ผลงานตีพิมพ์ทั้งหมด

Navigating the Methanol Paradox: A Prescriptive LCA-DEAFramework for Benchmarking Diverse Production Pathways

Natthawut Praneetpolgrang, Narawit Yingyong, Kittipon Jaraswimol, Chayet Worathitanon, Viganda Varabuntoonvit, Phantisa Limleamthong

Figshare · 2026

Methanol is a pivotal carrier for the emerging hydrogen economy, yet the environmental trade-offs between conventional fossil-based and emerging renewable production pathways remain complex. This study introduces an integrated benchmarking framework coupling comprehensive process modeling, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), and Super-Efficiency Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) to evaluate 11 methanol production pathways. Results identify five renewable-integrated benchmarks, led by hydropower-driven CO₂ hydrogenation, which achieves top performance by bypassing syngas production and eliminating fossil-fuel dependency. Conversely, pathways relying on the fossil-intensive grid remain inefficient due to the high toxicological and carbon intensity of compression and O₂ production. Beyond identifying bottlenecks, the DEA framework endogenously delineates technological mentors for suboptimal pathways based on structural kinship and feedstock homology, ensuring that prescribed retrofit trajectories are practically feasible. While CO₂ hydrogenation maximizes theoretical efficiency, reforming-based routes can achieve significant gains by optimizing stoichiometry via CO₂/O₂ integration. However, a critical Energy-Water-Land nexus trade-off is uncovered: renewable integration effectively neutralizes toxicity but triggers burden shifting toward increased land and water consumption. Furthermore, the carbon capture stage remains a net-positive GWP contributor unless decoupled from fossil-based thermal utilities. By mapping these structural bottlenecks and feasible benchmarks, this work establishes a rigorous mathematical basis for strategic retrofitting, charting a clear technological roadmap toward a circular carbon economy.

Navigating the Methanol Paradox: A Prescriptive LCA-DEA Framework for Benchmarking Diverse Production Pathways

Natthawut Praneetpolgrang, Narawit Yingyong, Kittipon Jaraswimol, Chayet Worathitanon, Viganda Varabuntoonvit, Phantisa Limleamthong

Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research · 2026

High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Methanol is a pivotal carrier for the emerging hydrogen economy, yet the environmental trade-offs between conventional fossil-based and emerging renewable production pathways remain complex. This study introduces an integrated benchmarking framework coupling comprehensive process modeling, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), and Super-Efficiency Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) to evaluate 11 methanol production pathways. Results identify five renewable-integrated benchmarks, led by hydropower-driven CO 2 hydrogenation, which achieves top performance by bypassing syngas production and eliminating fossil-fuel dependency. Conversely, pathways relying on the fossil-intensive grid remain inefficient due to the high toxicological and carbon intensity of compression and O 2 production. Beyond identifying bottlenecks, the DEA framework endogenously delineates technological mentors for suboptimal pathways based on structural kinship and feedstock homology, ensuring that prescribed retrofit trajectories are practically feasible. While CO 2 hydrogenation maximizes theoretical efficiency, reforming-based routes can achieve significant gains by optimizing stoichiometry via CO 2 /O 2 integration. However, a critical Energy-Water-Land nexus trade-off is uncovered: renewable integration effectively neutralizes toxicity but triggers burden shifting toward increased land and water consumption. Furthermore, the carbon capture stage remains a net-positive GWP contributor unless decoupled from fossil-based thermal utilities. By mapping these structural bottlenecks and feasible benchmarks, this work establishes a rigorous mathematical basis for strategic retrofitting, charting a clear technological roadmap toward a circular carbon economy.

Greenhouse gas mitigation pathways and emission factor development in Thailand’s economy: an environmentally extended input–output-based comparative study, 2015–2021

Prawdown Udol, Viganda Varabuntoonvit

Journal of Industrial Ecology · 2026

Supports data on hydrogen production from MSW in Thailand

Tanawat Charunratchata, Viganda Varabuntoonvit

Figshare · 2026

This supports data on hydrogen production from MSW in Thailand.

Supports data on hydrogen production from MSW in Thailand

Tanawat Charunratchata, Viganda Varabuntoonvit

Figshare · 2026

This supports data on hydrogen production from MSW in Thailand.

Supports data on hydrogen production from MSW in Thailand

Tanawat Charunratchata, Viganda Varabuntoonvit

Figshare · 2026

This supports data on hydrogen production from MSW in Thailand.

Life Cycle Assessment of CO2-to-Methanol: Comparative Evaluation of Direct and Alcohol-Assisted Hydrogenation Routes

Chayet Worathitanon, Naphat Chansonthi, Pawat Pinthong, Kritsana Suwanamad, Viganda Varabuntoonvit

DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) · 2025

The increasing severity of global warming, primarily driven by greenhouse gas emissions, underscores the urgent need for CO2 reduction and utilization strategies. Converting CO2 into methanol presents a promising approach, as methanol serves both as a fuel and a feedstock in various industries. This study evaluates the life cycle environmental impacts of three methanol production routes: (1) direct CO2 hydrogenation, (2) ethanol-assisted CO2 hydrogenation, and (3) propanol-assisted CO2 hydrogenation. Two energy scenarios are considered: conventional energy and wind power. Process simulations were performed using Aspen Plus V.14, and inventories were analyzed through Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) using the ReCiPe 2016 (H) method under a cradle-to-gate approach for 1,000 kg of methanol. The alcohol-assisted processes operated at a lower reaction temperature (150 °C) and consumed less CO2, H2, and compression energy than the conventional process (250 °C), thereby reducing environmental impacts. However, methanol purification remained energy-intensive. Under conventional energy, the propanol-assisted process exhibited the highest global warming potential (GWP), followed by the ethanol-assisted process, while the conventional route showed the lowest. The elevated impact of the propanol route was primarily attributed to higher alcohol feedstock and energy consumption. The use of wind power significantly reduced GWP in the separation stage of alcohol-assisted routes, resulting in the lowest GWP for the ethanol-assisted process.

Bagasse Heavy Ash Valorization into Superhydrophobic Mesoporous Silica with Enhanced Air Permeability

Waleeporn Donphai, Sittikorn Chumpornrat, Pariyawalee Sangteantong, Kunpirom Chainarong, Viganda Varabuntoonvit, Metta Chareonpanich

Waste and Biomass Valorization · 2025

Life Cycle Assessment of Hydrogen Production: Municipal Solid Waste Gasification and Chemical Looping Gasification Case Study in Thailand

Tanawat Charunratchata, Viganda Varabuntoonvit

SSRN Electronic Journal · 2025

Enhancing industrial sustainability in complex production systems through energy hotspot identification: A multi-task learning with layer-wise relevance propagation approach

Santi Bardeeniz, Chanin Panjapornpon, M.A. Hussain, Viganda Varabuntoonvit, Kulpavee Jitapunkul

Results in Engineering · 2024

With growing concerns about global warming and environmental degradation, the petrochemical industry has been urged to reduce energy consumption and emissions. However, making operational adjustments in multi-sectional production systems, which involve multiple production stages, is challenging without identifying the areas within the process that are intensive energy consumers. Therefore, this paper proposes a novel hotspot identification methodology in a multi-sectional production system using layer-wise relevance propagation of a multi-task learning model. The proposed model tracks overall energy efficiency as the final output to determine the energy gap, while the activation result identifies areas of production where energy is ineffectively consumed using sectional energy efficiency. The performance of the proposed method is validated using a case study of the vinyl chloride monomer process, which can be divided into five sections. The results show that the proposed methodology effectively captures the relationship between process variables and both tasks (overall and sectional energy efficiency) with an average R 2 of 0.9818 and 0.9858 in prediction with unseen data, respectively. The layer-wise relevance propagation result demonstrates the contribution of unit operations to overall energy efficiency values by tracing the regression trajectories. Furthermore, operational adjustment using the overall energy gap as a benchmark condition offers a significant energy consumption reduction of around 15.87 %, reduces operating expenses for utilities by 147,000 USD, and decreases direct carbon dioxide emissions by 4700 tons, helping production to become more energy-efficient and sustainable. • Real-time industrial hotspot analysis of a multi-sectional system is proposed. • Capturing overall SEC while constrained by sectional SEC using multi-task learning. • Layer-wise relevance propagation tracks prediction gaps to trace energy wastage. • MTL-LRP activation analysis accurately identifies process hotspot locations. • The model uncovers 15 % of energy-saving and reduces 4700 tons of GHG emissions.

Sustainable solutions in single-use food containers: A comprehensive life cycle assessment comparing plastic (PP) and its green alternative (PLA coated kraft paper, PLA)

Kasidij Peantham, Viganda Varabuntoonvit

Environmental Engineering Research · 2024

The research conducted a life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) of single-use food packaging made from PP, PLA, and Paper/PLA materials using the ReCiPe method. The assessment covered 18 environmental impacts from box processing to end-of-life treatment, with a functional unit (FU) specified as 1,000 units of single-use food container boxes. The dimensions of the boxes were standardized to reflect the average size from the Thailand market and food-delivery boxes. When focused on production stage, PP box shows the greatest impact on overall especially human non-carcinogenic toxicity (285.11 kg 1, 4-DCB). However, when focused on cradle-to-grave life cycle, the PP emerged as the optimal choice of food box due to its comparable environmental impact to biodegradable alternatives, when applying recycling processes. It recycles significantly reduces the total impact up to 73% from their waste-to-energy treatment option. To achieve environmental goals necessitates policy interventions such as extended producer responsibility laws and refund schemes to incentivize responsible disposal. In country lacking waste management infrastructure and collection system, the sensitivity analysis of this research show that biodegradable PLA material emerges as the most suitable choice, particularly over Paper/PLA, offering lower overall environmental impact due to less overall emission in landfill and composting process.

Life cycle assessment of perovskite solar cells with alternative carbon electrode

Supawinee Chaosukho, Sorrawit Meeklinhom, Sasiphapa Rodbuntum, Nuttaya Sukgorn, Anusit Kaewprajak, Pisist Kumnorkaew, Viganda Varabuntoonvit

Environmental Impact Assessment Review · 2024

Bagasse heavy ash-derived Zn-loaded porous silica with tunable mesopores: Effect of monomodal and bimodal pores on VOCs adsorption

Kunpirom Chainarong, Pariyawalee Sangteantong, Waleeporn Donphai, Viganda Varabuntoonvit, Metta Chareonpanich

Environmental Advances · 2023

This work aimed to utilize bagasse heavy ash for bimodal mesoporous silica (BPS) synthesis through a novel and environmentally-friendly synthesis process using a single–template pH alteration process. The surface functional groups over the BPS products were then modified using Zn precursor, and the obtained samples were examined for the adsorption of methanol, butanol, hexane, and benzene. Effects of hydrolysis–condensation rate controlled by varying sulfuric acid concentrations in the synthesis process on the formation of controllable bimodal mesopores were systematically investigated. The Zn-loaded bagasse ash-derived BPS products exhibited outstanding adsorption performances, especially for methanol and benzene adsorption over the BPS with medium to large pores, of approximately 4.10 and 7.51 times those over the monomodal mesoporous silica (MPS), due to the existence of large pores within the BPS products. The potential application of bagasse heavy ash-derived bimodal mesoporous silica absorbents in adsorption—separation processes are evidently demonstrated.

Sustainable efficiency indicator for urban transportation: Case study of public bus and rapid transit systems in <scp>Bangkok</scp>

Viganda Varabuntoonvit, Kultida Boonyarith, Panarin Pakornkarn, Panatda Pichetwanit, Witchakorn Sittipong

Environmental Progress & Sustainable Energy · 2023

Abstract Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is confronting critical traffic congestion caused by the large number of private vehicles. In 2019, the city was ranked eleventh highest on the global traffic index. Public transport was proposed as the key to alleviating the problem. Nonetheless, the sustainability of public transportation should be evaluated from environmental, economic, and social perspectives to support policy decision‐makers and monitor the improvement. This research developed a sustainability indicator and used a case study to assess the sustainability of public transportation in Bangkok, by comparing the public bus to the rapid transit (electric rail transportation) service due to their high use rates in Bangkok. A sustainable efficiency indicator (SEI) was developed using the concept of eco‐efficiency and the negative impacts were extended to cover environmental, economic, and social aspects. The results showed that the environmental impact of the bus was greatest during the operational phase, whereas for rail transport, it was greatest during the construction phase. In terms of the economy, because the railway system had been designed to service a large population, an increase in passenger numbers for rail transportation could increase its sustainable efficiency. The social impact was assessed based on a satisfaction survey for each of the two types of transportation. All the impacts were converted into monetary values to calculate the SEI. The SEI could also be used to monitor the enhancement of sustainability effectiveness as a tracking performance indicator.

A Tier-Wise Method for Evaluating Uncertainty in Life Cycle Assessment

Awais Mahmood, Viganda Varabuntoonvit, Jitti Mungkalasiri, Thapat Silalertruksa, Shabbir H. Gheewala

Sustainability · 2022

As a decision support tool, life cycle assessment (LCA) is prone to multiple uncertainties associated with the data, model structures, and options offered to practitioners. Therefore, to make the results reliable, consideration of these uncertainties is imperative. Among the various classifications, parameter, scenario, and model uncertainty are widely reported and well-acknowledged uncertainty types in LCA. There are several techniques available to deal with these uncertainties; however, each strategy has its own pros and cons. Furthermore, just a few of the methods have been included in LCA software, which restricts their potential for wider application in LCA research. This paper offers a comprehensive framework that concurrently considers parameter, scenario, and model uncertainty. Moreover, practitioners may select multiple alternatives depending on their needs and available resources. Based on the availability of time, resources, and technical expertise three levels—basic, intermediate, and advanced—are suggested for uncertainty treatment. A qualitative method, including local sensitivity analysis, is part of the basic approach. Monte Carlo sampling and local sensitivity analysis, both of which are accessible in LCA software, are suggested at the intermediate level. Advanced sampling methods (such as Latin hypercube or Quasi-Monte Carlo sampling) with global sensitivity analysis are proposed for the advanced level.

Drivers, Barriers and Benefits of Product Carbon Footprinting: A State-of-the-Art Survey of Thai Manufacturers

Panitas Sureeyatanapas, Kanittha Yodprang, Viganda Varabuntoonvit

Sustainability · 2021

Emerging strategies to respond to public awareness of the environment include carbon emission reporting and labelling. In Thailand, however, only a small proportion of manufacturers have implemented carbon footprint programmes, and some have decided not to continue the programme after their labels expired. This situation mirrors that of many developing countries. This study aims to investigate the factors that drive the implementation of the footprint programme and obstacles that may hinder its long-term implementation. Benefits gained from this programme are also explored. A questionnaire was sent to companies that were or have been certified for the Thai carbon footprint label. Interviews with experts were also conducted to supplement the survey data. According to the statistical analysis, companies expected the carbon footprint programme to enhance their green image, increase their sales and reduce costs. However, benefits derived only in terms of the company’s image, employee development and satisfaction, and production costs returned, while no sales and marketing benefits were evident. The lack of social awareness of the label and of the climate change issue was the most significant challenge the implementers faced, as its rating scores were significantly higher than those of other barriers. Small companies also encountered difficulties due to the required initial investment. This study provides insight into the reasons many developing countries fail to pursue carbon labelling programmes. These issues have not yet been clarified by previous studies. The findings can help prospective companies overcome potential barriers and facilitate their strategic decision making. They can also help governments to develop appropriate policies to promote the carbon footprint label and enhance national sustainability.

Life Cycle Sustainability and Eco-Efficiency for Mass Transportation in Bangkok: A Case Study for Bus and Rapid Transit

Witchakorn Sittipong, วิชชากร สิทธิพงศ์, Viganda Varabuntoonvit, วิกานดา วราห์บัณฑูรวิทย์

2021

Master of Engineering (Sustainable Energy and Resources Engineering) (M.Eng. (Sustainable Energy and Resources Engineering))

Fibre-Reinforced Polymer Made from Plastic Straw for Concrete Confinement: An Alternative Method of Managing Plastic Waste from the COVID-19 Pandemic

Tidarut Jirawattanasomkul, Suched Likitlersuang, Nattamet Wuttiwannasak, Viganda Varabuntoonvit, Wanchai Yodsudjai, Tamon Ueda

Engineering Journal · 2021

Plastic pollution is one of the most significant environmental issues worldwide.During Covid-19 pandemic, single-use plastic containers have been overused due to a lock-down policy.This led to remarkable increase in municipal plastic wastes.An alternative method to manipulate plastic wastes is to recycle them as construction and building materials.The research introduces an idea of using plastic straw to produce fibrereinforced polymer composite as a strengthening material to confine concrete.The plastic straw fibrereinforced polymer composite coupons were tested to obtain their tensile strength, ultimate strain, and elastic modulus.A series of compression tests were conducted on plastic straw fibre-reinforced polymer composite confined concrete to investigate the improved strength and ductility performance.The results show that the mechanical properties of plastic straw fibre-reinforced polymer composite are acceptable for concrete strengthening purpose.More importantly, use of plastic straw fibre-reinforced polymer composite is rewarded by its environmental solution for reduction of plastic wastes in household.

Life Cycle Greenhouse Gas Emissions for Circular Economy

Thumrongrut Mungcharoen, Viganda Varabuntoonvit, Nongnuch Poolsawad

2020

Environmental impact assessment of bio-hydrogenated diesel from hydrogen and co-product of palm oil industry

Bulin Boonrod, Paweena Prapainainar, Viganda Varabuntoonvit, Kandis Sudsakorn, Chaiwat Prapainainar

International Journal of Hydrogen Energy · 2020

Life Cycle Inventory Data Development for Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Thailand's Electricity Grid Generation Systems

Viganda Varabuntoonvit, Yucho Sadamichi, Seizo Kato, Thumrongrut Mungcharoen

energyo · 2018

LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) is a well known methodology to assess the impact on the environment over the life cycle of a product, process, or activity. This methodology is based on the LCI (Life Cycle Inventory) database, a data set of all resources (material and energy) that are consumed or emitted in order to produce 1 unit of the product. Because electricity is a basic infrastructure, a Thailand electricity grid LCI database is needed to assess the environmental impact not only for the product used in Thailand, but also for any product that is exported to other countries. A complete LCI database for the electricity grid in Thailand is not yet available, and the LCI database developed in this work applies from the fuel acquisition stage to the production stage. The analysis shows the unique characteristics of the Thailand electricity grid. An LCI database for each type of fuel and for each electricity generation system was developed. The characteristics of each type of fuel and electricity generation system are indicated in terms of Life Cycle GHG (Greenhouse Gas) emissions to reflect their global warming potential. Data on the Life Cycle GHG emission per kWh of electricity produced are also provided. The first Thailand LCI database for the fuels used in the electricity generation system was developed using data obtained from the EGAT (Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand), IPPs (Independent Power Producers), and PTT (Petroleum Authority of Thailand) during the Thai fiscal year 2005 (from October 2004 to September 2005). The database was used to analyze the current situation and the characteristics of the electricity generation system in Thailand and to compare it with the systems used in other developed countries.

Thailand Green GDP assessment based on environmentally extended input-output model

Kultida Kunanuntakij, Viganda Varabuntoonvit, Natanee Vorayos, Chanin Panjapornpon, Thumrongrut Mungcharoen

Journal of Cleaner Production · 2017

Effect of magnetic field on CO2 conversion over Cu-ZnO/ZrO2 catalyst in hydrogenation reaction

Waleeporn Donphai, Nuttanun Piriyawate, Thongthai Witoon, Pongsakorn Jantaratana, Viganda Varabuntoonvit, Metta Chareonpanich

Journal of CO2 Utilization · 2016

Life cycle assessment of single use thermoform boxes made from polystyrene (PS), polylactic acid, (PLA), and PLA/starch: cradle to consumer gate

Unchalee Suwanmanee, Viganda Varabuntoonvit, Phasawat Chaiwutthinan, Monchai Tajan, Thumrongrut Mungcharoen, Thanawadee Leejarkpai

The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment · 2012

Life Cycle Inventory Data Development for Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Thailand's Electricity Grid Generation Systems

Viganda Varabuntoonvit, Yucho Sadamichi, Seizo KATO, Thumrongrut Mungcharoen

International Journal of Emerging Electric Power Systems · 2008

LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) is a well known methodology to assess the impact on the environment over the life cycle of a product, process, or activity. This methodology is based on the LCI (Life Cycle Inventory) database, a data set of all resources (material and energy) that are consumed or emitted in order to produce 1 unit of the product. Because electricity is a basic infrastructure, a Thailand electricity grid LCI database is needed to assess the environmental impact not only for the product used in Thailand, but also for any product that is exported to other countries. A complete LCI database for the electricity grid in Thailand is not yet available, and the LCI database developed in this work applies from the fuel acquisition stage to the production stage. The analysis shows the unique characteristics of the Thailand electricity grid. An LCI database for each type of fuel and for each electricity generation system was developed. The characteristics of each type of fuel and electricity generation system are indicated in terms of Life Cycle GHG (Greenhouse Gas) emissions to reflect their global warming potential. Data on the Life Cycle GHG emission per kWh of electricity produced are also provided. The first Thailand LCI database for the fuels used in the electricity generation system was developed using data obtained from the EGAT (Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand), IPPs (Independent Power Producers), and PTT (Petroleum Authority of Thailand) during the Thai fiscal year 2005 (from October 2004 to September 2005). The database was used to analyze the current situation and the characteristics of the electricity generation system in Thailand and to compare it with the systems used in other developed countries.