Integrated design of agricultural and industrial processes: A case study of combined sugar and ethanol production

Bioethanol production from molasses has advantages in greenhouse gas emissions because of its energy acquisition from bagasse. However, the improvement of bioethanol productivity is challenging; while each elemental technology option can be greatly improved, the trade-offs between the production of raw sugar and bioethanol are complex. This issue should be addressed through the optimization of the whole system, including both agricultural and industrial processes. In this study, we constructed a model of combined raw sugar and bioethanol production from sugarcane considering agricultural and industrial technology options. Data were acquired through a detailed investigation of actual sugar mills. Case studies on the redesign of combined raw sugar and bioethanol production demonstrated that the simultaneous implementation of both technology options increases production of food, materials, and energy from plant-derived renewable resources, thus demonstrating the effectiveness of the interdisciplinary approach. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 560–581, 2017