Análise técnica do potencial de geração de energia elétrica a partir de resíduos de poda urbana: estudo de caso na central de tratamento de resíduos de Maceió-AL

Abstract

This study evaluates the energy potential of urban pruning residues disposed of at the Solid Waste Treatment Center (CTR) of Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil, and proposes an applied intervention for the energy recovery of this biomass. The research is based on primary data regarding monthly waste volumes, physicochemical characterization of the most frequent tree species, and laboratory analyses of higher heating value (HHV) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results indicate an average HHV of 17.85 MJ/kg and an annual availability exceeding 3.8 thousand tonnes, corresponding to an estimated thermal potential of 2,190 kW. Considering electrical efficiencies of 36% for gasification and 28% for direct combustion in a Rankine cycle, the estimated electrical potentials are 788 kW and 613 kW, respectively, capable of supplying approximately 3,283 and 2,554 residential units with an average monthly consumption of 170 kWh. The findings demonstrate that the energy recovery of urban pruning biomass at the CTR is technically and environmentally feasible, contributing to local energy matrix diversification and mitigation of environmental impacts associated with landfill disposal.