Environmental protection and sustainable waste-to-energy scheme through plastic waste gasification in a combined heat and power system

By utilizing plastic waste as a feedstock for gasification and integrating a solid oxide fuel cell, this system has the potential to not only generate electricity and heat efficiently but also reduce environmental pollution by converting waste materials into valuable energy resources. This research explores a combined heat and power system that integrates polystyrene waste gasification with a solid oxide fuel cell technology. The study thoroughly examines and optimizes the system's performance through the application of response surface methodology. Higher steam to plastic waste ratio improves the power production (from 244.1 to 246 kW) and mitigates the emission (from 785.4 to 761.3 kg/MWs). Enhanced power (from 86.25 to 337 kW, representing an impressive improvement of approximately 291 %) and heating (from 172.6 to 275.3 kW, marking a substantial improvement of approximately 59.5%) are achieved at higher current densities. At a current density of 3200-3600 A/m2 and a temperature of 1020-1040 K, the system can achieve 200-240 kW power, 390-450 g/s heating value, and 840-860 kg/MWs emissions. Further optimization at a steam to plastic ratio of 0.95-1.1 and 1030-1040 K temperature can improve performance to 280-300 kW power, 580-600 g/s heating value, and 840-860 kg/MWs emissions. The study provides valuable insights into the potential benefits of integrating plastic waste gasification with solid oxide fuel cell technology, highlighting the importance of sustainable energy solutions in addressing environmental challenges. Moving forward, further research in this area could lead to the development of more efficient and environmentally friendly energy systems.