Close Go back Collapse all sections
Process Data set: Wafer slicing ; Multi-Si wafer ; Multi wire saw (en) en zh

Key Data Set Information
Location CN
Geographical representativeness description This study performs a life-cycle assessment for a photovoltaic (PV) system with multi-crystalline silicon (multi-Si) modules in China
Reference year 2014
Name
Wafer slicing ; Multi-Si wafer ; Multi wire saw
Use advice for data set When using this LCA data set for evaluating the environmental impacts of PV systems, it is crucial to apply the functional unit of 1 kWh based on a multi-Si PV module. Care should be taken to ensure that the scope of the assessment includes all relevant stages of the multi-Si PV module's life cycle, including production, use, and end-of-life management. Data users should also consider the technological specificity of the Chinese PV industry as described in the report 'Clean Production of Solar PV in China' and reference the MG-Si production data sourced from contemporary Chinese literature.
Technical purpose of product or process The multi-crystalline silicon (multi-Si) wafer slicing process using multi wire saw is intended for the production of solar-grade wafers for use in photovoltaic (PV) systems. These wafers are the foundation for creating multi-Si ingots, cells, and modules that are essential components in the assembly of PV panels designed to convert sunlight into electrical energy. This technology is predominantly utilized for the manufacture of multi-Si PV modules within the Chinese PV industry, contributing to its sustainable development.
Classification
Class name : Hierarchy level
  • ILCD: Materials production / Metals and semimetals
General comment on data set Multi-Si
Copyright No
Owner of data set
Quantitative reference
Reference flow(s)
Functional Unit The functional unit of the LCA study was 1 kWh based on a multi-Si PV module
Time representativeness
Time representativeness description Available online
Technological representativeness
Technology description including background system Using a mechanical wire cutter to produce silicon chips.
Flow diagram(s) or picture(s)
  • GSvEbT284otn6Uxk366cUzLpnKe.png Image
LCI method and allocation
Type of data set Unit process, single operation
LCI Method Principle Attributional
Deviation from LCI method principle / explanations None
LCI method approaches
  • Allocation - mass
Deviations from LCI method approaches / explanations The goal of this study was to quantitatively assess the life-cycleenvironmental impacts of PV systems in China and provide a scientific basis for policy-making regarding the sustainable development of Chinese PV industry.
Deviation from modelling constants / explanations None
Data sources, treatment and representativeness
Deviation from data cut-off and completeness principles / explanations None
Data selection and combination principles The inventory data, including the material consumption and environmental emissions involved in the production of solar-grade silicon, wafers, ingots, cells, and modules, were mainly collected from companies that represent the current domain multi-Si PV technologies in China. The energy consumption data referred to the report “Clean Production ofSolar PV in China” (Li and Chang, 2012). The data of MG-Si production was from literature about MG-Si produced in China
Deviation from data selection and combination principles / explanations None
Deviation from data treatment and extrapolations principles / explanations None
Data source(s) used for this data set
Completeness
Completeness of product model No statement
Validation
Type of review
Dependent internal review
Reviewer name and institution
Data generator
Data set generator / modeller
Data entry by
Time stamp (last saved) 2024-05-09T17:42:06+08:00
Publication and ownership
UUID 0a3f65a2-7fb2-4b43-a3a9-380d21b720d0
Date of last revision 2024-05-13T14:51:32.329069+08:00
Data set version 01.00.005
Permanent data set URI https://lcadata.tiangong.world/showProcess.xhtml?uuid=0a3f65a2-7fb2-4b43-a3a9-380d21b720d0&version=01.00.000&stock=TianGong
Owner of data set
Copyright No
License type Free of charge for all users and uses

Inputs

Type of flow Classification Flow Location Mean amount Resulting amount Minimum amount Maximum amount
Product flow
Materials production / Raw materials 5.47 kg5.47 kg
General comment Multi-Si ingot
Product flow
Materials production / Glass and ceramics 2.47 kg2.47 kg
General comment Glass
Product flow
Materials production / Inorganic chemicals 0.17578 kg0.17578 kg
General comment Silicon carbide
Product flow
Materials production / Metals and semimetals 17.11 kg17.11 kg
General comment Steel wire
Product flow
Materials production / Organic chemicals 0.6 kg0.6 kg
General comment Acetic acid
Product flow
Materials production / Other materials 2.23 kg2.23 kg
General comment Detergent
Product flow
Materials production / Other materials 29.05 m329.05 m3
General comment Compressed air
Elementary flow
Resources / Resources from water / Renewable material resources from water 528.63 m3528.63 m3
General comment Water
Product flow
Energy carriers and technologies / Electricity 24.01 MJ24.01 MJ
General comment Electricity

Outputs

Type of flow Classification Flow Location Mean amount Resulting amount Minimum amount Maximum amount
Product flow
Materials production / Raw materials 3.34 kg3.34 kg
General comment Multi-Si Wafer
Elementary flow
Emissions / Emissions to water / Emissions to water, unspecified 0.6 kg0.6 kg
General comment Acetic acid
Waste flow
Wastes / Production residues 2.47 kg2.47 kg
General comment Glass
Waste flow
Wastes / Production residues 0.24328 kg0.24328 kg
General comment Glue residues for disposal
Product flow
End-of-life treatment / Raw material recycling 2.07 kg2.07 kg
General comment Silicon scrap for recovery
Product flow
End-of-life treatment / Waste water treatment 336.94 kg336.94 kg
General comment Waste water