Eco-impact anticipation by parametric screening of machine system components: an introduction to the EcoPaS methodology

The Eco-efficiency Parametric Screening (EcoPaS) methodology, described in this paper, offers a systematic approach to component selection based on environmental impact minimisation. Starting from functional systems requirements, which are known in a very early design stage and often form part of the task specification, designers can browse alternative solutions with the aim to translate functional block descriptions into specific system components. For this purpose different techniques are called upon, mapping functional parameters onto environmental cost defining physical parameters. These mapping techniques, inspired by cost estimating relationships (CER's,) offer opportunities to quickly screen system level design alternatives, resulting in early estimates for environmental performance indicators. In this paper the different mapping techniques, used as underlying building blocks for the EcoPaS system library, are described. Practical examples offer better understanding of the concepts. The functionality offered by the described methodology is illustrated by means of a comprehensive example of a machine system component. © 2005 Springer Science + Business Media, Inc.status: publishe