Liquid Air Energy Storage (LAES) systems primarily aim to be clean energy storage solutions by liquefying and storing ambient air without inherently producing pollutants. However, when external fuels are used to improve the efficiency of LAES systems—such as by providing additional heat during the air expansion process—there are associated emissions. The main air pollutants produced by using external fuels in LAES systems are:
- Carbon dioxide (CO2): The combustion of external fuels releases CO2, a significant greenhouse gas contributing to climate change.
- Other typical combustion pollutants (though less specifically documented for LAES) could include nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur oxides (SOx), and particulate matter, depending on the fuel type and combustion conditions, but CO2 is specifically noted as a concern.
This is because external fuels are typically fossil fuels or other combustibles that, when burned to provide heat, emit CO2 and potentially other pollutants. The use of these fuels contrasts with the inherent clean advantage of LAES, which otherwise takes in and releases only ambient air without contaminants.
In summary, the main air pollutant produced by external fuels in LAES systems is CO2, due to fuel combustion needed for thermal integration or efficiency enhancement, posing environmental and sustainability challenges despite efficiency gains.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-are-the-main-air-pollutants-produced-by-external-fuels-in-laes-systems/
