Evaluating the waste incineration process for sustainable development through modelling, logistics, and simulation

Abstract

This article deals with research on the impact of waste incineration processes on the environment within a particular region by means of computer simulation and logistics principles. The area of interest for this case study considers the aspects of the practical application of using the above methods and principles in order to reduce the environmental impacts of the waste incineration process in the Slovak Republic. At the initial stage of simulation model design, it is necessary to establish a formalized scheme, which is the basis for creating the actual simulation model. Then in the next stage the simulation model is created by combining building blocks within the given simulation software. The simulation results show that incineration during a one-year period produces about 15,266 tons of plastic and electrical components, and will release about 590,000 GJ of energy and about 199,000 tons of steam and 287 tons of other emissions with only 3 milligrams of dioxins. The computer simulation method is used to analyse, and subsequently adjust and improve the waste incineration process in order to achieve the desired parameter values – specifically the amount of heat produced, and the amount of generated steam and air pollutants.