LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT COMPARISON OF SOLAR ELECTRIC AND SOLAR THERMAL ENERGY TO DECARBONIZE INDUSTRIAL COLD ROOMS ENERGY CONSUMPTION

Date

2024-8

Author

Kababıyık, Gökçe

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Adopting renewable energy technologies is crucial in a world grappling with global warming and sustainability challenges. This study addresses the need for sustainable solutions in industrial cold room operations through a comparative life cycle assessment (LCA) of solar photovoltaic (PV) and thermal systems. It aims to bridge a gap in the existing literature by evaluating the environmental and economic impacts of these technologies on cold room energy demands. Utilizing SimaPro software and Eco Invent 3.0 data, the analysis spans the entire life cycle of these systems, from material extraction to end-of-life recycling. The findings reveal significant insights into carbon emissions associated with infrastructure setup, operational maintenance, and end-of-life management. While both solar PV and thermal systems offer promising alternatives to conventional grid electricity, solar thermal technology is superior in maintaining a lower carbon footprint throughout its lifecycle. The comparative analysis highlights the advantages of solar thermal systems, including reduced emissions intensity and streamlined recycling processes, underscoring their role in advancing global sustainability goals. Key highlights include substantial material demands in solar PV panels, particularly in solar glass and aluminum alloy, viii impacting resource extraction and supply chain sustainability. The emission profiles during installation and end-of-life recycling phases indicate solar thermal systems as less carbon-intensive alternatives. Operational maintenance differs, with solar PV requiring significant investment, while solar thermal systems mainly address fluid management challenges. The study also discusses the lifecycle cost implications and environmental impacts of both systems, emphasizing the need for continuous efficiency and sustainability improvements. Overall, this research provides valuable insights into the environmental and economic implications of solar PV and thermal systems, underscoring the importance of renewable energy adoption and optimization for mitigating climate change.

Subject Keywords

Cleaner Energy, Energy Storage, Climate Change, Sustainable Environment, 2050 Net Zero Emissions

URI

https://hdl.handle.net/11511/111582

Collections

Northern Cyprus Campus, Thesis