Multi-Year Analysis Plan (Page 49 of 80) in pdf

Multi-Year Analysis Plan Page 49

process designs, 2) to assess emerging technologies that are not currently part of a research platform but

have potential to improve biomass utilization, and 3) to develop advanced methods, tools, and

partnerships to improve analysis value and efficiency.

Figure 19 shows the hierarchy of an analysis system. Analysis philosophy represents the highest-level

assumptions and rules that an analysis system will follow. The level of rigor is determined by the project

stage and data available. The analysis team ensures that all the methods and parameters used in the

different analysis methods are well documented, transparent, useful, and updated regularly to reflect the

dynamic nature of a robust R&D program.

Figure 19: The Hierarchy of an Analysis System

Figure 20 shows how analysis aids the progression of R&D projects to deployment. Information (data) is

used in a variety of assessments. These assessments feed broad strategic analyses, which culminate in

technology transfer. Used in combination, different assessments provide a complete understanding of the

OBP technologies. The different analysis types of the OBP program provide information and

recommendations to the program to quantify the benefits, drawbacks, and risks of different biomass

utilization scenarios. Results from each assessment, at the appropriate level of rigor, are used in the stage

gate reviews of individual projects. Each type of OBP analysis is described below, along with the

infrastructure required to develop them.

Multi-Year Analysis Plan Page 49