Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Uncertainty in life cycle economical analysis of cassava-based ethanol fuel

  • Life Cycle Technology And Life Cycle Assessment
  • Published:
Journal of Central South University of Technology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Biomass ethanol fuel is not only renewable but also environmental-friendly. Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region is developing the cassava-based ethanol fuel. Economical performance of the project is the key issue. The traditional life cycle economical analysis is just a static calculation process. Uncertainty is the character of cassava yield, cost of cassava plant, cassava price, tax rate and gasoline price, and the economical performance of the project is determined by these aspects. This study proposes an economical model of cassava-based ethanol fuel. The method of Monte Carol is used to simulate the economical performance. This method conquers the shortage of the traditional way. The results show that cassava-based ethanol fuel can get survived when the tax is exempted. Finally, the study also evaluates the potential of the economical performance.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Cadenas A, Cabezuo S. Biofules as sustainable technologies: Perspectives for less developed countries[J]. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 1998, 58: 83–103.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. The European Commission, Bio-energy for Europe-which one fits best, Rapport final project. 6. Biofit [R]. Heidelberg: IFEU, 2000.

    Google Scholar 

  3. Colle S, de Abreu S L, uncertainty in economical analysis of solar water heating and photovoltaic systems [J]. Solar Energy, 2001, 70(2): 131–142.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. ZHANG Cheng, HAN Wei-jian, JING Xue-dong, et al. Life cycle economic analysis of fuel ethanol derived from cassava in southwest China[J]. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 2003, 7: 353–366.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Sonnemann G W, Schuhmacher M, Castells F. Uncertainty assessment by a Monte Carlo simulation in a life cycle inventory of electricity produced by a waste incinerator[J]. Journal of Cleaner Production, 2003, 11: 279–292.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Huijbregts M A J. Application of uncertainty and variability in LCA (part I)—a general framework for the analysis of uncertainty and variability in life cycle assessment[J]. International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 1998, 3(5): 273–80.

    Google Scholar 

  7. McCleese D L, LaPuma P T. Using monte carlo simulation in life cycle assessment for electric and internal combustion vehicles[J]. International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 2002, 7(4): 230–236.

    Google Scholar 

  8. Glucha P, Baumannb H. The life cycle costing (LCC) approach: a conceptual discussion of its usefulness for environmental decision-making[J]. Building and Environment, 2004, 39: 571–580.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  9. McGuigan J R, Moyer R C, de Frederick H B. Harris: Managerial Economics Applications, Strategy, and Tactics[M]. South-Western Educational Press, 1998. 39–42.

  10. Pedro B. Economic Analysis of Investment Operations: Analytical Tools & Practical Applications [M]. World Bank, 2001. 95–105.

  11. Peimin L. Development strategies for Chinese cassava-industry[J]. Chinese Journal of Tropical Agriculture, 2002, 22(2): 44–8. (In Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  12. Huang J, Lin X, Li K, et al. Study of fertilizers’ effect on cassava growth [J]. Guangxi Science & Technology of Tropical Crops, 2000, (3): 1–3. (In Chinese)

  13. China Electric Power Yearbook Compiled Committee [M]. Beijing: China Electric Power Press, 2001. 12. (In Chinese)

  14. National Bureau of Statistics of China. China statistical yearbook[M]. Beijing: China Statistics Press, 2001. 140. (In Chinese)

  15. Wang M Q. GREET 1.5 — Transportation Fuel-Cycle Model, vol. 1: Methodology, Development, Use, and Results [M]. Center for Transportation Research, Energy Systems Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, Illinois, 1999.

  16. Wang M Q. GREET 1.5-Transportation Fuel-Cycle model, vol. 2: Appendices of Data and Results. Argonne (IL) [M]. Center for Transportation Research, Energy Systems Division, Argonne National Laboratory, 1999.

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Mechanical and Power Engineering, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 200030, Shanghai, China

    Leng Ru-bo PhD, Dai Du, Chen Xiao-jun & Wang Cheng-tao

Authors
  1. Leng Ru-bo PhD
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Dai Du
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Chen Xiao-jun
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Wang Cheng-tao
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Leng Ru-bo PhD.

Additional information

Foundation item: Project (50175070) supported by the National Nature Science Foundation of China

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Leng, Rb., Dai, D., Chen, Xj. et al. Uncertainty in life cycle economical analysis of cassava-based ethanol fuel. J Cent. South Univ. Technol. 12, 65–69 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11771-005-0012-2

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11771-005-0012-2

Key words

CLC number

Search

Navigation