NOTE: Restrictions are in place to limit access to one or more of the files associated with this item. Authorized users must log in to gain access. Non-authorized users do not have access to these files.
Visit the Energy Systems Laboratory Homepage.
Environmental Impact on Applied Technology- Global Warming CFCs & VOCs
Abstract
Hardly a day goes by that the threats to our environment are not brought to our attention. Whether you are following oil spills, groundwater contamination, global warming, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) or volatile organic compounds (VOCs), you must admit: environmental issues get an awful lot more attention than basic energy technology. Maybe it's because we associate more personal risk with our groundwater or air being polluted (e.g., Love Canal). Maybe it's because we have a large group of professionals (environmentalists) who get easy access to the media. Or maybe its because the energy technology business doesn't have the watchdog agency equivalent of the EPA. But for all these and more, environmental issues tend to be the major drivers of change.
The analysis developed in this paper illustrates how the coming decades of increasing environmental pressure can have a great impact on energy options. If we use this time as an opportunity to use technology wisely, we will all be better for it. However, there are signs that just the opposite is actually happening. In fact, the issue of global warming is once again being used to mount a massive campaign to promote cogeneration. This paper takes a closer look at that. Similarly, the CFC issue could grow into another asbestos abatement fiasco that literally tears away the diversity in available cooling options. And all too many industrial firms out there are still coating metals or films with VOCs. They must change. We will demonstrate how technology once again comes into play. Thus, whenever you see an environmental problem, consider it an energy challenge!
Collections
Citation
Gilbert, J. S. (1989). Environmental Impact on Applied Technology- Global Warming CFCs & VOCs. Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.eslwin.tamu.edu). Available electronically from https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /92314.