Estimativa da produção de bioetanol por fermentação de beterraba vermelha

Abstract

With the continuous industrial advancement, the demand for energy is increasing, while the concern about the emissions of air pollutants is increasing. Thus, the use of renewable energy sources, such as biofuels, has been the focus of this research. The Brazilian energy matrix is mostly composed of renewable sources, yet new alternatives can contribute even more to sustainable development. In addition to large arable areas, Brazil has great climatic diversity, thus permitting the diversification of the energy sources used according to the climatic and geographic availability. For this purpose, the content of soluble solids present in red beet juice was measured, extracted through maceration and pressing, for later estimation of the amount of fermentable sugars present in the wort. Ethanol production was also estimated under different conditions, such as different levels of soluble solids, different fermentation times and different amounts of yeast added to the wort. It was estimated a minimum productivity of approximately 936,54 L/ton/ha and a maximum productivity of 3796,45 L/ton/ha for concentrations of 10.175ºBrix and 13,415ºBrix, respectively.