A life cycle-based analysis and optimization framework for designing sustainable, multi-product biomass-to-bioproducts value chains
Document Type
Conference Proceeding
Publication Date
5-29-2012
Abstract
A distributed, systematic approach was applied to model, optimize, and analyze three aspects of sustainability for a biomass-to-bioproducts value chain, business, environmental, and social sustainability. A vertically integrated bio-enterprise that bears the tasks of contracting feedstock production and conversion, and final product distribution is assumed. A two-stage optimization strategy is used to increase computational efficiency while extracting the biggest value drivers for the successful construction and operation of a biorefinery. The first stage in optimization is termed portfolio design, wherein a deterministic integer programming model is formulated to design the optimal superstructure of feedstock, conversion technologies, and products. The second stage of optimization is formulated as a stochastic decision tree optimization model. The purpose of the model is to design a timing strategy for feedstock production and pricing, incremental technology acquisition, and capacity design given uncertainty in input costs and supplies, technology costs, and product demands and prices. The resultant framework is applied to a prospective biomass refinery in Southeastern US. The feedstock choices include energy crops, i.e., switchgrass, sorghum, and energy cane. The screening model results yield energy cane as the feedstock choice owing to high biomass yields and ease of processing, and ethanol and succinic acid as the products owing to great market potential and favorable profit margins. This is an abstract of a paper presented at the 2012 AIChE Spring National Meeting and 8th Global Congress on Process Safety (Houston, TX 4/1-5/2012).
Publication Source (Journal or Book title)
12AIChE - 2012 AIChE Spring Meeting and 8th Global Congress on Process Safety, Conference Proceedings
Recommended Citation
Sharma, P., & Romagnoli, J. (2012). A life cycle-based analysis and optimization framework for designing sustainable, multi-product biomass-to-bioproducts value chains. 12AIChE - 2012 AIChE Spring Meeting and 8th Global Congress on Process Safety, Conference Proceedings Retrieved from https://repository.lsu.edu/chem_engineering_pubs/570