Simulation of Electric Power Generation by Means of a Brayton-Kalina Combined Cycle Using Biogas from The Intermunicipal Sanitary Landfill of la Ciénega, Michoacán

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the electric power generation potential of a Brayton-Kalina combined cycle powered by biogas for an intermunicipal landfill in the region of the Ciénega de Chapala, Michoacán.   Theoretical Framework: Mexico, despite being an oil producing country and highly dependent on fossil fuels, needs to diversify its matrix of primary energy sources, as well as shorten the gap with the use of renewable energies.   Method: To carry out this study, the Mexican Biogas Model v.2.0 was used, considering the production of Urban Solid Waste (USW), to estimate the amount of biogas produced and captured. The Brayton and Kalina cycles were simulated in the Engineering Equation Solver (EESTM).   Results and Discussion: The results obtained revealed that the biogas capture technology prevents 313,647 tons of CO2eq from being emitted to the atmosphere in a 20-year period of operation. At the same time, the energy generation system achieves a conversion efficiency of 30.89%, at local operating conditions, which would satisfactorily cover 26% of the total domestic consumption of the municipalities included in the study. On the other hand, the economic study reveals that when a load factor higher than 65% is reached, the combined cycle has a lower power generation cost than conventional technologies such as combined cycle plants (CCGT) and carboelectric plants.   Research Implications: The implementation of these new technologies has favorable impacts for the planet since with biogas capture the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere (CO2eq) is considerably reduced. On the other hand, the organic fraction of municipal solid waste is given a primordial use and adequate treatment.   Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by employing novel technologies that are rarely used in the world, such as biogas capture and use from a landfill and a power cycle that is rarely used in the world, such as the Kalina cycle. The implementation of these new technologies may have great potential for large-scale use in the future, as an alternative to generate electricity in a way that has a lower environmental impact with lower generation costs.