Publication detail

Graphical Break-Even Based Decision-Making Tool (BBDM) to Minimise GHG Footprint of Biomass Utilisation: Biochar by Pyrolysis

Fan, Y.V. Klemeš, J.J. Tan R.R. Varbanov, P.S.

English title

Graphical Break-Even Based Decision-Making Tool (BBDM) to Minimise GHG Footprint of Biomass Utilisation: Biochar by Pyrolysis

Type

journal article in Scopus

Language

en

Original abstract

This study develops a graphical decision-making tool inspired by the break-even concept. It facilitates the selection of biomass utilisation where the highest possible profit and lowest GHG emissions indicate the optimal choice. The GHG intensity (kg CO2eq/MWh) and GHG price (USD/kg CO2eq) comprise the y-axis and x-axis of the Break-even Based Decision Making (BBDM) tool. The applicability of the tool is demonstrated by a case study where the biomass (switchgrass and wheat straw) is treated with slow pyrolysis for energy generation and/or biochar production. Burning for electricity is generally a preferable option, especially for countries with high GHG intensity. Biochar application as a form of carbon sequestration is suggested at low GHG intensity. This application becomes the preferred option when the GHG price is higher than 0.03 USD/kg CO2eq for switchgrass and higher than 0.01 USD/kg CO2eq for wheat straw. Wheat straw, as agricultural waste, has the advantage of lower GHG footprint while switchgrass offers a higher energy output. In general, the choice of the best use of biomass can be different under different circumstances. The developed tool is able to provide a rigorous basis for decision support when the GHG intensity and GHG price are defined.

English abstract

This study develops a graphical decision-making tool inspired by the break-even concept. It facilitates the selection of biomass utilisation where the highest possible profit and lowest GHG emissions indicate the optimal choice. The GHG intensity (kg CO2eq/MWh) and GHG price (USD/kg CO2eq) comprise the y-axis and x-axis of the Break-even Based Decision Making (BBDM) tool. The applicability of the tool is demonstrated by a case study where the biomass (switchgrass and wheat straw) is treated with slow pyrolysis for energy generation and/or biochar production. Burning for electricity is generally a preferable option, especially for countries with high GHG intensity. Biochar application as a form of carbon sequestration is suggested at low GHG intensity. This application becomes the preferred option when the GHG price is higher than 0.03 USD/kg CO2eq for switchgrass and higher than 0.01 USD/kg CO2eq for wheat straw. Wheat straw, as agricultural waste, has the advantage of lower GHG footprint while switchgrass offers a higher energy output. In general, the choice of the best use of biomass can be different under different circumstances. The developed tool is able to provide a rigorous basis for decision support when the GHG intensity and GHG price are defined.

Keywords in English

graphical; tool; Based Decision Making (BBDM) tool; GHG footprint; biomass utilisation; pyrolysis

Released

30.10.2019

Publisher

Italian Association of Chemical Engineering - AIDIC

ISSN

2283-9216

Number

76

Pages from–to

19–24

Pages count

6

BIBTEX


@article{BUT163304,
  author="Yee Van {Fan} and Jiří {Klemeš} and Petar Sabev {Varbanov},
  title="Graphical Break-Even Based Decision-Making Tool (BBDM) to Minimise GHG Footprint of Biomass Utilisation: Biochar by Pyrolysis",
  year="2019",
  number="76",
  month="October",
  pages="19--24",
  publisher="Italian Association of Chemical Engineering - AIDIC",
  issn="2283-9216"
}