Electricity power generation from co-gasification of municipal solid wastes and biomass: Generation and emission performance. (1st November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Indrawan, Natarianto; Thapa, Sunil; Bhoi, Prakashbhai R.; Huhnke, Raymond L.; Kumar, Ajay
• Is Part Of: Energy. Volume 162(2018)
• Page Start: 764
• Page End: 775
• Publication Date: 2018-11-01
• Subjects: Co-gasification -- MSW -- Power generation -- Engine emissions -- Switchgrass -- Waste-to-energy; Power resources -- Periodicals; Power (Mechanics) -- Periodicals; Energy consumption -- Periodicals; 333.7905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2018.07.169
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-5442

Abstract

Abstract: Global generation of municipal solid waste (MSW) is predicted to reach over 2.2 billion tons/year in 2025. Landfilling and incineration, the two most common conventional techniques for MSW processing, negatively impact public health. This study developed and demonstrated electricity generation by co-gasification of two underutilized resources: MSW and agricultural biomass. A patented design of 60-kW downdraft gasifier and an internal combustion engine with 10 kW generator were used to generate electricity from co-gasification of various ratios of MSW and biomass. The maximum heating values (LHV) of syngas obtained at MSW ratio of 0, 20, and 40 wt.% were 6.91, 7.74, and 6.78 MJ/Nm 3, respectively. At all MSW to biomass ratios, the maximum electric load generated was 5 kW, with electrical efficiencies of 22, 20, and 19.5% at MSW ratios of 0, 20, and 40 wt.%, respectively. The engine CO, NOx, SO2, and CO2 emission decreased with increasing load, while HC emission increased with increasing load. CO, NOx, and CO2 emissions decreased, while HC and SO2 emissions increased with increase in MSW ratio. Thus, the co-gasification system provides a basis for future development of small-scale power generation to utilize local wastes. Highlights: Electrical power was generated using IC engine with syngas from MSW and biomass. The engine CO, NOx, SO2 and CO2 emissions decreased with increasing engine load. The engine HC emission increased with increasing engine load. The engine CO, NOx, and CO2 emissions decreased with increasing MSW ratio. The engine HC and SO2 emissions increased with increasing MSW ratio.