Process simulation and digitalization for comprehensive life-cycle sustainability assessment of Silicon photovoltaic systems

Neill Bartie, Lucero Cobos-Becerra, Magnus Frohling, Markus A. Reuter, Rutger Schlatmann

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Over the last decade, the global solar PV industry has grown at a rate of more than 35% annually, reaching record levels and outpacing annual conventional power capacity additions and will continue its trajectory to reach terawatt-level deployment by 2022-2023 and an estimated 8.5 TW (cumulative) by 2050. The global c-Si cell and PV module production capacity at the end of 2020 is assumed to have further increased to over 200 GWp due to continued PERC capacity expansion. To assess the potential contribution photovoltaics (PV) can make to decarbonization, and to achieving the European and global sustainable development and circular economy goals, the resource efficiency and sustainability of photovoltaic life cycle systems need to be evaluated. Using process simulation, we create detailed digital representations of entire PV life cycles. These include all raw material and PV production steps, as well as recycling processes that close material loops and aim to recover valuable materials from end-of-life modules. The simulations make use of the physical, chemical, and thermodynamic processes that govern each step in the life cycle to deliver a robust foundation from which to determine the potential impacts of individual processes and the system on resource consumption, resource efficiency, the environment, and technoeconomic parameters. In this paper, we focus on the assessment of potential recycling, wafer thickness, and carbon tax effects on the resource efficiency, carbon footprint, and technoeconomic performance of the system.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2021 IEEE 48th Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, PVSC 2021
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages1244-1249
Number of pages6
ISBN (Electronic)9781665419222
DOIs
StatePublished - 20 Jun 2021
Event48th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, PVSC 2021 - Fort Lauderdale, United States
Duration: 20 Jun 202125 Jun 2021

Publication series

NameConference Record of the IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference
ISSN (Print)0160-8371

Conference

Conference48th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, PVSC 2021
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityFort Lauderdale
Period20/06/2125/06/21

Keywords

  • LCOE
  • MSP
  • Silicon PV system
  • carbon footprint
  • recycling
  • resource efficiency
  • simulation

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