Life Cycle Assessment of Distributed Control System (DCS)
Jokinen, Jani (2025)
2025
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025060219474
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025060219474
Tiivistelmä
This thesis focuses on conducting a cradle-to-gate Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of the standard delivery of Valmet DNAe. The primary objective is to evaluate the environmental impacts of the DNAe Distributed Control System (DCS) concerning ICT hardware control devices, including cabinets and their contents in standard delivery. The work delves particularly into the contents of a standardized cabinet, covering all necessary components. The assessment adheres to ISO 14067, ISO 14040, and ISO 14044 standards, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of environmental impacts.
The scope of the study includes transportation and energy consumption within Valmet's facilities. The DNAe hardware, installed in server and I/O cabinets, is analyzed to determine its carbon footprint. The study utilizes the IPCC 2021 GWP100 method for calculating greenhouse gas emissions, with data sourced from the Simapro Ecoinvent library and supplier-provided information.
Key findings indicate that IT hardware, including system servers, operating monitors and client stations are the major contributors to the system's overall carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, followed by I/O cards and modules. I/O parts were studied in component level to have deep knowledge of its impact. The study highlights the importance of adopting sustainable recovery methods and optimizing manufacturing processes to reduce the environmental impact of system components and processes. The results provide valuable insights into improving sustainability practices and enhancing the environmental performance of Valmet's products.
Contributing to Life Cycle Calculations, it emphasizes the significance of company reporting and open communication in promoting transparency and accountability. By engaging suppliers and stakeholders in the process, Valmet can ensure accurate and comprehensive environmental impact assessments, fostering collaboration and shared responsibility in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
By focusing on cradle-to-gate calculations, this study offers a practical and effective strategy for assessing the environmental impacts of components, laying the groundwork for future improvements in product design, data collection and manufacturing processes.
The scope of the study includes transportation and energy consumption within Valmet's facilities. The DNAe hardware, installed in server and I/O cabinets, is analyzed to determine its carbon footprint. The study utilizes the IPCC 2021 GWP100 method for calculating greenhouse gas emissions, with data sourced from the Simapro Ecoinvent library and supplier-provided information.
Key findings indicate that IT hardware, including system servers, operating monitors and client stations are the major contributors to the system's overall carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, followed by I/O cards and modules. I/O parts were studied in component level to have deep knowledge of its impact. The study highlights the importance of adopting sustainable recovery methods and optimizing manufacturing processes to reduce the environmental impact of system components and processes. The results provide valuable insights into improving sustainability practices and enhancing the environmental performance of Valmet's products.
Contributing to Life Cycle Calculations, it emphasizes the significance of company reporting and open communication in promoting transparency and accountability. By engaging suppliers and stakeholders in the process, Valmet can ensure accurate and comprehensive environmental impact assessments, fostering collaboration and shared responsibility in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
By focusing on cradle-to-gate calculations, this study offers a practical and effective strategy for assessing the environmental impacts of components, laying the groundwork for future improvements in product design, data collection and manufacturing processes.