Mini CHP Plants Life Cycle Ecological Assessment

The article is devoted to environmental study of the mini-combined heat and power plants (mini-CHP) with piston engines operating on natural gas and biogas and with diesel engines. A comprehensive environmental analysis was carried out using the life cycle assessment method. The material and energy flows, environmental impacts on atmospheric air, water and soil were considered in the environmental assessment of the mini-CHP life cycle. It has been established that during the operation of biogas, gas-piston and diesel power plants, significant greenhouse gas emissions occur due to fuel combustion. However, the maximum contribution to environmental pollution is made by the stage of power plants production. Biogas mini-CHP has great advantages when taking into account the processes of operation and combustion of fuel. The maximum environmental impact is exerted by mini-CHP with diesel engines. These studies can help in choosing the engine type in the mini-CHP design.