Use of Simulation and Expert Systems to Increase the Energy Efficiency in Cane Sugar Factories

As part of a strategy to increase the energy efficiency of Cuban sugar factories, an automated method of analysis has been developed and is being applied based on the use of STA and ANSTE programs STA is a steady state sequential modular simulation program aimed at evaluating energy systems in cane sugar factories ANSTE which is an expert system based on calculations with STA and certain additional information, makes it easy to detect problems affecting the energy efficiency of the factory, and to make recommendations for solutions In this paper, the strategy of these two programs is briefly discussed, and the main features of the STA and ANSTE programs are presented Some problems detected by the expert system and the conceptions of its knowledge base are described An application in an actual factory is presented In this factory, both programs were applied in the evaluation of the energy system, and proposed solutions were accepted by managers