Energy production and consumption is a major environmental and economic concern in the world today. Biofuel produced from lignocellulosic biomass is being explored as an alternative energy source to petroleum. Lignocellulosic biomass is comprised of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. To produce biofuels, lignocellulosic biomass must be broken down to expose...
In order to reduce the cost of lignocellulosic ethanol production, a model was previously developed to predict the amount of fermentable sugar released based on parameters concerning both biomass and enzymes. To validate this model, enzymatic hydrolysis must be carried out using individual purified cellulase enzymes. Endo-1,4-β-D-glucanase I (EG I),...
In order to reduce the cost of lignocellulosic ethanol production, a model was previously developed to predict the amount of fermentable sugar released based on parameters concerning both biomass and enzymes. To validate this model, enzymatic hydrolysis must be carried out using individual purified cellulase enzymes. Endo-1,4-β-D-glucanase I (EG I),...
Ecological and financial constraints limit restoration efforts, preventing the achievement of desired ecological outcomes. Harvesting invasive plant biomass for bioenergy has the potential to reduce feedback mechanisms that sustain invasion, while alleviating financial limitations. Typha × glauca is a highly productive invasive wetland plant that reduces plant diversity, alters ecological...
Meeting the energy demands of the future is one of the most important challenges facing the engineering community today. An example of this problem is transportation fuels. Most of the current transportation fuels are composed of petroleum hydrocarbons. Finding a viable alternative is important given the potential scarcity of these...
The primary purpose of this study was to (1) develop methods for the analysis of and (2) provide information on the chemical nature of reducing ends in typical cellulose substrates used for the study of cellulolytic enzymes. The studies were designed such that values obtained for cellulose substrates were compared...
This thesis documents the work carried out investigating the downstream processing of algal biomass for biofuel production. A life cycle assessment was conducted on a hypothetical algal biodiesel process in which it was found drum drying and cell component separation were life cycle intensive processes. A
laboratory experiment was conducted...
Growing awareness and concern within society over the use of and reliance on fossil fuels has stimulated research efforts in identifying, developing, and selecting alternative energy sources and energy technologies. Bioenergy represents a promising replacement for conventional energy, due to reduced environmental impacts and broad applicability. Sustainable energy challenges, however,...
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Chapter 4: Evolutionary Decision Making for Biomass-based Energy Supply
Chains
Published June 2007. Reviewed January 2015. Facts and recommendations in this publication may no longer be valid. Please look for up-to-date information in the OSU Extension Catalog: http://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog
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Cost-effective means to energy independence