An application can determine the most sustainable transportation fuels

Researchers at Tecnalia technology center participated in developing an application to analyze the main energy sources in the transport sector and alternative energy. The web tool is based on life cycle analysis methodology and to simulate different scenarios of development, production and use of fuels, and compare them.

Fuente: Elhuyar Fundazioa | 27 marzo 2015 11:54

BIOLCA is a tool for evaluating and improving sustainability in the transport sector . / Tecnalia

An application developed through the European project BIOLCA , aims to minimize the environmental, social and economic impacts of the transport sector. This segment is responsible for a quarter of emissions of greenhouse gases in Europe so that the European Commission has developed several strategies and policies to reduce dependence on oil and gas emissions.

There is no unique solution for the future fuel and therefore have to explore alternatives based on an overall combination of alternative fuels. To do this, we have developed BIOLCA , a tool that contributes to the identification, selection and promotion of more sustainable fuels through a Basque consortium in which Tecnalia participates.

Permite simular y analizar diferentes escenarios de desarrollo, producción y uso de combustibles, y compararlos entre sí

The development methodology based on Life Cycle Analysis (LCA ), to simulate and analyze different scenarios of development, production and use of fuels, and compare them to identify the best option from the point of view of the sustainability.

With the new application can analyze the main energy sources used in the transport sector, as well as alternative sources today greatest potential for use have, such as gasoline, diesel, electricity, kerosene, ethanol, biodiesel, gas natural and lPG .

The tool, intuitive operation allows the user to configure the life cycle under study by defining the steps that comprise: cultivation, extraction of oil, biofuel production, electric battery production, use, etc.

Once all processes lifecycle , the user can view the results in different ways: by indicators , in stages, absolute and relative values​​, etc.

Experiences pilots

To demonstrate the feasibility and usefulness of the tool, we have developed two pilot projects in collaboration with the City of Bilbao and Cespa. Both institutions have welcomed the experience, noting that the BIOLCA tool is a helpful tool for decision -making in the future.

To date, the only comparative analysis performed was based on the use stage , and mainly on economic variable. However, the results obtained through the project provide a more complete and traceable throughout the entire lifecycle of fuels vision, by which they can compare the environmental, social and economic impacts of different fuels, different suppliers, etc., and thus enhance the sustainability of their services.

Fuente web: http://www.agenciasinc.es/Noticias/Una-aplicacion-permite-determinar-los-combustibles-mas-sostenibles-del-transporte

Ultima vez leída 27/03/2015 a las 9:14 am