Environmental Aspect of Using a High Step-Up No Isolated DC-DC Converter for Solar Photovoltaic Applications: Life Cycle Assessment Point of View

Document Type : Research Article

Authors
Milad Teymoriyan 1
Ali Naderi Saatlo 1
Mehdi Salimi 2
1 Department of Electrical Engineering, Urmia Branch, Islamic Azad University, Urmia, Iran
2 Department of Electrical Engineering, Ardabil Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ardabil, Iran
10.22059/jser.2024.375177.1405
Abstract
This study undertakes a comprehensive investigation into the environmental implications of adopting a High Step-Up Non-Isolated (HSUNI) DC-DC Converter in solar photovoltaic (PV) applications using a life cycle assessment (LCA) approach. The LCA methodology is applied to thoroughly evaluate the environmental footprint of the converter, considering its entire life cycle, from raw material extraction and manufacturing to operation and end-of-life disposal. Vital environmental indicators such as greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, and resource depletion are assessed to quantify the converter's environmental impact. The study also explores potential variations in environmental performance based on different manufacturing processes, materials, and usage scenarios. The results show that, compared to the control, all scenarios reduced the midpoint impacts by about 5 to 80%. A sensitivity analysis indicates that usage scenarios, followed by manufacturing processes, have the highest sensitivity score on endpoint impacts, about 20 to 25% higher than other factors. The findings of this study significantly contribute to the broader discourse on sustainable energy technologies, providing valuable insights for stakeholders in the renewable energy sector.
Keywords
Life cycle assessment
Sustainable production
DC-DC converter
Photovoltaic system
Environmental impacts
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Journal of Solar Energy Research
Volume 9, Issue 3
Summer 2024
Pages 1942-1953