Field testing of environmental performance of advanced local space heaters in reference to the EIG EMEP emission factors

Abstract

One of the significant sources of the air pollution is combustion of solid biofuels, such as wood, used for heating in the municipal and housing sector. Major environmental and health impacts come from the emission of particulate matter (PM) and associated pollutants, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), in particular benzo(a)pyrene (BaP), the main carcinogen.The paper presents the latest research results obtained by the field testing of two local space heaters, fueled with the two wood types. The studies covered the experimental tests in real-life, non-laboratory conditions, carried out according to the standards and procedures required for correct determination of the pollutant emission factors.The presented research contributes significantly to the basic knowledge of emission factors used e.g. for modelling of air pollutants dispersion or for development of the emission inventories. These tasks are the crucial information sources for a decision-making process in air quality management. The tested modern stoves (compliant with Ecodesign requirements) have a significantly lower environmental impact when compared to obsolete devices, and even to advanced stoves. Emission factors for PM, PAHs, BaP, for the tested appliances are lower by 80%, 90% and 95%, respectively, when compared to advanced stoves performance, as reported in relevant guidebooks.