Refuse-Derived Fuel with the Addition of Peanut Shells: An Evaluation Using a Decision-Making Support Algorithm

Natália Dadario, Mário Mollo Neto (), Felipe André dos Santos, Luís Roberto Almeida Gabriel Filho and Camila Pires Cremasco
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Natália Dadario: School of Sciences and Engineering, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Tupã 17602-496, Brazil
Mário Mollo Neto: School of Sciences and Engineering, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Tupã 17602-496, Brazil
Felipe André dos Santos: School of Sciences and Engineering, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Tupã 17602-496, Brazil
Luís Roberto Almeida Gabriel Filho: School of Sciences and Engineering, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Tupã 17602-496, Brazil
Camila Pires Cremasco: School of Sciences and Engineering, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Tupã 17602-496, Brazil

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 10, 1-20

Abstract: Brazil has made progress in Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) management through national legislation focused on integrated waste handling. However, challenges persist, particularly regarding MSW overproduction. A sustainable alternative is Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF), generated from MSW with or without biomass addition. To be viable for combustion, RDF must meet established energy and environmental quality standards. In this context, a mathematical model based on fuzzy logic was developed to classify RDF quality and support decision-making. Five RDF samples were tested, evaluating their Lower Heating Value (LHV), chlorine, and mercury contents using calorimetry, atomic absorption, and X-ray fluorescence. Results indicate that RDF produced solely from MSW tends to have inadequate LHV, necessitating drying pretreatment. Even with the addition of peanut shells, the highest classification achieved was “Regular”, suggesting limited suitability for combustion in furnaces or boilers without pretreatment. Since the general composition of MSW in Brazil is consistent with the characteristics analyzed, RDF may remain unviable for energy recovery under similar conditions. Economic feasibility studies on drying are recommended, especially in urban centers with limited landfill space.

Keywords: refuse-derived fuel; peanut shell; energy generation; heating value; fuzzy logic (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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