Simulation and optimization of the logistics of biomass fuel collection

Abstract

Biomass fuel costs depend for a great part on the logistics of biomass fuel collection. The logistics, including pre-treatments, from source locations to energy plant can be modelled by means of a network structure. Nodes correspond to source locations, collection sites, trans-shipment sites, pre-treatment sites or the energy plant and arcs correspond to transport. Two models were developed to gain insight into the costs and energy consumption of the logistics: a simulation model and an optimization model. Both models are described, together with some results of an example, and the differences are discussed. Model choice depends mostly on the objectives of the user.