Fostering Design for Sustainability through the Adoption of Computer-Aided Engineering Tools in the Development of Energy-Related Products

Claudio Favi (), Daniele Landi, Rinaldo Garziera and Marta Rossi
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Claudio Favi: Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze, 181/A, 43124 Parma, PR, Italy
Daniele Landi: Department of Management, Information and Production Engineering, Università degli Studi di Bergamo, Via Pasubio 7/b, 24044 Dalmine, BG, Italy
Rinaldo Garziera: Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze, 181/A, 43124 Parma, PR, Italy
Marta Rossi: Facoltà di Ingegneria, Università degli Studi eCampus, Via Isimbardi, 10, 22060 Novedrate, CO, Italy

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 9, 1-19

Abstract: The main challenge to face in the development of energy-related products is represented by the adoption of effective design for sustainability strategies that encompasses the adoption of engineering design tools, knowledge collection, and reuse/sharing in technical departments. This present paper proposes an engineering design for sustainability methodology that assists engineers in developing energy-related products in compliance with ecodesign standards. The methodology uses virtual prototyping tools to assess energy consumption in compliance with energy labeling directives and analyze different use scenarios. The results obtained by numerical simulations (e.g., Finite Element Method—FEM, Computational Fluid Dynamics—CFD) are used to create specific design eco-knowledge in the field of energy-related products. Numerical results are linked with design configurations to understand the benefits introduced by engineering design choices. This knowledge is stored in a structured database with the aim of being reused when a new product is developed or improved/upgraded. The case study of an induction hob, belonging to the household appliance product family, is investigated to understand the potential and drawbacks of the presented approach in a real application. The results show that potential energy and environmental performance benefits are achieved (e.g., reduction of energy losses, achievement of A+ energy class, and overall life cycle environmental impact reduction). Additionally, a new set of ecodesign guidelines are defined for this product family and employed in developing new compliant products belonging to the same family.

Keywords: virtual prototyping; ecodesign; life cycle engineering (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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