title: Cogeneration from thermal treatment of selected municipal solid wastes. A stoichiometric model building for the case study on Palermo.
abstract: This paper aims to calculate the energetic and environmental effects of an integrated solid waste management system in Palermo, Italy. In particular, the thermal treatment of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) with energy recovery is assessed. The current characterization at the local scale is taken into account. Two different options of collection are taken into account: (1) unselected wastes; and (2) sorted collection, according to the current Italian regulation. Combustion process is analyzed and the following features are calculated: (1) stoichiometric content of air and air excess; and (2) temperature and enthalpy of flue gases. Energy recovery is performed in the hypothesis of Hirn cycle both with steam condensation to produce only power, and with bleeding cycle for the combined production of power and thermal energy. Total electric efficiency is assumed as representative index of the technological level of the assessed plant. Results show that the thermal treatment of selected MSW, associated with a cogenerative recovery of energy, represents a relevant sustainable strategy of waste valorization as an alternative to fossil fuels.
authors.affiliation: Dipartimento di Ingegneria Elettrica, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Lo Mastro
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mistretta
mesh_terms: D003246:Conservation of Energy Resources; D004560:Electricity; D005579:Fossil Fuels; D017745:Incineration; D007558:Italy; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D011640:Public Policy; D012037:Refuse Disposal; D013672:Technology
chemical_list: D005579:Fossil Fuels