Sustainable Food Waste-to-Energy Systems assesses the utilization of food waste in sustainable energy conversion systems. It explores all sources of waste generated in the food supply chain (downstream from agriculture), with coverage of industrial, commercial, institutional and residential sources. It provides a detailed analysis of the conventional pathways for food waste disposal and utilization, including composting, incineration, landfilling and wastewater treatment. Next, users will find valuable sections on the chemical, biochemical and thermochemical waste-to-energy conversion processes applicable for food waste and an assessment of commercially available sustainable food waste-to-energy conversion technologies. Sustainability aspects, including consideration of environmental, economic and social impacts are also explored.
The book concludes with an analysis of how deploying waste-to-energy systems is dependent on cross-cutting research methods, including geographical information systems and big data. It is a useful resource for professionals working in waste-to-energy technologies, as well as those in the food industry and food waste management sector planning and implementing these systems, but is also ideal for researchers, graduate students, energy policymakers and energy analysts interested in the most recent advances in the field.
Babbitt, Callie W.: - Dr. Callie Babbitt is an Associate Professor in the Golisano Institute for Sustainability (GIS) at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). Her research group focuses on developing and applying tools to understand and manage the life cycle implications of emerging technologies. Specific focal areas are consumer electronics, nanomaterials, photovoltaics, and lithium ion batteries, and food waste-derived biofuels. These sectors represent complex sustainability challenges, as they are characterized by rapid development, adoption, and evolution; high potential for environmental impact across all life cycle stages; and a lack of comprehensive data that can be used to accurately quantify potential environmental impact. Dr. Babbitt is a recognized expert in environmental assessment of emerging technologies, and was awarded an NSF CAREER Grant in 2013.
Trabold, Thomas: - Thomas A. Trabold is an Associate Professor and Department Head of the Golisano Institute for Sustainability (GIS) at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). Dr. Trabold's primary research focus is in development of alternative energy technologies, including fuel cells, bio-fuels, and food waste-to-energy processes. Prior to joining RIT, he had 20 years of experience in industrial research and development at General Electric, Xerox, and most recently in research and demonstration of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell systems for advanced zero-emissions vehicles at General Motors. In the latter position, he was a Professional Technical Fellow and Laboratory Group Manager, with responsibility for engineering research activities in the U.S. (New York and Michigan) and Germany. Dr. Trabold has a strong record of accomplishment in sustainable energy research, with more than 100 technical publications and 50 U.S. and international patents.
