Learning objectives Introduction to LCA
After the course the student should be able to:
- Describe the different phases of a product lifecycle.
- To discuss the different choices of end-of-life scenarios.
- Use, apply and discuss the notion of Functional Units.
- Perform a simple lifecycle assessment following the structure of the different LCA steps (using software like GABI).
- Discuss the essential elements of a LCA and use the domain specific definitions correctly.
- Research and structure relevant product data for the inventarisation.
- Solve common allocations problems.
- Apply the different transformations during profiling (classification/characterization & normalization).
- Display and interpret results of an environmental LCA correctly.
- See connections between used data, the LC model and the results and aspects of Engineering Thermodynamics and Material Sciences.
- Discuss the environmental impact in a broader (global) context.
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This is a part of module 3, ME 3 Energy and Sustainability of the Bachelor Mechanical Engineering.. See here for the complete description of the module.
Content Introduction to LCA
In lifecycle assessments (LCA) the complete lifecycle of products (ranging from consumer products to complex industrial facilities like power plants) is analyzed. This ‘cradle to grave’ approach includes everything, from the extraction of resources, producing materials, manufacturing components to the assembly of the complete product.
Also the use phase is important since energy is consumed during use and the use phase itself is often the longest lifecycle phase. Finally all aspects of the disposal phase has to be accounted for. The LCA method is often applied to assessment the impact on environment, using a so called impact assessment method to translate product related interventions into contributions to several environmental effects.
Since many effects are related to the emissions associated with power production this course is strongly related the project Design of an Energy System. It is part of module 3, Energy and Sustainability of Mechanical Engineering together with the courses Engineering Thermodynamics and Materials Science, and effects of (high temperature) oxidation and corrosion are discussed.
This course can only be taken by ME students in combination with the project Design of an Energy System (202000119).
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