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Environmental Impact of Thermal Systems
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Global Warming Potential (GWP)
Global Warming Potential is a measure of how much heat a greenhouse gas traps in the atmosphere compared to CO2 over a specific period. Thermal systems contribute by releasing various GHGs, each with a different GWP, leading to different impacts on global warming. For example, SF6 used in electrical systems has a very high GWP.
Ozone Depletion
Certain substances used in thermal systems, such as Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in refrigeration and air-conditioning systems, can lead to ozone layer depletion. The ozone layer's depletion allows more harmful UV radiation to reach the Earth's surface, which can have various environmental impacts, including an increase in temperatures.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Greenhouse gases (GHGs), such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and fluorinated gases, trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to global warming. Thermal systems, like power plants and combustion engines, can be significant sources of GHG emissions, especially when they burn fossil fuels.
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