Abstract
This paper presents a design for a feedstock logistics system to supply a bioenergy plant located in the Southeast USA, specifically Piedmont, a physiographic region covering part of five states (VA, NC, SC, GA, and AL). The design uses a perennial grass (switchgrass) as the feedstock. Harvest is done with a round baler, and round bales are stored in single-layer ambient storage in satellite storage locations. New technology, 20-bale racks, was designed as the multi-bale handling unit. The analysis shows how proper design of the interactions between the several unit operations in a “logistics chain” can be used to minimize average delivered cost for the feedstock required for 24/7 operation. Racks are loaded at the satellite storage and delivered by hauling contractors hired by the plant and controlled by a “Feedstock Manager” at the plant to insure approximately the same number of loads are received each day. Single-bale handling at the plant is eliminated, thus the truck unload time is reduced and truck productivity (tons/day) is increased. At-plant handling and storage in 20-bale racks increases plant receiving facility productivity, and gives a reduction in plant cost to supply a continuous steam of material for 24/7 operation.
Highlights
There is a belief that the feedstock logistics system for a bioenergy industry in one region can be replicated for a second region
While we agree that the logistics principles for any herbaceous biomass industry are the same, we believe that the optimum logistics system for each region will be unique
The lowest average delivered cost for biomass used as a feedstock for bioenergy is achieved with an analysis that optimizes the key interactions between unit operations in the “logistics chain”
Summary
There is a belief that the feedstock logistics system for a bioenergy industry in one region can be replicated for a second region. The Piedmont is chosen because it is a physiographic region with adequate rainfall (≥40 inches annually) and much underutilized cropland Some of this land is being converted back into forest for the woody biomass industry. The lowest average delivered cost for biomass used as a feedstock for bioenergy is achieved with an analysis that optimizes the key interactions between unit operations in the “logistics chain”. 3. Highway hauling—the operations required to load bales at the SSL and haul them to the bioenergy plant. The third division is the “receiving facility operations” and includes management of the feedstock at the plant, control of inventory, and control of the commercial hauler contract holders to insure a uniform delivery of biomass for year-round operation
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