Energy and economic analysis of closed-loop plasma waste-to-power generation model and in comparison with Incineration and Micro-Turbine Models

This research addresses three major problems currently confronting our globe. These problems are the pending energy crisis, the environmental degradation due to waste and the environmental degradation due to the continuous generation of greenhouse gas emissions. In light of these problems, efforts are geared towards the development of ´one-stop´ solution. A preliminary survey of available technical data indicates that the three problems could be solved through the use of an efficient plasma gasification technology. The usage of this technology can simultaneously disintegrate waste while electrical power is generated and greenhouse gas emissions eliminated. The two other methods of converting biomass to heat energy, namely combustion and gasification are also presented with the chemical compositions of the three methods analyzed, using thermochemical data to determine which of the three has the best option for heat energy generation and hence power generation. An innovative aspect of this work is the development of a closed-loop renewable power generation system that can be integrated into local communities. A model of Energy and economic analysis of the system is presented using Visual Basic in the form of Graphical User Interface (GUI). This software could be packaged so as to be written to CD or memory device for the convenience of users. By way of comparison, Incineration and Micro-turbine Models are also presented.