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Process Model and Life Cycle Assessment of Biorefinery Concept Using Agricultural and Industrial Residues for Biohydrogen Production

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  • Edgar Gamero

    (Institute for Energy Efficiency in Production EEP, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 35, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
    Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA, Nobelstraße 12, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany)

  • Sophia Ruppert

    (Institute for Energy Efficiency in Production EEP, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 35, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany)

  • Robert Miehe

    (Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA, Nobelstraße 12, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
    Institute of Industrial Manufacturing and Management IFF, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 35, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany)

  • Alexander Sauer

    (Institute for Energy Efficiency in Production EEP, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 35, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
    Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA, Nobelstraße 12, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany)

Abstract

Sustainable waste management strategies are urgently needed due to an increasing global population and increased waste production. In this context, biorefineries have recently emerged as a promising approach to valorize waste streams and supply a broad range of products. This study presents the process model and life cycle assessment (LCA) of a biorefinery concept using a novel biochemical method, a so-called “dark photosynthesis” conversion. This process is coupled to a photo-fermentation using microalgae. Overall, the biorefinery concept can produce hydrogen, lutein, β-carotene, and proteins for animal feed. Apple pomace from apple juice production is used as feedstock for the primary conversion step. A process model was created with the process simulation software Aspen Plus ® using experimental and literature data. Results from this model were then used in an LCA. The environmental impacts of the proposed biorefinery concept are relatively high, showing the need for process optimization in several areas. Energy system integration, stream recycling, and higher hydrogen yields are recognized as especially important for improving the environmental performance of this concept. Despite these findings, the model shows the feasibility of implementing the biochemical conversion technologies in a biorefinery concept for effectively utilizing residue streams.

Suggested Citation

  • Edgar Gamero & Sophia Ruppert & Robert Miehe & Alexander Sauer, 2024. "Process Model and Life Cycle Assessment of Biorefinery Concept Using Agricultural and Industrial Residues for Biohydrogen Production," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(17), pages 1-18, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:17:p:4282-:d:1465222
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Shuijing Wang & Chenming Xu & Liyan Song & Jin Zhang, 2022. "Anaerobic Digestion of Food Waste and Its Microbial Consortia: A Historical Review and Future Perspectives," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(15), pages 1-21, August.
    2. Hosseinzadeh, Ahmad & Zhou, John L. & Li, Xiaowei & Afsari, Morteza & Altaee, Ali, 2022. "Techno-economic and environmental impact assessment of hydrogen production processes using bio-waste as renewable energy resource," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 156(C).
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