Key Takeaways & Executive Findings
- •• • APCD3, despite having the highest GWP due to elevated electricity consumption, achieves the lowest pollutant emissions, making it the most environmentally preferable option under ultra-low emission standards. • • APCD1, lacking SCR and WS, exhibits the highest NOx emissions, which significantly contribute to its GWP, indicating a need for enhanced denitrification efficiency. • • APCD2 consumes more resources than APCD3 but does not yield substantial emission reductions, highlighting the need for improved resource utilization efficiency. • • Electricity consumption is the primary driver of GWP across all three APCDs; reducing electricity use and improving energy efficiency are essential for lowering environmental impact.
Abstract
This study evaluates the global warming potential (GWP) of three typical air pollution control device (APCD) configurations in municipal solid waste (MSW) incineration under ultra-low emission standards. The configurations are APCD1 (SNCR+SDS+DS+ACI+FF), APCD2 (SNCR+SDS+DS+ACI+FF+SCR+WS), and APCD3 (SNCR+SDS+DS+ACI+FF+WS+SCR). Life cycle assessment (LCA) was applied to quantify GWP. Results indicate that APCD3 exhibits the highest GWP due to increased electricity consumption, yet it achieves the lowest pollutant emissions among the three. APCD1 shows the highest NOx emissions, contributing significantly to GWP, and requires technological upgrades. APCD2 consumes more resources but does not proportionally reduce emissions, suggesting inefficiencies. Electricity consumption is the dominant factor influencing GWP across all processes; reducing electricity use and improving energy efficiency are critical for mitigating environmental impact. The study recommends further research on CO2 reduction strategies and adoption of more efficient DeNOx technologies to align MSW incineration with ultra-low emission and low-carbon goals.
1. Introduction
Municipal solid waste (MSW) incineration has become the dominant treatment method in China, with the incineration share reaching 82.5% by 2023. While incineration offers advantages in volume reduction and energy recovery, its environmental footprint, particularly regarding global warming potential (GWP), is under scrutiny. Traditional assumptions of carbon neutrality are challenged by the presence of fossil-derived carbon in plastics and the instantaneous release of biogenic CO2, which contributes to climate change over shorter timescales than re-sequestration.
To meet ultra-low emission standards, advanced air pollution control devices (APCDs) are required, but their operation increases energy and material consumption, potentially elevating GWP. This study systematically compares three APCD configurations using life cycle assessment (LCA) to quantify their GWP, identifying electricity consumption as the dominant factor. The findings provide critical insights for optimizing APCD design and operation to balance pollutant control with climate impact, guiding the transition of MSW incineration toward low-carbon practices.
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WEI Junxiao, WEI Zeng, ZHANG Jiangwei, ZHANG Lei, LIU Jianguo, LI Huan (2026). Global Warming Potential Analysis of Air Pollution Control Processes in Municipal Solid Waste Incineration under Ultra-Low Emission Standards. Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology. https://doi.org/10.13205/j.hjgc.202607006
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the specific GWP contribution of electricity consumption in each APCD process?
Electricity consumption is the major factor affecting GWP across all three processes, but exact quantitative contributions are not detailed in the abstract. However, APCD3, which includes additional units (WS and SCR), has the highest GWP, implying higher electricity demand.
How does the placement of SCR (before or after wet scrubbing) influence GWP and pollutant removal efficiency?
APCD2 (SCR before WS) and APCD3 (SCR after WS) differ in configuration. APCD3 achieves lower pollutant emissions but higher GWP, while APCD2 consumes more resources without substantial emission reduction, suggesting that SCR placement affects resource use and efficiency.
What are the NOx emission levels for APCD1 compared to APCD2 and APCD3?
APCD1, lacking SCR and WS, has the highest NOx emissions, which significantly contribute to its GWP. APCD2 and APCD3, both including SCR, have lower NOx emissions, but APCD3 is more effective in overall pollutant control.
What specific measures are recommended to reduce GWP in MSW incineration APCDs?
The study recommends optimizing electricity consumption and improving energy efficiency as key measures. Additionally, adopting more efficient DeNOx technologies and further research on CO2 reduction strategies are suggested to lower GWP.
How does the GWP of these APCDs compare with conventional MSW incineration without ultra-low emission controls?
The study focuses on ultra-low emission scenarios; a direct comparison with conventional systems is not provided. However, the higher GWP of APCD3 suggests that advanced controls may increase energy-related emissions, necessitating trade-off assessments.
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