Journal of Engineering in Industrial Research

h-index: 18     i10-index: 25

Investigating the Environmental Impact of NOx and CO2 Emissions Levels from Al-Khums Electric Power Generation Plant on Surrounding Urban Areas Using Air Dispersion Model

Document Type : Original Research Article

Authors

Khalifa Mohamed Algheryani
Mohamed Ali El-Behlil
Malak Abdullah Alsghayer

Chemical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, University of Tripoli, Tripoli, Libya

https://doi.org/10.48309/jeires.2024.2.1
Abstract
The polluting gas flow and emission levels from Al-Khums electric power generating plant as well as material and energy balance were estimated using the Aspen HYSYS V9.0 simulator. These model simulations were performed under the actual operating conditions of the power plant and at steady state condition for each unit in the power plant.  The power plant units targeted for the simulator are: air compressor, gas compressor, pressure release valve, combustion chamber, and the gas turbine. The concentration levels of the two major pollutants under investigation, namely, carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) were estimated and quantified using the well-known air dispersion model (Gaussian plume type model). Air dispersion model results revealed that the concentration of NOx and CO2 are equal to 2367.79 mg/m3 and 28,683.18 mg/m3, respectively. These values, when compared with the allowable international standards, were found far to exceed the limits for air pollutants emitted from power generating plants. These values are specific to the meteorological conditions of the site location under the investigation. They may change once the site conditions are changed. The air dispersion model was also used to determine the concentration and the horizontal distance a pollutant can reach from the point source. The results of this air dispersion model, which is highly dependent on the climate and meteorological conditions of the region where the power generating plant is located, revealed that high level concentrations of pollutants can reach a horizontal distance of 22 km from the point source of pollution. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), these higher concentration levels and this specific horizontal distance may adversely affect the air quality of the environment and cause health hazards to inhabitants in the region.

Keywords

Aspen HYSYS
Dispersion
Fossil fuel
Combustion
Gas turbines
Environmental pollution
Power generation

Subjects

OPEN ACCESS

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Journal of Engineering in Industrial Research
Volume 5, Issue 2
Spring 2024
Pages 65-80

  • Receive Date 03 April 2024
  • Revise Date 15 May 2024
  • Accept Date 05 June 2024

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