Development of a small-scale municipal solid waste-to-energy conversion system for localized energy solutions in Ethiopia

Ethiopia is striving to enhance waste management and energy access but lacks a clear understanding of utilizing waste for energy generation. This underscores the necessity of developing power generation technologies that utilize locally sourced materials. While numerous studies have highlighted the production of municipal solid waste in various Ethiopian cities, there is a lack of localized case studies focusing on specific regions and the composition of waste about small-scale power generation systems that use municipal solid waste as fuel. This study seeks to characterize selected municipal solid waste as a fuel source, as well as to design and develop a small-scale power generation system using locally available materials to utilize municipal solid waste as a fuel source. The Engineering Equation software tool was utilized for system modelling and design. The EA1112 Flash CHNS/O analyzer measured the ultimate analysis of waste samples, while a K-type thermocouple was used to measure combustion temperature. The modelling indicated that the prototype could process 32.5 kg/hr of dry municipal solid waste, with an overall efficiency of 35.2%, generating a theoretical power of 300W. However, in the experiment, the system produced 18.7 W by combusting 125 kg/hr of municipal solid waste, resulting in the production of 68.4 kg/hr of steam. The study highlights the need for further efficiency improvements in the combustion system and the thermal-to-mechanical energy converter unit, such as the turbine system. The study shows a feasible way to create a small power generation system using local materials and expertise, which can address energy shortages and waste management problems. This study particularly attempted to fill the spatial research gap of municipal solid waste-based small-scale power generation plants in Ethiopia. Local businesses and industries should consider adopting this technology to overcome these challenges.