Effect of dusty weather on the performance of the PV/Trombe wall: Experimental assessment

Abstract

The current article studies the effect of dusty weather conditions on the performance of PV/Trombe wall Photovoltaic. Two experimental models were built to study the impact of climatic changes and operating conditions on the PV/Trombe wall, one with DC fans and the other without DC fans. The operating conditions for dusty and non-dusty days were tested to show their impact on system efficiency. In the case of the model using DC fans on a clear day, the electrical and thermic efficiency of the model reached 10.2% and 17.6%, respectively. While in the case of the model without DC fans and on a clear day, the electrical and thermic efficiency of the model reached 8.4% and 40.1%, respectively. In the case of the model using DC fans on a dusty day, the electrical and thermic efficiency of the model reached 6.6% and 11.9%, respectively. While in the case of the model without DC fans and on a dusty day, the electrical and thermic efficiency of the model reached 3.5% and 34.1%, respectively. Dusty weather conditions reduce the electrical efficiency of the PV/TW system; the average daily electrical efficiency increase was 2.4% under clear weather conditions compared to dusty weather conditions. Also, the dusty weather conditions lead to an apparent decrease in the temperatures of the solar panel and air in the room. The decrease was 12% compared to a clear day.