By Blake Jackson
The University of Kentucky is tackling waste and sustainability with a new project that converts everyday trash into clean jet fuel. Funded by the Department of Energy, the $2.12 million initiative aims to develop a method for turning municipal solid waste (MSW) into high-quality sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
Landfills overflow with over 50% of the US's MSW, causing environmental problems. This project seeks to address this by creating a system to efficiently convert trash into biofuels. Led by Jian Shi, the project involves collaboration with researchers from other universities and industry partners.
The 3-year project will focus on:
- Improving waste conversion by blending and densifying plastics with other biomass.
- Removing inorganic materials from trash using mechanical separation.
- Developing a 3D imaging system to analyze waste composition.
- Using artificial intelligence to optimize the sorting and conversion process.
"We're using advanced technology to identify and sort waste materials suitable for fuel conversion," said Shi. This system will rely on machine learning to optimize sorting and ensure high-quality fuel production.
The project's success will lead to a new way to process MSW into fuel-ready feedstock for SAF production facilities. This will be a major advancement in biofuels research, promoting a sustainable waste-based bioeconomy and reducing risks associated with converting trash into jet fuel.
"We aim to create a closed-loop system between waste and energy," said Mike Montross, co-investigator on the project. "This will not only reduce landfill use and emissions but also create a domestic, renewable energy source for airplanes."
By transforming trash into clean fuel, this project offers a solution for waste management while promoting a sustainable future for the aviation industry.
Photo Credit: university-of-kentucky
Categories: Kentucky, Energy