Can incinerators be used to generate electricity?

Can incinerators be used to generate electricity?
Yes, incinerators can generate electricity through the waste-to-energy (WTE) process. The heat generated during the incineration process can be used to generate steam, which in turn drives a turbine to generate electricity.
It is part of the energy layout of many countries.
The working principle is as follows:

1. Waste incineration:
Municipal solid waste is burned in an incinerator.

2. Heat recovery:
The heat generated during the combustion process is used to heat water and generate steam.

3. Power generation:
The pressurized steam is used to drive a turbine connected to a generator to generate electricity.

4. Flue gas treatment:
The flue gas (exhaust gas) generated by the incinerator is treated to remove pollutants before being discharged into the atmosphere.

In essence, an incinerator can be seen as a way to convert waste into usable energy. In China, Fireprint technology is an epoch-making high-tech device. It does not require fuel, has no flames, and imitates the natural environment to turn organic matter into two substances:

1. Solid: It becomes powdery negative ion ash, which can be used as a forest soil promoter.
2. Gas: Tar, steam, carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and methane are produced. The tar is collected for secondary processing. Steam is recovered to cool the furnace. The remaining carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and methane (commonly known as water gas) are used as generator fuel and burned to generate electricity. This technology achieves virtually zero emissions.

This technology is gaining popularity because it helps reduce landfill volume and generates electricity.