LCAs of Polymer Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells for Automotive
Applications
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Mehta, V., J. S. Cooper,
Review and analysis of PEM fuel cell design and manufacturing,
Journal of Power Sources 114 (2003) 32-53
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Cooper, J.S., “Performance Analysis of the Use and Recycling of
Platinum and Other Catalyst Metals in PEM Fuel Cell Vehicles.” Proceedings
for the Air & Waste Management Association’s 96th Annual Conference
and Exhibition, June 22-25 (2003).
-
Cooper, J.S. “Design Analysis of PEMFC Bipolar Plates
Considering Stack Manufacturing and Environmental Impact,” Journal of Power
Sources, 129, 152-169 (2004)
Worldwide, researchers are developing variations in vehicle
technologies (such as alternative powertrains and fuels and lightweight
materials) in efforts to improve vehicle performance and reduce oil dependency
and vehicle air emissions. At the same time, other researchers are developing
variations in industrial technologies (such as increases in production
efficiency) throughout the vehicle life cycle. Furthermore, innovative
infrastructure technologies, including fuels distribution and the development
and upkeep of related services, are also emerging. When these innovations are
combined, pollution prevention and resource conservation can occur at all stages
of the life cycle. As a result, if we can facilitate innovations in automotive,
fuels, industrial, and infrastructure technologies, we can create a vehicle life
cycle that maximizes performance and benefit to the environment.
This study represents the beginning of a five-year research
program, funded by the Ford Corporation, focusing on the application of Life
Cycle Assessment (LCA) to emerging vehicle technologies. LCA is a technique for
assessing the environmental aspects of technologies from various points in their
life cycle: from raw materials acquisition through production, use, and
disposal. LCA includes four interrelated phases of research:
- Goal and scope definition:
stating the intended application of the LCA;
- Inventory Analysis:
compiling an inventory of relevant inputs (the use of materials, energy, and
land) and outputs (products, co-products, and emissions to air, water, and
land) of a technology life cycle;
- Impact Assessment:
evaluating the potential environmental impacts associated with those inputs
and outputs;
- Interpretation:
explaining the results of the inventory analysis and impact assessment phases
in relation to the objectives of the study.
This goal and scope definition document, prepared as the
first phase of LCA, is intended to comply with the ISO 14040 LCA standards.
Using fuel cell powertrains as a pilot, this document describes the goal and
scope of research that considers the implications of emerging technologies on
resource conservation and pollution prevention throughout the life cycle.
Please contact Joyce Cooper
(cooperjs@u.washington.edu) for
more information
Acknowledgement
This material is based upon work supported by the Ford
Company.
