Engineering eco-design of heat exchangers in domestic heating systems using life cycle assessment methodology

Abstract According to the European energy consumption reports, highest energy/fuel in residential sector is due space heating, followed by water heating. Generally, product used warm buildings a boiler system where heat exchanger core of system. The paper provides Life Cycle Assessment analysis traditional domestic boilers with aim identify critical aspects and environmental hotspots for development novel concept exchanger. methodology collect eco-design guidelines from proposed within paper. Several actions were put into practice reduce issues each phase life cycle materials used, manufacturing processes as well geometry increase efficiency during use. Concerning phase, design based on different material (e.g., stainless steel) was developed replace mix (i.e., copper aluminum alloy). use overall increased allowing important savings terms gas/energy consumption, adoption spiral pipe). new shows better performance indicator, saving more than 40% CO2 emissions (Global Warming Potential) whole cycle.