Decentralized Small-Scale Waste-to-Energy Incineration System

Decentralized Small-Scale Waste-to-Energy Incineration System

 

Old Design: A small-scale waste-to-energy system incinerates municipal solid waste at high temperatures. The heat generated is used to generate steam, drive turbines, and generate electricity. It can also provide heat for district heating or other purposes. This process significantly reduces waste volume and converts waste into energy, making it a cost-effective solution for areas with energy shortages or limited landfill space.

 

In China, an alternative waste-to-energy incineration system has been implemented. Fireprint utilizes low-temperature, energy-free magnetic pyrolysis technology. Fireprint uses flameless, low-temperature carbonization at temperatures between 50 and 280 degrees Celsius, converting the waste into charcoal. This charcoal is then pyrolyzed (at 380 degrees Celsius) into a negative ion powder. The charcoal pyrolysis produces carbon monoxide and hydrogen, which are then used as fuel in a pipeline to power a generator, producing electricity.

 

Working Principle:

 

1. Pyrolysis rather than incineration:

The waste evaporates, dries, gasifies, carbonizes, and pyrolyzes within a sealed chamber, producing negative ion ash (the powdered ash acts as a soil enhancer for forest land).

 

2. Recycling Combustion Gas for Power Generation:

The waste gases (carbon monoxide and hydrogen) generated by pyrolysis and carbonization are used in generator boilers to drive generators, providing electricity to heat water and generate steam.

 

3. Reducing Waste Volume:

The pyrolysis process can reduce waste volume by 1/200-400, allowing it to be returned directly to forestland.

 

Advantages:

 

The process requires no energy, is flameless, smokeless, or fly ash-free, produces no heavy metals, and emits dioxins far below incinerator standards.

 

Environmental Benefits: More sustainable than landfills because it reduces the need to burn fossil fuels for power generation.

 

Land Conservation: Reduces reliance on land for waste disposal.

 

Considerations:

 

Cost: The purchase of fireprint equipment is relatively expensive, but operating costs are virtually zero.

 

NIMBY Effect: The public is less concerned about pollution and health risks.