Optimisation of ethanol fermentation of Jerusalem artichoke tuber juice using simple technology for a decentralised and sustainable ethanol production

Ethanol production from Jerusalem artichoke was optimised using simple technology according to tuber harvest date. The optimal treatment for winter juice was the addition of 0.25 mL L-1 of a commercial inulinase (17 Ug(-1)) and a juice heating at 52.5 degrees C for 60 min before the beginning of the fermentation. For autumn juice, the optimal treatment was a previous heating at 80 degrees C for 15 min followed by the addition of 0.75 mL L-1 of the inulinase at 60 degrees C kept for 120 min, prior to the fermentation. Ethanol yields of 0.458 and 0.454 g g(-1) were obtained with autumn juice and winter ones, respectively. Fermentation was conducted at 30 degrees C by Saccharomyces cerevisiae. These results could be useful for a staggered and decentralised ethanol production from a low-requirement crop which does not interfere with the food chain. (C) 2015 International Energy Initiative. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.