An assessment model for collecting and transporting cellulosic biomass

Kang-Qi Fan, Peng-Fei Zhang and Z.J. Pei

Renewable Energy, 2013, vol. 50, issue C, 786-794

Abstract: Feedstock supply is one of the key obstacles for cost-effective production of cellulosic biofuels. This paper proposes an assessment model to study the feedstock costs, energy consumption, and CO2 emissions associated with collecting and transporting cellulosic biomass from farm to storage sites. To illustrate the utility of the proposed model, four logistics options for collecting and transporting corn stover are studied: (A) round bales via tractor, (B) rectangular bales via tractor, (C) round bales via tractor (on-farm) and truck (road), and (D) rectangular bales via tractor and truck. Results show that option A is the lowest-cost option when storage capacity is less than 110,000 ton. For larger storage capacity, option D is more cost-effective. In terms of energy consumption and CO2 emissions, option A consumes the least energy and generates the least CO2 emissions when storage capacity is less than 45,000 ton. For larger storage capacity, option D performs better.

Keywords: Biofuel; Cellulosic biomass; Corn stover; Costs; Energy consumption; CO2 emissions (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2013
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:renene:v:50:y:2013:i:c:p:786-794

DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2012.08.022

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