Analysis of Wood Collection Site in the Biofuel Supply Chain using Integrated K-means and Rectilinear Minisum Location Model

Abstract

Biofuel energy has recently been used as a substitute for fossil fuels due to an increasing energy demand and a concern for environmental impact around the globe. Biomass, in particular, is a key type of biofuel source in Thailand that has been of interest as a national renewable energy plan. In this research, we use the integrated K-means and Rectilinear Minisum Location model to evaluate the wood collection site problem using an actual case study of the Northern part of Thailand. Initially, the K-means classification method is used to classify a group of farmers growing fast-growing trees for energy use in their regional area according to the national campaign. Then, the Rectilinear Minisum Location model is later used to evaluate a proper location for wood collection site to collect wood and produce wood chip for subsequent process of the biofuel supply chain. Our initial study provides promising result and is subject to the on-going development of the sustainable aiming biofuel supply chain model.