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Life Cycle Analysis of a Photovoltaic Power Plant Using the CED Method

Author

Listed:
  • Patryk Leda

    (Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Bydgoszcz University of Science and Technology, al. Prof. S. Kaliskiego 7, 85-796 Bydgoszcz, Poland)

  • Weronika Kruszelnicka

    (Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Bydgoszcz University of Science and Technology, al. Prof. S. Kaliskiego 7, 85-796 Bydgoszcz, Poland)

  • Anna Leda

    (Faculty of Political Science and Administration, Kazimierz Wielki University, J. Poniatowskiego 12, 85-671 Bydgoszcz, Poland)

  • Izabela Piasecka

    (Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Bydgoszcz University of Science and Technology, al. Prof. S. Kaliskiego 7, 85-796 Bydgoszcz, Poland)

  • Zbigniew Kłos

    (Faculty of Civil and Transport Engineering, Poznan University of Technology, M. Skłodowska-Curie Square 5, 60-965 Poznan, Poland)

  • Andrzej Tomporowski

    (Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Bydgoszcz University of Science and Technology, al. Prof. S. Kaliskiego 7, 85-796 Bydgoszcz, Poland)

  • Józef Flizikowski

    (Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Bydgoszcz University of Science and Technology, al. Prof. S. Kaliskiego 7, 85-796 Bydgoszcz, Poland)

  • Marek Opielak

    (Faculty of Transport and Informatic, University of Economics and Innovation in Lublin (WSEI), Projektowa 4, 20-209 Lublin, Poland)

Abstract

There is a significant demand for materials and energy throughout the manufacturing and construction of a solar power plant’s component parts. Electricity and fossil fuels are used in enormous quantities during the industrial processes in the photovoltaic power plant’s life cycle. It is then necessary to assess the energy needs, especially during production processes, to improve the efficiency of energy usage and management of natural resources from the global perspective. This will lead to a decrease in natural resource consumption and electricity demand. The main aim of this study was to assess the energy demand in the life cycle of the photovoltaic power plant and identify the most energy-intensive stages and components of this type of installation throughout its life cycle. The study of energy consumption in the whole life cycle was conducted for a 2 MW photovoltaic power plant situated in the northern region of Poland using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology, particularly the Cumulative Energy Demand (CED) method. Two post-consumer management scenarios were investigated: recycling and landfilling. It was found that the life cycle of PV panels and the inverter station had the largest energy demand among all the components. This study revealed that, compared to recycling, the life cycle involving post-consumer management in the form of landfilling had a higher total energy demand of 4.09 × 10 7 MJ. The results of this investigation validate the benefits of recycling. Thus, recycling ought to be commonplace to improve the environment.

Suggested Citation

  • Patryk Leda & Weronika Kruszelnicka & Anna Leda & Izabela Piasecka & Zbigniew Kłos & Andrzej Tomporowski & Józef Flizikowski & Marek Opielak, 2023. "Life Cycle Analysis of a Photovoltaic Power Plant Using the CED Method," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(24), pages 1-19, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:16:y:2023:i:24:p:8098-:d:1301456
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Patryk Leda & Adam Idzikowski & Izabela Piasecka & Patrycja Bałdowska-Witos & Tomasz Cierlicki & Marcin Zawada, 2023. "Management of Environmental Life Cycle Impact Assessment of a Photovoltaic Power Plant on the Atmosphere, Water, and Soil Environment," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(10), pages 1-26, May.
    2. Viktoria Mannheim & Károly Nehéz & Salman Brbhan & Péter Bencs, 2023. "Primary Energy Resources and Environmental Impacts of Various Heating Systems Based on Life Cycle Assessment," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(19), pages 1-23, October.
    3. Daniele Cocco & Lorenzo Lecis & Davide Micheletto, 2023. "Life Cycle Assessment of an Integrated PV-ACAES System," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(3), pages 1-18, February.
    4. Wei Li & Ruixin Jin & Xiaoyong Ma & Guozun Zhang, 2023. "Capacity Optimal Allocation Method and Frequency Division Energy Management for Hybrid Energy Storage System Considering Grid-Connected Requirements in Photovoltaic System," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(10), pages 1-16, May.
    5. Nomura, Noboru & Inaba, Atsushi & Tonooka, Yutaka & Akai, Makoto, 2001. "Life-cycle emission of oxidic gases from power-generation systems," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 68(2), pages 215-227, February.
    6. Oliver, M. & Jackson, T., 2000. "The evolution of economic and environmental cost for crystalline silicon photovoltaics," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 28(14), pages 1011-1021, November.
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