Ecodesign toolbox for electrical equipment

Leonardo ENERGY has developed an ecodesign toolbox for energy-using equipment, in partnership with material producers, equipment manufacturers and academic organizations. The tool harnesses the full power of the GABI software and database, yet presents a simple interface to users, who need not be experts in lifecycle assessment (LCA). It allows for fast turnaround, yet accurate LCA of equipment such as motors, transformers and cables in up to 3 design alternatives. It can be used for a variety of applications:

Environmental declarations
Taking the example of a 22 kW motor, 50% loaded, lifetime emissions are calculated to be 59 tonnes of CO2eq. Improving efficiency by 3 percentage points reduces lifetime emissions to 40 tonnes. The toolbox evaluates up to 3 design alternatives along the ‘Big 5’ environmental impact categories (acidification, eutrophication, global warming, ozone depletion and photochemical ozone creation).

Environmental performance of copper in use
This efficiency improvement uses 5.1 kg of copper. Per additional kg copper used, CO2eq emissions reduce by 3674 kg, a 1000-fold environmental payback.

Carbon accounting
The toolbox produces a validated declaration for 19 tonnes of CO2 reductions, worth 285 $ at today’s prices (15$/tonne).

Policy making
Each percentage point gained in efficiency for above motor reduces lifetime CO2e emissions by 6000 kg. This allows gives a message to policy makers that, from an environmental viewpoint, a high level of efficiency should be pursued.

Material selection
Finally, it demonstrates how environmental performance improves when copper replaces other conductor materials. For example, replacing aluminium with copper in the rotor of a 15 hp motor, while keeping efficiency constant, improves environmental performance by 20%, saving 100 kg of CO2e emissions.

Status

Completed

Leonardo ENERGY Contact

We’re only beginning to discover the applications of this groundbreaking and versatile tool. If you're interested in using the toolbox, or joining the toolbox project, contact Sergio Ferreira.