Diesel Generator Emission Monitoring

A diesel generator is the combination of a diesel engine with an electrical generator (often called an alternator) to generate electrical energy. Diesel generating sets are used in places without connection to the power grid, as emergency power-supply if the grid fails, as well as for more complex applications such as peak-lopping, Grid Support and export to the power grid. Sizing of diesel generators is critical to avoid low-load or a shortage of power and is complicated by modern electronics, specifically non-linear loads.

The modern Corporate Offices have critical equipment like servers, computers, etc., the working of which is solely dependent on regular uninterrupted supply of Electricity. Due to shortage of power supply available or due to voltage fluctuations, the performances of such equipment get hampered. In industrial set ups, the working of the complex machinery too is dependent on the availability of power.

Thus, installation of Diesel Generators as the alternate source of Electrical Energy is very common; more so as a contingency plan.

But true to any other technology, operations of Diesel Generator have its inherent set of flip sides, which have turned out to be major reasons of concern for the Environmentalists.

A typical standby diesel generator produces 25-30 pounds of nitrogen oxides (NOx) per megawatt hour of power generated. Nitrogen oxides are a smog-forming pollutant. Diesel is produced from a fossil fuel and engines using it as fuel, causing air pollution and high sulfur levels. Diesel fuel also creates a distinct smell and exposure to diesel engine exhaust can also lead to health hazards.

Diesel emission levels of NOx, carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons, and particulate matter were a substantial contributor to poor air quality.

The visible pollution generated by burning diesel contains elemental carbon.
And the smell comes from a group of particles called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, well-known cancer causing agents.
How effective are air pollution diesel emissions as a carcinogen? They were found to cause of up to 70 percent of atmospheric pollution induced cancer cases.

In one study, volunteers who allowed themselves to be exposed to diesel fumes reported coughing, sore throat and eyes, headaches, and nausea. Some came down with lung inflammation after exposure.
Other common symptoms included the production of phlegm and difficulty breathing. Of course, people also complained about odors, a perpetual annoyance.

Fine particulate matter (PM) in diesel exhaust can by pass the body’s natural defenses penetrating deep into the lungs where it may cause or exacerbate respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses, and even premature death.

Nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from diesel engines contribute to smog formation which has been linked to increases in hospital admissions for asthma and is most dangerous to children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory and cardiovascular disease. NOx emissions also react with other air pollutants to increase the level of particulates in the air.

The State Governments have formed Pollution Control Boards, which have specified limits for the various gaseous elements that are generated by the Diesel Generators, and every generator operator needs to comply with the standards.

Noise is among the most pervasive pollutants today. Noise negatively affects human health and its well being. Problems related to noise include hearing loss, stress, high blood pressure, sleep loss, distraction and lost productivity and a general reduction in the quality of life and opportunities for tranquility.

The Ministry of Environment & Forests (MoEF), Government of India published the Standards/Guidelines for control of noise pollution from stationary Diesel generator sets, vide GSR 7 dated 22.12.1998. The Ministry of Environment & Forests (MoEF), Government of India published the Standards/Guidelines for control of noise pollution from stationary Diesel generator sets, vide GSR 7, dated 22.12.1998. Subsequently, the MoEF notified the Noise limits for Generator sets run70 ANNUAL REPORT 2004-2005 with petrol or kerosene vide GSR 742 (E) dated 25.09.2000 and GSR 628 (E) dated 30.08.2001.

Following the provisions of these notifications, the Board directed that for use of diesel generator set (s) (of capacity 15 KVA & above) for non-industrial purpose, the obtainment of Consent to Establish and Consent to Operate from the Board is mandatory. The non-industrial purpose includes residential buildings, commercial buildings, office complex, cinema halls, bank, educational institutions etc under its purview. The order is effective from January 1, 2002.