Methane Generation Potential and Energy Production Benefits of Landfills in Ghana: a case study of the Tamale Landfill Site
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Date
OCTOBER, 2019
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Abstract
As the world’s population increases, the demand for improved sanitary conditions also increases steadily. Rapid population growth and high rates of urbanisation coupled with increasing prosperity in developing countries require a serious examination of the waste management process and the role of integrated solid waste management to safeguard the environment against air and water pollution, protect public health and maximise the value added elements (energy and materials recovered). Many developing countries have resulted to the use of some form of solid waste disposal site to manage the emerging situation, with engineered landfills being the chief amongst them. Landfills provide a conducive environment for the decomposition of organic waste leading to the emission of landfill gas (composed of methane, carbon dioxide and NMOCs). The methane produced is of high environmental significance since it is a potent greenhouse gas and has a relatively shorter life span. The amount of methane generated depends on the composition, quantity and moisture content of the waste. The objective of the study was to estimate the methane generation potential of the Tamale landfill site and its corresponding energy production This was achieved by characterisation of the waste disposed at the landfill site over the wet and dry season, moisture content analysis, the use of various models to estimate the methane generation potential and the potential energy and environmental benefits from the site. The results indicate that about 77% of the total waste disposed can decompose to generate methane gas. The average moisture content of the landfill was 36.4% conducive for the production of LFG. The models showed that an average of 921.95m3/hr of methane gas will be generated during the 30year lifespan of the project. This amount of methane corresponds to an average electrical energy generation potential of 1150kW capable of supplying 688 homes with electricity daily. The project has a rate of return of 55% on investment and a payback period of 3 years making it a very profitable venture. It also reduces the yearly methane emissions by 2290.87 tons.
Description
A thesis submitted to the Chemical Engineering Department, College of Engineering, in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Science in Chemical Engineering.
Keywords
Methane Generation Potential, Energy Production Benefits, Landfills, Ghana, Evaluation, Tamale Landfill Site