A Site Selection Model for a Straw-Based Power Generation Plant with CO2 Emissions

Abstract

Abstract:The decision on the location of a straw-based power generation plant has a great influence on the plant's operation and performance. This study explores traditional theories for site selection. Using integer programming, the study optimizes the economic and carbon emission outcomes of straw-based power generation as two objectives, with the supply and demand of straw as constraints. It provides a multi-objective mixed-integer programming model to solve the site selection problem for a straw-based power generation plant. It then provides a case study to demonstrate the application of the model in the decision on the site selection for a straw-based power generation plant with a Chinese region. Finally, the paper discusses the result of the model in the context of the wider aspect of straw-based power generation.

Introduction to the Special Issue on “the Sustainable Asia Conference 2014”

“…A multi-objective mixed-integer programming model is introduced to solve the site selection problem for a straw-based power generation plant [6]. Using integer programming, the study optimizes two objectives of the economic and environmental outcomes of straw-based power generation, with the supply and demand of straw as constraints.…”

“…Without a sufficient straw supply, the plant's performance may be quite poor, resulting in lower economic benefit and higher carbon emissions. Thus, using a linear multi-objective integer program model, the research found that the straw acquisition range could be a determining factor for the straw-based power generation plant's performance [6]. New challenges from nuclear power plants present another issue on the power generation front.…”

“…In China, biomass resources from agriculture and forestry are quite rich and thus a biomass power generation plant could be a good alternative compared with traditional coal-based power plants. However, carbon emissions should be considered carefully because they are influenced by the supply of straw fuel as well [6]. Without a sufficient straw supply, the plant's performance may be quite poor, resulting in lower economic benefit and higher carbon emissions.…”

GIS-modelling based coal-fired power plant site identification and selection

“…When doing this, the local authority considers the site requirements, community impact, environmental impact, health impact and economic impact for the sustainable development of the plant and the region [13]. At the same time, the CPP owner attempts to interact with the local authority to ensure profit maximization.…”

“…The GIS technique is applied here to identify the potential feasible sites based on existing information (such as the geology, available power networks and fuel supplies) as this technique has been widely used to identify sites for predetermined construction projects [9][10][11]. Ranking the alternative sites and selecting the most suitable sites are difficult as they depend on many impact factors, all of which need to be identified based on comprehensive field investigations and surveys [12,13].…”