The incentives and policies spearheaded by the U.S. government have created abundant opportunities for renewable fuel production and commercialization. Bio-butanol is a very promising renewable fuel for the future transportation market. Many efforts have been made to improve its production process, but seldom has bio-butanol research discussed the integration and optimization of a cellulosic bio-butanol supply chain network. This study focused on the development of a physical supply chain network and the optimization of a green supply chain network for cellulosic bio-butanol. To develop the physical supply chain network, the production process, material flow, physical supply chain participants, and supply chain logistics activities of cellulosic bio-butanol were identified by conducting an onsite visit and survey of current bio-fuel stakeholders. To optimize the green supply chain network for cellulosic bio-butanol, the life cycle analysis was integrated into a multi-objective linear programming model. With the objectives of maximizing the economic profits and minimizing the greenhouse gas emissions, the proposed model can optimize the location and size of a bio-butanol production plant. The mathematical model was applied to a case study in the state of Missouri, and solved the tradeoff between the feedstock and market availabilities of sorghum stem bio-butanol. The results of this research can be used to support the decision making process at the strategic, tactical, and operational levels of cellulosic bio-butanol commercialization and cellulosic bio-butanol supply chain optimization. The results of this research can also be used as an introductory guideline for beginners who are interested in cellulosic bio-butanol commercialization and supply chain design. / Ph. D.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:VTETD/oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/79488 |
| Date | 03 October 2017 |
| Creators | Liang, Li |
| Contributors | Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation, Quesada, Henry Jose, Kline, David E., Bish, Douglas R., Smith, Robert L. |
| Publisher | Virginia Tech |
| Source Sets | Virginia Tech Theses and Dissertation |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Dissertation |
| Format | ETD, application/pdf |
| Rights | In Copyright, http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ |
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