| Small scale and located close to the point of demand, distributed electricity generation (DG) could reduce the cost of electricity, improve grid reliability and support renewable technologies. These facilities also shift the magnitude, timing and location of air quality emissions. The costs from adverse human health effects caused by changes in air quality may outweigh any benefits. In this work, I evaluate the air quality, human health effects and costs for two DG applications. I transform the emissions into ambient concentrations using a chemical transport model, the Particulate Matter Comprehensive Air Quality Model with extensions (PMCAMX), and dispersion plumes. I then translate the concentrations into health effects with concentration-response functions. Finally, I express the health effects as a social cost reflecting the "willingness to pay" to avoid these effects.;First, I investigate using installed backup generators instead of a more expensive peaking turbine for meeting peak electricity demand. Many generators are uncontrolled diesel engines which have a high social cost. Adding a diesel particulate filter with exhaust gas recirculation to reduce fine particulate matter and nitrogen oxides can mitigate these costs. This result holds in four urban centers over a range of specified health endpoints and when accounting of uncertainty in the representation of the formation of secondary PM 2.5 in PMCAMX. I conclude that properly controlled generators can be employed for meeting peak electricity demand without substantial harm to human health.;Second, I evaluate the changes in the net and distribution of social cost from integrating a utility-scale battery into the New York State electricity grid. Located in New York City, the battery would discharge when electricity prices are high and charge with cheaper generation during off peak hours. For most types of charging plants, I calculate a net social benefit from displacing dirtier fuel oil peaking plants, but a net social cost from displacing natural gas peaking plants. In the short term, the upstate population experiences a social cost from the charging plant. In the long term, however, the battery may support renewable generation such as night time wind power resulting in benefits locally and statewide. |
