Lifecycle Analysis of a Cummins Turbocharger
According to the ISO standard 14044, a Life Cycle Assessment is a compilation and evaluation of the inputs, outputs, and the potential environmental impacts of a product system throughout its life cycle. A full product life cycle perspective addresses energy and material flows, processes used to produce materials and realize products, and the management of end-of-life products.
Cummins Inc, a global diesel engine and component manufacturer, is in the process of conducting LCAs on its major products to understand the impact of manufacturing on the environment. The turbocharger is a device fitted to engines in order to increase efficiency and power, which subsequently reduces fuel consumption and Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions. The student team will be conducting a lifecycle assessment on the energy, water, and emissions of materials used to manufacture a turbocharger.
Senior Design Team update:
Our senior design project is to conduct a life cycle analysis of a medium sized Cummins, Inc. turbocharger. This device is currently manufactured in the United Kingdom with a purpose to increase power and reduce environmental impacts of an engine. The life cycle analysis will analyze the processing, manufacturing, use, and disposal of the product in terms of energy, emissions, water, and waste. By performing this assessment, Cummins hopes to identify areas of environmental concern to improve its overall industrial sustainability.
This assignment has allowed us to incorporate what we have learned throughout the environmental & ecological engineering curriculum, especially EEE 430. We have really enjoyed gaining valuable work experience with an organization focused on improving its processes in an environmental sense. Cummins has challenged us by requiring in depth data analysis and out-of-the-box thinking to come up with a unique solution.