A hybrid optimization model for preliminary conceptual design of a sustainable integrated biorefinery with maximum economic performance

Environmental concerns on the negative impact and depletion of fossil fuels have triggered a search for alternative energy sources. Biofuels are recognised as one of the most potential renewable alternatives. In order to have a sustainable production of biofuels, a processing facility (i.e., biorefinery) that converts biomass into value-added products is needed. As the first and second generations of biofuel production processes are highly inefficient and not economical viable, the concept of integrated biorefinery is proposed. Such biorefinery can improve the overall process performance via multi-level process integrations. In this work, a hybrid optimization model that in-cooperate superstructural optimization approach and insight-based automated targeting for preliminary conceptual design of a sustainable integrated biorefinery is presented.