Multi-objective optimization for the biotechnological conversion of lingocellulosic biomass to value-added products Chapter uri icon

abstract

  • The increasing attention toward sustainable developments as alternative solutions for the climate change problems have generated the interest to propose optimal synthesis configurations of biorefineries. These kind of challenges have been partially addressed employing mathematical optimization of superstructures, which mostly includes economic and environmental aspects. However, the social aspects are also important and must be included for the correct selection of the sustainable process topology. Therefore, this work presents a multi-objective optimization model for the lignocellulosic biomass conversion into products. The economic, environmental and social aspects are considered in this study. The superstructure is mathematically modelled giving a MINLP problem. First, the mathematical model is solved for four criteria separately, maximizing yields, Y; maximizing demands D; minimizing costs, MC; and minimizing environmental impact, EI. The results of three of the previous criteria (D, MC and EI) where used together adding a social criteria (minimizing human toxicity, HTP) in a multi-objective optimization problem. The solution of the multi-objective optimization problem showed that furfural, bioethanol and biogas are the most promising products to be considered when implementing a sustainable biorefinery that satisfies the formulated multi-objective MINLP. © 2016 Elsevier B.V.

publication date

  • 2016-01-01