Energy, Vol.178, 554-571, 2019
An integrated mathematical optimisation approach to synthesise and analyse a bioelectricity supply chain network
This paper presents an integrated mathematical optimisation approach to synthesise a bioelectricity supply chain network with minimal costs. Detailed economic evaluation was performed to determine the optimum location of centralised or decentralised biomass pre-treatment and power plants. Once the optimum bioelectricity supply chain network is established, input-output modelling of the network is formed. Next, feasible operating range analysis is performed. A palm-based bioelectricity supply chain case study in Malaysia is used to illustrate the proposed approach. Based on the optimised results, a total of 80.90 MW of bioelectricity are generated with an estimated net present value of USD 123.94 million and a payback period of 5 years. Meanwhile, the feasible operating range analysis indicated that the synthesised bioelectricity supply chain network possessed multiple feasible operating ranges; 5.06-10.04 MW, 11.88-36.08 MW and 44.26-101.16 MW. Based on the result, the decision makers can determine the potential of the future bioelectricity projects according to different seasons of supply and demand variations. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords:Bioelectricity supply chain network;Palm oil;Feasible operating range analysis;Input-output modelling