Course: Projects in Bioeconomic Research (4903-411)

Persons:

• Prof.Dr.-I Jörg Hinrichs (verantwortlich)
• Dr. Zeynep Atamer (verantwortlich)
• Dr. Myriam Löffler (verantwortlich)
• Prof. Dr. Regina Birner (verantwortlich)

Type of Course:

study project

In-Class Hours Per Week:

4

Contents:

In this module a set of tools and skills are provided to identify, describe, evaluate, and improve the sustainability of the value chain of a (new) biobased product.
The students analyze a whole biogenic value chain currently on the agenda of the bioeconomy transformation process to develop a deeper understanding of biobased industrial and commercial activities.
With support from supervisors and in communication with partners from industry, students first identify a value chain related to food, feed, fibre or fuel production. They then describe, analyse and identify gaps in the value chain from biomass production to conversion and market introduction of the product.

The following methods and tools can be used for the system analysis:
• “energy and mass flows”, and “thermodynamic considerations”
• supply chain management based on “value stream mapping” and “continuous improvement techniques”.
• “life-cycle assessment”,
• “environmental and social impact assessment”.

These methods and tools are introduced to demonstrate how to carry out an internet-based case study using a step-by-step approach. Particular emphasis is placed on the selection of green materials, the design of factory operations and the management of market introduction of (new) bio-based products. Environmental and social impacts of the value chain will be assessed and approaches for waste reduction and energy saving will be elaborated in order to optimize production.
Finally, based on their analysis, students develop a concept to improve an existing biogenic value chain or scientific and engineering pre-studies can be carried out to fill identified gaps or create new products. The results as well as the pros and cons of the applied methods are presented and discussed in class.

Literature:

Linton, J./Klassen, R./Jayaraman, V.: „Sustainable supply chains: An introduction”,
in: Journal of Operations Mangement, 25. Jahrgang (2007), Heft 6, S. 1075 – 1085.

Guinée, Jeroen (Ed.) (2002): Handbook on Life Cycle Assessment - Operational Guide to the ISO Standards Series: Eco-Efficiency in Industry and Science, Vol. 7, Kluwer Academic Publishers, New York.

Tallaksen, Joel (2011): Guidelines for Developing a Sustainable Biomass Supply Chain Biomass in: Biomass Gasification: A Comprehensive Demonstration of a Community Scale Biomass Energy System
Final Report: 2011 USDA, West Central Research and Outreach Center, University of Minnesota.

Location:

Hohenheim

Module:

• 4903-410 Projects in Bioeconomic Research (compulsory)