Energy Conservation of Traditional Sugar Factory: A Case Study of Rerm-Udom Sugar Factory

Main Article Content

Praphon Chooprasert
Kreerati Suluksna
Preecha Tummu
Udon Namsaen

Abstract

The energy efficiency of traditional sugar factories is relatively low. This research aims to explore, measure, and analyze the causes of energy loss in the factory to propose energy conservation measures for Rerm Udom Sugar Factory, Udon Thani Province. The result shows that the most significant loss can be categorized into four sections. Therefore, four energy conservation measures are proposed. (1) The economizer for increasing boiler efficiency was installed due to heat loss through exhaust gas. This can increase boiler efficiency by 3.8% - equivalent to electricity produced of 292,716 kWh/year and corresponding to 1,229,409 Baht per year. The payback period is 5.86 years; (2) The blowdown controller was installed because of heat loss from blowdown.  This helps to increase boiler efficiency by 0.3% which equates to the electricity produced of 85,738 kWh/year and corresponding to 360,098 Baht per year. The payback period is 3.05 years; (3) The installation of 2 inches thick insulation around the condensate tank was done due to radiation heat loss from the condensate tank. This helps to increase power generation by 79,454 kWh/year, corresponding to 333,708 Baht/year, and the payback period is 1.28 years; and (4) Heat loss was due to improper steam management in the factory. The measure was to preliminarily use produced steam from the boiler for power generation. After that, the lower temperature steam from the steam turbine was supplied to the production processes. This helps to increase the electricity generation by approximately 820,829 kWh/year, corresponding to 3,447,481 Baht per year.

Article Details

How to Cite
Chooprasert, P., Suluksna, K., Tummu, P., & Namsaen, U. . (2022). Energy Conservation of Traditional Sugar Factory: A Case Study of Rerm-Udom Sugar Factory. Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya Research Journal, 14(2), 536–552. Retrieved from https://li01.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/rmutsvrj/article/view/247833
Section
Research Article
Author Biographies

Praphon Chooprasert, Energy and Logistics Management Engineering, Institute of Engineering, Suranaree University of Technology.

Energy and Logistics Management Engineering, Institute of Engineering, Suranaree University of Technology, Muang, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand.

Kreerati Suluksna, Energy and Logistics Management Engineering, Institute of Engineering, Suranaree University of Technology.

Energy and Logistics Management Engineering, Institute of Engineering, Suranaree University of Technology, Muang, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand.

Preecha Tummu, Energy Engineering, Faculty of Technology, Udon Thani Rajabhat University.

Energy Engineering, Faculty of Technology, Udon Thani Rajabhat University, Muang, Udon Thani 41000, Thailand.

Udon Namsaen, Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya.

Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya, Muang, Songkhla 90000, Thailand.

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