Assessing the economic viability of pretreatment technologies to make sugars for chemical catalytic upgrading to fuels and chemicals

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sampath Gunukula ◽  
Thomas J. Schwartz ◽  
Hemant P. Pendse ◽  
William J. DeSisto ◽  
M. Clayton Wheeler
Keyword(s):  
Economic Feasibility ◽  
Economic Viability ◽  
Catalytic Upgrading ◽  
Biomass Fractionation ◽  
Fuels And Chemicals

Biomass fractionation technologies are down-selected and economic feasibility of the selected technologies are assessed to produce cellulose and hemicelluloses for chemical catalytic upgrading.

Cost comparison of seismic damage resisting systems for modules in multi-storey buildings

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 330-346
Author(s):  
Danielle Ashcroft ◽  
Temitope Egbelakin ◽  
John Jing ◽  
Eziaku Onyeizu Rasheed
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Modular Design ◽  
Base Isolation ◽  
Seismic Damage ◽  
Economic Feasibility ◽  
Cost Comparison ◽  
Economic Viability ◽  
Friction Damper ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the economic viability of a new and innovative seismic damage resisting system (SDRS) device by conducting a feasibility study. The SDRS device has been patented and specifically designed to be implemented in multi-storey modular buildings in seismic regions such as New Zealand. Design/methodology/approach Using a case study approach, two sample modular multi-storey buildings were purposively selected for the study. A cost-comparison analysis was conducted using the SDRS device in the two buildings, by carrying out a measure and price exercise of the construction elements. Findings The research results showed that the SDRS device is an economically viable option for mitigating seismic damage in modular multi-storey buildings in New Zealand. There is an average of 7.34 per cent of cost reduction when SDRS is used in modular multi-storey buildings when compared to other seismic resistance systems such as base isolation, moment resisting frames and friction damper systems. Practical implications The economic viability of the SDRS presents an opportunity for its usage in modular design and construction of multi-storey buildings. SDRS system is also applicable to other building typologies and construction methods. The use of SDRS also aligns with the current national objective to provide more affordable and resilient housing within a limited time; the opportunity is considered significant in New Zealand, including for export and manufacturing. Originality/value The confirmation of the SDRS device’s economic feasibility is the original contribution of the authors.

Economic Viability of Nickel Recovery from Waste Catalyst

2010 ◽  
Vol 447-448 ◽  
pp. 765-769 ◽  
Author(s):  
Q.Z. Yang ◽  
R.S. Ng ◽  
G.J. Qi ◽  
H.C. Low ◽  
Y.P. Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Evaluation Model ◽  
Economic Feasibility ◽  
Batch Size ◽  
Economic Viability ◽  
Metal Exchange ◽  
Selling Price ◽  
Exchange Market ◽  
Bottom Line ◽  
Nickel Recovery ◽  
Market Factors

This paper investigates the economic viability of a closed-loop process for nickel recovery from roasted catalytic wastes. The effects of process parameters and market factors that drive the bottom-line profitability of nickel recovery are identified and analyzed using a cost and revenue evaluation model developed in the study. The main factors include the production batch size, material cost, and nickel selling price. With a nickel market value higher than S$18.85 per kg, the process is economically viable even with a batch size as small as 50 kg/batch. Given that the current nickel selling price at the metal exchange market has reached around S$24-28/kg, the economic feasibility of the process is confirmed.

scholarly journals Solar Assisted Power Generation System in Hot Desert Climate: A Cost-Benefit Perspective

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramzi Alahmadi ◽  
◽  
Kamel Almutairi ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Solar Energy ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Energy Systems ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Economic Feasibility ◽  
Economic Viability ◽  
Solar Pv ◽  
Pv System ◽  
Pv Systems

With the increasing global concerns about greenhouse gas emissions caused by the extensive use of fossil fuels, many countries are investing in the deployment of clean energy sources. The utilization of abundant solar energy is one of the fastest growing deployed renewable sources due its technological maturity and economic competitivity. In addition to report from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), many studies have suggested that the maturity of solar energy systems will continue to develop, which will increase their economic viability. The focus of analysis in this paper is countries with hot desert climates since they are the best candidates for solar energy systems. The capital of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh is used as the case study due to the country’s ambitious goals in this field. The main purpose of this study is to comprehensively analyze the stochastic behavior and probabilistic distribution of solar irradiance in order to accurately estimate the expected power output of solar systems. A solar Photovoltaic (PV) module is used for the analysis due to its practicality and widespread use in utility-scale projects. In addition to the use of a break-even analysis to estimate the economic viability of solar PV systems in hot desert climates, this paper estimates the indifference point at which the economic feasibility of solar PV systems is justified, compared with the fossil-based systems. The numerical results show that the break-even point of installing one KW generation capacity of a solar PV system is estimated to pay off after producing 16,827 KWh, compared to 15,422 KWh for the case of fossil-based systems. However, the increased cost of initial investment in solar PV systems deployment starts to be economically justified after producing 41,437 KWh.

scholarly journals A Novel 10 kW Vertical Axis Wind Tree Design: Economic Feasibility Assessment

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (22) ◽  
pp. 12720
Author(s):  
Duong Minh Ngoc ◽  
Kuaanan Techato ◽  
Le Duc Niem ◽  
Nguyen Thi Hai Yen ◽  
Nguyen Van Dat ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wind Speed ◽  
Net Present Value ◽  
Vertical Axis ◽  
Test Site ◽  
Economic Feasibility ◽  
Economic Viability ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Vertical Axis Wind Turbine ◽  
Average Wind Speed ◽  
Levelized Cost Of Electricity

A novel, small-scale vertical axis wind turbine tree was designed using turbines combining both Darrieus and Savonius blades. We tested for economic viability using wind data collected at a site in Surat Thani, Thailand. The Weibull distribution and Monte Carlo modeling with financial indices (Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE), Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), and Simple Payback Period (SPP)) were used to analyze data. We found that monthly mean wind speeds varied from 2.35 m/s in October to 2.84 m/s in February, corresponding to a wind power of 28.43 W/m2 and 42.68 W/m2. The average annual power output was 1446.1 kWh for May 2019 to April 2021. Results show that for turbine cut-in to cut-out speeds (2 m/s to 15 m/s), the prototype has potential economic feasibility (NPV > 0 for 64.93%), although the small capacity of the wind tree, in combination with the low average wind speed at the Surat Thani test site, showed a lack of economic viability at this specific location (NPV = USD − 20,946.29). A higher-wind-speed location (Chiang Mai) showed viability, especially at a 10 m height (NPV > 0 for 84.83%). We discuss potential conditions that would make broader use of the prototype feasible.

scholarly journals COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF COMPACT FLUORESCENT LAMPS VERSUS LED LAMPS: AN ECONOMY FACTOR

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (11) ◽  
pp. 198-212
Author(s):  
Diego Da Silva de Souza ◽  
Paulo De Souza Silva ◽  
David Barbosa de Alencar
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Comparative Analysis ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Residential Buildings ◽  
Economic Feasibility ◽  
Economic Viability ◽  
Fluorescent Lamps ◽  
Compact Fluorescent Lamps ◽  
Industrial Buildings

The general objective of this article was to promote through bibliographic studies the two types of lamps, in addition to the comparative analysis of compact fluorescent lamps versus LED lamps: an economy factor. The specific objectives were: - to explain the conceptual precepts on: lighting engineering, definitions, characteristics, invention, operation, defect, quality and the environments used and the NBRs regulations; - address the economic impact generated by the choice of LED lamps and compact fluorescent lamps; - emphasize on an economic feasibility study on the use of LED lamps and compact fluorescent lamps. The justification of the study is related, in the promotion regarding the use of LED lamps and compact fluorescents, in the factor that generates savings. Since the areas related to artificial lighting are responsible for a significant portion of energy demand, both on a large scale - such as lighting for public roads or industrial buildings - and on smaller scales - in commercial and residential buildings. Therefore, its promotion is crucial in the context of economic viability. The lamps provide the luminous energy, through which a better luminous efficiency is obtained. Currently, there are several types of lamps available, different in several aspects: luminous intensity, reproduction colors, energy efficiency, physical composition, method for emitting light, specific purposes, prices, among others. It is worth mentioning that the lamps differ from each other not only by the different luminous fluxes that they radiate, but also by the different powers they consume. In order to compare them, it is necessary to know how many lumens are generated per absorbed watt. This greatness is called energy efficiency. Thus, the proposal of a study was evidenced, in order to promote these luminous resources, in addition to emphasizing their economic viability.

scholarly journals Techno-Economic Design of Flue Gas Condensers for Medium-Scale Biomass Combustion Plants: Impact of Heat Demand and Return Temperature Variations

Energies ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 2337 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thibault Coppieters ◽  
Julien Blondeau
Keyword(s):  
Flue Gas ◽  
Energy Savings ◽  
Economic Feasibility ◽  
Dew Point ◽  
Pollutant Emissions ◽  
Economic Viability ◽  
Biomass Combustion ◽  
Process Data ◽  
Medium Scale ◽  
Heat Demand

Despite their obvious benefit in terms of energy efficiency and their potential benefit on pollutant emissions, Flue Gas Condensers (FGCs) are still not widely spread in biomass combustion plants. Although their costs have significantly decreased during the last decade, the economic viability of FGC retrofits is not straightforward and their return on investments is mainly dependent on the temperature of the available heat sink and the moisture content of the fuel. Based on a new techno-economic model of a FGC validated with recent industrial data, this paper presents a methodology to assess the economic viability of an FGC retrofitting in a medium-scale biomass combustion plant. The proposed methodology is applied to the case of a typical District Heating plant for which real data was collected. For the first time, the usual assumptions of constant process data generally used are challenged by considering the variability of the return temperature and heat demand over the year. Furthermore, a new concept of optimal configurations in terms of energy savings is introduced in this paper and compared to a strictly economic optimum. The economic feasibility is mainly evaluated by means of the Net Present Value (NPV), Discounted Payback Period (DPP), and the Modified Internal Rate of Return (MIRR). As expected, results show that the higher the humidity level and the lower the return temperature, the higher the economic profitability of a project. The NPV is, however, increased when considering variable inputs: Even with an average return temperature of 60 °C, a mixed operation of the FGC as a condenser and an economizer along the year is predicted, which results in an increased profitability assessment. Considering a constant return temperature over the year can lead to a 20% underestimation of the project NPV. An alternative averaging method is proposed, where two distinct temperature zones are considered: above and below the flue gas dew point. The discrepancy with a detailed temperature variation is reduced to a few percents. Our results also show that increasing the FGC surface beyond the highest NPV can lead to substantial energy savings at a reasonable cost, up to a certain level. The energetic optimum we defined can lead to an increase in energy savings by 17% for the same relative decrease of the NPV.

scholarly journals Comparison of acetone–butanol–ethanol fermentation and ethanol catalytic upgrading as pathways for butanol production: A techno-economic and environmental assessment

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 1384-1399
Author(s):  
Estefanny Carmona-Garcia ◽  
Paula Andrea Marín-Valencia ◽  
Juan Camilo Solarte-Toro ◽  
Konstantinos Moustakas ◽  
Carlos Ariel Cardona-Alzate
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Impact ◽  
Fermentation Process ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Abe Fermentation ◽  
Economic Feasibility ◽  
Biofuel Production ◽  
Selling Price ◽  
Butanol Production ◽  
Catalytic Upgrading ◽  
Acetone Butanol Ethanol

Butanol is an important compound used as a building block for producing value-added products and an energy carrier. The main butanol production pathways are conventional acetone–butanol–ethanol (ABE) fermentation and catalytic upgrading of ethanol. On the other hand, the application of biomass as a promising substrate for biofuel production has been widely considered recently. However, few studies have compared different butanol production pathways using biomass as raw material. In light of that, the present work aims (i) to provide a short review of the catalytic ethanol upgrading and (ii) to compare conventional ABE fermentation and catalytic ethanol upgrading processes from the economic and environmental perspectives. Aspen Plus v9.0 was used to simulate both processes. The economic and environmental assessments were carried out considering the Colombian economic context, a gate-to-gate approach, and single impact categories. Considering a processing scale of 1000 ton/d, the conventional ABE fermentation process presented a more favorable technical, economic, and environmental performance for butanol production from biomass. It also offered lower net energy consumption (i.e., 57.9 GJ/ton of butanol) and higher butanol production (i.e., 2.59 ton/h). Nevertheless, the proposed processing scale was insufficient to reach economic feasibility for both processes. To overcome this challenge, the minimum processing scale had to be higher than 1584 ton/d and 1920 ton/d for conventional ABE fermentation and catalytic ethanol upgrading, respectively. Another critical factor in enhancing the economic feasibility of both butanol production pathways was the minimum selling price of butanol. More specifically, prices higher than 1.56 USD/kg and 1.80 USD/kg would be required for conventional ABE fermentation and catalytic ethanol upgrading, respectively. From the environmental impact point of view, the conventional ABE fermentation process led to a lower potential environmental impact than catalytic ethanol upgrading (0.12 PEI/kg vs. 0.18 PEI/kg, respectively).

scholarly journals APLICAÇÃO DO MODELO CSM-CANEGRO EM ESTUDO DE VIABILIDADE ECONÔMICA DA CANA-DE-AÇÚCAR IRRIGADA POR PIVÔ CENTRAL

Irriga ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucas Da Costa Santos ◽  
Daniel Philipe Veloso Leal ◽  
Jefferson Vieira José ◽  
Rubens Duarte Coelho ◽  
Timóteo Herculino da Silva Barros
Keyword(s):  
Growth And Development ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Economic Feasibility ◽  
Economic Viability ◽  
Saccharum Spp ◽  
Benefit Ratio ◽  
Paulo State ◽  
Model Study ◽  
Center Pivot ◽  
Cost Benefit Ratio

APLICAÇÃO DO MODELO CSM-CANEGRO EM ESTUDO DE VIABILIDADE ECONÔMICA DA CANA-DE-AÇÚCAR IRRIGADA POR PIVÔ CENTRAL  LUCAS DA COSTA SANTOS1; DANIEL PHILIPE VELOSO LEAL2; JEFFERSON VIEIRA JOSÉ3; RUBENS DUARTE COELHO4 E TIMÓTEO HERCULINO DA SILVA BARROS5 1Eng. Agrônomo, Pesquisador Doutor, Departamento de Engenharia Agrícola, Universidade Estadual de Goiás, Anápolis/GO, Fone: (62) 3328-1156, [email protected]. Agrônomo, Prof. Doutor, Faculdades Associadas de Uberaba, Uberaba/MG, [email protected]. Agrícola, Pesquisador Doutor, Departamento de Engenharia de Biossistemas, Escola Superior de Agricultura “Luiz de Queiroz”- ESALQ/USP, Piracicaba/SP, [email protected]. Agrônomo, Prof. Titular, Departamento de Engenharia de Biossistemas, Escola Superior de Agricultura “Luiz de Queiroz”- ESALQ/USP, Piracicaba/SP, [email protected]. Agrônomo, Doutorando, Departamento de Engenharia de Biossistemas, Escola Superior de Agricultura “Luiz de Queiroz”- ESALQ/USP, Piracicaba/SP, [email protected]  1 RESUMO A irrigação quando bem manejada, pode minimizar os riscos econômicos da atividade sucroalcooleira, particularmente em safras em que ocorra restrição hídrica, podendo vir a reduzir a produtividade dos canaviais para níveis antieconômicos. Diante disso, objetivou-se analisar a viabilidade econômica da irrigação por pivô central em cultivo de cana-de-açúcar, no município de Piracicaba-SP. Para tanto, simulou-se o crescimento e desenvolvimento da variedade RB867515 em dezessete anos-safra (1997 a 2014) a partir do modelo CSM-Canegro, a fim de identificar os rendimentos de colmos potenciais para condições de cultivos com diferentes condições de depleção da umidade do solo proporcionadas por sistema de irrigação. Posteriormente, estudou-se a rentabilidade auferida em cada cenário, a fim de apontar as que apresentassem a melhor relação custo/benefício entre lâmina aplicada e produtividade alcançada. Os resultados encontrados apontaram que apenas os cenários com deplecionamentos permissíveis de 20 e 30% apresentaram-se economicamente viáveis. Quanto às demais estratégias de irrigação, estas não apresentaram incrementos de produtividade que justificasse o investimento na aquisição do equipamento de irrigação. Palavras-chave: Saccharum spp., irrigação, DSSAT  SANTOS, L. C.; LEAL, D. P. V.; JOSÉ J. V.; COELHO, R. D.; BARROS, T. H. S.APPLICATION OF THE CSM-CANEGRO ECONOMIC FEASIBILITY MODEL STUDY OF SUGARCANE IRRIGATED BY CENTER PIVOT  2 ABSTRACT Irrigation when well managed, can minimize the economic risks of sugarcane activity, particularly in crops where water stress occurs, and may reduce the productivity of sugarcane fields to uneconomical levels. Therefore, the aim of this work was to analyze the economic viability of the irrigation pivot in the sugarcane cultivation in Piracicaba, São Paulo state. Thus, the growth and development simulated was the RB867515 variety in seventeen crop years (1997-2014) from the CSM-Canegro model, in order to identify potential stems income for crop conditions with different conditions of soil moisture depletion. Subsequently, the profitability gained in each scenario in order to point out to present the best cost/benefit ratio between applied blade and achieved productivity was studied. The findings showed that only scenarios with permissible percentage reductions of 20 and 30% had to be economically feasible. As for the other irrigation strategies, they did not show increases in productivity that justified the investment in the acquisition of irrigation equipment. Keywords: Saccharum spp., irrigation, DSSAT

scholarly journals ECONOMIC FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR THE INSTALLATION OF A COGENERATION SYSTEM IN A TIMBER INDUSTRY OF LAGES-SC

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 59-71
Author(s):  
Scharles Roberto Vargas ◽  
Graciela Alessandra Dela Rocca ◽  
Nathielle Waldrigues Branco ◽  
José Adelir Wolf ◽  
Fernanda Cristina Silva Ferreira
Keyword(s):  
Net Present Value ◽  
Economic Feasibility ◽  
Economic Viability ◽  
Internal Rate Of Return ◽  
Present Value ◽  
Plateau Region ◽  
Viability Study ◽  
Cogeneration System ◽  
Descriptive Method

This research thematic is the Economic Viability Study, in order to implement a cogeneration system, in a logging company, located in the Santa Catarina highland plateau region. Thus, reducing its production cost, since much of it is due electricity purchase. Data collection of both production, consumption and expenses with electricity purchase and billing were carried out together with the company. Descriptive method was used, with case study. For the economic analysis, both net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR) and payback period were used. With this information and crossing the data, the economic viability for this project became evident, as it can be visualized throughout of this article.

scholarly journals Assessing the Economic Feasibility of Short-Rotation Woody Crops in Florida

EDIS ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 2007 (16) ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew Langholtz ◽  
Douglas R. Carter ◽  
Donald L. Rockwood
Keyword(s):  
Decision Support ◽  
Decision Support System ◽  
Support System ◽  
Forest Resources ◽  
Economic Feasibility ◽  
Economic Viability ◽  
Woody Crops ◽  
Short Rotation Woody Crops ◽  
Short Rotation

Circular 1516, a 5-page paper by Matthew Langholtz, Douglas R. Carter and Donald L. Rockwood, describes a decision support system that can be used to determine the economic viability of SRWC systems for use in Florida. Includes references. Published by the UF School of Forest Resources and Conservation, May 2007. Retired from EDIS website October 2020.

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