Improving uncertainty analysis of embodied energy and embodied carbon in wind turbine design

Ozoemena, Matthew, Cheung, Wai Ming and Hasan, Reaz (2018) Improving uncertainty analysis of embodied energy and embodied carbon in wind turbine design. International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, 94 (5-8). pp. 1565-1577. ISSN 0268-3768

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Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00170-016-9972-7

Abstract

In this paper, a method for improving uncertainty estimates of embodied carbon and embodied energy is presented and discussed. Embodied energy and embodied carbon results are the focus of this analysis due to the fact that, at the conceptual design stage, these two are the most important quantities for decision making in life cycle assessment (LCA) studies. The use of renewable and new energy sources and the development of cleaner and more efficient energy technologies will play a major role in the sustainable development of a future energy strategy. Environmental protection,economic and social cohesion and diversification and security of energy supply are highlighted by the International Energy Agency as a high priority for the development of cleaner and more efficient energy systems and promotion of renewable energy sources. In the case studies presented,better results for the baseline turbine were observed compared to turbines with the proposed technology improvement opportunities. Embodied energy and embodied carbon results for the baseline turbine show an about 50 % probability that the turbine manufacturer may have lost the chance to reduce carbon emissions and 85 % probability that the turbine manufacturer may have lost the chance to reduce the primary energy consumed during its manufacture. The proposed approach is therefore a feasible alternative when more reliable results are desired for LCA-based design decision making.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: Embodied energy, Embodied carbon, Technology improvement opportunities, Uncertainty, 1.5 MW wind turbine
Subjects: H100 General Engineering
H300 Mechanical Engineering
H700 Production and Manufacturing Engineering
Department: Faculties > Engineering and Environment > Mechanical and Construction Engineering
Depositing User: Wai Ming Cheung
Date Deposited: 18 Jan 2017 09:41
Last Modified: 31 Jul 2021 14:50
URI: http://nrl.northumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/29199

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