IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jeners/v18y2025i3p562-d1576740.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Energy Efficiency in Portuguese Traditional Cheese Industries: A Comprehensive Case Study

Author

Listed:
  • José Nunes

    (Agriculture School, Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco, Av. Pedro Álvares Cabral n°12, 6000-084 Castelo Branco, Portugal)

  • Pedro D. Silva

    (Department of Electromechanical Engineering, University of Beira Interior, Calçada Fonte do Lameiro 6, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
    C-MAST—Center for Mechanical and Aerospace Science and Technologies, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal)

  • Luís P. Andrade

    (Agriculture School, Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco, Av. Pedro Álvares Cabral n°12, 6000-084 Castelo Branco, Portugal
    CERNAS—Research Center for Natural Resources, Environment and Society, 6000-767 Castelo Branco, Portugal)

  • Pedro D. Gaspar

    (Department of Electromechanical Engineering, University of Beira Interior, Calçada Fonte do Lameiro 6, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
    C-MAST—Center for Mechanical and Aerospace Science and Technologies, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal)

  • Pinar Mert Cuce

    (Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, Zihni Derin Campus, 53100 Rize, Turkey
    College of Built Environment, Birmingham City University, Birmingham B4 7XG, UK
    Center for Research Impact & Outcome, Chitkara University, Rajpura 140401, Punjab, India
    Department of Mechanical Engineering, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai 602105, Tamil Nadu, India)

  • Erdem Cuce

    (Center for Research Impact & Outcome, Chitkara University, Rajpura 140401, Punjab, India
    Department of Mechanical Engineering, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai 602105, Tamil Nadu, India
    Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, Zihni Derin Campus, 53100 Rize, Turkey
    University Centre for Research and Development, Chandigarh University, Mohali 140413, Punjab, India)

  • Yusuf Nadir Yilmaz

    (Department of Electromechanical Engineering, University of Beira Interior, Calçada Fonte do Lameiro 6, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
    Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, Zihni Derin Campus, 53100 Rize, Turkey)

Abstract

In Portugal, cheese holds a prominent position as a major dairy product, with traditional varieties enjoying widespread acclaim. A number of these cheeses have earned Protected Designations of Origin status, showcasing their unique qualities and regional significance. Notable examples include “Serra da Estrela”, “Serpa”, and “Terrincho”. The production of cheese relies heavily on heating and cooling processes, which account for a substantial portion of the total energy consumed. This research endeavour undertakes a detailed description and analysis of traditional cheesemaking practices within Portugal’s interior central region, with a particular emphasis on the economic and energetic efficiency of refrigeration systems. For this purpose, thirty-one traditional cheese production facilities were examined and classified into two distinct groups: Traditional Industrial Producers and Traditional Handmade Producers. The analysis was conducted through two separate case studies. The findings reveal that a significant 58% of the energy consumed by these facilities is attributed to electrically powered cooling systems, encompassing components such as fans, compressed air systems, and illumination. Within the production processes, fuel combustion, primarily naphtha or propane, serves the purpose of water heating and steam generation. Based on energy consumption reports, the Specific Energy Consumption of electricity was determined to be 0.283 kWh/lRM for TIP and 0.169 kWh/lRM for THP. Furthermore, several linear regression models were developed to explore the relationships between parameters such as cold room volume, compressor power, and raw material quantity. The study also identified key factors contributing to reduced energy efficiency within the facilities. These factors include inadequate insulation of buildings and cold rooms, outdated and poorly maintained refrigeration equipment situated in suboptimal locations, and cold rooms and compressors that are oversized and not optimised for efficient operation.

Suggested Citation

  • José Nunes & Pedro D. Silva & Luís P. Andrade & Pedro D. Gaspar & Pinar Mert Cuce & Erdem Cuce & Yusuf Nadir Yilmaz, 2025. "Energy Efficiency in Portuguese Traditional Cheese Industries: A Comprehensive Case Study," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(3), pages 1-21, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:3:p:562-:d:1576740
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/3/562/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/3/562/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Xu, Tengfang & Flapper, Joris & Kramer, Klaas Jan, 2009. "Characterization of energy use and performance of global cheese processing," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 34(11), pages 1993-2000.
    2. Alexandre F. Santos & Pedro D. Gaspar & Heraldo J. L. Souza, 2021. "Measuring the Energy Efficiency of Evaporative Systems through a New Index—EvaCOP," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-12, May.
    3. Xu, Tengfang & Flapper, Joris, 2011. "Reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions from global dairy processing facilities," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 39(1), pages 234-247, January.
    4. Angela Neves & Radu Godina & Susana G. Azevedo & João C. O. Matias, 2019. "Current Status, Emerging Challenges, and Future Prospects of Industrial Symbiosis in Portugal," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(19), pages 1-23, October.
    5. Ana Mafalda Matos & João M. P. Q. Delgado & Ana Sofia Guimarães, 2022. "Linking Energy Poverty with Thermal Building Regulations and Energy Efficiency Policies in Portugal," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(1), pages 1-31, January.
    6. Jo H.M. Wijnands & Harry J. Bremmers & Bernd M.J. van der Meulen & Krijn J. Poppe, 2008. "An economic and legal assessment of the EU food industry's competitiveness," Agribusiness, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 24(4), pages 417-439.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Miserocchi, Lorenzo & Franco, Alessandro & Testi, Daniele, 2024. "A novel approach to energy management in the dairy industry using performance indicators and load profiles: Application to a cheese dairy plant in Tuscany, Italy," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 310(C).
    2. Ana Mafalda Matos & João M. P. Q. Delgado & Ana Sofia Guimarães, 2022. "Energy-Efficiency Passive Strategies for Mediterranean Climate: An Overview," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(7), pages 1-20, April.
    3. Zdeňka Náglová & Marie Šimpachová Pechrová, 2019. "Are Wine Producers With Subsidies More Technically Efficient?," Central European Business Review, Prague University of Economics and Business, vol. 2019(1), pages 1-14.
    4. Karakaya, Ahmet & Özilgen, Mustafa, 2011. "Energy utilization and carbon dioxide emission in the fresh, paste, whole-peeled, diced, and juiced tomato production processes," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 36(8), pages 5101-5110.
    5. Mezera, Josef & Spicka, Jindrich, 2013. "Economic Effects of Investment Support of Adding Value to Food Products," AGRIS on-line Papers in Economics and Informatics, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Faculty of Economics and Management, vol. 5(01), pages 1-11, March.
    6. João Azevedo & Inês Ferreira & Rui Dias & Cristina Ascenço & Bruno Magalhães & Juan Henriques & Muriel Iten & Fernando Cunha, 2021. "Industrial Symbiosis Implementation Potential—An Applied Assessment Tool for Companies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(3), pages 1-16, January.
    7. Xu, Tengfang & Karali, Nihan & Sathaye, Jayant, 2014. "Undertaking high impact strategies: The role of national efficiency measures in long-term energy and emission reduction in steel making," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 122(C), pages 179-188.
    8. Angela Neves & Radu Godina & Susana G. Azevedo & Carina Pimentel & João C.O. Matias, 2019. "The Potential of Industrial Symbiosis: Case Analysis and Main Drivers and Barriers to Its Implementation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(24), pages 1-68, December.
    9. Bartłomiej Bajan & Aldona Mrówczyńska-Kamińska & Walenty Poczta, 2020. "Economic Energy Efficiency of Food Production Systems," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(21), pages 1-16, November.
    10. Dhayaneswaran, Y. & Ashok Kumar, L., 2014. "A study on current characteristics of induction motor while operating at its base frequency in textile industry," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 74(C), pages 340-345.
    11. Hasheminasab, Hamidreza & Streimikiene, Dalia & Pishahang, Mohammad, 2023. "A novel energy poverty evaluation: Study of the European Union countries," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 264(C).
    12. Saygin, D. & Worrell, E. & Patel, M.K. & Gielen, D.J., 2011. "Benchmarking the energy use of energy-intensive industries in industrialized and in developing countries," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 36(11), pages 6661-6673.
    13. Matheus Koengkan & José Alberto Fuinhas & Anna Auza & Uğur Ursavaş, 2023. "The Impact of Energy Efficiency Regulations on Energy Poverty in Residential Dwellings in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area: An Empirical Investigation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-29, February.
    14. Theofano Fotiou & Pantelis Capros & Panagiotis Fragkos, 2022. "Policy Modelling for Ambitious Energy Efficiency Investment in the EU Residential Buildings," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-29, March.
    15. Nicolae Istudor & Marius Constantin & Donatella Privitera & Raluca Ignat & Irina-Elena Petrescu & Cristian Teodor, 2025. "Systemic Competitiveness in the EU Cereal Value Chain: A Network Perspective for Policy Alignment," Land, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-31, March.
    16. Mina Kovljenić & Bojan Matkovski & Danilo Đokić, 2024. "Competitiveness and Cereal Self-Sufficiency in Western Balkan Countries," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-23, August.
    17. Damour, C. & Hamdi, M. & Josset, C. & Auvity, B. & Boillereaux, L., 2012. "Energy analysis and optimization of a food defrosting system," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 37(1), pages 562-570.
    18. Mirade, Pierre-Sylvain & Perret, Bruno & Guillemin, Hervé & Picque, Daniel & Desserre, Béatrice & Montel, Marie-Christine & Corrieu, Georges, 2012. "Quantifying energy savings during cheese ripening after implementation of sequential air ventilation in an industrial cheesemaking plant," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 46(1), pages 248-258.
    19. Xu, Tengfang & Flapper, Joris, 2011. "Reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions from global dairy processing facilities," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 39(1), pages 234-247, January.
    20. Carraresi, Laura & Banterle, Alessandro, 2015. "Agri-food Competitive Performance in EU Countries: A Fifteen-Year Retrospective," International Food and Agribusiness Management Review, International Food and Agribusiness Management Association, vol. 18(2), pages 1-26, May.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:3:p:562-:d:1576740. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.