Example of Questions that might be asked in Quiz 3.

Biomass Conversion Processes

This is not a comprehensive or complete list. Just a few examples so you know what
to expect. None of these questions may actually appear in the quiz.

1. Name a few sources of renewable energy in use today

a. Wind turbines
b. Hydroelectric dams
c. Solar PV
d. Biogas
e. Firewood
f. Bioethanol
g. Biodiesel
2. Arrange the following in increasing order of energy density
a. CNG
b. Ethanol
c. Biomass
d. Coal
e. Gasoline
f. Diesel
Answer: they are already arranged in the order of increasing energy
density
3. Identify which of the following are fixed and variable costs for a
biodiesel plant
a. Biomass cost ( Variable)
b. Electricity consumed (Variable)
c. Cooling water (Variable)
d. Operating labor (Fixed)
e. Insurance (Fixed)
f. Distribution costs( Variable)
g. Royalties paid (Variable)
4. List various factors involved in biofuel production costs
a. Cost of biomass production ( cultivation, fertelizers, pesticides,
irrigation, harvesting)
b. Cost of biomass conversion( capital costs, utility costs, labor, taxes,
chemicals)
c. Distribution and selling costs( advertising, transportation and shipping)
5. List ways in which biofuels can compete with food
a. Increase in food prices
b. Food shortages
c. Land price increase
d. Water consumption
e. Land available for food production
6. Define Sustainability
7. What is a sustainable process? It must be bearable, equitable and viable
8. Starch from corn is converted to alcohol in a bioethanol plant. Corn contains
61% starch. Estimate the maximum yield of ethanol in liters per bushel of
corn. Answer see Slide 10 of Lecture notes on bioethanol process.