Compared with standard portable generators, CO emissions from the prototype machines were reduced by 90 percent or more
Portable electric generators retrofitted with off-the-shelf hardware by the University of Alabama (UA) emitted significantly lower levels of carbon monoxide (CO) exhaust, according to the results* of tests conducted by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Compared with standard portable generators, CO emissions from the prototype machines were reduced by 90 percent or more, depending on the specific hardware used and operating conditions.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), unintentional CO poisoning claims more than 400 lives a year. More than 20,000 people visit the emergency room and more than 4,000 are hospitalized due to exposure to toxic levels of the colorless, odorless gas. Fatality is highest among people 65 and older.
Many of these deaths and illnesses stem from unsafe use of portable generators, often in the aftermath of devastating storms and other causes of electric power outages. For the years 2005 to 2008, the CPSC reports that an estimated 37 to 47 percent of non-fire-related consumer product-related CO poisoning deaths were associated with generators.
The tests performed by NIST compared two commercially available gasoline-powered generators against two similar machines that UA retrofitted with closed-loop electronic fuel injection and a small catalyst. Tests were conducted at NIST’s manufactured test home, with the generator operating in the attached garage so as to simulate some common scenarios that often result in deaths or injuries.
In one series of comparisons, generators operated three or more hours in the garage with the garage bay door open and the entry to the house closed. For the stock generator tested, CO levels in the garage peaked at 1,500 parts per million (ppm,which are equivalent to microliters per liter) and inside the house ranged between 150 and 200 ppm.
Clinical symptoms of CO poisoning, including headaches, nausea, and disordered thinking, begin appearing at exposure levels of 100 ppm after at least 90 minutes exposure. During the NIST tests, emissions from the prototype generators ranged from 20 to 30 ppm in the open garage and from 5 to 10 ppm in the house.
CPSC staff conducted health effects modeling using NIST’s test results, as part of CPSC’s technology demonstration program of the prototype generator, to show that its engine’s reduced CO emission rate is expected to result in fewer deaths by significantly delaying the onset and rate of progression of CO poisoning symptoms compared to the stock generator.
On the basis of results of findings from NIST’s two earlier studies,** the CDC advises to never run a generator less than 20 feet from an open window, door, or vent where exhaust can vent into an enclosed area. Steven Emmerich, the lead NIST researcher, reminds that generators should always be operated outdoors, far from open windows. “Tragically, fatalities and injuries occur every year,” he says. “We hope our research in support of CPSC’s efforts to develop and demonstrate a low CO emission generator using existing emission control technology will contribute to practical safety improvements that will help to reduce this toll.”
The Latest Bing News on:
Portable electric generators
- Power Generator for Military Market Surges to USD 1,605.3 million by 2033on May 8, 2024 at 9:50 pm
The global power generator for military market is predicted to register a CAGR of 3.6% over the forecast period, as per FMI’s analysis. The industry’s size is anticipated to increase from USD 1,127.1 ...
- The Difference Between Power Banks, Power Stations, and Whole-Home Backupson May 8, 2024 at 7:01 am
What is the difference between a solar generator and a portable power station? Is a whole-home backup different? How do you decide how much power backup you need? Here are the differences between ...
- Best Whole House Generators Of May 2024on May 8, 2024 at 2:46 am
We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Home. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations. Whole house generators can help you disconnect from the grid entirely or ...
- The best portable power stations of 2024: Expert testedon May 7, 2024 at 9:32 am
Say goodbye to the smelly, noisy, and potentially hazardous gasoline generators and welcome the 21st century with a battery-packed power station. These modern solutions are not only quiet and ...
- Global Diesel Generator Market Report 2024 - Standby Power Segment to Dominate Diesel Generator Market in 2029on May 6, 2024 at 1:15 am
Diesel Generator Market, by Power Rating - 51-280 kW Segment to Dominate Diesel Generator Market in 2029 Diesel Generator Market, by Design - Stationary Segment to Lead Diesel Generator Market in 2029 ...
- Anker's Most Affordable Portable Power Station Is 'Truly Impressive' and Now It's Less Than $175on May 4, 2024 at 2:00 am
Portable power stations have become a regular piece of camping gear, allowing people to be in nature without totally sacrificing technology. Because they’re battery-powered, they're also a great ...
- Portable Generators Market to Reach USD 3.40 Billion by 2031 Driven by Rising Demand for Backup Poweron April 29, 2024 at 11:15 am
The SNS Insider report estimates that the Portable Generators Market size, valued at USD 2.12 Billion in 2023, will reach a staggering USD 3.40 Billion by 2031, reflecting a robus ...
- The Best Solar Generators for at Home or On the Go, Testedon April 29, 2024 at 10:29 am
Still, for 1,000 watts of power and two 200-watt foldable solar panels (with pass-through charging!), this portable silent generator is an excellent value that provides peace of mind for basic ...
- Best Tested Portable Power Stations in 2024on April 26, 2024 at 9:52 am
A portable power station is essentially a big rechargeable battery that you carry around. Deplete it and it's useless until you can recharge. A generator, by definition, is a device that ...
- Portable Generator Sales April 2024: The Best Discounts on Essential Emergency Poweron April 25, 2024 at 10:29 pm
Whether you’re outfitting your toolshed with an electric lawn mower, chainsaw, or leaf blower, one essential you shouldn’t overlook is a portable generator. These devices provide year-round ...
The Latest Google Headlines on:
Portable electric generators
[google_news title=”” keyword=”Portable electric generators” num_posts=”10″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”] [/vc_column_text]The Latest Bing News on:
CO emissions reduction
- Commitment to reducing methane emissionson May 8, 2024 at 5:19 pm
Standard Chartered enhances net zero roadmap with commitment to deliver methane (CH4) emissions reduction target. A methane target aligns with our focus on reducing carbon dioxide-related (CO2) ...
- Methane emissions: Work towards 'holy grail' of vaccine ramps upon May 8, 2024 at 12:04 pm
"A methane vaccine for ruminant animals is internationally recognised as the 'holy grail' to deliver methane reduction at low cost and mass scale. AgriZeroNZ has become the lead investor in an ...
- Virgin Atlantic’s 100% SAF flight cut over 60% of emissionson May 7, 2024 at 10:44 pm
The flight saved 95 tonnes of CO 2, or 64% of the emissions produced from a standard flight from London Heathrow to New York JFK. Additionally, there was a 40% reduction in non-CO 2 particulate ...
- Mars to help farmers reduce emissionson May 7, 2024 at 8:59 pm
One of Fonterra’s global customers, Mars is launching an ambitious sustainable dairy plan to work with dairy farmers and cut emissions by 50%. The food conglomerate is investing US$47 million over ...
- Mars sets plan to cut carbon emissions by 50% by 2030on May 7, 2024 at 1:29 pm
Mars Inc. launched a sustainable dairy plan backed by a $47M investment over three years. It is part of the multinational's broader climate cash commitment, totaling $1 billion over the same period.
- Opportunity to Offset Travel Emissions with Carbon Credits that Meet HBS Criteriaon May 7, 2024 at 11:14 am
Calyx Global was rated the best carbon credit rating agency by Carbon Market Watch, is used by other large companies like Meta and Salesforce, and was recommended by Harvard’s Office for ...
- Methane emissions: Australian cattle industry suggests shift from net zero target to ‘climate neutral’ approachon May 7, 2024 at 7:00 am
The US cattle industry adopted a ‘climate neutral’ goal in 2021, but scientists say that ‘misses the point’ in keeping global temperature rises below 1.5C ...
- Clarasight and SQUAKE Partner to Enable Data-Driven Carbon Reduction for Business Travelon May 6, 2024 at 4:59 pm
“SQUAKE is excited to collaborate with Clarasight to provide organizations with the tools and insights needed to advance their emissions reduction goals,” said Philipp von Lamezan, CEO and Co-Founder ...
- MLA report measures 78pc net reduction in industry emissionson May 1, 2024 at 10:27 pm
A new research report released by Meat & Livestock Australia has shown that the Australian red meat and livestock industry has reduced its net greenhouse gas emissions by 78pc since 2005...Read More ...
- Denmark closing in on 70% emissions reduction targeton April 30, 2024 at 3:31 pm
The Danish government touted better knowledge about how much carbon dioxide trees absorb and the adoption of electric vehicles as reasons for the improved outlook.
The Latest Google Headlines on:
CO emissions reduction
[google_news title=”” keyword=”CO emissions reduction” num_posts=”10″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]