Life cycle assessment reliability

On the other hand, in part II of this volume, a set of case studies are introduced. The application of the selected methodologies inside each one of the foresaid disciplines (e.g., risk assessment, life cycle assessment) to specific cases and countries is presented here. The results of such application are discussed as well as their reliability. Toxicological studies in Italy, risk assessment of electronic waste in China, or disposal of bearing lamps in India are some examples of selected scenarios. 

Data acquisition/collection/gathering employee cooperation in, 14 218 in hazard evaluation, 14 219 in life cycle assessment, 14 813 primary and secondary sources in, 15 633, 634 reliability and, 26 994 for sensors, 22 263-264 Data analysis and preparation, 6 20-21 for ammonia plant, 26 996-997... 

Life cycle assessment studies, 14 826-827 phases of, 14 806-824 Life cycle cost (LCC), reliability and,... 

Many site-specific characteristics have an impact on vitrification technologies. One critical aspect of any thermal technology is the water content of the waste. Water dilutes feed material, requires energy to drive off, and physically limits the feed rate of waste. Feed preparation is another variable, which differs with the technology and with site-specific characteristics. Many estimates do not take into account site preparation and waste disposal costs. Only complete treatment life-cycle assessments can provide reliable comparison data, and such studies are, by definition, highly site and waste specific (D18248T, p. 55). 

Life cycle assessment of SOFC technology is still uncommon due to the relatively early stage in technical development. However, several studies have been performed since the end of the 1990s. Since there is a lack of standard commercial equipment that could serve as a basis and reference point for analysis, LCA studies mostly refer to hypothetical concepts and/or extrapolate from laboratory and early market prototypes to commercial units. While the first studies had only little access to operation data at aU (for the fuel cell system itself but also for production processes), the main effort was set in the assessment of inventory data using assumptions, simplifications, and correlations [79, 80]. The main outcomes of these studies were the identification of weak points and the setting of benchmarks for further development. With more information about fuel cells available today and a simultaneous advancement in LCA methodology, the studies became more reliable and detailed, regarding system description [81] as well as the assessment of environmental impacts coimected with inputs and outputs [82]. Especially the extensive data of these two studies found their way to commercial databases for LCA [83] and thereby became available to LCA practitioners. In 2005, the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU)... 

Due to the rapid introduction of new products and models, the physical reliability life of a product (particularly in consumer-oriented markets) is often different from the market life of the product. The reutilization and repurposing of components and subassemblies through multiple product life cycles is a key enabler to proactively, intelligently, and economically manage the total environmental life cycle of electrical and electronic products (Ref 27). Such an approach will require accurate reliability degradation assessment of the components and sub-assemblies at the end of each product life cycle, and reliability life prediction for the next product life cycle. It is believed that such capabilities towards a comprehensive and integrated solution to the total environmental life cycle of electronics products will provide competitive advantages for players in the industry worldwide. 

The basis proposed for the level playing field is that environmental claims must be uniform and supported by competent and reliable scientific evidence . The use of the term environmentally friendly was particularly criticised as being a vague term in normal use that was not based on objective criteria. It was concluded that this term should not be used unless product was first subjected to life-cycle assessment. The definition of LCA in the Green Report given below is now the basis of LCA techniques as currently practiced. 

The following subsections will focus on the environmental assessment along the life cycle of products. Some aspects of cost aspects and social sustainability will briefly be addressed as well. Especially regarding social aspects, several approaches have aheady been presented by different research groups. However, methods are still under development. It can be expected that reliable life cycle decision support in social working environment issues will be available and practice-proven from about 2010 or 2011 onwards. 

Market success is an important criterion of any new drivetrain technology. Its benchmark is usually the cost of a conventional powertrain. In view of the different possible layouts, analyses should be based on production costs, not end-user price, and refer to mechanical power output to retain comparability in terms of driving performance. In a second step, life-cycle costs also need to be assessed in order to draft reliable conclusions. Figure 35.24 shows the specific costs of conventional ICE, hybrid, and BEV drivetrains for a vehicle with 90kWmech- Component costs are those stated in the previous sections. 

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