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On an international comparison basis, Australia’s utilisation of forest residues remains very low. While there are numerous factors contributing to this low utilisation, this is greatly explained by the limited timely and accurate data on availability, quality, and location of residues generated during harvesting operations. This manuscript reports on the development and testing of a new freeware tool called FIELD (Forest Inventory Electronic Live Data), which supports the real-time monitoring and estimation of forestry harvesting residues. As inputs, FIELD uses StanForD pri files and geo-location data extracted from the harvester’s onboard computer in combination with locally developed species-specific allometric equations. Using a case study, this paper describes how FIELD works operationally and illustrates the range of support features that the tool can provide to decision-makers by producing real-time data on the availability, quality, and location of harvesting residues. In addition, it is discussed how the tool can contribute to supporting decisions during forest operations associated with the feasibility of residue utilisation in specific site conditions. Our results show that it is possible to estimate the availability of harvesting residues at geo-located sites dynamically, although further testing of the tool is required for a more accurate estimation and monitoring of harvesting residues.
Heesung Woo; Mauricio Acuna; Byoungkoo Choi; Sang-Kyun Han. FIELD: A Software Tool That Integrates Harvester Data and Allometric Equations for a Dynamic Estimation of Forest Harvesting Residues. Forests 2021, 12, 834 .
AMA StyleHeesung Woo, Mauricio Acuna, Byoungkoo Choi, Sang-Kyun Han. FIELD: A Software Tool That Integrates Harvester Data and Allometric Equations for a Dynamic Estimation of Forest Harvesting Residues. Forests. 2021; 12 (7):834.
Chicago/Turabian StyleHeesung Woo; Mauricio Acuna; Byoungkoo Choi; Sang-Kyun Han. 2021. "FIELD: A Software Tool That Integrates Harvester Data and Allometric Equations for a Dynamic Estimation of Forest Harvesting Residues." Forests 12, no. 7: 834.
Under the Korean Emission Trading System in The Forestry Sector (KETSF) initiative, the Korean government has developed several greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction programs that include forestry activities as cornerstones of the initiative. Forest management is deemed to be a major strategy to implement KETSF; this has been confirmed by most participants in the program, who have shown their preference for forest management projects as the most effective and encouraging strategy to participate in the KETSF program. For a successful implementation of KETSF projects, it is essential to explore methods that optimize the positive impacts of such strategies, thereby maximizing the economic returns and carbon stocks that result from the implementation of forest management activities. Thus, this study investigated the economic returns of several KETSF projects in Korea, which included simulated scenarios under two main forest management strategies, one based on an extension of the rotation age, and a second one based on reforestation with new species. Five forest management scenarios were examined and evaluated in their ability to maximize carbon stocks and economic returns. Based on the results, two scenarios were identified as the best KETSF projects in terms of carbon stock increments. Additionally, the results indicated that projects including reforestation with new species added more economic value than projects that considered an extension of the rotation age. The study also revealed that KETSF projects generated revenue in both scenarios, by either extending the rotation age or by implementing reforestation with new species.
Heesung Woo; Mauricio Acuna; Byoungkoo Choi; Joonsoon Kim. Net Revenue of Forest Carbon Offset Projects: Application of the Korean Emission Trading System in the Forestry Sector. Forests 2021, 12, 742 .
AMA StyleHeesung Woo, Mauricio Acuna, Byoungkoo Choi, Joonsoon Kim. Net Revenue of Forest Carbon Offset Projects: Application of the Korean Emission Trading System in the Forestry Sector. Forests. 2021; 12 (6):742.
Chicago/Turabian StyleHeesung Woo; Mauricio Acuna; Byoungkoo Choi; Joonsoon Kim. 2021. "Net Revenue of Forest Carbon Offset Projects: Application of the Korean Emission Trading System in the Forestry Sector." Forests 12, no. 6: 742.
Quantifying the impact of carbon (C) and timber prices on harvest scheduling and economic returns is essential to define strategies for the sustainable management of short-rotation plantations so that they can provide timber products and contribute to C sequestration. In this paper, we present a mixed-integer linear programming model that optimizes harvest scheduling at the forest level, C sequestration, and Net Present Value (NPV) over a planning period of up to 15 years. The model included revenue from the sale of timber (pulplogs) and credits from the net C sequestered during the life of the stands. In addition, plantation establishment, management, harvesting, and transportation costs were included in the analysis. The study area comprised 88 Eucalyptus grandis W. Hill and Eucalyptus dunnii Maiden stands located in Uruguay, totaling a forest area of nearly 1882 ha. The study investigated the impact of C and timber prices on NPV, harvest schedules, stands’ harvest age, timber flows to customers, and C sequestered per period. The maximum NPV among all the scenarios evaluated (USD 7.53 M) was calculated for a C price of 30 USD t−1, an interest rate of 6%, and a timber price of 75 USD m−3. This was USD 2.14 M higher than the scenario with the same parameters but that included only revenue from timber. C prices also impacted stands’ harvest age, C sequestration, and timber flows delivered to end customers. On average, in scenarios that included C prices, timber flows and C sequestration increased by 15.4 and 12.1%, respectively, when C price increased from 5 to 30 USD t−1. These results demonstrate that harvest scheduling, harvest age, and NPV are very sensitive to C and timber, and that the best economic returns are obtained when the stands are managed to maximize timber production and C sequestration.
Andrés Hirigoyen; Mauricio Acuna; Cecilia Rachid-Casnati; Jorge Franco; Rafael Navarro-Cerrillo. Use of Optimization Modeling to Assess the Effect of Timber and Carbon Pricing on Harvest Scheduling, Carbon Sequestration, and Net Present Value of Eucalyptus Plantations. Forests 2021, 12, 651 .
AMA StyleAndrés Hirigoyen, Mauricio Acuna, Cecilia Rachid-Casnati, Jorge Franco, Rafael Navarro-Cerrillo. Use of Optimization Modeling to Assess the Effect of Timber and Carbon Pricing on Harvest Scheduling, Carbon Sequestration, and Net Present Value of Eucalyptus Plantations. Forests. 2021; 12 (6):651.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAndrés Hirigoyen; Mauricio Acuna; Cecilia Rachid-Casnati; Jorge Franco; Rafael Navarro-Cerrillo. 2021. "Use of Optimization Modeling to Assess the Effect of Timber and Carbon Pricing on Harvest Scheduling, Carbon Sequestration, and Net Present Value of Eucalyptus Plantations." Forests 12, no. 6: 651.
Under the “Korean emission trading system in the forestry sector (KETSF)” initiative, the South Korean government has developed several greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction programs that include forestry activities as the cornerstones of the initiative. Forest management is deemed to be a major strategy to implement KETSF; this has been confirmed by most participants in the program, who have shown their preference for forest management projects as the most effective and encouraging strategy to participate in the KETSF program. For a successful implementation of KETSF projects is essential to explore methods that optimize the positive impacts of such strategies, thereby maximizing the economic returns and carbon stocks that result from the implementation of forest management activities. Thus, this study investigated several value-added KETSF projects in South Korea, which included simulated scenarios under two main forest management strategies: one based on an extension of the rotation age, and a second one based on reforestation with new species. Five forest management scenarios were examined and evaluated in their ability to maximize carbon stocks and economic returns. Based on the results, Scenarios 2 and 4 were identified as the best KETSF projects in terms of carbon stock increments. Additionally, the results indicated that projects including reforestation with new species added more economic value than projects that considered an extension of the rotation age. The study also revealed that KETSF projects generated revenue in both scenarios, by either extending the rotation age or by implementing reforestation with new species.
Heesung Woo; Mauricio Acuna; Byoungkoo Choi; Joonsoon Kim. Value-Added Forest Carbon Offset Projects: Application of the South Korean Emission Trading System in the Forestry Sector. 2021, 1 .
AMA StyleHeesung Woo, Mauricio Acuna, Byoungkoo Choi, Joonsoon Kim. Value-Added Forest Carbon Offset Projects: Application of the South Korean Emission Trading System in the Forestry Sector. . 2021; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleHeesung Woo; Mauricio Acuna; Byoungkoo Choi; Joonsoon Kim. 2021. "Value-Added Forest Carbon Offset Projects: Application of the South Korean Emission Trading System in the Forestry Sector." , no. : 1.
Australia’s large potential forest bioenergy resource is considerably underutilised, due largely to its high delivered costs. Drying forest biomass at the roadside can potentially reduce its delivered cost through weight reduction and increased net calorific value. There has been little research on the impact of roadside drying for Australian conditions and plantation species. This study compared delivered costs for three forest biomass types—Eucalyptus globulus plantation whole trees and logging residue (LR)-disaggregated (LR conventional) or aggregated (LR fuel-adapted)—and three roadside storage scenarios—no storage, ≤two-month storage and optimal storage—to supply a hypothetical thermal power plant in south-west Western Australia. The study was performed using a tactical linear programming tool (MCPlan). Roadside storage reduced delivered costs, with optimal storage (storage for up to 14 months) producing the lowest costs. Delivered costs were inversely related to forest biomass spatial density due to transport cost reductions. Whole trees, which had the highest spatial density, stored under the optimal storage scenario had the lowest delivered costs (AUD 7.89/MWh) while LR conventional, with the lowest spatial density, had the highest delivered costs when delivered without storage (AUD 15.51/MWh). For both LR types, two-month storage achieved ~60% of the savings from the optimal storage scenario but only 23% of the savings for whole trees. The findings suggested that roadside drying and high forest biomass spatial density are critical to reducing forest biomass delivered costs.
Martin Strandgard; Mohammad Taskhiri; Mauricio Acuna; Paul Turner. Impact of Roadside Drying on Delivered Costs for Eucalyptus globulus Logging Residue and Whole Trees Supplying a Hypothetical Energy Plant in Western Australia Using a Linear-Programming Model. Forests 2021, 12, 455 .
AMA StyleMartin Strandgard, Mohammad Taskhiri, Mauricio Acuna, Paul Turner. Impact of Roadside Drying on Delivered Costs for Eucalyptus globulus Logging Residue and Whole Trees Supplying a Hypothetical Energy Plant in Western Australia Using a Linear-Programming Model. Forests. 2021; 12 (4):455.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMartin Strandgard; Mohammad Taskhiri; Mauricio Acuna; Paul Turner. 2021. "Impact of Roadside Drying on Delivered Costs for Eucalyptus globulus Logging Residue and Whole Trees Supplying a Hypothetical Energy Plant in Western Australia Using a Linear-Programming Model." Forests 12, no. 4: 455.
Forest biofuel delivered costs are generally uncompetitive with fossil fuels. Drying forest biofuel can potentially reduce delivered costs through weight reductions and net calorific value increases. The study examined the impact of roadside drying (RD) and use of high-volumetric capacity trucks on delivered costs of Pinus radiata pulp-logs and logging residue (LR) chips supplying a gasification plant. Five truck configurations: 6-axle semi-trailers; 9-axle B-doubles; proposed high-volumetric (HV) capacity versions of these trucks (HV semi-trailers and B-doubles); and 11-axle pocket road trains (PRT), were investigated across six supply areas using a forest biomass supply chain tool. Without RD all truck configurations were weight limited transporting logs, and all (except HV semi-trailers and B-doubles) were volume limited transporting LR chips. Post-RD all truck configurations were volume limited transporting logs or LR chips, (except HV B-doubles transporting logs). RD considerably reduced delivered costs: PRT (22%), B-doubles (24%), semi-trailers (25%) for logs and PRT (28%), B-doubles (29%), semi-trailers (30%) for LR chips. Delivered cost differences between truck configurations reflected transport cost differences. Without RD, truck trips transporting log were directly related to truck weight capacity. Additional volumetric capacity enabled HV semi-trailers and B-doubles to transport 6% and 4% more LR chips than standard versions, respectively, with equivalent truck trip reductions. RD weight reductions were: logs (33%); LR chips (53%), with consequent reductions in truck trips. PRTs required fewest truck trips to transport logs and LR chips without RD and the second fewest for logs post-RD due to their high weight and volumetric capacities.
Martin Strandgard; Mauricio Acuna; Paul Turner; Luke Mirowski. Use of modelling to compare the impact of roadside drying of Pinus radiata D.Don logs and logging residues on delivered costs using high capacity trucks in Australia. Biomass and Bioenergy 2021, 147, 106000 .
AMA StyleMartin Strandgard, Mauricio Acuna, Paul Turner, Luke Mirowski. Use of modelling to compare the impact of roadside drying of Pinus radiata D.Don logs and logging residues on delivered costs using high capacity trucks in Australia. Biomass and Bioenergy. 2021; 147 ():106000.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMartin Strandgard; Mauricio Acuna; Paul Turner; Luke Mirowski. 2021. "Use of modelling to compare the impact of roadside drying of Pinus radiata D.Don logs and logging residues on delivered costs using high capacity trucks in Australia." Biomass and Bioenergy 147, no. : 106000.
Carbon pricing can play an essential role in promoting adaptive silviculture (including thinning) in Mediterranean pine forests. Commercial thinning can improve carbon sequestration and stocks, thereby contributing to climate change. In this paper, we present a mixed-integer programming model that optimizes the thinning schedule of stands and maximizes Net Present Value (NPV) over a 10-year planning period. In addition to harvesting and transport costs, the model included revenue from two sources: sawlogs and biomass extracted during the thinning, and credits from carbon stocks at the end of the planning period. The study area comprised 631 pine stands located in Andalusia, southern Spain, totaling a forest area of nearly 30,000 ha. Airborne Lidar data and allometric biomass models were used to estimate above ground forest biomass, including commercial timber, and carbon stocks. The analysis focused on the impact of carbon prices on NPV, optimal thinning schedules, flows of sawlogs and biomass products to customers, and carbon stocks at the end of the planning period. Increased NPV values ranging between €4.8 M and €24.9 M were obtained in scenarios that included a price for carbon stocks in addition to revenue from sawlogs and biomass. Carbon prices also impacted the flow of sawlogs and biomass delivered to end customers. On average, in scenarios with carbon prices, the flow of sawlogs increased from about 29,700 tonnes in year 1 to about 38,200 tonnes in year 10. These results reveal that thinning schedules and NPV are very sensitive to carbon prices and that the best economic returns are obtained when carbon stocks are added to sawlogs and biomass as a source of revenue.
Mauricio Acuna; Rafael Mª Navarro-Cerrillo; Francisco Ruiz-Gómez; Miguel Lara-Gómez; Javier Pérez-Romero; Mª Ángeles Varo-Martínez; Guillermo Palacios-Rodríguez. How does carbon pricing impact optimal thinning schedules and net present value in Mediterranean pine plantations? Forest Ecology and Management 2020, 482, 118847 .
AMA StyleMauricio Acuna, Rafael Mª Navarro-Cerrillo, Francisco Ruiz-Gómez, Miguel Lara-Gómez, Javier Pérez-Romero, Mª Ángeles Varo-Martínez, Guillermo Palacios-Rodríguez. How does carbon pricing impact optimal thinning schedules and net present value in Mediterranean pine plantations? Forest Ecology and Management. 2020; 482 ():118847.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMauricio Acuna; Rafael Mª Navarro-Cerrillo; Francisco Ruiz-Gómez; Miguel Lara-Gómez; Javier Pérez-Romero; Mª Ángeles Varo-Martínez; Guillermo Palacios-Rodríguez. 2020. "How does carbon pricing impact optimal thinning schedules and net present value in Mediterranean pine plantations?" Forest Ecology and Management 482, no. : 118847.
As a part of the renewable energy cycle, forest biomass resources are considered to be important renewable materials and energy sources in many countries. It is evident from international and local research into forest biomass utilization that several challenges must be addressed to ensure logging waste can be transformed into material of commercial value. Several logistical and supply chain challenges have already been identified, including uncertainty about the nature, amount, and quality of forest residues. In this context, this paper presents a summary review of estimation methods and techniques for managing forest and woody residue along the timber supply chain. The review examines both the opportunities and the challenges evident in the international forest residue estimation methods within each supply chain for primary and secondary forest resources. The review also discusses techniques for supply chain and management planning and highlights the limitations of existing information and communication technology (ICT) implemented for forest biomass research.
Heesung Woo; Mauricio Acuna; Seungwan Cho; Joowon Park; Woo; Cho; Park. Assessment Techniques in Forest Biomass along the Timber Supply Chain. Forests 2019, 10, 1018 .
AMA StyleHeesung Woo, Mauricio Acuna, Seungwan Cho, Joowon Park, Woo, Cho, Park. Assessment Techniques in Forest Biomass along the Timber Supply Chain. Forests. 2019; 10 (11):1018.
Chicago/Turabian StyleHeesung Woo; Mauricio Acuna; Seungwan Cho; Joowon Park; Woo; Cho; Park. 2019. "Assessment Techniques in Forest Biomass along the Timber Supply Chain." Forests 10, no. 11: 1018.
This paper aims to provide a comprehensive but concise review of the various quantitative methods, in particular, optimization techniques, for the efficient management and control of complex forest biomass supply chains. The review is structured around a top-down hierarchical planning approach that includes strategic, tactical, and operational decisions. At each planning level, the review presents and analyses the problem to be solved, the solution (optimization) methods, and the various aspects to take into consideration for the successful implementation and use of these methods by biomass supply chain planners. Forest biomass constitutes one of the various sources of renewable energy with the potential to reduce the consumption of fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions. Fo rest biomass supply chains are systems with complex network designs consisting of many supply, demand, and intermediate points where the biomass is collected, stored, processed, and transported. The complexity of these supply chains as well as various factors impact the effective supply of forest-based biomass. For example, the biomass characteristics (e.g., energy content or quality), the variability in the market and economic conditions, and processing of the biomass are the main factors. The complexity requires a good understanding of the methods that exist to manage and optimize forest biomass supply chains. Although substantial research has been done around forest biomass supply chain management and optimization, future research should focus on developing integrated frameworks that allow the optimization of biomass supply chains at the strategic, tactical, and operational level. These studies should also explore and propose approaches for the successful implementation of the proposed optimization methods.
Mauricio Acuna; John Sessions; Rene Zamora; Kevin Boston; Mark Brown; Mohammad Reza Ghaffariyan. Methods to Manage and Optimize Forest Biomass Supply Chains: a Review. Current Forestry Reports 2019, 5, 124 -141.
AMA StyleMauricio Acuna, John Sessions, Rene Zamora, Kevin Boston, Mark Brown, Mohammad Reza Ghaffariyan. Methods to Manage and Optimize Forest Biomass Supply Chains: a Review. Current Forestry Reports. 2019; 5 (3):124-141.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMauricio Acuna; John Sessions; Rene Zamora; Kevin Boston; Mark Brown; Mohammad Reza Ghaffariyan. 2019. "Methods to Manage and Optimize Forest Biomass Supply Chains: a Review." Current Forestry Reports 5, no. 3: 124-141.
Internationally forest biomass is considered to be a valuable renewable energy feedstock. However, utilization of forest harvesting residues is challenging because they are highly varied, generally of low quality and usually widely distributed across timber harvesting sites. Factors related to the collection, processing and transport impose constraints on the economic viability of residue utilization operations and impact their supply from dispersed feedstock locations. To optimize decision-making about suitable locations for biomass energy plants intending to use forest residues, it is essential to factor in these supply chain considerations. This study conducted in Tasmania, Australia presents an investigation into the integration of Multi-criteria analysis (MCA) and Geographical Information systems (GIS) to identify optimal locations for prospective biomass power plants. The amount of forest harvesting biomass residues was estimated based on a non-industrial private native resource model in Tasmania (NIPNF). The integration of MCA and a GIS model, including a supply chain cost analysis, allowed the identification and analysis of optimal candidate locations that balanced economic, environmental, and social criteria within the biomass supply. The study results confirm that resource availability, land use and supply chain cost data can be integrated and mapped using GIS to facilitate the determination of different sustainable criteria weightings, and to ultimately generate optimal candidate locations for biomass energy plants. It is anticipated that this paper will make a contribution to current scientific knowledge by presenting innovative approaches for the sustainable utilization of forest harvest residues as a resource for the generation of bioenergy in Tasmania.
Heesung Woo; Mauricio Acuna; Martin Moroni; Mohammad Sadegh Taskhiri; Paul Turner. Optimizing the Location of Biomass Energy Facilities by Integrating Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA) and Geographical Information Systems (GIS). Forests 2018, 9, 585 .
AMA StyleHeesung Woo, Mauricio Acuna, Martin Moroni, Mohammad Sadegh Taskhiri, Paul Turner. Optimizing the Location of Biomass Energy Facilities by Integrating Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA) and Geographical Information Systems (GIS). Forests. 2018; 9 (10):585.
Chicago/Turabian StyleHeesung Woo; Mauricio Acuna; Martin Moroni; Mohammad Sadegh Taskhiri; Paul Turner. 2018. "Optimizing the Location of Biomass Energy Facilities by Integrating Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA) and Geographical Information Systems (GIS)." Forests 9, no. 10: 585.
The impact of the manipulation of plantation stocking density on individual tree size can affect final harvest costs and machine productivity. This paper investigated the impact of four early-age thinning treatments applied to a Eucalyptus globulus Labill. pulplog plantation in south-west Western Australia on economic profitability and harvester productivity. Eighteen sample plots were randomly laid out in the study area. The nominal 700, 500, and 400 stems per hectare (sph) plots were thinned to waste 3.2 years after establishment while the nominal 1000 sph (UTH) plots were left unthinned. The economic analysis showed that all thinning treatments resulted in a lower Land Expectation Value (LEV) and net financial loss over the full rotation at their theoretical optimal rotation age when compared with the unthinned control treatment. Tree growth and form were positively impacted by thinning. However, associated reductions in harvesting costs were less than the value losses resulting from reduced per hectare yield.
Mauricio Acuna; Martin Strandgard; John Wiedemann; Rick Mitchell. Impacts of Early Thinning of a Eucalyptus globulus Labill. Pulplog Plantation in Western Australia on Economic Profitability and Harvester Productivity. Forests 2017, 8, 415 .
AMA StyleMauricio Acuna, Martin Strandgard, John Wiedemann, Rick Mitchell. Impacts of Early Thinning of a Eucalyptus globulus Labill. Pulplog Plantation in Western Australia on Economic Profitability and Harvester Productivity. Forests. 2017; 8 (11):415.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMauricio Acuna; Martin Strandgard; John Wiedemann; Rick Mitchell. 2017. "Impacts of Early Thinning of a Eucalyptus globulus Labill. Pulplog Plantation in Western Australia on Economic Profitability and Harvester Productivity." Forests 8, no. 11: 415.
Few studies have considered potential climate change impacts on forest operations. A review of the literature found that predicted changes to Australian forest growth and mortality varied between regions depending on the models and assumptions used. Impacts of climate change on forest operations will depend on the magnitude and speed of the climate changes and the management decisions used to adapt to these changes. If forest growth declines and management changes are not able to maintain current mean tree sizes at final harvest, costs and productivity of forest harvest and haulage operations at an individual harvest unit level will be affected. Slower forest growth would also mean that less harvest and haulage capacity would be required, unless additional forest planting occurs. The literature review identified the potential for substantial areas of the Australian Eucalyptus globulus plantation estate to be less productive in the second rotation due to the impacts of climate change on growth and the management decision to regenerate many areas using coppice. A higher risk of fire due to the effects of climate change was also identified as likely to reduce the number of days that forest harvesting operations can be conducted in many parts of Australia. The results of modelling based on these potential climate change impacts suggested that supply chain costs might increase by up to 10.9% in comparison to the base case scenario, with the major differences being explained by harvesting and transportation operations. In Australia, the effect of climate change on the economics of harvesting and transport operations might be mitigated by the introduction and implementation of new technology, optimised transport systems and log drying in the forest.
M. Acuna; M. Strandgard. Impact of climate change on Australian forest operations. Australian Forestry 2017, 80, 299 -308.
AMA StyleM. Acuna, M. Strandgard. Impact of climate change on Australian forest operations. Australian Forestry. 2017; 80 (5):299-308.
Chicago/Turabian StyleM. Acuna; M. Strandgard. 2017. "Impact of climate change on Australian forest operations." Australian Forestry 80, no. 5: 299-308.
Short-rotation coppice (SRC) is an important source of woody biomass for bioenergy. Despite the research carried out on several aspects of SRC production, many uncertainties create barriers to farmers establishing SRC plantations. One of the key economic sources of uncertainty is harvesting methods and costs; more specifically, the performance of contemporary machine methods is reviewed. We collected data from 25 literature references, describing 166 field trials. Three harvesting systems predominate: 127 used single pass cut-and-chip harvesters, 16 used double pass cut-and-store harvesters, 22 used the cut-and-bale harvester, and one study used a cut-and-billet harvester. Mean effective material capacity (EMC) was 30 Mg fresh weight h-1 (cut-and-chip technique), 19 Mg fresh weight h-1 (cut-and-store technique) and 14 Mg fresh weight h-1 (cut-and-bale technique). However, this comparison does not consider engine power, which varies with harvesting technique; cut-and-chip harvesters are by far the most powerful (>200 kW). When limiting harvesters to a maximum engine power of 200 kW, cut-and-chip harvesters achieved the lowest EMC (5 Mg fresh weight h-1), but they also perform a higher degree of material processing (cutting and chipping) than cut-and-store harvesters (only cutting) or than the cut-and-bale harvester (cutting and baling). The trend in commercial machinery is towards increased engine power for cut-and-chip and cut-and-store harvesters. No trends in EMC were documented for the recently developed cut-and-bale harvesting technique, which is presently produced in one version only. Field stocking (5–157 Mg fresh weight ha-1 in the reviewed studies) has a significant effect on harvester EMC. Lower field stocking can constrain the maximum EMC achieved by the machine given that harvesting speed can only be increased to a point. While the reviewed studies did not contain sufficient harvesting cost data for a thorough analysis, harvesting costs ranged between 6 and 99 € Mg-1 fresh weight
Stefan P.P. Vanbeveren; Raffaele Spinelli; Mark Eisenbies; Janine Schweier; Blas Mola-Yudego; Natascia Magagnotti; Mauricio Acuna; Ioannis Dimitriou; Reinhart Ceulemans. Mechanised harvesting of short-rotation coppices. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 2017, 76, 90 -104.
AMA StyleStefan P.P. Vanbeveren, Raffaele Spinelli, Mark Eisenbies, Janine Schweier, Blas Mola-Yudego, Natascia Magagnotti, Mauricio Acuna, Ioannis Dimitriou, Reinhart Ceulemans. Mechanised harvesting of short-rotation coppices. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews. 2017; 76 ():90-104.
Chicago/Turabian StyleStefan P.P. Vanbeveren; Raffaele Spinelli; Mark Eisenbies; Janine Schweier; Blas Mola-Yudego; Natascia Magagnotti; Mauricio Acuna; Ioannis Dimitriou; Reinhart Ceulemans. 2017. "Mechanised harvesting of short-rotation coppices." Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 76, no. : 90-104.
This study provides a state-of-the art overview of forest biomass harvesting technologies and supply chains used in North America, Europe and the Southern Hemisphere. The productivity and cost of selected efficient technologies is presented for each country with a brief description about the source of the biomass and harvesting method. Expert opinions on the most successful biomass operations have been presented briefly for each country. The main conclusions from various intentional studies are provided in addition to future requirements for research and development. This report can be a useful high level guide of technology and supply chain selection for industry and academics
Mohammad Reza Ghaffariyan; Mark Brown; Mauricio Acuna; John Sessions; Tom Gallagher; Martin Kühmaier; Raffaele Spinelli; Rien Visser; Ger Devlin; Lars Eliasson; Juha Laitila; Ruben Laina; Maria Iwarsson Wide; Gustaf Egnell. An international review of the most productive and cost effective forest biomass recovery technologies and supply chains. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 2017, 74, 145 -158.
AMA StyleMohammad Reza Ghaffariyan, Mark Brown, Mauricio Acuna, John Sessions, Tom Gallagher, Martin Kühmaier, Raffaele Spinelli, Rien Visser, Ger Devlin, Lars Eliasson, Juha Laitila, Ruben Laina, Maria Iwarsson Wide, Gustaf Egnell. An international review of the most productive and cost effective forest biomass recovery technologies and supply chains. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews. 2017; 74 ():145-158.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMohammad Reza Ghaffariyan; Mark Brown; Mauricio Acuna; John Sessions; Tom Gallagher; Martin Kühmaier; Raffaele Spinelli; Rien Visser; Ger Devlin; Lars Eliasson; Juha Laitila; Ruben Laina; Maria Iwarsson Wide; Gustaf Egnell. 2017. "An international review of the most productive and cost effective forest biomass recovery technologies and supply chains." Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 74, no. : 145-158.
Australia’s eucalypt plantation estate (>900 000 ha) has largely been established since 1995. The main species is Eucalyptus globulus producing wood chips for export on a short rotation (~10 years). Two main harvesting methods are used: cut-to-length (CTL) at the stump and infield chipping (IFC). CTL harvesting is typically carried out with single-grip harvesters and forwarders. The study objective was to develop a general productivity model for medium-sized single-grip harvesters performing CTL harvesting at the stump in short-rotation E. globulus plantations under typical Australian operating conditions, as few harvester productivity models have been developed for these plantations. The model was developed from 47 harvester productivity studies carried out in Australian E. globulus plantations. Studies were predominantly short-term counts of the trees cut over at least an hour multiplied by an estimate of mean merchantable tree volume derived from inventory plots measured where the harvester was about to work or an adjacent area. The model developed explained 80% of the variability in harvester productivity (79% was explained by mean tree volume and 1% by harvester engine power). Results from comparable published CTL eucalypt studies generally supported the model. The strength of the relationship suggests the model could be used to estimate harvester productivity for similar site conditions and harvester/harvester head combinations (which represent most Australian E. globulus plantations) where mean merchantable tree volume and harvester engine power were known or estimated.
M. Strandgard; R. Mitchell; M. Acuña. General productivity model for single grip harvesters in Australian eucalypt plantations. Australian Forestry 2016, 79, 108 -113.
AMA StyleM. Strandgard, R. Mitchell, M. Acuña. General productivity model for single grip harvesters in Australian eucalypt plantations. Australian Forestry. 2016; 79 (2):108-113.
Chicago/Turabian StyleM. Strandgard; R. Mitchell; M. Acuña. 2016. "General productivity model for single grip harvesters in Australian eucalypt plantations." Australian Forestry 79, no. 2: 108-113.
For biomass energy systems to be cost-competitive, biomass must be delivered at the lowest possible costs. Truck transportation is not only the most common method used for supplying wood biomass, but it also constitutes a high proportion of the wood supply chain. Truck scheduling is part of the operational planning; the aim is to find a set of daily minimal cost routes for each truck in a fleet such that all customer demands are satisfied on time without exceeding the supplies available at the supply points.This chapter presents an approach for solving the log truck scheduling problem under Irish scenarios. The problem consisted of a heterogeneous fleet of 33 trucks based on 14 depots and carrying woodchips and logs. The problem consisted of 89 transportation tasks or deliveries to satisfy the energy demand from three peat power stations and the log demand of two panel board mills. The solution approach presented is based on a standard simulated annealing (SA) procedure. The problem was solved with a tool developed for the Microsoft Windows platform. It was programmed in Visual C++ using an object-oriented design. It includes the SA heuristics as an optimization engine in combination with a deterministic discrete event simulation to emulate the movement of trucks throughout the day.The model exported the results on a series of tables presenting the metrics of the truck performance and the daily schedule. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to determine the effect of truck configuration, driving route selection, and how the truck's payload is influenced by the biomass moisture content (MC) and loading and unloading times. Results showed that using five axle trucks reduced the total biomass supplied by 12% in comparison with 6-axled trucks, thus increasing the cost per ton delivered. Trucks choosing routes with the shortest distance decreased the overall transportation costs by 2.2%. However, these routes implied higher driving times (10.71%), which translated into 14.8% fewer deliveries and therefore the cost per ton increasing by 12.93%. The MC of wood did not affect the overall performance of how the trucks were scheduled, but it had an effect on the truck's productivity as it reduced the payloads and therefore the total tons supplied. The drier wood means higher energy content, increasing the payment per dry ton. Modeling the increase in loading times by 10% and 20% resulted in a reduction of the number of truckloads by 5.36% and 12.5%, respectively. In general, driving time and MC were the major factors affecting wood biomass delivery and the transportation costs per unit.
G. Devlin; A. Sosa; M. Acuña. Solving the woody supply chain for Ireland's expanding biomass sector. Biomass Supply Chains for Bioenergy and Biorefining 2016, 333 -355.
AMA StyleG. Devlin, A. Sosa, M. Acuña. Solving the woody supply chain for Ireland's expanding biomass sector. Biomass Supply Chains for Bioenergy and Biorefining. 2016; ():333-355.
Chicago/Turabian StyleG. Devlin; A. Sosa; M. Acuña. 2016. "Solving the woody supply chain for Ireland's expanding biomass sector." Biomass Supply Chains for Bioenergy and Biorefining , no. : 333-355.
Alejandro Olivera; Rien Visser; Mauricio Acuna; Justin Morgenroth. Automatic GNSS-enabled harvester data collection as a tool to evaluate factors affecting harvester productivity in a Eucalyptus spp. harvesting operation in Uruguay. International Journal of Forest Engineering 2015, 27, 15 -28.
AMA StyleAlejandro Olivera, Rien Visser, Mauricio Acuna, Justin Morgenroth. Automatic GNSS-enabled harvester data collection as a tool to evaluate factors affecting harvester productivity in a Eucalyptus spp. harvesting operation in Uruguay. International Journal of Forest Engineering. 2015; 27 (1):15-28.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAlejandro Olivera; Rien Visser; Mauricio Acuna; Justin Morgenroth. 2015. "Automatic GNSS-enabled harvester data collection as a tool to evaluate factors affecting harvester productivity in a Eucalyptus spp. harvesting operation in Uruguay." International Journal of Forest Engineering 27, no. 1: 15-28.
The aim of this study was to analyse the supply of wood biomass (short wood) to the three peat power plants in Ireland and the impacts on the competing wood-based panel industries. The methodology includes the development of a spatial decision support tool based on LP (Linear Programming). It uses drying curves to assess the moisture content, weight and energy content of biomass during a two year period planning. Harvesting, chipping, storage and transportation costs are calculated based on the biomass moisture content. The model optimally allocates woodchips and logs from thinnings and clearfells. Results show that the planned maximum 30% co-firing rate at the three peat power station could be met with the forecasted short wood availability from both the private and public sector. The costs of supply increased not only with higher demands, but also with tighter constraints on the MC demanded by power plants. Spatial distribution and operational factors such as efficiency in transportation and truck loading showed to be sensitive to changes in MC. The analysis shows the benefits of managing the MC when optimising supply chains in order to deliver biomass to energy plants in a cost-effective manner
Amanda Sosa; Mauricio Acuna; Kevin McDonnell; Ger Devlin. Managing the moisture content of wood biomass for the optimisation of Ireland's transport supply strategy to bioenergy markets and competing industries. Energy 2015, 86, 354 -368.
AMA StyleAmanda Sosa, Mauricio Acuna, Kevin McDonnell, Ger Devlin. Managing the moisture content of wood biomass for the optimisation of Ireland's transport supply strategy to bioenergy markets and competing industries. Energy. 2015; 86 ():354-368.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAmanda Sosa; Mauricio Acuna; Kevin McDonnell; Ger Devlin. 2015. "Managing the moisture content of wood biomass for the optimisation of Ireland's transport supply strategy to bioenergy markets and competing industries." Energy 86, no. : 354-368.
The cost of harvesting short-rotation plantation eucalypts can be in excess of AU$2500·ha−1. Despite this high cost, the extent to which harvesting productivity is affected by tree genetics is not well understood. We address this issue in a study of two 10-year-old genetic field trials of Eucalyptus globulus Labill. in Australia. Standing-tree traits analysed were survival, diameter at breast height, basal area, and stem straightness and forking. Harvest traits analysed were volume, time, and productivity. Genetic group and within-group genetic variation (additive and dominance), stand-level family variation, phenotypic and genetic correlations, and the effects of inbreeding were estimated for these traits. The different scenarios studied showed that plantation harvest productivity was affected by tree genetics to some degree but was mainly affected through positive covariation with stem diameter. Harvest productivity is thus unlikely to have been adversely affected by past selection. Although no significant additive or dominance genetic variation in stem forking or straightness was detected, weak phenotypic correlations were consistent with harvest productivity being higher in straighter trees with no forking. High inbreeding depression was evident for growth and survival; however, in open-pollinated progeny, this resulted in only a slight reduction in harvest productivity (5.5%) compared with out-crossed progeny.
Matthew Hamilton; Mauricio Acuna; John C. Wiedemann; Rick Mitchell; David J. Pilbeam; Mark W. Brown; Brad Potts. Genetic control of Eucalyptus globulus harvest traits. Canadian Journal of Forest Research 2015, 45, 615 -624.
AMA StyleMatthew Hamilton, Mauricio Acuna, John C. Wiedemann, Rick Mitchell, David J. Pilbeam, Mark W. Brown, Brad Potts. Genetic control of Eucalyptus globulus harvest traits. Canadian Journal of Forest Research. 2015; 45 (6):615-624.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMatthew Hamilton; Mauricio Acuna; John C. Wiedemann; Rick Mitchell; David J. Pilbeam; Mark W. Brown; Brad Potts. 2015. "Genetic control of Eucalyptus globulus harvest traits." Canadian Journal of Forest Research 45, no. 6: 615-624.
In the coming years, Ireland will continue to face an increasing demand for wood biomass as a renewable source of energy. This will result in strained supply/demand scenarios, which will call for new planning and logistics systems capable of optimizing the efficient use of the biomass resources. In this study, a linear programming tool was developed which includes moisture content (MC) as a driving factor for the cost optimisation of two supply chains that use short wood and whole trees from thinnings as material feedstock. The tool was designed and implemented to analyse the impact of moisture content and truck configurations (5-axle and 6-axle trucks) on supply chain costs and spatial distribution of the supply materials. The results indicate that the inclusion of wood chips from whole trees reduces the costs of wood energy supply in comparison with only producing wood chips from short wood to satisfy the demand, with 9.8% and 10.2% cost reduction when transported with 5-axle and 6-axle trucks respectively. Constraining the MC of the wood chips delivered to the power plant increases both transport and overall supply chain costs, due, firstly to an increase in the haulage distance and secondly, to the number of counties providing the biomass material. In terms of truck configuration, the use of 6-axle trucks resulted in a 14.8% reduction in the number of truckloads and a 12.3% reduction in haulage costs in comparison to the use of 5-axle trucks across the MC scenarios analysed
Amanda Sosa; Mauricio Acuna; Kevin McDonnell; Ger Devlin. Controlling moisture content and truck configurations to model and optimise biomass supply chain logistics in Ireland. Applied Energy 2015, 137, 338 -351.
AMA StyleAmanda Sosa, Mauricio Acuna, Kevin McDonnell, Ger Devlin. Controlling moisture content and truck configurations to model and optimise biomass supply chain logistics in Ireland. Applied Energy. 2015; 137 ():338-351.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAmanda Sosa; Mauricio Acuna; Kevin McDonnell; Ger Devlin. 2015. "Controlling moisture content and truck configurations to model and optimise biomass supply chain logistics in Ireland." Applied Energy 137, no. : 338-351.