Reassessment of lower heating value calculations for municipal solid waste incineration facilities in South Korea

Energy recovery efficiency is the main criterion determining waste disposal charges under Korean law, encouraging the use of incineration heat energy. Measures to improve the energy recovery efficiency of incineration facilities are desirable as they can reduce waste disposal charges. To derive energy recovery efficiency objectively—providing direct financial benefits—its calculation formula should be reassessed continuously. Our study objective was to recalculate the heat loss modification factors of the formula for establishing the waste lower heating value (LHV), a key component of energy recovery efficiency. Sixteen municipal solid waste incineration facilities were classified by incineration type: pyrolysis/melting or general/high temperature. Instrumental measurement data for calculating the heat loss modification factors were collected, and field measurements were performed. Our heat loss modification factors for pyrolysis/melting facilities exhibited small errors (+0.4 to +3.3%) compared to the established ones. Contrastingly, in general/high-temperature facilities, our exhaust gas heat loss modification factor differed by >10% from the conventional one. Aging incineration facility infrastructure and changes in waste properties may be causal factors. This study contributes to the objective measurement of waste heat energy recovery efficiency, deriving and applying a waste LHV formula that reflects the current operational status of domestic waste incineration facilities. [Display omitted] •Heat loss modification factors are updated for calculating lower heating values.•Lower heating value (LHV) is a key component determining energy recovery efficiency.•Our updated LHV formula generates new waste incineration facility data.•Changes in incineration facility operation status over time are shown.•Regular computational updates are essential for objective LHV assessments.