Evaluating biomass energy strategies for a UK eco-town with an MILP optimization model

Recent years have shown a marked interest in the construction of eco-towns, showcase developments intended to demonstrate the best in ecologically-sensitive and energyefficient construction. This paper examines one such development in the UK and considers the role of biomass energy systems. We present an integrated resource modelling framework that identifies an optimized low-cost energy supply system including the choice of conversion technologies, fuel sources, and distribution networks. Our analysis shows that strategies based on imported wood chips, rather than locally converted forestry residues, burned in a mix of ICE and ORC combined heat and power facilities offer the most promise. While there are uncertainties surrounding the precise environmental impacts of these solutions, it is clear that such biomass systems can help eco-towns to meet their target of an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions

Methods and tools to evaluate the availability of renewable energy sources

The recent statements of both the European Union and the US Presidency pushed in the direction of using renewable forms of energy, in order to act against climate changes induced by the growing concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. In this paper, a survey regarding methods and tools presently available to determine potential and exploitable energy in the most important renewable sectors (i.e., solar, wind, wave, biomass and geothermal energy) is presented. Moreover, challenges for each renewable resource are highlighted as well as the available tools that can help in evaluating the use of a mix of different sources

Optimization of a Co-generative Biomass Plant Location Using Open Source GIS Techniques. Technical, Economical and Environmental Validation Methodology

6noThe principal aim of this research activity is to identify, inside the administra-tive territory of the Carnia Mountain Community, Friuli Venezia Giulia Re-gion, Italy, the optimal location of a new co-generative biomass plant, starting from georeferenced parameters obtained through an integrated analysis based on open source GIS (Geographical Information System) and DBMS applica-tions. The parameters used for this analysis are related to naturally available biomass estimation, public and private users distribution, already existing and planned thermal plants, wood industrial activities locations and electrical and road infrastructures. All these georeferenced data have been homogenized and processed together in order to obtain the energetic demand and offer maps. The authors present a methodological approach to verify and validate the GIS based optimal solution, taking into account the thermal requirements of the residential, commercial and industrial settlements potentially connect-able inside the cogeneration plant catchment area. It expects to realize the technical, economic and environmental feasibility related to the different proposed plant solutions (the generation plant of heat and electricity and dis-trict heating network), thus allowing to compare the proposed solution with the traditional plants powered by fossil fuels.reservedmixedTommasi, Agostino; Cefalo, Raffaela; Grazioli, Aldo; Pozzetto, Dario; Serrano, Yaneth M. Alvaro; Zuliani, MichelTommasi, Agostino; Cefalo, Raffaela; Grazioli, Aldo; Pozzetto, Dario; Serrano, Yaneth M. Alvaro; Zuliani, Miche

A dynamic decision model for the optimal use of forest biomass for energy production

The use of forest biomass for energy production requires a careful attention to the sustainable silvicultural practices. This is a complex task because of the different environmental and economic issues to be taken into account. To this aim, suitable tools must be used as regards the representation of the dynamics of forest biomass and the economic assessment. In this paper, a user-friendly optimization-based decision support system (DSS) that can help decision makers in the optimal management of forest biomass use for energy production is presented. Attention is focused on the forest system in order to take into account sustainable silvicultural practices and on the minimization of costs for the collection plans over years. Specifically, a non linear optimization model (that includes forest growth models) is formalized, aiming at determining, over a certain period, the optimal exploitation policy of forest biomass through a single plant whose location and size are assumed known, in order to minimize costs and to respect silvicultural constraints. The decision model is solved through a receding horizon approach and is applied to the case study of Val Bormida (Savona Province, Italy). Different tests and sensitivity analysis have been performed to validate the model and the approach. From an application point of view, observing the obtained results, it is evident that results are strongly influenced by the old average age of the vegetation in the specific case study. However, depending on the species, different trends for the results of annual mean increment and harvesting plans are observed

Planning woody biomass logistics for energy production: A strategic decision model

One of the key factors on which the sustainable development of modern society should be based is the possibility to take advantage of renewable energies. Biomass resources are one of the most common and widespread resources in the world. Their use to produce energy has many advantages, such as the reduction of greenhouse emissions. This paper describes a GIS-based Environmental Decision Support System (EDSS) to define planning and management strategies for the optimal logistics for energy production from woody biomass, such as forest biomass, agricultural scraps and industrial and urban untreated wood residues. The EDSS is characterized by three main levels: the GIS, the database, and the optimization. The optimization module is divided in three sub-modules to face different kinds of decision problems: strategic planning, tactical planning, and operational management. The aim of this article is to describe the strategic planning level in detail. The decision variables are represented by plant capacity and harvested biomass in a specific forest parcel for each slope class, while the objective function is the sum of the costs related to plant installation and maintenance, biomass transportation and collection, minus the benefits coming from the energy sales at the current market price, including the renewable energy certificates. Moreover, the optimization problem is structured through a set of parameters and equations that are able to encompass different energy conversion technologies (pyrolysis, gasification or combustion) in the system. A case study on the Liguria Region (Savona Province) is presented and results are discusse