A Multi-Objective Optimization Model for the Design of Biomass Co-Firing Networks Integrating Feedstock Quality Considerations

Jayne Lois G. San Juan, Kathleen B. Aviso, Raymond R. Tan and Charlle L. Sy
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Jayne Lois G. San Juan: Industrial Engineering Department, De La Salle University, Manila 0922, Philippines
Kathleen B. Aviso: Chemical Engineering Department, De La Salle University, Manila 0922, Philippines
Raymond R. Tan: Chemical Engineering Department, De La Salle University, Manila 0922, Philippines
Charlle L. Sy: Industrial Engineering Department, De La Salle University, Manila 0922, Philippines

Energies, 2019, vol. 12, issue 12, 1-24

Abstract: The growth in energy demand, coupled with declining fossil fuel resources and the onset of climate change, has resulted in increased interest in renewable energy, particularly from biomass. Co-firing, which is the joint use of coal and biomass to generate electricity, is seen to be a practical immediate solution for reducing coal use and the associated emissions. However, biomass is difficult to manage because of its seasonal availability and variable quality. This study proposes a biomass co-firing supply chain optimization model that simultaneously minimizes costs and environmental emissions through goal programming. The economic costs considered include retrofitting investment costs, together with fuel, transport, and processing costs, while environmental emissions may come from transport, treatment, and combustion activities. This model incorporates the consideration of feedstock quality and its impact on storage, transportation, and pre-treatment requirements, as well as conversion yield and equipment efficiency. These considerations are shown to be important drivers of network decisions, emphasizing the importance of managing biomass and coal blend ratios to ensure that acceptable fuel properties are obtained.

Keywords: biomass co-firing; biomass quality; network optimization; goal programming; mixed integer nonlinear programming (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: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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