Analysis ofAge and Multiple Generator Sets Operation on Exhaust Gas Emissions

This study analysed the effects of generator set age and multiple generator sets running at the same in a specified area on the emission of carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxide (NO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2) and volatile organic carbon (VOC).Both generators running on gasoline and diesel were analysed. The gas emissions were analysed from generators with ages of 2, 5, 10 and 15 years, while the investigation on effect of multiple generators was analysed on 2, 3, and 5 generators operating at the time. The results showed that the concentrations of CO, NO2, SO2 and VOC emitted from gasoline and diesel generators increased with generator age and the number of generators running at the time in a specified area. Gasoline generators emitted lesser concentration of the gases compared to diesel generators. The concentrations of CO, NO2 and SO2 analysed across the generators with different ages are generally below the maximum permissible limit for 1 hour time weighted average specified by NESREA, whilethe combined concentrations of gases emitted from 2 – 5 generators separated by few distances were above the maximum permissible limit for 1hr time weighted average. However, the concentrations of gases released from older generators, particularly from 10 – 15 years old were slightly above the permissible limits. Therefore, it is recommended that proper maintenance and adequate spacing of generator sets are observed to control the emission of exhaust gases into environment.