A method for a cradle-to-cradle life cycle assessment of integrated collector-storage solar water heaters

摘要

Solar thermal technologies are a potentially free and limitless source of energy. Due to the high demand for domestic hot water and the longer insolation periods during summer in Scotland, solar water heating (SWH) systems are a promising renewable energy technology. One of the systems within this technology is the integrated collector-storage solar water heater (ICSSWH). Existing research has predominantly focussed on the technical and economic aspects, with aims to reduce costs whilst maintaining operational performance. This begs the question, what are the true environmental costs of ICSSWH systems? Life cycle assessment (LCA) is an established methodology to evaluate the environmental performance of a product or a system across its life cycle. The aim of this paper is therefore to present an ICSSWH system from an LCA standpoint, also considering the current shift towards a more circular economy. Preliminary field data from a novel ICSSWH designed at Edinburgh Napier University will be presented. The paper will detail the data sources, impact assessment methods and software tools that will be used. Key outcomes from this research show that a holistic ICSSWH design, which considers whole-life implications, does not compromise efficiency and economic viability.