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Solid waste utilization in integrated community energy systems

Journal Article · · Am. Soc. Mech. Eng., (Pap.); (United States)
OSTI ID:6319906
In considering fuel conservation measures, one approach is to utilize the waste heat from electrical generation plants. However, due to the uncertainty of continued operation of older plants in urban areas and the remoteness of new, large power plants this is usually impractical. If electrical energy production were dispersed in the form of industrial cogeneration or community-sized plants located in or near the thermal service area, then it would be possible to use the waste heat for industrial processes or for meeting the thermal requirements of communities. This can be accomplished in the residential/commercial sector with Integrated Community Energy Systems (ICES). In this study the potential role of solid waste in ICES is investigated. A representative, large, residential/commercial complex is studied in which solid waste is used to help meet basic fuel requirements. Based on current performance and cost estimates, it appears that solid waste generated within a residential/commercial community can meet about 3 to 5% the total fuel demand. Using solid waste pyrolysis units, it appears that the systems are economically viable if disposal costs exceed about $20/ton- the kind of disposal costs encountered in some metropolitan areas.
Research Organization:
Argonne National Lab., IL
OSTI ID:
6319906
Journal Information:
Am. Soc. Mech. Eng., (Pap.); (United States), Journal Name: Am. Soc. Mech. Eng., (Pap.); (United States); ISSN ASMSA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English