Optimizing growing cycle of a dedicated energy crop for cellulosic ethanol production through techniques seen in vertical farming.

The Mission

Develop a system that achieves a higher Net Energy Value (NEV) for the dedicated energy crop than the same crop would have had was it grown on traditional farm land.

The challenge

The aim of this project is to develop a system that optimizes the growing cycle of a dedicated energy crop, such as Miscanthus, for the aim of cellulosic ethanol production by using the techniques already seen in vertical farming. The key point is that the system will yield a higher Net Energy Value (NEV) than growing this crop on dedicated farm land would.

The solution

Light is a crucial factor in the growth of crops. Traditional farming relies on natural sunlight, whereas in vertical farming, LED lights replicate sunlight to regulate the growth environment. While sunlight is free, LED lights demand electricity. Therefore, optimizing the growth cycle and maximizing biomass output is vital. Next, to achieve a higher Net Energy Value than traditional farming, it's important to integrate the right green energy sources in the system for the necessary power input.