A study on extending technologies lifespan for the environment safety

Abstract

In recent decades, the technological devices have become a big burden for the environment. In fact, the production processes are depleting the natural resources and the end-of-life processes are emitting big amounts of heavy pollutants and toxic gases. Today, there is an agreement among researchers that the environmental issues must be considered from a life cycle perspective. In order to reduce the negative impacts of technologies on the environment, the best scenario would be to extend their lifespan. However, an old device, is usually linked to low performances, low profit for the manufacturer, additional reparation costs, high risks, etc. In this paper, the Double-Eco (DE) model, an evaluation platform of the compromise between the performances, cost, ecology, safety and lifespan is developed. Also, the environmental impacts of the lifespan are highlighted through the example of personal computers (PCs) and the DE model is applied to three types of grease lubrication as case of study. The results show that (1) evaluating a technology with all its aspects is efficient when deciding whether to extend its lifespan (2) based on the DE model, the lubrication with the longest lifespan has a better evaluation than the two other studied cases.

Application of the Pentagonal W-Eco Model for Manufacturing Based on “SDGs”

“…In this chapter, the life cycle of industrial products, and the importance of achieving the SDGs during the life cycle discussed. Using computers as an actual example [8], lifespan and life cycle are discussed from the perspective of time, technology and environment as well as from the perspective of users, manufacturers and governments. Then the longevity and recycling technologies for the SDGs are briefly discussed.…”

“…Then the longevity and recycling technologies for the SDGs are briefly discussed. For more detail information on this, please refer to the author's previous papers [8].…”

“…In this chapter, the pentagonal W-ECO model [8] is used for the sustainability assessment; this model was proposed in one of the author's previous work. This model will enable quantitative evaluation of manufacturing based on the SGDs, so that sustainable development can be carried out actively and effectively.…”

“…Finally, the results of the evaluation of the five parameters are presented in a radar chart. Here the Recognition Taguchi (RT) of Mahalanobis Taguchi system (MTS) [8], [35] is used in the evaluation of the performances and lifespan. This system excels in the analysis and prediction of complex nonlinear phenomena, complex causal relationships and problems that are difficult to quantify, such as emotions and feelings.…”

“…In that research, the "DE Index", a dimensionless evaluation index based on the current methodologies was introduced. Also, in a more recent study, the Risk evaluation and lifespan evaluation were added to the W-ECO model [8] and the new model was applied to a machine tool lubrication technology as a case a study.…”