Hybrid PV-TE-T modules: life cycle analysis and end of life assessment

Abstract

Abstract World population growth along with requirements for more energy forced scientists into research for cleaner and sustainable energy sources. The largest available energy source, solar energy requires improved technologies and processes for conversion into electrical and thermal energy. This paper continues a series of analyses of a proposed hybrid module, which combines direct photovoltaic (PV) conversion to electricity with thermal conversion (T) and thermal waste heat recovery (using thermoelectric devices, TE). An extended life cycle analysis (LCA) is performed on each of the three components of hybrid module, carefully identifying inputs, processes and outputs, as well as impact per each standard category. Also, a review on end of life assessment is presented for the hybrid PV-TE-T module.