Journal of Energy Engineering

Waste‐to‐energy resource recovery facilities fall into two major categories: mass burn and RDF (refuse‐derived fuel). Site design considerations presented here are applicable to both categories; however, layout and system description used is for mass‐burn facilities. The project site is identified through a complex screening process that includes issues such as environmental compatibility and public sentiment. This paper considers the design within the selected site. Site layout and aesthetics of the facility are of utmost importance to win public support. Traffic congestion is an issue which may be of particular concern to residents in the area of the project; therefore, it is essential that sufficient on‐site truck queuing space is provided to avoid traffic spillover onto public streets. Storm‐water drainage system must be designed to prevent water pollution during the construction, and in many instances it must be designed to maintain predevelopment runoff rate from the site. Last, but not least, is the economic consideration: Site must be designed to minimize the capital cost and cost of maintenance.

The University of Waterloo Long Range Transport (UW‐LRT) Model is used to simulate the seasonal deposition levels attributable to emissions from Sudbury, Ontario, Central Ohio, and Western Pennsylvania. Recorded deposition data for three receptors are adjusted, reflecting a simulated emission reduction at the three sources. The impact of the reduction is not statistically significant, since the year‐to‐year variability exceeds the changes expected due to emissions reductions. A detailed data‐normalization scheme that incorporates the data from all seasons (and possibly from multiple receptors) is required to provide the statistical “resolutions” necessary to recognize emission changes.

Refuse incineration plants with energy recovery have been successfully operated in a developing country. Waste heat recovered from the boilers can be used to generate electricity; 155 kwh of electricity could be generated for every tonne of refuse incinerated. The revenue collected from the electricity and scrap iron recovered from the incineration plant could offset the annual operating cost of the plant. After incineration, about 20% by weight of residues and ash are produced. Physical and chemical properties of the incinerator residue fractions passing 5‐mm sieve are analyzed. The incinerator residues after washing could be used as fine aggregate in concrete mixing.