Meteorological analysis and air pollution in distributed power generation scenarios in Santiago de Cuba
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Abstract
Assessing the environmental impact of distributed electricity generation in urban areas is crucial for public health and air quality management. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between meteorological variables and the distribution of emergency generator sets (EGS) to evaluate their environmental impact in Santiago de Cuba. Historical data series (1991–2020) of temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and precipitation from three meteorological stations were processed using the SAROM system. The provincial electric company's database was analyzed to georeference 872 EGS using QGIS. The results showed a sustained increase in the average annual temperature (up to 1.6 °C) and a trend toward reduced wind speed in urban areas, conditions that limit the dispersion of pollutants. The distribution of EGS was highly uneven, with 55% concentrated in the capital city, and brands such as DENYO predominating. It was concluded that the operation of these groups, in a context of local warming and meteorological conditions that favor atmospheric stability, exacerbates the accumulation of emissions and increases the risk to the respiratory health of the urban population.
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