My research focuses on second-generation biorefinery processes based on lignocellulosic biomass. These processes aim to fractionate biomass into its key components (cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin) enabling their conversion into high-value products. Aligned with the commitment of Hamburg University of Technology to “Engineering to face climate change,” this work contributes to the development and optimization of sustainable biorefinery systems.
The primary objective is to evaluate the environmental sustainability of these processes using a data-driven approach. This involves the real-time acquisition of energy and mass flows in pilot-scale operations to establish accurate material and energy balances. A key component of the research is the implementation of an integrated sensor system for monitoring thermal and electrical energy consumption, as well as mass flows, under batch operation. These datasets form the basis for a comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA) covering the entire biorefinery chain, including hydrothermal pretreatment, enzymatic hydrolysis, washing, drying, and grinding steps.
The LCA is then used to identify environmental hotspots and quantify the contributions of individual process units to overall impacts. Based on this analysis, critical stages can be targeted for optimization, enabling the development of more resource efficient and environmentally sustainable process configurations.
Overall, this research supports the advancement of biorefinery technologies that enable the valorisation of lignocellulosic biomass into sustainable, high-value products.
