Fuel emission factors are used as multipliers to calculate the emission of pollutants from fuel energy consumption. This dialog, accessed from the Regions dialog, allows you to define the pollution caused by each fuel treated by EnergyPlus. Data for each fuel is accessed on its own tab.
Enter the name of the set of fuel factors. This might be the region plus the date the data applies to.
Options are:
Enter some text describing the source of the data.
Select from:
The higher heating value of the fuel. Enter 0 for electricity.
If using the default 1-Constant Definition method then this fixed value is multiplied by the fuel consumption to compute the source energy contribution for the fuel.
Note: If the TDV files are used the value should be 0.293 for electricity and 0.01 for natural gas to account for the units used in the files. Units of J/J.
If using the 2-Scheduled Definition method then the schedule specified here represents the source energy conversion factor.
Enter the emission factors for each pollutant (in g/MJ).
The environmental impact coefficient for the fuel for calculating the mass of carbon dioxide (CO2) released into the atmosphere. The units are g/MJ. Carbon dioxide gas is naturally produced by animals during respiration and through decay of biomass, and used by plants during photosynthesis. Although it only constitutes 0.04 percent of the atmosphere, it is one of the most important greenhouse gases. The combustion of fossil fuels is increasing carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere, which is believed to be contributing to global warming.
If using the 2-Scheduled Definition method then select the schedule which defines the emission factor using SI units.
The environmental impact coefficient for the fuel for calculating the mass of carbon monoxide (CO) released into the atmosphere. The units are g/MJ. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless and poisonous gas produced by incomplete fossil fuel combustion. Carbon monoxide combines with the haemoglobin of human beings, reducing its oxygen carrying capacity, with effects harmful to human beings.
If using the 2-Scheduled Definition method then select the schedule which defines the emission factor using SI units.
The environmental impact coefficient for the fuel for calculating the mass of methane (CH4) released into the atmosphere. The units are g/MJ. Methane is a colorless, nonpoisonous, flammable gas created by anaerobic decomposition of organic compounds and is one of the more potent greenhouse gases. A major component of natural gas used in the home.
If using the 2-Scheduled Definition method then select the schedule which defines the emission factor using SI units.
The environmental impact coefficient for the fuel for calculating the mass of nitrogen oxides (NOx) released into the atmosphere. The units are g/MJ. Nitrogen oxides refers to nitric oxide gas (NO) and nitrogen dioxide gas (NO2) and many other gaseous oxides containing nitrogen. The main source of these gases in urban areas are motor vehicle exhaust and indoor gas stoves and kerosene heaters. The brown haze sometimes seen over cities is mainly nitrogen oxides. These gases are also partly responsible for the generation of ozone, which is produced when nitrogen oxides react with other chemicals in the presence of sunlight. Exposure to high levels of nitrogen dioxide can interfere with the ability of blood to carry oxygen, leading to dizziness and shortness of breath. Prolonged exposure can lead to respiratory failure.
If using the 2-Scheduled Definition method then select the schedule which defines the emission factor using SI units.
The environmental impact coefficient for the fuel for calculating the mass of nitrous oxide (N2O) released into the atmosphere. The units are g/MJ. Relatively inert oxide of nitrogen produced as a result of microbial action in the soil, use of fertilizers containing nitrogen, burning of timber and coil, chemical industry, and so forth. This nitrogen compound may contribute to greenhouse and ozone-depleting effects.
If using the 2-Scheduled Definition method then select the schedule which defines the emission factor using SI units.
The environmental impact coefficient for the fuel for calculating the mass of sulfur dioxide (SO2) released into the atmosphere. The units are in grams per MegaJoule. Sulfur dioxide gas is formed when fuel containing sulfur, such as coal and oil, is burned, and when gasoline is extracted from oil, or metals are extracted from ore. Sulfur dioxide reacts with other chemicals in the air to form tiny sulfate particles, associated with increased respiratory symptoms and disease, difficulty in breathing, and premature death. Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides react with other substances in the air to form acids, which fall to earth as rain, fog, snow, or dry particles. Acid rain damages forests and crops, changes the makeup of soil, and makes lakes and streams acidic and unsuitable for fish. Sulfur dioxide accelerates the decay of building materials and paints.
If using the 2-Scheduled Definition method then select the schedule which defines the emission factor using SI units.
The environmental impact coefficient for the fuel for calculating the mass of particulate matter (PM) released into the atmosphere. The units are g/MJ. PM is the sum of all particular matter emitted, including PM10 and PM2.5. Particulate matter, or PM, are particles found in the air, including dust, dirt, soot, smoke, and liquid droplets, which can be suspended in the air for long periods of time. Some particles are large or dark enough to be seen as soot or smoke. Others are so small that individually they can only be detected with an electron microscope. Breathing particulate matter is linked to significant respiratory health problems.
The environmental impact coefficient for the fuel for calculating the mass of particulate matter 10 (PM10) released into the atmosphere. The units are g/MJ. PM10, includes particles with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 10 microns. These smaller particles are most likely responsible for the adverse health effects on humans because particles so small can reach the thoracic or lower regions of the respiratory tract.
If using the 2-Scheduled Definition method then select the schedule which defines the emission factor using SI units.
The environmental impact coefficient for the fuel for calculating the mass of particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) released into the atmosphere. The units are g/MJ. EPA’s national air quality standards for fine particles, also known as “PM2.5 standards,” are levels allowed in the outdoor air for particulate matter 2.5 microns in diameter or smaller. EPA issued the PM2.5 standards in 1997 to protect human health and the environment. Studies have linked increased exposure to PM2.5 to increases in premature death as well as a range of serious respiratory and cardiovascular effects.
If using the 2-Scheduled Definition method then select the schedule which defines the emission factor using SI units.
The Environmental impact coefficient for the fuel for calculating the mass of ammonia (NH3) released into the atmosphere. The units are g/MJ. Ammonia reacts with nitrogen and sulfur compounds in the atmosphere, mainly nitric and sulfuric acids, to form particulate matter.
If using the 2-Scheduled Definition method then select the schedule which defines the emission factor using SI units.
The Environmental impact coefficient for the fuel for calculating the mass of non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOC) released into the atmosphere. The units are g/MJ. Non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOC), which include propane, butane, and ethane, are emitted primarily from transportation, industrial processes, and non-industrial consumption of organic solvents. Volatile organic compounds react with nitrogen oxides in the atmosphere to form ozone.
If using the 2-Scheduled Definition method then select the schedule which defines the emission factor using SI units.
The Environmental impact coefficient for the fuel for calculating the mass of mercury (Hg) released into the atmosphere. The units are g/MJ. This heavy metal can accumulate in the environment and is highly toxic if breathed or swallowed. In the US, primary sources of mercury air emissions are coal-fired power plants.
If using the 2-Scheduled Definition method then select the schedule which defines the emission factor using SI units.
The Environmental impact coefficient for the fuel for calculating the mass of lead (Pb) released into the atmosphere. The units are g/MJ. A heavy metal that is hazardous to health if breathed or swallowed. Its use in gasoline, paints, and plumbing compounds has been sharply restricted or eliminated by federal laws and regulations.
If using the 2-Scheduled Definition method then select the schedule which defines the emission factor using SI units.
The environmental impact coefficient for the fuel for calculating the volume of water (H2O) consumed or evaporated in the generation of electricity. The units are g/MJ. This is the water consumed in the production of the energy, ie. electricity off-site evaporated in cooling towers or scrubbers, or in the production or processing of the fuel itself, i.e., refinery for gasoline or diesel.
If using the 2-Scheduled Definition method then select the schedule which defines the emission factor using SI units.
The environmental impact coefficient for the fuel for calculating the mass of high-level nuclear waste, removed as spent nuclear fuel from a nuclear reactor once it no longer is efficient at powering the reactor.. The units are g/MJ. Once a year, approximately one-third of nuclear fuel is replaced with new fuel. This used fuel is called spent nuclear fuel and is highly radioactive; containing plutonium and other radionuclides. Although there is little information on quantities of high-level nuclear waste, a few utilities are beginning to publish this information.
If using the 2-Scheduled Definition method then select the schedule which defines the emission factor using SI units.
The environmental impact coefficient for the fuel for calculating the volume of low-level nuclear waste, removed from a nuclear reactor after radiation contamination. The units are g/MJ or a volume measurement. Low-level waste can come from nuclear reactors or other users of radioactive material, like hospitals or research institutes. Low-level waste is less hazardous than high-level waste.
If using the 2-Scheduled Definition method then select the schedule which defines the emission factor using SI units.
Emissions data for the other fuels is entered in the same way as for electricity.
To obtain detailed outputs of pollution caused by fuel consumption use the check boxes on the Region tab at Site level.