Evaluating cost-, energy-, and resource efficiency in a life cycle perspective.
My research focuses on evaluating cost-, energy- and resource efficiency, where the main methods used are Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Life Cycle Costing (LCC).
The projects I am, or recently have been, involved in cover a wide range of areas. I also have long experience with research in transport and infrastructure field, with topics such as LCA of roads, rolling resistance and fuel use, efficient use of engine heaters and the effect on the electricity use due to longer and heavier freight trains.
The research takes place in an interdisciplinary environment, where the issues are addressed and investigated from multiple perspectives, and with participants from different research areas.
Research
Present and recent projects
Catena - D
The project
aims to transform the way the Swedish manufacturing industry manages resource
flows by looking at information exchange across organisational boundaries. The
goal is to create strategic guidance concerning the product/data life cycle and
the value chain. A desired effect is to facilitate communication and
collaboration between organisations to increase material efficiency and improve
companies' competitiveness.
The project
is on IVA's list of the most promising research projects in Sweden in 2024.
Green CVD
Chemical Vapour
Deposition (CVD) is used to apply thin layers of various materials onto a wide
variety of products, for example, electronics and cutting tools. It is, therefore,
directly and indirectly, an important process for a large number of industries.
CVD uses large amounts of energy and gases, and there is great potential for
improvements from an environmental sustainability perspective. This project
will unlock that potential by developing a concept for a reactor design that
enables a more efficient use of added resources in the form of molecules and
energy.
The project
is on IVA's list of the most promising research projects in Sweden in 2024.
Scandere: Scaling up a circular economy business model by new design, keener manufacturing, and automated material recycling technologies
The project is about scaling up the product-as-a-service (PaaS) business model to achieve a circular economy with improved product design, more efficient remanufacturing, and automated technology for recycling materials. The research aims to create incentives for companies to reuse products and materials that contain raw materials classified as critical raw materials in the EU.
Remarkable: Remanufacturing – key enabler to future business
The project aims to support manufacturers to be more resilient, circular, and sustainable through remanufacturing and by contributing to a more efficient use of resources. The goal is to reduce uncertainties and risks in manufacturers' component and material supply with more circular production systems.
System inertia: An obstacle to electrified circular transport and construction business models
To accelerate electrification towards a fossil-free and more circular Sweden, it is important to understand the current value networks and ecosystems needed, and how they are expected to develop in the future. In many cases, there are legal and financial obstacles that negatively affect the ability to implement and scale up circular business models for electrified transport and construction vehicles. The project focuses on such aspects that can cause system inertia and prevent a smooth and rapid transition to circular business models for electrified transport and construction vehicles. The aim is to find solutions for how these can be mitigated.
Carlson, A., Jacobson, H. (2022). Juridiken och livscykel- om en interdisciplinär redovisning av en ny affärsmodell. I Strand, M., Selberg, N (red.) Juridiken och den bredare publiken – Tvärvetenskaplig undervisning och forskning om rätten. Norsteds Juridik
Moghaddam, E., Carlson, A. (2021). Assessment of the energy performance and environmental impacts with a life cycle perspective of the HX autonomous electric hauler. Final report to the funding body Swedish Energy Agency.
Kans, M., Arvidsson, H., Campos, J., Carlson, A., Håkansson, L., Johansson, B., Johansson, R., Liljenfors, T., Thulin, S., Tullberg, J., (2021). Handbok - Hållbara grusvägar. (Handbook – Sustainable unbound roads)
Carlson, A. (2020). Disposable or rechargeable AA batteries? – Climate impact in a life cycle perspective. Final report to the commissioner.
