Modeling of Energy Generation from Municipal Solid Waste

This study determined the energy content of municipal solid waste (MSW) and derived the models for prediction of energy content as a guide for future power generation. Standard methods were used for characterization and analysis of samples collected from 15 dumpsites. The results showed 28.38% moisture content and 88.25 kg/m3 as density of MSW. Energy contents based on unit, ash-free and ash-free dry basis were 30572 kJ/kg, 42937.73 kJ/kg and 47588.98 kJ/kg respectively. Energy to be generated in the years 2021 and 2041 were 1.032 and 1.759 Watt hour respectively. The chemical formula of MSW were C592.8H914.3O384.9N7S and C84.9H131O55.1N for that with and without sulfur. For the model describing energy generated as a function of projected population, the coefficient of correlation after calibration and verification were 0.9410 and 0.9998 respectively. The model describing waste generated as a function of time, gave 1.00 after calibration and 1.00 after verification. Also model for energy generated as a function of time, gave 0.522 after calibration and 0.999 after verification. These strong fits attest that the models are perfect for predicting energy generation in the future. It is concluded that MSW have high content of energy and should not be disposed indiscriminately instead, it should be recycled