ABSTRACT
In this chapter we briefly touch on a tool called life cycle analysis and discuss its usefulness.
1 INTRODUCTION
In the previous chapters, thermodynamic analysis is used to improve processes. However, as pointed out in Chapter 9 (Energy Conversion), the exergy analysis did not make any distinction between the combustion of coal and natural gas and, as a result, could notmake any statements regarding toxicity or environmental impact of the two fuels. A technique that can do this is life cycle analysis (LCA). What exactly is life cycle analysis? In ISO14040 [1], life cycle analysis* (or life cycle assessment) is defined as ‘‘the compilation and evaluation of the inputs, outputs and potential environmental impacts of a product throughout its life cycle.’’
