Reciprocating internal combustion engines (RICE) are commonly used at power and manufacturing plants to generate electricity and to power pumps and compressors. RICE are also used in emergencies to produce electricity and pump water for flood and fire control. EPA developed new air quality regulations that place requirements on owners and operators of a wide variety of stationary engines or generators.
Engines are common combustion sources that collectively can have a significant impact on air pollution. The air toxics emitted from stationary engines include formaldehyde, acrolein, acetaldehyde and methanol. RICE engines also emit the conventional air pollutants created when fuel is burned including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, and particulate matter.
Stationary Non-Emergency or Prime Power Engines are used as follows:
- Peak shaving (to reduce or flatten peak electricity use for financial compensation)
- Rate curtailment program (reduced rates)
- Interruptible rate programs (reduced energy rates)
- Continuous base load (provide power to utility grid for financial compensation)
- Co-generation (capture and use waste heat to produce electrical power)
- Primary source of power in lieu of power provided by the grid
Stationary Emergency Engines are used as follows:
- Emergency stand-by (safe evacuation, life support)
- Legally required stand-by (fire-fighting operations e.g. fire pump)
- Prime power rated generator-set used only when there is a loss of power from the utility
- Emergency Demand Response program with the utility
For questions concerning stationary engines, please contact:
Air Permitting Program
(603) 271-1381 (fax)
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