A hybrid optimisation model for the synthesis of sustainable gasification-based integrated biorefinery

Depletion of fossil fuels and increasing public awareness of environmental issues has stimulated the search for alternative energy sources. Biofuels are recognised as one of the most promising alternatives to fossil fuels, as they can be produced from various types of feedstock. The efficiency and sustainability of biomass-based production can be maximised by producing biofuels along with other valuable coproducts in a “biorefinery”. This concept was proposed to make the production of biofuels and biochemicals more economically viable by taking advantage of opportunities for process integration and waste recovery. In this work, a novel hybrid optimisation model that combines superstructure-based optimisation approach and insight-based automated targeting for the synthesis of a sustainable integrated biorefinery is presented. In addition, fuzzy optimisation is also adapted to synthesize such integrated facility with the simultaneous consideration of both economic and environmental performance. Note that the proposed approach is a generic synthesis strategy that can be applied even without detailed modelling of individual processes.

► A novel hybrid optimisation model that in-cooperate superstructural optimisation approach and insight-based automated targeting for synthesis of a sustainable integrated biorefinery is presented. ► Based on different optimisation objectives, performance targets can be located prior to the detail design. ► Based on the proposed approach, preliminary conceptual design of the synthesized biorefinery can be determined. ► Fuzzy optimisation is adapted in this work to synthesize such integrated facilities that considers both economic and environmental performances simultaneously. ► A case study is solved to illustrate the proposed approach.