Characterization of Emissions of Climate Forcers generated by Combustion Processes in Cook Stoves

Abstract:

The short-lived climate forcers (SLCF) are gases and particles in the air and that its increase may contribute significantly to climate change. Among SLCF are black carbon, tropospheric ozone and methane. These compounds remain in the atmosphere a relatively short time, so they are known as climate forcers short life. Recent scientific evidence shows that the control SLCF through rapid implementation of emission reduction measures would have immediate and multiple benefits for human welfare.

In Mexico there is large uncertainty about the amount of emissions that can be generated by SLCF combustion processes. A quarter of the population lives in rural areas and using wood as an energy source. As a result of incomplete combustion of wood particulate emissions (PM2.5, EC and OC) and gases such as CO₂, CO, NOx, SO₂, VOCs are generated, so it is essential to have better emission factors for calculating these emissions.

Sampling and monitoring of emissions from combustion of wood (white oak) in three different stoves was conducted: Patsari, Onil, Ecoestufa and an three stones. A dilution system was used to sample particles for analysis and diluted to the real time measurement of gases, some properties and flow particle concentrations. Dilute concentrations are measured using a mobile laboratory instrumentation. For each stove a sampling protocol (water boiling test, WBT) consists of three tests that followed: Cold start, hot start, and low heat. The tests are performed consecutively, with the aim of reaching a temperature of 90 ° C of 1 L water contained in a container placed in the pan from the cook stove.

From the analysis of the data recorded emission, time series and emission factors of gases and particles emitted in each wood stove were obtained. Emission factors were obtained per kilogram of dry wood to CO2 (1035.79 g / kg - 1182.65 g / kg), CH4 (1.84 g / kg - 3.37 g / kg) and EC (0.06 g / kg - 0.74 g / kg), and other contaminants. The results obtained are close to other values reported in other studies, and factors can vary by the type of wood used.