Effect of Collection Efficiency and Oxidation Factor on Electricity Generation of Landfill Gas to Energy Technology

Abstract

In this paper, the effect of landfill gas collection efficiency as well as oxidation factor on the electricity generation and greenhouse gas (CO2) emission is examined for a landfill gas to energy (LFGtE) technology. The study is conducted using the waste profile of the city of Ibadan, Nigeria. First, the waste generation potential of the city is determined using the population model as well as the per capita municipal solid waste (MSW) generation rate of the city obtained from the literature. The amount of landfill gas obtainable from the municipal solid waste of the city is determined using LandGem software. The result shows that the methane generation rates using LFGtE technology based on the estimated waste profile of the city is 0.2028 billion m3/yr (2315m3/h). Electricity generation potential using LFGtE technology increases with increase in collection efficiency. Conversely, it decreases with increase in oxidation factor. Also, the greenhouse gas emission potential in carbon dioxide equivalent (CO 2 eq) decreases with increase in collection efficiency. Similarly, it decreases with increase in oxidation factor. The results in this paper could be used by landfill operators on the need to operate upgraded landfill sites for improved energy generation and environmental benefits.