Impact of Physical and Chemical Properties of Municipal Solid Waste on its Electrical Power Rating Potential

Abstract

Waste-to-energy (WTE) management method, has been considered as the best option; because, it reduces the quantity of waste generated by about 71 %, and ensure energy recovery for efficient waste management. In this study, physical, chemical and the heating properties of the waste components, generated in Ilorin were determined. The heating value was modelled against the physicochemical properties of MSW components to ascertain their correlation. The electrical power rating potential of the MSW was determined using Dulong's model. The regression model developed on the correlation analysis was used to predict the effect of the physicochemical properties on the heating value and the power generation potential. It was concluded that 1 % increase in fixed carbon and volatile matter, total carbon and Nitrogen content, increases electrical power rating by 8 %, 37 %, 21 % and 10.80 % respectively; while 1 % increase in moisture and hydrogen content, reduces the electrical power rating by 11 % and 69.3 % respectively.