Optimization and GIS-based combined approach for the determination of the most cost-effective investments in biomass sector

Vladimir Vukašinović and Dušan Gordić

Applied Energy, 2016, vol. 178, issue C, 250-259

Abstract: Use of biomass for energy purposes has many advantages, but it is not always profitable due to the characteristics of biomass. In order to improve the utilization of biomass it is necessary to create optimal conditions which require employment of several methods and technologies. This paper describes developed approach for consideration of options for the optimal utilization of available biomass potential under the current conditions (technological, economic, environmental and social). The developed approach is focused on support for decision making process on community level. Proposed approach includes mapping of biomass potential with defining both potential primary storage locations and potential locations of plant using geographic information system technologies. Also, it includes determining the optimal amount of biomass that can be justifiably used for energy purposes under current conditions by using the mathematical optimization with objective function related to maximizing net present value quotient. Four groups of technologies that can be used for biomass valorisation have been considered in the paper; biofuels production, thermal power plants, district heating and cogeneration.

Keywords: Biomass; Mathematical optimization; Conversion technologies; Geographic information system; Community energy planning; Net present value quotient (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (15)

Downloads: (external link)
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S030626191630811X
Full text for ScienceDirect subscribers only

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:appene:v:178:y:2016:i:c:p:250-259

Ordering information: This journal article can be ordered from
http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/journaldescription.cws_home/405891/bibliographic
http://www.elsevier. ... 405891/bibliographic

DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2016.06.037

Access Statistics for this article

Applied Energy is currently edited by J. Yan

More articles in Applied Energy from Elsevier
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Catherine Liu ().