Análise de eficiência exergética da linha de vapor de uma planta de extração de óleo vegetal

Abstract

This study presents an analysis of the exergy efficiency of the steam line of a vegetable oil extraction plant, with the aim of identifying losses and optimizing energy use. The justification is based on the need to increase energy efficiency and reduce operating costs and the environmental impact of the vegetable oil extraction industry. Exergy analysis allows evaluating the quality of the energy used and identifying the points of greatest irreversibility in the system. The objective of this study was to research the exergy efficiency of the steam line of a vegetable oil extraction plant and to identify the main sources of inefficiency and propose improvements to increase the overall efficiency of the process. The methodology adopted involved in-depth bibliographical research on the principles of exergy and its application in steam systems, complemented by a qualitative approach based on a case study and in site measures of a real system, approximated to an ideal system in this study. The results showed that the greatest exergy losses occur in the steam generation and distribution processes, as well as in the heat exchange between the system components. The analysis allowed identifying opportunities for improvement, such as the recovery of residual heat and the optimization of operational parameters. It was concluded that the implementation of the proposed recommendations can significantly increase the exergy efficiency of the steam line, resulting in energy savings, cost reduction and reduced environmental impact. This study highlights the importance of exergy analysis as a tool for continuous improvement and sustainability in the vegetable oil extraction industry.