Title:
COCPIT PROJECT - Biorefinery Concept for Circular Production of Microalgae-based Fuels for Shipping and Aviation
Author(s):
Awad, S., El Bast, M., Andrčs, Y., Prud'homme, J., Castello, D., Pedersen, T.H., Lepine, O., Koutinas, A., Zagganas, D., Ioannidou, S.M., LeClercq, P., Legrand, J., Titica, M., Bengoa, C., Torrens Serrahima, E., Zurita Sánchez, A., Vlacheas, P., Demestichas, P., Cocchi, M., Capaccioli, S., Alpi, S.
Document(s):
Paper
Poster
Abstract:
COCPIT´s ambition is to enhance the SAF production chain by bringing ground-breaking innovations at each thread of it. It aims also to provide investors with a human centred decision tool in a "test before invest" spirit with a high confidence level to de-risk investments. A lipid-rich microalgae strain is cultivated in an intensified reactor coupled to semi-transparent photovoltaic panels transforming infrared (non-photosynthetic) light spectrum into electrical power. The transformation of algal biomass into SAF is studied using two alternative pathways: The most mature one, HEFA, and a very promising one HTL. The project focuses on the circularity, productivity, sustainability and economic viability of the chain. For HEFA pathway, efficient, low impact and regenerable ionic liquids are used to extract lipids and to catalyse hydrotreatment. For HTL pathway, a continuous reactor, tailored to SAF production from the chosen strain is designed and constructed to reduce clogging issues and to size with higher precision the heat exchangers. Furthermore, the mechanistic models that are developed and used in the design increase the scalability of the HTL. Biocrude upgrading is led to give a high flexibility between SAF and shipping fuel production. The system is designed in a circular way to reduce by-products, feed system with endogenous hydrogen, recirculate nutrients and reduce its water intensiveness. The whole integrated system is simulated with Unism software and all technical, economical, environmental and life cycle indicators are calculated under the COCPIT decision tool and typical scenarios are compiled. The decision tool is delivered within a marketplace that puts at investor’s service a range of required technological solutions, equipment and skills.
Keywords:
bioenergy, energy, microalgae, hydrothermal liquefaction, techno-economic assessment, system integration, life cycle assessment (LCA), sustainable aviation fuel, fuels and petroleum engineering, decision tool, HEFA, chemical engineering
Topic:
Biomass, Bio-based Products and Bioenergy Integration
Subtopic:
Biomass use in biorefineries
Event:
32nd European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
3CV.6.13
Pages:
476 - 477
ISBN:
978-88-89407-24-0
Paper DOI:
10.5071/32ndEUBCE2024-3CV.6.13
Price:
FREE
