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Estimating Energy- and Eco-Balances for Continuous Bio-Ethanol Production Using a Blenke Cascade System

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  • Jean Nepomuscene Ntihuga

    (Department of Fermentation Technology, Institute of Food Science and Biotechnology, Hohenheim Universität, Garbenstrasse 23, Stuttgart 70599, Germany
    Department of Food Process Engineering, Institute of Food Science and Biotechnology, Hohenheim Universität, Garbenstrasse 25, Stuttgart 70599, Germany)

  • Thomas Senn

    (Department of Fermentation Technology, Institute of Food Science and Biotechnology, Hohenheim Universität, Garbenstrasse 23, Stuttgart 70599, Germany)

  • Peter Gschwind

    (Department of Food Process Engineering, Institute of Food Science and Biotechnology, Hohenheim Universität, Garbenstrasse 25, Stuttgart 70599, Germany)

  • Reinhard Kohlus

    (Department of Food Process Engineering, Institute of Food Science and Biotechnology, Hohenheim Universität, Garbenstrasse 25, Stuttgart 70599, Germany)

Abstract

Energy and environmental effects of wheat-based fuel, produced continuously by a Blenke cascade system, were assessed. Two scenarios: (1) no-co-products utilization scenario; and (2) co-products utilization scenario, were compared. A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) model was used for analysis. The scope covered a cradle-to-gate inventory. The results from energy analysis showed, that wheat-based ethanol has a positive average net energy value (NEV), NEV = 3.35 MJ/kg ethanol with an average net energy ratio (NER), NER = 1.14 MJ/MJ fossils for scenario 1, while for scenario 2, NEV = 20 MJ/kg ethanol with NER = 3.94 MJ/MJ fossils. The environmental performance analysis indicated that in scenario 1, the strongest contribution to environmental impacts was from the ethanol conversion stage; whereas in scenario 2, it was from wheat production stage. The use of a continuous fermentation system based on Blenke cascade is a promising technology that increases wheat based bio-ethanol’s energy benefits. In addition, the calculated parameters show the potential to significantly reduce emissions level.

Suggested Citation

  • Jean Nepomuscene Ntihuga & Thomas Senn & Peter Gschwind & Reinhard Kohlus, 2013. "Estimating Energy- and Eco-Balances for Continuous Bio-Ethanol Production Using a Blenke Cascade System," Energies, MDPI, vol. 6(4), pages 1-19, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:6:y:2013:i:4:p:2065-2083:d:24926
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Hossain, Nazia & Zaini, Juliana & Indra Mahlia, Teuku Meurah, 2019. "Life cycle assessment, energy balance and sensitivity analysis of bioethanol production from microalgae in a tropical country," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 115(C).

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