Application of design-for-LCA methodology to compare architectural alternatives for the compressor rotor of an industrial gas turbine

摘要

Nowadays a preliminary assessment on environmental impact of a new product is becoming more and more important. It is useful for a designer to access to a comprehensive methodology that supports configuration assessments taking into account the whole product lifecycle from the beginning of conceptual phase. To develop a competitive product, and particularly a gas turbine, each design trade-off needs to be performed considering not only the typical parameters such as performances, life and costs but also the cradle-to-grave environmental impact. Scope of the following paper is the application of design-for-Environment methodology to different architectures of GT compressor rotor module. Three design alternatives are analyzed and compared in terms of ELCA considering their design, material selection, manufacturing process and operating life. Specific considerations are proposed as a result of the combination of traditional design practices with environmental assessment. This study highlighted that number of parts, weight and amount of material removed or scraped that is, in other words, the level of production process optimization, are the key factors to control the environmental impact of a product.