scholarly journals A Technoeconomic Evaluation of the Potential of Industrial Biotechnology for the Competitive Production of Commodity and Bulk Chemicals

Author(s):  
Jennifer Hennigan ◽  
Phillip Wagner ◽  
Chris Burk ◽  
John Efromson ◽  
Zhixia Ye ◽  
...  

<div> <div> <div> <p>Fermentation based bioprocesses are routinely developed for higher value products; however, the development of bioprocesses for larger volume chemicals has lagged. While electrification of transportation may enable significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions in the fuel sector, the production of chemicals, by its very nature, requires a carbon feedstock. The utilization of more sustainable bioprocessing has unique potential in this sector. Despite the start- up of several bio-based chemical facilities none of these technologies have had break-out success, as measured by the construction of multiple follow on plants. A key barrier to the wide-spread adoption of large scale bio-based processes includes the potential financial return on capital spent on new facilities and, importantly, the comparative financial return for bioprocesses vs. incumbent petrochemical technology. A standard metric of a project’s financial return is the internal rate of return or IRR. Bio-based chemical processes will likely not be extensively commercialized unless they have an IRR that is competitive with petrochemical routes. </p> </div> </div> </div>

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Hennigan ◽  
Phillip Wagner ◽  
Chris Burk ◽  
John Efromson ◽  
Zhixia Ye ◽  
...  

<div> <div> <div> <p>Fermentation based bioprocesses are routinely developed for higher value products; however, the development of bioprocesses for larger volume chemicals has lagged. While electrification of transportation may enable significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions in the fuel sector, the production of chemicals, by its very nature, requires a carbon feedstock. The utilization of more sustainable bioprocessing has unique potential in this sector. Despite the start- up of several bio-based chemical facilities none of these technologies have had break-out success, as measured by the construction of multiple follow on plants. A key barrier to the wide-spread adoption of large scale bio-based processes includes the potential financial return on capital spent on new facilities and, importantly, the comparative financial return for bioprocesses vs. incumbent petrochemical technology. A standard metric of a project’s financial return is the internal rate of return or IRR. Bio-based chemical processes will likely not be extensively commercialized unless they have an IRR that is competitive with petrochemical routes. </p> </div> </div> </div>


2012 ◽  
Vol 608-609 ◽  
pp. 1120-1126 ◽  
Author(s):  
De Shun Wang ◽  
Bo Yang ◽  
Lian Tao Ji

A static frequency converter start-up control strategy for pumped-storage power unit is presented. And rotor position detecting without position sensor is realized according to voltage and magnetism equations of ideal synchronous motor mathematics model. The mechanism and implementation method of initial rotor position determination and rotor position estimation under low frequency without position sensor are expounded and validated by simulations. Based on the mentioned control strategy, first set of a static frequency converter start-up device in China for large-scale pumped-storage unit is developed, which is applied to start-up control test in the 90 MW generator/motor of Panjiakou Pumped-storage Power Plant. Test results show that rotor position detecting, pulse commutation, natural commutation, and unit synchronous procedure control of static start-up are all proved. The outcomes have been applied in running equipment, which proves the feasibility of mentioned method.


Author(s):  
Audrey Ruple ◽  
Evan MacLean ◽  
Noah Snyder-Mackler ◽  
Kate E. Creevy ◽  
Daniel Promislow

As the most phenotypically diverse mammalian species that shares human environments and access to sophisticated healthcare, domestic dogs have unique potential to inform our understanding of the determinants of aging. Here we outline key concepts in the study of aging and illustrate the value of research with dogs, which can improve dog health and support translational discoveries. We consider similarities and differences in aging and age-related diseases in dogs and humans and summarize key advances in our understanding of genetic and environmental risk factors for morbidity and mortality in dogs. We address health outcomes ranging from cancer to cognitive function and highlight emerging research opportunities from large-scale cohort studies in companion dogs. We conclude that studying aging in dogs could overcome many limitations of laboratory models, most notably, the ability to assess how aging-associated pathways influence aging in real-world environments similar to those experienced by humans. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Animal Biosciences, Volume 10 is February 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 233339362093002
Author(s):  
Susanne Winther ◽  
Mia Fredens ◽  
Marie Brund Hansen ◽  
Kirstine Skov Benthien ◽  
Camilla Palmhøj Nielsen ◽  
...  

Proactive Health Support (PaHS) is a large-scale intervention in Denmark carried out by registered nurses (RNs) who provide self-management support to people at risk of hospital admission to enhance their health, coping, and quality of life. PaHS is initiated with a face-to-face session followed by telephone conversations. We aimed to explore the start-up sessions, including if and how the relationship between participants and RNs developed at the onset of PaHS. We used an ethnographic design including observations and informal interviews. Data were analyzed using a phenomenological–hermeneutical approach. The study showed that contexts such as hospitals and RNs legitimized the intervention. Face-to-face communication contributed to credibility, just as the same RN throughout the intervention ensured continuity. We conclude that start-up sessions before telephone-based self-management support enable a trust-based relationship between participants and RNs. Continuous contact with the same RNs throughout the session promoted participation in the intervention.


Author(s):  
Phil Crosby

Too many large engineering/science projects fail in terms of budget overruns, schedule slippage, or under-performance, and this has profound implications not only for the construction and commissioning organisations, but also for the funders (public or private), and the clients or users. Successful design and delivery is therefore not only a commercial necessity but also a societal imperative. Success in complex mega-projects is not easily achieved and is interpreted differently by various stakeholders, moreover there is growing recognition of the importance of front-end shaping. In this chapter, the author addresses the inception, planning and feasibility phases of complex mega-projects in some depth, based on extant and updated research of large scale high-technology science projects. Five key success drivers are explained, and when addressed together, are shown to be especially potent. This chapter draws out subtle aspects of mega-project management shown to be crucial at the preliminary, or start-up, phase.


2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (3) ◽  
pp. 1211
Author(s):  
Flávio De Moraes ◽  
Marcos Aurélio Lopes ◽  
Francisval De Melo Carvalho ◽  
Afonso Aurélio de Carvalho Peres ◽  
Fábio Raphael Pascoti Bruhn ◽  
...  

This study investigates the cost-effectiveness of 20 demonstration units (DUs) belonging to the "Balde Cheio" program. The units in question are from the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, dating from January to December 2011, and are sorted according to the scale of production (small, medium and large). The data were analyzed using Predictive Analytical software (PASW) 18.0. The scale of production influenced the total cost of milk production, and therefore profitability and cost-effectiveness. The large-scale stratum showed the lowest total unit cost. The positive results in medium and large scales in milk production lead to optimal conditions for long-term production, with the capitalization of cowmen. The items regarding the effective operating cost (EOC) with the biggest influence on the costs of dairy activity in the small scale stratum were food, energy and miscellaneous expenses. In the medium scale, these were food, labor force, and miscellaneous expenses. Finally, in the large scale, they were food, labor force and energy. In the small and large scale, the items regarding the total cost with the biggest influence on the costs of dairy activity were food, labor force, and return on capital, while in the medium scale, they were food, return on capital, and labor force. The average break-even point of 14 of the DUs was higher than the average daily production.


2001 ◽  
Vol 123 (2) ◽  
pp. 160-163 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rainer Tamme ◽  
Reiner Buck ◽  
Michael Epstein ◽  
Uriyel Fisher ◽  
Chemi Sugarmen

This paper presents a novel process comprising solar upgrading of hydrocarbons by steam reforming in solar specific receiver-reactors and utilizing the upgraded, hydrogen-rich fuel in high efficiency conversion systems, such as gas turbines or fuel cells. In comparison to conventionally heated processes about 30% of fuel can be saved with respect to the same specific output. Such processes can be used in small scale as a stand-alone system for off-grid markets as well as in large scale to be operated in connection with conventional combined-cycle plants. The complete reforming process will be demonstrated in the SOLASYS project, supported by the European Commission in the JOULE/THERMIE framework. The project has been started in June 1998. The SOLASYS plant is designed for 300 kWel output, it consists of the solar field, the solar reformer and a gas turbine, adjusted to operate with the reformed gas. The SOLASYS plant will be operated at the experimental solar test facility of the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel. Start-up of the pilot plant is scheduled in April 2001. The midterm goal is to replace fossil fuels by renewable or non-conventional feedstock in order to increase the share of renewable energy and to establish processes with only minor or no CO2 emission. Examples might be upgrading of bio-gas from municipal solid waste as well as upgrading of weak gas resources.


2014 ◽  
Vol 672-674 ◽  
pp. 1347-1352
Author(s):  
Z.Y. Sun ◽  
Tao Ding ◽  
M.S. Liu

There is a need to build power grid on RTDS in order to testing performance of security and stability equipment (SASE). The paper divide a large-scale province power grid into four region grid with present RTDS hardware capacity in a view to include all stations installing SASE in a single region grid and disconnect lines as few as possible between adjacent region grids. The paper gives method of manually calculating and modeling node’s power balance, keys of building region grid and matters needing attention transforming parameter format from BPA to RTDS, and then simulating results show that steady state error of some variables are less than one percent, all less than 10 percent and transient characteristics help SASE to start-up to some extent.


Author(s):  
Daniel Etongo ◽  
Vincent Amelie ◽  
Angelique Pouponneau ◽  
Walter Leal Filho

AbstractAs a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), Seychelles is quite vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, and adaptation is considered a national priority. Despite efforts to enhance its adaptive capacity, a number of barriers still hamper the adaptation process such as fragile institutions and inadequate governance to climate change, financial and human resource capacity constraints, and limited scientific knowledge and understanding of how climate change affects the country. A key barrier to climate change adaptation in the Seychelles is called “remote” or “legacy” barriers – linked to land use decisions made five decades ago during which wetlands were reclaimed for property development. Therefore, 80% of Seychelles’ critical infrastructures are located on the coastline and are exposed to floods, erosion, and sea level rise. Additionally, the pros and cons of hard and soft adaptation interventions in the Seychelles ranging from rock armoring, retaining wall, groynes to ecosystem-based adaptation actions such as timber piling, beach nourishment, dune management, rainwater harvesting, and mangrove and coral restoration are assessed with recommendations on the way forward. In other words, this chapter provides some examples of actions and strategies that may assist the island nations to improve on adaptation actions. An example that addresses partly the financial constrain is the Seychelles’ Conservation and Climate Adaptation Trust (SeyCCAT) that provide funding for medium- and large-scale project in the Seychelles since 2015.


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