Waste-to-Energy System Simulation Model (WESyS)

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Abstract: The objective of this project is to perform systems analyses to elucidate the impact of policy, R&D, and technoeconomics on the waste-to-energy system as a whole as well as at specific points in supply chain and for individual sectors (i.e., landfills, CAFOs, POTWs). This project will leverage existing DOE models (e.g., the Waste-to-Energy System Simulation (WESyS) model), along with current DOE technoeconomic data, resource assessment data, and stakeholder input to perform analyses that are directly tied into the DOE’s Bioenergy Technology Office goals. This project differs from the previously DOE-funded WESyS project in that it is primarily analysis-focused. The two-year
WESyS project (2016 – 2017) was predominately focused on model development, calibration, validation, and data collection. This project will leverage these activities to produce simulation-based analyses.
Model/Tool Platform:
STELLA
General Modeling Type:
Dynamic (with feedbacks)
Primary analytical purpose:
System level: Analysis of the effects of bioenergy and bioproduct technologies and feedstock on the landscape or relate markets. System level modeling examines effects outside the direct supply chain.
Secondary analytical purpose:
Risk/Financial analysis: Analysis of the risks and financial aspects of technology or feedstock implementation.
Metric categories:
  • Socio-economic:
    • Techno-economic Impact
    • Other Socio-economic (e.g., GDP impact, Investment/NPV)
Geospatial resolution:
Regional/Watershed
Temporal resolution:
Years
Laboratory:
NREL - National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Principal investigator:
Daniel Inman
Model start year:
2016
Model last updated:
2019
Development status:
In Development
Level of validation/review:
Internal QA/QC or Peer Review
Links:
Model scope:
Supply chain elements
Biomass Supply
Feedstock Logistics
Conversion
Distribution
End Use
  • Feedstock Types
    • Wet Wastes (e.g., wastewater sludge, animal manure, food waste)
  • Conversion Technology
    • Waste to Biocrude Intermediates (HTL)
    • Waste to Gaseous Intermediate
  • Products/Process Outputs
    • Biopower
    • Intermediate - Pyrolysis or Biocrude Intermediate
    • Other Process Output
Linkage Strength: (hover for description)
1
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Analytical Purpose
Supply Chain Elements
Biomass Supply
Feedstock Logistics
Conversion
Distribution
End Use

Feasibility / Implementation Models

Techno-economic analysis
NREL Conversion TEA Models (NREL-TEA)
Supply chain elements: Conversion
PNNL Conversion TEA Models (PNNL-TEA)
Supply chain elements: Conversion

Impact Assessment Models

Waste-to-Energy System Simulation Model (WESyS)
Supply chain elements: Biomass Supply, Feedstock Logistics, Conversion, Distribution, End Use

Integrated Scenario Assessment Models

Bioenergy Scenario Model (BSM)
Supply chain elements: Biomass Supply, Feedstock Logistics, Conversion, Distribution, End Use

Data Compilation Tools

Bioenergy Knowledge Discovery Framework (Bioenergy KDF)
Supply chain elements: Biomass Supply, Feedstock Logistics, Conversion, Distribution, End Use
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Information last updated: Sep. 17, 2019 13:45:46 EDT