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Fuzzy mixed-integer linear programming model for optimizing a multi-functional bioenergy system with biochar production for negative carbon emissions

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Abstract

A multi-functional bioenergy system is an efficient way for producing multiple energy products from biomass, which results in near-zero carbon emissions. To achieve net negative carbon emissions, biochar production as carbon sequestration can be integrated in the system. A fuzzy mixed-integer linear programming model is developed to simultaneously design and optimize a multi-functional bioenergy system given multiple product demands, carbon footprint, and economic performance constraints. Case studies are presented involving multi-functional bioenergy systems with biochar production for carbon sequestration. The results show that net negative carbon footprint can be achieved in such systems.

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Abbreviations

A :

Technology matrix

COPVAC :

Coefficient of performance of the vapor-absorption chiller

COPVCC :

Coefficient of performance of the vapor-compression chiller

b :

Binary process selection vector

c :

Carbon footprint coefficient

g :

Process selection vector

m :

Products in the process matrix

M :

Arbitrary large scalar number

N :

Number of elements in a vector

n :

Processes in the process matrix

P L :

Lower economic performance limit

P U :

Upper economic performance limit

Q :

Process topology matrix

r :

Price per unit product

T:

Transposition operator

y a :

Lower threshold limit of the support for the product output vector

y b :

Lower threshold limit of the core for the product output vector

y c :

Upper threshold limit of the core for the product output vector

y d :

Upper threshold limit of the support for the output vector

z L :

Lower threshold limit of carbon footprint

z U :

Upper threshold limit of carbon footprint

μ :

Fuzzy membership function of an objective

η GTp :

Power efficiency of the gas turbine

η HRSGh :

Heat efficiency of the heat recovery steam generator of the gas turbine

η Bh :

Efficiency of the boiler

P :

Economic performance

x :

Process capacity scaling vector

y :

Net product output vector

z :

Carbon footprint

λ :

Degree of satisfaction for the fuzzy membership function

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Acknowledgments

The partial financial support of Philippine Commission on Higher Education (CHED) through the PHERNet program and the Faculty Development Program of De La Salle University for the Ph.D. studies of the first author is gratefully acknowledged.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Mechanical Engineering Department, De La Salle University, 2401 Taft Avenue, 1004, Manila, Philippines

    Aristotle T. Ubando & Alvin B. Culaba

  2. Chemical Engineering Department, De La Salle University, 2401 Taft Avenue, 1004, Manila, Philippines

    Kathleen B. Aviso & Raymond R. Tan

  3. Center for Engineering and Sustainable Development Research, De La Salle University, 2401 Taft Avenue, 1004, Manila, Philippines

    Aristotle T. Ubando, Alvin B. Culaba, Kathleen B. Aviso & Raymond R. Tan

  4. Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering/Centre of Excellence for Green Technologies, The University of Nottingham, Malaysia Campus, Semenyih, Malaysia

    Denny K. S. Ng

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  1. Aristotle T. Ubando
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  4. Denny K. S. Ng
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  5. Raymond R. Tan
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Correspondence to Raymond R. Tan.

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Ubando, A.T., Culaba, A.B., Aviso, K.B. et al. Fuzzy mixed-integer linear programming model for optimizing a multi-functional bioenergy system with biochar production for negative carbon emissions. Clean Techn Environ Policy 16, 1537–1549 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10098-014-0721-z

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