Norman Sammons

A Systematic Approach to Determine Economic Potential and Environmental Impact of Biorefineries

Abstract The integrated biorefinery has the potential to provide a strong, self-dependent alternative to the use of fossil fuels for the production of chemicals and energy, but difficulties arise in measuring the potential economic and environmental benefit of the biorefinery. A myriad of products and production pathways are possible in this growing field of biorefining, and the production path with maximum value and minimum environmental impact cannot be determined on heuristics alone. A framework is needed to determine the most optimal route based on measures of economic and environmental performance. Gross profit and net present value are used as economic metrics in the short term and long term respectively, and environmental impact is measured using the WAR algorithm developed by Young and Cabezas [1999]. Top candidates in economic and environmental performance are then subject to process integration techniques in order to minimize mass and energy usage, and these integrated biorefineries are once again analyzed for optimal performance.

A Systematic Framework to Calculate Economic Value and Environmental Impact of Biorefining Technology

Abstract The integrated biorefinery has the potential to provide a strong, self-dependent, and sustainable alternative to the use of fossil fuels for the production of chemicals and energy, but difficulties arise in measuring the potential economic benefit and environmental impact of current and emerging biorefinery technology. A plethora of products and production pathways are possible in this growing field of biorefining, and the production path with maximum value and minimum environmental impact cannot be determined by heuristics alone. A framework is needed to determine the most optimal route based on measures of economic and environmental performance. Gross profit is used as a short-term economic metric requiring few details, while net present value is used as a long-term metric that requires information about rate of return, regulatory and market possibilities, and hedging options. Environmental impact is evaluated using the US-EPA WAR algorithm developed by Young and Cabezas (1999). The best candidates in economic and environmental performance are then subject to process integration techniques in order to maximize resource usage, and these integrated biorefineries are once again analyzed for optimal performance.