Life cycle assessment of photovoltaic systems of various sizes: An environmental and economic perspective on an educational building in a hot climate

Year 2025, Volume: 10 Issue: 1, 997 - 1042, 18.03.2025

Muhammed Enes Umcu , Uğur Acar , Önder Kaşka

https://doi.org/10.58559/ijes.1573447

Abstract

The swift adoption of photovoltaic systems in buildings is driven by the need for sustainable energy solutions and decarbonization goals. This study assesses a faculty building’s energy usage, potential energy yield, life cycle costs, and carbon emissions. Key factors such as building characteristics, operational schedules, and load profiles were analyzed using DesignBuilder. Photovoltaic system modeling with PVsyst explored various ground cover ratios (GCR). Life cycle cost analysis highlighted the economic advantages of photovoltaic systems, while carbon payback periods measured emission reductions. Results indicate that higher GCRs enhance energy production and revenue from grid sales. Performance ratio values varied between 77% and 79%, and the specific production rate ranged from 1630 to 1672 kWh/kWp. Although initial investment is high, increasing GCR reduces life cycle costs and shortens payback periods. Payback period was found to be 6.5 years, and the building achieves carbon neutrality within the first year. This methodology can be adapted for various building types and climates, supporting the broader goal of zero energy buildings and carbon emission reduction.

Keywords

Renewable energy, Life cycle carbon assessment, Life cycle cost analysis, Educational building

Farklı Büyüklükteki Fotovoltaik Sistemlerin Yaşam Döngüsü Değerlendirmesi: Sıcak İklimde Bir Eğitim Binası Üzerine Çevresel ve Ekonomik Bir Bakış Açısı

Abstract

Binalarda fotovoltaik sistemlerin hızlı benimsenmesi, sürdürülebilir enerji çözümleri ihtiyacı ve karbonsuzlaşma hedefleri tarafından yönlendirilmektedir. Bu çalışma, bir fakülte binasının enerji kullanımını, potansiyel enerji üretimini, yaşam döngüsü maliyetlerini ve karbon emisyonlarını değerlendirmektedir. Bina özellikleri, operasyonel programlar ve yük profilleri gibi temel faktörler DesignBuilder kullanılarak analiz edilmiştir. PVsyst ile yapılan fotovoltaik sistem modellemesi, çeşitli zemin kaplama oranlarını (GCR) incelemiştir. Yaşam döngüsü maliyet analizi, fotovoltaik sistemlerin ekonomik avantajlarını vurgularken; karbon geri ödeme süreleri, emisyon azaltımlarını ölçmüştür. Sonuçlar, daha yüksek GCR değerlerinin enerji üretimini ve şebekeye satıştan elde edilen geliri artırdığını göstermektedir. Performans oranı değerleri %77 ile %79 arasında değişmiş, özgül üretim oranı ise 1630-1672 kWh/kWp aralığında bulunmuştur. Başlangıç yatırımı yüksek olsa da, GCR'nin artırılması yaşam döngüsü maliyetlerini düşürmekte ve geri ödeme sürelerini kısaltmaktadır. Geri ödeme süresi 6,5 yıl olarak hesaplanmış, bina ise ilk yıl içinde karbon nötrlüğüne ulaşmıştır. Bu metodoloji, farklı bina türleri ve iklimler için uyarlanabilir olup, sıfır enerjili binalar ve karbon emisyonlarının azaltılması gibi geniş çaplı hedefleri desteklemektedir.

Keywords

Yenilenebilir enerji, yaşam döngüsü karbon değerlendirmesi, yaşam döngüsü maliyet analizi, eğitim binası

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