OPTIMIZATION OF ENERGY REQUIREMENTS IN COCOA BEANS PROCESSING PLANT IN NIGERIA: ILE-OLUJI COCOA PRODUCTS COMPANY AS A CASE STUDY

Abstract

In this study, energy savings in a cocoa processing factory was found to be dependent on various factors which include monitoring and auditing of total energy usage and steam consumed. As a result, tests were carried out on the load centers such as the boiler, power generating house, process zone and offices where equipment for processing beans as well as air conditioners are put to use on a daily basis. Complete analysis of the results obtained from raw data over five years reveals that L.P.F.O is preferred to A.G.O at a boiler combustion efficiency of 74.49%. Savings amounting to N 112,334.50 per annum could also be realizable. On steam distribution, the company would loose as much as 325W/m if its steam supply lines are insulated with 15mm thick materials as against the present 25mm thick, 50W/m of energy would be conserved using an insulating material of 50mm thickness. A proposal of using 40 sodium lamps in place of 586 fluorescent tubes would increase illuminance in the factory by 22 % with a realisable cash savings of N 308,9971.80 per annum.