Hard Coal Combustion in the Municipal and Housing sector - Influence on "Low Emission"

One of main sources of air pollution is the municipal and housing sector (especially particulate matter emissions). For the sake of emitter height (usually chimneys in houses are 10 divided by 12 meters high) emission from this sources is called "low emission". However in our country many households still have old coal-fired heat furnace and old coal-fired central heating boiler stoves. Many times these furnaces are fired by low quality coal. Author has made an attempt to assess and analyse this sector in respect of dust emission factor (WEpyl) and sulphur oxides emission factor (WESO2) for coal from domestic and import sources. Dust emission factor (WEpyl) and sulphur oxides emission factor (WESO2) was calculated using an empirical formula. There was an assumption, that combustion is held in traditional furnace with low efficiency. The analysis shows, for assumed parameters, that combustion of imported coal generate lower emission. Difference between minimal and maximal value of factor WEpyl and WESO2 for coal from import is 490 g/GJ and 1300 g/GJ, respectively, and was lower than factor WEpyl and WESO2 calculated for domestic coal by 52% and 79%. Desirable effect of "low emission" reduction can be achieved by radical change of heating system and applied fuel (for example gas-fired or biofuel-fired boiler), and use of renewable energy sources (heat pumps, solar collectors for heat generation etc.). However measurable effects in air pollution emission reduction brings use of high quality coal (with higher calorific value and lower sulphur content) and burning of qualified coal fuels in high efficient boilers.