1/25/07
Ongoing research at the University of Minnesota is uncovering
new means to utilize DDGS as a power source for ethanol
manufacturers. DDGS, shorthand for Dried Distilled Grains
with Solubles, are one of the byproducts of the manufacture
of ethanol- and are produced by the ton during the regular
operations of an Ethanol plant. Traditionally, the DDGS
that are created from converting corn into ethanol have
been sold as feed stock for livestock.
Advances in technology have
opened up a new option for the use of DDGS as a sustainable
biomass energy source
for Ethanol operations. "Biomass" units are able
to produce heat and/or energy utilizing organic and other
byproducts as their fuel source. Through the burning
of DDGS in specially designed units, ethanol plants could
power their operations without the use of natural gas
or
other
fossil
fuels. Conversion to this form of power
not only reduces energy costs substantially, but alleviates
the need to store, transport, or otherwise dispose of DDGS
at each facility.
As ethanol production increases,
more and more DDGS are created- effectively lowering their
market value. Conversely, increasing natural gas and fossil
fuel prices result in higher energy costs for
the production of ethanol. These factors in addition to
the increase of competition in the ethanol marketplace
are requiring plants to find leaner methods of production.
According to this ongoing research
conducted by Professor Vance Morey,
ethanol production plants
could
see substantial operational cost benefits from this fuel
model.
Source: http://www.mrec.org/confer/2005_RenewableEnergy_Morey.pdf
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