Abstract
Fuel-saving technologies, such as renewable fuels, vehicles with lighter materials and hybrid engines, can significantly curtail fossil resource consumption. Because petroleum products are coproduced from refineries, large-scale reduction in part of the coproducts can simply result in its surplus, inducing consequential changes in the current process inventory. Evaluation of technologies without consideration on such changes might result in significant errors. In this study, various market-driven consequences on inventories are discussed using a simplified model. Adjustability of output from the refinery, capacity and efficiency for conversion of petrochemical products are discussed with a scenario of large-scale gasoline reduction. A model for consequential material flow analysis for petrochemical products will facilitate design of future energy visions and scenarios with various fuel-saving technologies.
