Manufacturing Cost Analysis Research Articles

Assessing passive thermosyphon solar water heater as low-cost, sustainable water disinfection technology: Leveraging the Germicidal effect of copper and thermal convection loops

This study investigated the passive thermosyphon solar water heater (TSWH) as a domestic size point-of-use water disinfection treatment system for inactivating bacteria by utilizing both the germicidal properties of copper in heat exchanger and the heat generated in thermal convection loops. Additionally, life cycle analysis and manufacturing cost analysis were conducted to reveal its environmental and economic benefits. Initially, the germicidal capacity of copper tube against E. coli and total coliform in rapidly flowing polluted water was tested in laboratory settings with contact times ranging from 1.5 to 94 min. Without any additional heat, the copper tubes achieved 99.9% (log 3.01) removal of E. coli, and 99.24% (log 2.12) removal of total coliform after 94 min of contact. In the presence of heat (50–80 ºC), complete removal of the bacteria was achieved after only 1.5 mins of contact time at 50ºC. A domestic-sized passive TSWH with a copper tube heat exchanger was evaluated for disinfecting 20 L/day of microbiologically polluted tap water and synthetic groundwater in a field study. The average contact time of polluted water in copper tube heat exchanger was 5.58±1.2 min in the morning (with an outlet water temperature of 87.3 ºC), and 11.83±1.41 min in the afternoon (with an outlet water temperature of 78±5.1 ºC). These contact times and temperatures, achieved throughout the year, were sufficient to meet the required minimum for complete bacterial removal in the synthetic groundwater. Importantly, the system achieved complete inactivation of pathogens at pasteurization temperatures below 75 ºC, relying solely on the combined effect of copper and thermal convection loops, without pumps or electricity. Compared to an active TSWH using circulating pumps and controls, the passive system generated 62.2% less green house gas, had 55.5% lower cumulative energy demand and cost 323.3 $ compared to 544.64 $. Highlighting significant economic and environmental benefits, the passive TSWH offers a promising solution for disinfecting water in low-income areas with limited access to safe water.

Towards an Optimal Motor Mounting Bracket Using Topology Optimization Combined with Sustainability and Manufacturing Cost Analysis

The engine is the most important component of a vehicle. It attaches to the main frame via the engine mounting bracket which supports weight and operating loads. The engine mount therefore plays a crucial role in the durability and comfort of the vehicle. This article contributes to the search for the most optimal model from the point of view of resistance, environmental impact, and manufacturing cost. This involves, on the one hand, optimizing the support by reducing its initial mass by 30%, and on the other hand, seeking suitable material and manufacturing process with the least environmental impact. To this end, topology optimization will be combined with an environmental assessment and a manufacturing cost analysis. Four materials will be tested and evaluated. Finally, a cost analysis will present a comparison between a conventional process and 3D printing.

Solar Cell Manufacturing Cost Analysis and its Impact to Solar Power Electricity Price in Indonesia

World energy consumption continues to increase, with a growth of 1,3% annually during 2011 - 2021. To deal with that situation, in 2021, Indonesia Electrity Stated-Own Company (PLN) issued a report about the electricity supply business plan (RUPTL) 2021-2030. The power plant projected to grow is solar photovoltaic (PV), reaching 4,6 GW within ten years. However, in reality, the achievement of developing solar power plants is still 0,02 GW. Several factors that caused low realization are the solar power plant component industry needs to be better developed, and the regulated electricity price based on Presidential Decree 112/2022 needs to be increased. This study aims to determine the cost structure of solar module manufacturing and the impact on electricity prices. The calculation method used is financial modeling with economic parameters such as Internal Rate of Return (IRR), payback period, and Net Present Value (NPV) as parameters for project feasibility. The results of this study show that the economic price of solar power plants in Indonesia is USD 0,149/kWh. Meanwhile, based on a sensitivity analysis using electricity prices based on Presidential Decree, reducing solar module costs up to 50% still does not make the project feasible.

Collaborative Modelling and Simulation for Manufacturing Cost Analysis

Collaborative Modelling and Simulation for Manufacturing Cost Analysis

Stochastic Generation of Electrolyzer Catalyst Layers

Developing clean energy technologies, such as polymer electrolyte membrane electrolysis (PEMWE), is essential to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change. However, one persistent barrier to PEMWE uptake is high catalyst costs, which can account for up to 47% of total stack costs [1]. This makes the catalyst a key target for cost savings via material optimization, as the mechanisms linking structure, mass transport, and charge transport remain relatively ambiguous in the literature [2], [3]. Previous studies have explored stochastic material generation and pore network modelling in the porous transport layer (PTL), but such analysis has yet to be performed for the bulk catalyst layer [4].In this study, we introduced a method for replicating the complex pore structure observed in commercially available catalyst materials using stochastic generation techniques. This method creates catalyst structures by using a desired pore size distribution (PSD) as an input, identifying and generating the macro- and microporous regions of the PSD, and then combining the two regions using a custom divider. Statistical analysis (two sample t-test and two sample K-S test) was used to determine the similarity of generated structures to previously imaged commercial catalyst materials. Moreover, pore network modelling techniques were applied to the generated structures to evaluate electrical and mass transport properties. Through these methods, we show that both transport properties and PSD characteristics of generated materials were within experimentally measured ranges, and altering elements of the PSD can result in order of magnitude changes in electrical conductivity, proton conductivity, and through plane permeability.The methodology presented in this work can be used to evaluate transport properties of various catalyst and catalyst-layer designs with novel pore size distributions. The local transport properties obtained can provide estimates for catalyst properties seldom reported in the literature, facilitating the design and informing the fabrication of next generation, ultra low loading catalyst materials.[1] A. Mayyas, M. Ruth, et al., Manufacturing Cost Analysis for Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolyzers, United States (2019).[2] Z. Taie, X. Peng, et al., ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces, 12, 47, 52701–52712 (2020).[3] J. Lopata, Z. Kang, et al., J. Electrochem. Soc., 167. 064507 (2020).[4] J. K. Lee, C. H. Lee, and A. Bazylak, J. Power Sources, 437, 226910 (2019).

Breakthroughs in Perovskite Solar Cells: Advancing Efficiency and Stability for Next-Generation Photovoltaics

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have emerged as a revolutionary technology in photovoltaics, demonstrating rapid progress and potential for transforming solar energy generation. This paper delves into the latest breakthroughs in PSCs, focusing on enhancing efficiency and stability for next-generation photovoltaics. We trace the evolution of PSCs from their inception in 2009, where initial power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) were 3.8%, to recent advancements surpassing 25%. Key advantages of PSCs, such as low-temperature solution-based fabrication and the potential for flexible, lightweight solar panels, are discussed. Our research is structured around five main objectives: first, investigating advances in perovskite materials, particularly mixed cations and anions that enhance efficiency and stability. Second, exploring strategies to boost efficiency through advanced light management, optimized charge transport layers, and improved interface engineering. Third, addressing stability by developing robust encapsulation techniques and moisture-resistant materials, alongside optimizing thermal and photostability. Fourth, assessing innovative device architectures like tandem solar cells and flexible, lightweight designs for diverse applications. Fifth, examining the scalability of PSC production, including manufacturing challenges, cost analysis, and market potential. By addressing these objectives, the paper provides a comprehensive overview of current PSC technology and identifies key areas for future development, aiming to advance PSCs as a viable, sustainable solution for global energy needs.

(Invited) Ir Strangelove: Or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Embrace the PEM

There are extremely ambitious plans for rapid growth in hydrogen generation from renewables. PEM (polymer electrolyte membrane) electrolysis is particularly well suited to work with these intrinsically intermittent power sources due to their ability to duty cycle on the seconds timescale. An oft-sited liability of PEM is their reliance on precious group metal, PGM materials, specifically the use of Iridium for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Iridium is the rarest natural element on earth, with global production a scant 10 tons/year[1]. Speculation on increased demand has led to a recent price surge as well (Figure 1). Current Ir usage is estimated around 400 g Ir/MW of electrolysis[2]. This would put a cap of 25 GW/year of PEM electrolysis, assuming 100% of production was steered towards electrolysis, away from current uses, which include crucibles, chlor-alkali catalyst and spark plugs.These perceived challenges have motivated a healthy increase in alkaline exchange membrane (AEM) electrolysis, which can operate without the use of PGMs. AEMs have yet to demonstrate suitable durability, and have other system implications. The iridium availability cap can be greatly increased, however, by lowering Ir loadings on an areal basis and increasing current density. Furthermore, platinum which is far more prevalent can be used as a substitute, however at the cost of efficiency. This talk will look at how much iridium is needed, the likelihood of increased production, the cost iridium in PEM electrolysis, the use of substitutes, either membrane or catalyst systems to determine if the total addressable market for hydrogen electrolysis can be met by PEM. [1] M. Garside Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/585840/demand-for-iridium-worldwide/ [2] Ahmad Mayyas, Mark Ruth, Bryan Pivovar, Guido Bender, and Keith Wipke, Manufacturing Cost Analysis for Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolyzers . NREL, Aug, 2019. https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy19osti/72740.pdf Figure 1

Comparison of Anode-Catalyst-Layer Coating Methods for Low-Temperature Electrolysis

Iridium oxide (IrO2) anode catalyst layers are prepared by liquid film coating a dispersion of the IrO2 catalyst and ionomer onto a substrate. In many research studies these catalyst layers are prepared by ultrasonic spray coating or hand-painting. However, for gigawatt-scale deployment of electrolyzers which is required to enable a hydrogen economy, the catalyst layers will likely need to be produced using higher-throughput continuous roll-to-roll (R2R) coating methods that are capable of coating speeds of square meters per minute (if not per second). Many of the cost estimates for electrolyzer production at scale assume the use of R2R coating methods,1 however it is yet to be proven that these methodologies are capable of producing low-loading catalyst layers with similar performance and durability to those produced with lab-scale coating methods. In this study we have compared various lab-scale and R2R-coating methods to determine their impact on catalyst layer morphology and performance. Ultrasonic spray coating is used as the baseline coating method. Mayer rod and blade coating, which represent scalable coating methods with ink formulations and coating and drying physics similar to R2R coating, are used to prepare small-scale coatings. In addition, direct gravure coating is used as another R2R coating method. Device testing of membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) fabricated using catalyst layers prepared from the different coating methodologies show that using blade coating and R2R-gravure coating produce catalyst layers with the same performance as ultrasonic spray coating while increasing production rate by orders of magnitude. Interestingly, the catalyst layers produced using scalable coating methods show better kinetic performance than spray coated layers. These results show that R2R-coating methods are likely viable for large-scale manufacturing of electrolyzers.This work was authored by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, operated by Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC, for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) under Contract No. DE-AC36-08GO28308. Funding provided by U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office. The views expressed in the article do not necessarily represent the views of the DOE or the U.S. Government. The U.S. Government retains and the publisher, by accepting the article for publication, acknowledges that the U.S. Government retains a nonexclusive, paid-up, irrevocable, worldwide license to publish or reproduce the published form of this work, or allow others to do so, for U.S. Government purposes.References(1) Mayyas, A. T.; Ruth, M. F.; Pivovar, B. S.; Bender, G.; Wipke, K. B. Manufacturing Cost Analysis for Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolyzers; NREL/TP-6A20-72740; National Renewable Energy Lab. (NREL), Golden, CO (United States), 2019. https://doi.org/10.2172/1557965. Figure 1

The Potential Use of Raw Iron Ore in Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis

Fischer-Tropsch (FT) synthesis has been studied in the literature as a greener pathway to cleaner and sustainable hydrocarbons production. However, the cost to upscale laboratory FT formulations to pilot scale is significantly expensive. This work proposes a cheaper and scalable low-temperature FT modified iron ore catalyst that is mechanically suited for fixed bed reactors. The mechanical strength reported in this investigation was three times more than commercial alumina spherical pellets and, therefore, suitable for pilot scale scenarios. A manufacturing cost analysis of iron ore was estimated to be US$38.45/kg using the CatCost model, and the conventionally prepared iron catalyst was US$71.44/kg using the same model. The manufacturing cost estimations of modified iron ore were found to be 46% cheaper than a conventional commercial iron catalyst. The catalytic performance of the modified iron ore catalyst showed a CO conversion of 72.1% ±4.24, with WGS and C5+ selectivity 48.6% ±1.96 and 83.2% ± 5.24, respectively. These findings were comparable (both in CO conversion and product selectivity) to the ones reported by other researchers.

Enabling the use of seawater for hydrogen gas production in water electrolyzers

Hydrogen gas will play an increasingly critical role in developing a carbon-neutral energy infrastructure, but it will need to be produced by water splitting using renewable electricity sources. A recent study by Veroneau and Nocera in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) suggests an electrolyzer that produces desalinated water from abundant seawater by using forward osmosis.

ACCOUNTING OF INDIRECT MANUFACTURING COST BASED ON ACTIVITY-BASED COSTING (ABC) AND ANALYSIS OF THEIR EFFECTS ON PRICING

The current article covers the application of indirect manufacturing costs according to the cost system on the basis of activities and their effect on pricing. The system considers costs based on activities from modern cost accounting systems that work to achieve a distinguished level of accuracy in determining indirect manufacturing costs through its focus, it also provides new control methods that contribute to preserving the indirect costs in the organization and rationalizing its uses, and how it affects the pricing of products. The importance of this research lays in from the fact that it is looking to clarify indirect manufacturing costs and how to allocate them and to study the costing system on the basis of activities, which aims to allocate indirect costs to products more accurately, especially with the increase in the total of indirect costs as a result of technological development and assistance to management in improving the pricing process.

Cost and Economic Analysis of a Polymer Sealed Planar Na-NiCl2 Battery for ESS

In order to commercialize the battery-based ESS, it is necessary to consider not only the technical characteristics of stability and long life, but also the economic characteristics of manufacturing cost. This study aims to analyze the manufacturing cost of a polymer sealed planar Na-NiCl2 battery that is currently being researched and developed for safe, long life and untra low cost energy storage and to predict economic efficiency.Manufacturing cost analysis was calculated by dividing a number of technically feasible alternatives for each layer of cells, modules, packages, and applications into fixed, variable, and indirect costs. The economic feasibility analysis calculated the cost-benefit ratio by comparing the cost of the next 10 years and the purchase price and purchase plan of the ESS consumer derived from the manufacturing cost analysis. Data required for manufacturing cost analysis and economic analysis include public data such as power consumption patterns and weather data, as well as internal data from research and development institutions such as material and processing costs, as well as external data from suppliers, consumers and competitors. This study obtained relevant data by intensively interviewing the research and development personnel of Na-NiCl2 battery and the stakeholders located in the supply chain of this battery, and utilized secondary data already processed and published, such as the London Metal Exchange and the Statistics Korea.As a result of analysis, we found that the proposed ESS based on a polymer sealed planar Na-NiCl2 battery has a comparative advantage economically compared to the competitive LiB-based ESS and ZEBRA ESS. Looking at the results of this study, we expect to be able to commercialize safe, long life and untra low cost energy storage in the near future.

Diseño y selección de cuchillas para el proceso de trituración de neumáticos y análisis de costos de fabricación

Para la reutilización de los neumáticos de vehículos, se presenta un proceso llamado trituración, el cual permite reciclar y aprovechar los distintos materiales para uso de diversas aplicaciones industriales. El diseño básico del sistema de trituración de neumáticos mediante cuchillas eficientes fue considerado como alternativa de solución a la problemática de varios sectores empresariales, que aún no han reutilizado el material. El objetivo de la investigación persigue el diseño y selección de cuchillas para el proceso de trituración de neumáticos y análisis de costos de fabricación. Por consiguiente, se analizaron propiedades mecánicas típicas del caucho en el proceso de corte, y fueron comparadas las alternativas económicas de cuchillas para el establecimiento de un proceso adecuado de trituración de neumáticos. Cada una de las alternativas comparadas difiere en características mecánicas y naturaleza del material muy difundidos en el medio local como el caso de ASTM- A36, SAE -1045, y SAE- S1, siendo el primer material el más económico y recomendado, siempre y cuando se utilice la alternativa de diseño según el modelo de flancos curvos, con deformación máxima en promedio de 0.0202mm. Se concluye con un costo de fabricación bajo independientemente que varíe el diseño de la cuchilla, en todo caso se debe realizar tratamiento térmico. El sistema de trituración fue dimensionado de tal manera que se traten neumáticos desalambrados, típicos en vehículos pequeños, por ser muy numerosos ya que existen menos casos de reencauche. La investigación se convierte en una alternativa sustentable y factible para la industria mediana y pequeña que tiene a bien ofertar productos a base de material reciclado como el caucho.

Economically Sustainable Growth of Perovskite Photovoltaics Manufacturing

Summary The significant capital expense of photovoltaics manufacturing has made it difficult for new cell and module technologies to enter the market. We present two technoeconomic models that analyze the sustainable growth of perovskite manufacturing for an R2R single-junction technology and a perovskite-silicon tandem module, focusing on the impacts of economies of scale and average selling price on profitability. We establish a cost range of $3.30/W to $0.53/W for flexible modules manufactured in factory sizes ranging from 0.3 MW/year to 1 GW/year. In addition, we model the cost to manufacture a tandem module consisting of a single-junction perovskite cell stacked in 4-terminal configuration onto a silicon cell and show how an existing manufacturer can grow at a faster rate by co-investing in tandems. Our analyses highlight potential routes to market for perovskite photovoltaics and the possibility to sustainably grow a photovoltaics manufacturing company even in markets with higher labor rates.

A Theoretical Study on the Economic Feasibility of Proton Exchange Membrane Electrolysis Cells for Nitrogen Fixation

The Haber-Bosch process for the thermochemical synthesis of ammonia transformed the fertilizer industry by allowing for ammonia production in industrial scales. Since its invention in the early 1900s, the process has enabled the continuous expansion of the global population. The process operates at high temperatures (700 K) and pressures (100 bar) and takes advantage of economies of scale to produce around 150 million tons of ammonia per year at an efficiency of up to 70%. However, the operating conditions and the massive scale of the process lead to high levels of energy consumption and elevated fertilizer prices due to additional transportation costs from the highly centralized production facilities to the decentralized locations of use. In addition, the process relies on methane reforming as a hydrogen source, making ammonia the commodity chemical with the most significant carbon footprint. One possible strategy to overcome the shortcomings of the Haber-Bosch process is the decentralized production of ammonia-based fertilizers by a proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis plant. Electrochemical ammonia synthesis by a PEM electrolysis cell offers renewable and clean production of ammonia and, consequently, has attracted interest in the scientific community. This technology would be coupled with renewable energy sources to harness nitrogen and water from the air to produce fertilizers near the location of use. This proves advantageous for the agricultural industry because the inexpensive feedstock materials and reduced transportation costs may improve access to fertilizers in the developing regions. However, the efficiencies reported for this technology are still too low to be competitive with the Haber-Bosch process. A detailed theoretical study on the economic feasibility of PEM electrolysis cells for nitrogen fixation is nonexistent, which hinders the development of this technology. A detailed economic analysis is valuable to determine the cost of the technology and the efficiency levels that have to be achieved before the technology is competitive. This work presents a comprehensive economic analysis to investigate the efficiency threshold that would make the technology viable. First, a thermodynamic energy analysis is used to investigate the thermodynamic characteristics of an ammonia production facility while also incorporating the electrochemical characteristics of a PEM electrolysis cell. The model developed is coupled with experimental data to determine the system losses, energy inputs, and the system required size. The system losses and energy inputs are then used to calculate the systems energy and operation costs. Then, a detailed manufacturing cost analysis is used to determine the system capital cost. The model serves to define the optimal manufacturing process to reduce cost. Finally, a life cycle analysis is performed to calculate the systems social and environmental costs. The system performance gathered from the thermodynamic, manufacturing, and life cycle analyses are compared to the current ammonia fertilizer method (Haber-Bosch process) to determine the technology competitive advantage. This work offers a better understanding of the current state of the use of PEM electrolysis cells for ammonia production. In addition, this work highlights the systems threshold values that have to be achieved to provide a competitive advantage of the Haber-Bosch process.

General provisions of industrial enterprise manufacturing cost analysis

In the course of the research, the works of domestic and foreign scientists related to the analysis of production costs were considered. The analysis of scientific works showed that in the scientific literature the question of formation of production cost and its analysis is considered in part. The task of analyzing production costs in the context of the strategy of the enterprise has been substantiated. It is established that in addition to the sectoral features that are decisive in the organization of production cost analysis, changes that occur in the production system at different levels in the future should also be taken into account. It is determined that the analysis of the structure of production costs is an important step that influences the choice of the method of allocation of indirect costs of production. Given the changes in production technology in modern conditions, labor costs may reflect a small fraction of the total cost, thus casting doubt on allocation methods that use wage-based criteria. In order to improve cost analysis, information support was investigated, which is the basis for obtaining qualitative and reliable results of analytical procedures. It is established that the reliability of the results of the cost analysis depends on the sources on which it is made. Investigating the approaches of scientists to forming the basics of enterprise cost analysis, the needs and requests of users of information internal and external environment, which influence the choice of methodology of production cost analysis, were determined. The conducted research regarding the identification of stakeholder requests has made it possible to substantiate the importance of the organizational and analytical process, which is formed under the influence of factors of the external and internal environment. This made it possible to build an information and organizational structure of the cost analysis of the enterprise of the machine-building industry, which outlined the influence of external and internal factors on the cost analysis and formed information support through the creation of a documentary and methodological basis of analytical procedures. The results of the research contribute to the receipt of operational analytical information under the influence of external and internal factors of analysis of the activity of industrial enterprises.

A manufacturing cost analysis framework to evaluate machining and fused filament fabrication additive manufacturing approaches

The goal of this research is to develop a costing framework and explore opportunities for fabricating components using additive manufacturing (AM) and machining approaches. The examples target plastic machining, and the fused deposition modeling AM process, but the general model structure is applicable for other AM processes as process knowledge is developed. The question “when is machining more cost-effective than AM” has not been comprehensively addressed. The purpose of this work is to develop a costing framework to provide insight on whether to use machining or AM. An estimation model which considers the process planning, setup, and fabrication time-cost elements is developed in a structured manner. This is challenging due to the machining process planning complexity, the decision-making, and the skill set required, especially for complex surface finish machining. This framework can be readily adapted to suit specific environments. The estimation time models are linked to a cost model, and comparisons are drawn, based on the form complexity and manufacturing quantity. An effective combination of AM and machining technologies could bring about a new hybrid manufacturing approach that meets the requirements of the next generation of production systems, especially for short-run production. A cost-benefit analysis is performed to illustrate solution approaches for designing additive, subtractive, or hybrid operation sets for a variety of components to highlight the merits of the presented approach. Exploring a larger solution space of processing options and their processing time and costs will allow designers to generate more cost-competitive solutions.

Repatriation or Reshoring of Manufacturing to the U.S. and UK: Dynamics and Global Production Networks or from Here to There and Back Again

AbstractThere are three contrasting approaches to understanding the geography of production. The first approach emphasizes the importance of local agglomerations, the second intrafirm mechanisms, while the third highlights global relationships or global production networks (GPN) or global value chains. These explanations are partial, but complementary. This paper explores the restructuring of global production with a focus on the reshoring or repatriation of manufacturing production to the U.S. and UK. Our intention is to identify the drivers behind reshoring as the first stage toward developing a dynamic conceptual framework for understanding the global organization of production. Reshoring needs to be conceptualized by drawing on and combining approaches developed in GPN with micro‐approaches to understanding firms including the development of a geography of production tasks. The study is based on a theoretical mapping to inform an empirical analysis of reshoring in both countries to identify and conceptualize the quantitative and qualitative causal drivers behind this process. The evidence suggests that reshoring is sector‐dependent and is mainly driven by manufacturers’ cost‐management and quality strategies combined with the importance of manufacturing products close to market. This involves a “total manufacturing cost analysis” in which access to a set of tangible and intangible inputs are key drivers behind dynamics of GPN.

III‐Vs at scale: a PV manufacturing cost analysis of the thin film vapor–liquid–solid growth mode

AbstractThe authors present a manufacturing cost analysis for producing thin‐film indium phosphide modules by combining a novel thin‐film vapor–liquid–solid (TF‐VLS) growth process with a standard monolithic module platform. The example cell structure is ITO/n‐TiO2/p‐InP/Mo. For a benchmark scenario of 12% efficient modules, the module cost is estimated to be $0.66/W(DC) and the module cost is calculated to be around $0.36/W(DC) at a long‐term potential efficiency of 24%. The manufacturing cost for the TF‐VLS growth portion is estimated to be ~$23/m2, a significant reduction compared with traditional metalorganic chemical vapor deposition. The analysis here suggests the TF‐VLS growth mode could enable lower‐cost, high‐efficiency III‐V photovoltaics compared with manufacturing methods used today and open up possibilities for other optoelectronic applications as well. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Approaches to manufacturing cost calculation

The paper discusses modern approaches to cost management through manufacturing cost analysis. The example is given to prove the convenience of cost report application. SWOT-analysis of implementation cost report is provided.