Biofuel potential of compost-like output from municipal solid waste: Multiple analyses of its seasonal variation and blends with lignite

Highlights: • Alternative use of Compost-like output from MSW. • Combustion of Compost-like output from MSW for energy production. • Thermochemical study of seasonal Compost-like output from municipal solid waste. • Maximum potential emission factors of MSW compost-like output. • Kinetic modelling and thermodynamic analysis of seasonal Compost-like output from MSW. The biodegradable fraction of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) is commonly composted to be used as fertilizer, but it also contains high value products in terms of energy content. The study of compost of MSW as a potential fuel, has rarely been reported in the literature while the study of its seasonal variation, in terms of fuel characteristics, has never been reported. The aim of this study is the evaluation of the compost-like output of MSW as potential fuel for a Waste-to-Energy (WtE) practice. In order to perform a representative evaluation, the seasonal variation of compost was also studied. More specifically, the combustion behavior of compost-like output (CLO) of the four different seasons and the co-combustion of CLOs blends with lignite were examined via several techniques: calorific value determination, thermogravimetric analysis, proximate and ultimate analysis. The emission factors and the empirical chemical formulas were calculated. Kinetics and thermodynamic parameters were determined. The results showed that the CLOs, despite its considerable seasonal variation, can be utilized as a sustainable fuel and is characterized by higher than lignite calorific value, lower ash production, lower sulfur oxide content and carbon dioxide emissions. During co-combustion, lower activation energy was found, suggesting a synergy effect.