Innovation and Sustainability: Photovoltaic and Nanotechnology Innovations - Assignment Example

Innovation and sustainability: Photovoltaic and nanotechnology innovations Name Institution Table of Contents Table of Contents 2 1.0 Introduction 3 2.0 Origin photovoltaic and nanotechnology innovations 4 3.0 Societal impacts of photovoltaic and nanotechnology innovations 5 3.1. Reduced extraction and depletion of natural resources 5 3.2. Reduced concentration of substances the society produces 8 3.3. Protecting nature from being overharvested 10 3.4. Fair and efficient utility of natural resources globally 11 4.0 Ethical issues 13 5.0 Conclusion 14 6.0 References 15 1.0 Introduction The issues of global climate change, constant depletion of fossil fuel and the search for an independent energy sources have triggered a need for a high-impact innovation that can guarantee environmental sustainability and clean energy generation (Wessler & Tober, 2008). Sustainability is a concept that denotes the need for humans to live within the earth’s carrying capacity by lessening their per capita consumption of natural resources (Kibert et al., 2008). Human’s capability to grow and augment their per capita consumption is linked to technology, as without energy human would not be able to go beyond the earth’s carrying capacity. For these reasons, therefore, technology is perceived to be among the fundamental issues that humans must rely on to resolve the complex and persistent problems like climate change, and constant depletion of fossil fuel to achieve the realisation of an independent energy source. An example of innovative technology that fits snugly into the sustainability framework is nanotechnology. In respect to energy supply, the immediate effect of photonic technology is in the production of photovoltaic cells (PV), which are built inside the solar panels to convert light into electricity (NanoWerk, 2012). The global population is currently estimated at 7 billion. By the end of the 21st century, the global population is projected to surpass 11 billion people. During this time, it is widely acknowledged that providing green energy sufficiently to the entire global population would have significant technical challenges. For these reasons, the cost of energy generation, transmission, and utility has to be decreased to ensure sustainability. According to Wessler and Tober (2008), for energy technology to be considered sustainable, it has to be environmentally friendly, as well as affordable. At the same time, the effects of climate change dictates that climate goals should be set at 2°C target. These require a significant drop in greenhouse gas emission. This implies that the innovative energy technologies have an obligation of providing solutions that are socially acceptable by saving energy, through decarbonisation and efficiency gains (Berger, 2015). This report briefly explores the origin of photovoltaic and nanotechnology innovations, the impact of the innovation to the society, including its environment impact. Also examined are the ethical issues associated, in addition to how they can be managed. 2.0 Origin photovoltaic and nanotechnology innovations Photonics has its origin in the 1950s as a research field that dealt with application of light in achieving better work performance. In 1954, Bell Labs found a high-power silicon photovoltaic cell, which converted solar energy to power (Sunlight Electric, 2013). In 1963, Sharp Corporation in Japan invented viable photovoltaic silicon solar cells, which was followed with the innovation of laser in 1960. These led to other innovations like laser diode during the 1970s and optical fibres much later. These innovations created facilitated revolution of the telecommunications sector during the late 20th century by facilitating the development of the internet (Sunlight Electric, 2013). However, it is in the 21st century that the photovoltaic and nanotechnology innovations have become particularly relevant, because of the heightened campaigns for climate change and environmental sustainability (Fantechi, 2011). A report by the European Commission shows that funding into photovoltaic and nanotechnology innovations research have intensified during the last decade in response to increased sensitisation for sustainability (Fantechi, 2011). 3.0 Societal impacts of photovoltaic and nanotechnology innovations Sustainability demands that the needs of the present generation are address without compromising the future generations’ ability to address their needs. Therefore, sustainability includes technology with positive environmental effects, as well as societal and economic effects. The contribution of nanotechnology innovations to sustainability can be analysed based on the Natural Step (TNS) framework, which is rooted in four “System Conditions:” reducing extraction and depletion of natural resources, reducing concentration of substances the society produces, protecting nature from being overharvested, and ensuring fair and efficient utility of natural resources globally (Kibert et al., 2008). This report explores the societal impacts of photovoltaic and nanotechnology innovations based on the TNS framework. 3.1. Reduced extraction and depletion of natural resources Photovoltaic and nanotechnology innovations ensure sustainability, as they guarantee that the nature’s functions are not subjected to greater concentration of materials subtracted from the crust of the earth (Berger, 2015). The Natural Step framework for sustainability stipulates that for a technology to be considered sustainable, it has to ensure that the functions and diversity of nature are not exposed to intensified extraction and depletion. Nanotechnology innovations ensures a sustainable society by guaranteeing that traditional human activities like burning of fossil fuels to access an energy source is reduced, and that mining of metals and minerals does not happen at a pace that contributes to their substantial increase in the ecosphere (Singh et al., 2014). The photovoltaics function on the principle that when energy is saved and carbon-dioxide emission reduced, it helps achieve sustainable energy production and consumption. In turn, green photonics technology has a potential of ensuring improved global balance of atmospheric carbon dioxide and can become largely significant during the past decades (Wessler & Tober, 2008). Despite the recent recession, the total market demand for green photonics technology is projected to 2009-2020 CAGR of ~20% averagely. Such estimations have indicated that green photonics can drive a profitable growth, as well as promote employment. Traditionally, burning of fossil fuels has increased the level of greenhouse gas emission as a result contributing to climate change (Singh et al., 2014). As an alternative source of energy, Nanotechnology innovations eliminates the thresholds based on which the ecosystem is harmfully affected by using fossil fuels and reducing global economic dependence on fossil fuels by recommending alternative clean energy sources, such as the green energy. Therefore, the problems that Nanotechnology innovations solves are those related to the use of fossil fuels, such as increasing greenhouse gas emissions, and contaminating groundwater and surface water (Berger, 2015). As an alternative source of energy, Nanotechnology innovations eliminates the thresholds based on which the ecosystem is harmfully affected by using fossil fuels and reducing global economic dependence on fossil fuels by recommending alternative clean energy sources, such as the green energy. Figure 1: Nanotechnology and energy Figure 2: Photonic energy system (Butter et al., 2011) Technically, the efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) device is hindered by the incapacity of a single bandgap absorber to efficiently convert the broad solar spectrum into electrical energy (Butter et al., 2011). The photons are able to free electrons from materials that then flow in form of electric current. With the battery cells, chemical reactions occur that ultimately shift through an external circuit (Berger, 2015). The Photons containing energy that is less than the bandgap cannot be absorbed at all. On the other hand, the photons containing energy that is relatively greater than the bandgap lose their surplus energy through a process called thermalization. In the process, nearly 40 percent of the incident power disappears at the outset (Singh et al., 2014). Wind power and solar power have no direct competition as when not stored, solar power can be utilised during the day while wind energy can be utilised during the night. Despite this, save for the great extent of available solar energy, wind energy and solar energy have significant differences. Technically, solar power has more uniform distribution compared to wind energy. Indeed, it is estimated that some 98 percent of the global population use over 3 kWh/m2 solar irradiance daily (Wessler & Tober, 2008). An additional difference is linked to the cost and dependability of wind energy systems and PV systems. In the last decade, the yearly global wind energy installation surpassed that of PV systems. Technically, the amount of Solar energy the earth surface receives each year is estimated at 89 PW (1 PW = 1015 W). On the other hand, the global energy consumption was nearly 16 TW (1 TW = 1012W), which is nearly 0.016 % of solar energy that the earth surface receives (Singh et al., 2014). Hence, the challenge entails converting the huge amounts of solar energy into electrical power at minimal cost compared to other technologies used in generating electricity. Therefore, it is possible to generate solar energy into electricity through concentration of solar power (CSP) or by use of photovoltaics. 3.2. Reduced concentration of substances the society produces The second principle of the “Natural Step” theory requires that for a technology to be considered to be sustainable, it has to ensure that the diversity and functions of nature do not expose the society to intensified concentration of substances the society produces (Kibert et al., 2008). Nanotechnology innovations fit within this principle as it ensures that the diversity and functions of nature do not expose the society to extreme concentration of substances the society produces. The nanotechnology innovations technologies ensure eco-efficient design principles that limit the need to use chemicals in production process. Currently, the photonics technologies are increasingly becoming adopted in the manufacturing sector, particularly in applying light in form of a laser, which allows for automatic handling of processes to ensure accuracy and waste reduction (Menon, 2014). Laser processing is an essential precondition for ensuring low-cost, high-volume, as well as non-contact manufacturing thin-film photovoltaic cells and wafer-based silicon. On the other hand, the laser systems combined with robotic systems enable the manufacturing of multifarious, highly efficient two- and three-dimensional device architectures. They also enable the use of very thin silicon wafers, so driving down the cost of silicon material. They also offer ideal means for fabricating high-strength yet lightweight constructions like fuel-injection nozzles, wind turbine blade, and bodies of crash-safe cars. The direct environmental advantages that come about from these kinds of designs include laser surface treatment through thin film coating, hence leading to greater product durability and prevention of chemical consumption (NanoWerk, 2012). Additionally, the vehicles designed using lightweight laser-processed materials tend to be more energy-efficient. Additionally, laser processing facilitates use of lightweight materials like titanium, aluminium, rather than the conventionally heavier metals like steel and iron yet still achieving improved strength (Wessler & Tober, 2008). The photonic sensors for monitoring and controlling are projected to play an important role in realising sustainable manufacturing. Fully integrated sensor arrays that consume low energy can offer real-time, 3-dimensional measurement of important manufacturing process parameters, as a result making it possible to monitor accurately the full production process. This has potential to make zero-loss production realisable, reduce economic risks while increasing the commercial and ecological efficiency (Fraunce, 2015). Therefore, by preventing humans from the use of chemicals in manufacturing, the technology prevents systematic generation of substances like Freon, PCBs, and DDT. When these chemicals accumulate on the surface of the earth, they contribute to significant detrimental effects on the ecosystem, leading to increased risks of cancer and depletion of the ozone layer. 3.3. Protecting nature from being overharvested The third principle of the “Natural Step” theory demands that for a technology to be considered sustainable, it has to ensure that the functions and diversity of nature do not become destroyed through overharvesting. Nanotechnology innovations have ensures that humans do not take away from the biosphere than the natural systems are capable of replenishing. It also ensures that humans avoid systematic encroachment on nature through the destruction of the habitat of other species. Consequently, nanotechnology innovations have ensured protection of biodiversity, which forms the basis for ecosystem services needed for sustaining life on the planet. The health of the society and its prosperity are contingent on the long-term capability of the natural ecosystem to renew itself (Lee et al., 2016). Organic Photovoltaics (OPV) also provide a means for eco-efficient energy harvesting under substantially low costs. They can be applied it directly in the form of thin-films in the windows or facades of buildings to generate energy without a need to interfere with the functionalities of the building elements. As nearly 40% of the global energy is used within the homes, the technology provides a means to generate energy equitably and fairly by homeowners globally. Additionally, the total energy need for powering the Internet, such as that of user-terminals, network nodes, and data centres, is estimated to be nearly 3 percent of the current energy-generation capacity. As internet penetration continues to expand globally, the demand for energy is likely to grow. This would more than double the needed overall capacity for global electricity generation. However, photonic technologies provide crucial opportunities to reduce significantly the energy demands when data is transmitted in form of light (Butter et al., 2011). In particular, one optical fibre has a capacity to carry the data that can be carried by more than 1000 copper cables. It allows data manipulation and processing within the optical domain, hence preventing inefficient optical-electronic-optical conversions and decreased power consumption (Singh et al., 2014). 3.4. Fair and efficient utility of natural resources globally The fourth principle of the “Natural Step” sustainability framework demands that for technology to be considered sustainable, it should ensure that a society is sustainable by ensuring that the natural resources are efficient and used globally to address human needs worldwide. As Kibert et al. (2008) explains, addressing the fourth framework ensures that the three initial system conditions for sustainability are not violated, as it demands that there should be efficient utility of resources and generation of waste to ensure sustainability. For instance, in a situation where more than 70 percent of the global population lacks access to fossil fuel energy to provide energy for their needs, while the remaining 25 percent have more than they need, it would imply that fairness is lacking in terms of accessing energy needs. This is the problem, which nanotechnology innovations have attempted to solve. It provides cheap energy source that can be used anywhere across the globe where there is solar. Kibert et al. (2008) observed that attaining greater fairness is crucial for ensuring social stability. Indeed, to attain this condition, nanotechnology innovations have sought to provide technical efficiency globally, as well to use fewer resources. Energy efficiency is particularly crucial for mitigating climate change effects (Menon, 2014). The nanotechnology innovations technologies ensure affordable eco-efficient products, such as solid-state lighting, which ensure than humans can globally access lighting energy fairly. The life cycle assessment for solid-state lighting showed that nanotechnology innovations are highly eco-efficient. At present, the lighting industry worldwide encounters a paradigm shift because of new lighting systems called Solid State Lighting (SSL). The SSL sources include OLEDs and LED lights, which significantly outperform the traditional light sources while saving significant levels energy, as result reducing carbon dioxide emissions, while at the same time reducing the energy bills of consumers. Globally, some 19 percent of electricity consumed is applied in lighting applications, translating to nearly 2651 TWh/year. Of the amount, around 70 percent is consumed using inefficient lamps. On the other hand, SSL is estimated to be capable of saving nearly 30 percent of the energy for lighting applications. This implies additional savings of nearly 1300 TWh and a carbon dioxide lessening of 650 million tons, proportionate to nearly 2 billion barrels of oil annually (Wessler & Tober, 2010). Therefore, nanotechnology contributes substantially to climate and environmental protection as they save raw materials, ensure energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gases emissions (See Figure 3). Figure 3: photonic effects on society 4.0 Ethical issues An ethical issue refers to an issue that raises conflict of belief or judgement from assessing a subject matter based on an ethical principle. The ethical issues associated with nanotechnology are those linked to manufacturing, and research and development, or the use of the final products (Chen, 2016). Among the products may include weapons, as nanotechnology can extend the capabilities of modern weapon, as they facilitate the manufacture of explosives, miniaturization of guns, explosives, and develop missiles. Nanotechnology also provides technological means to develop disassemblers for attacking physical structures (Khan, 2012). The disassemblers are disastrous to the environment as when they get lose, they may disassemble each molecule they meet through a process called "The Gray Goo Scenario" (Chen, 2016). Additionally, they have a potential to limit human privacy. For instance, once the nanomachines have been designed to self-replicate, there may be a problem with limiting their multiplication. This may lead to its potential harmful application, including using the technology to produce molecular-sized cameras and microphones for monitoring and tracking other people. This is likely to erode people’s privacies and freedoms (Chen, 2016). However, such ethical issues are currently managed through policies that control its application. Additional control mechanisms include adopting appropriate design guidelines. Additionally, Nanomachines should not be allowed to replicate. Additionally, the nanotechnology research and development should be limited to recognised research institutions (Chen, 2016). 5.0 Conclusion Technology is among the fundamental issues that humans must rely on to resolve the complex and persistent problems like climate change, constant depletion of fossil fuel to achieve the realisation of an independent energy source. A preferred innovative technology that fits snugly into the sustainability framework is nanotechnology. In respect to energy supply, the immediate effect of photonic technology is in the production of photovoltaic cells (PV), which are built inside the solar panels to convert light into electricity. However, it is in the 21st century that the photovoltaic and nanotechnology innovations have become particularly relevant, because of the heightened campaigns for climate change and environmental sustainability. The contribution of nanotechnology innovations to sustainability can be analysed based on the Natural Step (TNS) framework, which is rooted in four “System Conditions:” Photovoltaic and nanotechnology innovations ensure sustainability, Nanotechnology innovations ensures a sustainable society by guaranteeing that traditional human activities liked burning of fossil fuels to access an energy source is reduced, and that mining of metals and minerals does not happen at a pace that contributes to their substantial increase in the ecosphere. Nanotechnology innovations also ensure that humans do not take away from the biosphere than the natural systems are capable of replenishing. It also ensures that humans avoid systematic encroachment on nature through the destruction of the habitat of other species. The nanotechnology innovations technologies also ensure affordable eco-efficient products, such as solid-state lighting, which ensure than humans can globally access lighting energy fairly. Nanotechnology innovations ensure that the diversity and functions of nature do not expose the society to extreme concentration of substances the society produces. The nanotechnology innovations technologies ensure eco-efficient design principles that limit the need to use chemicals in production process. 6.0 References Andrews, D. (2015). Photonics, photonics technology and instrumentation. New York: John Wiley & Sons Berger, M. (2015). Nanotechnology and energy - a path to a sustainable future. Retrieved: Butter, M., Sandtke, M., McLeab, M. & Linconln, J. & Wilson, A. (2011). The Leverage effect of phonic technologies: the European Perspective. European Commission, DG Information Society, and Media under reference SMART 2009/006 Chen, A. (2016). The ethics of nanotechnology. Retrieved: Fantechi, S. (2011). Photovoltaics and nanotechnology: From innovation to industry the European photovoltaics clusters. Brussels: European Commission, Fraunce, T. (2015). Nanotechnology Toward the Sustainocene. New York: CRC Press Khan, A. (2012). Nanotechnology: Ethical and social implications. New York: CRC Press Kibert, C., Thiele, L., Peterson, A. &b Monroe, A. (2008). The ethics of sustainability. Retrieved: Lee, E., Eldada, L., Razeghi, M. & Jagadish, C. (2016). VLSI micro- and nanotechnology innovations: science, technology, and applications. New York: CRC Press Menon, R. (2014). Enhancing the efficiency of photovoltaics with photonics. Retrieved: NanoWerk. (2012). Nanotechnology and the environment - Potential benefits and sustainability effects. Retrieved: Singh, R., Alapatt, G. & Bedi, G. (2014). Why and how photovoltaics will provide cheapest electricity in the 21st century. Electronics and Energetics, 27(2), 275 - 298 Sunlight Electric. (2013). Photovoltaic technology. Retrieved: Wessler, B. & Tober, U. (2008). Green Photonics – the role of photonics in sustainable product design. Retrieved: Read More