Increasing energy efficiency

Cement Hranice, akciová společnost has been monitoring and analysing energy consumption in all processes of cement production for a long time. In 2023, the system standard ČSN EN ISO 50001 was implemented and certified, i.e. the energy management system, which aims not only at monitoring but also at analysing energy consumption and measures to reduce consumption or increase the efficiency of energy use.

The principal energy consumed is the thermal energy required for clinker production in the rotary kiln system. In the last few years, major investments have been made in the modification of the rotary kiln heat exchanger, the reconstruction of the clinker cooler and the heat head (to increase efficiency) and the reconstruction of the upper part of the kiln calciner. These actions required investments of hundreds of millions of CZK.

Electricity is another important energy consumed. In terms of reducing electricity consumption, projects have been carried out to optimise the control of cement and raw meal grinding in the mills, as well as the refurbishment of compressor stations for compressed air production. The waste heat generated in the compressor plants during compressed air production is already used to heat some buildings.

Thermal energy consumption for clinker production and electricity consumption account for approximately 99% of all energy consumed. An interesting project for the future is the generation of electricity from the waste heat from the rotary kiln system. For this challenging project, the optimal technical solution is being designed due to the specific cement process conditions.