Performance and Thermal Efficiency Analysis of A Household-Scale Waste Incinerator without External Fuel

Nurjaya Nurjaya; Reson Wibowo,; Nur Rohmat; Muhamad Cahyadi

Authors

Nurjaya Nurjaya Universitas Pamulang
Reson Wibowo, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Universitas Pamulang, Indonesia
Nur Rohmat Department of Mechanical Engineering, Universitas Pamulang, Indonesia
Muhamad Cahyadi Department of Mechanical Engineering, Universitas Pamulang, Indonesia

Keywords:

Waste Incinerator, Combustion Performance, Thermal Efficiency, Mass Reduction, Natural Draft

Abstract

Household waste accumulation has become a significant environmental issue in urban areas. This study evaluates the thermal performance and mass-reduction efficiency of a household-scale waste incinerator prototype operating without external fossil fuel under natural-draft airflow. The combustion chamber was fabricated from a cylindrical steel drum equipped with primary air inlets. Mixed household waste (initial mass 5 kg; moisture content 28%) was tested. Temperature was measured using a K-type thermocouple positioned at the chamber centre. The maximum recorded temperature reached 100°C within 40 minutes. Mass reduction reached 25%, calculated based on initial and final mass measurements. The estimated thermal efficiency was 7.1%, determined using a simplified energy balance approach. The results indicate that the prototype operates under low-temperature thermal degradation conditions rather than complete incineration. Design improvements are required to achieve standard incineration temperatures.