Logistiek bij de inzameling van biomassa: Logistics of the collection of biomass

A simulation model has been developed to calculate the costs and energy consumption of the logistics of collection, transport, handling, processing and storage of biomass for a gasification plant. Different transport, location and processing variants can be compared. Storage of the biomass is open and roofed. Losses and natural drying during storage are incorporated into the model. The effect of disturbances in the supply of biomass on the stock at the gasification plant can be determined. As an example the logistics of the collection of thinnings/restwood of saw mills have been calculated. Four location variants, differing in distance and accessibility for means of transport (A, B, C and D) have been assessed. Transport variants (road, water and rail) and processing variants (central and decentral chipping and drying) have been compared. Based on the assumptions it can be concluded that location A has the lowest logistic costs. Road transport is the cheapest transport variant for short distances with the lowest energy consumption. For larger distances water transport is financially and energetically a good alternative although costs and energy consumption of handling are high. Rail transport is expensive. Central chipping (at the gasification plant) of roundwood is the cheapest processing variant with the lowest energy consumption. Drying of roundwood at the lower landing reduces transport costs and energy consumption.