A Multi-Objective Life Cycle Optimization Model of an Integrated Algal Biorefinery toward a Sustainable Circular Bioeconomy Considering Resource Recirculation

Celine Marie A. Solis, Jayne Lois G. San Juan, Andres Philip Mayol, Charlle L. Sy, Aristotle T. Ubando and Alvin B. Culaba
Additional contact information
Celine Marie A. Solis: Industrial Engineering Department, De La Salle University, Manila 0922, Philippines
Jayne Lois G. San Juan: Industrial Engineering Department, De La Salle University, Manila 0922, Philippines
Andres Philip Mayol: Mechanical Engineering Department, De La Salle University, Manila 0922, Philippines
Charlle L. Sy: Industrial Engineering Department, De La Salle University, Manila 0922, Philippines
Aristotle T. Ubando: Center for Engineering and Sustainable Development Research, De La Salle University, Manila 0922, Philippines
Alvin B. Culaba: Center for Engineering and Sustainable Development Research, De La Salle University, Manila 0922, Philippines

Energies, 2021, vol. 14, issue 5, 1-22

Abstract: Biofuel production from microalgae biomass has been considered a viable alternative to harmful fossil fuels; however, challenges are faced regarding its economic sustainability. Process integration to yield various high-value bioproducts is implemented to raise profitability and sustainability. By incorporating a circular economy outlook, recirculation of resource flows is maximized to yield economic and environmental benefits through waste minimization. However, previous modeling studies have not looked into the opportunity of integrating productivity reduction related to the continuous recirculation and reuse of resources until it reaches its end of life. In this work, a novel multi-objective optimization model is developed centered on an algal biorefinery that simultaneously optimizes cost and environmental impact, adopts the principle of resource recovery and recirculation, and incorporates the life cycle assessment methodology to properly account for the environmental impacts of the system. An algal biorefinery involving end-products such as biodiesel, glycerol, biochar, and fertilizer was used for a case study to validate the optimization model. The generated optimal results are assessed and further analyzed through scenario analysis. It was seen that demand fluctuations and process unit efficiencies have significant effect on the optimal results.

Keywords: algal biofuel; algal biorefinery; life cycle optimization; 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: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

Downloads: (external link)
https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/14/5/1416/pdf (application/pdf)
https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/14/5/1416/ (text/html)

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:gam:jeners:v:14:y:2021:i:5:p:1416-:d:510705

Access Statistics for this article

Energies is currently edited by Ms. Agatha Cao

More articles in Energies from MDPI
Bibliographic data for series maintained by MDPI Indexing Manager ().