The importance of Sugarcane-Trash energy use, also called Sugarcane Agricultural Residues (SCAR) or Barbojo was analyzed in the light of 2nd generation Biofuels. The current challenges and opportunities of SCAR energy use were treated. An analysis focused on current Brazilian situation and experiences around the world, was carried out. The most probable routes for 2nd generation Bioethanol production suitability: Biomass to Liquid and Bio-enzymatic were compared in Brazil. The Brazilian Sugarcane Agro-Industry particularities and its influence on SCAR energy use were analyzed. The most probable use of SCAR, in a short and mid term, is as boiler feedstock. The key environmental aspects related to SCAR use were analyzed. The SCAR decomposition process and its influence into the CO 2 emission reduction were explained. The weed control effect of SCAR left in the field was examined.
Since last decade of twentieth century, the change in cane harvesting method from manual harvesting of burned cane to mechanical harvesting of green cane brought the real possibility of sugarcane-trash energy use. The sugarcane-trash, also called Sugarcane Agricultural Residues (SCAR) represents 1/3 of total sugarcane energy content. Despite SCAR is considered today the main unexplored energy reserve in the sugarcane agro-industry a negligible part of this residues is used. Starting from the analysis of the current situation and environmental aspects described in Part1 of the present work (Alonso Pippo et al. in Waste Biomass Valoriz 1), an assessment on socioeconomic aspects of SCAR and energy use was carried out. The impact of sugarcane mechanized harvesting on employment was described. The food versus biofuels production from crops was analyzed. SCAR characteristic in face 2nd generation biofuels requirements was treated. The social aspects related to land use were evaluated. A Linear Programming model for profitability maximization was used in order to estimate economical benefits derived from SCAR energy use. The model solution showed that among the variables should be considered in order to maximize profitability special attention deserves: sugarcane production and SCAR transportation cost. It seems to be that sugarcane mechanized harvesting combined with train transport are among the best infrastructure conditions to maximize the profit. When it is delivered to sugar-mill by train SCAR cost can be up to five times cheaper than when it is delivered using articulated lorries. Assuming SCAR energy use for electricity cogeneration as main priority, it was calculated the optimal size for sugarcane factory from techno-economic point of view. An added value/added cost analysis on SCAR energy use at a medium size factory was carried out.
Although sugarcane-trash (SCAR) energy represents a third of all sugarcane energy content, it continues to be the least studied of sugarcane agro-industrial residues. SCAR and bagasse moisture content were studied during the 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 milling seasons. It was determined that the percentage of dry and green matters represented 69% and 31% of the mass of SCAR, respectively. From an energy point of view, it was also established that there are no significant differences between the green and dry components of SCAR. Different analyses were carried out to estimate the High Heating Value (HHV) and Low Heating Value (LHV) of SCAR. In addition, meteorological factors and their influence on the moisture content of SCAR were studied during both milling seasons, and the variation in the energy content of SCAR during this period was controlled monthly. Regression models to SCAR moisture content forecasting were built and validated. The meteorological and geographical constrictions pertaining to the use of those models are discussed. Methodology to assess the feasibility of SCAR energy use was proposed.
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