Abstract
A software system that enhances the selection of appropriate power plant capacity that will convert combustible municipal solid waste (MSW) into energy was developed. The aggregate of waste to be converted was determined and the corresponding heating value was established. The capacities of steam power plants’ components required for the conversion were determined, using thermodynamic mathematical models. An algorithm based on models used to determine the energy potential, the power potential of MSW, the capacities of the components of the steam power plant, were translated into computer soft code using Java programming language; saturated steam and superheated steam tables, together with the thermodynamic properties of the power plant required were incorporated into the soft code. About 584 tons of MSW having a heating value of 20 MJ/kg was the quantity of waste experimented for energy generation. This information was input into the software as data and was processed. Then, the software was able to predict 3245.54 MWh energy potential for the quantity of waste, and electrical power potential of 40.54 MW. The capacities of the steam power plant components that were predicted include 100.35 MW of boiler power, 40.54 MW of turbine power, and 59.80 MW of condenser power. The methodology adopted will make it easy for the managers in the waste-to-energy sector to appropriately select the suitable capacity of the required steam power plant that can convert any quantify of MSW at any geographical location, without going through the engineering calculation and stress or rigor involved in the plant capacity design. Moreover, the accuracy obtained for the software is greater than 99%.
Highlights
Municipal solid waste (MSW), is a collection of materials resulted from man’s activities with his environment on daily basis, which are considered as not useful and are disposed of as wastes
This study aims to provide software that will serve as a management and technical decision tool, to predict the capacity of steam power equipment that will convert municipal solid waste (MSW) into energy at any geographical location, provided the available quantity of waste for energy and the low heating value (LHV) is established
The software developed can effectively serve as a supporting system for the selection of the appropriate capacity of the steam power plant to convert any quantity of MSW as fuel to energy
Summary
Municipal solid waste (MSW), is a collection of materials resulted from man’s activities with his environment on daily basis, which are considered as not useful and are disposed of as wastes. MSW generation is on the high side over the years, around the globe, due to the increase in population, changes in taste, fashions, advancement in technology, and consumerism growth [1,2]. Islam [3] and Ibikunle [4,5] reported that the growth in MSW generation is due to the global quest for urbanism, social, and industrial development. Johari [6] stated that the sporadic increase in a waste generation will necessitate environmental challenges unless it is adequately and promptly managed. Remarked that the waste generated in the Ilorin metropolis of Kwara State is a huge one, and the waste management system available is insufficient; this makes people indulge in indiscriminate disposal of wastes which results in pollution, an unsightly scene, and blockage of waterways. Remarked that the waste generated in the Ilorin metropolis of Kwara State is a huge one, and the waste management system available is insufficient; this makes people indulge in indiscriminate disposal of wastes which results in pollution, an unsightly scene, and blockage of waterways. 4.0/).
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