Energy efficiency and sustainability: Implementing circular economy principles for cabin waste management in aviation

Abstract

Currently, fossil fuels supply the aviation industry with nearly all of its energy requirements. The dependence on this has rendered an economically sustainable system unsustainable. Some steps have been implemented in response to environmental pressures. Depollution and the utilization of renewable energy sources are two approaches to environmental pollution mitigation. Utilizing the Circular Economy (CE) methodology, this study generates crucial recommendations to mitigate cabin waste. These include facilities for converting waste into energy, food donation centers, and the production of fertilizer and animal feed for airports. A conceptual design and assessment of the viability of an Anaerobic Digestion (AD) facility for cabin waste at Antalya Airport were conducted as part of this research endeavor. Remarkable findings of the research include the production of an estimated 36.7 tons.day⁻¹ of edible food for the donation center, 2.5 tons.day⁻¹ of CH₄, and 5.4 tons.day⁻¹ of fertilizer. The combined heat and power unit (CHP) has the capacity to produce approximately 340 kWh of thermal energy and 514 kWh of electricity with biogas.