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Student Article
High School Science Journal
Author: Meagan Chasteene and Klari Olenski |
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Clean Air?July 12, 2006
In the summer of the year 2000, the United States electrical demand was at its highest at approximately 700,000 megawatts. Burning fossil fuels to attain high amounts of electricity causes air pollution, with effects such as acid rain and emission of greenhouse gasses. New technology is required to help maintain an environment free from such harmful pollutants. One such technology that will help keep our environment sustainable for a longer period of time is the NETL Dynamic Gas Turbine Combustor, which is a high-efficiency, low-emission combustion. The recent technology may help protect the environment, but it is not flawless. There are many pros to using the NETL Combustor. One such productive aspect is the significantly lower amount of nitrogen oxide pollutants that rise into the atmosphere made possible by low emission turbines that mix fuel with air prior to its burning. In addition, the turbine conducts at a high efficiency, to eliminate a high energy loss typical to normal turbines. A high efficiency also reduces greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide. Together, a Dynamic Gas Turbine Combustor will better air quality and produce less smog then a normal turbine combustor. However, in opposition to various pros are cons to this low emission, high efficiency combustor. An example of a negative aspect in mixing fuel with air is that occasionally the flames do not have enough fuel to keep burning. The pressure fluctuations of the flame going on and off can result in miniature explosions and possibly cause the combustion to break. Such cons prevent the new technology from further protecting the environment. Overall, the NETL Dynamic Gas Turbine Combustor will act as a suitable way to lower greenhouse gas emissions, environmental pollutants, and acid rain. With further research on the technology, scientists will be able to ameliorate the combustor and get rid of the kinks preventing the combustor to be used at its utmost potential. To further conclude, the amount of electricity being used is continually on the rise, and with some help from this new technology, we maybe be able to help reverse some of the damage we have left on the planet.
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