Create An Infographic Each Student Will Demonstrate A Chosen

create An Infographiceach Student Will Demonstrate A Chosen Biomass T

Create an infographic. Each student will demonstrate a chosen biomass-to-bioenergy value chain by creating an infographic to be shared with FCIC and presented to Orchid’s board of directors to help them decide which feedstock is the best investment. Include the following in your infographic: 1. A discussion of the physical and chemical properties of your chosen feedstock and what makes your feedstock a good choice for biofuels. 2. A general overview of how your feedstock is harvested, collected, and treated on its way to a biorefinery. 3. Describe the geographic distribution of your feedstock. Where is the highest concentration of feedstock and where would be the best location for building a biorefinery? 4. Include any charts, graphs, and images that will help you promote your feedstock.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

The transition towards sustainable transportation fuels is imperative in the pursuit of reducing global carbon emissions, and biomass feedstocks play a vital role in this transformative process. This paper aims to explore the biomass-to-bioenergy value chain associated with switchgrass, highlighting its physical and chemical properties, harvesting and processing methods, geographic distribution, and the optimal location for a biorefinery. The ultimate goal is to support Orchid Bioenergy's initiative to establish a new biorefinery that maximizes economic and environmental benefits.

Physical and Chemical Properties of Switchgrass

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is a perennial grass native to North America renowned for its high biomass yield and adaptability to various climates. Its physical properties include a high dry matter content and low moisture levels at harvest, which are critical for efficient processing. Chemically, switchgrass contains substantial cellulose (approximately 40-45%), hemicellulose (25-30%), and lignin (15-20%) (Schmer et al., 2008). The high cellulose content makes it an excellent candidate for biochemical conversion pathways, such as fermentation to produce ethanol, while lignin provides structural integrity and influences the efficiency of thermochemical processes. Additionally, the low ash content minimizes fouling during processing, and its biochemical composition results in relatively low ash and silica content, which are advantageous for conversion efficiency (McLaughlin & Kszos, 2005). These properties collectively make switchgrass a sustainable and efficient feedstock for biofuel production, especially given its renewable nature and ease of cultivation.

Harvesting, Collection, and Processing

Switchgrass is typically harvested via mechanical methods using forage harvesters or mower conditioners during late summer or early fall when biomass moisture levels decline below 15%. Proper timing ensures minimal degradation and high-quality feedstock with low moisture content, which is necessary for efficient storage and processing. The harvested biomass is then transported to processing facilities, where it undergoes preprocessing steps such as size reduction and drying to optimize feedstock homogeneity. Once preprocessed, the biomass is subjected to either biochemical conversion, involving enzymatic saccharification and fermentation, or thermochemical conversion, including pyrolysis or gasification. These processes require maintaining specific conditions—such as temperature, pH, and moisture levels—to maximize yield and minimize costs (Bauen et al., 2009). Proper handling during collection and treatment reduces contamination and spoilage, ensuring a consistent and high-quality feedstock input for biorefineries.

Geographic Distribution and Optimal Biorefinery Location

Switchgrass is predominantly found across the Midwest and Southeastern United States, with the highest yields reported in states like Iowa, Illinois, and Arkansas. These regions benefit from favorable climatic conditions, soil quality, and low land costs, making them ideal for biomass cultivation (Lemus & Mutch, 2010). The dense concentration of switchgrass in these areas aligns with the strategic placement of biorefineries to reduce transportation costs and carbon footprints. An optimal location for a biorefinery would be within or near these high-yield regions, leveraging existing infrastructure and supply chains. For instance, situating a biorefinery in central Illinois would facilitate easy access to abundant feedstock while minimizing logistical challenges, thereby lowering overall production costs and emissions associated with feedstock transportation.

Visual Aids: Charts, Graphs, and Images

To effectively promote switchgrass as an ideal feedstock for biofuel production, visual aids such as pie charts illustrating its chemical composition, maps displaying geographic distribution, and flowcharts outlining the harvest-to-conversion process will be included. A bar graph comparing biomass yields across key regions, alongside images of harvesting equipment and processing facilities, will provide a comprehensive visual narrative supporting the textual analysis.

Conclusion

Switchgrass emerges as a highly suitable biomass feedstock due to its favorable physical and chemical properties, extensive regional distribution, and suitability for scalable biorefinery operations. Its low moisture content, high cellulose content, and adaptability to existing agricultural systems make it an economically viable and environmentally sustainable option. Strategically locating biorefineries in high-yield regions like Illinois can further enhance cost-efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, aligning with Orchid Bioenergy’s goals of scaling up low-carbon transportation fuels. A well-structured biomass-to-bioenergy supply chain, supported by visual and data-driven insights, will enable industry stakeholders to make informed investment decisions that foster economic growth and environmental resilience.

References

• Bauen, A., et al. (2009). Bioenergy options for Europe: a review of bioenergy technologies, sustainability and policy developments. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 13(3), 608-621.
• Lemus, R., & Mutch, D. (2010). Biomass crop productivity and soils: Life cycle impacts of switchgrass management practices. Agricultural Systems, 103(9), 724-733.
• Madhu, M. (2022). Biogas: Sources, processes, and applications. Energy & Environmental Science, 15, 235-262.
• McLaughlin, S. B., & Kszos, L. A. (2005). Development of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) as a bioenergy feedstock in the United States. Biomass and Bioenergy, 28(6), 515-535.
• Schmer, M. R., et al. (2008). Net energy of cellulosic ethanol from switchgrass. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 105(2), 464-469.