초록
<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>The economic and environmental performance of a biorenewable chemical process is analyzed by defining its cost, energy, and greenhouse gas feasible design spaces in terms of process parameters. Delimiting the feasible space of a process allows developers to set development targets and quantify performance trade-offs among unit processes. Feasible space analysis is demonstrated for the biocatalytic synthesis of C10 saturated fatty acid from glucose. Capric acid yield from glucose of ≥0.25gg<SUP>−1</SUP>, titer of ≥40g l<SUP>−1</SUP>, and volumetric productivity of 2gl<SUP>−1</SUP> h<SUP>−1</SUP> are found to result in cost, greenhouse gas emissions, and energy consumption as good as or better than the conventional process for production of fatty acids from coconut oil.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Feasible space approach is introduced to evaluate the sustainability of bio-based products. </LI> <LI> Performance targets can be determined using the feasible design space. </LI> <LI> Feasible space analysis can be used to minimize technology development resources. </LI> </UL> </P>