A New Systems Thinking Approach to Sustainable Resource Management: Principles and Applications

Authors: Kok Siew Ng, Elias Martinez Hernandez, Aki Yamaguchi

Paperback ISBN: 9780323998697
eBook ISBN: 9780323999397

DOI: 10.1016/C2021-0-00311-4

© 2024 Elsevier

A New Systems Thinking Approach to Sustainable Resource Management: Principles and Applications introduces an innovative approach to exploring systems holistically and understanding complex interconnected dynamics effectively among technical systems, natural systems, and human activities to address challenges in resource management.

This book covers the fundamental principles of “systems” and ”sustainability”, and introduces the methodology of “new systems thinking,” which comprises system modeling, mapping, integration, analysis, and sustainability assessment. The application of this new systems thinking approach is demonstrated through practical case studies, including waste management systems, food-energy-water nexus, and biorefinery systems. This is an excellent reference for academics, undergraduate and postgraduate students, professional engineers, and policymakers across various disciplines including: chemical and process engineering, environmental science, environmental engineering, and environmental management.

Biorefineries and Chemical Processes: Design, Integration and Sustainability Analysis

Authors: Jhuma Sadhukhan, Kok Siew Ng, Elias Martinez Hernandez

Paperback ISBN: 9781119990864

ebook ISBN: 9781118698129

DOI: 10.1002/9781118698129

© 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd

As the range of feedstocks, process technologies and products expand, biorefineries will become increasingly complex manufacturing systems. Biorefineries and Chemical Processes: Design, Integration and Sustainability Analysis presents process modelling and integration, and whole system life cycle analysis tools for the synthesis, design, operation and sustainable development of biorefinery and chemical processes.

Topics covered include:

Introduction: An introduction to the concept and development of biorefineries.

Tools: Included here are the methods for detailed economic and environmental impact analyses; combined economic value and environmental impact analysis; life cycle assessment (LCA); multi-criteria analysis; heat integration and utility system design; mathematical programming based optimization and genetic algorithms.

Process synthesis and design: Focuses on modern unit operations and innovative process flowsheets. Discusses thermochemical and biochemical processing of biomass, production of chemicals and polymers from biomass, and processes for carbon dioxide capture.

Biorefinery systems: Presents biorefinery process synthesis using whole system analysis. Discusses bio-oil and algae biorefineries, integrated fuel cells and renewables, and heterogeneous catalytic reactors.

Companion website: Four case studies, additional exercises and examples are available online, together with three supplementary chapters which address waste and emission minimization, energy storage and control systems, and the optimization and reuse of water.

This textbook is designed to bridge a gap between engineering design and sustainability assessment, for advanced students and practicing process designers and engineers.