Optimization of energy generation using landfill biogas

Municipal solid waste landfills (MSWL) generate large quantities of landfill gas (LFG) that can be converted to renewable energy. But, the economics of such operation are not adequately attractive and in most of the MSWL, worldwide, the LFG is flared to the atmosphere unused, contributing to the global warming. In this study, a Linear Programming (LP) Model was developed and used to evaluate the economic return of LFG power generation from a landfill − HAGAL MSWL, aiming to improve the economic viability and the ways to maximize the economic benefits resulting from the conversion of LFG to electricity. The analysis indicated that as compared to a continuous power generation, the adoption of an intermittent power generation regime, in which the LFG is stored to limit the operation of the energy center to the hours of the day when the power demand reach its peak, the economic return is significantly higher by 20%. Due to a price incentive offered to electricity producers through a form of Time Load Tariff (TLT), in which the sale price of power fluctuates during the day of the week and season, it was demonstrated that the return on investment (ROI) justified the additional cost incurred for the storage of the LFG. The LP optimization model was found to be a useful tool for the evaluation and maximization of the ROI of power generation from a largely un-tapped renewable source which is readily available and abundant.