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

Author

Listed:
  • Emran Aljdaeh

    (Mechanical Engineering Department, The University of Jordan, Amman 11194, Jordan)

  • Innocent Kamwa

    (Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1VA06, Canada)

  • Waleed Hammad

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Hashemite University, Zarqa 13115, Jordan)

  • Mohammed I. Abuashour

    (Electrical Engineering Department, Hashemite University, Zarqa 13115, Jordan)

  • Tha’er Sweidan

    (Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Higher Colleges of Technology, Sharjah 7947, United Arab Emirates)

  • Haris M. Khalid

    (Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Higher Colleges of Technology, Sharjah 7947, United Arab Emirates)

  • S. M. Muyeen

    (Department of Electrical Engineering, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar)

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 (SiO 2 )-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 SiO 2 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.

Suggested Citation

  • Emran Aljdaeh & Innocent Kamwa & Waleed Hammad & Mohammed I. Abuashour & Tha’er Sweidan & Haris M. Khalid & S. M. Muyeen, 2021. "Performance Enhancement of Self-Cleaning Hydrophobic Nanocoated Photovoltaic Panels in a Dusty Environment," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(20), pages 1-18, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:14:y:2021:i:20:p:6800-:d:659187
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Zhong, Hong & Hu, Yan & Wang, Yuanhao & Yang, Hongxing, 2017. "TiO2/silane coupling agent composed of two layers structure: A super-hydrophilic self-cleaning coating applied in PV panels," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 204(C), pages 932-938.
    2. Costa, Suellen C.S. & Diniz, Antonia Sonia A.C. & Kazmerski, Lawrence L., 2018. "Solar energy dust and soiling R&D progress: Literature review update for 2016," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 82(P3), pages 2504-2536.
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    Cited by:

    1. Haneen Abuzaid & Mahmoud Awad & Abdulrahim Shamayleh, 2024. "Photovoltaic Modules’ Cleaning Method Selection for the MENA Region," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(21), pages 1-23, October.
    2. Kuno, Amanuel Kachiko & Begna, Nafbek & Mebratu, Fisaha, 2023. "A feasibility analysis of PV-based off-grid rural electrification for a pastoral settlement in Ethiopia," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 282(C).
    3. S. Rehman & M. A. Mohandes & A. E. Hussein & L. M. Alhems & A. Al-Shaikhi, 2022. "Cleaning of Photovoltaic Panels Utilizing the Downward Thrust of a Drone," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(21), pages 1-14, November.

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