A Study on Methane and Nitrous Oxide Emissions Characteristics from Anthracite Circulating Fluidized Bed Power Plant in Korea

Seehyung Lee,Jeongwoo Lee,Jinsu Kim,Eui-Chan Jeon

doi:10.1100/2012/468214

Abstract

In order to tackle climate change effectively, the greenhouse gas emissions produced in Korea should be assessed precisely. To do so, the nation needs to accumulate country-specific data reflecting the specific circumstances surrounding Korea's emissions. This paper analyzed element contents of domestic anthracite, calorific value, and concentration of methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) in the exhaust gases from circulating fluidized bed plant. The findings showed the concentration of CH4 and N2O in the flue gas to be 1.85 and 3.25 ppm, respectively, and emission factors were 0.486 and 2.198 kg/TJ, respectively. The CH4 emission factor in this paper was 52% lower than default emission factor presented by the IPCC. The N2O emission factor was estimated to be 46% higher than default emission factor presented by the IPCC. This discrepancy can be attributable to the different methods and conditions of combustion because the default emission factors suggested by IPCC take only fuel characteristics into consideration without combustion technologies. Therefore, Korea needs to facilitate research on a legion of fuel and energy consumption facilities to develop country-specific emission factors so that the nation can have a competitive edge in the international climate change convention in the years to come.

Highlights

The Kyoto Protocol, which was adopted in 1997 at the third Conference of Parties, specified the GHG reduction targets and action plans for Annex I countries
In order to assess the CH4 and N2O emission factors of fluidized bed power plants that consume anthracite as their energy source, the low calorific values were calculated through fuel analysis
CH4 and N2O emission factors were assessed using the element’s concentration out of exhaust gases extracted from exhaust pipes, the emission flow rate of Tele-monitoring system (TMS), and the amount of power generation

Summary

Introduction

The Kyoto Protocol, which was adopted in 1997 at the third Conference of Parties, specified the GHG reduction targets and action plans for Annex I countries. The nation will be proactive in joining international efforts to reduce GHG emissions, and at the same time will take an early response to climate change at home to minimize the burden of GHG emission reduction [1]. With regard to GHG emission reduction, includes technology transfer and GHG emission trade, as well as the reduction of the absolute quantity of emissions. In this context, it is vital to have precise information on the amount of emissions produced and the emission sources to seek methods of reducing GHG emissions. First and foremost, we must establish an inventory of emissions based on credible data in order to achieve the goal of mandatory emission reduction [2]

Methods

Results

Conclusion