A district oriented approach to energy analysis: a case study from the food industry

摘要

Considering the particular structure of the Italian productive system, characterised by local concentration of a great number of small-medium sized enterprises in industrial districts, this study aims at developing a "district-oriented" approach to energy analysis. A combination of statistical methods is proposed in order to describe similarities, variability and relations among different industries within the same district, so that opportune indicators can be introduced. In this way, several small-sized industries can be analysed and similar solutions can be evaluated, without consuming excessive resources. As a case study, a research carried out in the world-wide known ham producing district of the "Prosciutto di San Daniele" in north-eastern Italy is presented. Information has been gathered on-site, in order to acquire an accurate description of the systems and to identify the opportunities for energy recovery. A statistical analysis has been conducted, determining relations between energy consumption and productive features. Thereby, homogeneity and heterogeneity in the energy needs and behaviour within the district could be highlighted and possible improvements could be proposed.