Parametric Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of power modules

Abstract

Power Electronics is a key factor in the electrification of our modern society. In the attempt of massive decarbonation, this fast-growing industry is going to put pressure on the environment. Life Cycle Assessment is used to identify the main impacts of products and services. The paper presents an open-source method to carry on a parametric LCA of power modules to help power electronics designers and engineers assess the environmental impacts of such devices when used in power converters. After recalling how is derived the open access LCI of a type of power modules, the method to implement Parametric LCA for this kind of device is introduced. It is then applied on a specific case study for automotive applications and main LCA results are provided to illustrate the method. The last section is dedicated to introduce several perspectives and applications of Parametric LCA to support ecodesign.