Article
Chemistry, Applied
Malte Hennig, Martina Haase
Summary: This paper analyzes the implications of using hydrogen in the Biomass-to-Liquid process, showing that hydrogen enhancement leads to higher product yield and conversion efficiency. However, economic analysis reveals that the process is currently unprofitable due to high costs for hydrogen provision.
FUEL PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Longwen Ou, Shuyun Li, Ling Tao, Steven Phillips, Troy Hawkins, Avantika Singh, Lesley Snowden-Swan, Hao Cai
Summary: This study explores the economic and environmental implications of using wet waste feedstocks to produce biofuels, focusing on two pathways from yellow grease and swine manure. The swine manure HTL pathway shows negative GHG emissions due to credits of avoided emissions from conventional swine manure management. The commercialized yellow grease HEFA pathway benefits from carbon credits in the California Low Carbon Fuel Standard market.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Nicolaus Dahmen, Joerg Sauer
Summary: The production costs of biomass to liquid (BtL) fuels are mainly influenced by feedstock and capital costs, with different investments and cost changes leading to varying degrees of manufacturing cost increases. Adjusting depreciation periods, interest rates, and other operational costs can also affect the production costs.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Jianjun Peng, Huanfei Xu, Weixian Wang, Yi Kong, Zhenning Su, Bin Li
Summary: This study analyzed the biorefining process using deep eutectic solvent pretreatment, showing that acidic DES had better results in biomass refining. The choline chloride/lactic acid pretreatment process had higher bioethanol yield and lower MESP. Sensitivity analysis indicated that factors like cellulose conversion rate, acetone price, and lactic acid price significantly affected the MESP fluctuation.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Jing Su, Tan Li, Guanqun Luo, Yi Zhang, Evgeny R. Naranov, Kaige Wang
Summary: The effectiveness of bimetallic catalysts in enhancing aromatization and Diels-Alder reactions during co-pyrolysis of plastics and biomass was investigated. NiMo/ZSM-5 catalysts showed higher selectivity for aromatic hydrocarbons in liquid oil, while FeMo/ZSM-5 catalysts exhibited higher selectivity for BTEX. Metal oxide-supported bimetallic catalysts had lower selectivity for aromatic hydrocarbons in liquid oil, but higher liquid-oil yield. Introduction of hydrogen resulted in 100% selectivity of BTEX, highlighting the significance of hydrogenation in enhancing BTEX selectivity.
FUEL PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Felix Habermeyer, Esa Kurkela, Simon Maier, Ralph-Uwe Dietrich
Summary: A hybrid process concept has been proposed with the ability to switch operation modes between electrolysis-enhanced and biomass conversion only. Through techno-economic analysis, it was found that the hybrid concept has higher carbon efficiency and lower production costs compared to BtL and PBtL.
FRONTIERS IN ENERGY RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Hannah Kargbo, Jonathan Stuart Harris, Anh N. Phan
Summary: This paper reviews the technological and economical feasibilities of producing sustainable drop-in fuel from lignocellulosic sources, highlighting the challenges and cost breakdown. Second generation biofuels have a greater potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to first generation biofuels. Gasification-FTS is considered the most promising technique for drop-in fuel production.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Julia Weyand, Felix Habermeyer, Ralph -Uwe Dietrich
Summary: Techno-economic and ecological optimization requires understanding of trade-offs between efficiencies, costs, and environmental impacts. This study enhances a techno-economic analysis tool by incorporating life cycle assessment (LCA), and applies it to analyze a hybrid Power and Biomass-to-Liquid concept. Results show a correlation between low environmental impact and high fuel efficiency for economic allocation, and between low environmental impact and high process efficiency for energetic allocation. Sensitivity studies demonstrate low sensitivity to process parameter variations for global warming potential. The cost-impact factor, which is lowest for the process parameters with the lowest net production cost, is more sensitive to these variations.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Su Been Seo, Eun Sol Go, Jester Lih Jie Ling, See Hoon Lee
Summary: The study evaluated the economic feasibility of a solar-assisted biomass gasification combined heat and power plant, showing that the solar-assisted biomass process had higher economic feasibility compared to a biomass-only process, and the additional income from carbon credit pricing played a significant role.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Tara Hosseini, Lian Zhang
Summary: The study explores the integration of concentrated solar power into low-rank coal pyrolysis to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions. While using a solar tower for both coal drying and pyrolysis can save energy, it is not economically feasible. On the other hand, using parabolic trough solar collectors for coal drying only proves to be more economically viable and even slightly outperforms the conventional pyrolysis process in economic terms.
FUEL PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
A. A. Mana, A. Allouhi, K. Ouazzani, A. Jamil
Summary: Biomass power generation in rural areas of Morocco presents a significant opportunity to achieve rural sustainability and provide stable electricity supply. The financial model of the project shows competitive costs compared to solar and fossil resources. Performance variables depend strongly on flue gas temperature, and the LCOE is highly sensitive to feedstock price and finance rates.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Femi Peter Alege, Xiangyu Gu, Haiying Tao, Gilbert J. Miito, Pius M. Ndegwa
Summary: The study examined the techno-economic feasibility of pelletizing dairy manure compost, finding that labor costs were the most important factor influencing the minimum selling price. It is recommended to optimize the product for improved marketability, particularly for bioenergy applications.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Panneerselvam Ranganathan
Summary: This study investigates the techno-economic evaluation of renewable fuels production from sewage sludge using hydrothermal liquefaction method. The process design includes wastewater treatment, hydrothermal liquefaction, hydroprocessing, and hydrogen production. A steady-state simulation is conducted to predict mass and energy flow rates, and an economic calculation is performed to obtain a minimum selling price (MSP) of the renewable fuels at $4.04/GGE. Sensitivity analysis shows that biocrude yield and operating cost significantly affect the MSP. This study provides feasibility for large-scale production and guides future plant design/optimization, driving research towards a circular economy.
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AND ASSESSMENTS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ajay Sharma, Ratnadeep Nath
Summary: This research article focuses on the optimization of H2 rich syngas production using response surface methodology (RSM) and chemical kinetic modeling. Eucalyptus wood sawdust is used as the gasification feedstock. The study validates a modified kinetic model with lab scale experimental data and considers four operating parameters to frame the test cases. The results show that RSM optimization can achieve a high H2 content of 51.75 vol% and a low CO2 content of 14.65 vol%, while the utility concept provides a practical optimal solution with a slightly lower H2 content and slightly higher CO2 content. The techno-economic analysis demonstrates a payback period of 4.8 (similar to 5) years and a minimum profit margin of 142% for a 200 m3 per day syngas production plant.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Thai Ngan Do, Chanhee You, Jiyong Kim
Summary: In this study, a framework for CO2 capture and utilization for energy products (CCU4E) was developed and examined for its techno-economic and environmental performance. A total of 72 CO2-to-fuel pathways were analyzed to understand the trade-off between economic output and environmental impact, with a focus on the role of H2 in mitigating CO2eq emissions and economic potential. The study also highlighted the significance of green hydrogen price as a key factor in future CCU4E for reducing CO2eq emissions at a more stable and lower cost.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hoon Choi, Nathan E. Soland, Bonnie L. Buss, Nora C. Honeycutt, Emily G. Tomashek, Stefan J. Haugen, Kelsey J. Ramirez, Joel Miscall, Eric C. D. Tan, Tyler N. Smith, Patrick O. Saboe, Eric M. Karp
Summary: This study reports an efficient separation process for glucaric acid crystals from fermentation broth. The process involves recovering purified monopotassium glucarate and then purifying glucaric acid through acidification and antisolvent crystallization. The process achieves high recovery yield and purity, and enables recycling of antisolvents and control of energy input.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Eric C. D. Tan, Kylee Harris, Stephen M. Tifft, Darlene Steward, Christopher Kinchin, Thomas N. Thompson
Summary: This study evaluates the potential capacity and price of biofuel production in the United States, focusing on its adoption for marine propulsion. The findings suggest that the US has the resources and technology to produce substantial amounts of biofuels, which can serve as alternative marine fuels. However, there is a need to improve the price of biofuels for wider adoption in the maritime industry.
BIOFUELS BIOPRODUCTS & BIOREFINING-BIOFPR
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Jipeng Yan, Eric C. D. Tan, Rui Katahira, Todd R. Pray, Ning Sun
Summary: Fractionation of lignin using TFF was studied, and the effects of different membrane pore sizes on lignin molecular weight, sugar distribution, viscosity, and lignin functional groups were investigated. The results showed that TFF could effectively separate low-molecular-weight lignin from the aqueous stream.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ryan Davis, Arpit H. Bhatt, Yimin Zhang, Eric C. D. Tan, Vikram Ravi, Garvin Heath
Summary: This article introduces an established design case that simulates the conversion of herbaceous lignocellulosic biomass into renewable diesel blend-stock. The study provides key mass and energy balance results and highlights the significance of this research in supporting cleaner production, evaluating air emissions and life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions, and identifying optimization opportunities.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Andrew W. Bartling, Pahola Thathiana Benavides, Steven D. Phillips, Troy Hawkins, Avantika Singh, Matthew Wiatrowski, Eric C. D. Tan, Christopher Kinchin, Longwen Ou, Hao Cai, Mary Biddy, Ling Tao, Andrew Young, Kathleen Brown, Shuyun Li, Yunhua Zhu, Lesley J. Snowden-Swan, Chirag R. Mevawala, Daniel J. Gaspar
Summary: Economic and environmental favorability are crucial for the development and deployment of sustainable fuels. This study conducted economic and sustainability analyses of 25 pathways for producing bioblendstocks. The results showed that most of the bioblendstocks had favorable economic metrics, but biochemically-based pathways faced challenges in achieving favorable minimum fuel selling price. Additionally, some pathways showed significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and fossil energy use.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Kurt M. Van Allsburg, Eric C. D. Tan, John D. Super, Joshua A. Schaidle, Frederick G. Baddour
Summary: This article introduces a free catalyst cost estimation tool called CatCost and demonstrates its functionality using the catalytic fast pyrolysis of biomass as a case study. By comparing the economic and environmental improvements of different catalysts and the impact of synthesis methods and production scale on costs, it is found that more stable catalysts have lower costs.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Abhijit Dutta, Daniel A. Ruddy, Connor P. Nash, Kylee Harris, Earl D. Christensen, Daniel P. Dupuis, Eric C. D. Tan
Summary: The study discusses the conversion of biomass-derived syngas to non-aromatic hydrocarbons for fuel, highlighting the importance of experimental analysis and modeling predictions.
BIOFUELS BIOPRODUCTS & BIOREFINING-BIOFPR
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Shuyun Li, Eric C. D. Tan, Abhijit Dutta, Lesley J. Snowden-Swan, Michael R. Thorson, Karthikeyan K. Ramasamy, Andrew W. Bartling, Robert Brasington, Michael D. Kass, George G. Zaimes, Troy R. Hawkins
Summary: This paper presents a comparative analysis of four conversion pathways for renewable biofuels in marine transportation. The study found that biofuels could be a cost-effective and sustainable fuel option for the marine sector. Strategies to reduce sulfur content in biofuels were also discussed.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Arpit Bhatt, Vikram Ravi, Yimin Zhang, Garvin Heath, Ryan Davis, Eric C. D. Tan
Summary: Boilers are crucial for industrial facilities as they provide process heat, with most of them historically burning fossil fuels. However, there is now a growing interest in using renewable fuels to reduce carbon emissions. These boilers are significant sources of air pollutant emissions, making it essential to characterize these emissions for air permits and ensuring air quality protection.
JOURNAL OF THE AIR & WASTE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Nicholas A. Carlson, Michael S. Talmadge, Eric C. D. Tan, Emily K. Newes, Robert L. Mccormick
Summary: This work investigates the pathways and costs of bio-VLSFO production and finds that bio-VLSFO production can be more cost-effective than fossil VLSFO under certain conditions. It also suggests that marine fuels can serve as a good entry point for refiners to decarbonize with biofuel pathways that can be extended to other product pools.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Farhad H. Masum, George G. Zaimes, Eric C. D. Tan, Shuyun Li, Abhijit Dutta, Karthikeyan K. Ramasamy, Troy R. Hawkins
Summary: Recent restrictions on marine fuel sulfur content and a heightened regulatory focus on maritime decarbonization are driving the deployment of low-carbon and low-sulfur alternative fuels for maritime transport. This study quantified the life-cycle greenhouse gas and sulfur oxide emissions of several marine biofuel candidates and compared them with the emissions reduction targets set by the International Maritime Organization. The results show that marine biofuels have significant potential for decarbonizing the maritime sector, with a range of 41-163% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional low-sulfur fuel oil.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yudong Li, Ryan Davis, Eric C. D. Tan, Jacob Dempsey, Kelsey Lynch, David A. Sievers, Xiaowen Chen
Summary: This study investigated the impact of different refining conditions on the energy consumption, sugar yields, minimum sugar selling price, and environmental impacts of converting corn stover to sugars. The results showed that the relationship between energy consumption and sugar yields varied with changes in rotational speed and refiner plate design. By optimizing these factors, energy consumption could be reduced without significantly affecting sugar yields.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shaik Afzal, Avantika Singh, Scott R. Nicholson, Taylor Uekert, Jason S. DesVeaux, Eric C. D. Tan, Abhijit Dutta, Alberta C. Carpenter, Robert M. Baldwin, Gregg T. Beckham
Summary: Plastic waste management is a global concern due to its accumulation in landfills and the natural environment. Gasification can convert mixed plastic waste into valuable products such as methanol and hydrogen. This study conducted a techno-economic analysis and life cycle assessment of gasification pathways for mixed plastic waste. The results showed that the cost, energy use, and greenhouse gas emissions of these pathways are influenced by factors such as syngas yield and waste plastic feedstock price.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Geetanjali Yadav, Avantika Singh, Abhijit Dutta, Taylor Uekert, Jason S. DesVeaux, Scott R. Nicholson, Eric C. D. Tan, Calvin Mukarakate, Joshua A. Schaidle, Cody J. Wrasman, Alberta C. Carpenter, Robert M. Baldwin, Yuriy Roman-Leshkov, Gregg T. Beckham
Summary: This study analyzed the technical and economic characteristics of catalytic fast pyrolysis of waste plastics and found that converting the waste plastics into aromatic compounds can be cost-competitive and reduce energy consumption. However, this technology results in an increase in greenhouse gas emissions. The study also found that different catalytic fast pyrolysis processes have varying economic and environmental benefits.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
R. Gary Grim, Dwarak Ravikumar, Eric C. D. Tan, Zhe Huang, Jack R. Ferrell, Michael Resch, Zhenglong Li, Chirag Mevawala, Steven D. Phillips, Lesley Snowden-Swan, Ling Tao, Joshua A. Schaidle
Summary: Due to weight and travel distance challenges, liquid hydrocarbon fuels will remain the primary choice for medium to long-haul aviation. However, sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) produced from biogenic carbon sources are gaining attention as an alternative to reduce CO2 emissions. Recent studies propose utilizing CO2 and renewable electricity to convert into SAF, offering competitive costs and carbon intensity, and providing a different option from traditional technologies.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2022)
