Analysis of energy balance in a meat processing plant

University of Ruse “Angel Kanchev”, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Automation, 7004, Ruse, Bulgaria

^* Corresponding author: skadirova@uni-ruse.bg

Abstract

This paper presents a detailed analysis of the energy balance in a meat processing plant powered by a hybrid system consisting of a 700 kW photovoltaic (PV) power station and power supply by smart grid. The study is based on aggregated data representing total energy consumption for the entire facility, without differentiation by individual technological processes. A key focus is placed on comparing daytime and nighttime energy usage, with the aim of evaluating the contribution of solar energy during daylight hours and the plant’s dependency on grid electricity during periods without solar production. The analysis identifies general consumption patterns, peak load periods, and explores potential strategies for improving energy efficiency, integrating energy storage solutions, and enhancing sustainability. The findings provide practical guidance for optimizing energy use in hybrid-powered industrial environments, even when detailed process-level data is not available.