Integrating solid oxide fuel cell and vapour absorption cooling with MSW gasification: process modelling and exergo-enviro-economic analysis

Abstract

The paper deals with a conceptual design and exergo-enviro-economic analysis of a municipal solid waste-based plant that employs steam–air gasification, solid oxide fuel cell, heat recovery steam turbine cycle and a vapour absorption refrigeration unit to coproduce electricity and cooling. Process simulation platform of Cycle Tempo was used to carry out major part of the work. Parametric variations of major plant components were also assessed. The plant is found to yield maximum energy efficiency of 50.29%, producing electricity at 0.11 USD/kWh and giving a payback period of 6.5 years. The plant has a specific CO₂ emission of less than 0.9 kg/kWh with a high sustainability index of 1.8. The plant is found to have a annual carbon emission saving potential of about 65,000 with consequent emission cost saving of about 9.7 million USD. The plant shows an impressive exergo-economic factor of 0.55, thus reinforcing the economic feasibility of such type of plants.