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Title Application of exergy-based approach for implementing design for reuse: The case of microwave oven
ID_Doc 9223
Authors de Almeida, ST; Borsate, M; Ugaya, CML
Title Application of exergy-based approach for implementing design for reuse: The case of microwave oven
Year 2017
Published
DOI 10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.09.034
Abstract Systematic reuse of parts is not often achievable in a sustainable way. The methods associated with the available disassembly technology rarely addresses non-destructive disassembly approach that favor reuse as an end-of-life (EoL) strategy. In this sense, this paper aims to propose a method able to identify best opportunities and thus, focus on the designers' efforts during the early stages of product development, with major repercussions during the product EoL. To build the method, the Design Science Research Methodology (DSRM) is adopted. The method scope relies on material and energy flows measured in terms of exergy that ultimately depicts for energy efficiency, environmental impact, cost and technical efficiency. By means of a case study, findings challenge common sense by quantitatively showing how small subsystems with 3% of mass can hold nearly 200 times more embodied exergy than another with 50% of the mass and thus, may greatly affect product design and EoL results. Therefore, the adoption of the method may prove useful for establishing easy-to-use design practices that favor green engineering, circular economy and environmental policies. An exergy-based approach would unbiasedly drive Reuse EoL that facilitate Design for the Environment (DfE) as well as focus efforts on specific disassembly technologies. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Author Keywords Design for reuse; End-of-Life strategy; Exergy; Energy efficiency; Product design
Index Keywords Index Keywords
Document Type Other
Open Access Open Access
Source Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED); Social Science Citation Index (SSCI)
EID WOS:000414817700080
WoS Category Green & Sustainable Science & Technology; Engineering, Environmental; Environmental Sciences
Research Area Science & Technology - Other Topics; Engineering; Environmental Sciences & Ecology
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