A Multi-Objective Framework for Biomethanol Process Integration in Sugarcane Biorefineries Under a Multiperiod MILP...

Area of Science:

• Biomass energy conversion
• Renewable energy systems
• Chemical engineering

Background:

• Growing demand for renewable energy necessitates advanced biofuel production.
• Sugarcane biorefineries offer potential for sustainable biomethanol and biofuel generation.
• Optimizing integrated processes is crucial for economic feasibility and environmental benefits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and optimize a MILP (Mixed-Integer Linear Programming) superstructure for biomethanol production in sugarcane biorefineries.
• To integrate resource seasonality, process selection, and heat integration for enhanced efficiency.
• To perform multi-objective optimization balancing economic (Net Present Value) and environmental (CO2 emissions) factors.

Main Methods:

• Developed a novel MILP superstructure for integrated biorefinery operations.
• Employed multi-objective optimization to assess trade-offs between NPV and CO2 avoidance.
• Modeled biomethanol production via bagasse gasification, CO2 hydrogenation, and biogas upgrading.
• Included hydrogen production through biomethane reforming and photovoltaic electrolysis.

Main Results:

• Optimized system achieves up to 57.3% energy efficiency and avoids 493 kg CO2/ton sugarcane.
• Estimated biomethanol yields: 66.85 kg/ton (gasification), 40.7 kg/ton (CO2 hydrogenation).
• Excluding thermal integration reduces efficiency by 8% and net energy by 11%.

Conclusions:

• Integrated energy systems significantly improve sugarcane biorefinery sustainability and efficiency.
• CO2 remuneration is key to addressing economic challenges and ensuring project viability.
• This approach highlights the potential for economically feasible and environmentally sound biorefineries.