Title: The MEFLO method's application for the feasibility assessment of energy recovery from municipal solid waste in a small integrated municipal service system

Authors: Mika Luoranen, Mika Horttanainen

Addresses: Department of Energy and Environmental Technology, Lappeenranta University of Technology, P.O. Box 20, FIN-53851, Lappeenranta, Finland. ' Department of Energy and Environmental Technology, Lappeenranta University of Technology, P.O. Box 20, FIN-53851, Lappeenranta, Finland

Abstract: The paper presents the MEFLO ranking method and the Simple Integrated System Management (SISMan) concept for assessing the feasibility of integrated energy and Waste Management System (WMS) alternatives. The MEFLO method is based on dividing the decision-making process into five modules, including mass, energy and financial flows, legislative criteria (e.g., environmental restrictions and target values) and other decision support criteria, such as the local political guidelines. The utilisation of the MEFLO method is presented by comparing five system alternatives, including energy recovery from household waste. The calculations needed in the MEFLO assessment were performed with the SISMan spreadsheet calculation model developed at the Lappeenranta University of Technology. The MEFLO method and the SISMan concept contribute to the design and assessment of different integrated management systems. Any of the appropriate available tools can be used in the model forming and assessment processes, according to the proposed methods.

Keywords: waste management systems; WMSs; energy supply systems; ESSs; waste to energy; energy from waste; EfW; decision support models; cogeneration; industrial ecology; ranking methods; feasibility assessment; energy recovery; municipal solid waste; municipal services; integrated management.

DOI: 10.1504/PIE.2008.018548

Progress in Industrial Ecology, An International Journal, 2008 Vol.5 No.1/2, pp.124 - 148

Published online: 30 May 2008 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article