Abstract:
We present experimental results of emission factors from a suite of domestic coal-burning braziers
(lab fabricated and field collected) that span the possible range of real-world uses in the Highveld region
of South Africa. The conventional bottom-lit updraft (BLUD) method and the top-lit updraft (TLUD) method
were evaluated using coal particle sizes between 20 mm and 40 mm. Emission factors of CO2, CO and
NOx were in the range of 98–102 g/MJ, 4.1–6.4 g/MJ and 75–195 mg/MJ, respectively. Particulate matter
(PM2.5 and PM10) emissions were in the range 1.3–3.3 g/MJ for the BLUD method and 0.2–0.7 g/MJ for
the TLUD method, for both field and lab-designed stoves. When employing the TLUD method, emission
factors of PM2.5/PM10 reduced by up to 80% compared with those when using the BLUD method. Results
showed the influence of ventilation rates on emission factors, which reduced by ~50% from low to high
ventilation rates. For energy-specific emission rates, the combined (3-h) PM10 emission rates were in the
range of 0.0028–0.0120 g/s, while the combined average CO emission rates were in the range of 0.20–
0.26 g/s, with CO2 emission rates in the range of 0.54–0.64 g/s. The reported emission factors from coal
braziers provide the first comprehensive, systematic set of emission factors for this source category, and
fill a major gap in previous efforts to conduct dispersion modelling of South African Highveld air quality.
SIGNIFICANCE :
• The study provides the first comprehensive, systematic set of emission factors from coal braziers.
• The study fills a major gap in previous efforts to conduct dispersion modelling of South African Highveld
air quality.
• Results have implications for stove design and lay the groundwork for improvements in the design of
existing coal braziers.
• Results have implications for understanding the potential health impacts of condensed matter emissions
from coal braziers.
