Least Cost Formulation Spatial Tool (LCF)

logo - INL - Idaho National Laboratory
Abstract: Least Cost Formulation (LCF) tool is an analysis tool that identifies the least‐cost blended feedstock for various conversion process based on logistics cost, quality, and resource availability. The LCF is further expanded to simultaneously optimize feedstock sourcing decisions, and optimal preprocessing depot locations and size, utilizing biomass resources from agricultural residue, energy and municipal solid waste to meet feedstock specifications and feedstock demand for a conversion process. LCF utilized mixed integer linear programming (MILP) model to determine least cost blend. MILP model can be modified to provide various exploratory regional /national scale feedstock supply chain analysis.
Model/Tool Platform:
SQlite, C++, Cplex, C#
General Modeling Type:
Optimization (linear)
Primary analytical purpose:
Supply chain logistics: Assessment of the implementation or design of supply chain logistics.
Secondary analytical purpose:
Techno-economic analysis: Technical and economic analysis of technologies or systems of technologies.
Metric categories:
  • Socio-economic:
    • Techno-economic Impact
    • Other Socio-economic (e.g., GDP impact, Investment/NPV)
Geospatial resolution:
County
Temporal resolution:
Years
Laboratory:
INL - Idaho National Laboratory
Principal investigators:
Damon Hartley, Mohammad Roni
Model start year:
2011
Model last updated:
2020
Development status:
Fully Developed with periodic updates
Level of validation/review:
External Peer Review / Publicly Released
Links:
Model scope:
Supply chain elements
Biomass Supply
Feedstock Logistics
Conversion
Distribution
End Use
  • Feedstock Types
    • Starch
    • Sugar Crops
    • Oil Crops
    • Fiber Crops
    • Cover Crops and Hay
    • Agricultural Residues
    • Herbaceous Energy Crops
    • Forest Residues
    • Forest Resources
    • Woody Energy Crops
    • Solid Wastes (e.g., MSW, C&D, yard trimmings)
    • Algae
Linkage Strength: (hover for description)
1
2
3
4
Analytical Purpose
Supply Chain Elements
Biomass Supply
Feedstock Logistics
Conversion
Distribution
End Use

Resource Assessment Models

Forest Sustainable and Economic Analysis Model (ForSEAM)
Supply chain elements: Biomass Supply
Policy Analysis System Model (POLYSYS)
Supply chain elements: Biomass Supply, Feedstock Logistics, Conversion

Feasibility / Implementation Models

Least Cost Formulation Spatial Tool (LCF)
Supply chain elements: Biomass Supply, Feedstock Logistics

Data Compilation Tools

Bioenergy Feedstock Library
Supply chain elements: Biomass Supply
View map of all models
Information last updated: Sep. 17, 2019 13:45:46 EDT