Sunday, April 29, 2007
4-09

Comparison of crop and animal simulation options to model an integrated biorefinery using AFEX

Elizabeth D. Newton1, Seungdo Kim1, Bryan D. Bals1, Mark Laser2, Bruce E. Dale1, and Lee R. Lynd2. (1) Chemical Engineering and Material Science, Michigan State University, 2527 Engineering Building, East Lansing, MI 48823, (2) Cummings 8000, Dartmouth College, Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755

The biorefinery using Ammonia Fiber Expansion (AFEX) pretreatment has been modeled for production of fuel ethanol from cellulosic biomass, but has yet to be fully integrated with cropping and animal production systems.  Integration of these systems will enable environmental and economic analysis of biomass production, possible secondary protein products, and fertilizer production along with ethanol fuel production.  A comparison is presented for several crop and animal simulation models including DAYCENT, the Integrated Farm System Model (IFSM), and IFARM.  Investigating alternative farm management strategies in conjunction with classical design for economic profitability can illuminate pathways that both generate wealth and enhance the environment for future biorefining systems.