System and Scale-up

System Scale-Up Analysis

The Team: Rick Bergman (Lead), Debangsu Bhattacharyya, Tristan Brown, Xin Li, Kamalakanta Sahoo, SyedNyma Ferdous, Seyed Hashem Mousavi Avval, Poulomi Das, Alexandra Dill, and Jayendra Ahire.

System Scale-Up Analysis is dedicated to leveraging AI-based data analytics, including the creation of a structured database with deep machine learning tools for biomass to bioproducts, analyzing the capital and operational costs of biomass supply chains and bioproduct conversion facilities, and developing an integrated environmental and economic decision support tool at aplant-level scale. The expected results include guiding the scalability of bioproduct businesses and optimizing technoeconomic analysis and life-cycle assessments, fostering efficiency, sustainability, and informed decision-making in the industry.

PUBLICATIONS

1. Optimizing biomass utilization and sustainability through multi-feedstock and multi-product pathways in the MASBio project 

Our research employs a multi-feedstock, multi-product approach by integrating agricultural residues, woody biomass, and dedicated energy crops to enhance feedstock flexibility and process efficiency.

• A key initiative involves the development of an integrated biorefinery that utilize multiple feedstocks to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and various value-added byproducts such as:
• Lignin-isolate soy protein (LISP) bioadhesive Intermediate chemicals
• Resin for 3D printing 

2. A machine learning model using the snapshot ensemble approach for soil respiration prediction in an experimental Oak Forest

This study demonstrated the use of a snapshot ensemble modeling technique that can be used as a surrogate for the ForCent model for CO2 flux prediction. Results showed the potential use of our ML model to predict trends of surface soil respiration, mineral soil respiration, and total soil respiration. This approach could reduce uncertainties in soil CO2 flux, aiding in the identification and monitoring of greenhouse gas sources and sinks within ecosystems. In addition, this method may be an effective, low-cost alternative for scale-up of measuring and verifying soil respiration; most of the model attributes are commonly determined in routine soil analysis.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1574954124005338  

3. Environmental and Economic Assessment of Portable Systems: Production of Wood-Briquettes and Torrefied-Briquettes to Generate Heat and Electricity

This study assessed the environmental impacts and economic feasibility of generating heat using wood briquettes (WBs) and heat and electricity using torrefied wood briquettes (TWBs).WBs and TWBs were manufactured from forest residues using portable systems and delivered to either residential consumers or power plants in the United States. The results showed that utilizing forest residues to create densified products (WBs and TWBs) and burning them for heat production was not only more environmentally friendly but also more economical when compared to fossil-based alternatives, such as propane.

Environmental and Economic Assessment of Portable Systems  

4. Combustion Behaviors, Kinetics, and Thermodynamics of Naturally Decomposed and Torrefied Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra) Forest Logging Residue

Torrefied biomass retains more energy per unit mass, resulting in the release of more energy when burned compared to untreated wood. Despite numerous studies having examined various types of biomasses for thermal characteristics using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), such as industrial and forest wastes, crop straw, rice husk, and bamboo, there is limited information on the combustion properties of naturally decomposed logging residue and its torrefied materials.This research will aid in better understanding the combustion behaviors of torrefied and untorrefied naturally decomposed logging residues and pave the way for their commercial energy utilization.

Combustion Behaviors, Kinetics, and Thermodynamics of Naturally Decomposed and Torrefied Northern Red Oak  

5. The significance of structural components of lignocellulosic biomass on volatile organic compounds presence on biochar - a review

While the promise and potential for biochar are great, hazards associated with its production and use of biochar must be understood and managed. This literature review examines scientific evidence that harmful compounds can be produced and deposited on biochar under some manufacturing conditions. The end goal of this review is to clarify the current understanding of the mechanisms of VOC formation, including the catalytic effects of the alkali elements, and their potential impact on the environment due to emissions from biochar, and identification of the existing gaps in this field.

Structural components of lignocellulosic biomass on volatile organic compounds presence on biochar  

6. Comparison of Novel Biochars and Steam Activated Carbon from Mixed Conifer MillResidues

The study describes biochar potential to serve as a cost-effective alternative to industrial adsorbents. The results show that steam activation can significantly enhance biochar properties for various applications, including soil amendment and commercial-grade activated carbon(AC). This versatility not only mitigates investment risk for biochar enterprises but also expands opportunities in diverse product markets.

Comparison of Novel Biochars and Steam Activated Carbon from Mixed Conifer MillResidues  

7. Integrated environmental and economic assessments of producing energy crops with cover crops for simultaneous use as biofuel feedstocks and animal fodder

Energy crops cultivated on marginal lands provide an alternative source of renewable resources without competing with food crops while supporting feed crop production. A life cycle analysis (LCA) and economic evaluation of cultivating two energy crops, energy cane, and napier grass, on marginal lands in the southeastern United States were conducted. The results demonstrated that by utilizing these energy crops for both biofuel and feed applications, the associated costs and greenhouse gas impacts could be further reduced.

Integrated environmental and economic assessments  

8. Analysis of Biomass Sustainability Indicators from a Machine Learning Perspective

This study proposes a robust model for biomass sustainability prediction by analyzing sustainability indicators using machine learning models. Ten machine learning models, namely, linear regression, ridge regression, multilayer perceptron, k-nearest neighbors, support vector machine, decision tree, gradient boosting, random forest, stacking and voting, were analyzed to estimate three biomass sustainability indicators, namely soil erosion factor, soil conditioning index, and organic matter factor.

Analysis of Biomass Sustainability Indicators from a Machine Learning Perspective  

9. Toward sustainable crop residue management: A deep ensemble learning approach.

Crop residue removal may adversely affect the overall sustainability, i.e., soil productivity and economics of crop residue removal. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a tool or method to estimate the sustainable removal of crop residues which is critical to various stakeholders including farmers, biorefinery, and policymakers. In this study a robust deep ensemble machine learning(ML) model to estimate soil sustainability indicators [i.e., soil-erosion-factor(SEF), soil-conditioning-index(SCI), and organic-matter-factor(OMF) as well the sustainable crop residues removal rates (RRR) using topography, soil properties, climate, and crop management practices is proposed. 

Toward sustainable crop residue management  

10. Integrated Stochastic Life Cycle Assessment and Techno-Economic Analysis for Shrub Willow Production in the Northeastern United States.

This study seeks to address this gap by developing an integrated framework to quantify the environmental and financial impacts of producing and delivering shrub willow in the Northeastern United States. The results of this analysis provide the bioenergy field and other interested stakeholders with both environmental and financial trade-offs of willow biomass to permit informed decisions about the future expansion of willow fields in the landscape, which have the potential to contribute to GHG reduction targets and conversion into fuels, energy, or bioproducts for carbon sequestration and financial benefits.

Integrated Stochastic Life Cycle Assessment and Techno-Economic Analysis for Shrub Willows  

More REsources

TEA Evaluation, by Dr. Tristan Brown, SUNY-ESF