Performance Enhancement of Self-Cleaning Hydrophobic Nanocoated Photovoltaic Panels in a Dusty Environment

Abstract

The efficiency of a photovoltaic (PV) panels drops significantly in dusty environments. The variation in temperature could have a substantial impact on PV panel cells, which could further lead to high deterioration and eventually permanent damage to the PV material in the presence of dust. To resolve this issue, in this work a novel hydrophobic silicon dioxide (SiO2)-based nanoparticle coating is proposed for the PV panel, to shrink the surface stress developed between the water and the coated facet. Two identical PV modules were installed to conduct comparable experimental tests simultaneously. The first module is coated by the SiO2 nanoparticles, and the second is uncoated and used as a reference. To maintain coherency, the experiments are done in the same environmental conditions, cleaning the PV modules at regular intervals. Results reveal that the accumulated energy generated during this period of study was comprehensively enhanced. Moreover, the self-cleaning property of the hydrophobic surface of the coated panel allowed water droplets to slide smoothly down the PV module surface, carrying dust particles. Useful recommendations are made at the end to enhance the performance of PV panels in dusty environments.

Enhance the performance of photovoltaic solar panels by a self-cleaning and hydrophobic nanocoating

“…The efficiency of the nanocoated panel was higher than the reference panel by 30.7%. It is found and concluded that the nanocoated panel has greater output power and efficiency compared to the reference panel and the previous studies 13…”

“…The average electrical efficiency of the coated module is approximately 13.79%, while that of the uncoated module is approximately 13.29%. It was discovered and concluded that coated panels generate 13% more output power even when the surface is not cleaned on a regular basis 13 .…”

“…monitor the performance after nanocoating in harsh outdoor conditions, represented by the high temperature and dust content during the harvest and summer season in an agricultural environment. Applying nanocoating to the solar panel by spraying with a compressor, which is the method that can be used commercially on a large area of the panels, unlike previous studies that applied nanocoating using a piece of cloth, or by dip coating 13 . Making a comparison between the prepared nanocoating, the commercial nanocoating, and the reference uncoated panel, which showed the good properties and high efficiency of the prepared nanocoating.…”

Cleaning of Photovoltaic Panels Utilizing the Downward Thrust of a Drone

“…These factors reduce PV panel production and thu kept below specific levels [6,7]. Considering the adverse effect of dust accumu PV panels, there have been significant efforts to discover ways and means to clea panels without ruining their surface [8][9][10].…”

Comparative Study of Anti-Sticking Properties of Coatings for Tire Molds

“…There are many studies on anti-sticking surfaces, but many of them focus on the control of surface wettability [4,5]. Micro-and/or nano-surface textures have been obtained to form superhydrophobic surfaces with self-cleaning [6] or anti-icing [7] properties. These surfaces are usually exposed to the atmosphere and are viable at normal temperature and pressure.…”