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.

Biyografi

Ahmed Burak PAÇ, lisans derecesini 2006 yılında, yüksek lisans derecesini 2010 yılında ve doktora derecesini 2016 yılında Bilkent Üniversitesi Endüstri Mühendisliği Bölümünden almıştır. 2018 yılından itibaren Gebze Teknik Üniversitesi Endüstri Mühendisliği Bölümünde Dr. Öğretim Üyesi olarak görev yapmaktadır. Lineer programlama, operasyon araştırmalarının matematiği ve mühendislik ekonomisi alanlarında dersler vermektedir. Enerji, sağlık ve portföy seçimi alanlarında stokastik programlama, stokastik modelleme, robust ve conveks optimizasyon konularında çalışmalar yürütmektedir.