ARCHIMEDES Project -Scientific Contributions from G2ELab

Scientific and technical contributions from G2Elab in ARCHIMEDES project

This page summarizes the research activities conducted and shared in ARCHIMEDES project from G2ELab (INP-GRE/CNRS/UGA)

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The documents and activities are listed from the newest (top of the page) to the oldest  (bottom of the page)

 
Conference paper to be presented at ECCE Europe Birningham, September 2025
Authors: Fatimata Diarrassouba, Yvan Avenas, Jean-Christophe Crébier
Abstract: The life cycle of a power module, a device that primarily functions as a high-frequency switch for electrical quantities (I and V), has a considerable environmental impact. This is due to the extraction of materials, manufacturing processes with their inputs and outputs (emissions, waste), use phase, and end-of-life, which is still poorly managed. Conducting a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is an excellent starting point. However, the results of LCAs do not always facilitate effective mitigation due to the challenges associated with interpreting the results, choosing which environmental indicator to prioritize, and also because the product is already ready-made. To address this, our goal is to integrate LCA earlier in the power converter conception phase by providing electronic engineers with a tool that helps them understand environmental impacts, assess their designs, compare different options, and optimize their choices. This paper is to support the creation of a comprehensive Parametric Life Cycle Inventory (PLCI) for the manufacturing phase of power modules. The model is independent of semiconductor technology and considers both materials and processes. The method is presented here, and the inventory model is made fully available to support the LCA of power modules within power converters.
Keywords: Power module, Manufacturing inventory,  Life Cycle Inventory (LCI), Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Modelling.
Additional contents:
Below is made available the excel file developed to carry on manufacture inventory of power module.
This file can be used by diffrent type of users to derive manufacture inventories of power modules.
This is not the final excel file. It will be made available at the time of the conference. 

Excel File to download

 
Conference paper presented at EPE 2025, Paris in Mars 2025
Authors: Fatimata Diarrassouba, Yvan Avenas, Jean-Christophe Crébier
Abstract: With escalating global environmental concerns and the need for sustainable technological solutions, it is necessary to assess the environmental impact of power electronics converters in the context of mass electrification of our societies. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a mature method, but it relies on precise Life Cycle Inventories (LCI) to provide relevant estimations. However, given the challenges in obtaining manufacturing stage inventories from manufacturers, this paper aims to present a parametric LCI (PLCI) of power modules for the manufacturing stage based on experimental data inventory collected from several devices. The parameters considered here are based on the manufacturer's available geometric data in conjunction with material options and characteristics like the power module (PM) topology and number of dies. Both materials and processes are considered, and the model is made independent of the semiconductor technology, although one option is available. The method is presented here, and the inventory model is made fully available to support the LCA of power converters, including power modules.
Keywords: Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), Power module, Modelling, Sustainable system, Parameter identification
Additional contents:

 
Journal paper PEDC-Elsevier to be published soon also presented at EPE 2025, Paris, Mars 2025
Authors:  Li Fang, Lucas Riondet, Fatimata-Fatim Diarrassouba, Maud Rio, Pierre Lefranc, Jean-Christophe Crébier
Abstract: Power Electronics is a key factor in the electrification of our modern society. In the attempt of massive decarbonation, this fast-growing industry is going to put pressure on the environment. Life Cycle Assessment is used to identify the main impacts of products and services. The paper presents an open-source method to carry on a parametric LCA of power modules to help power electronics designers and engineers assess the environmental impacts of such devices when used in power converters. After recalling how is derived the open access LCI of a type of power modules, the method to implement Parametric LCA for this kind of device is introduced. It is then applied on a specific case study for automotive applications and main LCA results are provided to illustrate the method. The last section is dedicated to introduce several perspectives and applications of Parametric LCA to support ecodesign.
Keywords: Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), Power module, Modelling, Sustainable system, Parameter identification
Additional contents:  Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14639610