Impact of Changing Patterns of Energy Use on Community Air Quality

Abstract

The air quality of an urban area depends to a great extent upon the quantity and type of fuel consumed. Thus, a marked change in energy demand from I960 to 2000 A.D. will affect the air quality of all of our urban centers. Interwoven with this potential effect is the anticipated influence of the change in type and quality of fuels, e.g., nuclear fuels, high sulfur coals, and a major modification in energy derived motive power, i.e., fuel cells, and the subsequent depletion of natural gas as an energy raw material. The current trend is to greater urban population densities, and it is estimated that by the year 2000 A.D., 85 percent of America's population will live on only 10 percent of the land mass. To assess the potential impact of the energy demands for the next half century on air quality, particularly of America's urban centers, a review of current practices of combustion of coal, petroleum, and natural gas, and the potential effect on community air quality will be developed. To meet the impact of the interrelated changing patterns of population growth, urban developments, energy requirements and available sources, research needs on both a short and long term basis will be explored.

Effects of Air-Fuel Stoichiometry On Air Pollutant Emissions From an Oil-Fired Test Furnace

“…Mnnually, 15% of the total fossilfuel energy consumed in the United States is used in residential heating; 48% of the residential fuel energy was from natural gas, and 44% from distillate oil combustion. 1 Considering that this fuel combustion is concentrated in a seven month period (heating season) and that the air pollutants are emitted close to the ground in residential areas, these emissions assume an important position in the national air pollution problem. The National Center for Air Pollution Control (NCAPC) is conducting four projects related to the reduction of air pollution by residential heating.…”