Process Model and Life Cycle Assessment of Biorefinery Concept Using Agricultural and Industrial Residues for Biohydrogen Production

Edgar Gamero (), Sophia Ruppert, Robert Miehe and Alexander Sauer
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Edgar Gamero: Institute for Energy Efficiency in Production EEP, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 35, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
Sophia Ruppert: Institute for Energy Efficiency in Production EEP, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 35, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
Robert Miehe: Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA, Nobelstraße 12, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
Alexander Sauer: Institute for Energy Efficiency in Production EEP, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 35, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 17, 1-18

Abstract: Sustainable waste management strategies are urgently needed due to an increasing global population and increased waste production. In this context, biorefineries have recently emerged as a promising approach to valorize waste streams and supply a broad range of products. This study presents the process model and life cycle assessment (LCA) of a biorefinery concept using a novel biochemical method, a so-called “dark photosynthesis” conversion. This process is coupled to a photo-fermentation using microalgae. Overall, the biorefinery concept can produce hydrogen, lutein, β-carotene, and proteins for animal feed. Apple pomace from apple juice production is used as feedstock for the primary conversion step. A process model was created with the process simulation software Aspen Plus ® using experimental and literature data. Results from this model were then used in an LCA. The environmental impacts of the proposed biorefinery concept are relatively high, showing the need for process optimization in several areas. Energy system integration, stream recycling, and higher hydrogen yields are recognized as especially important for improving the environmental performance of this concept. Despite these findings, the model shows the feasibility of implementing the biochemical conversion technologies in a biorefinery concept for effectively utilizing residue streams.

Keywords: biorefineries; biohydrogen; bio-intelligence; life cycle assessment; process modelling (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: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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