폐기물 소각기술의 최신 동향 및 발전 방향

Recent Advances and Future Directions in Waste Incineration Technology

With the global increase in waste generation and the strengthening of environmental regulations, waste incineration technology is evolving beyond simple volume reduction into a key element of sustainable resource and energy systems. This study analyzes the recent technological trends in waste incineration and proposes future directions for advancement. The research covers high-efficiency combustion technologies such as low-air-ratio combustion and flue gas recirculation, energy recovery through high-temperature and high-pressure steam systems, and the valorization of incineration residues. In addition, the adoption of smart operation systems incorporating artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and predictive control has significantly enhanced the operational stability, environmental performance, and economic efficiency of incineration facilities. Case studies from Japan demonstrate that such integration improves combustion efficiency while reducing emissions and maintenance costs. The study concludes that next-generation incineration systems must integrate low-emission combustion, intelligent control, resource recovery, and durable design to serve as key infrastructure in the carbon-neutral era.