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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.)

Techno-economic evaluation of bioenergy production from anaerobic digestion of by-products from ethanol flex plants

Full text
Author(s):
Tena, Miriam [1] ; Buller, Luz S. [2] ; Sganzerla, William G. [2] ; Berni, Mauro [3] ; Forster-Carneiro, Tania [2] ; Solera, Rosario [1] ; Perez, Montserrat [1]
Total Authors: 7
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Cadiz, Fac Marine & Environm Sci CASEM, IVAGRO, Dept Environm Technol, Pol Rio San Pedro S-N, Cadiz 11510 - Spain
[2] Univ Campinas UNICAMP, Sch Food Engn FEA, Monteiro Lobato St 80, BR-13083862 Campinas, SP - Brazil
[3] Univ Campinas UNICAMP, Interdisciplinary Ctr Energy Planning NIPE, Cora Coralina St 330, BR-13083896 Campinas, SP - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 3
Document type: Journal article
Source: FUEL; v. 309, FEB 1 2022.
Web of Science Citations: 0
Abstract

Ethanol production implies in by-products generation, mainly vinasse and stillage, respectively generated from sugarcane and corn ethanol production in flex plants. Both by-products require efficient treatment routes to avoid environmental side-effects to support energy recovery. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to evaluate the techno-economic potential of bioenergy (electric and thermal energy) production from the anaerobic digestion (AD) of vinasse and stillage. Three scenarios were defined: (a) Scenario 1, AD of vinasse; (b) Scenario 2, AD of stillage; and (c) Scenario 3, AD of vinasse and stillage in an integrated process. From the results, the methane production was estimated at 3.8 x 106 m3 year-1 considering the AD of stillage and vinasse in Scenario 3. The electricity and thermal energy generation was estimated as 14.61 GWh year-1 and 1.37 x 105 GJ year-1, respectively. This energy would mitigate 1096.05 and 7659.27 ton CO2eq year-1 when replacing fossil fuel energy. The profitability analysis indicated a positive net present value in the scenarios evaluated, however, the highest value was achieved for Scenario 3 (7,890,407.44 USD). For the integrated process, an internal return rate of 86.87% and a payback of 0.68 year were observed. The sensitivity analysis showed that the project profitability is highly dependent on electricity and thermal energy selling prices. In conclusion, AD demonstrated to be a feasible alternative for vinasse and stillage management in an integrated process, being a sustainable technology to the circular economy transition and energy matrix decarbonization. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 20/10323-5 - Life cycle and technical-financial assessment of the integration of anaerobic digestion and hydrothermal technologies for waste recovery
Grantee:Luz Selene Buller
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
FAPESP's process: 19/26925-7 - Development of an automated system for biofuel precursor production using sub-critical technology
Grantee:William Gustavo Sganzerla
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
FAPESP's process: 18/05999-0 - Waste2energy: integration of the supercritical and anaerobic digestion technologies for the management of water and food waste
Grantee:Tânia Forster Carneiro
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
FAPESP's process: 18/14938-4 - Waste2energy: integration of supercritical technologies and anaerobic digestion through an automated system for the production of biofuel precursors
Grantee:Tânia Forster Carneiro
Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants - Phase 2