Techno-Economic Analysis and Life-Cycle Analysis of Two Light-Duty Bioblendstocks: Isobutanol and Aromatic-Rich Hydrocarbons

Abstract

Isobutanol and aromatic-rich hydrocarbons (ARHC) are two biomass-derived high-octane blendstocks that could be blended with petroleum gasoline for use in optimized spark-ignition engines in light-duty vehicles, potentially increasing engine efficiency. To evaluate technology readiness, economic viability, and environmental impacts of these technologies, we use detailed techno-economic analysis (TEA) and life-cycle analysis (LCA). We assumed isobutanol is produced via biochemical conversion of an herbaceous feedstock blend while ARHC is produced via thermochemical conversion of a woody feedstock blend. The minimum estimated fuel selling price (MFSP) of isobutanol ranged from $5.57/gasoline gallon equivalent (GGE) ($0.045/MJ) based on today’s technology to $4.22/GGE ($0.034/MJ) with technology advancements. The MFSP of ARHC could decline from $5.20/GGE ($0.042/MJ) based on today’s technology to $4.20/GGE ($0.034/MJ) as technology improves. Both isobutanol and ARHC offer about 73% greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction relative to petroleum gasoline per LCA of these two bioblendstocks. On the other hand, water consumption in the production of both bioblendstocks exceeds that of conventional gasoline although process engineering offers routes to cutting water consumption. Over their life-cycles, both isobutanol and ARHC emit more NO x and PM2.5 than petroleum gasoline. Improving the energy efficiency and lowering air emissions from agricultural equipment will reduce the life-cycle air pollutant emissions of these bioblendstocks.

Summary of Expansions and Updates in GREET® 2018

“…The full LCA of the isobutanol and ARHC bio-blendstock pathways were originally published by Cai et al (2018), including process design, technoeconomic analysis (TEA), and LCA. Two production cases for both BSI bio-blendstocks were presented -a state-of-technology (SOT) case reflecting current status of technology development and a target case that reflects technology advancements required to meet cost, sustainability, and performance targets.…”

Performance of Anisole and Isobutanol as Gasoline Bio-Blendstocks for Spark Ignition Engines

“…The use of these feedstock types in biochemical and thermochemical conversion processes offers substantial WTW GHG savings compared to fossil gasoline [29]. Additionally, anisole and isobutanol exhibit favorable end-use properties and could be used in optimized SI engines in the LDV sector [30].…”

Bridging the Gap Between Biofuels and Biodiversity Through Monetizing Environmental Services of Miscanthus Cultivation

“…MJ −1 ), than the production of fossil petrol (95 g CO 2 ‐Eq. MJ −1 ) (Cai et al, 2018). For unit conversion from g CO 2 ‐Eq.…”

“…Over the past decade, there has been increasing interest in the production of isobutanol (Boock et al, 2019; Brosse et al, 2012; Ezeji & Blaschek, 2010; Tollefson, 2008) because of its superior fuel properties compared to ethanol: (i) high energy density of 85% of standard petrol mix (ethanol 66%); (ii) blending with petrol is possible at any ratio; (iii) no corrosion of engines and pipelines due to its low absorption of water from air; and (iv) high octane levels, leading to less knocking in engines while increasing efficiency (Boock et al, 2019; Cai et al, 2018; Del Campo et al, 2017, 2018; Tollefson, 2008). Isobutanol is produced by pretreating herbaceous, cellulosic biomass with acids and enzymes.…”

“…Isobutanol is produced by pretreating herbaceous, cellulosic biomass with acids and enzymes. There are various pretreatment options available (Cai et al, 2018) that release monomeric sugars to be further utilized by microorganisms in biorefineries to produce isobutanol (Cai et al, 2018).…”