Modeling of 1.0 MW-h Combustible Waste Fuel Steam Thermal Station: A Panacea for Rural/Off-Grid Areas’ Electrification

Abstract

The problem of energy crisis can be best handled by making a more prudent use of some of those materials viewed as wastes. This study seeks to show how conversion of this waste to fuels can help tackle some of these energy dependent problems. A model of 1.0 MW-h steam thermal station was developed that could utilize wood and palm residues, produced by saw and palm oil mills, as fuels. Ondo and Edo States in southern part of Nigeria were considered as catchalls and data obtained from Mills in these States were used for this evaluation. Estimates were made of the capacity of these residues to evaluate the viability of the study. The Model requires 3.404 tons of waste wood or 2.70 tons of palm kernel residues per hour to meet the turbine steam consumption of 3.37 kg/s. The results revealed that the project would thrive well in the two states when wood residue is considered but could only be effectively in Edo State when firing on palm residue. The viability of the research as a panacea to ameliorate problems of power outages were validated using two software, Boiler efficiency and steam turbine consumption.

Keywords: Wastes, Steam,  Electricity, National Grid, Development and Wealth