For the mini project you can look into using a Tesla Turbine to burn bio-mass fuel cheaply. The Tesla Turbine is the only turbine design that can function on 100% biomass combustion products without clogging...and with very few emissions! A Tesla Turbine mated to an alternator could make power from garbage directly, without having to polish and filter the combustion gasses like a normal turbine. Like these ones, only Tesla disc design instead: he Tesla design is cheaper to build and is much quieter than a bladed turbine as well.