Economic and Environmental Analysis of Farm-Scale Integrated Ethanol and Biodiesel Production Using Locally-Available Biomass

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2014-07-01
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Richardson, Bailley
Benson, Patrick
Rosentrater, Kurt
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Rosentrater, Kurt
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Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering

Since 1905, the Department of Agricultural Engineering, now the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (ABE), has been a leader in providing engineering solutions to agricultural problems in the United States and the world. The department’s original mission was to mechanize agriculture. That mission has evolved to encompass a global view of the entire food production system–the wise management of natural resources in the production, processing, storage, handling, and use of food fiber and other biological products.

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In 1905 Agricultural Engineering was recognized as a subdivision of the Department of Agronomy, and in 1907 it was recognized as a unique department. It was renamed the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering in 1990. The department merged with the Department of Industrial Education and Technology in 2004.

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1905–present

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  • Department of Agricultural Engineering (1907–1990)

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Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
Abstract

With increased technology and economic opportunities, demand for energy and fuels in developing countries is growing exponentially to run processes and improve lifestyles, but rural areas may not have access. It is thus important to identify possible sources of energy for developing rural areas, especially those sources which are renewable and locally produced. The objective of this study was to develop a computer model to assess the viability of developing integrated biofuel production systems using biomass materials specific to Mozambique and India. The models considered various system capacities and production scenarios. Estimates of processing costs, along with other economic factors, were determined through techno-economic analysis, and environmental impacts were determined through life cycle assessment. Biofuel production on a farm scale was determined for a biodiesel, ethanol, and combined production system, with various capacities. Eighteen scenarios were created and tested. It was determined that larger capacities were more profitable per unit of biofuel, and the capacities exhibited economies of scale. A combined system has proven to increase profits, and production of 10L/day, in a combined system is the most profitable of the India based scenarios. In Mozambique based scenarios, production of 10L/day, in a combined system is the second most profitable option, with the biodiesel scenarios beating it by $0.06 cents per year per liter of biofuel produced. Environmentally, the best scenarios are based in Mozambique because of the use of hydroelectric power instead of traditional coal powered electricity. The best environment option in India based scenarios is the 0.125L/hour (1L/day) scenario, producing biodiesel. This system gives off only 10.08 kg of CO2 equivalent per year. This study has provided a starting point for assessment of the farm scale production of biofuels in developing countries.

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Wed Jan 01 00:00:00 UTC 2014