Applying multi-objective planning in low-carbon product design

• Published in: International journal of precision engineering and manufacturing 2014-02, Vol.15 (2), p.241-249
• Main Authors: Kuo, Tsai Chi, Chen, Hsiao Min, Liu, Chia Yi, Tu, Jui-Che, Yeh, Tzu-Chang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Engineering; Industrial and Production Engineering; Materials Science
• ISSN: 2234-7593; 2005-4602
• DOI: 10.1007/s12541-014-0331-z

In low-carbon product design, product environment, as well as economic and manufacturing capabilities, should be considered simultaneously. The purpose of this paper is to improve the product carbon footprint calculation efficiency. This study not only considers cost, supplier manufacturing capacity, and transport modes of product components from the viewpoint of low-carbon product design, but it also provides information on product GHG values, design phase cost, as well as the product decisions made by enterprises. In this way, enterprise objectives about carbon footprints and product cost can be met. Based on the product life cycle and product category specifications, this study, following the actual industry process flow, collects and calculates data on GHG emissions of components within the product life cycle, cost and supplier production capacity. The aim is to determine the operational parameters and constraint equations. Multi-objective planning is used to establish a low carbon optimal evaluation model. By reviewing carbon emissions in each phase, the study further determines whether or not to modify product structure and consumption in order to improve the efficiency of product carbon footprint calculation, reduce R&D cost, and help enterprises design low-carbon products. Finally, the findings are used for a case analysis.