Transforming Industrial Cooling at Alteo
In energy-intensive industries like sugar refining, efficiency and sustainability are key drivers of operational performance.
INTRODUCTION
In 2013, we implemented an absorption chiller system at Alteo’s refinery, integrating it into a larger trigeneration process that simultaneously produces electricity, heat and cooling. This innovative approach harnesses waste process heat – energy that would otherwise be lost – to generate cooling power. The system has delivered substantial cost savings, enhanced operational efficiency and significantly reduced the facility’s environmental impact.
THE CHALLENGE
Alteo’s existing compression chiller system relied heavily on electricity, driving up operational costs and increasing the refinery’s carbon footprint. As global energy prices fluctuated, the company needed a solution to lower energy consumption while maintaining consistent cooling performance. Additionally, the refinery’s industrial processes generated large amounts of waste heat.
“ Identifying a solution that could recover this energy and transform it into cooling power was essential. ”
THE SOLUTION
- Ecoasis designed and installed an advanced absorption chiller system, offering an energy-efficient alternative to traditional compression chillers. Unlike conventional systems, absorption chillers use heat energy rather than electricity as their primary energy source, turning waste heat from industrial processes into valuable cooling power.
- The system works by capturing excess heat produced during Alteo’s refining operations and redirecting it to power the cooling cycle. This innovative approach was fully integrated into the company’s trigeneration process to maximise energy efficiency across the entire facility.
- The system is further enhanced by smart PLC-based automation, which provides real-time performance monitoring and automatically adjusts combustion cycles to maximise fuel efficiency. This advanced control system reduces the need for manual intervention, maintaining consistent performance while lowering operating costs.
By switching from electricity-driven to heat-driven cooling, Alteo has reduced its energy consumption and cut operational expenses by MUR 4 million annually. The solution has also significantly lowered CO₂ emissions, supporting broader sustainability objectives. With fewer mechanical components and lower electrical demand, the system enhances operational reliability while reducing maintenance requirements.
ACTIONNABLE INSIGHTS
Million annual savings
Waste heat powers cooling, cutting reliance on electricity-driven chillers.
Up to 40% reduction in electricity demand
Absorption technology reduces dependence on the grid.
tonnes CO₂ avoided annually
Equivalent to emissions from 500+ passenger vehicles.
WHAT THEY HAVE TO SAY
“Ecoasis’ absorption chiller has transformed our operations. By harnessing waste heat, we have achieved substantial energy savings, reducing our electricity bills by MUR 4 million annually. This innovative solution underscores Ecoasis’ commitment to efficiency and sustainability.”
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