Modelagem da fermentação alcoólica de uma usina sucroalcooleira

Abstract

In the face of the challenge of climate change, the search for alternative energy sources that are economically and environmentally viable is necessary. In this paradigm, the production of ethanol through fermentation is of great interest, making the modeling and study of this process attractive. The objective of this work was to simulate the fermentation system of a sugarcane and alcohol plant, based on a plant located in the northwest region of the state of São Paulo. Several process variables used in this study were based on the usual operating parameters of the plant. The simulation was carried out using the EMSO simulation software. The simulation results were compared to industry data as a basis for comparison. The model was successful in in simulating the fermentation conditions. Subsequently, modifications were made to the feed parameters to evaluate changes in other fermentation parameters such as yeast growth rate and total fermentation time. This work can be expanded to cover more relevant fermentation parameters such as temperature and the formation of by-products alongside ethanol.