Energy Recovery Potential from Effluents in the Process Industry: System Dynamics Modeling and Techno-Economic Assessments

Abstract

This study quantifies the effluents generated during processing in three industry types, estimates the energy potential from the quantified effluents in the form of biogas generation, and determines the economic viability of the biogas recovered. Data were procured from the relevant scientific publications to quantify the effluents generated from the production processes in the industry types examined, using industrial process calculations. The effluent data generated are used in the 2-module biogas energy recovery model to estimate the bioenergy recovery potential within it. Economic and financial analysis is based on a cash-flow comparison of all costs and benefits resulting from its activities. The effluents generated an average daily biogas of 2559 Nm3/gVS, having a daily potential combined heat and power of 0.52 GWh and 0.11 GWh, respectively. The life cycle analysis and cost-benefit analysis show the quantity of emissions avoided when using the effluents to generate heat and power for processes, along with the profitability of the approach. Conclusively, the study shows that the use of biomass effluents to generate biogas for Combined Heat and Power (CHP) is a viable one, based on the technologies of a reciprocating engine, gas turbine, microturbine, and fuel cell. However, it is recommended that the theoretical estimation be validated using a field-scale project.