HIGH EFFICIENCY BREWERY-DISTILLERY HYBRID

Abstract

The brewery/distillery hybrid uses a High Efficiency Brewing System (HEBS) to maximize yield of fermentable sugar. In comparison to a typical 30 BBL system, HEBS cuts down on production time and raw material demand. Additionally, HEBS allows for a 20% increase in mash efficiency and uses 57% less water to produce an equivalent amount of wort. The hybrid also utilizes a unique tray distillation column that can produce a higher purity of ethanol using less energy, and requiring less labor compared to traditional copper stills. In total, the hybrid process equipment demands 304,080 kWh per year. Major energy savings come from HEBS low energy requirements and tank insulation. Development of the hybrid would require a capital investment of $3.8 million. After a year of sales, the net present value is projected to be $2.4 million, and after 15 years of alcohol sales the cumulative present value is expected to reach $19.9 million assuming all alcohol is sold. Brewery/distillery calculations assume glucose is the only fermentable sugar in the production of ethanol and that there are no competing side reactions, which could potentially affect alcohol yields. All calculations and projections are theoretical and require direct system comparison for proper validation.