Methodology for the reduction of energy demand during cold stabilisation in the wine industry

Abstract This article focuses on the optimisation of cold stabilisation processes and the mitigation of one of its main disadvantages: its energy requirements. In view of the fact that cold stabilisation is one of the most widely used processes, it is essential to improve its efficiency until such time as the technical and economic development of other alternatives is imposed, for energy and/or industry reasons, enabling their widespread implementation. The aim of this article is to establish a methodology for energy demand optimisation during the cold stabilisation process in wineries. In the case we have analysed, the use of equipment with efficient generating are combined with other energy-saving measures reduce in consumption by over 75% in the case of cold stabilisation cycles of 7 days, and 85% in cycles of 12 days. Finally, renewable energy can provide 30% of the energy required for cold stabilisation cycles of 7 days per tank.