ENERGY EVALUATION OF REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS IN PORTUGUESE FRUIT AND VEGETABLE INDUSTRY

摘要

The food industry is the major manufacturing sector in Portugal. In particular, the fruit and vegetable sector with a wide range of products such as vegetable crops, vegetables, fruits, potatoes, and crops for industry. Most of these products are produced seasonally and have a very limited lifespan of marketing time as they are perishable. The aim of this study is to characterize the fruit and vegetable industries and indicate solutions that promote their energy efficiency. To this end, we analyzed a sample consisting of 23 units located in central region of Portugal. Data collection was conducted via survey and on-site measurements to obtain information about the facilities, the production process, quantities of raw materials, characteristics of cooling systems, and energy consumption. The potential energy saving was estimated at 18.9% for the sales units to traders and 17.2% for the fruit centrals.