Exergy and Energy Analysis of Plasma Waste-to-power Generation Model
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.13052/dgaej2156-3306.2443Abstract
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
RI DQ HIÀFLHQW SODVPD JDVLÀFDWLRQ WHFKQRORJ\ 7KH XVH RI WKLV SODVPD
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.
Downloads
References
International Sustainable Energy Exchange. World Population and GDP
growth. http://www.hart-isee.com/index.php?page=world-population-gdp-
growth. Date accessed 04/05/09.
Delta Scan. The future of Science and Technology. Continued growth in En-
ergy Consumption. http://humanitieslab.stanford.edu/2/393. Date accessed
/04/07.
www.plasmas.org/rot-energy.htm. Date accessed 10/04/07
Global Footprints. Waste and Recycling. www.globalfootprints.org/issues/
global/waste.global.htm. Date accessed 09/22/07.
Energy Information Agency (EIA). Emission of Greenhouse Gases in the
US, U.S. Department of Energy, Washington DC. 2006. www.eia.doe.gov/
oiaf/1605/ggrpt/executive_summary. Date accessed 10/18/07.
Hans Tammemagi. (1999), “The Waste Crisis,” Oxford University Press, New
York, p. 77.
>@ 0RXQWRXULV HW DO 6ROLG :DVWH 3ODVPD *DVLÀFDWLRQ (TXLOLEULXP PRGHO
development and exergy analysis. National Technical University of Athens. pp.
-19. Date accessed 01/24/09
www.epa.gov/regional7/waste/solidwaste/information/Sources/htm
Liu, Yangshang and Yushan Liu. Novel incineration technology integrated with
GULQJ SUROVLV JDVLÀFDWLRQ DQG FRPEXVWLRQ RI 0XQLFLSDO 6ROLG :DVWH DQG
$VKHV 9HULÀFDWLRQ (QYLURQPHQWDO 6FLHQFH DQG 7HFKQRORJ 0D
US EPA. Municipal Solid Waste. http://www.epa.gov/msw/facts.htm. Date
accessed 09/16/07.
Lide, R., David Kehiaian, and V. Henry. (1994). CRC Handbook of Thermo-
physical and Thermochemical Data. CRC Press, Taylor and Francis.
www.plasma.org/what-are-plasmas.html
Greenbowe, Ted. Chemical Education Research Group. Iowa State University.
(www.chem.iastate.edu/).
Balgaranova, Janetta. (2003). Waste Management & Research. The Journal of International Solid Wastes and Public Cleansing Association, ISWA. Feb. pp
-41
Gomez, E. et al. (2008). Thermal Plasma Treatment of Wastes. Journal of Haz-
ardous Materials. Imperial College London.
Toro Del Vencent. (1986). Electrical Engineering Fundamentals, 2nd Ed. Engel-
wood Cliffs. Prentice-Hall Inc. N.J. USA. pp 13-14
Toro Del Vencent. (1986). Electrical Engineering Fundamentals, 2nd Ed. Engel-
wood Cliffs. Prentice-HallInc. N.J. USA. pp 14-15
R. E. Mournighan, et al. Chemistry for the Protection of the Environment 4,
Vol. 59, Springer, NY. pp 97-104.
Economist Blog. (2008). Adjusted for household size. www.economistblog.com.
Date accessed 04/06/09.
Zero Waste America. Waste and Recycling: Data, Maps and Graphs. www.
zerowasteamerica.org/Statistics.htm. Date accessed 10/14/07.
Kirkpatrick K. and R.G. Hewitt. (2005). Evaluation Project- Plasma Waste Con-
version. Kenneth J. Brothers, P. Eng. Director, Utility Services, Ottawa, Canada.
Canadian Plastics Industry Association. (2006). Plasco Energy’s Demonstra-
tion Facility. www. Cpia.ca/newsroom/details.php?ID=1494. date accessed
/12/09.
>@ 1RUWKVSDQ *URXS $LWNLQ &RXQW 3ODVPD *DVLÀFDWLRQ 6WXG
ODVPD *DVLÀFDWLRQ Y ,QFLQHUDWLRQ 3S KWWSZZZNDXDLQHWZRUNRUJBOL-
EUDUGRFXPHQWVNHVSWHFKQLFDOOLEUDDLWNLQFRXQWSODVPDJDVLÀFDWLRQDV-
VHVVPHQWBÀQDOSGI 'DWH DFFHVVHG
Conenta Energy-from-Waste Solution. EcoGeek-Clean Technology. Fort Meyers,
Florida. www.ecogeek.org/content/view/1106. Date accessed 02/09/09.
Honolulu’s Department of Environmental Services. Honolulu Program of
Waste Energy Recovery. http://www.opala.org/solid_waste/archive/How_
our_City_ manages_our_waste.html. Date accessed 02/09-09.
Chino, Mike. (2008). www.inhabitat.com/2008/11/12/plasma-plants-vaporize-
trash-to-generate-energy/
Czernichowski A. and J.P. Sessa. (2008). Waste Glycerol Conversion into
Syngas. American Chemical Society, Division of Fuel Chemistry 53 (l). www.
glidarc-tech.com. Date accessed 02/23/09.
>@ &DUDELQ 3LHUUH DQG *DJQRQ -HDQ5HQH 3ODVPD *DVLÀFDWLRQ DQG 9LWULÀFD-
tion of Ash into Syngas. PyroGenesis Inc. Montreal Canada, pp. 2-9.
Michael Blue Jay. (2006). Saving Electricity. www.michaelbluejay.com/electric-
ity/cost.html. Date accessed 04/06/09.

