Synthesis and design of optimal biorefinery using an expanded network with thermochemical and biochemical biomass conversion platforms

This study presents the development of an expanded biorefinery processing network for producing biofuels that combines biochemical and thermochemical conversion platforms. The expanded network is coupled to a framework that uses a superstructure based optimization approach to generate and compare of a large number of alternatives at their optimal points. In this study the superstructure for thermochemical conversion route is formulated by using NREL studies of thermochemical conversion of biomass considering 3 biomass feedstocks, 2 products, 3 by-products and 18 processing intervals with combination of 72 processing intervals. This superstructure was integrated with an earlier developed superstructure for biochemical conversion routes thereby forming a formidable number of biorefinery alternatives. The expanded network was demonstrated to be versatile and useful as a decision support tool for identifying at early stage optimal biorefinery concept with respect to technical, economic and environmental criteria.