Improving second generation ethanol production through optimization of first generation production process from sugarcane

Sugarcane bagasse and trash may be used as feedstock for second generation ethanol production. Production of second generation ethanol integrated with first generation plants processing sugarcane presents several advantages over the stand-alone second generation ethanol production process; however, bagasse is used as fuel to supply the energy demand of the first generation process, so the amount of bagasse and trash available for use as feedstock in second generation depends on the energy consumption of the integrated process. Therefore, process optimization leading to reduction in steam consumption will lead to the production of larger amounts of surplus bagasse. In this study the introduction of process improvements in the first generation autonomous distillery processing sugarcane were assessed through simulation using Aspen Plus. Second generation ethanol production was integrated to the optimized scenarios. Results show that process improvements can significantly increase the amount of lignocellulosic material available for use as feedstock for second generation ethanol production, thus increasing ethanol production.

► Bagasse and trash, by-products of sugarcane processing, may be used as feedstock for 2nd generation ethanol production.
► Currently, bagasse and trash are used for cogeneration, supplying energy for the ethanol production process.
► Reduced energy consumption in 1st generation ethanol from sugarcane leads to larger amounts of surplus bagasse and trash.
► 1st and 2nd generation ethanol production from sugarcane were evaluated through computer simulation.
► Improving 1st generation increases ethanol production in the integrated 1st and 2nd generation ethanol production process.