a system made up of a steam generator and an extraction-condensing turbogenerator.
Results and Discussion:
Five alternatives were evaluated: modification of parameters in the low pressure zone, modification of parameters in the high pressure zone, combination of both, installation of a system consisting of two steam generators and two turbogenerators and installation of a system consisting of a steam generator and an extraction-condensation turbogenerator. The global indicators were calculated and compared, by area and by equipment for the base case and the five alternatives, three that do not require
investment and two with investments.
Conclusions:
The main problems associated with the system are: the steam consumption of the factory, caused in part by the higher consumption of steam in the tanks, and the low rates of electricity generation. From the simulation it is concluded that all the
alternatives are technically favorable. From the economic evaluation, the best alternative is number three when no inversions were done, and the fifth one when inversions exist.