Modeling Trucking Flows of Switchgrass Feedstock to Biorefinery and Accompanying Impact on Regional Economy: Case Study of Tennessee

摘要: This study evaluated optimal plant gate costs for two conventional hay harvest technologies that could be used harvesting and storing switchgrass feedstock a potential 189.25 kl year−1 ethanol biorefinery in East Tennessee. Applying spatially-oriented mixed-integer mathematical programming model GIS resource to estimate the least cost of logistics systems, results indicate large square bale system had lower when compared with round system, primarily due saving transportation system. The estimated truck flows on road network by month were also mapped. Moreover, accompanying economic impact expenditures was analysis. For every dollar spent both an $0.71 activity would created region. Thus, total $21.6 million $16.9 expected generated industrial output respectively.