Publication
Title
A Pareto aggregation approach for environmental-economic multi-objective optimization applied on a second-generation bioethanol production model
Author
Abstract
Multi-objective optimization is an important decision-making tool for energy processes, as multiple targets need to be achieved. These objectives are usually conflicting since a single solution cannot be optimal for all objectives, resulting in a set of Pareto-optimal solutions. Multiple indicators might be available to describe a sustainability objective, such as the environmental impact which is commonly evaluated by performing a life cycle assessment. In this study, Pareto aggregation is proposed as a method which employs a novel multi-objective optimization-based approach as an alternative to the classically used aggregation in life cycle assessment. This method identifies conflicting environmental indicators and performs an aggregation among those that require a trade-off. An environmental-economic optimization of a second-generation bioethanol plant is used to illustrate and evaluate the proposed method. Process parameters from a biochemical conversion pathway flowsheet simulation model are chosen as optimization variables. To reduce the computational time, surrogate models, based on artificial neural networks, are used. Out of the eighteen ReCiPe Midpoint environmental indicators, five were identified as conflicting, resulting in an aggregated environmental objective, which was then traded off with the economic objective function, chosen as the levelized cost of ethanol. Comparison with the widely used single-score EcoIndicator99 showed that the Pareto aggregation method can reduce most of the environmental indicators by up to 6.5%. This research provides an insight on non-redundant objective functions, aiming at reducing the dimensionality of multi-objective optimization problems, while taking into consideration decision-makers’ preferences.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Energy conversion and management. - Oxford, 1980, currens
Publication
Oxford : 2024
ISSN
0196-8904 [print]
1879-2227 [online]
DOI
10.1016/J.ENCONMAN.2024.118184
Volume/pages
303 (2024) , p. 1-11
Article Reference
118184
ISI
001185718400001
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (open access)
The author-created version that incorporates referee comments and is the accepted for publication version Available from 10.08.2024
Full text (publisher's version - intranet only)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Project info
GOPRESUSE – Towards generic optimizations and prospective evaluations for the design of sustainable disruptive process technologies and resource management systems by connecting statistical entropy, economic and environmental aspects.
ADV_BIO: Technological innovation in the production of advanced biofuels applicable to the Belgian territory for road and air transport and technical, economic and environmental analyses
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 11.02.2024
Last edited 10.06.2024
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