25-01-2012, 02:42 PM
Microturbines for Renewable Power Generation from Waste
Gases of Landfill and Wastewater Treatment Plants
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Introduction
Renewable energy is the term used to describe a wide range of naturally occurring, replenishable
and infinite energy sources (Mourelatou, 2001). The use of renewable energy sources is the primary
focus of a responsible energy policy for the future. Due to the promising sustainable character,
renewable energy technologies are capable of preserving resources, of ensuring security and
diversity of energy supply, with no environmental impact at all (James & James, 1996). Also,
renewable energy is the energy for the next generation, and they produce clean power.
Overview of Microturbine Technology
Microturbine technology is a very new technology, and just recently released into the market.
It could be renewable or non-renewable energy, depending on the fuel used. Renewable fuel
includes landfill waste gases, hydrogen, biomass etc., whilst non-renewable fuel could be natural
gas, propane, diesel, etc.
Conclusions
Microturbine technology is a relatively new technology applicable in today’s life. This paper has
focussed on the employment of landfill waste gases as the fuel for microturbines distributed
generation system. This new technology is capable of destroying the harmful gases produced
from the landfill operation, such as the emission of methane gases. Landfill gases produced,
i.e. methane gas would then be used to generate clean and green power, which is desired for
environmental needs.
