Optimization of solar-powered waste-to-energy systems for agricultural food waste reduction

This study presents the design and optimization of a solar-powered waste-to-energy (WTE) system aimed at reducing agricultural food waste and generating renewable energy for rural agricultural applications. The system integrates solar photovoltaic (PV) panels with an anaerobic digester, biogas generator, and battery storage to convert organic agricultural waste into biogas and electricity. The solar panels demonstrated an energy conversion efficiency of 62-64%, contributing to the overall energy needs of the waste-to-energy process. The anaerobic digester achieved biogas yields of up to 70 m³/ton from corn residues, with a methane content of 65%. The biogas generator converted this biogas into electricity with an efficiency that increased from 70% to 74% as the biogas input increased. The system reduced operational costs by over 87% compared to traditional diesel-powered systems, primarily due to the elimination of fuel costs. Additionally, the system was able to reduce agricultural waste by more than 85% and decrease CO₂ emissions by 60%, demonstrating its significant environmental benefits. Heat recovery from the biogas generator further increased system efficiency, recovering up to 70 kWh of heat for agricultural processes. The system also generated excess solar energy, allowing for potential energy storage or future expansion. This study provides a scalable and cost-effective solution to both waste management and energy generation in rural agriculture, promoting sustainability and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.