Size Matters: Small Distributed Biomass Energy Production Systems for Economic Viability

Authors

  • Roger R Ruan University of Minnesota
  • Paul Chen University of Minnesota
  • Richard Hemmingsen University of Minnesota
  • Vance Morey University of Minnesota
  • Doug Tiffany University of Minnesota

Keywords:

renewable energy, biomass, biorefining, pyrolysis, thermochemical conversion

Abstract

Current large scale biomass energy production systems including cellulosic ethanol, gasification, and pyrolysis facilities face significant technical and economic hurdles. Compared with these large scale systems, small distributed biomass energy production systems (DBEPS) are believed to offer advantages including lower capital costs, lower feedstock costs, simplified transportation and logistics and higher returns for biomass producers. DBEPS compliant technologies are expected to make utilization of regional biomass supplies practical and economically viable in the near-term. This paper presents arguments on the need and importance of DBEPS, available DBEPS options, and an economic scenario of DBEPS implementation on an average size farm in the US.

 

Keywords: renewable energy, biomass, biorefining, pyrolysis, thermochemical conversion
DOI: 10.3965/j.issn.1934-6344.2008.01.064-068
Citation: Roger Ruan, Paul Chen, Richard Hemmingsen, Vance Morey, Doug Tiffany. Size matters: small distributed biomass energy production systems for economic viability. Int J Agric & Biol Eng. 2008;1(1): 64

Author Biographies

Roger R Ruan, University of Minnesota

Professor Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering

Paul Chen, University of Minnesota

Paul Chen, PhD

Program Director Center for Biorefining Dept of BioProducts & BioSystems Engineering Univ. of Minnesota

Richard Hemmingsen, University of Minnesota

Director IREE

Vance Morey, University of Minnesota

Professor Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering

Doug Tiffany, University of Minnesota

Research Fellow Department of Applied Economics, University of Minnesota

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Published

2008-09-02

How to Cite

Ruan, R. R., Chen, P., Hemmingsen, R., Morey, V., & Tiffany, D. (2008). Size Matters: Small Distributed Biomass Energy Production Systems for Economic Viability. International Journal of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, 1(1), 64–68. Retrieved from https://ijabe.migration.pkpps03.publicknowledgeproject.org/index.php/ijabe/article/view/17

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 1 (2008): IJABE

Section

Renewable Energy and Material Systems

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