Analysis of energy recovery potential using innovative technologies of waste gasification

In this paper, two alternative thermo-chemical processes for waste treatment were analysed: high temperature gasification and gasification associated to plasma process. The two processes were analysed from the thermodynamic point of view, trying to reconstruct two simplified models, using appropriate simulation tools and some support data from existing/planned plants, able to predict the energy recovery performances by process application. In order to carry out a comparative analysis, the same waste stream input was considered as input to the two models and the generated results were compared. The performances were compared with those that can be obtained from conventional combustion with energy recovery process by means of steam turbine cycle. Results are reported in terms of energy recovery performance indicators as overall energy efficiency, specific energy production per unit of mass of entering waste, primary energy source savings, specific carbon dioxide production.

► Energy recovery from waste by gasification was simulated. ► Two processes: high temperature gasification and gasification associated to plasma. ► Two types of feeding waste: Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) and pulper residues. ► Different configurations for the energy cycles were considered. ► Comparison with performances from conventional Waste-to-Energy process.