Process simulation of renewable electricity from sugarcane straw: Techno-economic assessment of retrofit scenarios in Brazil

Watanabe, Marcos Djun Barbosa; Morais, Edvaldo Rodrigo de; Cardoso, Terezinha F.; Chagas, Mateus Ferreira; Junqueira, Tassia L.; Carvalho, Danilo José; Bonomi, Antonio

doi:10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.120081

Cited by 47 publications

(19 citation statements)

References 30 publications

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“…The use of models to simulate and predict a process design operation allows the assessment of the technical parameters involved considering various biorefinery pathways. Nevertheless, many process design analyses use hard convergence simulation models to represent biomass conversion systems, e.g., Aspen Plus ® software-based simulations approaches [30,[46][47][48][49], and have inherent communication limitations between the different value chain modeling. Therefore, a novel framework based on spreadsheets is developed to obtain material and energy balances of industrial biomass conversion processes in view of reducing both time and complexity for easy compatibilization of biomass production, conversion modeling approaches, and future efforts related to the optimization of multiple biorefinery scenarios.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Techno-Economic and Environmental Assessment of Biomass Gasification and Fischer–Tropsch Synthesis Integrated to Sugarcane Biorefineries

et al. 2020

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Large-scale deployment of both biochemical and thermochemical routes for advanced biofuels production is seen as a key climate change mitigation option. This study addresses techno-economic and environmental aspects of advanced liquid biofuels production alternatives via biomass gasification and Fischer–Tropsch synthesis integrated to a typical sugarcane distillery. The thermochemical route comprises the conversion of the residual lignocellulosic fraction of conventional sugarcane (bagasse and straw), together with eucalyptus and energy-cane as emerging lignocellulosic biomass options. This work promotes an integrated framework to simulate the mass and energy balances of process alternatives and incorporates techno-economic analyses and sustainability assessment methods based on a life-cycle perspective. Results show that integrated biorefineries provide greenhouse gas emission reduction between 85–95% compared to the fossil equivalent, higher than that expected from a typical sugarcane biorefinery. When considering avoided emissions by cultivated area, biorefinery scenarios processing energy-cane are favored, however at lower economic performance. Thermochemical processes may take advantage of the integration with the typical sugarcane mills and novel biofuels policies (e.g., RenovaBio) to mitigate some of the risks linked to the implementation of new biofuel technologies.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Techno-Economic and Environmental Assessment of Biomass Gasification and Fischer–Tropsch Synthesis Integrated to Sugarcane Biorefineries

et al. 2020

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“…There is an enormous potential for bioelectricity production in Brazil. However, there is a strong need to improve the technical, economic and regulatory aspects, to smooth the generation and supply of electricity to the grid 118 . Besides sugarcane bagasse, conversion of the straw into electricity can significantly cut down the GHG emissions.…”

Section: Current Industrial Scenario Of Biofuels and Biochemicals In Brazilmentioning

confidence: 99%

Brazilian biorefineries from second generation biomass: critical insights from industry and future perspectives

Chandel

Forte

Gonçalves

et al. 2021

Biofuels Bioprod Bioref

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Transitioning from gasoline and petroleum‐based products to biofuels and green chemicals is a paradigm shift that will lead to the development of the bioeconomy. In this sense, the role of biorefineries in countries like Brazil is very important as the country generates a huge amount of second generation (2G) biomass every year and also has an attractive consumable market. However, technological innovations are still required to unleash the fullest potential of biomass conversion to biofuels and biochemicals, although successful examples are already a reality. For example, Amyris Inc. has developed renewable products for cosmetics (squalene), healthcare (artemisinin), and flavors / fragrances, and Suzano Papel e Celulose has developed sustainable technologies for the production of pulp and paper, and lignin‐derived adhesives (Ecolig). First‐generation ethanol in Brazil is an established source of transportation fuel but 2G ethanol production with low production costs is still a challenge at commercial scale, and companies like Raízen and GranBio continue making efforts to improve the economic feasibility of the adopted processes. In this context, the RenovaBio Policy launched by the Federal Brazilian Government in December 2017 aims to boost the production and utilization of biofuels and green chemicals in the country. Considering the matters mentioned above, this paper discusses the Brazilian biorefinery developments, technological advances, and current industrial scenario for the production of biofuels and chemicals. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

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“…carried out a theoretical açaí seed gasification techno‐economic study to obtain electricity in the Amazon region; and pointed out the need for complementary cooling systems that negatively influence the economic indicators. They also identified that the Brazilian sales prices of electricity do not justify the investment in gasification, because the electricity market would need to reach high prices – always above 150 USD/MWh, values only observed in the drought season in Brazil 69 …”

Section: Potential Energy Recovery From Açaí Seedsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…For the theoretical best scenario (SH + AD) an electric energy surplus of 2.32 × 10 5 MWh/year would be generated for sale to the grid. Moreover, assuming the average annual electric energy price (for trade in the Brazilian regulated market) of 60 USD/MWh, 69 the açaí industry could obtain a revenue of more than 13 million USD/year for electric energy surplus – in addition to the frozen pulp sales annual revenue. Conservatively assuming that the amount of açaí seed from de‐pulping is not entirely destined for the AD or SH + AD processes, four (4) scenarios were assessed to evaluate its potential for electric energy generation and surpluses (Fig.…”

Section: Potential Energy Recovery From Açaí Seedsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sustainable development in the Legal Amazon: energy recovery from açaí seeds

Maciel-Silva

Buller

Gonçalves

et al. 2021

Biofuels Bioprod Bioref

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The Brazilian açaí industry reached national and international prominence in the last few years. Its final product, mainly frozen pulp, became popular worldwide, accounting for a high market share, including exports. Nevertheless, the solid by‐products arising from the processing are not always discarded in an environmentally suitable manner. This review presents a scientometric analysis of açaí research in the last 27 years (1993 to 2019), applying a longitudinal bibliometric study. Through data analysis, it can be observed that Brazil and the USA are the countries that mostly contributed to the development of açaí research. Although Brazil has more publications, the USA presents more articles in partnership with 21 countries. The results also showed that few documents addressed renewable energy recovery with the following technologies: combustion, pyrolysis, supercritical water hydrolysis, and anaerobic digestion. Further analysis of the anaerobic digestion of the totality of açaí seeds generated in Brazil indicated that, theoretically, the electric energy from biogas burning could supply the whole frozen pulp industry requirement with an additional surplus for sales to the grid. Hence, electricity replacement contributes to greenhouse gas mitigation. The assessment of the potential electric energy generation illustrates how technological integration can be an innovative way to rethink the açaí production chain using a circular economy concept. Moreover, the technological advances could stimulate sustainable agro‐industrial intensification in areas such as the Legal Amazon, considered a hotspot for climate change mitigation. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

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Process simulation of renewable electricity from sugarcane straw: Techno-economic assessment of retrofit scenarios in Brazil

Cited by 47 publications

References 30 publications

Techno-Economic and Environmental Assessment of Biomass Gasification and Fischer–Tropsch Synthesis Integrated to Sugarcane Biorefineries

Techno-Economic and Environmental Assessment of Biomass Gasification and Fischer–Tropsch Synthesis Integrated to Sugarcane Biorefineries

Brazilian biorefineries from second generation biomass: critical insights from industry and future perspectives

Sustainable development in the Legal Amazon: energy recovery from açaí seeds

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