Sustainable Energy from Waste: A Review of Modern Power Generation Techniques

Sustainable Energy from Waste: A Review of Modern Power Generation Techniques

Raj Goud IETBundelkhand University Jhansi, India rajgoudjhs2002@gmail.com

Ikroop Verma

IET Bundelkhand University Jhansi, India ikroop09@bujhansi.ac.in

Vishal

IET Bundelkhand University Jhansi, India vishalahirwar814@gmail.com

Punit Kumar Singh Department of Bioengineering Integral University

Lucknow, India Punitsingh@iul.ac.in

Tanya Shailendu

IET Bundelkhand University Jhansi, India tanyashailendu@gamil.com

ABSTRACT

Waste-to-energy technologies offer a sustainable way to address Indias rising energy demands while reducing environmental impact and health risks. These technologies help manage growing waste volumes, minimize landfill dependency, and decrease reliance on fossil fuels. With waste generation projected to rise significantly, the country faces challenges in logistics, funding, and resource management. Despite having substantial potential for energy recovery, existing plants raise environmental concerns. This paper explores waste- to-energy opportunities, their impact on job creation, business growth, and sustainability. It also discusses necessary policy improvements and strategic actions to enhance waste management and support future investments in this sector.

Keywords: Waste to Energy, Renewable Energy, Waste management, Pollution Control, Industrial Energy Generation.

1. INTRODUCTION

   Electricity generation from waste is an innovative and sustainable approach to addressing both energy needs and waste management challenges.

   This process, known as sustainable Energy From Waste transforms discarded materials into a valuable power source, reducing landfill waste, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and contributing to renewable energy solutions. As urbanization and industrial activities increase, the need for efficient waste disposal and alternative energy sources becomes more urgent the technologies primarily use thermal or biological methods to extract energy from waste. Thermal processes, such as incineration, involve burning waste to produce steam, which drives turbines to generate electricity advancements in WTE technology continue to improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness, making it a viable option for sustainable development. By integrating modern filtration systems, emissions from waste combustion can be controlled, making the process more environmentally friendly. Additionally, repurposing byproducts such as ash for road construction or soil enrichment enhances the overall sustainability of the system. The growing interest in waste-to-energy solutions highlights their potential to address many global challenges this research explores various WTE technologies, their impact on waste management and their potential role in achieving a cleaner and more sustainable future.[1] [2]

   Author/ Year	Objective	Methodology	Key Finding
   A.Sharma 2021	To analyze the efficiency of waste to energy conversion using municipal solid waste	Conducting experiments on incineration on pyrolysis,and gasificationon process	Pyrolysis was found to be more efficient with lower emission compared to incineration
   R. Mehta 2022	To evaluate the impact of different waste Segregation techniques on energy output	Tested Al-based waste classification- tion systems in WTE plants.	Al-enhanced waste sorting improved energy yield by 20% and reduced non- recyclable waste.
   S. Kumar, 2022	To study the effectiveness of bio-waste in electricity generation	Implemented anaerobic digestion techniques on organic waste samples	Biogas generation from food waste produced stable electricity with low environmental impact
   P. Verma, 2023	To assess the feasibility of integrating solar panels with waste-to -energy plants.	Designed a hybrid model combining photovoltaic cells with waste incineration systems.	The hybrid model improved overall energy output and provided a sustainable alternative
   N. Reddy, 2023	To investigate the role of advanced filtration in reducing emissions from WTE plants.	Deployed high- efficiency smoke filters in a pilot WTE project.	Filtration reduced harmful emissions by 35%, making waste-based electricity generation more eco-friendly.

2. EVOLUTION OF SUSTAINABLE ENERGYFROM WASTE (2014-2023)

3. REVIEW OF THE PRESENT SCENARIO

   Electricity is an essential requirement in todays world, and its generation relies on various fuels such as coal, gas, diesel, and uranium. These fuels, despite their abundant availability, contribute significantly to environmental degradation. At the same time, municipal solid waste (MSW), which includes household and commercial waste like packaging materials, food scraps, newspapers, and appliances, continues to accumulate at an alarming rate. While traditional power plants primarily rely on fossil fuels for electricity generation, the increasing waste crisis presents both a challenge and an opportunity for sustainable energy solutions. One of the major ecological concerns is the management of plastic waste. Various strategies have been implemented, such as waste sorting, landfill disposal, and recycling. However, recycling efforts often produce low-quality materials, limiting their usability. The excessive accumulation of waste in landfills not only renders the land unproductive but also occupies valuable space. Additionally, conventional disposal methods like incineration and pyrolysis contribute to air pollution by releasing hazardous pollutants, including CO2 and persistent organic toxins like dioxins and polyatomic hydrocarbons given these challenges, integrating waste-to-energy solutions presents a viable alternative to both waste management and energy production. However, current waste-to-energy processes need further advancements to reduce emissions and improve efficiency. With growing environmental concerns and the need for sustainable energy sources, it is crucial to develop cleaner and more efficient waste conversion technologies. Future improvements in filtration, energy storage, and renewable energy integration can help minimize environmental impact while addressing both energy and waste management challenge. [8]

4. METHODOLOGY FOR SUSTAINABLE ENERGY FROM WASTE

   The methodology involves a systematic process to convert waste into electricity while minimizing environmental damage. The key stages include waste handling, energy extraction, emission control, and byproduct utilization.

   1. Waste Collection and Segregation

      Waste is collected from various sources, including households, industries, and agricultural areas, to ensure a continuous supply of raw materials for energy generation. A proper segregation process is implemented to separate biodegradable and non- biodegradable waste, enhancing efficiency in energy extraction. The collected waste undergoes sorting based on its composition, calorific value, and potential environmental impact. This systematic segregation helps in optimizing the energy output while minimizing harmful emissions and ensuring sustainable waste management.

   2. Waste Processing and Preparation

      The collected waste undergoes shredding, drying, and sorting to enhance its energy potential. Non- combustible materials like metals and glass are removed, while organic and high-energy waste is blended for better efficiency. This structured approach ensures smooth energy conversion with minimal environmental impact. Shredding: Solid waste is cut into smaller pieces to ensure uniform combustion or digestion. Drying: Moisture is reduced to increase calorific value, especially for combustion-based systems.

   3. Power Generation and Storage

      The generated energy is effectively stored in battery systems and capacitor banks, ensuring a stable and consistent power supply. This method improves energy utilization, minimizes losses, and promotes sustainable electricity production.

      1. Electricity Generation

         Electricity is generated using two primary method heating plates for direct thermoelectric conversion and turbines powered by steam or gas from waste processing, ensuring efficient energy generation.

      2. Energy Storage

         The generated electricity is stored using battery systems and capacitor banks to ensure a stable and continuous power supply. This storage system helps balance energy demand, reduces wastage, and enhances overall efficiency for sustainable power utilization. [6] [7]

5. DESIGN

   Fig 5. Block Design of Sustainable Energy from Waste

   (published in IEEE explore on August 21, 2023)

   1. Block Design

      The Designing is divided into key functional blocks to ensure smooth energy generation and pollution control.

      Waste Combustion Unit: Non-biodegradable waste is Fed into the Fire Box, where it is burned to generate heat energy.

      Heating Panel: absorbs this thermal energy, and a Heating Sensor monitors the temperature.

      Heating sensor: A LED provides real-time feedback Energy

      Conversion & Storage Unit: The DC to DC Boost Converter regulates and amplifies the electrical output energy is stored in a Battery Unit for later use.

      A 6-Pin On/Off Switch: controls the energy flow, with an Electricity Indication LED showing power status

      Emission Control & Water Circulation Unit: Carbon emission gases from combustion are passed through a Water Cooling Filter to reduce pollutants. A Water Pump circulates water from the Water Storage Container for filtration and cooling.

      [2] [4]

   2. Sustainable Materials

      The system utilizes a combination of waste materials and eco-friendly components to generate and store energy efficiently:

      Non-Biodegradable Waste: Used as the primary energy source, reducing landfill waste.

      Heating Panel & Fire Box: Converts thermal energy from waste combustion into usable energy.

      Water Cooling Filter: Filters and reduces carbon emissions before releasing gases.

      DC Motor as Roller: Utilizes stored energy to drive mechanical operations.

      Storage Battery & Boost Converter: Efficiently stores and regulates generated electricity for continuous usage. [2] [4] [5]

   3. Government policy for Waste to Energy

      The Indian government recognizes waste-to-energy as a renewable energy source and actively supports its development through various subsidies and incentives. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) plays a crucial role in promoting different technological solutions for energy recovery from urban and industrial waste. It also provides financial assistance for research and development (R&D) initiatives on a cost-sharing basis, aligning with its R&D policies. Additionally, the MNRE extends monetary support for projects focused on resource assessment, technology enhancement, and performance evaluation to ensure effective implementation, key data such as the economic value of recyclables, the extent of environmental pollution from waste, and the volume of industrial waste generated must be systematically analyzed. A comprehensive evaluation of costs and available funding sources is essential for advancing waste-to- energy initiatives. The government also encourages innovation and improvement in existing waste-to- energy technologies by funding applied research projects. Furthermore, policies and regulatory frameworks are being strengthened to facilitate the integration of waste-to-energy projects into the countrys renewable energy sector. Incentives for private investors and public-private partnerships are being introduced to accelerate the adoption of such technologies. By improving waste management infrastructure and investing in sustainable energy solutions, India aims to reduce environmental pollution while contributing to energy security. [9]

6. CONCLUSION

This Paper highlights the potential of Sustainable Energy from Waste, as an innovative solution for both energy production and waste management. By integrating advanced waste-to-energy technologies, such as anaerobic digestion, gasification, and incineration with proper filtration, it is possible to reduce environmental pollution while generating electricity efficiently. The inclusion of smoke filters, capacitance & battery storage, and solar panels further enhances energy recovery and sustainability

For effective implementation, strong regulatory policies, government incentives, and public-private partnerships are essential. Additionally, adopting advanced waste pretreatment methods can improve efficiency, though it may increase operational costs. Encouraging technology transfer, research collaboration, and industry involvement will accelerate the adoption of (WtE) systems, particularly in developing nations by transforming waste into a valuable energy resource; this approach contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, mitigating health risks, and supporting the global transition toward renewable energy. With the right strategies and investments, sustainable energy from waste can play a crucial role in achieving energy security, environmental sustainability, and economic growth.

References

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