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PhD Thesis - Energy Systems Research Unit - University of Strathclyde

PhD Thesis - Energy Systems Research Unit - University of Strathclyde

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• Heat and/or electricity for by-product preparation (kW).<br />

Each <strong>of</strong> these stages is given a number <strong>of</strong> minutes or hours duration (which may<br />

be zero), and these are translated into the equivalent timestep values using<br />

Equation 6.25 or 6.26.<br />

The process will start at the start time for each day provided sufficient feedstock<br />

and equipment are available. If more feedstock is available than the maximum<br />

oil input, the process will run at full load. If the feedstock available is between<br />

the maximum and minimum input amounts, a partial production factor is<br />

calculated using Equation 6.6, and is applied to all inputs. The feedstock used<br />

(kg) is removed from the store at this timestep, and a timestep count is initiated<br />

to chart progress through the batch. A separate count is initiated, and partial<br />

production factor calculated (as appropriate), for each fermenter being used, up<br />

to a maximum <strong>of</strong> five fermenters.<br />

The energy demands are applied to the relevant timesteps throughout the batch<br />

process in a similar manner to that described in Section 6.3.3. The partial<br />

production factor is only applied to the heat demands, and there is the option to<br />

translate these heat demands directly into electricity demands (if electric heaters<br />

are being used). Distillation and by-product preparation take place after the end<br />

<strong>of</strong> the fermentation process, allowing the equipment to be used for the next<br />

batch. A separate count is, therefore, initiated for these stages, for each<br />

fermenter. Some <strong>of</strong> these processes may specify a time, but not an energy<br />

demand, if residues are being used to provide some <strong>of</strong> the process requirements.<br />

If it is the last timestep <strong>of</strong> the fermentation process, the amount <strong>of</strong> ethanol made<br />

is added to the production pr<strong>of</strong>ile for that timestep. The partial production<br />

factor is applied as necessary, and the amount <strong>of</strong> ethanol produced, in litres, is<br />

translated into a production rate (litres/hr) by multiplying it by the number <strong>of</strong><br />

timesteps per hour. The process is then free to start again, for that particular<br />

fermenter, at the next start time, provided there is enough feedstock available.<br />

210

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