Life cycle assessment modelling in Octave/Matlab: Hydrated lime manufacturing case study

Abstract

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) modelling of several scenarios are time consuming if performed manually and the results are typically calculated as a single time point estimate. Furthermore, uncertainty in the input variables is high, making comparisons between different solutions challenging. This work introduces an LCA-algorithm tool that improves upon existing commercial software by offering flexibility in considering various factors, such as probability density functions, parameter study, regression and optimisation requiring multiple scenarios. It enables the resolution of inventory problems and impact assessment calculations, following ISO 14040/44 standards, while allowing for easy simulation of different scenarios and boundary conditions.In this paper, LCA implementation strategy in Octave (freeware) and Matlab (proprietary) programming language is presented, following the Mathematical structure of the LCA algorithm. Special focus is on the implementation of the Inventory data manipulation and LCA impact analysis. In order to demonstrate the benefits and potentiality of this methodology, a theoretical case study for hydrated lime manufacturing industry in Europe is presented, developed under the European SUBLime network.A comparison with open source software OpenLCA is carried out to validate the presented Octave/Matlab development. Both methods delivered results with negligible relative errors in all evaluated impact categories. After the validation, a parametrized study on the fuel and electricity composition and consumption of the theoretical plant and influence of transport distances was carried out. Results demonstrate benefits of the Octave/Matlab implementation approach, especially when looking for strategies to improve sustainability indicators.