A simple tool for life cycle assessment of solar heating and cooling systems

Abstract

-The assessment of energy and environmental performances of energy conversion systems can be carried out following a life cycle approach, by including the raw materials supply, the production of the plant, the operation and maintenance, and the end-of-life. The paper presents a user-friendly LCA tool for assessing the energy and environmental impacts of solar heating and cooling (SHC) systems following the life cycle approach. The tool was developed within the Task 48 “Quality Assurance & Support Measures for Solar Cooling Systems” of the International Energy Agency and can be used to support researchers, designer and decision-makers to understand the real benefits of SHC technology in substitution of conventional one.