AHMET BURAK PAC

Extending Photovoltaic Power Plant Service Lifetime: Module Design Innovations and Implications for Environmental Impact

Abstract

This study examines the ReCiPe midpoint environmental impacts associated with extending the service lifetime photovoltaic (PV) modules from 30 to 40 years. The investigation considers a scenario in which the reduction of degradation rates is facilitated by an innovative PV module design involving alternative encapsulant materials for the lamination process. Drawing upon existing research that quantifies PV module failure and its contributing factors, the lamination process is identified as a crucial component in enhancing the reliability and durability of the module during real-world operation, ultimately enabling their use for an extended service lifetime. A lifecycle assessment is conducted for both 30-year and 40-year scenarios to evaluate the trade-offs in environmental impacts between the increased output from the power plant and alterations in the project requirements, such as encapsulation material and energy inputs for module production, as well as maintenance and repairs during the prolonged service lifetime. The preliminary results underscore the significant contributions of the manufacturing of solar cells and modules to environmental impacts, suggesting that efficient strategies to augment the modules’ service lifetime seem to be promising for reducing the overall environmental impacts of PV modules. According to the initial findings, extending the power plant’s service lifetime can lead to considerable improvements in various environmental impact categories, including an 18% reduction in metal depletion, a 20% reduction in terrestrial acidification and a 23% decrease in global warming potential. This study highlights the importance of refining PV module technology, specifically through innovations in module design for lamination process, to increase service lifetime and substantially mitigate environmental impacts, ultimately fostering a more sustainable future for renewable energy.

Biography

Burak PAC earned his B.S. degree in Industrial Engineering from Bilkent University in 2006. He continued his studies at the same institution, receiving an M.S. degree in Industrial Engineering in 2010 and a Ph.D. degree in 2016. Currently, he serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Industrial Engineering at Gebze Technical University, a position he has held since 2018. He has taught numerous courses in his field, including Linear Programming, Mathematics of Operations Research, and Economics. His research interests include robust optimization, convex optimization, stochastic modeling, and stochastic programming with applications in energy, healthcare, and portfolio selection.