Multi-objective optimization and Techno-economic analyses of conventional combustion and chemical looping combustion for a Municipal solid waste incineration plant in China

Municipal solid waste (MSW) incineration for power generation is an alternative to landfill treatment, adhering to WtE principles and circular economy. It generates significant pollutants. For instance, in conventional combustion (CC), the flue gas contains approximately 21.34 % carbon dioxide (CO₂), contributing to environmental pollution. With the push for carbon neutrality in China, CO₂ emissions play a vital role in electricity price determination. This study compares two MSW incineration methods: CC and chemical looping combustion (CLC) for CO₂ capture. Using the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithms (NSGA-II), multi-objective optimization is carried out with total capital investment (TCI) and exergy efficiency (EE) as objectives. Comprehensive economic, financial, carbon footprint, and exergy analyses are also conducted. The results show that CLC MSW incineration has a 23.41 % higher TCI than CC MSW incineration. However, it shortens the payback period by 5.91 years and captures 1,073,200 tonnes of CO₂ annually. The exergy efficiency of CC MSW incineration is 23.64 %, while that of CLC MSW incineration is 14.36 %. The power generation rate of CC MSW incineration reaches 44,094 kW, compared to 29,562 kW for CLC MSW incineration. These results offer valuable references for local governments and investors when choosing the optimal construction method for MSW incineration facilities.