Reduction of the energy in a notebook computer using lifecycle analysis and design for environment methodologies

This paper describes a project on energy reduction in a notebook computer using life cycle analysis (LCA) and design for environment (DFE) methodologies. The project has two main components: development of a design methodology that emphasizes environmental concerns and generation of redesign options for a notebook PC emphasizing environmental issues. As information on notebook computer energy use was not available, desktop computer data was used, as the components in both are of the same material and function even if they are of a different size. Computer manufacturing processes were divided into semiconductor devices, semiconductor packaging, PWBs/computer assemblies (PWB/CA), and display. When these four divisions were rated for the best opportunity for energy reduction, PWB/CA was selected based on comparison of material use, energy use, waste, water usage, and universability (the likelihood that significant changes made within any component division can be applied on all computers universally). The design team developed a methodology with an emphasis on environmental issues by placing it as one of three groups representing customer needs, along with nonenvironmental regulations and physical requirements. These three groups feed into the new product design equally and concurrently. The newly designed product is then checked to make sure it meets the product standards set by the customer needs. If not, it is redesigned until it meets these needs. The methodology is used with the customer focused redesign flow chart (CFRFC), which provides quantifiable data as a benchmark on which to base design changes.