No longer limited to large-scale smelly incinerators, new waste-to-energy technologies can convert a wide variety of waste into energy. Schools can use paper and cafeteria waste to reduce utility costs, freeing critical funding for programs and teachers. Military units can use encampment waste to power generators, reducing the need for expensive diesel deployments. Markets can use food waste and packaging to power refrigeration. Feedstocks are virtually unlimited, ranging from paper, wood and food waste to plastics, industrial byproducts and paint fumes.
With NextEnergy’s help, key Michigan stakeholders continue to advance the research and development of technologies and processes in this emerging industry.
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Military Encampment Waste to Electrical Power
Waste management is critical for every forward deployed battalion, which typically generates up to 2,400 pounds of solid waste per day, including paper, fiberboard, plastic and food. Management of that waste is often carried out by local residents who must come onto the base to haul it away, raising potential security issues. Further, the waste stream from a base presents landfill problems if the local municipality is not equipped to handle the capacity. And all these functions cost money.
With funding from the US Department of Defense, and in conjunction with the Army’s National Automotive Center (NAC) and Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) – NextEnergy is partnering with DRS Radian, Community Power Corporation and others to develop a system that converts military encampment waste into synthetic gas capable of powering a standard military Tactical Quiet Generator.
Through down draft gasification technology this system is projected to process 2,400 lbs of encampment waste per day including paper, fiberboard, plastic and food waste, converting it into at least 30 kW of continuous electrical power from a standard Tactical Quiet Generator retrofitted with an electronic engine control module. The only resultant waste stream will be ash.