Uncovering the dynamic complexity of the development of small–scale biogas technology through causal loops

Roubík, Hynek; Mazancová, Jana; Rydval, Jan; Kvasnička, Roman

doi:10.1016/j.renene.2019.12.019

Cited by 22 publications

(25 citation statements)

References 40 publications

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“…This concept was introduced by the late J. W. Forrester in 1958, which marked the first time for system dynamics to be applied in industrial research ( Forrester, 1997 ; Papachristos, 2019 ). The basic principles and methods of system dynamics were introduced in 1968 ( Papachristos, 2019 ), including determining the variables existing in systems, analyzing the causality among these variables from a dynamic perspective ( Roubík et al, 2020 ), establishing CLDs, stock and flow diagrams, and equations of systems that represent the relationships among variables, and structurally simulating real systems ( Swanson, 2002 ). System dynamics generally aims to optimize the parameters, structures, and boundaries of system structures ( Wang et al, 2018 ).…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Second, some of the installed toilets are unable to operate in the absence of a sewage system or cannot be used in winter due to the severe cold temperature and water shortage during this period. Third, the construction of millions of toilets within a short period is mainly subsided by the government ( Chen, 2010 ; Roubík et al, 2020 ), and without such subsidy, the construction would impose a heavy financial burden on farmers.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This study examines the sustainable toilet system that was built as a result of the rural toilet retrofitting (RTR) in Jiaozhou, Shandong Province, located in Eastern China. Qualitative system dynamics (i.e., causal loop diagram or CLD) are used to investigate the endogenous feedback relationships among the stakeholders in RTR ( Cavicchi, 2016 ; Roubík et al, 2020 ). Specifically, CLD maps the causal processes of RTR in Jiaozhou by using information gathered from semi-structured interviews, public documents, and publications relevant to the case study ( Liu et al, 2019b ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

Using system dynamics to assess the complexity of rural toilet retrofitting: Case study in eastern China

Cheng

et al. 2021

Journal of Environmental Management

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Rural toilet retrofitting (RTR) is a complex, dynamic system that is affected by many factors and the positive/negative feedback relationships between subsystems and variables. Traditional technologies and management methods face challenges in fundamentally describing and solving problems in RTR. To bridge this gap, this study utilizes system dynamics and causal loop diagrams to explain such problems based on data collected from the stakeholders of the RTR in Jiaozhou from 2018 to 2019. Specifically, this study examines the RTR system from the perspectives of household users, wastewater treatment plants, local governments, grassroots promoters, operation and maintenance personnel, toilet supplier and construction teams, and fecal sludge end users. The factors and processes involved in RTR are identified, and the feedback and relationships among its major stakeholders are established. Results show that the motivation of farmers to engage in RTR is a key variable that affects their final decisions regarding retrofitting and maintaining toilet functions. Meanwhile, the important variables related to the feedback and relationships among the major stakeholders of RTR are mostly focused on policies, subsidies, technology, satisfaction, and cooperation. A scientific analysis method and the updated RTR plan for toilet revolution are then formulated to promote the implementation of RTR in developing countries.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Using system dynamics to assess the complexity of rural toilet retrofitting: Case study in eastern China

Cheng

et al. 2021

Journal of Environmental Management

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“…It also provides information on degradation kinetics and potential inhibitors [42]. Techno-economic assessments of AD plants depend on different parameters including the rate of methane production from the organic materials to be digested [43][44][45][46]. The amount of methane produced also has a significant influence on the design of the downstream processing of the produced biogas.…”

Section: Vinasse Characterization and Bmp Analysismentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Thus, the amount of produced biomethane has a strong impact on the energy balance and economic feasibility of an AD plant [50]. Other researchers have reported additional factors that affect the economic feasibility of implementing an AD plant, such as energy capacity and operating cost, which varies according to the country's economic conditions [44,[49][50][51].…”

Section: Tea Evaluation and Sensitivity Analysismentioning

confidence: 99%

SuperPro Designer®, User-Oriented Software Used for Analyzing the Techno-Economic Feasibility of Electrical Energy Generation from Sugarcane Vinasse in Colombia

Canizales

Rojas

Pizarro³

et al. 2020

Processes

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SuperPro Designer® is a process simulator software used for analyzing the techno-economic feasibility of large-scale bioprocesses. Its predetermined built-in features allow for easy implementation by non-experts, but a lack of examples limits its appropriation. This study aims to validate the implementation of SuperPro Designer® by non-experts for the techno-economic analysis of anaerobic digestion in Colombia, using vinasse as feedstock. These results demonstrate the financial feasibility of such a process when a processing flow rate of 25 m3/h is ensured. Additionally, this study validates the manageability of the tool for assessing the economic feasibility of a technology, a key practice during technology development regardless of the area of expertise.

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The complexity of barriers to biogas digester dissemination in Indonesia: challenges for agriculture waste management

Budiman

2021

J Mater Cycles Waste Manag

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In the global south, the use of firewood and LPG as dominant energy sources for cooking contributes to socio-ecological issues. Alternatively, biogas is considered a clean energy source generated from organic waste. However, in Indonesia, until 2018, only less than 2% of households utilized biogas for cooking fuel. This research aims to explore the landscape of biogas governance in Indonesia, its fragmentation, and its relation with biodigester dissemination. This study found that there is fragmentation within small-medium scale national biogas programs in Indonesia. Seven national government biogas programs have similar governance arrangements and characteristics; scattered in different departments within the ministry, using the grant approach with two main vendors, often overlapping with local government programs, and not providing proper monitoring and evaluation mechanism, as well as proper training for users. Meanwhile, the biogas program by a non-government organization utilizes a semi-commercial approach; collaborating with multiple stakeholders (governments, local construction partner organizations, cooperatives, and private sectors-companies and banks); and has standardized training and after-sale services. Within those biogas programs, there are multiple barriers along the supply chain process of biodigester dissemination. These barriers relate to the governance aspect of biogas programs. Fragmented governance affected the capability of each program to tackle barriers in biogas digester dissemination. Besides, heavy subsidy on LPG by the government reduced attraction to biogas. This study shows technology adoption barriers beyond the user/individual aspects. It shows interaction among different factors such as policy, the governance of technology transfer, technical production issues, and socio-cultural problems.

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Uncovering the dynamic complexity of the development of small–scale biogas technology through causal loops

Cited by 22 publications

References 40 publications

Using system dynamics to assess the complexity of rural toilet retrofitting: Case study in eastern China

Using system dynamics to assess the complexity of rural toilet retrofitting: Case study in eastern China

SuperPro Designer®, User-Oriented Software Used for Analyzing the Techno-Economic Feasibility of Electrical Energy Generation from Sugarcane Vinasse in Colombia

The complexity of barriers to biogas digester dissemination in Indonesia: challenges for agriculture waste management

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