A Computational Tool for Comparative Energy Cost Analysis of Multiple-Crop Production Systems

Efthymios Rodias, Remigio Berruto, Dionysis Bochtis, Patrizia Busato and Alessandro Sopegno
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Efthymios Rodias: Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Science (DISAFA), University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
Remigio Berruto: Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Science (DISAFA), University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
Dionysis Bochtis: Institute for Research and Technology—Thessaly IRETETH/Centre for Research & Technology Hellas CERTH, Dimitriados Str. 95, GR 38333 Volos, Greece
Patrizia Busato: Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Science (DISAFA), University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
Alessandro Sopegno: Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Science (DISAFA), University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy

Energies, 2017, vol. 10, issue 7, 1-15

Abstract: Various crops can be considered as potential bioenergy and biofuel production feedstocks. The selection of the crops to be cultivated for that purpose is based on several factors. For an objective comparison between different crops, a common framework is required to assess their economic or energetic performance. In this paper, a computational tool for the energy cost evaluation of multiple-crop production systems is presented. All the in-field and transport operations are considered, providing a detailed analysis of the energy requirements of the components that contribute to the overall energy consumption. A demonstration scenario is also described. The scenario is based on three selected energy crops, namely Miscanthus , Arundo donax and Switchgrass . The tool can be used as a decision support system for the evaluation of different agronomical practices (such as fertilization and agrochemicals application), machinery systems, and management practices that can be applied in each one of the individual crops within the production system.

Keywords: energy cost; energy balance; efficiency of energy; agriculture (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2017
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (7)

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