European Waste-to-Energy Systems: Case Study of Landshut, West Germany

摘要

The municipal combustion unit of Landshut, West Germany burns the solid waste of this small city (population 56,000) and a surrounding area with an equal number of inhabitants. Two Von Roll furnaces, coupled with tailend boilers, treat up to 4.8 metric tons (5.3 short tons) of waste per hour. The simple design of the furnaces and fire-tube boilers (developed in response to the corrosion problems of waterwall furnaces), and the provision for cleaning the boiler tubes by a knocking system have resulted in nearly trouble-free operations. Since the first furnace began firing waste in 1972, it has been available over 80% of the time. The second furnace, which came on line two years later, has an equally good record. The superheated steam produced in the boilers is used to generate electricity. The combustion unit supplies approximately 30% of Landshut's electrical demand. The city buys this electricity at the same rate it pays for electricity from the regional grid. Despite the revenue from the sale of electricity, the combustion of solid waste cost Landshut over DM 64 per metric ton ($23 per short ton) in 1976. Nevertheless, the lack of a suitable alternative and the smooth operation of the current system have convinced the municipal authorities to expand the system. A third furnace with a capacity of 6 metric tons (6.6 short tons) per hour is to be added. (ERA citation 04:013169)