EAAI Journal 2025 Journal Article
An integrated exergy efficiency and machine learning method for optimizing organic solid waste gasification process
- Wenni Chen
- Xianan Xiang
- Sha Liu
- Jun Guo
- Tao Li
- Xuehua Zhou
- Deyong Peng
- Zhiya Deng
Organic solid waste (OSW) gasification is a critical pathway toward sustainable energy utilization. This study develops an integrated prediction model by combining exergy efficiency-based analytic hierarchy process-fuzzy comprehensive evaluation (AHP-FCE) with machine learning techniques. The model aims to select the optimal gasifier type and operational parameters based on OSW characteristics and processing capacities. Exergy efficiency derived from experimental data is used to construct AHP-FCE scores, which are then predicted using eight machine learning algorithms. Gradient boosting decision tree (GBDT) achieves the best performance. The prediction model is applied to three practical cases. For a project with an annual processing capacity of 2000 tons of refuse-derived fuel (RDF), the model consistently recommends the downdraft fixed-bed gasifier (DBG). In a corn straw gasification project processing 11, 000 tons per year, the bubbling fluidized-bed gasifier (BBG) is identified as the optimal choice. For a bamboo chip gasification project with an annual capacity of 150, 000 tons, the model suggests using the circulating fluidized-bed gasifier (CFBG) for reduction objectives and the dual fluidized-bed gasifier (DFBG) for hydrogen production goals. Additionally, the model shows significant potential. It can also be applied to optimize other complex systems that require balancing multiple influencing factors.