Life Cycle Cost Analysis Research Articles

A Comparative Analysis of Life Cycle Costs and Emissions in Mae Sariang’s Microgrid Energy Scenarios

This study evaluates the life cycle costs, net present value (NPV), and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of three energy scenarios for the Mae Sariang microgrid system to assess the economic and environmental impacts of different energy sources. The reliance on renewable energy has become increasingly vital in addressing energy sustainability and reducing carbon footprints. The analysis reveals that Scenario I, primarily utilizing solar energy, achieved the lowest life cycle cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh) at 6.18 and the highest NPV of 226,583,036 baht, while also producing the fewest GHG emissions at 21,239 kgCO₂e/year. In contrast, Scenario II, dependent on grid electricity, incurred the highest costs and emissions at 25,180 kgCO₂e/year, reflecting its reliance on higher-carbon sources. Scenario III, which incorporates diesel generation, demonstrated moderate emissions at 22,240 kgCO₂e/year but resulted in a negative NPV of -2,690,330 baht due to high fuel expenses. The findings highlight that prioritizing renewable energy sources not only enhances financial viability but also minimizes environmental impact. Therefore, the study concludes that adopting a renewable-focused approach in microgrid systems offers substantial economic and ecological benefits. Policy recommendations include incentivizing renewable energy integration, promoting energy efficiency measures, and developing supportive frameworks to reduce reliance on high-carbon electricity, ultimately enhancing the feasibility and sustainability of energy systems.

Comparative life-cycle cost analysis of flexible and rigid pavement: a case study of four Arkansas roadway sections

ABSTRACT Pavement management systems encompass pavement maintenance and rehabilitation (M&R) as critical components to postpone reconstruction by addressing pavement deterioration in the early stages of service life. Life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA) serves as a financial tool within these systems, aiding in determining pavement alternatives. The objective of this study was to determine the life-cycle cost of flexible and rigid pavement alternatives, including initial construction, M&R costs to users and agencies, and salvage value over 50-year life-cycle. The study examines four roadways having alternative flexible and rigid pavement designs using a deterministic approach. The frequency of treatment application varies based on average daily truck traffic. LCCA analysis shows that initial cost of pavements represented 72% to 91% of net present value (NPV), while user costs had negligible impact, comprising less than 6% of NPV for each alternative. The highest NPV observed is $0.90 M and $1.34 M for flexible and rigid pavements, respectively. The percentage difference between flexible and rigid pavement in NPV varies from 39% to 56%. In brief, LCCA indicates that flexible pavement is a more cost-effective alternative than rigid pavement across various traffic conditions and pavement thicknesses. However, actual performance in the field will ultimately determine their effectiveness.

The effect of product design on recycling efficiency of lithium-ion batteries through structural equation modeling and life cycle assessment

This study investigates the impact of lithium-ion battery (LIB) design characteristics on recycling efficiency through a comprehensive mixed-methods research approach. The study employs structural equation modeling (SEM) and analytic hierarchy process (AHP) methodologies, analyzing data collected through systematic expert interviews with 15 industry professionals and structured surveys of 150 battery manufacturing and recycling facilities. Through rigorous qualitative and quantitative analysis, this research examines the relationships between design complexity, material diversity, connection methods, and recycling process efficiency and overall recycling performance. The research methodology combines in-depth interviews, expert consultations, and statistical analysis to ensure robust findings. Data sources include primary data from industry surveys, expert interviews, and secondary data from technical documentation and recycling facility reports, providing a comprehensive foundation for the analysis. The research compares recycling efficiency across different battery types, including traditional designs, cell-to-pack (CTP), and cell-to-body (CTB), utilizing multi-group analysis. Through life cycle cost analysis and environmental impact assessment, the study quantifies the potential economic and ecological benefits of optimized designs. Results indicate that while optimized LIB designs may increase initial production costs, they significantly enhance recycling efficiency, reduce total lifecycle costs, and minimize environmental impacts. SEM analysis reveals that design characteristics indirectly influence overall recycling performance by affecting recycling process efficiency. Multi-group analysis demonstrates the superior recyclability of CTP and CTB designs compared to traditional configurations. The study also evaluates the improvement potential for recycling efficiency across various materials, providing a basis for optimizing recycling strategies. This research offers valuable insights for battery design, recycling technology innovation, and policy formulation, emphasizing the importance of incorporating recyclability considerations in LIB development. It contributes significantly to advancing the energy storage industry towards a circular economy model.

Sustainable Recycling of End-of-Life Electric Vehicle Batteries: EV Battery Recycling Frameworks in China and the USA

The increasing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) has led to a surge in end-of-life (EOL) lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), necessitating efficient recycling strategies to mitigate environmental risks and recover critical materials. This study compares the EV battery recycling frameworks in China and the United States, focusing on policy effectiveness, technological advancements, and material recovery efficiencies. China’s extended producer responsibility (EPR) policies and 14th Five-Year Plan mandate strict recycling targets, achieving a 40% battery recycling rate with 90% material recovery efficiency. Hydrometallurgical methods dominate, reducing energy consumption by 50% compared to virgin material extraction. The US, leveraging incentive-based mechanisms and private sector innovations, has a 35% recycling rate but a higher 95% resource recovery efficiency, mainly due to direct recycling and AI-based sorting technologies. Despite these advancements, challenges remain, including high recycling costs, inconsistent global regulations, and supply chain inefficiencies. To enhance sustainability, this study recommends harmonized international policies, investment in next-generation recycling technologies, and second-life battery applications. Emerging innovations, such as AI-driven sorting and direct cathode regeneration, could increase recovery efficiency by 20–30%, further reducing lifecycle costs. By integrating synergistic policies and advanced recycling infrastructures, China and the US can set a global precedent for sustainable EV battery management, driving the transition toward a circular economy. Future research should explore life cycle cost analysis and battery reuse strategies to optimize long-term sustainability.

Economic and Environmental Scenario Analysis of a Finnish Wood-based Case Building

The construction industry is a major contributor to Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, highlighting the need for more sustainable building practices. While building costs often drive project decision-making, environmental impacts from material production to building operation are considered equally significant. Wood has emerged as a viable alternative to traditional construction materials, offering reduced carbon emissions and potential cost savings. This study aims to assess the environmental and economic performance of a wooden-framed educational building in Finland, with a focus on life-cycle carbon emissions and cost-effectiveness. The case building is a single-story structure with glulam external walls, beams, and columns. A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and cost analysis has been conducted using LCA tools provided by the Finnish Ministry of Environment, alongside a comparative scenario analysis involving alternative structural materials. Three alternative scenarios have been designed with different materials utilized for external walls and the structure, i.e., beams and columns. The findings reveal that wood-based structures can achieve substantial reductions in carbon emissions while remaining cost-competitive, particularly in early life-cycle stages compared to conventional reinforced concrete options. The results of this study partially challenge the widely recognized barrier to adopting greener building practices, namely the incremental cost of sustainable construction. Additionally, scenario analysis highlights the potential for hybrid structural systems to balance environmental benefits with economic feasibility. This research contributes practical insights into how contractors and policymakers can adopt wood and hybrid materials to support low-carbon construction goals.

Cost-Effectiveness of Reinforced Recycled Aggregate Concrete Structures with Fly Ash and Basalt Fibres Under Corrosion: A Life Cycle Cost Analysis

Cost-Effectiveness of Reinforced Recycled Aggregate Concrete Structures with Fly Ash and Basalt Fibres Under Corrosion: A Life Cycle Cost Analysis

Comparative evaluation of different material options for moment-resisting framing systems in buildings

ABSTRACT Load-bearing structural frames are among the highest contributors to the economic and environmental impacts of buildings. Hence, appraising various material configurations is important to understand their effects on environmental and cost performance. This paper provides a comparative evaluation of a mid-rise residential buildings’ moment-resisting framing system designed using five alternative material options. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Life Cycle Costing (LCC) are conducted to compare and benchmark the performance of each moment-resisting building frame configuration. Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) is also performed to appraise inherent uncertainties to ensure that the results are reliably interpreted. It was discovered that, on average, options with steel-reinforced concrete (RC) had the highest environmental impacts across several life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) indicators except for ionising radiation potential and human toxicity potential (HTP). Glass Fibre-Reinforced Polymer and Ordinary Portland Concrete (GFRP-reinforced OPC-based concrete) were found to have the least environmental impact across almost all the LCIA indicators considered. It is worth noting that the environmental indicators with relatively high variations are the Land-Use Change, Water-Use Depletion and HTP. Based on the LCC analysis, the engineered timber was found to be the most expensive option among the materials considered. On average, it is 0.7% more expensive than the benchmark steel-reinforced concrete case. However, the range of costs can vary between −1.3% and +2% relative to the base case. On the contrary, the GFRP-reinforced OPC-based concrete option is found to be, on average, 0.2% lower than the steel RC option. Finally, the geopolymer-based systems are the most favourable when considering both the LCC and LCA.

Life Cycle Assessment and Cost Analysis of Locally Made Solar Powered Cooler for Vaccine Storage.

Life Cycle Assessment and Cost Analysis of Locally Made Solar Powered Cooler for Vaccine Storage.

A cradle-to-grave life cycle assessment and life cycle cost analysis of cold in-place recycling technology considering hybrid uncertainties

A cradle-to-grave life cycle assessment and life cycle cost analysis of cold in-place recycling technology considering hybrid uncertainties

Sustainability of modular refinery operation in Nigeria: Product quality and value chain

The modular refineries in Nigeria have the potential to create a bigger quantity of commodities while keeping the quality of those goods, and to deliver those products to their end customers in a manner that is both more expedient and more cost-effective. As a method of contributing to the nation's energy security and economic expansion, the purpose of this evaluation is to evaluate and improve the long-term sustainability of the product quality and value chain of modular refineries. To compile articles pertinent to the subject, "Google scholar" was used. To perform the analysis on the data that was obtained, methodologies for the foresight and analysis of material and energy projects, descriptive statistics, and life cycle cost analysis were used. Using the right techniques of financial management for infrastructure projects, indicators of profitability were estimated. These indicators included levelized costs of petroleum products, Net Present Value (NPV), Break-even and Payback Period, and return on investment. According to the findings, to assure the ongoing growth of modular refinery operations in Nigeria, it is vital to have a strategy that is both comprehensive and well-coordinated. Modular refineries can realize their full potential, which would contribute to energy security, economic prosperity, and environmental responsibility. For Nigeria to be able to establish a modular refinery sector that is both sustainable and profitable in its product quality and value chain, it is required for government agencies, industry players, and local communities to be committed and engaged in the process.

The Role of Quantity Surveyors in Managing Life Cycle Costs in Sustainable Construction

The integration of Life Cycle Costing (LCC) in sustainable construction has gained increasing attention as an effective strategy for optimizing costs while maintaining environmental and economic sustainability. Quantity Surveyors (QS) play a crucial role in managing life cycle costs by ensuring financial prudence throughout a project's lifespan, from planning and design to operation and maintenance. This study evaluates the role of QS professionals in managing LCC within sustainable construction projects in Nigeria. A survey research design was adopted, targeting 46 registered quantity surveying firms in Abuja, with data collected using structured questionnaires. The results indicate that Cost Planning and Estimation (MIS = 4.50) ranked as the most critical function, followed by Value Engineering (4.20), Risk Management (3.95), and Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) (3.85). The findings further reveal a strong positive correlation (𝑟𝑠 = 0.898, p = 0.00) between the involvement of QS in LCC and the sustainability performance of construction projects, confirming their pivotal role in sustainable development. Despite these contributions, challenges such as limited LCCA adoption and policy constraints persist. The study recommends stronger policy enforcement, financial incentives, and enhanced professional training to maximize the impact of QS in sustainable construction.

Comparison of Concrete Pavement and Asphalt Pavement on the Bendung-Bantengan Road Section in Mojokerto District

Road infrastructure development is a vital aspect in supporting the economic and social growth of a region. Choosing the right type of pavement has a significant impact on cost efficiency, construction time, and road durability. This research aims to compare the specifications, costs, and implementation time of concrete and asphalt pavements on the Bendung-Bantengan road section in Mojokerto Regency. The method used is a quantitative descriptive approach with primary data collection through field surveys, CBR tests, and LHR measurements, as well as secondary data from project documents and technical literature. The results showed that concrete pavement has higher load resistance and service life with an initial cost of IDR 2,491,113,679 and an implementation time of 108 days, while asphalt pavement is more flexible with a faster implementation time (125 days) but has a higher cost (IDR 3,360,913,041) and requires more frequent maintenance. The implications of this research emphasize the importance of a life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) approach in the decision-making process of selecting the type of pavement, to create sustainable, efficient, and economical road construction.

Design and optimization of thermal parameters of building envelope for senior living community in Chinese hot summer and cold winter area

As living standards and medical services improve, the elderly population continues to grow, drawing attention to senior living communities. This study analyzes the load characteristics of buildings in five Chinese towns with hot summers and cold winters by simulating their annual cooling and heating loads, exploring the effects of wall insulation thickness and window glazing layers on thermal loads across regions. Through a life cycle cost analysis, this study identifies the most cost-effective wall insulation and window configurations for each location, offering valuable guidance for renovating senior living communities in such climates. The results indicate that annual cooling loads vary from 113.0 W/m² to 145.7 W/m², while heating loads range between 14.7 W/m² and 41.8 W/m². Specifically, Chongqing benefits most from single-glazed windows with a 0.06 m insulation layer, while Changsha, Hefei, Nanjing, and Shanghai opt for double-glazed windows with insulation layers of 0.08 m, 0.10 m, 0.10 m, and 0.06 m respectively for optimal cost-effectiveness. Notably, Shanghai has the lowest life cycle cost, which is about 30% less than that of the other cities. This is attributed to its lower summer cooling load. Overall, the minimum 25-year life cycle cost for upgrading air conditioning and enclosure structures falls between 148kRMB and 165kRMB.

Life cycle assessment of photovoltaic systems of various sizes: An environmental and economic perspective on an educational building in a hot climate

The swift adoption of photovoltaic systems in buildings is driven by the need for sustainable energy solutions and decarbonization goals. This study assesses a faculty building’s energy usage, potential energy yield, life cycle costs, and carbon emissions. Key factors such as building characteristics, operational schedules, and load profiles were analyzed using DesignBuilder. Photovoltaic system modeling with PVsyst explored various ground cover ratios (GCR). Life cycle cost analysis highlighted the economic advantages of photovoltaic systems, while carbon payback periods measured emission reductions. Results indicate that higher GCRs enhance energy production and revenue from grid sales. Performance ratio values varied between 77% and 79%, and the specific production rate ranged from 1630 to 1672 kWh/kWp. Although initial investment is high, increasing GCR reduces life cycle costs and shortens payback periods. Payback period was found to be 6.5 years, and the building achieves carbon neutrality within the first year. This methodology can be adapted for various building types and climates, supporting the broader goal of zero energy buildings and carbon emission reduction.

Reliability Analysis and Life Cycle Costing of Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System Operating in a Composite Environment

Solar photovoltaic systems are becoming more and more common, so it's critical to understand how system or component failure impacts lifetime costs. Reliability analysis uses historical performance data to help identify equipment or systems that perform badly. A case study of solar PV systems' dependability and life cycle cost analysis is presented in this research. Manufacturers and consumers of solar PV systems provide the information needed for reliability study. ReliaSoft's Weibull++ software is used to estimate the best-fit failure distribution. Initial expenses, failure, operation and maintenance, and net salvage value are the categories into which the lifetime costs are divided. The findings of the analysis demonstrate that, from the standpoint of life cycle cost analysis, certain components like the inverter are essential. The Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF) of earthing and grounding, DC CB, IGBT, AC CB, Grid, AC converter, relay, inverter, cooling fan, and SMBUS communication components is lower; however, since they need only modest repairs, this expense is covered by routine inspection. Understanding how costs affect a product's whole life cycle is made easier with the use of the Life Cycle Cost (LCC) study. The cost of operation and maintenance (O&M) accounts for around 74% of the overall LCC. Thus, it may be inferred that the LCC of the solar PV system was driven by O&M and failure costs. It gives the user an idea that O&M expenses associated with panel cleaning can be substituted by manual cleaning for small solar PV systems like those examined in this paper. Since failure costs are lower than O&M costs, it is possible to lower this cost by scheduling an ideal technician visit for routine inspection.

A Novel Validated Method to Determine the Relationship Between Insulation Thickness and the Annual Cooling Cost in Desert Climates

Energy-efficient building envelope design is essential for minimizing cooling loads and reducing energy consumption, particularly in hot desert climates. This study presents a model that optimizes insulation thickness by taking into account climate-specific conditions and economic factors. The model employs a life-cycle cost analysis framework, incorporating energy savings, insulation costs, and payback periods across various climatic zones. A typical wall is considered with three commonly applied insulation materials. The optimization is validated by energy modeling. A key contribution of this study is the introduction of a correction factor based on average humidity for each city, which adjusts the conduction-based model to account for latent heat effects from moisture-dependent insulation degradation. Unlike existing building codes, which prescribe fixed insulation requirements regardless of regional climate conditions, our approach dynamically adapts insulation thickness based on Cooling Degree Days (CDDs) and economic feasibility. The results reveal significant variations in optimal insulation thickness across different cities, demonstrating the necessity of climate-responsive insulation strategies. The analysis indicates that locations with higher CDD, such as Jeddah and Dhahran, require thicker insulation to reduce cooling loads effectively, whereas cities with lower cooling demand, such as Khamis Mushait, necessitate thinner insulation for economic viability. The results show that polystyrene (K = 0.034 W/m.K) has the least cost, whereas polyurethane (K = 0.24 W/m.K) records the least thickness in Saudi Arabia. This study presents a model that optimizes insulation thickness by taking into account climate-specific conditions and economic factors.

Customizable Life Cycle Cost Methodology for Ammonia Fuel Storage: Enhancing Adoptability Across Diverse Onboard Arrangements

While ammonia offers several benefits as an alternative fuel, its adoption poses significant technical and economic challenges, particularly with respect to onboard storage and handling. To facilitate the large-scale deployment of ammonia in marine applications, there is a critical need to develop a robust methodology for assessing the life cycle costs of ammonia storage systems on vessels, either new-build and retrofit installations. With a robust life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) methodology, the maritime industry can better evaluate the feasibility of onboard ammonia storage systems, paving the way for their large-scale adoption and supporting global efforts to reduce carbon emissions. Given that ammonia is a relatively new marine fuel, this work addresses the current gap in knowledge by offering a structured approach to evaluating the costs across the entire life cycle of an onboard ammonia storage system, including design, construction, operation, maintenance, and end-of-life decommissioning. This methodology was developed with a high degree of flexibility to accommodate uncertainties in both technological alternatives and cost estimation. This work offers significant contributions to both academia and industry by establishing a replicable and adaptable LCCA framework for assessing storage solutions.

Techno-Economic Feasibility and Optimal Design Approach of Grid-Connected Hybrid Power Generation Systems for Electric Vehicle Battery Swapping Station

Fossil fuel depletion, environmental concerns, and energy efficiency initiatives drive the rapid growth in the use of electric vehicles. However, lengthy battery charging times significantly hinder their widespread use. One proposed solution is implementing battery swapping stations, where depleted electric vehicle batteries are quickly exchanged for fully charged ones in a short time. This paper evaluates the techno-economic feasibility and optimal design of a grid-connected hybrid wind–photovoltaic power system for electric vehicle battery swapping stations. The aim is to evaluate the viability of this hybrid power supply system as an alternative energy source, focusing on its cost-effectiveness. An optimal control model is developed to minimize the total life cycle cost of the proposed system while reducing the reliance on the utility grid and maximizing system reliability, measured by loss of power supply probability. This model is solved using mixed-integer linear programming to determine key decision variables such as the power drawn from the utility grid and the number of wind turbines and solar photovoltaic panels. A case study validates the effectiveness of this approach. The simulation results indicate that the optimal configuration comprises 64 wind turbines and 402 solar panels, with a total life cycle cost of ZAR 1,963,520.12. These results lead to an estimated energy cost savings of 41.58%. A life cycle cost analysis, incorporating initial investment, maintenance, and operational expenses, estimates a payback period of 5 years and 6 months. These findings confirm that the proposed hybrid power supply system is technically and economically viable for electric vehicle battery swapping stations.

Enhancing lignocellulosic biorefinery sustainability: mechanisms and optimization of microwave-responsive deep eutectic solvents for rapid delignification

Attaining sustainability and carbon neutrality necessitates a transition towards cleaner biorefinery, while the exploitation of sustainable and eco-friendly pretreatment techniques, as a pivotal stage in lignocellulose biorefinery, represents a challenge. Here, an ultrafast biomass pretreatment strategy enabled by microwave (MW) responsive deep eutectic solvent (DES) is proposed. The solvent properties (Kamlet-Taft parameters) of DES under MW participation are closely correlated with wheat straw fractionation efficiency. The lignin removal exhibits a positive correlation with polarity/polarizability (π*) and hydrogen-bond-donating ability (α), establishing a strong relationship between the tunable DES properties and MW responsiveness. MW reinforces the delignification efficiency of DES with relatively high π* and α, as corroborated by comparative analysis with conventional heating (CH) pretreatment. The reinforcement by MW moderates the pretreatment process and enables ultrafast lignocellulose deconstruction (130 ℃, 150 s, and 96.1% lignin removal), subsequently with 92.4% enzymatic hydrolysis and 8.8 g microbial lipid/100 g wheat straw at a remarkably low severity factor (R0). Life cycle assessment manifests the environmental benefits of MW-assisted DES in mitigating impacts by 63.1%, including global warming potential, resource depletion-fossil fuels, and ecotoxicity, in comparison to CH pretreatment. MW-DES exhibits an economic superiority based on life cycle cost analysis, with pretreatment cost 44.1% lower than CH-DES. The mechanistic insights into MW intensification of DES with specific properties provide a viable protocol for tailoring green solvents with enhanced MW responsiveness for efficient and sustainable biorefineries.

Developing automated strategy of life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) with building information modeling (BIM) integration for building projects

Developing automated strategy of life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) with building information modeling (BIM) integration for building projects