Environmental impacts of solar energy systems: A review.

Role of trade openness, export diversification, and renewable electricity output in realizing carbon neutrality dream of China.

Grid-connected renewable energy systems are considered a viable solution for satisfying the swiftly growing demand. Nevertheless, the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources (RESs) hinders their performance and can not be efficiently utilized, rather imposes power quality and instability problem on the grid system. To alleviate this challenge, it is common practice to integrate RESs with efficient battery energy storage technologies. Lead-acid batteries were playing the leading role utilized as stationary energy storage systems. However, currently, there are other battery technologies like lithium-ion (Li-ion), which are used in stationary storage applications though there is uncertainty in its cost-effectiveness. In this paper, a state-of-the-art simulation model and techno-economic analysis of Li-ion and lead-acid batteries integrated with Photovoltaic Grid-Connected System (PVGCS) were performed with consideration of real commercial load profiles and resource data. The Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric Renewables (HOMER) was used for the study of the techno-economic analysis. Besides, the performance of these batteries is greatly affected by the rate of charge and discharge cycling effects which gradually degrades the capacity of the battery. This effect was also investigated with Matlab using a simplified equivalent circuit model by considering a typical stationary application datasheet. The techno-economic simulation output provided that the system with Li-ion battery resulted in a Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) of 0.32 €/kWh compared to the system with lead-acid battery with LCOE of 0.34 €/kWh. Besides, the Net Present Cost (NPC) of the system with Li-ion batteries is found to be €14399 compared to the system with the lead-acid battery resulted in an NPC of €15106. According to the result found, Li-ion batteries are techno-economically more viable than lead-acid batteries under the considered specifications and application profile.

Techno-economic analysis of lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries in stationary energy storage application

Solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) performance evaluation, fault diagnosis and health control: A review

28.3%-efficiency perovskite/silicon tandem solar cell by optimal transparent electrode for high efficient semitransparent top cell

The photovoltaic (PV) sector has undergone both major expansion and evolution over the last decades, and currently, the technologies already marketed or still in the laboratory/research phase are numerous and very different. Likewise, in order to assess the energy and environmental impacts of these devices, life cycle assessment (LCA) studies related to these systems are always increasing. The objective of this paper is to summarize and update the current literature of LCA applied to different types of grid-connected PV, as well as to critically analyze the results related to energy and environmental impacts generated during the life cycle of PV technologies, from 1st generation (traditional silicon based) up to the third generation (innovative non-silicon based). Most of the results regarded energy indices like energy payback time, cumulative energy demand, and primary energy demand, while environmental indices were variable based on different scopes and impact assessment methods. Moreover, the review work allowed to highlight and compare key parameters (PV type and system, geographical location, efficiency), methodological insights (functional unit, system boundaries, etc.), and energy/environmental hotspots of 39 LCA studies relating to different PV systems, in order to underline the importance of these aspects, and to provide information and a basis of comparison for future analyses.

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Review on Life Cycle Assessment of Solar Photovoltaic Panels

Over the years, different types of smart windows have been tested and developed. In this study, an innovative prototype of a photovoltaic smart window, that integrates luminescent solar concentrators, was analysed. The device independently regulates the movement of the shading system and allows energy surplus, through the electricity generated by modules. Considering the peculiar structure (characterized by the presence of a light shelf) and the thermal characteristics of the device, the analyses focused on optical, thermal, and electrical performances, comparing them with those of a traditional window. The analysis followed an experimental approach that involved lighting and electrical monitoring studies in a real test room, to create validated models for conducting simulations in larger buildings. The results were expressed through the study of illuminance maps, electricity generation obtainable from the integrated photovoltaic technology and in terms of energy savings. Energy generation accounts for around 10 Wh/month, with up to 50% improvement from the perspective of energy use for heating and cooling. The technology proves effective in allowing efficient overall energy performances while generating enough energy to operate the smart window control systems.

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An Innovative Photovoltaic Luminescent Solar Concentrator Window: Energy and Environmental Aspects

The main goal of this paper is to assess the life cycle environmental impacts of a multifunctional smart window luminescent solar concentrator (SW–LSC) prototype through the application of the Life Cycle Assessment methodology. To the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the first studies on the topic. The analysis followed a cradle to gate approach, considering the assembly and maintenance phase as well as the end of life, examined separately through a recycling/landfill scenario. A comparison of the impacts of LSC modules with those of some building-integrated photovoltaic technologies was carried out. Results showed that the global warming potential (100 years) for SW–LSC was 5.91 × 103 kg CO2eq and the manufacturing phase had the greatest impact (about 96%). The recycling/landfill scenario results showed the possibility to reduce impacts by an average of 45%. A dominance analysis of SW–LSC components showed that the aluminum frame was the main hotspot (about 60% contribution), followed by the light-shelf (about 19%). Batteries and motors for the shading system were the biggest contributors in the abiotic depletion potential category (36% and 30%, respectively). An alternative scenario, which involved the use of 75% recycled aluminum for the window frame, highlighted the possibility to reduce environmental impacts from 3% to 46%. Finally, the comparison results showed that the LSC modules’ impacts were on average 870% lower than that of various PV technologies when compared on the basis of m2; on the contrary, LSC modules had the highest impacts in all categories (from 200% to 1900%) when compared with other PV technologies on the basis of 1 kWh of energy generated. The results could be used for the definition of eco-design strategies for the examined device, in order to support the scaling-up process and to put “greener” systems onto the market.

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Vincenzo Muteri

Papers

Review on Life Cycle Assessment of Solar Photovoltaic Panels

An Innovative Photovoltaic Luminescent Solar Concentrator Window: Energy and Environmental Aspects

Life Cycle Assessment of Luminescent Solar Concentrators Integrated into a Smart Window