PhD Thesis - Energy Systems Research Unit - University of Strathclyde

The continuous process is analysed over a year to verify the handling of
seasonal feedstock availability. Figure 7.9 shows the specification for a system
with almost enough feedstock to keep the fermenter running continuously, but
with some short periods in the day when feedstock is not available. The output
of this system is shown in Figure 7.10. If it is difficult to see the output for each
parameter on the graph, the magnitude and timing of these are tested
individually by setting the other parameters to zero. If the available land or crop
yield is increased, the fuel generation becomes continuous, and the production
period is extended beyond the harvest period, as expected. This can be seen in
Figure 7.11 where the available land is set to 1500 hectares and, subsequently,
the production period is extended into the next year. All fuel production and
demands, except for the crop residue availability, are continuous throughout the
fuel production period. Again, the magnitude and timing of all the outputs are
analysed against calculated results, as is the overall data in the information box.
The correct allocation of the residues to Other1 and Other2 is checked, and if the
same fuel type is chosen for both, these are correctly combined. Figure 7.12
shows the fuel storage graph obtained from the output shown in Figure 7.10.
Figure 7.13 shows the electricity demand associated with this production added
to a defined electricity demand profile.
Figure 7.9 Fermentation System Input Parameters
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