Emissions of regulated pollutants from in-use diesel back-up generators
Abstract
Recent power outages have highlighted the need for reliable alternatives to the power grid such as diesel back-up generators (BUGs). As many BUGs are operated in close proximity to populations, there is a need for accurate emissions measurements from these units. This paper reports regulated emissions for diesel BUGs of varying model year, engine technology and manufacturer in the 60-2000 kW size and provides the largest emissions database for these engines. The average emission factors for oxides of nitrogen (NO x) were determined to be approximately 41% and 47% lower than EPA's estimates in AP-42 for small and large BUGs, respectively. Average particulate matter (PM) emission factors were approximately 83% and 50% lower than AP-42 estimates for small and large BUGs, respectively. All BUGs tested had lower emissions than used in EPA's AP-42 emissions inventory for NO x and PM. Results indicate that decreases in NO x emission rates for BUGs paralleled the non-road and on-road emission standards. Minimal variation was noted for three engines of the same family and model year but with different hours of operation.
- Publication:
-
Atmospheric Environment
- Pub Date:
- 2006
- DOI:
- 10.1016/j.atmosenv.2005.12.063
- Bibcode:
- 2006AtmEn..40.4199S