Environmental Aspects of Coal-Fueled Diesel Engines

Abstract

Conventional diesel engines are considered by some to be contributors to environmental problems since they emit NOx , a suspected acid rain precursor. Initial testing has shown that CWS-fueled diesels emit substantially reduced NOx emissions. While emissions of particulates and SOx may be potentially higher with coal fuels, assessment of the control technology indicates excellent potential for meeting existing and future standards for these emissions. As a result of activities managed by the Morgantown Energy Technology Center, the economic and technical feasibility of CWS-fueled diesel engines has been determined. Recently, both General Electric and A. D. Little/Cooper Bessemer were selected for 5-year contracts aimed at developing by 1993 the components and subsystems necessary for subsequent private sector demonstration and commercialization of coal-fueled diesel power systems. The development of these CWS-fueled systems will necessitate the application of hot gas cleanup contaminant control technology to ensure that the systems burn coal in an environmentally sound manner. The objective of this paper is to discuss the environmental concerns, emission goals, and the control methodologies, devices, and strategies that will be used to ensure CWS-fueled diesel engines will meet current and potential environmental standards.