Integrated process simulation for bioethanol production: Effects of varying lignocellulosic feedstocks on technical performance

Variations in lignocellulosic feedstock composition can influence conversion performance of bioethanol production, but such effects are overlooked in several studies that rely on standard conversion factors. This study investigates the effects of seven lignocellulosic feedstocks (belonging to the categories energy crops, forest and agricultural residues) on mass, carbon, water and energy balances for biochemical bioethanol production, including a comparison of individual process step yields. We find that overall bioethanol yields vary considerably, ranging between 19.0 and 29.0%, 27.3 and 46.2%, and 19.0 and 31.0%, for energy and carbon efficiency, respectively. The highest yields are found for switchgrass, which has the largest carbohydrate content, and the lowest for forest residues (spruce). Feedstock composition also affects water and carbon balances. Overall, the type of biomass influences conversion performances, thereby calling for explicit representation of the effects of biomass types in technical, economic and environmental assessment studies of bioethanol production.

Automated summary

The composition of lignocellulosic feedstock has a significant impact on the conversion performance of bioethanol production, influencing yields, carbon efficiency, and energy efficiency. Different types of biomass, such as energy crops and forest residues, show varying effects on the overall bioethanol production. Overall, it is important to consider the influence of biomass types in technical, economic, and environmental assessments of bioethanol production.