Techno-Economic Feasibility of Distributed Torrefaction Systems Using Corn Stover Feedstock

<p>This study investigated the economic feasibility of distributed torrefaction biorefining systems using corn stover feedstock to generate value-­‐added products. Distributed torrefaction systems have the potential to operate on private agricultural enterprises as well as community-­‐scale processing facilities, similar in scale to local grain elevators. Distributed systems will thus, reduce the need for large capital investments for dedicated commercial biorefining facilities and decrease logistical concerns for harvesting and marketing the torrefied corn stover products. In this study, a techno-­‐economic model was developed to analyze the economics of harvesting techniques, logistics, processing requirements, and end product utilization. Results were determined using baseline and sensitivity analyses to determine the effects of varied parameters on the performance of the torrefaction system and the value added products. This study indicated that distributed torrefaction could be economically viable under an array of cases of variable harvest, processing rates, and system sizes. Overall, appealing profits, payback periods, and return on investments were shown to occur.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MS)

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis - Open Access

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Mechanical Engineering

Year dc:date.available

2016

Author dc:creator

• Almberg, Evan

Contributors dc:contributor

• Stephen Gent
• Michael Twedt

• corn
• feasibility
• stover
• techno-economic
• torrefaction
• torrgas
• Mechanical Engineering

Licence

• http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Language dc:language

en

Repository record dc:identifier

https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/etd/1026

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:openprairie.sdstate.edu:etd-2026