Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

Award Date

2016

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department / School

Mechanical Engineering

First Advisor

Stephen Gent

Second Advisor

Michael Twedt

Keywords

corn, feasibility, stover, techno-economic, torrefaction, torrgas

Abstract

This study investigated the economic feasibility of distributed torrefaction biorefining systems using corn stover feedstock to generate value-­‐added products. Distributed torrefaction systems have the potential to operate on private agricultural enterprises as well as community-­‐scale processing facilities, similar in scale to local grain elevators. Distributed systems will thus, reduce the need for large capital investments for dedicated commercial biorefining facilities and decrease logistical concerns for harvesting and marketing the torrefied corn stover products. In this study, a techno-­‐economic model was developed to analyze the economics of harvesting techniques, logistics, processing requirements, and end product utilization. Results were determined using baseline and sensitivity analyses to determine the effects of varied parameters on the performance of the torrefaction system and the value added products. This study indicated that distributed torrefaction could be economically viable under an array of cases of variable harvest, processing rates, and system sizes. Overall, appealing profits, payback periods, and return on investments were shown to occur.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Biomass -- Refining -- Economic aspects

Biomass energy -- Economic aspects

Corn stover

Feedstock

Biomass conversion

Renewable energy sources

Description

Includes bibliographical references (pages 88-94)

Format

application/pdf

Number of Pages

101

Publisher

South Dakota State University

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Rights Statement

In Copyright