Assessment of greenhouse gas emissions from coal-fired power plants based on non-dispersive infrared technique: a case study

Greenhouse gases (GHGs) such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O) emanating from coal-fired power plants contribute substantially to the greenhouse effect. In the face of the continual trend of global warming, curbing GHGs emissions has emerged as an essential step to lessen anthropogenic carbon emissions and attain the targets of carbon peak and neutrality. The practical implementation of strategies to reduce carbon emissions from coal-fired power stations necessitates the precise monitoring and recording of associated greenhouse gas emissions. In the study presented herein, a measurement system based on non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) spectroscopy has been devised, enabling the concurrent assessment of CO₂, CH₄, and N₂O concentrations. An investigative case study has been conducted to examine the relationship between the operational conditions of coal-fired power plants and the emissions of greenhouse gases, thereby providing an enriched understanding of the variables that affect these emissions. The findings of this study may act as a significant guide for future enhancements and fine-tuning of measures to control greenhouse gas emissions from coal-fired utility boilers.