초록
<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>A hierarchical four-level approach to determine economic potential (4-level EP) is proposed for preliminary techno-economic analysis of new processes. The 4-level EP includes input/output structure, process flow structure, heat integration (HI), and economic feasibility. Two case studies on a 30.2t/d (or 12.7million l/yr) bioethanol plant with and without jet fuel production from palm empty fruit bunches (EFB) were investigated by applying the 4-level EP. The plant flowsheet was established based on experiments in a 0.1t/d pilot plant, including sequential dilute acid and alkali pretreatment, and separate hydrolysis and fermentation (SHF). EP approached a more reliable value through the hierarchical 4-level EP. The heating energy was reduced considerably by HI. The product value was estimated at $0.8–$1.3/kg of equivalent bioethanol. It was suggested through sensitivity analysis that a large plant size, enhanced production yields, and capital cost reduction were necessary for the lignocellulosic bioethanol production to be profitable.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> 4-Level economic potential (EP) for the evaluation of techno-economic feasibility. </LI> <LI> Case studies on bioethanol production from EFB with and without jet fuel. </LI> <LI> Bioethanol production with jet fuel shows higher economic viability. </LI> <LI> 4-Level EP can be a systematic approach for techno-economic analysis. </LI> </UL> </P>