Investigation of dust pollutants and the impact of suspended particulate matter on the performance of photovoltaic systems

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential of airborne particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) and its impact on the performance of the photovoltaic (PV) system installed in the Sargodha region, being affected by the crushing activities in the hills. More than 100 stone crushers are operating in this region. Four stations within this region are selected for taking samples during the summer and winter seasons. Glass–fiber papers are used as a collection medium for particulate matter (PM) in a high-volume sampler. The concentration of PM is found above the permissible limit at all selected sites. The chemical composition, concentration, and the formation of particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) layers on the surface of the photovoltaic module varies significantly depending on the site’s location and time. The accumulation of PM layers on the PV module surface is one of the operating environmental factors that cause significant reduction in PV system performance. Consequently, it leads to power loss, reduction of service life, and increase in module temperature. For the PV system’s performance analysis, two PV systems are installed at the site, having higher PM concentration. One system is cleaned regularly, while the other remains dusty. The data of both PV systems are measured and compared for 4 months (2 months for the summer season and 2 months for the winter season). It is found that when the level of suspended particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) increases, the energy generation of the dusty PV system (compared to the cleaned one) is reduced by 7.48% in May, 7.342% in June, 10.68% in December, and 8.03% in January. Based on the obtained results, it is recommended that the negative impact of PM on the performance of the PV system should be considered carefully during the decision-making process of setting solar energy generation targets in the regions with a high level of particulate matter.

Modeling, Simulation, and Experimental Analysis of a Photovoltaic and Biogas Hybrid Renewable Energy System for Electrification of Rural Community

“…[9,10] In this context, the appropriate utilization of renewable energy resources in rural or remote areas may be a feasible, practical, and cost-effective option for extending the existing energy distribution system. [11][12][13] Renewable energy (RE) resources such as solar (PV), geothermal wind, biomass, and hydro can serve as possible sources of alternative energy due to their inexhaustibility, accessibility onsite, cost-free nature, and environmental friendliness, especially for local energy generation in isolated rural locations. After the rising oil crisis, there has been increasing interest in their utilization.…”

“…[ 9,10 ] In this context, the appropriate utilization of renewable energy resources in rural or remote areas may be a feasible, practical, and cost‐effective option for extending the existing energy distribution system. [ 11–13 ]…”

“…Size of Digester Tank ðm 3 Þ ¼ Material feed in digester tank=day ðm 3 =dayÞ Â Material Retention Time in Digester ðdayÞ(11) …”

Technical modelling of solar photovoltaic water pumping system and evaluation of system performance and their socio-economic impact

“…The performance of photovoltaic array is dependent on ambient temperature, intensity of solar irradiation, and the surface temperatures on the both sides (bottom and top) of modules [ 38 ]. These factors fluctuate throughout the year for a particular region depending on the season [ 39 ].…”

Deposition Characteristics of Aerosol Particles on the Surface of PV Modules: Numerical Study

“…[26] Tamoor et al studied the influence of particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) in the air on the power generation performance of photovoltaic systems in the Sargodha area, which found that the deposition of aerosol particles causes the output power of PV modules to decrease in all months compared with clean photovoltaic modules. [27] Song et al showed that air pollutants and pollutants attached to the surface of PV modules could significantly reduce the power generation efficiency of PV modules. [28] Some researchers discussed the influencing factors of n, and the influence law or level of different influencing factors on n was analyzed.…”