Model for Energy Consumption and Costs of Bioethanol Production from Wastepaper

Abstract

This work investigates bioethanol production from wastepaper via acid and enzymatic hydrolysis, intending to attain the highest possible yield, including an evaluation of energy consumption of the production processes and costs involved. A mathematical model was designed using MATLAB software, in which pre-calculated chronological stages have been specified with the parameters that significantly affect the bioethanol yield, including type and number of consumables, reaction temperature and residence time. The independent variables have been decided based on recommended values found in the literature and are provided as suggestions. A user is also given the choice to input the values manually. Mass and energy balance are carried out for each process stage of bioethanol production to calculate the energy consumption of the chemical reactions. The model also calculates the bioethanol yield per 100 g of lignocellulosic biomass and the related costs. A comparison between enzymatic and acid hydrolysis bioethanol is presented by a line chart on the software interface, helping the understanding of the effects of the independent variable parameters. As a result, the optimal conditions to produce the highest bioethanol yield and therefore increase the efficiency of a process are obtained. The model is expected to aid in reducing laboratory-based experiments, saving time, human errors, costly microorganisms, and other consumables.