SIMULATION OF PLASMA GASIFICATION MODEL

Abstract

Plasma Gasification technology is by far the latest technology for clean and green energy from Municipal solid waste. It has been around for over 50 years now and has experienced advancement in technology since 1960's. Now it is used for various purposes. But Plasma gasification technology is used prominently to convert municipal waste into valuable products. Using this technology municipal waste can be converted to gasoline, construction materials, hydrogen, chemicals, fertilizers and many other useful products. By far Japan is the only one country harnessing the benefits of plasma gasification to full extent. A MATLAB model has been developed to reach close to justify the usefulness of plasma gasification in Indian context by taking into account Bhopal municipality data. Steps have been taken to reach close to calculate the Net electricity value generated by the Bhopal municipal waste. Parametric analysis was done to have a overview of plasma gasifier variations with input of feedstock moisture content, temperature and oxygen supple rate. Results of parametric analysis showed the optimum amount of temperature, moisture content in feedstock and oxygen supply rate which should be input to the gasifier. It also showed the need for installing the pre-drying section. It is necessary to reduce the moisture in the feedstock to the required amount for maximum heating value of syngas coming out of the plasma gasifier. Both efficiency law and 2nd law were also plotted against oxygen supply rate, moisture content and temperature variations. Electricity input to the gasifier was also varied. Results showed decline in both efficiencies with each of the parameter. These results have given a platform for calculating the gross electricity produced from the process. Gross electricity has been calculated by compensating the amount of electricity used in different parts of the plasma gasification process like dryer and plasma gasifier.