Exergy Analysis of Waste-to-Energy Technologies for Municipal Solid Waste Management

Abstract

In recent years, there have been increasing concerns over the detrimental effects of irreversible linear patterns of material and energy consumption, which have led to an enormous generation of municipal solid waste (MSW). Concepts like waste-to-energy (WtE) and recycling have gained increasing recognition and support as responses to these challenges. This study assessed the exergetic potential of four WtE technologies (landfill gas-to-energy, anaerobic digestion, incineration, and plasma gasification) in the context of the MSW characteristics of Maiduguri, Borno State. The population of Maiduguri, waste generation rate, waste composition, and the ultimate and proximate analysis of the MSW were used for the assessment. Exergetic potential in the form of electrical energy generation and three exergy-based indicators (exergy efficiency, exergy defect, and improvement potential) were evaluated for each WtE option. The results reveal that anaerobic digestion and plasma gasification are viable options based on the exergetic potential and the measured exergy performance indicators. These findings offer valuable insights for policymakers and waste management authorities, facilitating informed decisions to address environmental concerns and promote resource-efficient urban development in Maiduguri and similar regions.

Keywords

• exergy
• municipal solid waste
• incineration
• anaerobic digestion
• plasma gasification
• landfill