Waste incineration plant and method for incineration of waste

Abstract

The invention relates to a waste incineration plant comprising a combustion chamber, a burner, an exhaust gas splitting device, and a combustion chamber return line. The combustion chamber is designed to allow waste to be incinerated within it. The burner is arranged and configured to combust the waste located in the combustion chamber. The exhaust gas splitting device comprises an exhaust gas splitting chamber and a heating device. The exhaust gas splitting chamber has an inlet that is fluidly connected to the combustion chamber, allowing exhaust gases generated during waste combustion to flow from the combustion chamber through the inlet into the exhaust gas splitting chamber. The heating device is designed to heat exhaust gas present in the exhaust gas splitting chamber to at least 3000 °C, so that at least one chemical compound contained in the exhaust gas is at least partially split into a first component and a second component.The exhaust gas splitting chamber is designed to spatially separate the first and second split components, and, if present, any undissolved residue of the chemical compound, from one another within the exhaust gas splitting chamber by generating a centrifugal force. The at least one exhaust gas splitting chamber return line connects i) a first outlet of the exhaust gas splitting chamber with the inlet of the exhaust gas splitting chamber, so that the undissolved residue of the chemical compound contained in the exhaust gas splitting chamber can be at least partially returned from the first outlet of the exhaust gas splitting chamber to the second inlet of the exhaust gas splitting chamber, in order to then flow back into the exhaust gas splitting chamber and / or, if the waste incineration plant has a further exhaust gas splitting device,ii) connects a first outlet of the exhaust gas splitting chamber with an inlet of an exhaust gas splitting chamber of the further exhaust gas splitting device, so that the undissolved residue of the chemical compound contained in the exhaust gas splitting chamber can be at least partially conveyed from the first outlet of the exhaust gas splitting chamber to the inlet of the exhaust gas splitting chamber of the further exhaust gas splitting device, in order to then flow into the exhaust gas splitting chamber of the further exhaust gas splitting device.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a waste incineration plant, a use of the waste incineration plant for burning waste, a method for burning waste in a waste incineration plant, and a method for maintaining or repairing a waste incineration plant. The invention particularly enables the incineration of waste without releasing CO₂ into the atmosphere or at least with a significantly reduced release of CO₂ into the atmosphere.

[0002] A waste incineration plant serves to burn the combustible components of waste, usually to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills. Such thermal waste treatment is becoming increasingly important in waste management, as untreated waste often poses a threat to the environment. For example, some prescribed limits for the disposal of waste in certain landfills can only be met through thermal treatment. One such limit is a specified maximum carbon content in waste, which, depending on the landfill class, may not exceed 1% to 3%. These low carbon content values ​​can typically only be achieved through thermal waste treatment.

[0003] Large-scale plants with a throughput of several hundred thousand tons per year are often used for the thermal treatment of waste. Thermal waste treatment often allows for the generation and further use of energy in the form of heat and electricity. Waste incineration plants also frequently enable the material recovery of waste by extracting specific materials from it. However, a disadvantage of known waste incineration plants is that they emit exhaust gases containing pollutants, including toxic gases such as dioxins, furans, and nitrogen oxides, which can pose a risk to human health and the environment. Therefore, efforts have been made to find ways to clean the exhaust gases produced by waste incineration plants.

[0004] From publications JP 2000 346 323 A and KR 100 707 854 B1, waste incineration plants and their operating methods are known, in which waste incineration exhaust gas is post-treated with high temperatures (4000°C–7000°C) generated by plasma. Neither publication mentions separating the treated exhaust gas with centrifugal force and returning the separated exhaust gas components to the exhaust gas splitting device. EP 2 078 555 A1 describes a method for cleaning exhaust gases, an exhaust gas cleaning system, and the use of this system for cleaning exhaust gases from a waste incineration plant. The exhaust gases are cleaned using a dry or quasi-dry sorption process. In this process, the exhaust gases are introduced into a first reactor and then passed from the first reactor to a downstream second reactor.Fresh sorbent is first fed to the second reactor and at least partially transferred from the second reactor to the first reactor.

[0005] Another problem with currently known waste incineration plants is the enormous amount of carbon dioxide produced during combustion. For example, typically one ton of waste produces one ton of CO₂, and the combustion of plastics results in almost three tons of CO₂ being released into the atmosphere. Waste incineration is therefore currently a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions, particularly CO₂. From an environmental pollution perspective, generating electricity and heat through waste incineration is also a climate-damaging form of energy production. Technical solutions that contribute to reducing or eliminating CO₂ emissions from waste incineration plants are not currently known.

[0006] It is therefore still desirable to create a waste incineration plant and a process for burning waste that can burn waste with the lowest possible emission of CO2 into the atmosphere.

[0007] The present invention is based on the objective of providing an improved waste incineration plant and an improved method for incinerating waste in a waste incineration plant. In particular, the present invention is based on the objective of providing a waste incineration plant and a method for incinerating waste that enable the incineration of waste without CO2 emissions or at least with significantly reduced CO2 emissions.

[0008] According to the invention, a waste incineration plant is proposed, comprising a combustion chamber, a burner, at least one exhaust gas splitting device, and at least one exhaust gas splitting chamber return line. The combustion chamber is designed such that waste can be incinerated within it. The burner is arranged and designed such that it can incinerate the waste located in the combustion chamber. The at least one exhaust gas splitting device comprises an exhaust gas splitting chamber and a heating device. The exhaust gas splitting chamber has an inlet, e.g., a first inlet, which is fluid-conductingly connected to the combustion chamber, so that exhaust gases generated during the combustion of waste can flow from the combustion chamber through the inlet into the exhaust gas splitting chamber.The heating device is designed to heat exhaust gas present in the exhaust gas splitting chamber to at least 3000 °C, so that at least one chemical compound contained in the exhaust gas can be at least partially split into a first component, preferably a lighter gas product, and a second component, preferably a heavier gas product. The exhaust gas splitting chamber is designed to spatially separate the first and second split components, and, if present, also any undissociated residue of the chemical compound, within the exhaust gas splitting chamber by generating a centrifugal force, in particular according to their respective molecular masses.Preferably, the separation occurs such that, due to the centrifugal force, the lighter gas product is displaced towards a center of rotation of the exhaust gas splitting chamber, and the heavier gas product is displaced towards a chamber wall of the exhaust gas splitting chamber. If present, the undiluted residue of the chemical compound, being the heaviest gas, is displaced furthest towards the chamber wall of the exhaust gas splitting chamber. The at least one exhaust gas splitting chamber return line connects i) an outlet, e.g.a first outlet of the exhaust gas splitting chamber with the inlet of the exhaust gas splitting chamber, so that the undissolved residue of the chemical compound contained in the exhaust gas splitting chamber can be at least partially returned from the outlet of the exhaust gas splitting chamber to the second inlet of the exhaust gas splitting chamber, in order to then flow back into the exhaust gas splitting chamber and / or, if the waste incineration plant has a further exhaust gas splitting device, ii) an outlet of the exhaust gas splitting chamber with an inlet of an exhaust gas splitting chamber of the further exhaust gas splitting device, so that the undissolved residue of the chemical compound contained in the exhaust gas splitting chamber can be at least partially conveyed from the outlet of the exhaust gas splitting chamber to the inlet of the exhaust gas splitting chamber of the further exhaust gas splitting device, in order to then flow into the exhaust gas splitting chamber of the further exhaust gas splitting device.

[0009] The invention incorporates the understanding that CO₂ emissions from waste incineration pose a significant environmental problem and can contribute to substantial changes in the Earth's atmosphere. Indeed, waste incineration is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, particularly CO₂. From an environmental pollution perspective, generating electricity and heat through waste incineration is a climate-damaging form of energy production. The incineration of typical household waste generally results in a higher CO₂ load per kilowatt-hour generated than, for example, the combustion of natural gas. The invention further incorporates the understanding that current practices of constructing the largest possible waste incineration plants aim to exploit the degression of specific investment costs with increasing plant size and to reduce treatment costs per ton of waste.However, large-scale waste incineration plants are often associated with a number of problems. Achieving optimal plant capacity is usually difficult, logistics are complex, public acceptance is low, and energy utilization is typically inefficient. For many types of waste, including most industrial and commercial waste, smaller waste incineration plants are needed, but these are technically difficult to implement and practically unavailable. Therefore, there is a need to find and widely disseminate technical solutions that enable waste incineration with significantly reduced emissions of pollutants, particularly CO₂.

[0010] The waste incineration plant according to the invention enables CO₂-free waste incineration and can therefore be operated in a comparatively climate-friendly manner. This is achieved by heating the CO₂ contained in the exhaust gas to 3000°C or more in the exhaust gas splitting chamber. At these temperatures of at least 3000°C, CO₂ is directly converted into oxygen and solid carbon. The released oxygen could be recycled back into the combustion chamber for more efficient waste combustion. Unconverted CO₂ can be returned from the exhaust gas splitting chamber outlet to the exhaust gas splitting chamber inlet via the at least one exhaust gas splitting chamber recirculation line, and then flow back into the exhaust gas splitting chamber. The CO₂ flowing back in is then heated again to 3000°C or more and is then at least partially converted into oxygen and solid carbon.This process can be repeated until the CO2 from the exhaust gas produced during the combustion of the waste is completely broken down.

[0011] Additionally or alternatively, particularly if the waste incineration plant has a further flue gas splitting device, unconverted CO₂ can be conveyed from the outlet of the flue gas splitting chamber to the inlet of the flue gas splitting chamber of the further flue gas splitting device via the at least one flue gas splitting chamber return line, in order to then flow into the flue gas splitting chamber of the further flue gas splitting device. In the flue gas splitting chamber of the further flue gas splitting device, the incoming CO₂ is then heated again to 3000 °C or more and then at least partially converted into oxygen and solid carbon.

[0012] The exhaust gas splitting device and subsequent exhaust gas splitting devices create a modular structure that can theoretically be extended indefinitely. This means that multiple exhaust gas splitting devices can be present, connected to each other via fluid lines, allowing gas to flow from one device to the next. For example, the first and second exhaust gas splitting chambers can be connected in series.Because each exhaust gas splitting device can at least partially split a chemical compound contained in the exhaust gas into a first component and a second component, and the undissolved remainder of the chemical compound can be transferred to the next exhaust gas splitting device, the amount of the undissolved remainder of the chemical compound decreases continuously from exhaust gas splitting device to exhaust gas splitting device until the chemical compound is essentially completely split into a first component and a second component. The split components can be discharged from the respective exhaust gas splitting devices at corresponding outlets and further utilized.

[0013] It is also possible for the waste incineration plant to have several flue gas splitting devices that can be operated independently of one another and, in particular, are not directly connected to each other by fluid flow. The two flue gas splitting devices can, in particular, be connected in parallel, as opposed to a series arrangement in which two flue gas splitting devices are connected one after the other and gas can flow from one flue gas splitting device to the other. Specifically, it is possible for the waste incineration plant to have a first flue gas splitting device with a first flue gas splitting chamber connected to the combustion chamber via a first flue gas splitting chamber return line, and a second flue gas splitting device with a second flue gas splitting chamber connected to the combustion chamber via a second flue gas splitting chamber return line.Preferably, the exhaust gas from the combustion chamber can be routed to the first exhaust gas splitting chamber independently of the second exhaust gas splitting chamber, and vice versa. Similarly, the exhaust gas from the combustion chamber can also be routed to the second exhaust gas splitting chamber independently of the first exhaust gas splitting chamber.

[0014] It is possible to operate both exhaust gas splitting devices simultaneously. Exhaust gases from the combustion chamber can then be fed into both devices simultaneously via their respective exhaust gas splitting chamber return lines. It is also possible to operate only one of the two exhaust gas splitting devices. The device that is not currently in operation can, for example, be repaired. It is also possible to extract solid carbon from the device that is not currently in operation while the other device continues to run. This allows the waste incineration plant to operate continuously without downtime.

[0015] The waste incineration plant according to the invention is designed as a closed system and can be operated in such a way that no exhaust gases are emitted. The exhaust gases can circulate within the waste incineration plant until the chemical compounds contained in the exhaust gas, such as CO₂ and H₂O, are completely broken down. The useful gases of hydrogen and oxygen can be extracted from the exhaust gas splitting chamber and used for the operation of the waste incineration plant. For example, hydrogen can be used to generate temperatures of 3000 °C or more. Oxygen can be recycled to the combustion chamber to increase the efficiency of waste combustion. Solid carbon can be extracted from the exhaust gas splitting chamber and reused as a raw material outside the waste incineration plant.Accordingly, in the waste incineration plant according to the invention - in contrast to conventional waste incineration plants - a chimney or the like for emitting exhaust gases into the atmosphere is obsolete.

[0016] Furthermore, the waste incineration plant according to the invention can be implemented as both a large-scale and a small-scale plant. This makes the waste incineration plant an economical and ecological alternative to known waste incineration plants for thermal waste treatment. The solid carbon and excess oxygen and hydrogen produced during the operation of the waste incineration plant can be further utilized as valuable products.

[0017] The separation of the chemical compound contained in the exhaust gas into a first component and a second component and, if present, also into an undissolved residue of the chemical compound is carried out in particular as described below.

[0018] After the waste incineration plant starts up, a steady-state temperature distribution typically establishes itself in the flue gas splitting chamber, with hot gases in the center and colder gases at the periphery. This is because the heating device usually does not heat the gases in the flue gas splitting chamber uniformly, resulting in the formation of gas layers with different temperatures and correspondingly different densities. This spatial separation based on temperature differences occurs particularly after the waste incineration plant starts up. This condition typically remains constant throughout the entire operating cycle.

[0019] The split gas products, specifically the first and second components of the chemical compound, initially have the same temperature. During the operating cycle, the gas products then separate spatially according to their molecular masses. In particular, the split products are in a dynamic state, with heavier gas products moving continuously in a radial direction from the center of the exhaust gas splitting chamber towards the chamber wall during gas transport from the inlet to the outlet, while the lighter gas products remain in the center of the exhaust gas splitting chamber or are displaced to the center.

[0020] During separation, the heavier gas products cool down due to heat exchange with other gases caused by centrifugal force. The two separation processes, particularly those based on molecular mass and gas density, occur simultaneously due to the centrifugal force. As a result, heavier and colder components collect near the chamber walls, while lighter and hotter components accumulate in the center of the exhaust gas splitting chamber.

[0021] In particular, the heating device is designed to heat exhaust gas present in the exhaust gas splitting chamber to at least 3000 °C, so that at least one chemical compound contained in the exhaust gas can be split at least partially into a first component, preferably a lighter gas product, and a second component, preferably a heavier gas product, as well as into a hotter and therefore lighter gas layer and a colder and therefore heavier gas layer. The exhaust gas splitting chamber is particularly designed to spatially separate the first and second split components, and, if present, also any undissociated residue of the chemical compound, within the exhaust gas splitting chamber according to their molecular masses by generating a centrifugal force. Preferably, the separation occurs such that, due to the centrifugal force, the lighter or heavier gas product separates into two components.The hotter gas product is displaced towards a center of rotation of the exhaust gas splitting chamber, and the heavier or colder gas product is displaced towards a chamber wall of the exhaust gas splitting chamber, and if present, the undissociated residue of the chemical compound, as the heaviest gas, is displaced furthest towards the chamber wall of the exhaust gas splitting chamber.

[0022] Preferably, the exhaust gas splitting device has a drive unit designed and configured to rotate the exhaust gas splitting chamber about a rotational axis. The rotational movement of the exhaust gas splitting chamber also sets the exhaust gas introduced into rotation, thus generating a centrifugal force. This centrifugal force causes the hotter, or lighter, gas product to be displaced towards the center of rotation of the exhaust gas splitting chamber, while the colder, or heavier, gas product is displaced towards a chamber wall. If any undissociated residue of the chemical compound remains in the exhaust gas splitting chamber, this heaviest gas is displaced furthest towards the chamber wall. This spatially separates the different gas products within the exhaust gas splitting chamber.The various spatially separated gas products can then be extracted through different outlets, e.g., an outlet at the center of rotation, another outlet near the chamber wall, and yet another outlet between the outlet at the center of rotation and the outlet near the chamber wall. Each outlet is connected to a line, e.g., a hose. Each hose is in turn connected to its own pump, which generates the suction required for extraction. The drive can be, for example, a belt drive. Alternatively, the drive could also include an electric motor. For example, the rotor could be attached to the exhaust gas splitting chamber itself and then rotated within the stator. The exhaust gas splitting chamber is preferably rotatably mounted at both ends by means of bearings, in particular ball bearings.Preferably, the drive is designed to rotate the exhaust gas splitting chamber at a minimum of 50 revolutions per minute, preferably at least 250 revolutions per minute, and particularly preferably at a speed of more than 500 revolutions per minute.

[0023] Alternatively or additionally to a drive that can rotate the exhaust gas splitting chamber, the exhaust gas splitting device can have at least one impeller with blades and / or at least one fan arranged in the exhaust gas splitting chamber. Preferably, the impeller and / or the fan can each be rotated by an impeller drive or a fan drive, respectively. The rotation of the impeller and / or the fan also sets the exhaust gas present in the exhaust gas splitting chamber into rotation, so that a centrifugal force acts on the exhaust gas and / or split components of the chemical compound, leading to a spatial separation of the exhaust gas and the split components depending on their respective different molecular masses. Preferably, the impeller with blades and / or the fan can be rotated at a speed of at least 50 revolutions per minute.

[0024] Further details on possible technical implementations and the physical mechanisms of action that lead to the spatial separation of the different gas products are described in WO 2022 / 122062 A1.

[0025] The flue gas splitting chamber can be oriented horizontally relative to the ground of the waste incineration plant, or at an angle of inclination from 0° to 90° or from 0° to -90°. A horizontal orientation is preferred, so that the inlet and outlet are not parallel to the ground. If the outlet of the flue gas splitting chamber is directed downwards, the separation of solid and gaseous reaction products can be facilitated by the effect of gravity. Conversely, if the outlet is directed upwards, lighter gaseous products can escape more easily or be more readily removed via a hose.

[0026] The exhaust gas splitting chamber can be located in a container, and the interior of the container can be at normal pressure. Alternatively, the interior of the container can be at negative pressure. Alternatively again, the interior can be at positive pressure.

[0027] The exhaust gas splitting chamber can be tubular or annular. If the exhaust gas splitting chamber is tubular, it is preferred that the tube length be significantly greater than the tube diameter, e.g., in a ratio of 10 to 1. A tube length greater than the tube diameter is preferred because the centrifugal force during rotation acts only in the radial direction. This means that the thermal insulation is less effective in the axial direction. This effect can be mitigated by a comparatively greater tube length.

[0028] If the exhaust gas splitting chamber is designed as a tube, it can have an inlet at one end and an outlet at the opposite end. During operation, the exhaust gas is introduced into the tube through the inlet and heated. At the other end, the exhaust gas or the split components of the chemical compound can be extracted. Inside the tube, the exhaust gas is kept at a high temperature by the heating device and rotated within the exhaust gas splitting chamber. As the heavier and colder components are displaced towards the chamber wall, a heat-insulating gas layer with a comparatively lower temperature forms against the chamber wall.

[0029] If the exhaust gas splitting chamber is ring-shaped, e.g. a torus or two pipes connected at both ends, the exhaust gas splitting chamber has no free ends where hot gas vortices can form.

[0030] The combustion chamber and burner can be designed to burn the waste using known methods, e.g., fluidized bed combustion, grate combustion, or in a rotary kiln.

[0031] Gases containing, for example, the chemical compound present in the exhaust gas, or the first or second component of the chemical compound, can be extracted from the exhaust gas splitting chamber using pumps. For instance, the exhaust gas splitting chamber may have additional outlets besides the primary outlet. Each outlet is connected to a pump via a pipe or hose, such as a stainless steel pipe or a silicone hose. The pumps draw gas from the exhaust gas splitting chamber through the various outlets. The extracted gas can then be analyzed for its composition. If the extracted gas does not have the desired composition, the outlet in use could be closed, and a different outlet could be used to extract gas from a different location within the exhaust gas splitting chamber.

[0032] To increase the efficiency of the waste incineration plant, an optional heat exchanger can be used. A heat exchanger can be connected to an outlet of the flue gas splitting chamber, from which gas or gases are to be discharged for cooling before further use. The cooling of the gas or gases then takes place in the heat exchanger, allowing the recovered heat to be reused.

[0033] In particular, the gases extracted from the exhaust gas splitting chamber can be at high temperatures. For example, hydrogen extracted from the center of rotation via a centrally located outlet can have a temperature exceeding 1000 °C. Before the hydrogen is used further, for example, in a fuel cell, it can be advantageous to cool it down to a lower temperature. A heat exchanger can be used for this purpose, ensuring that the thermal energy is not lost. Other gases, such as oxygen, that can be extracted from the exhaust gas splitting chamber can also be at high temperatures. Some of these gases, such as oxygen, can be reused while still hot. For example, hot oxygen can be reintroduced into the combustion chamber to increase combustion efficiency. The waste incineration plant preferably has appropriately temperature-resistant pumps for extracting such hot gases.

[0034] If hydrogen extracted from the exhaust gas splitting chamber is to be used in a gas turbine or combustion engine generator, a heat exchanger can be omitted. Accordingly, the extracted hydrogen can be used while still hot.

[0035] When using a cleaning device, e.g., with a sorbent, it can be advantageous to cool the gases beforehand. In this case, a heat exchanger can also be used to cool the gases, particularly in conjunction with an outlet from the exhaust gas splitting chamber, from which oxygen, along with pollutants such as chlorine or fluorine, is to be discharged.

[0036] Preferably, the exhaust gas splitting chamber consists of a material such as aluminium or stainless steel, which has a temperature resistance of at least 300 °C or more, preferably 500 °C or more, particularly preferably 1000 °C.

[0037] Preferably, the heating device comprises an arc heater, a gas burner for burning hydrogen, and / or a microwave plasma burner, which is arranged and configured to heat the exhaust gases located in the exhaust gas splitting chamber to at least 3000 °C by generating an electric arc or a microwave plasma, or by burning hydrogen with a gas burner. The arc heater preferably has graphite electrodes. Preferably, the arc heater is configured to provide a current of at least 100 A, more preferably at least 500 A, and most preferably at least 5000 A. A current of 100 A corresponds in particular to an arc with approximately 2 kW of electrical power, a current of 500 A corresponds in particular to an arc with approximately 15 kW of power, and a current of 5000 A corresponds in particular to an arc with over 200 kW of power.In addition to or as an alternative to an arc heater, a microwave plasma torch could be used. Unlike an arc heater, a microwave plasma torch does not require electrodes that burn and need to be replaced regularly, and at high power, it can generate a plasma with temperatures between 4000 °C and 5000 °C. Through the simple combustion of hydrogen with oxygen, especially at a stoichiometric ratio (H₂ to O₂ of 2:1), it is possible to achieve a hydrogen combustion temperature of approximately 2800 °C. Together with the already hot exhaust gases from the combustion chamber, this can result in a fission temperature of 3000 °C or more. It is also possible to combine the combustion of hydrogen with one of the other two heating methods: an arc heater and / or a microwave plasma torch.Combusting hydrogen with a gas burner has the advantage that such a heating device can be implemented relatively easily. Hydrogen combustion with a gas burner can also be carried out particularly reliably. For example, a simple gas burner can be used for hydrogen combustion, or 80% of the energy can come from the gas burner and 20% from electric heating. Combustion of hydrogen with a gas burner also generally occurs with a comparatively higher efficiency, for example, than with a fuel cell or a gas turbine generator.

[0038] The waste incineration plant may also have an optional combustion chamber recirculation line that fluidly connects a second outlet of the flue gas splitting chamber and / or, if present, the flue gas splitting chamber of the secondary flue gas splitting device to the combustion chamber, so that at least one of the several split components can be returned to the combustion chamber. During operation, oxygen can be drawn from the flue gas splitting chamber into the combustion chamber via the combustion chamber recirculation line. This increases the efficiency of waste incineration in the combustion chamber. For example, combustion in pure oxygen can be achieved, in which the furnace is completely flooded with oxygen. This allows for a higher combustion temperature and more efficient waste combustion.Another advantage of using pure oxygen is that it can reduce the amount of pollutants released during combustion.

[0039] The first and second inlets can be arranged, for example, on a common pipe section, in particular a stainless steel or quartz tube, or a heat-resistant ceramic tube. A quartz tube could be particularly advantageous if the heating device includes a microwave plasma burner and the pipe section is to be exposed to correspondingly higher temperatures. The pipe section could also have additional inlets through which the exhaust gas splitting chamber can be filled. The pipe section could lead into the exhaust gas splitting chamber and allow the introduction of a fluid into it. The pipe section could also be double-walled. A gas suitable for cooling the pipe section could be introduced into the space between the walls of the double-walled pipe section.Cooling the pipe section can be advantageous because the flue gases flowing from the combustion chamber into the exhaust gas splitting chamber can be comparatively hot, reaching temperatures of, for example, 2000 °C or more. Cooling the pipe section protects it from these high temperatures. For example, gas extracted from the exhaust gas splitting chamber can be introduced into the space between the walls of the double-walled pipe section to cool it. For instance, undiluted CO₂ from the exhaust gas splitting chamber could first be discharged into this space. Preferably, the space is fluidly connected to the interior of the double-walled pipe section, allowing the undiluted CO₂ used for cooling to flow back into the exhaust gas splitting chamber along with the exhaust gases flowing from the combustion chamber, where it can then be split.For example, the exhaust gas splitting chamber return line can be fluidly connected to the space between the pipe section and the space between the pipe section can be fluidly connected to the interior of the pipe section, so that gas from the exhaust gas splitting chamber can first be carried away through the exhaust gas splitting chamber return line to cool the pipe section into the space between the pipe section, and then subsequently flow into the interior of the pipe section and back into the exhaust gas splitting chamber.

[0040] Optionally, the waste incineration plant can include a fuel cell that is fluidly connected to, in particular, a third outlet of the exhaust gas splitting chamber and / or, if present, to the exhaust gas splitting chamber of the further exhaust gas splitting device, so that, for example, hydrogen obtained from the exhaust gas can be converted into electrical energy by the fuel cell. Preferably, the fuel cell is electrically connected to the heating device so that electrical energy generated by the fuel cell can be converted into thermal energy by the heating device.

[0041] Alternatively or additionally to a fuel cell, the waste incineration plant can have a gas turbine generator and / or an internal combustion engine generator, which is fluidly connected to the exhaust gas splitting chamber and / or, if present, to the exhaust gas splitting chamber of the further exhaust gas splitting device, so that hydrogen recovered from the exhaust gas can be converted into electrical energy by the generator(s). Preferably, the generator(s) is electrically connected to the heating device, so that electrical energy generated by the generator(s) can be converted into thermal energy by the heating device. Accordingly, a generator can be driven by a hydrogen combustion engine.A gas turbine generator can be particularly advantageous in large plants, whereas an internal combustion engine generator is more likely to be used in conjunction with a smaller waste incineration plant, for example for cost reasons.

[0042] The waste incineration plant can have a combustion chamber feed line that is fluidly connected to the combustion chamber and through which, for example, a gas containing at least 30% oxygen can be introduced into the combustion chamber. The combustion chamber feed line can also be connected to an external oxygen source containing a gas with at least 30% oxygen, which can be discharged into the combustion chamber through the feed line. Introducing additional oxygen into the combustion chamber can increase the efficiency of waste combustion.

[0043] Preferably, the waste incineration plant includes a cleaning device that is fluidly connected to the exhaust gas splitting chamber and / or, if present, to the exhaust gas splitting chamber of a further exhaust gas splitting device, and is designed to clean exhaust gases discharged from the respective exhaust gas splitting chamber and / or a gas containing at least one of the several split components. The exhaust gases or the gas containing at least one of the several split components may contain, for example, toxic gases such as dioxins, furans, and nitrogen oxides, which can pose a risk to human health and the environment. For example, hydrogen chloride, hydrofluoric acid, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, or dioxins may be present. The cleaning could be carried out by means of sorption in a circulating fluidized bed.For example, a sorbent can be introduced into a fluidized bed reactor, where it exists in the form of a circulating fluidized bed.

[0044] Optionally, the waste incineration plant can have a flue gas splitting chamber feed line that is fluidly connected to the flue gas splitting chamber and / or, if present, to the flue gas splitting chamber of the other flue gas splitting device, e.g., via a third inlet, which may also be located on a common pipe section. A gas containing CO₂, for example, can be introduced into the respective flue gas splitting chamber through the flue gas splitting chamber feed line. The source of the additionally introduced CO₂ is not the combustion chamber. The source can be another combustion chamber for waste incineration, or the CO₂ may have been generated by a process other than waste incineration. For example, the waste incineration plant can have two or more combustion chambers connected to the same flue gas splitting chamber.Exhaust gases from the first combustion chamber and the second combustion chamber can then be introduced into the exhaust gas splitting chamber. For example, exhaust gases from the first and second combustion chambers can be introduced simultaneously. However, it is also possible for exhaust gases to be introduced from either the first or the second combustion chamber only for a specific period of time.

[0045] The invention also relates to a use of the waste incineration plant described herein for burning waste.

[0046] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for burning waste in a waste incineration plant. The method comprises the following steps: Providing waste to the waste incineration plant, incinerating the waste, preferably with the addition of a gas containing at least 30% oxygen, removing exhaust gases containing CO₂ and H₂O produced during the combustion of the waste into an exhaust gas splitting chamber of an exhaust gas splitting device, heating the exhaust gases in the exhaust gas splitting chamber with a heating device of the exhaust gas splitting device to at least 3000 °C, so that the chemical compounds CO₂ and H₂O are at least partially split into several components, in particular into O₂, CO and H₂ as well as into solid carbon, generating a centrifugal force acting on the split components, so that the split components and, if present, also any undissolved residue of the chemical compounds are spatially separated from each other due to their different molecular masses.and at least partial recirculation of the undissociated residue of the chemical compounds, in particular CO₂, from a first outlet of the exhaust gas splitting chamber i) to an inlet of the exhaust gas splitting chamber, so that the undissociated residue of the chemical compounds is reintroduced into the exhaust gas splitting chamber, or at least partial recirculation of the undissociated residue of the chemical compound, in particular CO₂, from a first outlet of the exhaust gas splitting chamber ii) to an inlet of an exhaust gas splitting chamber of a further exhaust gas splitting device, so that the undissociated residue of the chemical compounds is introduced into the exhaust gas splitting chamber of the further exhaust gas splitting device.

[0047] The process can be carried out in particular with the waste incineration plant described here.

[0048] This process enables CO₂-free waste incineration, in which CO₂ from the incinerated waste is directly converted into oxygen and solid carbon. The released oxygen can be reused in a closed loop for more efficient waste combustion. The process has the advantage of being relatively energy-efficient. Burning waste also produces water vapor, which is thermally split into oxygen and hydrogen. The oxygen can be reused in a closed loop for further waste combustion, and the hydrogen can be used as an energy source to generate the high temperatures required for the splitting of CO₂ and H₂O.

[0049] The undissolved residue, which is at least partially returned to an inlet of the exhaust gas splitting chamber, contains, in particular, CO₂. The CO₂ may be present because the exhaust gas was not completely split. Furthermore, CO₂ may also be present because it is regenerated from the reaction product CO. Possible reactions include, for example: CO + 1 / 2 O₂ → CO₂, ΔH₀ ≤ -283 kJ / mol (carbon monoxide combustion); CO + H₂O ≤ CO₂ + H₂, ΔH₀ ≤ -41 kJ / mol (water-gas shift reaction); 2 CO ≤ CO₂ + C, ΔH₀ ≤ -181 kJ / mol (Boudouard equilibrium).

[0050] The heat released during these reactions remains in the exhaust gas splitting chamber and supports the splitting processes, e.g., CO₂ to C + O₂ and H₂O to H₂ + O₂. The molecular masses of oxygen and carbon monoxide are similar (32 and 28), so they are not separated particularly effectively by centrifugal force. Due to these reactions, typically little or no CO will be present at the exhaust gas splitting chamber outlet. In contrast, the oxygen content at this outlet will typically be significantly higher.

[0051] The process can include the separate removal of the split components from the exhaust gas splitting chamber, e.g., via hoses. Separate removal in this context means removal with a purity of at least 50% or more, 60% or more, 70% or more, or 80% or more.

[0052] The separate extraction of the various gas products from the exhaust gas splitting chamber is made possible by the fact that, due to their different molecular masses, the different gas products separate spatially within the chamber under the centrifugal force. Several ring-shaped layers then form in the exhaust gas splitting chamber, each containing a higher concentration of one of the different gas products. Through outlets located at the level of one of these layers, one of the different gas products can then be extracted and, in particular, extracted. In other words, the different gases in the exhaust gas splitting chamber are spatially separated by centrifugal forces and can be extracted individually from different locations. For example, H₂ can be extracted from a central area, CO₂ from an area near the chamber wall, and O₂ from a location in between.Since gases diffuse, especially at high temperatures, the individually extracted gases will generally not be 100% pure. However, 100% purity is not crucial for carrying out the process or for the operation of the waste incineration plant. A purity of, for example, 60% or more, or even 80% or more, is sufficient.

[0053] The physical mechanism that leads to the separation of the gas products can be described as follows. The exhaust gas is kept under constant rotation in the exhaust gas splitting chamber. The rotating exhaust gas, due to the action of a centrifugal force, separates the colder (and therefore heavier) gas from the hotter (and therefore lighter) gas layers. This causes the hotter (and therefore lighter) gas to be forced towards the center of rotation of the exhaust gas splitting chamber, and the colder (and therefore heavier) gas towards the chamber wall. Simultaneously, the gas products are separated according to molecular mass by the action of the centrifugal force, so that a heavier gas product and an undivided gas are flung towards the chamber wall, while a lighter gas product remains in the central region of the exhaust gas splitting chamber.Since gases have very low thermal conductivity, the chamber walls are effectively separated from the hot gas masses in the center by a heat-insulating, cooler gas layer, thus preventing overheating of the chamber walls. The walls of the exhaust gas splitting chamber do not come into direct contact with the hot gas. Furthermore, reaction products are advantageously less contaminated by material on the chamber walls.

[0054] In this process, it is preferred if O2 removed from the exhaust gas splitting chamber and / or the exhaust gas splitting chamber of the further exhaust gas splitting device is fed back into the combustion chamber and / or CO2 removed from the exhaust gas splitting chamber and / or the exhaust gas splitting chamber of the further exhaust gas splitting device is fed back into the exhaust gas splitting chamber.

[0055] In the process, it is further preferred if H2 removed from the exhaust gas splitting chamber is used to generate thermal energy and if exhaust gases located in the exhaust gas splitting chamber are heated at least partially with the generated thermal energy.

[0056] In this process, it is further preferred if the exhaust gas splitting chamber is oriented horizontally or at an angle of inclination of 0° to 90° or at an angle of inclination of 0° to -90°. An inclination can determine the temperature distribution along the chamber; for example, with a vertical orientation, a higher temperature can be maintained at the top than at the bottom, which can lead to a better process flow. An improved process flow can include CO₂ splitting taking place at the top at high temperatures and gas discharge at the bottom at lower temperatures.

[0057] In the process, it is further preferred if the generation of a centrifugal force acting on the split components is achieved by setting the exhaust gas splitting chamber into rotation.

[0058] In the process, it is further preferred if the generation of a centrifugal force acting on the split components is achieved by at least one impeller with blades arranged in the exhaust gas splitting chamber and / or at least one fan arranged in the exhaust gas splitting chamber and / or by gas flows.

[0059] In this process, it is further preferred if the rotational speed of the exhaust gas splitting chamber, the impeller with blades or the fan is set to at least 50 revolutions per minute.

[0060] The process enables highly efficient combustion of waste in concentrated oxygen, the use of hydrogen as an energy source, the combination of waste types to maintain energy balance, the use of external renewable energy sources if necessary, a closed material cycle, comparatively less drying of waste, continuous operation of the waste incineration plant, cyclical operation of the waste incineration plant, application for the combustion of plastic waste with the generation of a comparatively larger quantity of H2, and the use of hydrogen in the production of steel.

[0061] The invention also relates to a method for maintaining or repairing the waste incineration plant described herein, as specified in claim 15. The method comprises repairing or replacing the exhaust gas splitting device or the further exhaust gas splitting device. Furthermore, a method may also comprise repairing or replacing the combustion chamber, the burner, the combustion chamber return line, the heating device, the fuel cell, the gas turbine generator or the internal combustion engine generator, the cleaning device, the exhaust gas splitting chamber feed line, and / or the combustion chamber feed line.

[0062] In summary, the waste incineration plant and the waste incineration process described here offer the following advantages. Waste incineration produces no or at least significantly reduced CO₂ emissions. This makes a major contribution to environmental, climate, and resource protection and avoids the impact of CO₂ pricing on waste disposal fees. The use of concentrated oxygen allows for complete waste incineration and significantly reduces the amount of slag requiring disposal. Utilizing the hydrogen produced as an energy source enables more efficient operation of the waste incineration plant. Improved combustion in oxygen reduces or eliminates the need for waste drying.Waste incineration takes place in a closed loop; the end products are solid slag, solid carbon, and possibly small amounts of oxygen and hydrogen. No chimney is required, and in addition to large-scale plants, small but economically efficient and environmentally friendly waste incineration plants can be manufactured and installed directly where the waste is generated. This also saves on waste transport costs. When biowaste is incinerated, the process actively reduces the overall CO₂ content in the atmosphere, as the carbon absorbed from the air during plant growth is not released back into the atmosphere as CO₂ but can be stored or utilized in the form of solid carbon.

[0063] Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. The figures show: Fig. 1A: Schematic and exemplary representation of a waste incineration plant with a flue gas splitting chamber; Fig. 1B: Schematic and exemplary representation of a waste incineration plant with a flue gas splitting chamber, wherein the heating device comprises a gas burner for burning hydrogen; Fig. 2: Schematic and exemplary representation of a waste incineration plant which has the same elements as those referred to in Fig. 1 described waste incineration plant and additionally has several pumps, each capable of extracting gaseous products such as O₂, H₂ and CO₂ from different outlets of the exhaust gas splitting chamber; Fig. 3: schematic and exemplary representation of a waste incineration plant which has the same elements as the one described in relation to Fig. 1 described waste incineration plant and additionally includes a cleaning device; Fig. 4: schematic and exemplary of a waste incineration plant which has the same elements as the one described in relation to Fig. 1described waste incineration plant and additionally has an exhaust gas splitting chamber feed line; Fig. 5: schematic and exemplary waste incineration plant for burning waste; Fig. 6: which with reference to the Fig. 5 The waste incineration plant described is shown schematically and by way of example in a side view and in operation; Fig. 7: which refers to the Fig. 6The waste incineration plant described in Figures 5 to 7 is shown schematically and by way of example in a sectional view and also in operation; Figure 8: the waste incineration plant described with reference to Figures 5 to 7 is shown schematically and by way of example in a perspective view in which the inlet side of the flue gas splitting chamber is visible; Figure 9: the waste incineration plant described with reference to Figures 5 to 8 is shown schematically and by way of example in a perspective view in which the outlet side of the flue gas splitting chamber is visible; Figure 10: a combustion chamber and a flue gas splitting chamber of a waste incineration plant are shown schematically and by way of example, wherein the flue gas splitting chamber is arranged horizontally to the side of the combustion chamber; Figure 11: a combustion chamber and a flue gas splitting chamber of a waste incineration plant are shown schematically and by way of example, wherein the flue gas splitting chamber is arranged vertically to the side of the combustion chamber; Figure12: Schematic and exemplary representation of a combustion chamber and an exhaust gas splitting chamber of a waste incineration plant, wherein the exhaust gas splitting chamber is vertically oriented and arranged above the opening of the combustion chamber; Fig. 13: Schematic and exemplary representation of the . Fig. 10 The combustion chamber and exhaust gas splitting chamber described in a), b) and c) are shown from different perspectives; Fig. 14: schematically and by way of example, with reference to the Fig. 11 The combustion chamber and exhaust gas splitting chamber described in a), b) and c) are shown from different perspectives; Fig. 15: schematically and exemplarily shown with reference to the Fig. 12The combustion chamber and the exhaust gas splitting chamber described in a), b) and c) are shown from different perspectives; Fig. 16: a flow diagram for a process for burning waste with a waste incineration plant; Fig. 17: a schematic and exemplary experimental setup for investigating the air temperature distribution in an exhaust gas splitting chamber; Fig. 18: a measurement protocol for investigating the air temperature distribution in an exhaust gas splitting chamber, which is carried out with reference to Fig. 17described experimental setup was produced; Fig. 19 schematically and by way of example a combustion chamber and two exhaust gas splitting chambers of a waste incineration plant, wherein the exhaust gas splitting chambers are connected in series; Fig. 20 schematically and by way of example two combustion chambers and an exhaust gas splitting chamber of a waste incineration plant, which are connected to each other in such a fluid-conducting manner that exhaust gases from both of the combustion chambers can be introduced into the exhaust gas splitting chamber; and Fig. 21 schematically and by way of example a combustion chamber and two exhaust gas splitting chambers of a waste incineration plant, wherein the two exhaust gas splitting chambers can be filled independently of each other with exhaust gases from the combustion chamber.

[0064] Figure 1AFigure 100 schematically illustrates a waste incineration plant (WIP) 100, which enables CO₂-free waste incineration. The WIP 100 has a combustion chamber (2) in which waste (1) can be incinerated using grate or fluidized bed combustion. Unlike conventional processes, the WIP 100 does not require the addition of atmospheric air to the combustion chamber (2). Consequently, no atmospheric nitrogen is present during the combustion of the waste (1), resulting in a significant reduction in nitrogen oxides.

[0065] The flue gases produced during the combustion of waste 1 are routed as exhaust gas 5 into an exhaust gas splitting chamber 3. In the exhaust gas splitting chamber 3, the exhaust gas 5 is heated to at least 3000 °C by means of a heating device 9, so that the CO 2 contained in the exhaust gas 5 is split. The exhaust gas 5, heated to at least 3000 °C, is rotated in the exhaust gas splitting chamber 3, for example, by rotating the exhaust gas splitting chamber 3 itself or by having an impeller with blades or a fan inside it that rotates to set the exhaust gas 5 in motion. The rotation of the exhaust gas 5 exerts a centrifugal force on it. This centrifugal force causes the rotating exhaust gas 5 to separate from the hotter or heavier gas products, resulting in the displacement of the hotter or lighter gas product into the center of rotation of the exhaust gas splitting chamber 3 and the colder or lighter gas product into the center of rotation of the chamber.The heavier gas product flows towards a chamber wall of the exhaust gas cracking chamber 3. This also creates a heat-insulating gas layer near the chamber wall. By displacing the hot gases away from the chamber wall, heat losses through the colder gas layer in the area of ​​the chamber wall are minimized due to the lower thermal conductivity of the gases. This allows the high temperatures required for CO₂ cracking to be achieved at the center of rotation of the exhaust gas cracking chamber 3.

[0066] At high temperatures exceeding 3000 °C, CO₂ molecules are split into solid carbon, O₂, and CO, and H₂O molecules into H₂ and O₂. A centrifugal force separates the exhaust gas 5 in the exhaust gas splitting chamber 3, which consists of undiluted CO₂ and H₂O and the formed O₂, CO, and H₂, according to their molecular masses. The lightest substance, H₂, remains in the central area of ​​the exhaust gas splitting chamber 3, followed by water vapor, CO, and O₂. The heaviest substance, CO₂, is displaced towards the chamber wall. The separated gases can then be discharged separately from the exhaust gas splitting chamber 3. Carbon dioxide is recirculated and repeatedly passed through the high-temperature zone of the exhaust gas splitting chamber 3 until it is completely decomposed into O₂ and solid carbon.For this purpose, the waste incineration plant 100 has an exhaust gas splitting chamber return line 6, which connects a first outlet of the exhaust gas splitting chamber 3 with a second inlet of the exhaust gas splitting chamber 3.

[0067] Upon commissioning of the waste incineration plant 100, oxygen can be introduced into the combustion chamber 2 from an external source and then recirculated. Since oxygen is present in the waste 1 as a component of water and organic compounds, the oxygen content in the combustion chamber 2 can be further increased over time. For this purpose, the waste incineration plant 100 has a combustion chamber return line 7 that fluidly connects a second outlet of the exhaust gas splitting chamber 3 and the combustion chamber 2, so that oxygen can be extracted from the exhaust gas splitting chamber 3 and discharged into the combustion chamber 2. Oxygen can also be partially stored or released into the air. The oxygen produced can also be advantageously used in a fuel cell or a power generator 4, e.g.A gas turbine generator or an internal combustion engine generator can be used in the waste incineration plant 100 for the combustion of hydrogen to generate electricity. For this purpose, the waste incineration plant 100 has a hydrogen supply line 8, which connects another outlet of the exhaust gas splitting chamber 3 to the fuel cell or the generator 4. The generated electricity can be transmitted via a line to the heating device 9, which is designed here as an arc heater.

[0068] From an energy perspective, burning carbon releases the same amount of energy that is later required to split CO₂, and energy is consumed in the thermal splitting of water. To maintain an energy balance, it is possible to combine different types of waste in such a way that the released hydrogen is produced in a quantity sufficient to generate the required energy. Plastics, for example, have a comparatively high hydrogen content and little to no oxygen. Therefore, adding plastic waste to organic waste makes it possible to achieve a specific energy balance. Alternatively, external energy, such as from renewable energy sources, could also be used.

[0069] The waste incineration plant 100 achieves CO₂-free waste incineration as follows. First, waste 1 is fed into the combustion chamber 2. The waste 1 can then be burned with the supply of oxygen. The resulting hot flue gases are introduced as exhaust gas 5 into the exhaust gas splitting chamber 3. The hot exhaust gas 5 typically consists mainly of CO₂ and H₂O. With the addition of additional thermal energy, e.g., from the electric arc heater 9, CO₂ and H₂O are decomposed into O₂, H₂, and solid carbon at high temperatures of at least 3000 °C. The gaseous product O₂ can be returned to the combustion chamber 2 via an outlet through the combustion chamber return line 7. The gaseous product H₂ can be discharged through a separate outlet via the hydrogen supply line 8 to the fuel cell or the power generator 4. The hydrogen produced can then be used as an energy source, e.g.,The waste gases are used in the fuel cell / power generator 4 to generate additional thermal energy in the exhaust gas splitting chamber 3. The solid carbon can then be extracted and removed through a separate outlet 10. Oxygen produced can be retained in the cycle and returned to the combustion chamber 2. Undecomposed carbon dioxide is reintroduced into the exhaust gas splitting chamber 3 via the exhaust gas splitting chamber return line 6 and the inlet of the exhaust gas splitting chamber 3. Furthermore, slag 11 produced during the combustion of the waste 1 can be removed from the combustion chamber 2.

[0070] Figure 1B schematically and exemplarily shows a waste incineration plant 150, which is comparable to the one with reference to Figure 1AThe waste incineration plant 100 is described. However, the waste incineration plant 150 differs from the waste incineration plant 100 in that the waste incineration plant 150 does not have a fuel cell or a power generator 4. Instead, in the waste incineration plant 150, the hydrogen supply line 8 is designed such that it connects an outlet for hydrogen extraction directly to the heating device 9. In addition, the waste incineration plant 150 has an oxygen supply line 18, which also directs the oxygen flowing through the combustion chamber return line 7 to the heating device 9. The heating device 9 has a gas burner to combust the gas mixture of hydrogen and oxygen by means of the gas burner in order to heat the exhaust gas 5 to at least 3000 °C. In addition to the gas burner, the heating device 9 may also have an arc heater and / or a microwave plasma burner.

[0071] Figure 2 schematically and exemplarily shows a waste incineration plant 200, which has the same elements as those relating to Figure 1AThe waste incineration plant 100 described above has several components. However, the waste incineration plant 200 additionally has several pumps 16, each capable of extracting gaseous products such as O₂, H₂, and CO₂ from different outlets of the exhaust gas splitting chamber 3. Since the exhaust gas 5 in the combustion chamber 2 is comparatively hot, it can be directed into the exhaust gas splitting chamber 3 by means of a pressure difference. The gaseous products produced by splitting, such as O₂, H₂, and CO₂, are conveyed through the gas lines by means of pumps 16. In the exhaust gas splitting chamber 3, the gases are heated to at least 3000 °C using an electric arc heater 9. An alternative heating method could involve heating by microwaves. Unlike an electric arc heater, a microwave plasma burner does not require electrodes that burn up and need to be replaced regularly, and can generate a plasma at 4000 to 5000 °C at high power.

[0072] Figure 3schematically and exemplarily shows a waste incineration plant 300, which has the same elements as those relating to Figure 1A The described waste incineration plant 100 includes a cleaning device 12. The cleaning device 12 is fluidly connected to the exhaust gas splitting chamber 3 via a cleaning device feed line 13. The cleaning device 12 is also connected to the combustion chamber 2 via the combustion chamber return line 7, so that gas cleaned by the cleaning device 12 can be returned to the combustion chamber 2. For example, gas containing oxygen and pollutants can be discharged from the exhaust gas splitting chamber 3 into the cleaning device 12 via the cleaning device feed line 13. After cleaning, oxygen can then be discharged back into the combustion chamber 2 via the combustion chamber return line 7 to increase the efficiency of the waste 1 combustion.

[0073] Due to the high temperatures generated in the flue gas splitting chamber 3 of the waste incineration plant 300, it is possible for many highly toxic substances to be broken down into elemental, harmless components. However, some types of waste may contain pollutants such as chlorine and fluorine, which must not be released into the environment. The waste incineration plant 300 can incinerate waste containing pollutants 1, whereby oxygen and the pollutants that remain after combustion are transferred to the cleaning unit 12 and treated there using known methods, e.g., by means of sorbents. For example, the pollutants can be discharged from the flue gas splitting chamber 3 together with oxygen. The purified oxygen can then be returned to the combustion chamber 2 via the combustion chamber return line 7 and thus reintroduced into the cycle. The treated pollutants can be discharged separately from an outlet 14 of the cleaning unit 12.

[0074] Figure 4 schematically and exemplarily shows a waste incineration plant 400, which has the same elements as those relating to Figure 1AThe waste incineration plant 400 described above has a waste incineration plant 100 and additionally a flue gas splitting chamber feed line 15. The flue gas splitting chamber feed line 15 is fluidly connected to the flue gas splitting chamber 3. A gas containing CO₂ can be introduced into the flue gas splitting chamber 3 through the flue gas splitting chamber feed line 15. Furthermore, the waste incineration plant 400 has a combustion chamber feed line 17, which is fluidly connected to the combustion chamber 2. A gas with at least 30% oxygen can be introduced into the combustion chamber 2 through the combustion chamber feed line 17. For example, the combustion chamber feed line 17 can be connected to an external oxygen source containing a gas with at least 30% oxygen. The gas with at least 30% oxygen can, for example, be introduced into the combustion chamber when the waste incineration plant 400 is commissioned to increase the efficiency of waste combustion.

[0075] The waste incineration plant 400 can therefore be used not only for thermal waste treatment but also to reduce CO₂ emissions in external industrial processes. For example, many plastics have a very high hydrogen content and little or no oxygen. Commonly used polymers such as polyethylene (C₂H₄)ₙ and polypropylene (C₃H₆)ₙ contain two hydrogen atoms for every carbon atom. When these polymers are burned, their calorific value is typically more than 46 MJ / kg. For carbon, this value is typically around 30 MJ / kg. The energy difference is recovered in the hydrogen produced by the waste incineration plant 400. This excess hydrogen can be used as an energy source for splitting additional quantities of carbon dioxide, which can be introduced into the exhaust gas splitting chamber 3 via the exhaust gas splitting chamber feed line 15.The additional quantities of carbon dioxide introduced can originate, for example, from a coal-fired or gas-fired power plant. The use of the waste incineration plant 400 in combination with the steel industry is particularly advantageous because the resulting carbon can be used directly as a reducing agent in steel production. If the waste incineration plant 400 is to be used in this way in conjunction with the steel industry, it can be beneficial to sort the waste beforehand so that the waste to be incinerated has the highest possible proportion of plastics.

[0076] The Figures 5 to 9 The images show a waste incineration plant 500 for burning waste in different representations and perspectives.

[0077] Figure 5Figure 500 schematically and exemplarily shows the waste incineration plant 500 for burning waste. The waste incineration plant 500 has a combustion chamber 502 with an opening 504 through which waste can be fed into the combustion chamber 502. A burner (not shown) then combusts the waste in the combustion chamber 502.

[0078] The flue gases produced during the combustion of the waste can be discharged as exhaust gas through a pipe section 505, e.g., a stainless steel or quartz pipe, or a heat-resistant ceramic pipe, into an exhaust gas splitting chamber 506 of the waste incineration plant 500. For this purpose, the pipe section is fluidly connected to an inlet side 501 of the exhaust gas splitting chamber 506. In the exhaust gas splitting chamber 506, the exhaust gases are heated to at least 3000 °C by a heating device, so that the CO₂ and H₂O contained in the exhaust gases are at least partially split into their components CO, O₂, and H₂. Furthermore, an impeller with blades (not shown) is arranged in the exhaust gas splitting chamber 506. The impeller can be rotated about an axis of rotation in the exhaust gas splitting chamber 506. This also sets the exhaust gas in rotation within the exhaust gas splitting chamber 506.Due to their different molecular masses, the separated components of the exhaust gas, and any undivided gases present, are separated into layers by centrifugal force. The lightest substance is drawn to the center of rotation, while the remaining substances are displaced layer by layer towards the chamber wall in order of their molecular mass.

[0079] On an outlet side 503 of the exhaust gas splitting chamber 506, there are three outlets 508, 510, 512. Outlet 508 is connected to the exhaust gas splitting chamber 506 via an exhaust gas splitting chamber return line 514. Outlet 508 is located near the chamber wall of the exhaust gas splitting chamber 506, allowing CO₂ to be extracted as a heavier gas product. The undiluted CO₂ can then be returned to the exhaust gas splitting chamber 506 via the exhaust gas splitting chamber return line 514, where it is reheated to at least 3000 °C by the heating device. The pipe section 505 can also be double-walled. In this case, it is preferred if the exhaust gas splitting chamber return line 514 is fluidly connected to the space between the walls of the double-walled pipe section, so that recirculated CO 2 can flow into the space to cool the inner wall of the pipe with comparatively colder CO 2.This can be particularly advantageous when the exhaust gases from the combustion chamber 502 are very hot when they flow through the pipe section 505 into the exhaust gas splitting chamber 506. For example, exhaust gases can have a temperature of 2000 °C or more. Cooling the pipe section 505 effectively prevents overheating. Preferably, the double-walled pipe section has an opening that connects the space between the walls with the interior of the pipe section, allowing recirculated CO₂ from the space between the walls to flow into the interior of the pipe section and then back into the exhaust gas splitting chamber 506.

[0080] To extract the undiluted CO₂, the exhaust gas splitting chamber return line 514 has a first pump 516. The second outlet 510 is located in the center of the outlet side 503. Through this outlet 510, the lightest substance, in particular H₂, can be fed via a fuel cell or generator supply line 518 to a fuel cell or generator 520 to generate electricity from the hydrogen. The fuel cell or generator supply line 518 has a second pump 519 for extracting H₂. The generated electricity is fed via an electrical line 522 to the heating device and used to heat the exhaust gas to 3000 °C or more.

[0081] The third outlet 512 is located at a radial distance between the first outlet 508 and the second outlet 510. O₂ can be extracted from the exhaust gas splitting chamber 506 through this third outlet 512 by means of a third pump 524. The extracted O₂ can then be returned to the combustion chamber 502 via a combustion chamber return line 526 to increase the efficiency of the waste combustion.

[0082] Figure 6 shows the with reference to the Figure 5The waste incineration plant 500 is described in a side view and in operation. Exhaust gases 602 generated during the combustion of waste are conveyed from the combustion chamber 502 through the pipe section 505 into the exhaust gas splitting chamber 506, where they are heated and set in rotation by a bladed impeller to spatially separate the cracking products within the exhaust gas splitting chamber 506. Alternatively or additionally, a fan could also be arranged in the exhaust gas splitting chamber 506 to set the exhaust gas 602 in rotation within the chamber. Again, alternatively or additionally, the waste incineration plant 500 could also have a drive, for example a belt drive, which is arranged and designed to rotate the exhaust gas splitting chamber 506 itself. The rotation of the exhaust gas splitting chamber 506 then also sets the exhaust gas 602 present in the exhaust gas splitting chamber 506 into rotation.Through the first outlet 508, CO₂ (604) is extracted by the first pump 516 and conveyed to the inlet of the exhaust gas splitting chamber 506. The extracted CO₂ (604) then flows back into the exhaust gas splitting chamber 506 to be heated and split. Through the second outlet 510, H₂ (606) is extracted by the second pump 519 and conveyed to a fuel cell or a power generator 520. Through the third outlet 512, O₂ (608) is extracted by the third pump 524 and returned to the combustion chamber 502 via the combustion chamber return line 526.

[0083] Figure 7 shows the with reference to the Figures 5 and 6The described waste incineration plant 500 is shown in a sectional view and also in operation. The sectional view shows that waste 702 is arranged in the combustion chamber 502. The combustion of the waste 702 produces flue gases 704, which are conveyed as exhaust gases 602 through the pipe section 505 into the exhaust gas splitting chamber 506. It is also shown that the exhaust gases 704 are rotated in the exhaust gas splitting chamber 506. While the exhaust gases 704 are rotating in the exhaust gas splitting chamber 506, they are heated to at least 3000 °C by the heating device 706, which here is designed as an electric arc heater, so that the CO 2 and H 2 O contained in the exhaust gas 704 are split.

[0084] Figure 8 shows the with reference to the Figures 5 to 7The waste incineration plant 500 is shown in a perspective view, in which the inlet side 501 of the exhaust gas splitting chamber 506 is visible. The pipe section 505 is connected to the inlet side 501 of the exhaust gas splitting chamber 506, so that exhaust gas from the combustion chamber 502 can flow into the exhaust gas splitting chamber 506 through the pipe section 505. Furthermore, the exhaust gas splitting chamber return line 514 is connected to the pipe section, so that CO2 extracted from the exhaust gas splitting chamber 506 can flow back into the exhaust gas splitting chamber 506 through the pipe section 505.

[0085] Figure 9 shows the with reference to the Figures 5 to 8The described waste incineration plant 500 is shown in a perspective view, in which the outlet side 503 of the exhaust gas splitting chamber 506 is visible. On the outlet side 503 of the exhaust gas splitting chamber 506 are the first outlet 508, which is located near the chamber wall of the exhaust gas splitting chamber 506 and through which CO₂ can be extracted. Furthermore, in the center of the outlet side 503 of the exhaust gas splitting chamber 506 is the second outlet 510, through which H₂ can be extracted. Additionally, at a midway distance between the center and the chamber wall is the third outlet 512, through which O₂ can be extracted.

[0086] The Figures 10 to 15Each figure shows a combustion chamber and an exhaust gas splitting chamber of a waste incineration plant, with the exhaust gas splitting chamber being arranged differently relative to the combustion chamber. The various possibilities for arranging the exhaust gas splitting chamber relative to the combustion chamber described below can also be applied to the figures relating to the Figures 1 to 9 The described waste incineration plant will be implemented.

[0087] For example, it shows Figure 10 a combustion chamber 1000 and an exhaust gas splitting chamber 1002 of a waste incineration plant, wherein the exhaust gas splitting chamber 1002 is arranged horizontally to the side of the combustion chamber 1000. Figure 13 Figures a), b) and c) show the combustion chamber 1000 and the exhaust gas splitting chamber 1002 from different perspectives.

[0088] However, it shows Figure 11a combustion chamber 1100 and an exhaust gas splitting chamber 1102 of a waste incineration plant, wherein the exhaust gas splitting chamber 1102 is arranged vertically to the side of the combustion chamber 1100. Figure 14 Figures a), b) and c) show the combustion chamber 1100 and the exhaust gas splitting chamber 1102 from different perspectives.

[0089] Figure 12 Figure 1 shows a combustion chamber 1200 and an exhaust gas splitting chamber 1202 of a waste incineration plant, wherein the exhaust gas splitting chamber 1202 is vertically oriented and arranged above the opening 1201 of the combustion chamber 1200. Figure 15 Figures a), b) and c) show the combustion chamber 1200 and the exhaust gas splitting chamber 1202 from different perspectives.

[0090] The ones relating to the Figures 1 to 15The described waste incineration plants can be operated continuously. During continuous operation, the resulting solid end products can be removed on an ongoing basis. Alternatively, the waste incineration plants can also be operated in a cyclical mode, in which a batch of waste is processed until complete incineration. After incineration, solid end products can be removed. Subsequently, another batch of waste can be loaded, and the cycle repeated. The cyclical mode can be advantageously used in small waste incineration plants.

[0091] Figure 16 This shows a flowchart for a waste incineration process using a waste incineration plant. The process can be, for example, combined with one of the above with reference to the Figures 1 to 15 The described waste incineration plants will be used.

[0092] In this process, a combustion chamber of the waste incineration plant is first filled with waste (step S1). The combustion chamber is then filled with a gas containing at least 30% oxygen (step S2), which originates from an external source. The combustion chamber can, for example, be connected to an oxygen source containing a gas with at least 30% oxygen via a combustion chamber supply line. Subsequently, the waste is combusted in the concentrated oxygen using a burner (step S3). During the combustion of the waste, flue gases are produced as exhaust gas, which are discharged into an exhaust gas splitting chamber (step S4). The exhaust gases contain, in particular, CO₂ and H₂O. In the exhaust gas splitting chamber, the exhaust gases are heated by a heating device of the waste incineration plant's exhaust gas splitting unit (step S5).Heating can be achieved, for example, with an electric arc heater, a microwave plasma burner, or by burning hydrogen with a gas burner. These methods allow the exhaust gas to be heated to at least 3000 °C, so that the chemical compounds CO₂ and H₂O are at least partially decomposed into several components, in particular into the gaseous products O₂, CO, and H₂, as well as into solid carbon. Preferably, a centrifugal force is generated simultaneously with the heating of the exhaust gases (step S6), acting on the exhaust gas and the decomposed components, so that the decomposed components and, if present, any remaining undiluted chemical compound are spatially separated from one another within the exhaust gas decomposition chamber due to their different molecular masses.

[0093] Primarily due to the centrifugal force, the rotating exhaust gas and its components undergo a separation into colder / heavier gas layers and hotter / lighter gas layers. This causes the hotter / lighter gas to be forced towards the center of rotation of the exhaust gas splitting chamber, while the colder / heavier gas is forced towards the chamber wall. A heat-insulating gas layer forms near the chamber wall. High temperatures exceeding 3000 °C are generated at the center of rotation of the exhaust gas splitting chamber, which are necessary for CO₂ splitting. At these high temperatures of at least 3000 °C, CO₂ molecules are split into solid carbon, O₂, and CO, and H₂O molecules into H₂ and O₂. These components are separated according to their molecular masses by the centrifugal force acting on the gases (step S7). The lightest component, H₂, collects at the center of rotation.Arranged in layers around the gases are water vapor, CO, and O₂, with the heaviest component, CO₂, being displaced towards the chamber wall. Through various chemical reactions, CO is at least partially converted back to CO₂ within the gas splitting chamber. The gases, spatially separated within the gas splitting chamber, can then be discharged separately. In this process, the undigested residue of the chemical compound, particularly CO₂, is at least partially returned from an outlet of the gas splitting chamber to an inlet (step S8). The undigested residue then flows back into the gas splitting chamber and is reheated to at least 3000 °C. Carbon dioxide is circulated and repeatedly passed through the high-temperature zone of the gas splitting chamber until it is completely decomposed into O₂ and solid carbon.

[0094] Oxygen (O₂) continues to be extracted from the exhaust gas splitting chamber and fed back into the combustion chamber (step S9). The oxygen content in the combustion chamber can then be increased over time. Additionally or alternatively, the oxygen produced can be used in a fuel cell, a generator, or a gas burner for hydrogen combustion. Furthermore, hydrogen (H₂) from the exhaust gas splitting chamber can be used to generate thermal energy. For example, the extracted hydrogen can be combusted with a gas burner or used to generate electricity with a fuel cell or generator. The electricity generated in this way can be used to operate the heating device and thus to generate thermal energy in the exhaust gas splitting chamber to heat the exhaust gases.

[0095] Figure 17Figure 1700 schematically and exemplarily shows an experimental setup 1700 for investigating the air temperature distribution in a tubular chamber 1701. The experimental setup 1700 further includes a motor 1702 for rotating the chamber 1701, a frequency converter 1703 for setting the rotational speed of the chamber 1701, a gas burner 1704 for heating a gas in the chamber 1701, a quartz tube 1705 for introducing a gas into the chamber 1701, eight type K thermocouples 1706 arranged in the chamber 1701, each 5 mm, 17 mm, 29 mm, 42 mm, 54 mm, 66 mm, 78 mm, and 90 mm from the chamber wall, a platinum resistor PT1000 on the chamber wall, a digital measuring system 1707, and a PC 1708. Objective and rationale of the experiment:

[0096] Investigation of the air temperature distribution in the tubular chamber 1701 rotating at different speeds. The temperature is to be measured using the eight thermocouples type K 1706 inside the chamber 1701 and with the platinum resistor on the chamber wall, and the measured values ​​are to be transmitted to the PC 1708 using a contactless data acquisition system. Experiment:

[0097] A quartz tube 1705 is inserted into chamber 1701, and the air in chamber 1701 is heated by a gas burner 1704 through this quartz tube 1705. The chamber 1701 is set into rotation by the motor 1702. The speed of the motor 1702 is determined by the frequency converter 1703. During the experiment, the speed is increased incrementally. The temperature in chamber 1701 is measured using thermocouples 1706 and transmitted to the PC 1708 via a digital measuring system 1707. Materials and measuring instruments:

[0098] Substances: Gas mixture 30% propane, 70% butane. Measuring instruments: Digital data acquisition system and PC.

[0099] Figure 18 shows a measurement protocol from 1800 for investigating the air temperature distribution in chamber 1701, which is related to the way with reference to Fig. 17 The experimental setup described in 1700 was produced.

[0100] The measurement data were wirelessly transmitted to a PC from eight type K 1706 thermocouples, positioned at varying distances from the chamber wall (from 5 mm to 90 mm), and a platinum resistor on the wall, and then analyzed using a data acquisition program. The rotational speed was set incrementally to 74, 155, 245, 275, 400, and 575 revolutions per minute, line 1802. Evaluation / result, possibly including error analysis:

[0101] In the experiment, temperature data were recorded inside chamber 1701 at various rotational speeds from approximately 74 rpm to 575 rpm and with simple heating using a gas burner 1704. This data was then recorded using eight type K thermocouples 1706 and transmitted to the PC 1708 via a contactless data acquisition system. An expected correlation between rotational speed and the temperature distribution in chamber 1701 was observed.

[0102] Here, curve 1804 represents the temperature profile measured at a distance of 5 mm from the chamber wall over a period of approximately 13 minutes, curve 1806 the temperature profile measured at a distance of 17 mm from the chamber wall over a period of approximately 13 minutes, curve 1808 the temperature profile measured at a distance of 29 mm from the chamber wall over a period of approximately 13 minutes, curve 1810 the temperature profile measured at a distance of 42 mm from the chamber wall over a period of approximately 13 minutes, curve 1812 the temperature profile measured at a distance of 54 mm from the chamber wall over a period of approximately 13 minutes, curve 1814 the temperature profile measured at a distance of 66 mm from the chamber wall over a period of approximately 13 minutes, and curve 1816 the temperature profile measured at a distance of 78 mm from the chamber wall over a period of approximately 13 minutes. approx.Curve 1818 shows the temperature profile measured at a distance of 90 mm from the chamber wall over a period of approximately 13 minutes. Curve 1820 represents the temperature profile measured at the chamber wall over a period of approximately 13 minutes.

[0103] Figure 19 Figure 1 schematically and exemplarily shows a combustion chamber 1900 and two exhaust gas splitting chambers 1902, 1904 of a waste incineration plant, wherein the exhaust gas splitting chambers 1902, 1904 are connected in series. The arrangement with one combustion chamber 1900 and with two (or more) exhaust gas splitting chambers 1902, 1904 connected in series can also be used in the designs referred to in the Figures 1 to 18 The waste incineration plants described above will be implemented.

[0104] Exhaust gases from combustion chamber 1900 can flow via a pipe section 1906 into the first exhaust gas splitting chamber 1902 of a first exhaust gas splitting device. In the first exhaust gas splitting chamber 1902, the exhaust gas can be heated to 3000 °C or more by a first heating device, so that a chemical compound contained in the exhaust gas can be at least partially split into a first component and a second component. Any remaining, undissociated chemical compound can be at least partially conveyed via a first exhaust gas splitting chamber return line 1908 from a first outlet of the exhaust gas splitting chamber 1902 to the inlet of the exhaust gas splitting chamber 1902, in order to then flow back into the exhaust gas splitting chamber 1902. Any remaining, undissociated chemical compound can be at least partially conveyed via a second exhaust gas splitting chamber return line 1910 into the second exhaust gas splitting chamber 1904 of a second exhaust gas splitting device.The second exhaust gas splitting device includes a second heating device with which the undissociated residue of the chemical compound can be heated to 3000 °C or more, so that the undissociated chemical compound can again be at least partially split into a first component and a second component. Optionally, an undissociated residue of the chemical compound from the second exhaust gas splitting chamber 1904 can be returned to the second exhaust gas splitting chamber 1904 via a third exhaust gas splitting chamber return line (not shown). It is also possible that a third exhaust gas splitting chamber (not shown) of a third exhaust gas splitting device is connected to the second exhaust gas splitting chamber 1904, into which an undissociated residue of the chemical compound from the second exhaust gas splitting chamber 1904 can be discharged.

[0105] Figure 20Figure 1 schematically and exemplarily shows two combustion chambers 2000 and 2002 and an exhaust gas splitting chamber 2004 of a waste incineration plant, which are fluid-conductingly connected to each other in such a way that exhaust gases from both combustion chambers 2000 and 2002 can be introduced into the exhaust gas splitting chamber 2004. The arrangement with two combustion chambers 2000 and 2002 and one exhaust gas splitting chamber 2004 can also be used in the plants described in the following figures: Figures 1 to 18The described waste incineration plants are implemented. To fill the exhaust gas splitting chamber 2004 with exhaust gases, the first combustion chambers 2000 are connected to the exhaust gas splitting chamber 2004 via a first pipe section 2006, and the second combustion chambers 2002 via a second pipe section 2008. Each of the pipe sections 2006 and 2008 can be connected to the exhaust gas splitting chamber 2004 via a separate inlet. This allows for individual control during operation, ensuring that exhaust gases are introduced into the exhaust gas splitting chamber 2004 from only one, both, or neither of the combustion chambers 2000 and 2002.

[0106] Figure 21Figure 1 schematically and exemplarily shows a combustion chamber 2100 and two exhaust gas splitting chambers 2102, 2104 of a waste incineration plant, wherein the two exhaust gas splitting chambers 2102, 2104 can be filled independently of one another with exhaust gases from the combustion chamber 2100. The arrangement with one combustion chamber 2100 and two independently fillable exhaust gas splitting chambers 2102, 2104 can also be used in the applications referred to in the Figures 1 to 18 The waste incineration plants described above will be implemented.

[0107] The first exhaust gas splitting chamber 2102 is fluidly connected to the combustion chamber 2100 via a first pipe section 2106, so that exhaust gas from the combustion chamber 2100 can be introduced into the first exhaust gas splitting chamber 2102. The second exhaust gas splitting chamber 2104 is fluidly connected to the combustion chamber 2100 via a second pipe section 2108, so that exhaust gas from the combustion chamber 2100 can be introduced into the second exhaust gas splitting chamber 2104. Exhaust gas can be introduced into the first exhaust gas splitting chamber 2102 and the second exhaust gas splitting chamber 2104 independently of each other via the first and second pipe sections 2106 and 2108, respectively. Therefore, it is also possible to use only one of the two exhaust gas splitting chambers 2102, 2104 in the operation of the waste incineration plant and to close off the pipe section of the other exhaust gas splitting chamber of the exhaust gas splitting chambers 2102, 2104, e.g. with a valve.For example, solid carbon can be extracted from the one of the two exhaust gas splitting chambers 2102, 2104 that is not currently in operation.

Claims

1. Waste incineration plant having - at least one incinerator (2) adapted so that waste (1) can be incinerated therein, - a burner arranged and adapted to incinerate waste located in the incinerator (2), - at least one exhaust gas splitting device having an exhaust gas splitting chamber (3) and a heating device, wherein the exhaust gas splitting chamber (3) has an inlet that is connected to the incinerator (2) in a fluid-conducting manner so that exhaust gases (5) produced during the incineration of waste (1) can flow from the incinerator (2) through the inlet into the exhaust gas splitting chamber (3), and wherein the heating device is adapted to heat exhaust gas (5) present in the exhaust gas splitting chamber (3) to at least 3000 °C, so that at least one chemical compound contained in the exhaust gas (5) can be at least partially split into a first component, preferably a lighter gas product, and a second component, preferably a heavier gas product, and wherein the exhaust gas splitting chamber (3) is adapted to spatially separate the first and second split components and, if present, also a non-split residue of the chemical compound, within the exhaust gas splitting chamber (3), preferably in such a way that, due to the centrifugal force acting, the lighter gas product is displaced towards a center of rotation of the exhaust gas splitting chamber (3) and the heavier gas product is displaced towards a chamber wall of the exhaust gas splitting chamber (3), and, if present, the non-split residue of the chemical compound, as the heaviest gas, is displaced comparatively furthest towards the chamber wall of the exhaust gas splitting chamber (3), and - at least one exhaust gas splitting chamber recirculation line (6), which i) connects an outlet of the exhaust gas splitting chamber (3) to the inlet of the exhaust gas splitting chamber (3) so that the non-split residue of the chemical compound contained in the exhaust gas splitting chamber (3) can be at least partially returned from the outlet of the exhaust gas splitting chamber (3) to a second inlet of the exhaust gas splitting chamber (3) so that it can then flow back into the exhaust gas splitting chamber (3) again, and / or, if the waste incineration plant has a further exhaust gas splitting device, which ii) connects an outlet of the exhaust gas splitting chamber (3) to an inlet of an exhaust gas splitting chamber of the further exhaust gas splitting device, so that the non-split residue of the chemical compound contained in the exhaust gas splitting chamber (3) can be at least partially transferred from the outlet of the exhaust gas splitting chamber (3) to the inlet of the exhaust gas splitting chamber of the further exhaust gas splitting device in order to then flow into the exhaust gas splitting chamber of the further exhaust gas splitting device.

2. Waste incineration plant according to claim 1, wherein the heating device has a gas burner connected in a fluid-conducting manner to the exhaust gas splitting chamber (3) for burning hydrogen taken from the exhaust gas splitting chamber (3) and / or an arc heater and / or a microwave plasma burner (9) which is or are arranged and adapted to heat exhaust gases (5) located in the exhaust gas splitting chamber (3) to at least 3000 °C by burning hydrogen and / or generating an electric arc and / or a microwave plasma.

3. Waste incineration plant according to at least one of the preceding claims, having a incinerator recirculation line (7) which connects a second outlet of the exhaust gas splitting chamber (3) and / or, if present, the exhaust gas splitting chamber of the further exhaust gas splitting device and the incinerator (2) in a fluid-conducting manner, so that at least one of the several split components can be returned to the incinerator (2).

4. Waste incineration plant according to at least one of the preceding claims, having a first exhaust gas splitting device with a first exhaust gas splitting chamber, which is connected to the incinerator (2) via a first exhaust gas splitting chamber return line, and a second exhaust gas splitting device with a second exhaust gas splitting chamber connected to the incinerator (2) via a second exhaust gas splitting chamber return line, wherein the exhaust gas (5) can be discharged into the first exhaust gas splitting chamber independently of the second exhaust gas splitting chamber and vice versa.

5. Waste incineration plant according to at least one of the preceding claims, having a fuel cell or a gas turbine power generator or an internal combustion engine power generator (4), which is connected in a fluid-conducting manner to the exhaust gas splitting chamber (3) and / or, if present, the exhaust gas splitting chamber of the further exhaust gas splitting device, so that hydrogen and / or oxygen obtained from the exhaust gas (5) can be converted into electrical energy by the fuel cell or the gas turbine power generator or the combustion engine power generator (4).

6. Waste incineration plant according to claim 5, wherein the fuel cell or the gas turbine power generator or the internal combustion engine power generator (4) is electrically conductively connected to the heating device so that electrical energy generated by the fuel cell or the gas turbine power generator or the internal combustion engine power generator (4) can be converted into thermal energy by the heating device.

7. Waste incineration plant according to at least one of the preceding claims, having an incinerator feed line (17) which is connected in a fluid-conducting manner to the incinerator (2) and through which a gas containing at least 30% oxygen can be introduced into the incinerator (2).

8. Waste incineration plant according to at least one of the preceding claims, having a cleaning device (12) which is connected in a fluid-conducting manner to the exhaust gas splitting chamber (3) and / or, if present, the exhaust gas splitting chamber of the further exhaust gas splitting device, and is adapted to clean exhaust gases (5) discharged from the corresponding exhaust gas splitting chamber (3) and / or the gas containing at least one of the several split components.

9. Waste incineration plant according to at least one of the preceding claims, having an exhaust gas splitting chamber feed line (15) which is connected in a fluid-conducting manner to the exhaust gas splitting chamber (3) and / or, if present, the exhaust gas splitting chamber of the further exhaust gas splitting device, and through which a gas containing CO2 can be introduced into the respective exhaust gas splitting chamber (3).

10. Waste incineration plant according to at least one of the above claims, having a first incinerator connected to the exhaust gas splitting chamber (3) by means of a first pipe section, and a second incinerator connected to the exhaust gas splitting chamber (3) via a second pipe section, so that the exhaust gas splitting chamber (3) can be filled with exhaust gas either only from the first incinerator or with exhaust gas only from the second incinerator or with exhaust gas from the first incinerator and the second incinerator.

11. Use of the waste incineration plant according to at least one of claims 1 to 10 for incinerating waste (1).

12. Method for incinerating waste in a waste incineration plant, the method comprising the steps of: - providing waste (1) in an incinerator (2) of the waste incineration plant, - incinerating the waste (1), - removing exhaust gases (5) produced during the incineration of the waste (1) and containing CO2 and H2O to an exhaust gas splitting chamber (3) of an exhaust gas splitting device, - heating the exhaust gases (5) in the exhaust gas splitting chamber (3) with a heating device of the exhaust gas splitting device to at least 3000 °C, so that the chemical compounds CO2 and H2O are at least partially split into several components, in particular into O2 and H2 as well as into solid carbon, - generating a centrifugal force acting on the split components within the exhaust gas splitting chamber (3) so that the split components and, if present, any non-split residue of the chemical compound are spatially separated from each other due to different molecular masses, and - at least partially returning the non-split residue of the chemical compound, in particular CO2, from an outlet of the exhaust gas splitting chamber i) to an inlet of the exhaust gas splitting chamber, so that the non-split residue of the chemical compounds is reintroduced into the exhaust gas splitting chamber, or at least partially returning the non-split residue of the chemical compound, in particular CO2, from an outlet of the exhaust gas splitting chamber ii) to an inlet of an exhaust gas splitting chamber of a further exhaust gas splitting device, so that the non-split residue of the chemical compounds is introduced into the exhaust gas splitting chamber of the further exhaust gas splitting device.

13. Method according to claim 12, wherein the O2 discharged from the exhaust gas splitting chamber (3) and / or the exhaust gas splitting chamber of the further exhaust gas splitting device is fed back to the incinerator (2) and / or the CO2 discharged from the exhaust gas splitting chamber (3) and / or the exhaust gas splitting chamber of the further exhaust gas splitting device is fed back to the exhaust gas splitting chamber (3).

14. Method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the H2 discharged from the exhaust gas splitting chamber (3) and / or, if present, the exhaust gas splitting chamber of the further exhaust gas splitting device is used to generate thermal energy and exhaust gases (5) located in the exhaust gas splitting chamber (3) are at least partially heated with the generated thermal energy.

15. Method for maintaining or repairing the waste incineration plant according to at least one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the method comprises repairing or replacing the exhaust gas splitting device or the further exhaust gas splitting device.

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