ENERGY LOSSES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES OF THERMOTECHNICAL SYSTEM OPERATION

Abstract

The paper examines thermodynamic causes of energy losses in thermal power plants and internal combustion engines and their environmental impact. The aim is to assess efficiency limits of thermotechnical systems and determine the relationship between energy degradation and environmental consequences such as thermal pollution and air emissions. The methodology is based on thermodynamic analysis of energy conversion processes, evaluation of thermal efficiency (including Carnot limits), exergy losses, and assessment of emission levels according to EURO environmental standards and international statistical data.

The results show that the real efficiency of thermal power plants is typically 35–40%, meaning that up to 60–65% of fuel energy is dissipated into the environment as low-grade heat. This leads to thermal pollution of water bodies and air, increases cooling water demand, and indirectly raises fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. It is demonstrated that thermodynamic constraints between heat source and sink define fundamental, unavoidable energy losses regardless of technological improvements.

For internal combustion engines, it is shown that despite modern emission reduction technologies, they remain a significant source of CO₂, NOₓ, hydrocarbons, and particulate matter. Transition from EURO-2 to EURO-6 standards significantly reduces specific emissions per unit distance; however, the total environmental burden remains high due to the large scale of vehicle usage worldwide.

The study confirms a direct link between energy inefficiency and environmental impact, including greenhouse gas accumulation, deterioration of air quality, and thermal stress on aquatic ecosystems. Waste heat and harmful emissions are identified as interconnected results of irreversible thermodynamic processes.