Partner Minas Energia describes DEIF hybrid solution as “indispensable” in saving 100,000 litres of diesel per month for Brazilian F&B company

In eastern Brazil, DEIF and Minas Energia designed an innovative solution to guarantee the energy supply for the company Ciacarne. Due to the instability of the local grid supply, the company had to operate with several generators throughout the production period. The hybrid solution proposed by DEIF saves fuel and reduces emissions; factors that were relevant for Minas Energia’s decision-making.

When Brazilian meat processing company Ciacarne took up pork production in 1972, the company had high ambitions: Not only would it offer high-quality products; it would do so with the lowest possible environmental impact.

Through initiatives such as water treatment and biogas generation, the company’s facility at São Joaquim in eastern Brazil has come a long way towards independence of external energy sources – but until 2022, ensuring reliable electricity was still a problem.

Generators running 24 hours a day.

Operational stability with increased sustainability

“Minas Energia specialises in photovoltaic solar energy projects,” explains Ian Jahel Schwanz, director and electrical engineer at Minas Energia. “We serve both residential and large industrial clients.”

He adds that even though increased sustainability is very important, this must never be allowed to threaten operational stability. There is simply too much at stake for Ciacarne: blackouts would take out the refrigeration systems and result in the loss of large amounts of meat.

When designing a control solution for the upgraded hybrid power plant, Ian Jahel Schwanz decided to use DEIF controllers. Compatibility and the technical support were major reason for his decision.

“DEIF offered the best technical solution for diesel fuel savings by integrating all available power sources,” he remarks. “In addition, DEIF provided excellent customer support.”

Thousands of litres of diesel saved

The solution was installed and commissioned in August 2022. Ciacarne is satisfied with the system which provides the necessary stability and saves a lot of fuel, providing significant financial and environmental benefits:

“With the PV system, the hybrid power plant can lead to savings of up to 100,000 litres of diesel fuel in a single month,” says Ian Jahel Schwanz.

DEIF “indispensable” as a partner

Minas Energia is satisfied with the experience of working with DEIF on the project. One reason is that the project has attracted potential new customers for Minas Energia, but the quality of the equipment, the support, and the application flexibility of the DEIF devices was the most important reason behind the success of the project.

“The equipment quality is excellent,” says Ian Jahel Schwanz. “What I like most about the DEIF control solution is its ability to integrate various power generation sources and battery banks, providing a wide range of future possibilities. We are planning to incorporate battery banks on this project, and I would definitely consider using DEIF in future projects.”

So, which word would he use to describe his experience of DEIF as a partner on the project? Ian Jahel Schwanz does not hesitate.

“Indispensable,” he concludes.

Minas Energia

Founded: 2017

Headquarters: Ponte Nova, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Activities: PV energy for residential and industrial clients

Employees: 20

Web: www.minasenergia.eng.br

DEIF devices used

ASC-4 Solar sustainable controller

AGC 150 Generator advanced genset controller

AGC 150 BTB bus tie breaker controller

AGC 150 Mains controller

AGI 421 advanced graphical interface

Assistance on installation, programming, start-up, and commissioning