The aim of the paper is to explore how geometry optimization contributes to a technology’s ecological evolution. The article develops this concept through a new methodology that applies the Constructal law to account for the “evolution” of technologies design (configuration, shape, structure, pattern, rhythm), and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for quantifying the environmental consequences of the design choices. The combination of these two approaches is incorporated into a new “Overall Performance Coefficient”, that investigates the trade-offs to identify the best technical and environmental configuration. This coefficient can show the results both in graphs and in analytically form. The method is applied to a real biomass boiler. The study analyses a base case and a series of alternative scenarios, guaranteeing the same thermal power production.
The Constructal Law to optimize performances of energy systems through the Life Cycle approach
Gulotta, Teresa Maria
;
2018-01-01
Abstract
The aim of the paper is to explore how geometry optimization contributes to a technology’s ecological evolution. The article develops this concept through a new methodology that applies the Constructal law to account for the “evolution” of technologies design (configuration, shape, structure, pattern, rhythm), and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for quantifying the environmental consequences of the design choices. The combination of these two approaches is incorporated into a new “Overall Performance Coefficient”, that investigates the trade-offs to identify the best technical and environmental configuration. This coefficient can show the results both in graphs and in analytically form. The method is applied to a real biomass boiler. The study analyses a base case and a series of alternative scenarios, guaranteeing the same thermal power production.Pubblicazioni consigliate
I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
