Cooling Towers in Energy Centers: Efficiency and Sustainability Every Harvest
The old sugar and ethanol mills have evolved into energy centers, producing not only sugar and biofuel but also electricity and strategic byproducts from sugarcane. This transformation has strengthened the sector’s role in Brazil’s energy matrix while bringing new operational challenges in high-temperature processes. To ensure productivity and reliability, cooling towers play a vital role.
These systems control the temperature of the water used in condensers, heat exchangers, turbines, and auxiliary equipment. Without proper cooling, efficiency drops, energy consumption rises, and the risk of system failure increases. The continuous cooling cycle — where heated water is cooled by air contact and reused — ensures uninterrupted production and maximum yield every harvest.
Beyond thermal efficiency, cooling towers embody an environmental commitment. It is estimated that up to 90% of the water used in energy centers is devoted to cooling. By allowing continuous reuse, these systems reduce water consumption and prevent waste, becoming a key part of the sector’s sustainability strategy.
Reliability is another critical factor. During hot seasons — common in sugarcane regions — tower performance can be tested. That’s why robust, high-quality, custom-designed equipment is essential for stable operation even under extreme conditions. Preventive maintenance and predictive monitoring further extend system life and minimize unplanned downtime.
With decades of experience, Alpina designs and manufactures cooling towers tailored to the specific demands of energy centers. These modular and durable systems feature high-performance components such as technical fill media, drift eliminators, and efficient fans. The result: greater productivity, lower operating costs, and a strong alignment with sustainability goals.
More than just auxiliary equipment, the cooling tower is a strategic asset that connects industrial efficiency, operational safety, and responsible use of natural resources — ensuring that the sector remains a key driver of Brazil’s economy and energy future.