Life cycle analysis of retrofit solutions for brake emission

Abstract: This Master Thesis project is focused on Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) of retrofit solutions for brake emission and the comparison of each solution. Background research was performed to check possible solutions to the Particulate Matter (PM) problem that non-exhaust emissions contribute to. Then four main scenarios were created, based on surface treatment by laser cladding and the addition of a filtration device: the reference brake, laser cladded brake, reference brake with filtration and laser cladded brake with filtration. Each scenario was then analyzed by using a life cycle analysis. The analysis was done with the help of ECO Audit tool which is a part of GrandaEdu pack software. After acquiring the results, a desirability function method was used in order to assess and compare each scenario. The result has shown that some solutions might be feasible, with an overall desirability increase of 55% compared to the original reference brake system. Such solutions include the laser cladded brake with the 1 kg filtration device and the filtration medium change once every two brake pads.