Izuru Suwa

Bio: Izuru Suwa is an academic researcher from University of Tokyo. The author has contributed to research in topics: Reuse & Life-cycle assessment. The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 2 publications receiving 1 citations.

Defining Requirements on Technology Systems Assessment from Life Cycle Perspectives: Cases on Recycling of Photovoltaic and Secondary Batteries

Abstract: Since the enactment of the “Feed-in Tariff” scheme in 2012, the solar power generation capacity in Japan has been steadily growing. Therefore, in the near future, the demand for the mass processing of spent photovoltaic (PV) panels is expected to increase. Secondary batteries, especially lithium-ion batteries (LiBs), have become important products for vehicles and mobile devices. The production of LiBs is also expected to significantly increase in the near future. In this study, we address the design of recycling systems for such emerging technologies. From life cycle perspectives, the requirements for the assessment of these technology systems are carefully defined through a bibliometric analysis of technology assessments, critical reviews of current research and developments in the recycling of PV panels and LiBs, and analysis of the intensities of life cycle impacts (such as greenhouse gas emissions and resource use). The necessities for life cycle assessments, material flow analyses, and other assessment methods are clarified, along with the conditions to be examined using these assessment methods.

Prospective life cycle assessment of recycling systems for spent photovoltaic panels by combined application of physical separation technologies

Abstract: The design of an optimal system for recycling photovoltaic panels is a pressing issue. This study performed a prospective life cycle assessment using experimental and pilot data to reveal the effectiveness of the proposed technologies. The proposed technologies include aluminum frame separation; precise mechanical separation consisting of primary and secondary grinding; the hot-knife method for glass/ethylene-vinyl acetate separation; and high-voltage pulsed discharge that targets copper and silver in cell sheets. Implementing resource recovery technology decreases landfill waste because the hot-knife procedure facilitates the reuse or recycle of glass. The largest concentration of copper busbar is produced by high-voltage pulsed discharge, which can be easily incorporated into smelting processes. The blending of low-concentration metal waste with other trash and ore changes the concentration criteria accepted in the smelting operations. Applying the detailed inventory data for the metal concentrations in this investigation could enhance the outcomes.

Managing end-of-life solar photovoltaic e-waste in India: A circular economy approach

Abstract: This paper deals with strategic management of end-of-life (EOL) solar photovoltaic (PV) e-waste generated in developing countries like India. SMEs play an essential role in applying a circular economy for e-waste. The present study mainly focuses on developing an organized recycling infrastructure in India for solar PV EOL e-waste and its balance of systems. The economy and weight share of twenty-one metals present in the solar PV systems have been discussed in the research. Further, the study designs a circular supply chain for e-waste, followed by a cost-benefit analysis for the recycling of EOL solar PV to attract SME investors. The paper has used material flow analysis for managing e-waste as per the requirement of a circular economy for designing recycling, remanufacturing, refurbishing strategy, and assessment of resource-efficient regulations. The research would help policymakers to modify or develop afresh policies like extended producer responsibility and producer responsibility organizations.

Recent progress in silicon photovoltaic module recycling processes

Abstract: • The technology progress in silicon photovoltaic module recycling is overviewed. • Delamination is the most challenging part of the whole recycling process. • Different mechanisms for material separation are compared. • Secondary markets for recovered module materials should be developed. The rapid deployment of solar photovoltaic (PV) technology around the world brings the ineluctable problem of disposing of and recycling decommissioned solar photovoltaic modules . Recycling will become an essential sector in the value chain of the PV industry. This paper reviews the progress in silicon photovoltaic module recycling processes, from lab-scale and pilot-scale research in order to compare mechanisms, ascertain feasible approaches, recycling yields, equipment, costs, and improvement areas for different recycling processes. Trends, gaps, and outlooks are drawn to guide future R&D. Recycling processes have evolved from mass recovery to value recovery and now full recovery. Selective delamination and automated material sorting are key enablers of high recycling yield. So far, most recycling research focuses on recovering materials, however, it is equally important to explore secondary markets and end-use applications of recovered materials, especially for glass, and polymers. To implement sustainable end-of-life recycling at a large scale, technological feasibility , economic viability , and social desirability need to be addressed altogether by innovative recycling technologies.

Challenges in Recycling Spent Lithium‐Ion Batteries: Spotlight on Polyvinylidene Fluoride Removal

Abstract: In the recycling of retired lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), the cathode materials containing valuable metals should be first separated from the current collector aluminum foil to decrease the difficulty and complexity in the subsequent metal extraction. However, strong the binding force of organic binder polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) prevents effective separation of cathode materials and Al foil, thus affecting metal recycling. This paper reviews the composition, property, function, and binding mechanism of PVDF, and elaborates on the separation technologies of cathode material and Al foil (e.g., physical separation, solid‐phase thermochemistry, solution chemistry, and solvent chemistry) as well as the corresponding reaction behavior and transformation mechanisms of PVDF. Due to the characteristic variation of the reaction systems, the dissolution, swelling, melting, and degradation processes and mechanisms of PVDF exhibit considerable differences, posing new challenges to efficient recycling of spent LIBs worldwide. It is critical to separate cathode materials and Al foil and recycle PVDF to reduce environmental risks from the recovery of retired LIBs resources. Developing fluorine‐free alternative materials and solid‐state electrolytes is a potential way to mitigate PVDF pollution in the recycling of spent LIBs in the EV era.