Numerical simulation to optimize passive aeration strategy for semi-aerobic landfill

Abstract

Passive aeration has been proven to be efficient for oxygen supply in landfill. The combination of passive aeration and semi-aerobic landfill offers a cost-effective and energy-efficient approach to solid waste (SW) treatment. However, determining the optimal strategy for this combination has remained unclear. This study aimed to investigate the strategy of passive aeration in a semi-aerobic landfill using numerical simulation methods. A model coupled hydrodynamic model and compartment model for degradation of SW was implemented. The accuracy was well validated by comparing measured and simulated results in a pilot-scale landfill. Compared with natural convection, passive aeration by funnel caps could increase air input by 20 %. By simulating volumetric fraction distribution of CO2, CH4 and O2 in landfill, an orthogonal experiment including 4 factors was designed to identify that the diameter of tubes (DT), the spacing between tubes (ST) and the landfill depth (LD) have substantial impacts on aerobic zone ratio (AZR) of landfill. But the diameter of gas ports (DGP) has an indiscernible effect. The optimized factors were determined to be as follows: DT = 0.3 m, ST = 15.0 m, DGP = 0.05 m, and LD = 4.0 m, under which the semi-aerobic landfill could enhance SW degradation. Large diameter and spacing of tubes are favorable to improve the AZR at the top of the landfill, and the aerobic zone mainly exists near the ventilation tubes. These findings contribute to the development of more efficient and sustainable solid waste treatment strategies in semi-aerobic landfill.