Process simulation development of a clean waste-to-energy conversion power plant: Thermodynamic and environmental assessment

Waste-to-energy (WTE) conversion technologies for generating renewable energy and solving the environmental problems have an important role in development of sustainable circular economy. This paper presents a novel high-efficiency WTE power plant using refuse-derived fuel (RDF) as feedstock by integrating torrefaction (T) pretreatment with plasma gasifier (PG), solid oxide cell (SOFC), combined heat (CHP) system. The impacts conditions (i.e. temperature residence time) steam-to-fuel (S/F) ratio on performances proposed T-PG-SOFC-CHP without CO2 capture (System I) is first evaluated. Results show that RDF prior to gasification provides better syngas quality therefore system electrical efficiency (SEE) CHP (CHPE) System I can be markedly boosted compared untreated RDF. However, integration unit shows negative effect return investment (EROI) due high demands gasification. Overall, values CHPE range from 47.25% 55.39% when temperatures 200 250 °C are adopted. In contrast, at 300 not recommended condition operation because noticeably impacts. Moreover, prevent risk carbon deposition SOFC anode, recirculation (RR) anode off-gas 30% required. Finally, introduction oxy-fuel combustion technology into II) allows achieve zero direct emission plant. this results penalty about 5.40–6.77% associated compression process.