Study of waste to energy conversion, proven technology using incineration of municipal solid waste

Abstract

Energy plays significant role in the development of a nation. The conventional sources, though exhausting and not environment friendly are being increasingly used. Looking at limited supplies and various environment problems associated with its uses, renewable energy sources are getting attention. Municipal solid waste [MSW] is getting importance in recent years. . The MSW management involves collection, transportation, handling and conversion to energy by biological and thermal routes. The present paper reports the results of physical & chemical analysis, used to select the most appropriate method of energy conversion. Based on the energy potential available, the feasibility of energy conversion through using available waste has been carried out.The present work can be categorized into two parts. In the first part of this study , the possibility was explored to collect municipal solid waste from Pramod Nagar Dumping yard and harvesting of energy from it by incineration . The physical and chemical parameters of 10 samples were tested in laboratory and then the net average calorific value was determined . Multiplying this data with secondary data collected from municipality about daily solid waste generation , the probable energy harvesting possibility is determined . In the second part , a practical field project was carried out at Titagarh Thermal Power Plant , North 24 Parganas, West Bengal . All relevant parameters related to electricity generation was studied and collected . From the heat energy produced by incinerating the municipal solid waste of South Dum Dum Municipality , how much percentage electricity of the said power plant can be generated was evaluated . Accordingly how much fossil fuel consumption can be reduced per day basis was shown. Designing an incineration plant with this capacity level of energy generation was calculated and established . In this study chapter 1 delineates a brief description of solid waste management , Historical background of solid waste , collection and transfer of solid waste , classification of solid waste, overview of different technological options of energy harvesting and their suitability, description of biogas, its formation mechanism as well as description and comparison of different type biogas plants implemented in India and energy harvesting with incineration technology . Chapter 2 depicts the objective and scope of this study. Chapter 3 reveals some studies of the researchers, carried out with different input materials with different models are discussed in national and international level. Chapter 4 narrates the overall methodology used in this study. Chapter 5 reports the observations and corresponding validation obtained from this study. Chapter 6 deals with field review of a power plant and review of electricity generation with the aid of solid waste harvested energy by incineration technology . Chapter 7 of this study illustrate the design principle of incineration plant . Chapter 8 conclude with some recommendations and future scope of this present work.