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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Diversifying the portfolio of sugarcane biorefineries: Anaerobic digestion as the core process for enhanced resource recovery

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Author(s):
Fuess, L. T. [1, 2] ; Cruz, R. B. C. M. [2] ; Zaiat, M. [2] ; Nascimento, C. A. O. [1]
Total Authors: 4
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Chem Engn Dept, Polytech Sch, Av Prof Lineu Prestes 580, Bloco 18, BR-05508000 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil
[2] Univ Sao Paulo EESC USP, Biol Proc Lab, Sao Carlos Sch Engn, Av Joao Dagnone 1100, BR-13563120 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 2
Document type: Journal article
Source: RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS; v. 147, SEP 2021.
Web of Science Citations: 0
Abstract

The continuous search to combine clean energy supply with the efficient exploitation of bioenergy sources is one of the most recurring efforts to meet global energy demands on an environmentally friendly basis. Sugarcane biorefineries play a central role in this context by providing sugar, ethanol and bioelectricity. However, the high energy required in ethanol production limits resource recovery efficiency in conventional sugarcane processing, motivating the investigation of approaches that maximize energetic gains. This study proposes the application of anaerobic digestion (AD) as the core processing step in sugarcane biorefineries, providing performance data for the biomethanation of juice, molasses and vinasses from different sources, namely, first generation (1G; annexed and autonomous) and second generation (2G) ethanol production. A detailed scenarization-based assessment was also carried out, comparing the proposed AD-based schemes with conventional production chains. Relatively similar performances were obtained in the experimental step, irrespective of the compositional differences of the substrates. However, the energetic potential of juice- and molasses-based methane production was at least 2-fold higher than the ones of all types of vinasses (282.81-627.84 vs. 57.10-131.52 MJ TC-1). Scenario comparison indicated the production of biogas and sugar as the most efficient energetic exploitation (94.4%) of sugars from sugarcane. Finally, the energy returned on energy invested ratio estimated for biogas-derived electricity exceeded that of ethanol production by 400%. Thus, AD-based biorefineries have great potential to meet the energy efficiency criteria of sustainable development goals in the coming decades. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 14/50279-4 - Brasil Research Centre for Gas Innovation
Grantee:Julio Romano Meneghini
Support type: Research Grants - Research Centers in Engineering Program
FAPESP's process: 15/50684-9 - Sustainable gas pathways for Brazil: from microcosm to macrocosm
Grantee:Reinaldo Giudici
Support type: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
FAPESP's process: 17/00080-5 - Enhancement of energy production from sugarcane in first generation biorefineries: biodigestion as the core conversion step
Grantee:Lucas Tadeu Fuess
Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctorate
FAPESP's process: 15/06246-7 - Biorefinery concept applied to biological wastewater treatment plants: environmental pollution control coupled with material and energy recovery
Grantee:Marcelo Zaiat
Support type: Research Projects - Thematic Grants