Systematic approach for conceptual design of an integrated biorefinery with uncertainties

The objective of this work is to present a systematic approach for conceptual design of an integrated biorefinery with maximum economic potential accounting for the predefined uncertainties in energy economics. Various parameters commencing from raw biomass feedstock, desired end products, to market price trend, technological constraints and system uncertainties at multi-periods are to be considered. A structural framework, integrated biorefinery pathway map which embeds and interconnects the latest processing technologies is first developed. Then, a robust optimisation model is adopted to determine the optimum network which handles the predefined sets of uncertainties in energy economics. To illustrate the proposed approach, a case study with two different scenarios of uncertainties is solved. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis is also performed to identify the critical parameters of an integrated biorefinery.