Emission Requirements for Generators

This article introduces the definition of emissions and how to choose engine emission indicators. An important consideration when selecting backup and emergency generator sets is application, for the following reasons:

Emergency generator application - No emission requirements need to be maintained in the following situations:

Unrestricted operation of emergency power supply

Up to 100 hours of non emergency operation

The main power source - the generator complies with emission regulations. All major engine manufacturers have released their own emission charts. These charts reflect the EPA level of engine certification.

What is generator emissions?

The exhaust gas of diesel engines contains combustion by-products. For environmental safety, monitor the following emissions:

Nitrogen oxides - naturally occurring due to bacterial processes, biological growth, decay, lightning, forest fires, and fossil fuel combustion, are a colorless and non-toxic gas.

Hydrocarbons - Organic compounds composed entirely of carbon and hydrogen. They range from simple molecules like methane to polymers like polystyrene.

Carbon monoxide (CO) produced by incomplete combustion of fossil fuels - a colorless and odorless toxic gas.

Particle Matter (PM) - The sum of all solid and liquid particles suspended in the air.

Generator emission history

Before July 2006, regulations for fixed diesel engines (primarily used for power generation) were compared to regulations for non road diesel engines. There are no federal emission regulations for fixed engines. Emission regulations are managed by state and local authorities. These requirements are limited by working hours.

In July 2006, the EPA finalized a plan to regulate emissions from fixed diesel engines. Starting from January 1, 2007, the New Energy Performance Standards (NSPS) have coordinated the emission requirements of fixed diesel engines with existing EPA non road regulations.

The EPA has established two independent "non road" application categories, as listed below:

Mobile - agricultural equipment, construction equipment, traction generators, and other portable industrial engines used for temporary off-road applications.

Static - any engine that is permanently installed and used as a power source. Including backup generator sets, on-site primary and distributed energy power systems. When the traction engine and generator set are installed in one location for more than 12 months, they are considered fixed.

EPA regulations are classified into emission levels. Every engine manufacturer (such as Cummins) certifies engines to the EPA. The engine certifications (levels) of two manufacturers may be different. To calculate the emission level of diesel engines:

Check the size of the generator in kilowatts or horsepower

Match the production date of the engine

Inspection layer (color coding) generator set

Regulations for backup and emergency generators

Reciprocating internal combustion engine

An engine that converts pressure into rotational motion through alternating reciprocating motion of the piston is defined as a reciprocating internal combustion engine. Reciprocating internal combustion engines are used in manufacturing factories to generate electricity. In addition, the engine is used in emergency situations to generate electricity for various applications.

The regulation of reciprocating internal combustion engines is due to the significant impact of ordinary combustion sources on air quality and public health. Managing all reciprocating fixed engines requires funding based on the following points:

New or existing engines

Engine area or main power source

Engine emergency backup power supply

The EPA has expanded the number and types of fixed reciprocating internal combustion engines that must comply with federal requirements, including:

National Emission Standards for Harmful Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engines (RICE).

Performance standards for new energy fixed spark ignition engines.

Performance standards for fixed compression ignition internal combustion engines.

Dingbo Power was founded in 1974 and is one of the earliest manufacturers of generators and diesel generator sets in China. If you want get more information, please feel free to send email to sales@dieselgeneratortech.com we will pay highly attention on your question.