Abstract
Twenty-four biomass-derived compounds and mixtures, identified based on their physical properties, which could be blended into fuels to improve spark ignition engine fuel economy, were assessed for their economic, technology readiness, and environmental viability. These bio-blendstocks were modeled to be produced biochemically, thermochemically, or through hybrid processes. To carry out the assessment, 17 metrics were developed for which each bio-blendstock was determined to be favorable, neutral, or unfavorable. Cellulosic ethanol was included as a reference case. Overall economic and, to some extent, environmental viability is driven by projected yields for each of these processes. The metrics used in this analysis methodology highlight the near-term potential to achieve these targeted yield estimates when considering data quality and current technical readiness for these conversion strategies. Key knowledge gaps included the degree of purity needed for use as a bio-blendstock. Less stringent purification requirements for fuels could cut processing costs and environmental impacts. Additionally, more information is needed on the blending behavior of many of these bio-blendstocks with gasoline to support the technology readiness evaluation. Overall, the technology to produce many of these blendstocks from biomass is emerging, and as it matures, these assessments must be revisited. Importantly, considering economic, environmental, and technology readiness factors, in addition to physical properties of blendstocks that could be used to boost engine efficiency and fuel economy, in the early stages of project research and development can help spotlight those most likely to be viable in the near term.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 561-569 |
| Number of pages | 9 |
| Journal | ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering |
| Volume | 6 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Jan 2 2018 |
Funding
This work was supported by U.S. Department of Energy contracts DE-AC02-06CH11357 at Argonne National Laboratory, DEAC36- 08GO28308 at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, DE-AC05-76RL01830 at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and DE-AC07-05ID14517 at Idaho National Laboratory. The research reported in this paper was sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) and Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO) under the DOE Co-Optimization of Fuels and Engines Initiative. This work was supported by U.S. Department of Energy contracts DE-AC02-06CH11357 at Argonne National Laboratory, DE-AC36-08GO28308 at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, DE-AC05-76RL01830 at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and DE-AC07-05ID14517 at Idaho National Laboratory. The authors gratefully acknowledge the support and direction of Alicia Lindauer at BETO, Kevin Stork at VTO, and the Co-Optima leadership team. Furthermore, the authors acknowledge helpful discussions with Kristi Moriarty, Teresa Alleman, and Bob McCormick of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
Keywords
- Biofuels
- Life-cycle analysis
- Techno-economic analysis
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Chemistry
- Environmental Chemistry
- General Chemical Engineering
- Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
