Modelling of integrative technology solutions for lignocellulosic biorefining

This project will build on some preliminary research and adopt a systems engineering modelling approach to bridge biorefinery process design and supply chain planning to seek technology integration system solutions for value-added biochemical recovery from lignocellulosic biomass. This can be achieved by developing a simulation-optimisation-evaluation modelling approach. The process design and simulation techniques will be deployed to explore alternative biorefining pathways; the integrative technology design will be further evaluated and optimised by applying Life Cycle Analysis and mathematical optimisation to set the system performance targets and highlight the technology improvement opportunities to achieve the trade-off between economic efficiency and environmental sustainability. Sequentially, the developed model can then be applied to international case studies, such as that of China's COFCO, in which there exists a desire to adopt lignocellulosic feedstock (primarily agro-residues) for the co-production of bioethanol and value-added bioproducts. Such a fundamental shift in feedstock, therefore, concerns the careful consideration and integration of the aforementioned sub-systems, as processes and decisions on all scales; from the micro-scale biochemical processes involved, to the national-scale, supply-chain and socio-economic considerations are affected. This work will be developed as the part of a biorenewable system optimisation collaboration research. The study will be built on the experimental data and pilot/industrial scale operational data in collaboration with our academic and industrial partners to test modelling methods.