Life Cycle Water Use for Electricity Generation: Implications of the Distribution of Collected Estimates

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
James R. Meldrum ◽  
Jordan E. Macknick ◽  
Garvin A. Heath ◽  
Syndi L. Nettles-Anderson
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Power Plant ◽  
Electricity Generation ◽  
The United States ◽  
Electricity Sector ◽  
Water Requirements ◽  
Plant Operations ◽  
Component Manufacturing ◽  
Selection Of ◽  
Freshwater Consumption

Water requirements throughout the electricity generation life cycle have important implications for the electricity sector. Thermoelectric power plant operations are estimated as responsible for around 36% [1] to 41% [2] of total freshwater withdrawals in the United States and 3% of total freshwater consumption [1,3]. However, the life cycle of electricity generation consists of many stages besides power plant operation, including component manufacturing, fuel acquisition, processing, and transport, and power plant decommissioning. The water requirements associated with choices along this life cycle, such as the selection of fuel type or cooling technology, are not well understood.

Sustainability assessment of gas based power generation using a life cycle assessment approach

2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (5) ◽  
pp. 826-841 ◽  
Author(s):  
Binita Shah ◽  
Seema Unnikrishnan
Keyword(s):  
Power Generation ◽  
Life Cycle Assessment ◽  
Life Cycle ◽  
Power Plant ◽  
Natural Gas ◽  
Environmental Impacts ◽  
Electricity Generation ◽  
Lca Methodology ◽  
Iso 14040 ◽  
Content Type

Purpose India is a developing economy along with an increasing population estimated to be the largest populated country in about seven years. Simultaneously, its power consumption is projected to increase more than double by 2020. Currently, the dependence on coal is relatively high, making it the largest global greenhouse gas emitting sector which is a matter of great concern. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the environmental impacts of the natural gas electricity generation in India and propose a model using a life cycle assessment (LCA) approach. Design/methodology/approach LCA is used as a tool to evaluate the environmental impact of the natural gas combined cycle (NGCC) power plant, as it adopts a holistic approach towards the whole process. The LCA methodology used in this study follows the ISO 14040 and 14044 standards (ISO 14040: 2009; ISO 14044: 2009). A questionnaire was designed for data collection and validated by expert review primary data for the annual environmental emission was collected by personally visiting the power plant. The study follows a cradle to gate assessment using the CML (2001) methodology. Findings The analysis reveals that the main impacts were during the process of combustion. The Global warming potential is approximately 0.50 kg CO2 equivalents per kWh of electricity generation from this gas-based power plant. These results can be used by stakeholders, experts and members who are authorised to probe positive initiative for the reduction of environmental impacts from the power generation sector. Practical implications Considering the pace of growth of economic development of India, it is the need of the hour to emphasise on the patterns of sustainable energy generation which is an important subject to be addressed considering India’s ratification to the Paris Climate Change Agreement. This paper analyzes the environmental impacts of gas-based electricity generation. Originality/value Presenting this case study is an opportunity to get a glimpse of the challenges associated with gas-based electricity generation in India. It gives a direction and helps us to better understand the right spot which require efforts for the improvement of sustainable energy generation processes, by taking appropriate measures for emission reduction. This paper also proposes a model for gas-based electricity generation in India. It has been developed following an LCA approach. As far as we aware, this is the first study which proposes an LCA model for gas-based electricity generation in India. The model is developed in line with the LCA methodology and focusses on the impact categories specific for gas-based electricity generation.

scholarly journals Life Cycle Costs and Life Cycle Assessment for the Harvesting, Conversion, and the Use of Switchgrass to Produce Electricity

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nuttapol Lerkkasemsan ◽  
Luke E. K. Achenie
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Power Plant ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
The United States ◽  
Pyrolysis Oil ◽  
Design Variables ◽  
Generation Plant ◽  
Gas Turbine Power Plant ◽  
Fossil Fuel Power Plants ◽  
Plant Capacity

This paper considers both LCA and LCC of the pyrolysis of switchgrass to use as an energy source in a conventional power plant. The process consists of cultivation, harvesting, transportation, storage, pyrolysis, transportation, and power generation. Here pyrolysis oil is converted to electric power through cocombustion in conventional fossil fuel power plants. Several scenarios are conducted to determine the effect of selected design variables on the production of pyrolysis oil and type of conventional power plants. The set of design variables consist of land fraction, land shape, the distance needed to transport switchgrass to the pyrolysis plant, the distance needed to transport pyrolysis oil to electric generation plant, and the pyrolysis plant capacity. Using an average agriculture land fraction of the United States at 0.4, the estimated cost of electricity from pyrolysis of 5000 tons of switchgrass is the lowest at $0.12 per kwh. Using natural gas turbine power plant for electricity generation, the price of electricity can go as low as 7.70 cent/kwh. The main advantage in using a pyrolysis plant is the negative GHG emission from the process which can define that the process is environmentally friendly.

scholarly journals Optimizing the selection of sustainability measures to minimize life-cycle cost of existing buildings

2016 ◽  
Vol 43 (2) ◽  
pp. 151-163 ◽  
Author(s):  
Moatassem Abdallah ◽  
Khaled El-Rayes ◽  
Liang Liu
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Life Cycle ◽  
Optimization Model ◽  
Life Cycle Cost ◽  
Energy Systems ◽  
The United States ◽  
Existing Buildings ◽  
Renewable Energy Systems ◽  
Building Life Cycle ◽  
Selection Of

Buildings have significant impacts on the environment and economy as they were reported by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development in 2009 to account for 40% of the global energy consumption. Building owners are increasingly seeking to integrate sustainability and green measures in their buildings to minimize energy and water consumption as well as life-cycle cost. Due to the large number of feasiblecombinations of sustainability measures, decision makers are often faced with a challenging task that requires them to identify an optimal set of upgrade measures to minimize the building life-cycle cost. This paper presents a model for optimizing the selection of building upgrade measures to minimize the life-cycle cost of existing buildings while complying with owner-specified requirements for building operational performance and budget constraints. The optimization model accounts for initial upgrade cost, operational cost and saving, escalation in utility costs, maintenance cost, replacement cost, and salvage value of building fixtures and equipment, and renewable energy systems. A case study of a rest area building in the state of Illinois in the United States was analyzed to illustrate the unique capabilities of the developed optimization model. The main findings of this analysis illustrate the capabilities of the model in identifying optimal building upgrade measures to achieve the highest savings of building life-cycle cost within a user-specified upgrade budget; and generating practical and detailed recommendations on replacing building fixtures and equipment and installing renewable energy systems.

scholarly journals A PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECTS OF DROUGHT ON WATER SUSTAINABILITY INDICATORS FOR NUCLEAR POWER GENERATION IN MONGOLIA

2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 59
Author(s):  
Ichinkhorloo Davaadorj ◽  
Eric Yee ◽  
Restu Maerani
Keyword(s):  
Power Generation ◽  
Life Cycle ◽  
Power Plant ◽  
Nuclear Power Plant ◽  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Sustainability Indicators ◽  
Water Withdrawal ◽  
Background Information ◽  
Plant Operations ◽  
Effects Of Drought

As the effects of climate change are being felt all over the world, sustainability indicators such as water withdrawn per kilowatt-hour, are becoming more important in the decision-making process for large infrastructure projects. In Mongolia, we are deciding whether to use nuclear as a main power source. However, local droughts in Mongolia can be quite severe, occurring every 4-5 years and several countries have shown droughts to interrupt their power plant operations. This study collects data and conducts analyses to estimate sustainability indicators for a nuclear power plant life cycle and extends these analyses to understand how an event such as a drought would affect such indicators. The first part of this study is to provide background information regarding life cycle water use from power generation facilities. Our study focused on the APR-1400 nuclear power plant. If we account for drought frequency in Mongolia, the life cycle water withdrawal is estimated to be approximately 7,611 L/MWh for the nuclear power plant.Keywords: nuclear, sustainability, water, drought

Flue Gas Desulfurization Wastewater Treatment for Coal-Fired Power Industry

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Behrang Pakzadeh ◽  
Jay Wos ◽  
Jay Renew
Keyword(s):  
Power Plant ◽  
Flue Gas ◽  
Environmental Protection Agency ◽  
Water Conservation ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
The United States ◽  
Power Industry ◽  
Flue Gas Desulfurization ◽  
Liquid Discharge ◽  
Plant Operations

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA)’s announcement that it will revise the effluent limitation guidelines for steam electric power generating units could affect not only how power plants use water, but also how they discharge it. The revised guidelines may lower discharge limits for various contaminants in flue gas desulfurization (FGD) wastewater including mercury, selenium, arsenic, and nitrate/nitrite. Although the specific details of the guidelines are unknown at present, the power industry is evaluating various technologies that may address the new effluent limitation guidelines and promote water conservation. Moreover, the power industry is looking for avenues to increase water usage efficiency, reuse and recycle throughout its plant processes. Final rule approval is expected by the middle of 2014 and new regulations are expected to be implemented between 2017 and 2022 through 5-year NPDES permit cycles. discharge limits for various contaminants including arsenic, mercury, selenium, and nitrate/nitrite [1]. These pollutant limits may be below the levels achievable today with conventional treatment [2]. A growing interest exists in zero liquid discharge (ZLD) facilities and processes in power plant operations. Potentially stringent discharge limits along with water conservation and reuse efforts are two of the major drivers to achieve ZLD. Potential pollutant levels are so low that ZLD may be the best option, if not an outright requirement [1]. Thermal ZLD systems have been the subject of increased interest and discussion lately. They employ evaporating processes such as ponds, evaporators and crystallizers, or spray dryers to produce a reusable water stream and a solid residue (i.e. waste). Evaporators and crystallizers have been employed in the power industry for a number of years. However, typical A growing interest exists in zero liquid discharge (ZLD) facilities and processes in power plant operations. Potentially stringent discharge limits along with water conservation and reuse efforts are two of the major drivers to achieve ZLD. Potential pollutant levels are so low that ZLD may be the best option, if not an outright requirement. A key disadvantage of thermal ZLD is its high capital cost. One way to reduce this cost is to pre-treat the liquid stream using innovative membrane technologies and reverse osmosis (RO).

Life Cycle Cost Analysis and the Decision of Concrete Durability Technology in the Coastal Regions: Evidence from China

2011 ◽  
Vol 243-249 ◽  
pp. 6389-6393
Author(s):  
Feng Xing ◽  
Xu Ming Mi
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Life Cycle Cost ◽  
Influence Factors ◽  
The United States ◽  
Life Cycle Cost Analysis ◽  
Concrete Durability ◽  
Analysis Model ◽  
Labor Costs ◽  
Advanced Technologies ◽  
Selection Of

This paper carries on the analysis from the perspective of the life cycle cost of coastal concrete structures’ durability. On the first place, this paper defines the scope and stages of life cycle of concrete durability. Second, the paper studies the influence factors of life cycle cost, and constructs an analysis model. Finally, it constructs and analyzes five solutions of concrete durability of the Shenzhen expressway project. The analysis results reveal that the life cycle cost about coastal concrete is a complex and dynamic system, which may influenced by many factors. The change of each factor will inevitably affect the selection of technology. At the same time, compared with the United States, maintenance-related labor costs and the price of concrete is much lower in China, so the results from the analysis, it seems that the advanced technologies related to the durability are not the more economic solution currently. However, if the changes about these factors are considered, the analysis results are different.

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