Total Life Cycle Cost Research Articles

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.

A study on optimum insulation thickness of building walls in hot summer and warm winter zone in China

As the proportion of building energy consumption gradually increases, adding insulation materials to the existing building envelope has become an important method to improve building thermal performance. Currently, most research on the optimum thickness of insulation layers is calculated from the perspective of heat transfer. However, in humid and hot areas, the influence of humidity and solar radiation should not be ignored. Therefore, this study used the coupled heat and moisture transfer model to calculate the yearly cooling and heating transmission loads. Three kinds of materials: expanded polystyrene, polyurethane and extruded polystyrene were compared in thickness ranging from 10 to 90 mm. The P1-P2 economic model consisting of lifecycle energy P1 and lifecycle expenditure ratio P2 was used to calculate the optimum thickness, payback periods and energy savings. The results show that, the optimum thicknesses for expanded polystyrene, polyurethane, and extruded polystyrene are 66.8 to 74.5 mm, 38.3 to 40.2 mm, and 46.3 to 49.5 mm, respectively. The required payback periods are 5.57 to 5.72 years, 6.86 to 7.47 years, and 6.32 to 6.74 years, respectively. Expanded polystyrene is the most economical thermal insulation materials because of its lowest lifecycle total cost, the shortest payback period and the most energy savings. This study is helpful for obtaining more accurate optimum thickness of insulation layer in hot and humid areas, and guiding the renovation of existing buildings.

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.

Timing of Preventive Highway Maintenance: A Study from the Whole Life Cycle Perspective

As the mileage of China’s highways increases, the focus of highway development has shifted from construction to maintenance and management. With the rapid increase in highway traffic, the overuse of highways, combined with the effects of climate change, has accelerated the occurrence of highway problems and poses new challenges to maintenance strategies. From a system optimization perspective, this paper examines the problem of determining the optimal timing of preventive maintenance on highways. To overcome the shortcomings of this method, which cannot reflect the economic benefits and costs, the total benefits and costs were calculated for different pavement ages within a given analysis period, based on the framework of life cycle analysis. The maintenance timing program with the highest cost-benefit ratio was taken as the optimum maintenance timing program and an example analysis was adopted to validate the feasibility of this method. When the timing of preventive maintenance is later in a pavement’s life cycle, the total life cycle benefit decreases while the total life cycle cost increases. Compared to previous studies, this paper considers both direct and indirect influences simultaneously, showing that indirect influence contributes to shortening the timing of pavement preventive maintenance.

PERFORMANCE-BASED PAYMENT ADJUSTMENT FACTOR FOR CONCRETE PAVEMENT

The increasing adoption of adjustable payment plans in road construction has prompted the exploration of a performance-based pay factor for concrete pavement, focusing on the discrepancy between designed and actual pavement performance due to variations in material and construction factors. This research proposes a rational methodology to adjust contractors' bid prices based on the impact of quality deviations on the pavement's total life cycle cost, including initial construction, maintenance, rehabilitation, and user costs. Utilizing performance modeling to predict pavement performance, the study introduces a formula for calculating payment adjustments that consider predicted lifespan, annual maintenance costs, and the real discount rate. The approach centers on the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) rigid pavement thickness design equation, which integrates the variance of input and output factors in performance prediction. By focusing on controllable construction variables like concrete thickness and strength, the methodology aims to equate the annualized life cycle costs of designed and constructed pavements, thereby determining the payment adjustment. Simulation data supports the proposed payment adjustment factor, indicating its effectiveness in generating reasonable estimates for as-constructed pavement value. While the study acknowledges the benefits of incorporating the time value of money and a comprehensive life cycle cost analysis, it emphasizes the fundamental fairness of its method, which is based on expected pavement performance. Applied on a shadow specification basis to concrete paving projects in Texas, the research demonstrates the potential of tying material variability to actual performance, offering a foundational method for adjusting contractor payments based on expected pavement outcomes. (Abstract generated by AI tool ChatGPT 4)

LIFE CYCLE COST ASSESSMENT OF RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS AS A TOOL FOR INCREASING ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY IN THE HOUSING SECTOR

The article considers one of the effective directions of increasing the economic efficiency of operation of the housing stock, based on the assessment of the life cycle costs of residential buildings. It is noted that the increase in modern real estate will improve the quality of life, make it more comfortable, and will also contribute to the saving of material and financial resources. Monitoring of the study by many authors of the problem of applying the methodology for assessing the life cycle costs of real estate objects by total costs was carried out. A comparison of the life cycle costs of 26 residential buildings constructed and operated in different regions of the Republic of Belarus is given. Based on the analysis, conclusions are made about the dependence of the life cycle costs of residential buildings on the number of storeys of the building, their space-planning solutions and heating systems. It is proposed to optimize the life cycle costs of residential buildings when choosing a design solution to set not only the maximum construction costs, but also the maximum life cycle costs, which will guide designers to develop projects of resource-saving residential buildings. It has been established that the potential economic effect from the introduction and widespread use of the methodology for assessing the life cycle costs of residential buildings, subject to the maximum values of these costs, is 191,997.88 Belarusian rubles per year or 4.131% of the total life cycle costs. It is emphasized that saving these funds can ensure an increase in the volume of housing construction for those in need of better housing conditions, which will contribute to increasing the effectiveness of the implementation of the state's social policy.

Integrating Energy-Efficient Train Control in railway Vertical Alignment Optimization: A novel Mixed-Integer Linear Programming approach

Integrating Energy-Efficient Train Control in railway Vertical Alignment Optimization: A novel Mixed-Integer Linear Programming approach

Decision-Making Model for Life Cycle Management of Aircraft Components

This paper presents a novel decision-making framework for the life cycle management of aircraft components, integrating advanced data analytics, artificial intelligence, and predictive maintenance strategies. The proposed model addresses the challenges of balancing safety, reliability, and cost-effectiveness in aircraft maintenance. By using real-time health monitoring systems, failure probability models, and economic analysis, the framework enables more informed and dynamic maintenance strategies. The model incorporates a comprehensive approach that combines reliability assessment, economic analysis, and continuous re-evaluation to optimize maintenance, replacement, and life extension decisions. The optimization method on the base of genetic algorithm (GA) is employed to minimize total life cycle costs while maintaining component reliability within acceptable thresholds. The framework’s effectiveness is demonstrated through case studies on three distinct aircraft components: mechanical, avionics, and engine. These studies showcase the model’s versatility in handling different failure patterns and maintenance requirements. This study introduces a data-driven decision-making framework for optimizing the life cycle management of aircraft components, focusing on reliability, cost-effectiveness, and safety. To achieve optimal maintenance scheduling and resource allocation, a GA is employed, allowing for an effective exploration of complex solution spaces and enabling dynamic decision-making based on real-time data inputs. The GA-based optimization approach minimizes total life cycle costs while maintaining component reliability, with the framework’s effectiveness demonstrated through case studies on key aircraft components. Key findings from the case study demonstrate significant cost reductions through optimization, with mechanical components showing a 10% more reduction in total life cycle costs, avionics components achieving a 14% more cost reduction, and engine components demonstrating a 7% more decrease in total costs. The research also presents an optimized dynamic maintenance schedule that adapts to real-time component health data, extending component lifespans and reducing unexpected failures. The framework effectively addresses key industry challenges such as no fault found events while minimizing unexpected failures and enhancing the overall reliability and safety of aircraft maintenance practices. Sensitivity analysis further demonstrates the model’s robustness, showing stable performance under varying failure rates, maintenance costs, and degradation rates. The study contributes a scalable approach to predictive maintenance, balancing safety, cost, and resource allocation in dynamic operational environments.

Comparative Study of Life-Cycle Environmental and Cost Performance of Aluminium Alloy–Concrete Composite Columns

As is widely known, the construction industry is one of the sectors with a large contribution to global carbon emissions. Despite numerous efforts in the construction industry to develop low-carbon materials, there is a limited number of studies quantifying and presenting the overall environmental impact when these materials are applied in a construction project as structural members. To address this gap, this study focuses on assessing the life-cycle performance of novel structural aluminium alloy–concrete composite columns. In this paper, the environmental impacts and economic aspects of a concrete-filled aluminium alloy tubular (CFAT) column and a concrete-filled double-skin aluminium alloy tubular (CFDSAT) column were assessed using life-cycle assessment (LCA) and life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA) approaches, respectively. The cradle-to-grave system boundary is considered for these analyses to cover the entire life-cycle. A concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) column is also assessed for reference. All columns are designed to have the same load-carrying capacity and, thus, are compared on a level-playing basis. A comparison is also made of the self-weight of these columns. In particular, the self-weight of the CFST column is reduced by around 17% when the steel tube is replaced by an aluminium alloy tube, and decreased by 47% when the double-skin technique is adopted in CFDSAT columns. The LCA results indicate that the CO2 emission of CFST and CFAT is almost the same, which is 21% less than the CFDSAT columns due to the use of high aluminium in the latter. The LCCA results show that the total life-cycle cost of CFAT and CFDSAT columns is around 29% and 14% lower, respectively, than that of the CFST column. Finally, a sensitivity analysis was carried out to evaluate the effects of data and assumptions on the life-cycle performance of the examined columns.

An environmental cost-benefit analysis of organic and non-organic sheep farming in Iceland

An environmental cost-benefit analysis of organic and non-organic sheep farming in Iceland

Valorization of food waste into hydrogen energy through supercritical water gasification: Generation potential and techno-econo-environmental feasibility assessment

Food waste (FW) is a significant portion of the solid waste produced by cities, and it has become a global problem due to the poor management of food distribution and consumption. The improper disposal of FW in landfills precipitates pervasive global environmental predicamentsHowever, effective management strategies have the potential to convert this large amount of garbage into a very effective renewable energy source, particularly through the generation of environmentally friendly hydrogen. This study examines the capacity for energy generation and the practicality of hydrogen production in Bangladesh using supercritical water gasification technology. The findings indicate that approximately 489 MW of electricity can be extracted from approximately 23 million tons (Mt) of FW in 2023, with a projected escalation to around 2042 MW by 2042, coinciding with an anticipated surge in FW generation to approximately 110 Mt. Moreover, the study delves into the economic feasibility of these gasification endeavors, employing diverse metrics encompassing total life cycle cost, net present value, investment payback duration, levelized cost of energy, and internal rate of return. Technoeconomic analyses divulge an investment with a net present value of 11,669.4 M$M$, an 11-year payback period, and an internal rate of return of 14 %. In addition, the research assesses the technological, economic, and environmental viability inherent in the establishment of gasification-based electricity-generating facilities in Bangladesh's preeminent eight cities by 2023. This examination postulates that a transition from coal-based power plants to those powered by food waste would precipitate an annual reduction of 3.59 Mt in carbon dioxide emissions.

Optimal design of concentrated solar power-based hydrogen refueling station: Mixed integer linear programming approach

Optimal design of concentrated solar power-based hydrogen refueling station: Mixed integer linear programming approach

Benefit evaluation of HVAC and HVDC for offshore wind power transmission system under the multidimensional index

Benefit evaluation of HVAC and HVDC for offshore wind power transmission system under the multidimensional index

Improved multi-objective differential evolution algorithm and its application in the capacity configuration of urban rail photovoltaic hybrid energy storage systems

Improved multi-objective differential evolution algorithm and its application in the capacity configuration of urban rail photovoltaic hybrid energy storage systems

Economic evaluation of submerged anaerobic hybrid membrane bioreactor operating at mesophilic temperature.

A laboratory-scale mesophilic submerged anaerobic hybrid membrane bioreactor (An-HMBR) was operated for 270days for the treatment of high-strength synthetic wastewater at different hydraulic retention times (HRTs) (3days, 2days, 1day, and 0.5days). Chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency of 92% was obtained with methane yield rate of 0.18 LCH4/g CODremoval at 1-day HRT. The results of lab scale reactor at 1-day HRT were utilized for upscaling and cost analysis. Cost analysis revealed that the total capital cost comprised tank system (48%), membrane cost (32%), screen and PUF sponge (5% each), PLCs (4%), liquid pumps (3%), and others (2%). The operational cost comprised chemical cost (46%), pumping energy (42%), and sludge disposal (12%). The results revealed that the tank and heating costs accounted for the largest fraction of the total life cycle cost for full-scale An-HMBR. The heating cost can be compensated by gas recovery. Sensitivity analysis revealed that the interest rates, influent flow, and membrane flux were the most crucial parameters which affected the total cost of An-HMBR.

Life Cycle Cost Analysis in Flat Buildings (Case Study of Polresta Bukittinggi Flat Construction Project)

The housing crisis in various cities in Indonesia has become an increasingly urgent issue. Rapid population growth and urbanization are major factors contributing to this crisis. One proposed solution is the development of high-rise building projects as a more practical and space-saving housing solution. However, in the context of high-rise construction, economic planning is crucial to ensure project sustainability. This research utilizes a quantitative method with secondary data collection. Life Cycle Cost (LCC) analysis is employed to control project costs from the initial stage to project completion, including construction, operational, maintenance, and demolition costs. The analysis results indicate that initial construction costs, operational costs, maintenance costs, and demolition costs all need to be considered in project planning. Maintenance and upkeep costs are crucial aspects in ensuring the building's sustainability throughout its economic life. By considering all these factors, the total life cycle cost of the construction of Rusun Polresta Bukittinggi during its operational period of 50 years amounts to Rp 32,064,519,750.22. The Annual Equivalent (AE) analysis shows an average annual cost of is Rp. 6,287,507,789.17.

Life cycle costing analysis of a retrofitted hydrogen-powered locomotive: Canadian context

Life cycle costing analysis of a retrofitted hydrogen-powered locomotive: Canadian context

Developing a fuzzy bi-objective programming and MCDM model for bridge maintenance strategy optimization

Bridges serve as critical links in road networks, requiring continuous maintenance to ensure proper functionality throughout their lifespan. Given their pivotal role in the urban landscape, connecting various parts of a city, this research presents a multi-objective optimization model for the maintenance and repair of bridges in Babolsar, Iran. The model takes into account budget constraints and aims to minimize the total life cycle and user costs, encompassing traffic delays and vehicle expenses, while maximizing the reliability of the bridge network. Recognizing the inherent complexity of this problem, a multi-objective particle swarm optimization algorithm has been developed for an accurate solution. The study further conducts sensitivity analysis on the objective function concerning the available budget, evaluating key parameters such as hourly costs and the time value of vehicles. The results show that with an increase in the budget level, the number of repairs related to the most costly maintenance has significantly risen. In other words, as the budget expands, the model tends to favor repairs with higher costs because their impact on the bridge’s performance is more substantial.

Techno-Economic Analysis Incorporating Intelligent Operation and Maintenance Management: A Case Study of An Integrated Offshore Wind and Hydrogen Energy System

In this study, a comprehensive examination of wind-hydrogen energy systems is conducted through detailed techno-economic analysis and sensitivity analysis. The primary emphasis is on optimizing operation and maintenance (O&M) strategies and understanding the impacts of market dynamics. Utilizing Monte Carlo simulations, we first identify the optimal intelligent O&M plan, leading to significant reductions in annual O&M costs ($39.9/MW) and downtime (6.59 days per turbine) compared to conventional methods. The incorporation of prognostics and health management (PHM) further demonstrate a notable impact, leading to a 9.9% reduction in O&M costs and a 10.7% decrease in downtime. In the broader context, these outcomes translate into reductions in the O&M expenditures, total lifecycle costs of the system, Levelized Cost of Hydrogen (LCOH) and Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) by 3.9%, 0.75%, 2.4%, and 1.8%, respectively, highlighting the economic benefits of intelligent O&M strategies. The extensive sensitivity analysis, encompassing 54 scenarios, delves into the effects of maintenance strategies, hydrogen prices, wind energy share, and subsidies, revealing nuanced insights into cost savings and operational efficiencies. Notably, intelligent maintenance and favorable hydrogen subsidies effectively reduce LCOH, while the interplay between wind energy share and hydrogen pricing influences system profitability and efficiency, underscoring the complex dynamics at play in optimizing renewable energy systems.

On the use of aluminium alloys in sustainable design, construction and rehabilitation of bridges

Over the last few decades, aluminium alloys have been widely used as primary structural material in building construction. This is due to their advantageous properties such as low density, high strength-to-weight ratio, durability, excellent corrosion resistance and high recyclability. The aim of this review paper is to explore the potential use of aluminium alloys in bridge design and construction. To this end, a thorough discussion of the material properties is presented to identify if aluminium alloys can meet bridge design and construction requirements. Particular emphasis is also given to the total life-cycle cost of aluminium alloys and their potential role towards sustainability and reducing the carbon dioxide emissions related to bridge structures. Moreover, the possibility of using aluminium alloys for bridge rehabilitation and strengthening is investigated. A review of existing research on the static, dynamic and fatigue structural response of aluminium bridge decks is also presented. The main findings are highlighted, research gaps are identified and future research to fill these gaps is recommended.