Energy recovery plants
Introduction
energy use of waste (or energy recovery of waste) is the process by which energy is generated, in the form of electricity, heat or fuel, from waste.[1].
Technologies
Contenido
La conversión de energía a partir de los residuos se puede obtener utilizando diferentes tecnologías, cada una con unas características específicas que pueden ser más o menos factibles en función de muchos factores. Entre ellos se encuentran el tipo y la composición de los residuos, su contenido energético, la forma final de la energía deseada y la eficiencia energética general, por mencionar algunos.[2].
Thermal conversion
Thermal conversion technologies recover energy through processes that involve high temperatures, the main ones being incineration, gasification and pyrolysis.
The incineration of municipal solid waste is a relatively old method of energy use. This technology consists of burning waste in combustion facilities to produce steam that drives a turbine that generates electricity and, in some cases, for heating and industrial processes. Although direct incineration can be an effective way to harness energy from waste, it can also have negative impacts on the environment, such as the emission of greenhouse gases and air pollutants. Additionally, direct incineration may not be suitable for all types of waste and may be expensive to implement and operate.[3][4][5].
Gasification transforms waste into a synthesis gas, which can be used to produce electricity, heat and chemicals. In this process, waste is heated to elevated temperatures in the absence of oxygen, producing a gas composed primarily of carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and methane. The syngas generated can be used in internal combustion engines to generate electricity and heat, and in chemical processes to produce fuels and chemicals. Gasification is a promising technology for energy use from waste, as it can produce energy more efficiently and with reduced emissions compared to direct incineration. However, gasification still faces technical and economic challenges in terms of efficiency and commercial viability in certain contexts.[6][7][8].