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 64.33 kW with an overall power plant efficiency of 13.03% and an investment cost of 192,340 USD based on a reference cost of 2990 USD/kW. The study also found that the system’s use in Angostura is economically feasible, with a net present value of 31,208 USD 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.