Characterization of temperature profile in solid waste decomposition to demonstrate potential for harnessing thermal energy

Abstract

A heat absorber was designed and tested to characterize the temperature profile in solid waste decomposition. This was conducted in a cell as a miniature model of a landfill. The characteristic of the profile was similar to actual landfill waste temperature data as reported in literature. The result shows the potential for harnessing thermal energy in organic waste decomposition. Follow up studies on the application is also suggested.