Carbon Footprint Evaluation and Environmental Sustainability Improvement through Capacity Optimization

Authors

  • Hope Evwieroghene Orovwode Covenant University, Nigeria
  • Simeon Matthew Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria
  • Elizabeth Amuta Covenant University, Nigeria
  • Felix Ayoade Agbetuyi Covenant University, Nigeria
  • Isaac Odun-Ayo Covenant University, Nigeria

Abstract

The burning of fossil fuel for power generation emits Greenhouse gases into the environment. Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) emission is the principal cause of global warming. In order to regulate the emissions of these gases, the emissions need to be assessed and quantified. Carbon footprint is the evaluation of human activities that lead to GHGs emissions. The Covenant University Electricity Network during periods when utility supply fail runs on diesel powered generators located at different centers within the campus. These generators emit carbon-based compounds into the environment. Assessing the quantity of carbon dioxide which is the principal GHGs emitted per year gives 33.14-tonnes. Analysis of the load profiles in the centers showed that all the eight generators are not supposed to be running simultaneously as it is now. This study developed a new network model where all the generators were integrated into a DC microgrid that ensured resource sharing. The model was simulated using energy management and optimization techniques resulting in reduced micro-generators engagement, Green House Gases emission and fuel consumption. Consequently, carbon dioxide emitted per year dropped to 18.44-tonnes from 33.14-tonnes. The developed model improved the carbon footprint of the campus by as much as 44.3%.Keywords: Greenhouse gases, Climate change, Carbon footprint, optimization, energy managementJEL Classifications: Q5, Q430, L94DOI: https://doi.org/10.32479/ijeep.10209

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Author Biographies

Hope Evwieroghene Orovwode, Covenant University, Nigeria

Electrical and Information Engineering Department

Simeon Matthew, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria

Electrical and Electronics Engineering Department

Elizabeth Amuta, Covenant University, Nigeria

Electrical and Information Engineering Department

Felix Ayoade Agbetuyi, Covenant University, Nigeria

Electrical and Information Engineering Department

Isaac Odun-Ayo, Covenant University, Nigeria

Department of Computer and Information Sciences

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Published

2021-04-10

How to Cite

Orovwode, H. E., Matthew, S., Amuta, E., Agbetuyi, F. A., & Odun-Ayo, I. (2021). Carbon Footprint Evaluation and Environmental Sustainability Improvement through Capacity Optimization. International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy, 11(3), 454–459. Retrieved from https://mail.econjournals.com/index.php/ijeep/article/view/10209

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