University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, College of Engineering Center for Applied Energy Research Collection/Storage Fractionation Biomass Characterization Biomass Conversion Thermochemical | Fermentation Downstream Processing Fuels, Chemicals, Energy Catalysis Process Development Upgrading Direct Utilization

Collection, Characterization, and Direct Utilization Collection Scenarios –Collection and transportation economics –Drying and processing –Mechanical fractionation Characterization –Elemental analysis (C, H, O, N) –Physical analysis (moisture content, ash, and calorific value) –Carbohydrates (HPLC) –Near infrared reflectance rapid analysis of carbohydrates, lignin, ash, etc –Fuels analysis Direct Utilization –Grindability and moisture content –Co-feeding for electric power production –Briquetted fuels

Biomass Processing and Conversion Thermochemical Conversion –Direct Liquefaction in Extruder-Reactor System On-farm or on-site conversion to bio-oil –Bio-Oil Upgrading Increase stability, reduce oxygen content –Indirect Liquefaction – Fischer-Tropsch Catalysis –Biomass Gasification – producer gas for industrial use Microbial Conversion –Thermophilic Anaerobes – direct biomass conversion –Cellulase Production/Solid Substrate Cultivation Catalysis for Biodiesel Production –Reduces washing steps, higher quality glycerol byproduct –Amenable to use in continuous processes Downstream Processing –Concentrating Sugar Solutions –Recovery of Value-Added Products –Product Upgrading