Berrin Tansel, Ph.D., P.E.Florida International University

Closed Landfills as Power Parks: Technical and Economic Feasibility of Solar Energy

Harvesting at Florida’s Closed Landfills

Project Update 1: Nov 1, 2009

Objectives

1. Evaluate suitability of Florida’s landfills for installation of solar energy harvesting

2. Analyze site conditions and energy yield

3. Conduct feasibility analysis from technical, economic, and environmental perspectives

4. Evaluate site conditions and maintenance requirements for sustainable energy generation

FocusIn-depth analyses to answer the

following questions:

• How much power can be generated if closed landfills are used as solar power parks in Florida?

• What are the costs and benefits of using Florida’s closed landfills as power parks?

FIU Project Team

Dr. Berrin Tansel, Praveenkuma Varala, Victo Londono, Shiva Dutt Jangampeta

Technical Feasibility of Solar Energy Harvesting at Florida’s Closed Landfills flow diagram chart

Statistical analysis

Solar Radiation

dataLandfill site simulations

PV efficiency and

configurations

Landfill sitecharacteristics

Energy Output

Ideal shape and PV Configuration

Onsite energy yield

Site Visit to Sun Electronics, Miami, FL

Tasks

Task II. Analysis of technical factors

Task II. Analysis of technical factors

Task I. Assessment of suitability of closed landfills for harnessing solar energy

Task I. Assessment of suitability of closed landfills for harnessing solar energy

Task VI. Cost-benefit analysis

Task VI. Cost-benefit analysis

Task V. Analysis of long term and short term benefits

Task V. Analysis of long term and short term benefits

Task III. Assessment of environmental factors

Task III. Assessment of environmental factors

Task VII. Final report and guidance document

Task VII. Final report and guidance document

Task IV. Economic assessment

Task IV. Economic assessment

LANDFILLS AS POWER PLANTS Sustainable Development

Technical

Decision Support Criteria

Cost-Benefit Analysis

Closed Landfills

Solar Energy Harvesting

• Available technologies

• Seasonal predictions

• Land requirements

• Energy Capture potential

• Site geographical location

• Available and usable area

• Corrosion potential

• Cap conditions

• Stability

• Drainage Technical Environmental Economic Social

• Maximum possible area and topographical gains• Layout and optimization• Surrounding factors• Face/direction to be used• Arrangement• Rated capacity• Energy generation potential• Reduced greenhouse gas emissions• Environmental sustainability• Cap improvements/maintenance• Corrosion potential• Structural needs• Infrastructure needs• Capital costs• Energy cost • Maintenance needs• Funds for post closure care • Sustainable profit margin• Public acceptance• Reliable local fuel source• Improved economic development near site• Visual impacts• Renewable energy systems for power production• Integration of traditional and renewable energy supply systems into electric power grid• Mitigation of power shortages• Reduction in greenhouse emissions from energy production

EnvironmentalTechnical

EnvironmentalEconomic

Social

Economic

Social

Technical Approach

LANDFILLS AS POWER PLANTS Sustainable Development

• Maximum possible area and topographical gains• Layout and optimization• Surrounding factors, Face/direction to be used• Arrangement, Rated capacity• Energy generation potential• Environmental sustainability• Cap improvements/maintenance• Corrosion potential• Structural needs, Infrastructure needs• Capital costs, Energy cost • Maintenance needs• Funds for post closure care • Sustainable profit margin• Public acceptance• Reliable local fuel source• Improved economic development near site• Visual impacts• Renewable energy systems for power production• Integration into electric power grid• Mitigation of power shortages• Reduction in greenhouse emissions

Technical Approach: PreliminaryDecision Support Criteria

Cost-Benefit Analysis

TechnicalEnvironmentalEconomicSocial