Topic: Introduction to Embodied Carbon and Transportation Sector

Lecturer: Professor Richard Chahine, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Canada

Inviter: Yang Tianqi (School of Automotive Engineering)

Time: September 18-27, 2024

Venue: Conference Room B403, School of Automotive Engineering 

Biography:

Dr. Richard Chahine is a professor at Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières and former director of the Hydrogen Research Institute. His research mainly focuses on hydrogen storage through adsorption using activated carbon and other nanomaterials, as well as pressure swing adsorption hydrogen purification. In recent years, he has led multiple research projects funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), and Air Liquide, investigating novel nanoporous hydrogen storage materials and low-temperature hydrogen storage and transportation technologies. Since 2008, Dr. Chahine has been the lead scientist of the NSERC H2CAN collaborative project and has served as the principal investigator for NSERC’s industrial research program on hydrogen purification, transportation, and storage since 2002. He also serves as an expert for the International Energy Agency (IEA), a hydrogen technology advisor for the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), and a board member of the Canadian Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association (CHFCA).

Abstract:

Embodied carbon accounting is crucial for identifying key emission sources and determining the most impactful and cost-effective reduction opportunities. This course will introduce life cycle assessment (LCA), the standardized method for embodied carbon accounting. We will explore LCA in the context of the automotive sector, examining emissions across the entire product lifecycle, from raw material extraction to vehicle disposal. This encompasses not only vehicle operation (tank-to-wheel) but also manufacturing (cradle-to-gate), energy supply (well-to- tank), infrastructure development, and end-of-life recycling. With the active participation of the students, the course will delve into the primary raw materials and processed products used in automotive manufacturing and road infrastructure, considering factors such as availability, costs, energy intensity, carbon footprint, and future emission reduction prospects. We will also examine historical trends, socioeconomic influences on material usage, and lessons learned for future applications.

Edited by: Li Tiantian, Wang Jingjing

Source: School of Automotive Engineering