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ARS Home » Plains Area » Brookings, South Dakota » Integrated Cropping Systems Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #187199
Title: ADVANCING ENGINEERING CURRICULA BY INCORPORATING BIOREFINERY CONCEPTS

Author
item Rosentrater, Kurt
item MUTHUKUMARAPPAN, K - SOUTH DAKOTA STATE UNIV

Submitted to: Symposium Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/26/2005
Publication Date: 10/13/2005
Citation: Rosentrater, K.A., Muthukumarappan, K. 2005. Advancing engineering curricula by incorporating biorefinery concepts. 2005 ASEE North Midwest Regional Conference, Brookings, SD, October 13-14, 2005.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Key to the United States’ economic growth is an ever-increasing demand for energy and material goods, which have traditionally been met primarily by utilizing hydrocarbons found in fossil fuels and other raw materials. As environmental concerns grow, renewable energy and resources are gaining increased attention. To aid both educators as well as researchers in this endeavour, this paper examines industrial biorefineries, which have been deemed as a promising route to emerging biobased industries. Biorefineries, similar in concept to traditional petroleum refineries, are facilities that utilize conversion technologies to produce multiple products, including fuels, chemicals, biorenewable industrial products, and even electrical power from biomass sources. Potential biomass materials include residue straw, corn stover, perennial grasses, legumes, and other agricultural and biological materials, including wood feedstocks. Biorefineries are rapidly increasing both in numbers as well as in capacity, and are well-positioned to add significantly to the nation’s industrial goods and energy supply in coming years. Therefore it is vital for engineering graduates to be cognizant of this developing industry, especially those involved in Agricultural, Biological, Chemical, Environmental, Food, and Process Engineering disciplines. Thus, to adequately prepare engineers for the 21st Century, it is imperative for engineering programs to address this burgeoning industrial segment. Toward this end, this paper discusses biorefinery concepts, applications, issues, and curriculum modifications to achieve these efforts. The trends discussed here and their implications will be critical for both educators as well as researchers, because contrary to conventional wisdom, simultaneously meeting the needs of our society as well as that of the environment are not mutually-exclusive.