Estimation of the Calorific Value and Electrical Energy Potential of Waste Generated Biomass Within Abakaliki Meteropolis Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the electrical energy potential of municipal solid waste (MSW) generated biomass within Abakaliki metropolis, Ebonyi State, Nigeria. The MSW samples were collected at two different points from each of the waste management zones, with each zone covering at least twelve (12) streets. It was then sorted into three major categories according to their constituents viz; metals, plastics and biomass. In this study, the biomass component of the MSW sample was is our focus. Thus, the biomass sample was sun dried and then ground into powdered form. It was thoroughly mixed, shredded, sieved and subsequently analysed at the Lorcin Technologies Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Currently, an average of 360 tons of MSW is generated within Abakaliki metropolis on daily bases. This translates to an electrical energy potential of approximately 320MW. The MSW-generated biomass analysis estimates the Gross Calorific Value (GCV) or Higher Heating Values (HHV) to be 11.644MJ/kg. This value which practically determines the electrical energy of the waste sample is highly suitable for many thermal conversion processe. This translate to the fact 0.925kg of biomass will generate electrical power of 1KWh. Hence, one unit of electricity=10765KJ/Kg/GVC (KJ/Kg).