Analysis of Direct Energy Usage in Vegetable Canneries

ABSTRACT DIRECT energy utilization in four vegetable canneries located in Western New York was analyzed. Energy usage and vegetable production were concentrated over a short period of time. All the energy sources were either fossil fuels or derived from them. Usage of each energy source was identified. Due to intervening efficiencies, only 34 percent of the energy sequestered is used for processing. A mathematical model of direct energy consumed is proposed. The model assumes that total direct energy consumption in a cannery is a function of vegetable production, technological and labor prac-tices, and environmental factors. Data from one plant were used to determine the coefficients of the model.