ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to present the methodology used for the design of biorefinery networks based on the concepts of hierarchy, sequencing, and integration approaches. It presents a detailed explanation of the process simulation, mass, and energy integration along with the techno-economic assessment of biorefineries. The starting point of the techno-economic analysis is the mass and energy balances from the simulation procedure that are used for two purposes: the sizing of the operation units of the simulated biorefinery and the determination of the energy requirements. The mass and energy analysis plays an important role in the design and optimization of biorefinery systems. The chapter discusses an in-depth description of the energy analysis considering the energy savings that can be produced by the implementation of cogeneration systems, reaction–separation systems, and heat integration. Many different technologies can be used to obtain the selected products from sugarcane bagasse.
