Comparative life cycle assessment of mini combined heat and power plants

Abstract

The article presents the results of an environmental study of the mini combined heat and power plants (mini-CHPs) life cycle with gas engines operating on natural gas and biogas, and with diesel engines. The calculation of material and energy flows, the environmental impact on the atmospheric air, water basin and soil has been carried out. The largest mass of harmful substances in wastewater has been observed with the account of the life cycle assessment (LCA) for the mini-CHPs in biogas, the smallest mass in diesel mini-CHPs. During the operation of biogas, gas piston and diesel PI, significant greenhouse gas emissions have taken place because of the fuel combustion. The article considers the issues of thermal pollution in the environment. It has been revealed that the life cycle of the bioenergy installations has a maximum impact on the environment, with the account of the fuel combustion in mini-CHPs with diesel engines. Biogas mini-CHPs have a greater advantage considering the processes of the operation and fuel combustion. The conducted research can help in choosing the type of the engine when designing a mini-CHP.