Techno-economic Analysis of Capacitive Deionization (CDI) Use for Separations of Biofuels in the Production Process
Session Number
Project ID: ENGN 11
Advisor(s)
Dr. Lauren Valentino, Argonne National Laboratory
Discipline
Engineering
Start Date
17-4-2024 9:40 AM
End Date
17-4-2024 9:55 AM
Abstract
Biofuels play a critical role in transitioning towards a sustainable energy system. Affordable and low-carbon biofuels are especially important for hard- to-electrify transportation sectors, such as aviation. Cost and efficiency are the main challenges faced in the biofuel production process, with the separation of valuable organic acids from fermented broth accounting for 50% of the total energy use and up to 70% of overall costs. Capacitive Deionization (CDI), an electro-chemical separations method traditionally used in water desalination, is a promising technology that offers lower energy consumption compared to conventional, thermal-based separations. The application of CDI for biofuel production at an industrial scale remains underexplored. This research aims to provide a techno-economic analysis of using CDI for biofuel precursors, evaluating both the technical and economical feasibility of CDI on larger scales. The findings investigate the industrial architecture of CDI modules, and a comprehensive analysis of important costs, enhancing understanding of CDI's potential and utilization in the transition to sustainable biofuels.
Techno-economic Analysis of Capacitive Deionization (CDI) Use for Separations of Biofuels in the Production Process
Biofuels play a critical role in transitioning towards a sustainable energy system. Affordable and low-carbon biofuels are especially important for hard- to-electrify transportation sectors, such as aviation. Cost and efficiency are the main challenges faced in the biofuel production process, with the separation of valuable organic acids from fermented broth accounting for 50% of the total energy use and up to 70% of overall costs. Capacitive Deionization (CDI), an electro-chemical separations method traditionally used in water desalination, is a promising technology that offers lower energy consumption compared to conventional, thermal-based separations. The application of CDI for biofuel production at an industrial scale remains underexplored. This research aims to provide a techno-economic analysis of using CDI for biofuel precursors, evaluating both the technical and economical feasibility of CDI on larger scales. The findings investigate the industrial architecture of CDI modules, and a comprehensive analysis of important costs, enhancing understanding of CDI's potential and utilization in the transition to sustainable biofuels.