Using a Low-Temperature Pyrolysis Device for Polymeric Waste to Implement a Distributed Energy System

Ying-Che Hung, Chien-Hua Ho, Liang-Yü Chen (), Shih-Chieh Ma, Te-I Liu and Yi-Chen Shen
Additional contact information
Ying-Che Hung: Leang Yu International Co., Ltd., Hukou 30343, Taiwan
Chien-Hua Ho: Leang Yu International Co., Ltd., Hukou 30343, Taiwan
Liang-Yü Chen: Yuanli Global Co., Ltd., New Taipei 24259, Taiwan
Shih-Chieh Ma: Sibon Technologies Corp., Taipei 10597, Taiwan
Te-I Liu: Guo Kuang Electrical Engineers Office, Zhunan 35056, Taiwan
Yi-Chen Shen: Department of Physics, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu City 30013, Taiwan

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 2, 1-15

Abstract: Due to global changes, the international community is paying attention to the application of innovative energy technologies to meet the sustainable development of ecology and the environment. As a result, the concept of “waste-to-energy” has been developed. This study proposes a modular device for low-temperature pyrolysis (less than 300 °C) of polymers as a verifiable framework for a decentralized energy supply. Experiments with various plastics as waste feedstocks for conversion into fuel products were carefully analyzed. Mixed plastics (petrochemical polymers) and natural materials (organic polymers) were further subjected to energy conversion efficiency evaluation. The feasibility of continuous implementation was verified, converting 4000 kg of waste plastics with chemical potential into 3188 L of waste polymer oil (WPO), and generating 6031 kWh of electricity. Integrated electromechanical control realizes a low-temperature microwave pyrolysis process with low pollution emissions. The new technology harvests energy from troublesome garbage, reduces waste disposal volume by 55~88%, and produces cleaner, low-toxicity residual, easy-to-store fuel that can be used in general internal combustion engines. Standardized modular equipment provides an effective solution for resilient energy systems, and its easy scalability can reduce the load on the basic grid and improve the stability and dispatchability of energy supply. This research will realize on-site waste treatment, reduce transportation energy consumption, meet regional energy demands, and apply it to coastal, remote villages, offshore platforms, and emergency scenarios.

Keywords: on-site waste disposal; circular economy; recycling technology; resource transformation; resilient energy systems (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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