Ανάλυση κύκλου ζωής (LCA) παραγωγής γεωπολυμερών με την χρήση φωτοβολταϊκών πάνελ στο τέλος κύκλου ζωής

Πιτσιλλίδη, Χρυσούλα - Χρυσοβαλάντη

Life cycle assessment (LCA) of geopolymer production using outdated photovoltaic panels

Master Thesis

Author

Πιτσιλλίδη, Χρυσούλα - Χρυσοβαλάντη

Date

2024-10

Abstract

The use of photovoltaic systems has emerged as one of the most sustainable solutions for reducing emissions associated with electricity generation, driving the global transition towards cleaner energy forms. Photovoltaics, as one of the primary renewable energy sources, play a central role in achieving the goals of combating climate change and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. However, new research highlights the environmental challenges that accompany their widespread adoption. Specifically, the environmental risks associated with both the increasing volume of photovoltaic systems and the materials from which they are made have become the subject of intense scientific study. These factors make it imperative to explore and develop alternative scenarios for managing photovoltaics at the end of their life cycle. The uncontrolled disposal of photovoltaic systems can lead to serious environmental impacts, such as the leaching of hazardous materials, including lead, cadmium, and arsenic. These toxic substances may seep into the soil and groundwater, causing long-term damage to ecosystems and human health. At the same time, the failure to recover rare and valuable metals, such as indium and gallium, which are widely used in photovoltaic panels, represents a significant loss of resources that could be reused in the production of new technologies, contributing to the circular economy. In this study, the environmental impact of three different scenarios for managing first-generation photovoltaic panels, made from monocrystalline silicon, was investigated, with the aim of utilizing them for the creation of geopolymers, which are considered a sustainable alternative to traditional waste management methods. The life cycle analysis (LCA) was conducted using the SimaPro v.9 software, one of the most widely used tools for environmental assessment of products and processes. The inventory process was based on the Ecoinvent database, while the end-of-life impact analysis was conducted using the Impact2002+ method, which offers a comprehensive approach to assessing environmental impacts. The assessment of the study was conducted based on the Gate to Gate model at the end of the life cycle of the photovoltaic panel, focusing on specific stages of the production and recycling process. The study focuses on the recycling of photovoltaic panels and the analysis of the most efficient methods for utilizing their waste in the creation of geopolymers. Geopolymer technology offers significant potential for capturing hazardous materials and reducing environmental impacts, while also opening up new prospects for sustainable waste management. The study's conclusions present the results of the comparative environmental analysis of the three scenarios and discuss future challenges and opportunities for improving recycling processes. Special emphasis is placed on the need for further research and development of innovative technologies that will enable safer and more efficient management of photovoltaic panels, contributing to the conservation of natural resources and the reduction of the environmental footprint of the renewable energy industry.

Postgraduate Studies Programme

Βιοοικονομία, Κυκλική Οικονομία και Βιώσιμη Ανάπτυξη

Department

Σχολή Οικονομικών, Επιχειρηματικών και Διεθνών Σπουδών. Τμήμα Οικονομικής Επιστήμης

Number of pages

114

Language

Greek

URI

https://dione.lib.unipi.gr/xmlui/handle/unipi/16983
http://dx.doi.org/10.26267/unipi_dione/4405

Collections

Τμήμα Οικονομικής Επιστήμης

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Αναφορά Δημιουργού 3.0 Ελλάδα