sam jackson southeastern region gis efforts university of tennessee office of bioenergy programs...

Sam Jackson

Southeastern Region

GIS Efforts

University of TennesseeOffice of Bioenergy ProgramsKnoxville, TN 37996-4570865.946.1130samjackson@tennessee.edu

Research Assistant Professor

Overall Efforts/Project

Continuation literature review for data and information in previously conducted studies

Collecting data related new and current feedstock studies in the region (switchgrass, woody biomass, crops, etc)

Significant work on woody biomass availability and siting models done

Biofuels Facility Location Analysis Modeling Endeavor

Brad Wilson, Burt English Biorefinery site

evaluation in 16 southeastern states

Combines: Suitability analysis

based on geographic features

Feedstock supply analysis

• Currently focused on switchgrass as the feedstock

• Uses crop zones derived from SSURGO soils database and county boundaries

BIOFLAME

• Incorporates:– Transportation networks – roads, rail, barge– Crop yield, budgets, price, and land-use

information

• Model calculates break-even price for crop competition, marginal costs of transportation, and identifies optimal sites

BIOFLAME

Input Parameters

Suitability Analysis

Showing areas near major roads, railroads, navigable waterways, and major cities

Biorefineries and Feedstock

Eight facilities sited across Tennessee with associated feedstock

Site Comparison

Output table showing cost breakdown and crop acreages converted to switchgrass production

• Expansion to more states and energy feedstocks• Increased resolution for crop zones to field level• Increased resolution of crop yield information

using models like EPIC or ALMANAC• Preprocessing/depot collection facilities• Addition of:

– Policy implication function– Ethanol demand function

Ideas for Improvement/Future Plans

BioSAT: A web-based biomass site assessment tool

• Timothy M. Young, Donald G. Hodges, Timothy G. Rials – UT

• Robert C. Abt – NCSU• James H. Perdue, Andy Hartsell – USFS

Decision Model for Estimating Costs for Biomass Using Facilities

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Cumulative Quantity (dry tons)

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Results – Mill Residues

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Results – Ag Residues

www.BioSAT.net

Questions?