The lifecycle analysis work in the Energy and Thermofluids group connects thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics to long-term emissions and cost outcomes at the system level.
In the study by Gopujkar and Worm on the Mackinac Island ferry, diesel and battery-electric propulsion systems were evaluated using a well-to-wheel framework. The analysis quantified how propulsion efficiency, electrical conversion losses, and regional grid mix affect total greenhouse gas emissions. The results showed that improvements in drivetrain and power electronics efficiency reduce operational energy demand, but upstream electricity generation remains a major driver of lifecycle impact. This work links component-level performance to full-system environmental outcomes.
In related work by Goodenough et al., multiple electrification architectures for a heavy-duty off-road material handler were compared using lifetime energy consumption and cost-of-carbon-abatement analysis. The study evaluated emissions reductions over the equipment lifetime. By pairing energy flow analysis with economic metrics, the work enabled a direct comparison of propulsion architectures on both emissions and cost.
Together, these studies reflect APS LABS’ capability to measure, model, and evaluate energy systems, ensuring that improvements in efficiency and thermal performance translate into measurable lifecycle benefits.
Read more about a few of our recent LCA studies: