Energy Contribution of OFMSW (Organic Fraction of Municipal Solid Waste) to Energy-Environmental Sustainability in Urban Areas at Small Scale

Abstract

Abstract:Urban waste management is one of the most challenging issues in energy planning of medium and large cities. In addition to the traditional landfill method, many studies are investigating energy harvesting from waste, not as a panacea but as a foreseeable solution. Thermo-chemical conversion to biogas, or even bio-methane under certain conditions, could be an option to address this challenge. This study focuses on municipal solid waste conversion to biogas as a local energy supply for the cities. Three urban models and their subdivision into urban areas were identified along with a typical Organic Fraction of Municipal Solid Waste (OFMSW) matrix for each urban area. Then, an energy analysis was carried out to provide an optimization map for an informed choice by urban policy-makers and stakeholders. The results highlighted how the urban context and its use could affect the opportunity to produce energy from waste or to convert it in fuel. So, in this case, sustainability means waste turning from a problem to a renewable resource.

Organic Fraction of Municipal Solid Waste: Overview of Treatment Methodologies to Enhance Anaerobic Biodegradability

“…Besides the energy balance and techno-economic investigation, environmental aspects i.e., pathogen expulsion, utilization of chemicals, the likelihood for a manageable utilization of the deposits and impacts on human health has to be considered while opting a treatment process (Stabnikova et al, 2008;Thorin et al, 2012;Di Matteo et al, 2017). The solids that are generated after AD process has the potential to be used as soil amendments, which is good for the environment.…”

Sustainability Assessment of Bioenergy from a Global Perspective: A Review

“…For example, Matteo et al [99] and Kraxner et al [100] point out that it is possible for conversing municipal solid waste or urban forests to renewable fuel, such as bio-gas or other bioenergy. Agarwal [101] and Von Blottnitz and Curran [102] analyze the feasibility of using bio-ethanol and bio-diesel as transportation fuels from the perspectives of net energy and life-cycle environmental impacts.…”

Theoretical and experimental analysis of a new compressible flow small power turbine prototype

“…These micro turbines [3][4] can be merged with existing systems, reducing so the costs through electricity production or a direct drive of other devices. Some applications involve incineration plants, sugar factories, heat exchange stations, heating plants, food industries, solar power plants [5], biomass power plants [6].…”