Abstract
Solar energy is mostly harnessed in arid areas where a high concentration of atmospheric dust represents a major environmental degradation factor. Gravitationally settled particles and other solid particles on the surface of the photovoltaic panels or thermal collectors greatly reduce the absorbed solar energy. Therefore, frequent cleaning schedules are required, consuming high quantities of water in regions where water precipitation is rare. The efficiency of this cleaning maintenance is greatly improved when methods to estimate the degree of cleanness are introduced. This work focuses on the need for better detecting the degradation created by dust deposition, considering experimental data based on different air pollutants, and analyzing the resulting thermal and visible signatures under different operating environments. Experiments are performed using six different types of pollutants applied to the surface of parabolic trough collectors while varying the pollutant density. The resulting reflectivity in the visible and infrared spectrum is calculated and compared. Results indicate that the pollutants can be distinguished, although the reflectivity greatly depends on the combination of the particle size of the pollutant and the applied amount, with greater impact from pollutants with small particles.
Highlights
In recent decades, the harvest of solar energy based on photovoltaic and photothermal systems has experienced exponential growth [1]
This work focuses on the need for better detecting the degradation created by dust deposition, considering experimental data based on different air pollutants, and analyzing the resulting thermal and visible signatures under different operating environments
A major environmental degradation factor in photovoltaic panels and solar thermal collectors is the concentration of atmospheric dust [4,5,6]
Summary
The harvest of solar energy based on photovoltaic and photothermal systems has experienced exponential growth [1]. Solar energy contributes to sustainable development, as it is an essentially inexhaustible energy resource that is clean and inexpensive [2] In these conditions, the process of harnessing solar thermal energy to generate thermal or electrical energy is evolving very quickly; it is becoming a highly competitive field in which better quality and more efficiency are in constant demand [3]. In the case of photovoltaic panels, the accumulation of dust due to gravitational settling and the presence of other solid particles on the surface greatly increases the reflection, which contributes to a considerable reduction of absorbed solar energy. This leads to a remarkable energy generation reduction, and important negative economic impacts. Photovoltaic panels with dirt, dust or bird droppings can significantly
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
