Overall Operating Effectiveness Analysis of Preprocessing Operations
Idaho National Laboratory
Description
Overall operating effectiveness analysis utilizes discrete event simulation modeling to examine the impact of material quality on the performance of biomass processing systems. Discrete event simulation is a modeling method that “utilizes a mathematical/logical model of a physical system that portrays state changes at precise points in simulated time. Both the nature of the state changes and the time at which the change occurs mandate precise description”. Discrete event simulation has been commonly used as a method to analyze and solve manufacturing problems and make decisions by simulating and performing “what if” analyses to develop a deeper understanding of an industrial process. Preprocessing of biomass lends itself to a discrete event simulation approach since each operation has a defined start and end, the flow of material is a defined path and the flow is based on the interactions of the equipment and feedstock characteristics
Capability Bounds
This modeling capability can stochastically analyze operations from the field to reactor throat accounting for variability in raw material quality, equipment wear and performance and equipment interactions.
Unique Aspects
Stochastic models provide insight into the performance of first generation facilities.
Availability
This modeling framework is flexible and able to accommodate a variety of system configurations, raw material sources to meet the needs of collaborators
Benefit
The ability to assess the performance of processing, handling and storage unit operations in the context of a system across the full range variability in both feedstock quality and equipment performance that is expected to be experienced is key to the design of efficient and economical operations.
Capability Expert(s)
Damon Hartley, Rajiv Paudel, Pralhad Burli
References
Hartley, D. S., Thompson, D. N., Griffel, L. M., Nguyen, Q. A., & Roni, M. S. (2020). Effect of biomass properties and system configuration on the operating effectiveness of biomass to biofuel systems. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, 8(19), 7267-7277.
