LightImpact

LightImpact is an open-source Python library for calculating the Energy Reduction Value (ERV) of lightweight automotive components applied in both internal combustion vehicles (ICVs) and electric vehicles (EVs), based on WLTP driving cycle data. Developed for life cycle assessment (LCA) modeling in the MM4R research project at RWTH Aachen University.

Features

• Physics-based mechanical work calculation
• WLTP-compliant ERV computation
• Compatible with both ICVs and EVs
• Customizable input parameters
• Suitable for integration into LCA workflows

Installation

Make sure you have Python installed. Then, you can install LightImpact as follows:

Either globally on your system:

pip3 install lightimpact

Or, if you prefer to install it in a virtual environment:

python3 -m venv lightimpact-env

# On MacOS/Linux
source lightimpact-env/bin/activate
# On Windows
lightimpact-env\Scripts\activate

pip install lightimpact

Example Usage

After installation, you can use LightImpact in your Python scripts. Here's a simple example of how to run a case with custom parameters:

from lightimpact.core import run_lightimpact_case

custom_params = {
    "m_vehicle": 1800,
    "cw": 0.28,
    "A_frontal": 2.3,
    "ds": 25.0,
    "c_fuel_WLTP": 9.5
}

run_lightimpact_case("WLTP_data/Time-Speed-Profile_WLTP_Class3b.csv", custom_params)

Running this code will calculate the total mechanical work, the differential efficiency factor, and ERV for both EV and ICV. It will output the results to the console.

License

Licensed under the MIT License (c) 2025 Suzana Ostojic

About

LightImpact was developed for use within the MM4R research project at the RWTH Aachen University.
Contact: [email protected] GitHub: github.com/suzanaostojic/LightImpact-MM4R
PyPI: pypi.org/project/lightimpact