Exergy and Energy Analysis of Plasma Waste-to-power Generation Model

Authors

  • Ransford R. Baidoo Department of Energy and Environmental Systems Frederick F. Ferguson, Ph.D.,
  • Frederick F. Ferguson Department of Mechanical and Chemical Engineering
  • Frank E. Yeboah School of Technology North Carolina A&T State University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.13052/dgaej2156-3306.2443

Abstract

This research addresses three major problems currently affecting
our globe. These problems are the pending energy crisis, the environ-
mental degradation caused by an ever increasing growth of waste and
the environmental degradation resulting from the continuous generation
of greenhouse gas emissions.
In light of these problems, efforts are geared towards the develop-
ment of a ‘one-stop’ solution. A preliminary survey of available technical
data indicates that the three problems could be solved through the use
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technology can simultaneously disintegrate waste while electrical power
is generated and greenhouse gas emissions eliminated. The other two
methods of converting biomass (waste) to heat energy, namely combus-
WLRQ DQG FRQYHQWLRQDO JDVLÀFDWLRQ DUH DOVR SUHVHQWHG ZLWK WKH FKHPLFDO
composition of the three methods analyzed using thermochemical data
to determine which of the three has the best optimum option for heat
energy conversion and hence power generation.
An innovative aspect of this work is the analysis of the temperature
effect on the chemical composition of the synthesis gas obtained from the
plasma system (exergy analysis) and how its output affects the electrical
energy generated.
Results show that when the plasma system is fed at about 1000
tons/day, maximum syngas and power is obtained. However, when
more or less waste is fed to the plasma system, less syngas and power
is obtained in both cases. It was also observed that more syngas and power were obtained at higher temperatures. This result suggests a standard capacity for building plasma systems because at the moment,
there is none.

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Author Biographies

Ransford R. Baidoo, Department of Energy and Environmental Systems Frederick F. Ferguson, Ph.D.,

Ransford R. Baidoo is a Ph.D. candidate in Energy and Environ-
mental Systems at the North Carolina A&T State University. He received
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and Technology located in Kumasi, Ghana. He worked with Tarkwa
*ROGÀHOGV/WGLQ*KDQDZKHUHKHURVHWRWKHSRVLWLRQRIVHQLRUHOHFWUL-
cal engineer. He later received a Master of Science Degree in electrical
and electromagnetic engineering from the University of Wales located
in Cardiff, UK. He served as a lecturer (assistant professor) at the University of Mines and Technology in Tarkwa, Ghana, and later rose to
the position of senior lecturer (associate professor) before relocating to
North Carolina A&T State University. He may be contacted at rkbaidoo@
yahoo.co.uk.

Frederick F. Ferguson, Department of Mechanical and Chemical Engineering

Frederick F. Ferguson, Ph.D. , is a professor in the Department
of Mechanical and Chemical Engineering at North Carolina A&T State
University. Dr. Ferguson also serves as the director for the Center for
Aerospace Research.

Frank E. Yeboah, School of Technology North Carolina A&T State University

Frank E. Yeboah is an adjunct assistant professor in the School
of Technology, Construction Management and Occupational Safety and
Health, at North Carolina A&T State University.

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Published

2009-10-16

How to Cite

Baidoo, R. R. ., Ferguson, F. F. ., & Yeboah, F. E. . (2009). Exergy and Energy Analysis of Plasma Waste-to-power Generation Model. Distributed Generation &Amp; Alternative Energy Journal, 24(4), 51–73. https://doi.org/10.13052/dgaej2156-3306.2443

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Articles