Abstract
Agricultural pruning biomass is one of the important resources in Europe for generating renewable energy. However, utilization of the agricultural residues requires development of efficient and effective logistics systems. The objective of this study was to develop smart logistics system (SLS) appropriate for the management of the pruning biomass supply chain. The paper describes the users’ requirement of SLS, defines the technical and functional requirements and specifications for the development of SLS, and determines relevant information/data to be documented and managed by the SLS. This SLS has four major components: (a) Smart box, a sensor unit that enables measurement of data such as relative humidity, temperature, geographic positions; (b) On-board control unit, a unit that performs route planning and monitors the recordings by the smart box; (c) Information platform, a centralized platform for data storing and sharing, and management of pruning supply chain and traceability; and (d) Central control unit, an interface linking the Information platform and On-board control unit that serves as a point of administration for the whole pruning biomass supply chain from harvesting to end user. The SLS enables the improvement of performance of pruning biomass supply chain management and product traceability leading to a reduction of product loss, increased coordination of resources utilisation and quality of solid biofuel supply, increased pruning marketing opportunity, and reduction of logistics cost. This SLS was designed for pruning biomass, but could also be adapted for any type of biomass-to-energy initiatives.
Highlights
Biomass is an important source of renewable energy sources
There is a potential source of renewable energy from agricultural pruning residues, the challenges and opportunities of the logistics operations have not been assessed well considering the entire chains from pruning harvesting to transport to end users
This study aims to develop an integrated concept where location and quality allow a wise decision tool to support decisions for logistic operators
Summary
Biomass is an important source of renewable energy sources. Agricultural residues from the pruning operations of fruit plantations can be used as a renewable energy source. Such utilization of pruning residues has been limited due to logistic-related constraints in harvesting, processing and transporting. There is a potential source of renewable energy from agricultural pruning residues, the challenges and opportunities of the logistics operations have not been assessed well considering the entire chains from pruning harvesting to transport to end users. It is important to develop new improved logistics for pruning residues, which covers harvesting, transport and storage for agricultural pruning (fruit tree, vineyards and olive groove prunings and branches from up-rooted trees). This paper describes the users’ need for a smart logistics system (SLS), defines the components of SLS with technical and functional requirements and specifications, and determines relevant information/data to be documented and managed by the SLS
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