Creating an energy source for Mali Muleba

Abstract

The Tanzanian fruit juice company Mali Juisi is struggling with energy problems. The power supply is inconsistent, with as result that the quality and continuity of the production cannot be guaranteed. The main purpose of this master's thesis was to implement a backup energy supply that will feed the crucial consumers during a blackout. Apart from this, the energy consumption could also be reduced. Certain parts of the production process requires lots of heat, previously this was done completely electrically. The purpose of this energy optimization is to cover the heat demand by implementing renewable sources and limiting radiation losses. First, different concepts were elaborated. These were compared in the interim byways of a decision matrix and a cost-benefit analysis. In this, the technical advantages and disadvantages and the purchase prices were the decisive factors. The necessary data was obtained by the way of contacting suppliers, manufacturers and freely available datasheets. The above method was also used for the energy optimization of the production process. A diesel generator is the most suitable solution for the user profile of Mali Juisi. A diesel generator is robust and generally easier maintained and managed by the personnel than any other solution. An emergency generator, unlike renewable sources, has a higher variable cost. The generator is implemented together with flat-plate collectors in Mali Juisi. These collectors can cover a large part of the heat demand, which reduces energy consumption.