A design methodology for biomass energy supply chains based on weighted K-means algorithm

Abstract

Effective utilization of low-quality resources like Biomass is conducive to economic development, environmental sustainability and social benefits. However, there is a complex supply chain behind biomass energy while the current practice for biomass energy supply chain design is mainly based on experience through a trial and error process, which has largely constrained the development of biomass energy in China. Based on global optimization, we propose a practical methodology for designing discrete biomass energy supply chain systems. To determine the optimal network structure, the number of collection points, and the corresponding facility capacity, we extend the conventional weighted K-means algorithm to solve the model by taking into consideration of the unique characteristics of biomass energy supply chains. The feasibility of our methodology is validated through designing a biogas supply chain for Jiangsu. The results obtained from the case study provide a scientific and systematic methodology for designing biomass energy supply chains.