ALGAE-BASED BIOFUEL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM TO SERVICE THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE IN HAWAII

Abstract

The most effective distribution system, capable of delivering 42.9 million gallons of biofuel annually to the Department of Defense aviation assets in the state of Hawaii, consists of the combination of pipeline and trucks. A tailored system engineering process using Analytical Hierarchy Process assessed stakeholders requirements into quantifiable metrics, and used CORE to develop a functional architecture to trace these needs. The modeling software ExtendSim was used to simulate various alternatives of a distribution system comprised of pipeline and/or trucks to deliver a required capacity of the pre-mixed biofuel blend. Environmental risks of the system were assessed, and a Master Logic Diagram was used to identify ways to manage risk. Based on this analysis the capabilities and benefits of this combination system outweigh the potential risks associated with its operation. An analysis of alternatives confirmed that in terms of performance and cost, the most efficient distribution system takes part in two stages. First is the transportation of biofuel from the refinery to the Red Hill Storage Facility via the pipeline that is currently in place. From this point, trucks load the biofuel at the pumping station to continue delivery to the customers.