Abstract
The burning of fossil fuel for power generation emits Greenhouse gases into the environment. Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) emission is the principal cause of global warming. In order to regulate the emissions of these gases, the emissions need to be assessed and quantified. Carbon footprint is the evaluation of human activities that lead to GHGs emissions. The Covenant University Electricity Network during periods when utility supply fail runs on diesel powered generators located at different centers within the campus. These generators emit carbon-based compounds into the environment. Assessing the quantity of carbon dioxide which is the principal GHGs emitted per year gives 33.14-tonnes. Analysis of the load profiles in the centers showed that all the eight generators are not supposed to be running simultaneously as it is now. This study developed a new network model where all the generators were integrated into a DC microgrid that ensured resource sharing. The model was simulated using energy management and optimization techniques resulting in reduced micro-generators engagement, Green House Gases emission and fuel consumption. Consequently, carbon dioxide emitted per year dropped to 18.44-tonnes from 33.14-tonnes. The developed model improved the carbon footprint of the campus by as much as 44.3%.
Highlights
Climate change is one of the worst challenges the world is facing today (Huisingh et al, 2015; Matthew et al, 2018)
The contribution of greenhouse gas (GHG) emission to climate change is a serious point of concern to the developed nations who have the mandate to reduce it by 50-80% by 2050 (Mac et al, 2018)
Other activities contributing to GHG emissions include: waste water treatment especially the high energy demand plants (Mamais et al, 2015), construction works through onsite electricity use and construction material production (Hong et al, 2014), livestock farming which alters the Nitrogen, carbon and phosphorus cycles (Leip et al, 2015), etc
Summary
Climate change is one of the worst challenges the world is facing today (Huisingh et al, 2015; Matthew et al, 2018). The evaluation of Carbon footprint was defined as a quantitative measurement of Carbon (iv) Oxide emissions caused directly or indirectly by individuals, organizations, processes or products by the authors in (Econometrica Press, 2008; Solé et al, 2018) It is expressed in terms of the mass (in kg, t, etc.) of greenhouse gases emitted with no reference to any area unit (Galli et al, 2012). A new method being proposed in this paper is the optimization of existing capacity which significantly mitigates carbon footprint through resource sharing and energy conservation This is in line with the EU’s 10-year economic strategy adopted in June 2010 where the issue of efficient use of resources gained further policy support. The “Europe 2020” strategy demands the transformation towards green and resource efficiency from 2011 onwards (Galli et al, 2012)
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