Thermodynamic and Economic Simulation of an Organic Rankine Cycle for the Utilization of Combustion Gas Produced in Small Landfills in Antioquia, Colombia

Abstract

This study presents a simulation of an organic Rankine cycle (ORC) for the utilization of combustion gas produced in small landfills in Antioquia, Colombia, with a focus on the municipality of Angostura. This municipality has been chosen as the focus of this study due to its growing population and industrial and tourism development, bringing with them the need for sustainable waste and energy management solutions. The proposed ORC system includes two evaporators, two turbines, a condenser, a pump, and a generator, similar to successful systems reported in the literature. A sensitivity analysis was performed to investigate the impact of pressure, temperature, and mass flow on the system’s net power output and thermodynamic efficiency. The results showed that the system reached a net power output of (Formula presented.) with an overall power plant efficiency of (Formula presented.) and an investment cost of (Formula presented.) based on a reference cost of (Formula presented.). The study also found that the system’s use in Angostura is economically feasible, with a net present value of (Formula presented.) over a 10-year investment study. The sensitivity analysis revealed that temperature and pressure have direct effects on the system’s performance and economic viability. The municipality’s geomorphological characteristics were found to reduce the risk of groundwater contamination, while surface waters may still be vulnerable to contamination from leachates. Overall, this study highlights the feasibility and potential benefits of utilizing an ORC system, in which the combustion heat from methane gas produced in small landfills in Antioquia, Colombia, is harnessed for energy production. © 2023 by the authors.