Description
| Abstract: | Two simulation modeling frameworks are presented for evaluating feedstock production costs and for estimating cost tradeoffs associated with number and capacity of harvesting machines as functions of weather risks and yield reductions for high-energy sorghum-methane production systems. Both models were developed using the FORTRAN-based SLAM II simulation language. One model was designed to optimize the number of harvesting machines as a function of feedstock cost. The other model was designed for performing sensitivity analyses on sorghum-methane production systems. Both models incorporate precipitation information and field work delay algorithms for simulating unscheduled harvest delays. Methane production is modeled for batch-type digesters. Either fixed or optimal hydraulic retention times for the digesters can be scheduled for determining total methane produced from the harvested sorghum. An optimization algorithm has been included which schedules optimal hydraulic retention times as functions of methane production and the degradation of sorghum ensiled in bunker type silos. |
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| Item Description: | Includes vita.
"Major subject: Agricultural engineering." |
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| Physical Description: | ix, 143 leaves : illustrations ; 28 cm |
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| Bibliography: | Includes bibliographical references (leaves 47-48). |
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