Production Carbon Footprint Allocation for Multi-Output Process Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods struggle to accurately allocate greenhouse gas emissions among multiple products in complex production processes, making it difficult to monitor and control the product carbon footprint (PCF) effectively.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method applies multiple allocation rules to determine and compare the PCF of products, using production process data to generate operational instructions for controlling the production process, integrating with enterprise resource planning systems to ensure accurate and efficient emission distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple allocation rules are applied to distribute emissions among multiple products, then the accuracy and flexibility of PCF calculation is improved, but the complexity of the production process monitoring and control is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the PCF calculation into separate allocation rules for different emission sources (raw materials, energy, process emissions) and different products. Each allocation rule can be independently configured and applied to specific process steps, allowing complex emission distributions to be managed through modular components rather than a monolithic system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects and applies different allocation rules based on the specific process step, product, and emission source being evaluated. The monitoring system automatically adjusts which allocation rules are active based on real-time production data, enabling flexible adaptation to changing production conditions without manual reconfiguration.
2Reliability
If allocation rules are used to distribute emissions among multiple products, then the ability to control production for target PCF values is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring emission contributions is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system continuously tracks actual emission data from sensors and production systems, compares it against target PCF values and allocated emission budgets, and provides feedback signals to control systems. This enables automatic adjustment of production parameters to meet environmental targets while simplifying measurement through standardized feedback loops.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary monitoring and control system that acts as a mediator between emission sources and the final PCF calculation. This intermediary layer standardizes the measurement and detection of emission contributions, translating complex sensor data into standardized allocation rule inputs and facilitating easier measurement and control.
3Loss of information
If an allocation rule is applied to allocate emissions among multiple products, then the transparency of product environmental impact is improved, but the loss of information about the complexity of the production process is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts key emission information from the complex production process and presents it through standardized allocation rules that can be independently evaluated and communicated. This extraction allows critical environmental data to be separated from operational complexity, enabling transparent reporting of PCF values while maintaining access to detailed process information when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a new dimension to production process information by organizing emission data according to allocation rules rather than traditional process flow. This dimensional reorganization presents environmental impact information in a structured, comparable format that enhances transparency without losing the underlying process complexity - the complexity remains in the data structure but is organized for better understanding.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to product carbon footprints, and particularly to system and a computer-implemented method for monitoring and/or controlling production of products using a production process in which an allocation rule is applied for allocating emissions contributing to the product carbon footprint, PCF, of the products among at least two different products. The method comprises receiving production process data comprising information about at least one process step producing at least two output materials within the production process; receiving a first allocation rule and a second allocation rule different to the first allocation rule; determining, based on the production process data, at least two products affected by the first allocation rule; determining, for the affected products, a first PCF while applying the first allocation rule; determining, for the affected products, a second PCF while applying the second allocation rule; determining, based on a comparison of the first PCF and second PCF with each other, an operational instruction; and outputting the determined operational instruction.