Our research focuses in particular on the quantitative analysis and assessment of industrial processes and value chains from a techno-economic perspective, as well as with regard to relevant environmental emissions and impacts. Special emphasis is placed on circular economy value chains and the use of renewable energy sources and resources. Methodologically, our work is based especially on the following approaches:
- Techno-economic assessment (TEA) using process simulation methods for mass and energy balancing as well as for cost and investment estimation
- Discrete mathematical optimization models for integrated site and capacity planning of logistics networks, particularly for circular economy process chains
- Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for the ecological evaluation of processes, value chains, and products
- Dynamic material flow modeling to represent circular economy process chains
- Risk assessment and simulation of supply systems involving critical raw materials
Our research is regularly published in international journals such as the Journal of Industrial Ecology, Journal of Cleaner Production, Resources, Conservation and Recycling, System Dynamics Review, and Waste Management.