Environmental considerations in lifecycle based optimization of electrical machines

This paper describes the environmental considerations that have to be taken into account in lifecycle based design and optimization of electrical machines. As the electrical machines and electric motor-drives are the most electrical energy consuming apparatuses, in depth optimization of them during the design process is essential to support energy efficient and environmentally friendly development in electrical engineering and industry processes. Lifecycle based optimization grants a possibility to evaluate a wider range of variables that affect the environment and energy requirements as well as consumption of the machines. An overview of gross energy requirement estimation possibilities and environmental risks through the lifecycle of the machines is presented in the paper.