Comparative Analysis on Waste to Energy Conversion Chains Using Thermal-chemical Processes

The paper presents the results of theoretical and experimental approach study on solid waste thermal-chemical treatment for power generation. Three main conversion processes were used: direct combustion, pyrolysis and gasification. When applied to large variety of wastes, the option for a certain treatment method (gasification especially due to process low stability) requires the knowledge of physical-chemical characteristics of the waste to be treated. Current debates on cost-effect of these young technologies compared to old incineration are mainly focused on biomass, especially wood under gasification conditions (using air). For atypical waste (MSW, industrial, food industry, farm) operation data or experimental results with respect to process global energy balance are not available for public or the information is restricted to general aspects. The experimental research focused on a large variety of heterogeneous waste (cellulose based, plastic, food industry, agriculture) to energy conversion efficiency. Based on experimental results the electrical power out-put was estimated for three main conversion chains using the mentioned processes.