Energy management in the Portuguese ceramic industry: Analysis of real-world factories

Luís Ruivo, Michael Russo, Rúben Lourenço and Daniel Pio

Energy, 2021, vol. 237, issue C

Abstract: The Portuguese ceramic industry is characterized by SME industries with high thermal energy consumption. Thus, the implementation of energy efficiency measures should include no-cost solutions, which are generally not explored in literature. This paper analyses the energy profile of different ceramic sub-sectors to identify potential improvements to meet low-cost competition in the market. Preliminary results of the statistical analysis suggest inefficient energy management, with a particular focus on natural gas consumption. The studied factories could easily improve profits and reduce energy consumption through good kiln operating practices. Optimization of kiln ceramic load (2–18 %) and efficient combustion in the gas burners (1–11 %) are examples of no-cost strategies that promote significant energy savings and carbon emissions reduction.

Keywords: Energy efficiency; Kiln; Low-cost measures; Ceramic; Firing (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:energy:v:237:y:2021:i:c:s0360544221018764

DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2021.121628

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