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1.

Environmental aspects of power generation:-


1. 1. ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS OF POWER GENERATION (Oxides of N,C,S & particulate
matter)
2. 2. Contaminants Cause of formation Effects Methods of coping them Oxides of Nitrogen
(NO,NO2) • Combustion of all fossil fuels(at very high temp.) • NO oxidizes to NO2(in
presence of sunlight) • Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) can affect the respiratory system. • Increased
susceptibility to infections , pulmonary disease, impairment of lung function and eye, nose
irritation • Reduce peak combustion temperature(changing design). • Using catalyst in
exhaust system • EGR , water injection into intake manifold, charge dilution Oxides of
Carbon (CO,CO2) • Due to incomplete combustion(CO) • Complete combustion lead to
formation of CO2 • Affect cardiovascular system, ,particularly affect fetuses . • Affect central
nervous system impairing vision and judgment • Photosynthesis, ocean absorption, rock
weathering • Oxidation of CO by injecting low pressure air in exhaust port Oxides of Sulfur
(SO2,H2S) • Combustion of coal and oil mainly in power plants • SO2 leads to SO3 • Sulfur
dioxide (SO2) can affect lung function, mucus removal • Lead to acid rain • Use of
atmospheric fluidized bed • Electrostatic precipitators to be fitted in chimneys Particulate
matter • consists of fine solids and liquid droplets other than pure water dispersed in air(soot)
• Carry carcinogenic trace and alter immune system. • Fine particle penetrate deeply into
lung causing long term disorders • Gravitation, impaction, drop nucleation and washing

2. Methods to Control Air Pollution:-


Air Pollution and its Control Measures Sameer Kumar1 and Dhruv Katoria2 Department of Environment
Engineering, Delhi Technological University (D.C.E), Bawana, Delhi, India. Abstract Air pollution are
basically the foreign material in the air—can be manmade or occur naturally, and are concentrated
where people are concentrated. Pollution is injurious to health and its prevention places an economic
burden on the citizen. Further emission reductions from automobiles, and transportation measures and
programs will be more difficult to accomplish, but the challenge has been presented. The decision is up
to the citizenry as to whether there shall be clean air for all—and at what price. Air pollution has been a
menace in recent years posing serious threats to environmental and social wellbeing. Government,
authorities and industry have been at the forefront to tackle air pollution with the help of policy
reformation and technological innovation. The aim is to understand the innovation activity in the
technology domain and the different ways to observe patterns in relation to diffusion of innovation in
different jurisdictions. We emphasizes on prominent Indian company active in air pollution control
measure dewy innovative technology business and R&D practices. Paper highlights various countries on
the priority list of industry technologies for protection and exploitation of developed technologies.
Suggestions for future adopted technologies for air pollution control adopted under Indian criterion is
also suggested.

1. Major Primary Pollutants Generates by Human Activity


Nitrogen oxides (NOx) - especially nitrogen dioxide are emerges from high temperature combustion.
Nitrogen dioxide is the chemical compound with the formula NO2. It is one of the several nitrogen
oxides. 446 Sameer Kumar & Dhruv Katoria  Carbon monoxide (CO)- It is a product by incomplete
combustion of fuel such as natural gas, coal or wood. Vehicular exhaust is a major source of carbon
monoxide.  Volatile organic compounds - VOCs are an important outdoor air pollutant. In this field
they are often divided into the separate categories of methane (CH4) and non-methane (NMVOCs). 
Particulates, alternatively referred to as particulate matter (PM), atmospheric particulate matter, or
fine particles, are tiny particles of solid or liquid suspended in a gas. In contrast, aerosol refers to
particles and the gas together. Human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels in vehicles, power
plants and various industrial processes also generate significant amounts of aerosols.  Persistent free
radicals connected to airborne fine particles could cause cardiopulmonary disease.

2. Measures to Control Air Pollution.


Activated carbon is one of the most popular forms of air pollution control. This type of control
involves the use of a pollution filter, carbon, to reduce the amount of pollutants that are allowed to
escape into the air. When in use, these filters absorb pollutants helping to cleanse the air of any
possible toxins.  Biofiltration is another effective type of air pollution control. It uses
microorganisms, often bacteria and fungi, to dissolve pollutants. Industries that employ
biofiltration systems include food and waste plants, pharmaceutical companies, and wastewater
management facilities. While this method of air pollution control works rather well, a large space is
required in order to operate a biofiltration system. Many industries do not have this amount of
available space, so this method is often disregarded.  Change in Fuel: This technique involves the
use of less polluting fuel to reduce air pollution. Use of low sulfur fuel instead of high sulfur fuel by
electric utilities is an example of this method. Remember that low sulfur fuel is much more
expensive than high sulfur fuel.
3. Use of Fuels
Table 1 Fuel Advantages Disadvantages Electricity Potential for zero vehicle emission. Current
technology is limited Ethanol Very low emission of ozone-forming hydrocarbon and toxics High fuel
cost Methanol Low emission of ozone forming hydrocarbon and toxic substance High fuel cost
Natural gas Can be made from variety of feed stokes Very low emission of ozone forming
hydrocarbons, toxics ,and carbon monoxide. High vehicle cost Propane Somewhat lower emission
of ozone forming hydrocarbon and toxics. No energy security or trade balance benefit.
4. Use of Control Devices
The devices are discussed in the following sections. 448 Sameer Kumar & Dhruv Katoria The major
FGD processes are:  Limestone scrubbing  Lime scrubbing  Dual Alkali processes  Lime-spray
drying  Wellman-Lord process The SO2 is removed by inducing exhaust gases to react with a
chemical absorbent as they pass through a tower.
5. Control of VOC
Control and treatment of VOC and organic hazardous air pollutant emissions are generally
accomplished by  Adsorption,  Incineration,  Condensation  Gas absorption. This is one of the
most commonly used methods, especially for controlling emissions from small sources. It can be
physical adsorption or chemisorptions. The later is rarely used for the VOC emission control
because, it involves a less-reversible chemical bonding of the adsorbate (pollutant) and the
adsorbing solid ( packing) and is relatively expensive. Physical adsorption uses the Van der Waals
force, giving the advantage of reversibility and regeneration due to the weaker bonding of the gas
and adsorbent material. The adsorbed material can be either recovered or incinerated.
Regeneration is usually accomplished by heating or extraction/displacement. Activated carbon is a
commonly used adsorbent.
6. Future adopted technologies for air pollution control adopted
under Indian criterion
The following items are commonly used as pollution control devices by industry or transportation
devices. They can either destroy contaminants or remove them from an exhaust stream before it is
emitted into the atmosphere.  Nox Control  Low NOx burners  Selective catalytic reduction (SCR)
 Selective non-catalytic reduction (SNCR)  Catalytic converter (also for VOC control)  Scrubbers 
Baffle spray scrubber  Cyclonic spray scrubber Air Pollution and its Control Measures 449  Spray
tower  Wet scrubber  VOC control  Catalytic converters  Biofilters  Absorption (scrubbing) 
Cryogenic condensers  Vapor recovery systems  Acid Gas/SO2 control  Wet scrubbers  Dry
scrubbers  Flue-gas desulfurization  Mercury control  Sorbent Injection Technology  Electro-
Catalytic Oxidation (ECO)  K-Fuel
7. Conclusion
From this it is clear that we have numerous ways of controlling air pollution. The only thing require
is to use it inappropriate form. This paper represents the different technologies that are employed
in various industries and the use of different fuels that are immanent for the solution of air
pollution. Air pollution involves spate of pollutants which creates a lot of chronic and acute diseases
in human being so we have to put the foreign particles within the constraint of standard limit. So
we have come under a conclusion that the best technologies given for controlling NOX,VOC,SO2,
Mercury are given in the above article.

3.Energy Conservation:-

1. Replace your light bulbs


Traditional incandescent light bulbs consume an excessive amount of electricity and must be
replaced more often than their energy efficient alternatives. Halogen incandescent bulbs, compact
fluorescent lights (CFLs), and light-emitting diode bulbs (LEDs) use anywhere from 25-80% less
electricity and last three to 25 times longer than traditional bulbs.
Although energy efficient bulbs are more expensive off the shelf, their efficient energy use and
longer service lives mean that they cost less in the long run. Energy efficient bulbs are the clear
winners in terms of their environmental and financial benefits.
2. Use smart power strips
“Phantom loads,” or the electricity used by electronics when they are turned off or in standby mode,
are a major source of energy waste. In fact, it is estimated that 75% of the energy used to power
household electronics is consumed when they are switched off, which can cost you up to $200 per
year. Smart power strips, also known as advanced power strips, eliminate the problem of phantom
loads by shutting off the power to electronics when they are not in use. Smart power strips can be
set to turn off at an assigned time, during a period of inactivity, through remote switches, or based on
the status of a “master” device.

3. Install a programmable or smart thermostat


A programmable or smart thermostat can be set to automatically turn off or reduce heating and
cooling during the times when you are asleep or away. When you install a programmable
thermostat, you eliminate wasteful energy use from heating and cooling without upgrading your
HVAC system or sacrificing any comfort.
On average, a programmable thermostat can save you $180 per year. Programmable thermostats
come in different models that can be set to fit your weekly schedule. Additional features of
programmable thermostats can include indicators for when to replace air filters or HVAC system
problems, which also improve the efficiency of your heating and cooling system.

4. Purchase energy efficient appliances


On average, appliances are responsible for roughly 13% of your total household energy use. When
purchasing an appliance, you should pay attention to two numbers: the initial purchase price and the
annual operating cost. Although energy efficient appliances usually have higher purchase prices,
their operating costs are 9-25% lower than conventional models.
When purchasing an energy efficient appliance, you should look for appliances with the ENERGY
STAR label, which is a federal guarantee that the appliance will consume less energy during use
and when on standby than standard non-energy efficient models. Energy savings differ based on the
specific appliance. For example, ENERGY STAR certified clothes washers consume 25% less
energy and 45% less water than conventional ones, whereas ENERGY STAR refrigerators use only
9% less energy.
5. Reduce your water heating expenses
Water heating is a major contributor to your total energy consumption. Other than purchasing an
energy efficient water heater, there are three methods of reducing your water heating expenses: you
can simply use less hot water, turn down the thermostat on your water heater, or insulate your water
heater and the first six feet of hot and cold water pipes.
If you are considering replacing your water heater with an efficient model, you should keep in mind
two factors: the type of water heater that meets your needs and the type of fuel it will use. For
example, tankless water heaters are energy efficient, but they are also a poor choice for large
families as they cannot handle multiple and simultaneous uses of hot water. Efficient water heaters
can be anywhere between 8% and 300% more energy efficient than a conventional storage water
heater. Also, be sure to account for its lengthy service life of 10 to 15 years in which water-heating
savings can accumulate.

6. Install energy efficient windows


Windows are significant source of energy waste, which can amount to 10-25% of your total heating
bill. To prevent heat loss through your windows, you can replace single-pane windows with double-
pane ones.
For homes in cold regions, gas-filled windows with “low-e” coatings can significantly reduce your
heating expenses. In addition, interior or exterior storm windows can reduce unnecessary heat loss
by ten to 20 percent. You should especially consider storm windows if your region experiences
frequent extreme weather events.
In warmer climates, heat gain through windows may be a problem. In addition to minimizing heat
loss, low-e coatings on windows can reduce heat gain by reflecting more light and lowering the
amount of thermal energy diffused into your home. Depending on the climate where you live,
ENERGY STAR windows can save you $20-$95 each year on your utility bills. Window shades,
shutters, screens, and awnings can also provide an extra layer of insulation between your home and
external temperatures.

8. Insulate your home


Insulation plays a key role in lowering your utility bills through retaining heat during the winter and
keeping heat out of your home during the summer. The recommended level of heat resistance, or
“R-value,” for your insulation depends on where you live. In warmer climates, the recommended R-
value is much lower than for buildings located in colder regions like the Northeast.
The level of insulation you should install depends on the area of your house. Your attic, walls, floors,
basement, and crawlspace are the five main areas where you should consider adding insulation.
Use the Home Energy Saver tool for recommendations based on the specifications of your home, or
find general regional recommendations on the Department of Energy’s webpage on insulation.

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