Life cycle analysis in preliminary design stages

Abstract

In a design process the product is decomposed into systems along the disciplinary lines. Each stage has its own goals and constraints that must be satisfied and has control over a subset of design variables that describe the overall system. When using different tools to initiate a product life cycle, including the environment and impacts, its noticeable that there is a gap in tools that linked the stages of preliminary design and the stages of materialization. Different eco-design methodologies under the common denominator of the use of a life cycle analysis have been compared in time efficiency of use and in which stages of the life cycle they can be used. A case study was developed by the application of these methodologies to obtain first-hand information and interpretable results to define advantages and disadvantages of the selected methodologies.