Optimization of lignocellulosic biomass-to-biofuel supply chains with mobile pelleting

Nibal T. Albashabsheh and Jessica L. Heier Stamm

Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, 2019, vol. 122, issue C, 545-562

Abstract: Mobile pelleting machines (MPMs) provide an as-yet-unexplored opportunity to reduce logistic costs associated with biomass-to-biofuel supply chains. We develop an optimization model to minimize the overall cost of producing ethanol from lignocellulosic biomass. We present results from a case study that considers multiple biomass types (switchgrass and corn stover) and forms (round and rectangular bales) and the potential for mobile pelleting. Our analyses offer insight into conditions under which mobile densification is economically viable. Results indicate that MPM utilization is sensitive to changes in biomass densification costs, transportation distances, satellite storage location fixed cost, and the number of MPMs.

Keywords: Biomass-to-biofuel supply chain; Densification; Logistics; Optimization modeling; Mobile densification units; Lignocellulosic biomass (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (12)

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DOI: 10.1016/j.tre.2018.12.015

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