Is it possible to perform an automatic sensitivity analysis in openLCA by varying certain parameters?

Question

I aim to perform a sensitivity analysis by varying certain input parameters to observe changes in output impacts.

Does openLCA offer a built-in or recommended method to automate this type of analysis?

Answer 1

You could specify uncertainty for some suspected key inputs in a product system and then do a Monte Carlo simulation e.g.? A uniform distribution will work best probably.

Comments

In my case, the parameters I want to vary are not affected by statistical uncertainty, but rather represent potential future improvements in the process (e.g. increased efficiency or reduced energy use). Therefore, instead of modeling uncertainty, I aim to perform a scenario-based sensitivity analysis by systematically modifying specific input values and observing the changes in environmental impacts.

Answer 2

You could use the `Parameter analysis` feature for this. It is still a bit experimental but with this you can calculate results over one or more parameter ranges. See the manual for a detailed description: https://greendelta.github.io/openLCA2-manual/parameters/parameter_analysis.html?highlight=parameter%20analysis#parameter-analysis

Comments

By using the parameter analysis, is it possible to see the impact results broken down by individual processes, or does it only provide the total impact of the entire product system?