Research Focus
Ryan Davis is a process research engineer in NREL’s biorefinery analysis group. He received a B.S. dual degree in chemical and environmental engineering from the University of Colorado in 2006. He currently coordinates techno-economic analysis (TEA) efforts for biochemical conversion strategies via lignocellulosic sugars as well as algal biomass projects, including efforts on fermentative and catalytic conversion pathways for cellulosic sugars to hydrocarbon intermediates as well as engineering and cost-analysis activities for the production and conversion of algal biomass to fuels and coproducts. Ryan supports the Agile BioFoundry through TEA modeling and process design to highlight economic opportunities and key drivers for bioconversion pathways of focus.
Projects in the Agile BioFoundry
- Co-task lead for the Integrated Analysis Task
- Support for process development, scale-up, and optimization
Featured Publications
Process Design and Economics for the Conversion of Lignocellulosic Biomass to Hydrocarbon Fuels and Coproducts: 2018 Biochemical Design Case Update. R. Davis, N. Grundl, L. Tao, M.J. Biddy, E.C.D. Tan, G.T. Beckham, D. Humbird, D.N. Thompson, M.S. Roni. NREL Tech Report 5100-71949; https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy19osti/71949.pdf.
The Techno-Economic Basis for Coproduct Manufacturing to Enable Hydrocarbon Fuel Production from Lignocellulosic Biomass. M.J. Biddy, R. Davis, D. Humbird, L. Tao, N. Dowe, M.T. Guarnieri, J.G. Linger, E.M. Karp, D. Salvachua, D.R. Vardon, G.T. Beckham. ACS Sustainable Chem. Eng., 2016, 4(6): 3196-3211.
Aeration Costs in Stirred-Tank and Bubble Column Bioreactors. D. Humbird, R. Davis, J.D. McMillan. Biochemical Engineering Journal, 2017, 127: 161-166.