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Synthetic clay as an alternative backing material for passive temperature control of photovoltaic cells

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  • Alami, Abdul Hai

Abstract

This paper evaluates the operational advantages of using a backing material for photovoltaic modules different than the industry-standard Tedlar. Synthetic clay, composed mostly of gypsum, is investigated to be part of cells backing and has been found to provide passive cooling properties, successfully reducing the operating temperatures of tested cells from 28 °C to 10 °C. The XRD (X-Ray diffraction) and SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) microstructural examination, as well as porosity tests have revealed the random pore distribution of the clay and their volumetric stability at high operating temperatures, which is essential in enhancing evaporation. The characterization of IV performance of bare cells compared with ones backed by clay and aluminum revealed the structural and thermal advantages of using clay, while Nyquist plots revealed the independence of cell impedance from the mist of cooling water provided to clay medium, adding an extra 34.6% of power output when the former is compared to reference cells.

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  • Alami, Abdul Hai, 2016. "Synthetic clay as an alternative backing material for passive temperature control of photovoltaic cells," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 108(C), pages 195-200.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:108:y:2016:i:c:p:195-200
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2015.05.029
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Abdollahi, Nasrin & Rahimi, Masoud, 2020. "Potential of water natural circulation coupled with nano-enhanced PCM for PV module cooling," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 147(P1), pages 302-309.
    2. Alami, Abdul Hai & Aokal, Kamilia & Faraj, Mohammed, 2020. "Investigating nickel foam as photoanode substrate for potential dye-sensitized solar cells applications," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 211(C).

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