Exhaust Emissions of Biogas-Driven Combined Heat- and Power Plants

Abstract

In order to determine the actual volume of emissions from agricultural biogas-driven heat- and power plants, the exhaust emissions of selected practically operated plants with pilot-injection engines were measured over a longer period. These measurements showed that none of the units measured entirely met the emission limits of the TA Luft (Technical Regulations Concerning Air Pollution). At the discretion of the licensing authorities, these limits for plants with a thermal firing output of a total of 1 MW or more can also be applied in construction permit procedures for smaller plants like those frequently used in practice for agricultural biogas combustion. If necessary, however, more practice-oriented emission limits like those recommended by the Bavarian Environmental Protection Agency must be employed in such cases. Optimized engine settings and regular maintenance could significantly reduce the emission potential.