Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Energy Center
EA/EOU http://www.purdue.edu/dp/energy/research/bioEnergy.php
May 19-20, 2008 | Stewart Center, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
BIOFUELSSYMPOSIUM
1
BIOFUELS SYMPOSIUM 2008 Welcome
We are pleased to have you join us in West Lafayette for the 3rd Biofuels/BioEnergy Symposium sponsored by Purdue’s Energy Center. In this year’s symposium, we will review current research in ethanol and biodiesel tech-nologies and then move to policy, economic and the future of bioenergy to the bioeconomy.
I hope you enjoy our speaker lineup. In addition to presentations on new technology, you will hear strategy and funding roadmaps from key Federal agencies, speakers from industry will provide a practical grounding to inform our future research activities, and our economic and policy researchers will place it all in the context of markets, economics, and policy choices.
Great thanks are due our symposium organizing committee and the Energy Center staff for their work in putting this seminar together. In addition, I thank all of our speakers for their time and effort.
We look forward to a stimulating two days that will result in forging future collaborations and a glimpse into the new frontiers in biofuels and bioenergy for the bio-economy.
SYMPOSIUM COMMITTEE & SESSION CHAIRS Organizers
Biofuels Sustainability Issues
Dr. Sonny RamaswamyDirector, Agricultural Research Programs,Associate Dean of AgriculturePhone: 765.494.8362E-mail: [email protected]
New Frontiers: Biofuels & Bioenergy
Dr. Ron TurcoAssistant Director, Agriculture and the EnvironmentPhone: 765.494.8077E-mail: [email protected]
Biofuel Economic & Policy Issues
Dr. Wallace TynerProfessor, Department of Agricultural EconomicsPhone: 765.494.0199E-mail: [email protected]
Ethanol
Dr. Mike LadischDirector, Laboratory of Renewable Resources EngineeringDistinguished Professor of Agricultural and Biological EngineeringPhone: 765.494.7022E-mail: [email protected]
Dr. Clint ChappleHead, Department of BiochemistryDistinguished Professor of BiochemistryPhone: 765.494.0494E-mail: [email protected]
Biodiesel
Dr. Bernie TaoProfessor, Department of Agricultural and Biological EngineeringPhone: 765.494.1183E-mail: [email protected]
Melanie ThomPresident,Baere Aerospace Consulting, Inc.Phone: 765.743.9812E-mail: [email protected]
Energy Center
2
ENERgY CENTER CONTACTS
Jay P. GoreDirector, the Energy CenterPhone: 765.494.1610E-mail: [email protected]
Ronald J. SteutermanManaging Director, the Energy CenterPhone: 765.494.4437E-mail: [email protected]
BIOFUELS INITIATIvE CONTACTS
Carl HuettemanAssistant Director, Sponsored Program Development Phone: 765.496.7550 E-mail: [email protected]
Mike LadischDirector, Laboratory of Renewable Resources EngineeringDistinguished Professor of Agricultural and Biological EngineeringPhone: 765.494.7022E-mail: [email protected]
Sonny RamaswamyDirector, Agricultural Research Programs,Associate Dean, AgriculturePhone: 765.494.8362E-mail: [email protected]
Ron TurcoAssistant Director, Agriculture and the EnvironmentPhone: 765.494.8077E-mail: [email protected]
Energy Center at Discovery ParkPurdue UniversityPotter Engineering Center, Room 322 500 Central DriveWest Lafayette IN 47907-2022 [email protected]://www.purdue.edu/dp/energy
3
Symposium Agenda
Energy Center
4
AgENdA Stewart Center, Room 218
Monday, May 19, 2008
12:30–1:00 p.m. Registration/Check–in
1:00–1:15 p.m. WelcomeDr. Jay Gore, Director, the Energy Center, Vincent P. Reilly Professor of Engineering
1:15–2:00 p.m. Keynote Address: USDA’s Biofuels Research and Development Strategic PlanJames R. Fischer, Senior Scientific Advisor USDA’s Research, Education and Economics (REE) Mission Area
PARALLEL SESSIONS
ETHANOL Stewart Center, Room 214 A&B
Chairs: Drs. Chapple & Ladisch
BIOdIESEL Stewart Center, Room 214 C&D
Chairs: Dr. Tao and Melanie Thom
2:15–3:00 p.m. The Many Roles For Maize in Biofuel FeedstockDr. Cliff Weil, Associate Professor, Agronomy, Purdue University
2:15–3:00 p.m. Crash Course in the Laboratory Instrumentation Required for Meeting the ASTM D6751 Biodiesel SpecificationMark Fashian, President, Biodiesel Analytical Solutions
3:00–3:45 p.m. Developing Miscanthus as a Cellulosic Bioenergy CropDamian Allen, Mendel Biotechnology, Inc.
3:00–3:45 p.m. Global Economics of BiodieselDr. Thomas Mason, Professor of Economics, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
3:45–4:00 p.m. Break 3:45–4:00 p.m. Break
4:00–4:45 p.m. A Novel 4A Process Ready for Commercial Production of Ethanol and Butanol from CellulosicsDr. George Tsao, Vice President of Research and Development, GRT, Inc.
4:00–4:45 p.m. Fuel Flexible Combustion of Biofuels in Next Generation Diesel Engines Dr. Greg Shaver, Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University
5:00–6:30 p.m. Reception and Poster Session, North Ballroom, Purdue Memorial Union
6:30–9:00 p.m. Dinner & Speaker, North Ballroom, Purdue Memorial UnionBioenergy and the Commodity MarketsDr. Chris Hurt, Professor, Agricultural Economics, Purdue University
5
AgENdA Stewart Center, Room 218
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
BIOFUEL ECONOMIC & POLICY ISSUESProgram Chairs: Drs. Ramaswamy & Tyner
8:00–8:30 a.m. Coffee & Juice Available
8:30–8:45 a.m. WelcomeDr. Jay Gore, Director , the Energy Center, Vincent P. Reilly Professor of Engineering
8:45–9:30 a.m. Policy Options for Integrated Energy and Agricultural MarketsDr. Wallace Tyner, Professor, Agricultural Economics, Purdue University
9:30–10:15 a.m. Biofuels for all? Understanding the Global Impacts of Multinational MandatesDr. Thomas Hertel, Distinguished Professor of Agricultural Economics, Executive Director, Center for Global Trade Analysis, Purdue University
10:45–11:00 a.m. Break
11:00–11:45 a.m. Greenhouse Gas Emissions from BiofuelsDr. Tim Searchinger, Visiting Scholar and Lecturer in Public and International Affairs at Princeton’s Woodrow Wilson School
11:45–12:00 p.m. Open Discussion
12:15–1:15 p.m. Luncheon with Industry SpeakerEast & West Faculty Lounges, Purdue Memorial Union
Biofuel Feedstocks: Opportunities and Limitations from a Supplier’s PerspectiveJoe Needham, Vice President, Grain Division, The Andersons, Inc.
NEW FRONTIERS: BIOFUELS & BIOENERgY–THE BIO–ECONOMYProgram Chair: Dr. Turco
1:30–2:15 p.m. Liquid-Fuel Generation from Sugars Utilizing Aqueous-Phase ReformingDr. Paul Blommel, Lead Catalysis Researcher, Virent Energy Systems, Inc.
2:15–3:00 p.m. Breaking the Chemical and Engineering Barriers to Lignocellulosic Biofuels Dr. George Huber, Armstrong Professional Development Professor, Department of ChemicalEngineering, University of Massachusetts
3:00–3:15 p.m. Closing RemarksDr. Jay Gore
Energy Center
6
KEYNOTE AddRESS Stewart Center, Room 218
Monday, May 19, 2008, 1:15–2:00 p.m.
USDA’s Biofuels Research and Development Strategic Plan
James R. Fischer Senior Scientific Advisor USDA’s Research, Education, and Economics Mission Area
There are heightening concerns over the security and reliability of our nation’s energy supplies. These concerns, com-pounded by the environmental effects of fossil energy consumption, the economic costs of importing petroleum and natural gas, and a struggling rural (and, most recently, urban) economy, have spurred interest to develop alternative and renewable energy. As Americans, we must begin to develop and use energy in a very different fashion. Many research and development efforts are already underway to bring advanced energy technologies to market. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has become increasingly involved in developing alternative energy sources and increasing the use of agricultural crops and other feedstocks for biofuels and bioproducts.
USDA’s Research, Education and Economics (REE) mission area is rolling out a Strategic Energy Science Plan for Re-search, Education, and Extension. This Plan was developed to provide a unifying vision and a set of goals for agricul-ture’s research, education, and extension programs and activities related to energy throughout the United States.
In January 2007, an aggressive program was initiated to prompt all organizations in the REE system to adopt a well-coordinated focus on energy science. To this end, a September 2007 strategic planning workshop was hosted by USDA that brought together over 100 scientists, engineers, and administrative leaders from USDA agencies, Land Grant University partners, the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency. The REE Strategic Energy Science Plan was finalized following subsequent review and public comment. The Plan can be reviewed at: http://www.ree.usda.gov/news/bead/USDA_REE_strat_plan.pdf
This Plan provides a transparent view of REE’s proposed activities and identifies four programmatic goals for energy research, education, and extension. It is intended to facilitate interagency, university, and private sector coordination and cooperation to promote the production of reliable and sustainable sources of energy and biobased products. The Plan focuses on areas where REE mission agencies and universities have unique capabilities and resources that will compliment those of other agencies within and outside USDA. The Plan now serves as strategic guidance for all USDA research, education, and extension programs related to energy. Over 30 interagency and university action teams have been formed to implement the four goals outlined in the Plan.
An outgrowth of the REE mission area initiatives in energy science is the broadening of public awareness with regard to USDA, university, and private sector energy science programs. One initiative to highlight energy science in agri-culture is “Bio Energy Awareness Days (BEAD II)” (June 19-22, 2008). This activity will feature numerous displays of government research relate to bio-energy and winners of a national university competition on future energy strate-gies. In addition to these activities, which will be held at the USDA’s Whitten Building in Washington, DC, there will be an “Energy Plant Garden” featuring over 45 university bio-energy exhibits at the U.S. National Arboretum. Additional information on BEAD II activities can be found at: http://www.ree.usda.gov/news/bead.shtml
Notes
7
ParallelSessions
Energy Center
8
ETHANOL TRACK Stewart Center, Room 214 A&B
Monday, May 19, 2008, 2:15–3:00 p.m.
The Many Roles for Maize in Biofuel Feedstock
Cliff Weil Associate Professor, Agronomy, Purdue University
ABSTRACT
Corn starch is currently the largest feedstock in the multibillion dollar U.S. ethanol industry and is projected to re-main so for the next 5-10 years. This has prompted enthusiasm from corn growers, backlash from consumers over fuel vs. food issues and increasing sharpness in the debate over whether ethanol is the fuel of choice.
However, as central as it is to the early going in a biofuel economy, in the long term, corn has more important roles to play than the use of its grain in the current industry. These roles focus more around the plant itself, its potential as a second and even a third generation feedstock and its ability to serve as a crucial model system for understanding and making best use of all the sugar accumulating grasses.
Notes
9
BIOdIESEL TRACK Stewart Center, Room 214 C&D
Monday, May 19, 2008, 2:15–3:00 p.m.
Crash Course in the Laboratory Instrumentation Required for Meeting the ASTM D6751 Biodiesel Specifications
Mark Fashian President, Biodiesel Analytical Solutions
ABSTRACT
Mark has been an analytical analyzer sales representative to the petrochemical industry since graduation from col-lege. Two years ago Mark saw an urgent need in the biodiesel industry to raise the quality of product being offered to the American public. BAS was born on the premise of providing a single supplier for the biodiesel producers to contact, sort of a “One Stop Shop” to equip these facilities with everything they need to meet the stringent quality requirements for the biodiesel industry. Two years later, BAS was the largest single vendor at the National Biodiesel Conference in Orlando in February. With our team of over 20 highly-qualified representatives and 18 of the world-leading preferred vendors; BAS is dedicated to selling, training and installing the highest quality laboratories for the biodiesel industry, to enable them to make the best biodiesel in the world.
Notes
Energy Center
10
ETHANOL TRACK Stewart Center, Room 214 A&B
Monday, May 19, 2008, 3:00–3:45 p.m.
Developing Miscanthus as a Cellulosic Bioenergy Crop
Damian Allen Mendel Biotechnology Inc. Urbana-Champaign, IL, [email protected]
ABSTRACT
Mendel Biotechnology, Inc. (www.MendelBio.com) has pioneered the use of functional genomics to the study of plant genes during the last decade, for application in agriculture, forestry and horticulture. With the support of BP, Mon-santo and our other investors, we are developing new seed products for the emerging cellulosic bioenergy market. Mendel has acquired the Miscanthus breeding program from Tinplant, who have spent the last 15 years breeding these species for improved biomass. In addition to evaluating this material for adaptation to wider markets, including the US, we are expanding breeding efforts in the US and through collaborations in China and Germany. In addition to vegetatively-propagated sterile hybrid varieties of Miscanthus, we are also developing Miscanthus sinensis, as a potential seeded product.
With such a novel crop there are plenty of questions to answer on the road to commercialization, including issues associated with genotyping, seed production and establishment, yield, composition and invasiveness across a range of potential market environments. We look forward to rapid progress across a broad geography by combining in-house R&D with additional academic and commercial collaborations.
Notes
11
BIOdIESEL TRACK Stewart Center, Room 214 C&D
Monday, May 19, 2008, 3:00–3:45 p.m.
Global Economics of Biodiesel
Thomas Mason Professor of Economics, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
ABSTRACT
The analysis of the future of biodiesel fuel is a complicated combination of economics, politics and technology. The purpose of this talk will be to stimulate discussion that draws on the knowledge of the audience to construct a technology forecast. The starting point for this discussion will be a review of the basic economics framework of supply, demand and elasticity. Then there will be a brief case study discussion of energy including alternative fuels in the 70’s and 80’s to compare and contrast those times with next decade. Then the audience will be asked to join in looking at the factors of supply, demand and policy that will determine the place of biodiesel in the world energy markets of 2015.
Notes
Energy Center
12
ETHANOL TRACK Stewart Center, Room 214 A&B
Monday, May 19, 2008, 4:00–4:45 p.m.
A Novel 4A Process Ready for Commercial Production of Ethanol and Butanol from Cellulosics
George T. Tsao Vice President of Research, General Resource Technology, Inc., West Lafayette, Indiana 47906
ABSTRACT
In a fed-batch operation, at pH4-4.5, 30oC, 175 grams of cellulose in pretreated lignocellulosic substrate was hydro-lyzed in 36 hours with a cellulases loading of 6.85 FPU per gram of cellulose and fermented to ethanol by a strain of Saccharomyces yeast in a total volume of 1.25 liters.
The 4A process is based on the concept of removal of metabolite feedback inhibition. By removal of inhibitory fac-tors, the rate of cellulose conversion is greatly enhanced reducing the required enzyme loading.
Mixed sugars derived from hydrolysis of hemicellulose are converted into 2,3-butanediol by fermentation and then dehydrated to methyl ethyl ketone that is converted to butanol by hydrogenation.
With in situ production of cellulase enzymes, a complete process of conversion of lignocellulosics into ethanol and co-products has been designed.
Based on the patent-pending 4A process, two work plans will be described briefly. One is for production of ethanol and butanol and the second one is for production of butanol only.
Notes
13
BIOdIESEL TRACK Stewart Center, Room 214 C&D
Monday, May 19, 2008, 4:00–4:45 p.m.
Fuel Flexible Combustion of Biofuels in Next Generation Diesel Engines
Greg Shaver Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University
ABSTRACT
A 50% increase in transportation demand is expected by the year 2030, corresponding to a comparable increase in the transportation-related release of CO2, a global warming gas. Of added concern is the United States’ growing depen-dence on foreign sources of transportation fuels (~60% of total fuel used by 2030). Fuel-flexible combustion control, would take advantage of the opportunity to reduce pollution, global warming and our dependence on foreign oil by developing the capability to cleanly and efficiently use domestically available alternatives, including biodiesel, ethanol and coal-to-liquid fuels. Specifically, while the materials compatibility challenges have largely been met in “flex-fuel” vehicles, the engine and aftertreatment operation has not been optimized as function of fuel type (i.e. ethanol, biodie-sel, etc.), feedstock (i.e. soy- vs. rapeseed-based biodiesel), or blend ratio (i.e. E15 vs. E85). Each of these different fuel types have notably different combustion properties that must be estimated and accommodated to allow their clean-est and most efficient use. Important combustion properties exhibiting significant variation include: cetane number, energy density, level of oxidation, and sulfur content. Given the expectation that conventional diesel and gasoline fuel will continue to be economically viable, to some extent, for the foreseeable future, the full-scale introduction of these alternative fuels will occur as blends with conventional fuels. We are already seeing this to some extend with the lim-ited introduction of E85 (85% ethanol, 15% gasoline) and B20 (20% biodiesel, 80% conventional diesel.). This further exacerbates the challenge of accommodating different fuel blend ratios, as there will also be dramatic differences in combustion properties due to both the type of alternative fuel (i.e. biodiesel vs. coal-to-liquid fuels) and blend ratio (i.e. B20 vs. B80). There are even notable differences across feed-stock for different fuel types. For example, soybean-derived biodiesel has different properties than rapeseed-derived biodiesel. In sum, there exists variation in important combustion characteristics, including cetane number, sulfur content, oxidation and energy density across: base fuel type (e.g., biodiesel vs. conventional diesel), fuel blend ratio (e.g. B20 vs. B60), and fuel feedstock (e.g. soy-based vs. rapeseed-based biodiesel). Given these observations it will no longer be feasible to ‘statically’ calibrate an engine for one fuel type/blend/feedstock. The next generation of engines must incorporate fuel-flexible combustion processes to make the most efficient and clean use of alternative fuels. Key challenges include the determination of the optimal way to use these new fuels and real-time estimation and accommodation of fuel properties. Key targets of the ongoing work are generalizable, physics-based, model-derived estimation and control strategies for fuel-flexible combustion. While the goal is applicability across fuel type, blend ratio and feedstock, this presentation will motivate the problem with a fuel-specific example - biodiesel.
Notes
Energy Center
14
dINNER PRESENTATION North Ballroom, Purdue Memorial Union
Monday, May 19, 2008, 6:30–9:00 p.m.
Bioenergy and the Commodity Markets
Chris Hurt Professor, Agricultural Economics, Purdue University
ABSTRACT
Is the world running out of food? Grain inventories are dangerously low. This has resulted in record high prices for corn, soybeans, wheat and rice in recent months. Food riots have occurred in a number of developing countries. Con-gress has recently had hearings on whether world biofuels policy has excessively stimulated the conversion of food crops toward fuel production. However, the blame for these events is not just because of biofuels, but also due to poor crops in parts of the world, to growing incomes in developing nations that has resulted in increased food consump-tion, and to the weak U.S. dollar. The unintended consequences of biofuels policy and the vulnerabilities of relying on crops, which are subject to biologic and weather disruptions, as feedstocks for biofuels is being realized. The large increase in biofuels production is still new to the world and the full consequences can only be known over time. Food will likely remain the primary role for agriculture, and this means that the production of fuel will likely be secondary as science searches for cheaper feedstock alternatives that are not as competitive with feeding the world’s population.
Notes
15
BIOFUEL ECONOMIC & POLICY ISSUES Stewart Center, Room 218
Tuesday, May 20, 2008, 8:45–9:30 a.m.
Policy Options for Integrated Energy and Agricultural Markets
Wallace E. Tyner Professor, Agricultural Economics, Purdue University
ABSTRACT
This paper examines policy alternatives for integrated energy and agricultural markets from two perspectives: 1)the economics of ethanol production from the perspective of a typical firm; and 2)a partial equilibrium model incor-porating crude oil, gasoline, ethanol, corn, and DDGS. Both of these perspectives provide valuable insight on the functioning and impacts of ethanol policy alternatives, and both approaches illustrate quite well the newly emerging integration of energy and agricultural markets. Historically, there has been almost no link between crude oil and other energy prices and the prices of agricultural commodities. This research demonstrates why and how the markets are now becoming tightly integrated. Policy options evaluated include continuation of the current subsidy, no subsidy, a variable ethanol subsidy, and a renewable fuel standard. The micro-firm level analysis calculates corn break-even prices over a range of crude oil prices and ethanol policy options. The partial equilibrium analysis estimates the im-pact on corn and DDGS prices, ethanol production, corn use for ethanol, exports, and domestic use, and corn acreage and production under the same set of policy alternatives. From both perspectives, it is very clear that we have entered a new era in which crude oil prices will have a major impact on corn and other agricultural commodity prices, and that the policy alternative we choose will have a major influence on what happens in these markets.
Notes
Energy Center
16
BIOFUEL ECONOMIC & POLICY ISSUES Stewart Center, Room 218
Tuesday, May 20, 2008, 9:30–10:15 a.m.
Biofuels for all? Understanding the Global Impacts of Multinational Mandates
Thomas Hertel Distinguished Professor of Agricultural Economics, Executive Director, Center for Global Trade Analysis, Purdue University
ABSTRACT
The recent rise in world oil prices, coupled with heightened interest in the abatement of greenhouse gas emissions, has led to a sharp increase in domestic biofuels production around the world. Previous authors have devoted considerable attention to the impacts of these policies on a country-by-country basis. However, there are also strong interactions among these programs, as they compete in world markets for feedstocks and ultimately for a limited supply of global land. In this paper, we evaluate the interplay between two of the largest biofuels programs, namely the renewable fuel mandates in the US and the EU. We examine how the presence of each of these programs influences the other, and also how their combined impact influences global markets and land use around the world.
We begin with an analysis of the origins of the recent bio-fuel boom, using the historical period from 2001-2006 for purposes of model validation. This was a period of rapidly rising oil prices, increased subsidies in the EU, and, in the US, there was a ban on the major competitor to ethanol for gasoline additives. Our analysis of this historical period permits us to evaluate the relative contribution of each of these factors to the global biofuel boom. We also use this historical simulation to establish a 2006 benchmark biofuel economy from which we conduct our analysis of future mandates.
Our prospective analysis of the impacts of the biofuels boom on commodity markets focuses on the 2006-2015 time period, during which existing investments and new mandates in the US and EU are expected to substantially increase the share of agricultural products (e.g., corn in the US, oilseeds in the EU, and sugar in Brazil) utilized by the biofuels sector. In the US, this share could more than double from 2006 levels, while the share of oilseeds going to biodiesel in the EU could triple.
Notes
17
BIOFUEL ECONOMIC & POLICY ISSUES Stewart Center, Room 218
Tuesday, May 20, 2008, 11:00–11:45 a.m.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Biofuels
Tim Searchinger Visiting Scholar and Lecturer in Public and International Affairs Princeton’s Woodrow Wilson School
ABSTRACT
Motivated in large part by a desire to reduce global warming, governments around the world have spurred biofuel production through mandates and billions of dollars in incentives. New analyses have now started to question the benefits of biofuels that require the use of productive land. When farmers directly plow up forest or grassland to plant crops for biofuels, they release large quantities of carbon dioxide stored in the plants and roots, the largest gas that causes global warming. When biofuels use crops on existing farmland, farmers around the world expand into forest and grassland to replace the crops for food. Two new papers in Science magazine have now calculated that the emissions from this land use change from the use of biofuels generated from productive land increase global warm-ing gases over 30 years compared to the use of gasoline or diesel. Even advanced biofuels from biomass, if produced on good cropland, trigger land use change. At the same time, rapidly rising crop prices, in part a result of biofuels, is causing great hardship for the world 2.8 billion people living on less than $2 per day. These and other impacts argue for encouraging only biofuels that do not divert the productive capacity of land, including fuels made from different kinds of waste and agricultural residues, or biofuels that can be produced abundantly on land that otherwise produces little forest, food or grass.
Notes
Energy Center
18
BIOFUEL ECONOMIC & POLICY ISSUES Stewart Center, Room 218
Tuesday, May 20, 2008, 12:15–1:15 p.m.
Biofuel Feedstocks…Opportunities and Limitations From a Supplier’s Perspective
Joe Needham Vice President, Grain Division, The Andersons, Inc
ABSTRACT
New biofuels plants and new technologies cause stress and provide opportunities for feedstock suppliers. What can biofuel plants expect from the “middleman” sector? What should the technology side be aware of regarding the supply side? A quick and candid view of biofuels from one feedstock supplier.
Notes
19
NEW FRONTIERS: BIOFUELS & BIOENERgY–THE BIO-ECONOMY Stewart Center, Room 218
Tuesday, May 20, 2008, 1:30–2:15 p.m.
Liquid-Fuel Generation from Sugars Utilizing Aqueous-Phase Reforming
Paul Blommel Lead Catalysis Researcher, Virent Energy Systems
ABSTRACT
Virent Energy Systems, Inc.’s patented Aqueous-Phase Reforming (BioForming™) process enables the economical and energy efficient use of plant based sugars to generate the many hydrocarbon products that drive the world economy. Virent’s patented catalytic process provides an unconventional pathway to generate proven liquid fuels such as gaso-line, jet fuel, and diesel from renewable biomass-derived feedstocks. This new category of biofuels can be used and distributed like conventional fuels and, based on present feedstock costs, will compete at current price levels. Utilizing a simple reactor system and operating at relatively low temperatures and pressures, the BioForming process reforms carbohydrates to hydrocarbons. By selecting different catalysts and processing conditions, various types of sugars can be reliably converted into hydrocarbon fuels or chemicals. The technology platform is simple and highly thermal efficient. Once it is operating, no additional energy inputs are needed. This thermal efficiency, combined with lower capital costs compared with multi-stage production processes, and its efficient use of plentiful, inexpensive cellulosic feedstocks, make the BioForming platform a truly cost-effective solution. Together, these unique characteristics posi-tion the BioForming platform as the key enabling technology for renewable hydrocarbon production.
Notes
Energy Center
20
NEW FRONTIERS: BIOFUELS & BIOENERgY–THE BIO-ECONOMY Stewart Center, Room 218
Tuesday, May 20, 2008, 2:15–3:00 p.m.
Breaking the Chemical and Engineering Barriers to Lignocellulosic Biofuels
George W. Huber Armstrong Professional Development Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts
ABSTRACT
Concerns about global warming and national security, combined with the diminishing supply and increased cost of fossil fuels are causing our society to search for new sources of transportation fuels. In this respect plant biomass is the only sustainable feedstock that can be used for production of renewable liquid fuels. Currently cellulosic biomass is significantly cheaper than petroleum (at $15 per barrel of oil energy equivalent) and abundant. However, the chief impediment to the utilization of our biomass resources is the lack of economical processes for conversion of biomass resources into fuels. To develop these processes, it is necessary to understand and overcome the key biological, chemi-cal and engineering barriers, and develop the enabling technologies that will allow us to efficiently use our biomass resources. A major 21st century goal for academia, industry, and government should be the emergence of efficient and economical processes for the conversion of our domestic biomass resources.
We will compare and discuss strategies for green gasoline, green diesel and green jet fuel production (www.ecs.umass.edu/biofuels). These strategies include: selective thermal processing of cellulosic biomass, utilization of petroleum re-fining technologies for biofuel production, aqueous-phase processing, and syn-gas conversion. The creation of a large biofuels industry will also create a large volume of inexpensive feedstocks for the chemical industry. Recent advances in theoretical chemistry combined with new in-situ catalyst characterization methods allow us to understand chem-istry at a fundamentally new level. Combining fundamental chemical understanding with new methods to synthesize nanostructured catalytic materials, the ability to design and simulate complicated reaction networks, and the ability to perform conceptual design and optimization problems allow us to engineer efficient and economical processes for biofuel production. While biology is crucial for biofuel production, chemistry, chemical catalysis and engineering will be equally vital to make lignocellulosic biofuels a practical reality.
Notes
21
PosterSession
Energy Center
22
POSTER SESSION North Ballroom, Purdue Memorial Union
Monday, May 19, 2008, 5:00–6:30 p.m.
An Analysis of Ethanol Impact on Xylose Fermentation in S. cerevisiae 424A (LNH-ST)
Arun Athmanathan1,2, Miroslav Sedlak1,2, Nancy W. Y. Ho1,3 and Nathan S. Mosier1,2 1. Laboratory of Renewable Resources Engineering 2. Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering 3. Department of Chemical Engineering Purdue University West Lafayette, IN 47907
Primary Contact: Arun Athmanathan and Nathan S. Mosier
E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]
ABSTRACT
Ethanol cytotoxicity, due to its permeabilizing effect on cell membranes, is a significant bottleneck in industrial fermentation. To understand ethanol impact on xylose fermentation, batch fermentations were carried out using S. cerevisiae 424A (LNH-ST), an engineered strain capable of co-fermenting glucose and xylose. The fermentations were carried out in YEP growth media, using largely non-growing cells (pre-grown aerobically to OD600 = 400 K.U), in the presence of ethanol (4 – 8% w/v). Using concentration data gathered periodically through the process, the effects of extraneously added ethanol (pure xylose fermentation) and ethanol generated from glucose equivalent (co-fermenta-tion) were compared. Yeast was found to cease fermentation at an ethanol concentration of 9% (w/v) upon extraneous addition, but upon co-fermentation was capable of continuing up to a concentration of 11% (w/v) – cells were capable of completely fermenting 10% xylose, which has not been reported with S. cerevisiae to date. Fitting preliminary xy-lose consumption rates (linear slopes) and ethanol concentrations to a Levenspiel inhibition curve yielded maximum consumption rate and tolerable ethanol concentration, allowing the development of a modified Monod kinetic model for ethanol fermentation from xylose in S. cerevisiae 424A (LNH-ST).
Notes
23
POSTER SESSION North Ballroom, Purdue Memorial Union
Monday, May 19, 2008, 5:00–6:30 p.m.
Economic Value of Ethanol Byproducts in Swine Diets: Evaluating Profitability of Corn Fractionation Techniques
Bhawna Bista, Todd Hubbs, Brian Richert, Wallace E. Tyner, Paul V. Preckel Department of Agricultural Economics and Department of Animal Science, Purdue University.
Primary Contact: Bhawna Bista
E-mail: [email protected]
ABSTRACT
Dry milling technology for corn-to-ethanol conversion continues to improve, and the dramatic increase in fuel ethanol production, with a concurrent increase in byproducts, whose primary use is as feed ingredients, warrants a thorough nutritional assessment of these byproducts in order to determine their economically optimal utilization in the livestock feeding sectors. DDGS, with its high fiber content, is fed primarily to ruminants. However, with new fractionation techniques that reduce fiber content, DDGS could be used effectively for non-ruminants such as swine and poultry. As new approaches to dry milling have emerged, little research has been done to compare the economic value of different types of byproducts as feed ingredients.
Given the importance of feed costs in livestock production and the effect of new ethanol production technologies on the nutritional value of the byproducts, the first objective of this study is to estimate and compare the economic value of these byproducts as ingredients for swine diets from traditional ethanol plants and from plants that employ frac-tionation techniques. The second objective of this study is to determine if the changes in investment and operating costs associated with the new corn fractionation technology can be justified economically given the projected changes in the value of byproducts.
Notes
Energy Center
24
POSTER SESSION North Ballroom, Purdue Memorial Union
Monday, May 19, 2008, 5:00–6:30 p.m.
The Global Impacts of U.S. and EU Biofuel Mandates
Dileep K. Birur, Thomas W. Hertel, and Wallace E. Tyner Center for Global Trade Analysis, Department of Agricultural Economics, Purdue University
Primary Contact: Dileep K. Birur
E-mail: [email protected]
ABSTRACT
The recent rise in world oil prices, coupled with heightened interest in the abatement of greenhouse gas emissions, has led to a sharp increase in domestic biofuels support around the world. We evaluate the impact of two of the larg-est biofuels programs, namely the renewable fuel mandates in the U.S. and the EU. We examine how the presence of these programs impact global agricultural markets and land use around the world. We use the global Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) model offered by Birur, Hertel, and Tyner (2007) who adopt the Global Trade Analysis Project Energy (GTAP-E) model (Burniaux and Truong, 2002; McDougall and Golub, 2007) to incorporate biofu-els. This model also features addition of Ago-ecological Zones (AEZs) for each of the land using sectors in line with Lee et al. (2005, 2008). Our prospective analysis of the impacts of the biofuels boom on food markets focuses on the 2006-2015 time period, during which existing investments in the U.S., and new mandates in the EU are expected to substantially increase the share of agricultural products (e.g., corn in the U.S., oilseeds in the EU, and sugar in Brazil) utilized by the biofuel sectors, with repercussions on land-use and trade in feedstock.
Notes
25
POSTER SESSION North Ballroom, Purdue Memorial Union
Monday, May 19, 2008, 5:00–6:30 p.m.
Critical Management Factors for Maximizing Corn Stover Production
Christopher R. Boomsma and Tony J. Vyn Agronomy Department, Purdue University
Primary Contact: Tony J. Vyn
E-mail: [email protected]
ABSTRACT
Corn (Zea mays L.) stover is currently the largest potential source of biomass for biofuel production in the U.S. Maximizing corn productivity through sustainable management practices is therefore vital for meeting the nation’s biofuel goals. Due to genetic improvements for stress tolerance, modern corn hybrids are being grown at progressively higher plant populations (≈ 75,000 to 110,000 plants ha-1) in order to maximize grain yield. Yet to date there has been limited research on (a) the proportion of above-ground biomass allocated to grain versus stover in modern corn geno-types and (b) the effects of nitrogen (N) fertilization on grain versus stover partitioning at high plant densities. With increasing N fertilizer costs and environmental concerns over N losses to air and water, a better understanding of the interacting effects of plant density and N application rate on corn grain and stover production and thus biofuel output is clearly necessary. In 2006 and 2007, we examined the physiological responses of two modern corn genotypes (hy-brids Pioneer 31G68 and Pioneer 31N28) to plant density (54,000, 79,000, and 104,000 plants ha-1) and N application (0, 165, and 330 kg N ha-1). While high N application rates were crucial for maximizing grain yield and stover pro-duction at each plant density, N fertility effects on the production of each fraction were particularly pronounced at the highest population level. Without adequate N at the highest density, harvest index (HI) (i.e., the ratio of grain biomass to total above-ground biomass) was reduced to as low as 0.35. Yet with high N inputs at each population, HI rose to as high as 0.58, a value markedly greater than the static 0.50 level presumed for U.S. corn production by the Department of Energy (DOE). Total stover yields were therefore less than those predicted by the DOE when management was op-timized for grain yield. Stover nutrient composition (and, therefore, nutrient value) was additionally affected by plant population and N rate, meaning grower fertility programs will need to be adjusted for stover production and removal. If the U.S. is to reach its biofuel goals through the use of corn stover, more intensive research on management impacts on stover yield and composition is required.
Notes
Energy Center
26
POSTER SESSION North Ballroom, Purdue Memorial Union
Monday, May 19, 2008, 5:00–6:30 p.m.
The Economics of Biomass Collection and Transportation and Its Supply to Indiana Cellulosic and Electric Utility Facilities
Sarah Brechbill Agricultural Economics, Purdue University
Major Professor: Dr. Wally Tyner, Agricultural Economics, Purdue University
Primary Contact: Sarah Brechbill
E-mail: [email protected]
ABSTRACT
With cellulosic energy production from various forms of biomass becoming popular in renewable energy research, agricultural producers may be called upon to plant and harvest switchgrass or collect corn stover to supply such energy production to nearby facilities. Determining the entire production and transportation cost to the producer of switchgrass or corn stover and the amount available within a given distance of the plant will result in a per ton cost the plant will need to pay producers in order to be supplied with sufficient quantities of biomass.
This research computes up-to-date biomass production costs using recent prices for all important cost components including seed, fertilizer and herbicide application, mowing/shredding, raking, baling, storage, handling, and transportation. The cost estimates also include nutrient replacement for corn stover. The total per ton cost for either switchgrass or corn stover is a combination of these cost components depending on whether equipment is owned or custom hired, what baling options are used, the size of the farm, and the distance that biomass must be transported. Total per ton costs for transporting biomass 30 miles range between $39 and $46 for corn stover and $57 and $63 for switchgrass. Using the county quantity data and this cost information, we then estimated biomass supply curves for three Indiana coal-fired electric utility. This supply framework can be applied to plants of any size, location, and type. Finally, we estimated the greenhouse gas emissions reduction from using biomass instead of coal for part of the utility energy and also the carbon tax required to make the biomass cost equivalent to coal.
Notes
27
POSTER SESSION North Ballroom, Purdue Memorial Union
Monday, May 19, 2008, 5:00–6:30 p.m.
Productivity Analysis and Environmental Footprints of Candidate Biofuels Species and a Low-Input, Big Bluestem-Dominated Prairie
Sylvie M. Brouder, Ronald F. Turco, Jeffrey J. Volenec and Gebisa Ejeta Agronomy Department, Purdue University
Doug Smith USDA-ARS, National Soil Erosion Research Laboratory
Primary Contact: Sylvie M. Brouder, Agronomy Department, Purdue University
E-mail: [email protected]
ABSTRACT
Sustainable biofuels production with concomitant protection and improvement of natural resources requires a concerted effort by the scientific community to quantify the comparative energy production potentials and environ-mental impacts of candidate biofuel systems. Our goal is to develop a cropping system-level analysis of the potential for Miscanthus, switchgrass, sorghum, maize and low-input native prairie production systems to provide renewable fuel while protecting natural resources. This comparative analysis is being conducted at Purdue University’s Water Quality Field Station. The environmental impacts of candidate systems on C and N sequestration, edge-of-field losses to water, and greenhouse gas emissions are being characterized. Quantity and chemical composition of feedstocks and crop-specific nutrient use efficiencies and water balance are being determined. Intensive plant tissue, soil, drain-age water, and surface gas flux sampling campaigns are being conducted to quantify pools and fluxes throughout the growing season. Production efficiencies of these biomass systems in the context of the water, N, and C economies, the contrasting composition of the biomass per se, and the mass losses of C and N to water and the atmosphere are being calculated. Various multivariate statistical approaches are being applied to measured and calculated parameters to determine significant differences among candidate biofuel systems.
Notes
Energy Center
28
POSTER SESSION North Ballroom, Purdue Memorial Union
Monday, May 19, 2008, 5:00–6:30 p.m.
Electrolyte Leakage Suggests Shredding Is Better Than Chopping or Grinding
Dennis R. Buckmaster Agricultural & Biological Engineering, Purdue University
Primary Contact: Dennis Buckmaster
E-mail: [email protected]
ABSTRACT
Electrolytic ion leakage is proposed as a method to assess activity access for subsequent biological or chemical pro-cessing of forage or biomass. Smaller particle sizes and subsequent processing which increased surface area resulted in higher ion conductivity measures. Ion conductivity should be normalized because of potentially different chemi-cal composition among samples. Longitudinal shredding of silage resulted in higher activity access (as indicated by conductivity index) than precision-cut chopping or chopping plus mechanical roll processing.
Longitudinal shear takes less energy than cross-fiber chopping; it may be the harvest and particle size reduction method of choice with regard to energy and power as well as subsequent bioprocessing. A dry mass weighted average conductivity index was computed based on percentage of mass in each particle size fraction, moisture content of each particle size fraction, and conductivity index of each particle size fraction. Without considering Hobart pro-cessing, which would be very expensive on an industrial scale, these weighted average estimates were .725, .769, and .808 for C, P, and S, respectively. Despite the much higher mass percentage of long material in shredded silage the weighted average activity access indicator of conductivity index is higher because of the much higher conductivity of the longer particles.
Notes
29
POSTER SESSION North Ballroom, Purdue Memorial Union
Monday, May 19, 2008, 5:00–6:30 p.m.
Biomass Gasification: Overcoming Scale-up and Operational Challenges
Jon R. Carmicheal and Donald K. Takehara Taylor University
Robert C. Brown Iowa State University
Francine Battaglia Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Primary Contact: Don Takehara
E-mail: [email protected]
ABSTRACT
Biomass gasification converts biomass into H2 and CO enabling production of alternative fuels and valuable chemi-cals. One roadblock to commercialization is the cost of scaling-up a lab reactor to full-scale production via inter-mediate pilot scales. For this issue, Taylor University is collaborating with Iowa State and Virginia Tech to develop a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) mathematical model based on fundamental principles to predict the perfor-mance of various reactor designs without pilot scale testing. Verification of the CFD model is in progress by compar-ing pressure drop fluctuation data from Taylor’s lab reactor and comparing with the CFD results. These pressure drop fluctuations reproducibly represent changes in the hydrodynamics (fluid flow patterns) of the reactor which play a large role in reactor performance. Another roadblock to commercialization of biomass gasification is the operational problem of agglomeration of particles in the fluidized bed reactor resulting in reactor failure. Results from Taylor’s lab reactor show that pressure fluctuation data can predict the addition of larger particles to the reactor. This gives evidence that pressure drop fluctuation data can predict agglomeration of particles in a fluidized bed reactor and can potentially be used as a diagnostic tool to predict reactor failure via this phenomenon.
Notes
Energy Center
30
POSTER SESSION North Ballroom, Purdue Memorial Union
Monday, May 19, 2008, 5:00–6:30 p.m.
Particle Segregation in Bulk Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS) and Its Effect on Chemical Variability of the Bulk
Clairmont Clementson*, MS. Graduate Research Assistant Klein Ileleji*, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Richard Stroshine*, Ph. D. Professor *Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Purdue University
Primary Contact: Clairmont Clementson
E-mail: [email protected]
ABSTRACT
In this study, particle segregation of DDGS due to gravity-driven discharge and its effect on the chemical variability of the bulk was investigated. Results confirm gravity-driven discharge that creates particle segregation of DDGS give rise spatial particle size differences the sampled locations in the pile. Smaller particles tended to concentrate at the centre of the pile and the particle sizes increased with radial distance in the direction of the free surface. Also the particle sizes decreased with increasing height. The results suggest that crude fat, crude fiber, ash and moisture con-tent are affect by particle segregation. Crude fat, crude fiber and ash content increased as particle size decreased while moisture content increases with particle size. Differences in crude protein did not have a distinct pattern. Because only samples with difference in particle size were tested for their chemical composition, segregation was attributed to particle size differences.
Notes
31
POSTER SESSION North Ballroom, Purdue Memorial Union
Monday, May 19, 2008, 5:00–6:30 p.m.
Impacts of Biofuels Expansion on Transportation in Indiana
Dr. Frank Dooley and Justin Quear
Primary Contact: Frank Dooley
E-mail: [email protected]
ABSTRACT
The biofuels industry has expanded in Indiana from one ethanol plant in 2006 to an estimated dozen by 2010. This work considered how entry of biofuels plants affects inbound and outbound transportation flows of corn, soybeans, DDGS, and ethanol at the county level in Indiana for two time periods - a baseline in 2006 and an adjustment period in 2010. Linear programming (LP) models allocated flows among production and consumption points for corn, soybeans, DDGS, and ethanol for each period. LP outputs were used in a spreadsheet model to estimate truckloads, one-way annual miles (VTM), average length of haul, and rail carloads for each commodity.
Truck traffic for grain, ethanol, and DDGS movements increased by 14.0 million VTM, or 45.3%. Major drivers of in-creased truck VTM are outbound shipments of ethanol, corn to ethanol plants, and soybeans to crushers, up 12.4, 5.9, and 2.0 million miles, respectively. In contrast, farm grain to elevators falls by 2.7 million VTM and outbound corn from elevators fall 2.2 million VTM. Rail carloads of corn leaving Indiana decrease by 40%, but much of this decline is offset by new outbound loads of ethanol and DDGS. Results are concentrated in counties with new ethanol plants.
Notes
Energy Center
32
POSTER SESSION North Ballroom, Purdue Memorial Union
Monday, May 19, 2008, 5:00–6:30 p.m.
Effects of Distiller’s Dried Grains with Solubles and Gromega 365™ on Bratwurst Meat Quality
K. M. Hesselbrock1, N. R. Augspurger2, J. D. Spencer2, H. M. White1, A. Schinckel1, and M. A. Latour1 1Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture at Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907 2 JBS United, Inc., 4310 W State Road 38, Sheridan, Indiana 46069
Primary Contact: Heather White
E-mail: [email protected]
ABSTRACT
Feeding corn dried distiller’s grains with solubles (DDGS) to sows may impact the fatty acid profile and quality of final products such as bratwurst. The purpose of this study was to determine differences in bratwurst quality made from sows fed one of four dietary treatments: control [CON], control plus DDGS [CDDGS], control plus Gromega 365™ [CG], or DDGS plus Gromega 365™ [DDGSG] based on freshness quality scoring. DDGS was fed at 30% dietary inclusion during gestation and 15% during lactation. Freshness quality of bratwurst was based on a 1-4 scale (1=low-est and 4=highest). DDGSG bratwurst had a significantly (P < 0.02) higher overall quality score. Bratwurst fatty acid profiles also differed between treatments. The level of linoleic acid was significantly (P < 0.0001) higher in the DDGSG followed by the CDDGS group with both non DDGS treatments being lowest. The highest (P < 0.0001) calculated iodine value was observed in the CDDGS (65.6), followed by DDGSG (59.7) and the lowest being the two non DDGS diets (53.1 [CON] and 55.9 [CG]). In summary, there were noted differences in overall bratwurst quality which fa-vored the DDGSG group. Similarly, when comparing the DDGS fed groups (DDGSG vs. CDDGS), the overall iodine value was lower in the DDGSG bratwurst.
Notes
33
POSTER SESSION North Ballroom, Purdue Memorial Union
Monday, May 19, 2008, 5:00–6:30 p.m.
Dissecting the Cellular Control of Plant Cell Expansion and Cell Wall Biogenesis
Simeon Kotchoni, Vincent Edwards, Dan Szymanski Agronomy Department, Purdue University, Lilly Hall of Life Sciences, 915 West State Street, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907-2054, USA
Primary Contact: Dan Szymanski
E-mail: [email protected]
ABSTRACT
Lignocelllulosic materials of the plant cell wall are widely perceived to be an important potential source of carbon neutral energy. It is therefore important to determine the key determinants that regulate the amount and composition of the cell wall during plant growth and development. This is a complicated problem because cell wall biosynthesis is a highly integrated process that requires multiple cellular activities. For example, cellulose biosynthesis requires a spatially concentrated supply of monosacharides that are used for polymer synthesis. There is evidence that a network of cytosolic proteins termed the actin cytoskeleton positions the enzymes that are needed to deliver carbon skeletons to the cellulose synthesizing machinery. The higher order structures of the cell wall is also regulated by protein fila-ment arrays inside the cell. Microtuble polymers somehow determine the orientation of cellulose microfibrils as they are synthesized. It is critical that we learn more about the functional coupling of cell metabolism, the cytoskeleton-dependent organization of the cytoplasm during cell growth, and the dynamics of cell wall biogenesis. Our lab takes a genetic approach to this problem. We study a class of mutants termed “the distorted group” that have profound effects on cell expansion and the dynamic remodeling of the cell wall in complex tissues. The distorted group genes define a pathway of functions from Rho-family small GTPase signal to an actin filament nucleation response. We are using these genes and an interdisciplinary approach in order to: 1) understand how multiple cellular activities are integrated during wall biogenesis and growth; and 2) to understand how the cell uses the cytoskeleton to organize cortical do-mains of the cell to deliver, synthesize, and recycle cell wall materials. This poster describes the utility of a compara-tive, reverse genetic approach, to understand novel mechanisms of plant cell growth control in both model species and agronomically important crops.
Notes
Energy Center
34
POSTER SESSION North Ballroom, Purdue Memorial Union
Monday, May 19, 2008, 5:00–6:30 p.m.
Spatial Optimization and Economies of Scale for Cellulose to Ethanol Facilities in Indiana
David Perkis, Wallace E. Tyner, Paul Preckel, Sarah Brechbill All of Purdue University, Department of Agricultural Economics
Primary Contact: David Perkis
E-mail: [email protected]
ABSTRACT
Based on cellulosic biomass yield projections of a recent national study, the optimal spatial distribution and size of cellulose to ethanol conversion facilities is determined for cellulose sources in Indiana to be converted to ethanol through a biochemical conversion process. Such sources include corn stover and switchgrass. A cost minimization approach is implemented that optimizes over the raw material and transportation costs of the process, with econo-mies of scale included for large facilities. Due to the abundance of corn stover and its current low cost as a byproduct of corn production, a high concentration of facilities in the northwest section of Indiana is ideal. Such plants would utilize high levels of corn stover and operate at relatively lower cost than other facilities in the state. Other regions of the state would have fewer facilities, several specializing in switchgrass and operating at a higher cost. Economies of scale similar to those found in corn to ethanol facilities are likely to support large sized plants given current yield projections. However, if more conservative biomass yield projections are expected due to lower collection or land utilization rates, the economies of scale needed to support large plant sizes nearly doubles, increasing the likelihood of an optimal strategy in which smaller facilities are more broadly distributed around the state.
Notes
35
POSTER SESSION North Ballroom, Purdue Memorial Union
Monday, May 19, 2008, 5:00–6:30 p.m.
Functional Analyses of Serine Carboxypeptidase-Like (SCPL) Proteins for the Manipulation of the Plant Cell Wall
Shinyoung Lee and Clint Chapple Department of Biochemistry, Purdue University
Primary Contact: Clint Chapple
E-mail: [email protected]
ABSTRACT
The importance of lignin in relation to energy and the environment has become a focus of scientific research. Because lignin is recalcitrant to chemical and biological degradation in biofuel production, we are attempting to develop plants that synthesize and incorporate lignin modification molecules (LMMs) into their lignin, making the polymer easier to degrade. In theory, LMM-containing lignin will support cell wall integrity but will be readily cleaved by base hydrolysis, thus facilitating cell wall saccharification. In Arabidopsis, a group of 51 serine carboxypeptidase-like (SCPL) proteins act as acyltransferases using sinapoylglucose for the synthesis of a broad range of sinapoyl esters including sinapoylmalate, sinapoylcholine, sinapoylated glucosinolates and anthocyanins, and 1,2-disinapoylglucose. Here we present recent advances in the development of a high-throughput yeast screening system to the function of unidentified SCPL proteins. These experiments will elucidate the relationship between protein function and struc-ture, which will be the basis in designing ideal SCPL proteins to produce optimized LMMs. 1,2-disinapoylglucose is a promising LMM candidate produced by a previously identified SCPL enzyme. To test the feasibility of LMMs, we are generating over-expression lines for several enzymes leading to 1,2-disinapoylglucose biosynthesis.
Notes
Energy Center
36
POSTER SESSION North Ballroom, Purdue Memorial Union
Monday, May 19, 2008, 5:00–6:30 p.m.
pH and Buffer Effects on Xylose Degradation Rates and Products
Yulin Lu1,2, and Nathan S. Mosier1,2 Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering1, Laboratory of Renewable Resources Engineering2, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
Primary Contact: Yulin Lu
E-mail: [email protected]
ABSTRACT
The degradation reaction routes of glucose and fructose under hydrothermal acidic conditions have been studied ex-tensively; in contrast, xylose received a lot less rigorous studies under similar conditions. In this study, we investigated the aqueous pH (0.5 – 7.0) impact on xylose degradation, and determined the kinetics of xylose disappearance rates at different pH conditions. The initial buffer system employed in this study was the McIlvaine buffer consisting of phos-phate salt and citric acids (except for pH 0.5 – 1.5 buffers, where HCl/NaCl system was employed). It was observed that at pH 2.2, the xylose degradation rate was minimized (e.g. xylose disappearance rate at pH 4.2 is 9-times higher, and at pH 7.0 complete xylose disappearance occurred in 5-min reaction). In addition, the degradation reaction path changed from simple dehydration product (furfural) formation at lower pH range (0.5 – 3.0), to multiple complex liquid and polymerized products formation at higher pH range (4.5 – 7.0). In order to test the effect of buffering salt (phosphate, etc.), experiments at pH 1.0 with equivalent amount phosphate produced identical results to the same condition without phosphate addition. Therefore, the proton concentration in the aqueous solution may be the main controlling factor to which xylose degradation reactions occur. The degree of proton availability in the solution and potential protonation of the sugar –OH groups were analyzed to determine how the pH affects reaction path direction and products formation.
Notes
37
POSTER SESSION North Ballroom, Purdue Memorial Union
Monday, May 19, 2008, 5:00–6:30 p.m.
Using LCA Methods to Conduct a System Analysis for the Flexible Carbon to Liquids Process
Mu, Dongyan, Rao, Suresh C, Zhao, Fu, Seager, Thomas P
Primary Contact: Dongyan Mu, Civil Engineering Department Purdue University, 550 Stadium Mall Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907
E-mail: [email protected]
ABSTRACT
To address concerns over energy security, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and fresh water demand/wastewater dis-charges of current transportation fuel systems, we proposed a novel, flexible feedstock carbon-to-liquids process, i.e. FCTL, which uses the CTL technology as its carbon conversion process, domestic biomass wastes/residues as its main feedstocks, and a wastewater reuse system for reducing cooling water demand. To minimize the influence of feedstock shortage and variable, a flexible feed style is applied.
We hypothesize that using the FCTL process for fuels production can improve energy security by reducing petroleum imports and enhancing adaptability, improve environmental performance by reducing GHG emissions and reducing the water demands and wastewater discharges of transportation fuel production. The FCTL process is expected to have additional benefits, such as reducing feedstock storage costs, saving landfill spaces for wastes/residues and reduc-ing waste product impacts.
This research will focus on developing and modeling an integrated FCTL process with minimal water consumption and wastewater discharge, and establishing a life cycle inventory (LCI) of the coupled feedstock and transportation fuel systems to analyze the sensitivity of energy security, GHG emissions and water/wastewater to design variables and to compare the FCTL process with current transportation fuel systems and transportation fuel alternatives.
Notes
Energy Center
38
POSTER SESSION North Ballroom, Purdue Memorial Union
Monday, May 19, 2008, 5:00–6:30 p.m.
Effect of Harvest Time on Fuel Property Changes of Switchgrass for Direct Combustion Applications
Primary Contact: Cedric Ogden
E-mail: [email protected]
ABSTRACT
The warm seasonal perennial energy crop, switchgrass holds considerable promise as a biomass fuel for direct combustion in power generation because of its high net energy yield per hectare, low greenhouse gas emissions and low cost of production. This study investigated quantitative fuel properties of switchgrass with regard to its time of harvest. Potential problems that can occur during the combustion of an herbaceous feedstock akin to switchgrass are high moisture content that causes corrosion and incomplete combustion and high ash content that causes fouling and slagging problems in heat exchange units during utilization. Harvest time was used as the factor in describing changes in the quantitative properties (proximate, ultimate and mineral analysis) of switchgrass harvested in a plot located at Purdue’s Agronomy Center. Results from fuel analyses show that harvest time has a significant effect on ash, volatile and fixed carbon contents. Nitrogen content decreased while oxygen increased relative to harvest time. Mineral analysis data resulted in significant changes in aluminum, calcium and sodium over time. Potassium and sulfur decreased during later harvests leading to better quality fuel being achieved as harvesting is done in October and November as opposed to July and August. The results of this study may be directly applied by biofuel producers to promote value added utilization of herbaceous feedstock and to improve the efficiency of renewable energy-producing industries using switchgrass as an energy source.
Notes
39
POSTER SESSION North Ballroom, Purdue Memorial Union
Monday, May 19, 2008, 5:00–6:30 p.m.
Biofuels and their By-Products: Global Economic and Environmental Implications
Farzad Taheripour, Thomas Hertel, Wallace Tyner, Jayson Beckman, Dileep Birur. Purdue University
Primary Contact: Jayson Beckman
E-mail: [email protected]
ABSTRACT
The biofuels industry has been rapidly growing around the world in recent years. Several papers have used general equilibrium (GE) models to address the economy-wide and environmental consequences of producing biofuels on a large scale. Some of these have indicated significant impacts from biofuels programs on agricultural markets with major land use and environmental consequences. In this research, we argue that virtually all of these studies have overstated the impact of biofuels programs on agricultural markets due to the fact that they have ignored the role of by-products resulting from the production of biofuels.
Feed by-products of the biofuels industry, such as DDGS and biodiesel by-products, such as soy and rapeseed meals, can be used in the livestock industry as animal feeds. Hence, their presence mitigates the price impacts of biofuels production on the livestock and food industries. This work explicitly introduces these by-products into a worldwide GE model and analyzes the economic and environmental impacts of mandate policies designed to stimulate bioen-ergy production. Specifically, we consider US and EU medium-term mandates.
Notes
Energy Center
40
POSTER SESSION North Ballroom, Purdue Memorial Union
Monday, May 19, 2008, 5:00–6:30 p.m.
Effects of Dietary Fat and Crude Protein on Feedlot Performance and Carcass Characteristics In Steers Fed Differing Levels of Distiller’s Dried Grains with Solubles
P. Gunn, S. Lake, M. Claeys, R. Lemenager Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907
Primary Contact: Patrick Gunn
E-mail: [email protected]
ABSTRACT
The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of dietary protein and fat in distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) based diets on feedlot performance and carcass characteristics in finishing steers. One hundred five Angus-cross steers (443 ± 31 kg initial BW) were blocked by weight and assigned randomly to one of five di-etary treatments (7 steers/pen; 3 pens/treatment): 1) a corn based diet with DDGS included to meet CP requirements (25% of DM; CON), 2) CON with DDGS included at twice the amount of CON (50% of DM; 50DDGS), 3) CON with added protein to equal the CP in the 50DDGS diet (CON+CP), 4) CON with added vegetable oil to equal the fat in the 50DDGS diet (CON+VO), and 5) CON with protein and fat added to equal the CP and fat in the 50DDGS diet (CON+CPVO). Steers were weighed at 28-d intervals and fed to a common 12th rib fat depth endpoint (1.3 ± 0.2 cm; 68 to 125-d on trial). Following a 24-h chill, carcass measurements and marbling data were collected. Orthogonal contrasts were preplanned between CON vs. elevated CP diets and CON vs. elevated fat diets. There were no differ-ences among treatments for days on feed (P = 0.71) or DMI (P = 0.39). End weight was greater (P = 0.04) for CON vs. elevated CP diets, whereas both elevated CP and elevated fat diets had a decreased ADG (P < 0.03) compared with CON. There was a tendency for decreased G:F (P = 0.11) in elevated CP diets vs. CON. Dressing percent (P = 0.77), HCW (P = 0.08), 12th rib fat depth (P =0.12), LM area (P = 0.99), KPH (P = 0.86) and yield grade (P = 0.20) were not affected by treatment. Elevated CP and elevated fat diets had decreased marbling scores (P = 0.03) and quality grades (P = 0.02) compared with CON. These data suggest that decreased performance and poorer carcass quality associated with increased levels of DDGS in the diet may be attributed to an additive effect of elevated levels of CP and fat found in DDGS.
Notes
41
POSTER SESSION North Ballroom, Purdue Memorial Union
Monday, May 19, 2008, 5:00–6:30 p.m.
Increasing Productivity of Bioethanol. A Model-Driven Approach to Process Optimization and Strain Improvement.
Hyun-Seob Song, John A. Morgan, Nancy W. Y. Ho, Arvind Varma, Doraiswami Ramkrishna School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907
Primary Contact: Prof. Doraiswami Ramkrishna
E-mail: [email protected]
ABSTRACT
Process optimization and sensitivity analysis have been made using cybernetic models to explore the ways of increas-ing the productivity of fermenters and recombinant Saccharomyces yeast converting glucose and xylose to bioetha-nol. For this purpose, the hybrid cybernetic model has been formulated for the Ho-Purdue strain 1400 (pLNH33) by incorporating elementary mode analysis into cybernetic modeling framework. The developed model has been then applied to optimization problems of batch and continuous fermentation systems. The theoretical maximum limit of ethanol productivity achievable by optimal operation has been estimated as a result. A comparison of two different cultivation methods shows that a batch fermenter outperforms a chemostat with respect to ethanol productivity in this example, which might be ascribed to the strain characteristic of a strong preference for glucose to xylose as a car-bon source. The hybrid cybernetic model provides critical information on the pathway modification of recombinant yeast for the further increase of ethanol productivity at genetic level as well. Through the sensitivity analysis, we have identified the metabolic pathway which can lead to the substantial increase (up to 36%) of ethanol productivity.
Notes
Energy Center
42
POSTER SESSION North Ballroom, Purdue Memorial Union
Monday, May 19, 2008, 5:00–6:30 p.m.
High Protein Corn Distillers’ Grain: a Co-product of Corn Endosperm Fermentation-its Use in Broiler Chicken Diets and Environmental Consequences
C. Troche1,T.J. Applegate1, , Z. Jiang1, and T.R. Johnson2
1Purdue University; 2Dairy and Animal Nutrient Management Systems, Noblesville, IN.
Primary Contact: Todd Applegate
E-mail: [email protected]
ABSTRACT
Two experiments were conducted with a co-product of corn endosperm fermentation (HP-DDG; 54% CP). The first experiment determined nutrient digestibility of the HP-DDG and a subsequent broiler grow-out experiment was conducted from 0 to 42 d of age. An industry control diet (I) regimen was compared to that of either a 25 or 50% replacement for the level of 48% CP SBM. From 0-14, 14-28, and 28-42 d of age, the HP-DDG in the 50% SBM replacement diet was added at 25, 20 and 21% of the diet, respectively. In order to meet digestible amino acid needs, the diet containing 50% SBM replacement with HP-DDG contained 4.1, 3.3, and 3.8%-units more CP than the I diet regimen from 1-14, 14-28, and 28-42 d of age, respectively. Dietary replacement of up to 50% replacement of SBM inclusion with HP-DDG had no effect on bird performance at 14, 28, or 42 d of age or breast meat yield at 42 d of age. Birds consuming a diet with 50% replacement of SBM with HP-DDG ate 17.1% more nitrogen (N) compared to those consuming I diets. This additional N eaten resulted in birds being fed the 50% replacement for SBM diet increased the volume of manure excreted by 21.9% and the mass of N excreted into litter by 31.8%. Due in large part to the amino acid profile and digestibility of HP DDG, may contribute to more manure and N from broiler operations.
Notes
43
POSTER SESSION North Ballroom, Purdue Memorial Union
Monday, May 19, 2008, 5:00–6:30 p.m.
Policy Analysis for Integrated Energy and Agricultural Markets in a Partial Equilibrium Framework
Wallace Tyner and Farzad Taheripour: Purdue University, Department of Agricultural Economics
Primary Contact: Farzad Taheripour
E-mail: [email protected]
ABSTRACT
In the past, agricultural markets have been well integrated. Markets for different energy commodities, especially liq-uid energy products, also have been tightly linked. But agricultural markets and energy markets have not been closely correlated. Historically, recognizing this market separation, we have evaluated energy and agricultural commodities and policies apart. Can we continue to do that in the future? Until 2002 the fraction of the US corn crop going to ethanol had always been less than 10%. But in 2007, the fraction of the corn crop going to ethanol will be about 22 percent. This fraction may exceed 30% in 2008 and it could even approach 40% depending on what happens to corn acreage and production.
Massive production of energy, mainly liquid fuels, from agricultural resources will link agricultural and energy mar-kets, tightly. The new market integration is perhaps the most fundamentally important change to occur in agriculture in decades. The link between energy and agricultural markets requires an integrated environment to study these markets and design policy alternatives to guide them towards designated goals. This research develops an integrated partial equilibrium framework to analyze economic impacts of four alternative policies which can be implemented in promoting ethanol production.
Notes
Energy Center
44
POSTER SESSION North Ballroom, Purdue Memorial Union
Monday, May 19, 2008, 5:00–6:30 p.m.
Water Quality Impacts of Corn-Based Ethanol Production
Mark A. Thomas, Bernard A. Engel, and Indrajeet Chaubey Respectively, Graduate student, Professor, and Associate Professor, Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907
Primary Contact: Mark A. Thomas
E-mail: [email protected]
ABSTRACT
The overall goal of this project was to quantify the long-term water quality impacts of land management changes associated with increased demands for corn as a transportation biofuel feedstock in the United States. A modeling approach that considers a nonpoint source model, GLEAMS-NAPRA, was used to simulate statewide annual losses in nitrate-nitrogen, total phosphorus, atrazine (1-chloro-3-ethylamino-5-isopropylamino-2,4,6-triazine), pyraclostrobin (Methyl {2-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-1H-pyrazol-3-yloxymethyl]phenyl}methoxycarbamate), erosion, runoff and percola-tion to the edge-of-field and bottom-of-root-zone associated with multiple cropping scenarios. Model results for rep-resentative soils, throughout Indiana, were analyzed to determine 10% (worst-case) and 50% (average-case) probabil-ity of exceedance in the aforementioned water quality indicators. Modeling results indicated significant differences (p<0.05) in water quality indicators between continuous corn and corn-soybean rotations. The results showed that other agricultural management decisions would have greater impact on nutrient, runoff and pesticides losses from ag-ricultural fields compared to water quality indicators associated with the projected changes in crop rotation systems. The model results point to the need for additional research to fully understand the water impacts of land management decisions associated with corn grain as a feedstock for biofuel production.
Notes
45
POSTER SESSION North Ballroom, Purdue Memorial Union
Monday, May 19, 2008, 5:00–6:30 p.m.
Combined Effect of Acetic Acid and Controlled pH on the Co-fermentation of Glucose and Xylose by Recombinant Yeast
Elizabeth Casey1,3, Miroslav Sedlak1,3, Nancy Ho1,2, and Nathan S. Mosier1,3 1. Laboratory of Renewable Resources Engineering, Purdue University 2. Department of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University 3. Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Purdue University West Lafayette, IN 47907
Primary Contact: Elizabeth Casey
E-mail: [email protected]
ABSTRACT
Lignocellulosic biomass is a promising renewable feedstock for the microbial production of chemicals, especially eth-anol. The major fermentable sugars released by processing the lignocellulosic biomass are glucose and xylose. How-ever, the primary processing steps required for this conversion also produce a range of compounds that can inhibit subsequent microbial fermentation. One such inhibitory compound is acetic acid, liberated during the pretreatment of biomass. In this poster, we report the effect of acetic acid on the glucose/xylose co-fermentation by S. cerevisiae 424A(LNH-ST), a genetically engineered yeast strain that can effectively co-ferment both glucose and xylose to etha-nol. The co-fermentation of glucose and xylose was performed under acetic acid conditions of 7.5, 10, and 15 g/L over a pH range of 5 – 6. To maintain the pH at the specified value, fermentations were carried out in 1L New Brunswick BioFlow 110 bench-top fermentors equipped with pH control. Results showed that the fermentation of both sugars was negatively affected by the presence of acetic acid, although this effect was more severe for xylose. The inhibitory effect increased as acetic acid concentration increased and pH decreased. However, metabolic ethanol yields were about the same as the control, regardless of pH or acetic acid concentration.
Notes
Energy Center
46
POSTER SESSION North Ballroom, Purdue Memorial Union
Monday, May 19, 2008, 5:00–6:30 p.m.
Effects of Added Protein and Dietary Fat on Lamb Performance and Carcass Characteristics When Fed Differing Levels of Dried Distiller’s Grains with Solubles
M.L. Van Emon, A.F. Musselman, P.J. Gunn, M.K. Neary, R.P. Lemenager, and S.L. Lake Department of Animal Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907
ABSTRACT
The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of dietary protein and fat in dried distiller’s grains with solubles (DDGS) on feedlot performance and carcass characteristics in finishing lambs. Sixty crossbred lambs were allotted (33.17 ± 4.67 kg) into pairs (ewe and wether) and fed one of five isocaloric dietary treatments: 1) a corn based diet with DDGS included to meet CP requirements (25% of DM; CON), 2) CON with DDGS included at twice the amount of CON (50% of DM; 50DDGS), 3) CON with added protein to equal the CP in the 50DDGS diet (CON+CP), 4) CON with added vegetable oil to equal the fat in the 50DDGS diet (CON+VO), and 5) CON with protein and fat added to equal the CP and fat in the 50DDGS diet (CON+CPVO). Average number of days on study (P = 0.78), aver-age daily gain (P = 0.48), and final BW (P = 0.69) were not influenced by treatments. However, G:F tended (P = 0.13) to be lower in CON, CON+CP, and CON+VO than 50DDGS and DMI tended (P = 0.14) to be higher in CON and CON+VO than 50DDGS. Dietary treatment did not affect HCW (P = 0.79), dressing percentage (P = 0.34), 12th rib fat depth (P = 0.71), LM area (P = 0.67), body wall thickness (P = 0.57), yield grade (P = 0.71), flank streaking (P = 0.62), leg score (P = 0.96), or ether extract (P = 0.36). These data indicate that DDGS can be included in feedlot lamb diets at levels up to 50% of DM without affecting overall performance or carcass quality.
Notes
47
POSTER SESSION North Ballroom, Purdue Memorial Union
Monday, May 19, 2008, 5:00–6:30 p.m.
Rerouting the lignin biosynthetic pathway by expression of a novel cytochrome P450 monooxygenase from Selaginella
Jing-Ke Weng and Clint Chapple Department of Biochemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
Primary Contact: Jing-Ke Weng
E-mail: [email protected]
ABSTRACT
A hallmark of vascular plants is the presence of the phenolic lignin heteropolymer in plant cell walls. Unfortunately, lignin impedes the breakdown of cell wall polysaccharides to simple sugars and the subsequent conversion of these sugars to biofuel. Previous attempts to modify lignin content and composition have been focused on manipulating the expression of the enzymes in the lignin monomer biosynthetic pathway. Here we present a novel method of lignin engineering by expression of a cytochrome P450 monooxygenase (P450) from the lycophyte Selaginella moellen-dorffii. The Selaginella P450 catalyzes hydroxylation reactions on both 3-, and 5-positions of the para-hydroxylated phenylpropanoid intermediates. When expressed in Arabidopsis, it can take the place of two Arabidopsis endogenous meta-hydroxylases (C3’H and F5H), leading to the monolignol biosynthesis through routes that are typically not present in angiosperms. The resulting transgenic plants exhibit an unusual lignin composition with equal levels of p-hydroxyphenyl and syringyl units but few guaiacyl units. The Selaginella P450 characterized in this research poten-tially provides a new tool for engineering plant cell wall for biofuel feedstock production.
Notes
Energy Center
48
Notes
Energy Center at Discovery ParkPotter Engineering Center
Room 322, 500 Central Drive West Lafayette, IN 47907-2022
Office: (765) [email protected]
http://www.purdue.edu/dp/energy
