Avaliação termodinâmica e ambiental de sistemas de refrigeração industriais para acondicionamento térmico de produtos hortifrutícolas no Vale do São Francisco

Abstract

This study conducted a thermodynamic and environmental analysis of an industrial refrigeration plant for the post-harvest thermal conditioning of grapes in an agro-industry located in the Submédio Vale do São Francisco (VSF). The research aimed to evaluate the thermal performance and environmental impacts associated with the operation of the refrigeration plant. Through the application of Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) and thermodynamics using simulations via SimaPro and EES, it was possible to diagnose the current situation of the plant and propose more energy-sustainable alternatives. The results showed that the plant operates with low energy performance, with an coefficient of performance (COP) of 4.82, about 30% lower than estimated in the project. The average exergy efficiency was 23%, with tunnels 01, 03, and 04 and chambers 02 and 04 standing out, whose thermal yields were below 20%. The environmental analysis showed that the current scenario generates emissions of 80.1 t CO₂-eq/year. Three scenarios were simulated for the use of photovoltaic solar energy, the third of which, with a capacity of 462 kWp and without the use of a diesel generator, was the most efficient, reducing emissions to 49.38 t CO₂-eq/year (38.20%) and presenting the lowest emission factor (0.0318 kg CO₂-eq/kWh) among the other scenarios. The research highlights the need for complete modernization of the refrigeration plant, in addition to the incorporation of the photovoltaic system in order to mitigate the environmental and energy impacts of this production process. The results of this study demonstrate the importance of studies that use thermodynamic and environmental diagnostics for the cold chains of horticultural products, in order to contribute to sustainable production from an energy and environmental point of view.