Dirt Accumulation Research Articles

Noise reducing elements filled with laminated safety glass (LSG) for use along railway lines

The main purpose of noise barriers is to shield the environment from unwanted sound. Along railway lines, noise barriers must also meet strict requirements for structural integrity, usability and fatigue safety. Furthermore, noise barriers should satisfy aesthetic criteria. Transparent noise barriers have less impact on the environment and are more widely accepted by the public. In Germany, PMMA (acrylic glass) is currently the only transparent material approved for railway noise reducing elements. Laminated safety glass (LSG) could be a viable alternative due to its high rigidity and transparency, comparatively low dirt accumulation and high chemical and physical resistance. However, it still needs to be demonstrated that LSG meets the strict requirements for use along railway lines. LSG is a type of laminated glass that has a splitter-binding intermediate layer of plastics. The multi-layered structure presents challenges regarding the proof of usability. MFPA Leipzig GmbH was commissioned by the German Centre for Rail Traffic Research at the Federal Railway Authority to develop and evaluate possible methods to prove the usability of LSG for noise barriers along railway lines. The paper presents the structure of the project, the main findings until now and the open challenges to be addressed.

Inhibition characteristics of pollution accumulation in high-voltage direct current conductors with XLPE and PVC film

Abstract The inhibition of pollution accumulation on the ground equipment by cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) as coating materials was investigated, and the effects of discharge voltage, power supply polarity, and the material properties of ground equipment on the characteristics of dirt accumulation were discussed. When the voltage was greater than 40 kV, the pollution accumulation of the sampling plate of the PVC-coated conductor was higher than that of the XLPE-coated conductor. Whether it was PVC or XLPE coated wire, the amount of pollution accumulation under negative polarity power was greater than that under positive polarity power. When the ground equipment was made of aluminum sheets, the amount of pollution accumulated was greater than that of the PTFE. As the film thickness increased, the amount of pollution on the aluminum fouling film decreased continuously.

Bio-inspired surface structures promote optical transmittance and hydrophobicity in cellulose-based films for self-cleaning perovskite solar cells

Developing suitable light management layers can improve the lifetime and efficiency of solar cells and other optoelectronics. Here, a bioinspired approach to produce all-biobased films with high anisotropic light scattering and superhydrophobicity is presented as a route toward sustainable light management layers for photovoltaics. The multifunctional films are achieved by replicating leek leaves onto cellulose acetate, producing hierarchical surface structures. The free-standing films show a transmittance of ≈94% and a haze of ≈54% at the wavelength of 550 nm. Moreover, anisotropic advancing contact angles of up to 160° and 156° in cross directions are achieved through tailoring a carnauba wax coating. Using the replica as the light management layer on perovskite solar cells improved the power conversion efficiency by 6 ± 0.3%. Meanwhile, the surface water repellency facilitates self-cleaning, ensuring maximum incident light over time by tackling dirt accumulation. Furthermore, the method can be potentially employed to fabricate substrates from virtually any leaf or patterned surface as the initial replication template.

Mathematical modelling of impurity deposition during evaporation of dirty liquid in a porous material

When a contaminated liquid evaporates from within a porous material, the impurities or dirt accumulate and deposit within the pore space. This occurs during the cleaning of filters and fouling of textiles, and is related to the ‘coffee-ring’ problem. To investigate how and where dirt is deposited in the pore space, we present a model for the motion of an evaporation front through a porous material, and the related accumulation, transport, and deposition of dirt, assuming that the liquid remains stationary. For physically relevant parameters, vapour transport out of the porous material is quasi-steady and we derive a single ordinary differential equation describing the motion of the evaporation front in time. Model solutions exhibit spatially non-uniform profiles of the deposited dirt-layer thickness through the porous material. The dirt accumulation and evaporation problems are coupled: deposited dirt hinders vapour transport through the porous material, slowing the evaporation. We identify two scenarios in which the porous material becomes clogged with dirt. Accumulation of suspended dirt at the evaporating interface along with slow dirt diffusion results in the deposited dirt layers clogging the pores at the evaporating interface, halting the drying and trapping liquid in the porous material. Alternatively, slow dirt deposition results in the suspended dirt being pushed far into the porous material by the evaporation, eventually leaving only dirt (with no liquid) in the pore space. We investigate the dynamics of both clogging scenarios, characterising the parameter regimes for which each occurs. Both clogging scenarios must be avoided in practice since they may be detrimental to future filter efficacy or textile breathability.

Energy Production Optimization by Positioning of Solar Panels and Surveillance System with Cleaning of Panels

The pursuit of efficient and sustainable energy generation has led to the widespread adoption of solar panels. However, the optimal performance of these panels can be hindered by factors such as dirt accumulation, suboptimal orientation, and security concerns. To address these challenges, we propose an integrated Solar Panel Tracking, Cleaning, and Surveillance System (SPTCSS). Our system employs advanced tracking technology to optimize solar panel orientation, ensuring maximum exposure to sunlight throughout the day. Additionally, it incorporates automated cleaning mechanisms, utilizing water and brushes to remove dust, debris, and other contaminants, thereby maintaining peak efficiency. Furthermore, the surveillance aspect of the system provides real-time monitoring and security features, safeguarding against theft, vandalism, and unauthorized access. Through a network of sensors and cameras, any anomalies or suspicious activities can be promptly detected and addressed. By integrating tracking, cleaning, and surveillance functionalities into a single system, our solution offers a comprehensive approach to enhancing the performance, longevity, and security of solar panel installations. This not only maximizes energy generation but also minimizes maintenance requirements and mitigates risks, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and reliable renewable energy infrastructure

A Deep Learning Approach for Digital Color Reconstruction of Van Gogh’s Paintings Using Unpaired Areas Under the Frame

Factors such as dirt accumulation, aging of paint materials and chemical reactions with the surrounding atmosphere lead to alteration and degradation of paintings. As a result, colors in the paintings can change. Van Gogh’s paintings are no exception to this process, and virtual reconstruction of the original colors is a very challenging problem. In this work we propose a novel approach for color reconstruction that does not require any pre-existing digital reconstructions, physical reproductions or artificial aging experiments, and relies purely on the data within the painting. We exploit the fact that areas of the painting located under the frame are typically well-preserved (mainly due to the protection from light exposure and dirt accumulation offered by the frame) and contain colors which are relatively close to their original look. Inspired by the recent advances in machine learning techniques for unpaired image-to-image translation, a practical weakly supervised approach for digital color reconstruction is formulated. Moreover, its performance is demonstrated for paintings by Vincent van Gogh. To our knowledge, this is the first time that a method for color reconstruction that relies purely on the data available within one painting is described in literature.

Enhancing properties and manufacturability of post-consumer recycled polypropylene via gas counter-pressure injection molding

In contemporary times, the most effective strategy to mitigate the environmental effects of plastics and their manufacturing is through recycling. Nonetheless, the production of high-quality items from recycled materials remains a challenge. This study addresses these challenges, specifically in the context of the injection molding process for recycled polypropylene. The key issues identified include poor surface finish of the molded items, mold contamination with oily residues, and strong odors during processing. The proposed solution involves the innovative use of gas counter pressure in conjunction with injection molding. The study explores various nitrogen pressure levels to assess their impact. Findings indicate that an optimal pressure level significantly improves the surface quality of the products and reduces the accumulation of dirt in the mold cavities. Additionally, the research investigates the potential impact of this method on the mechanical performance of the molded items. Results confirm that the appropriate use of gas pressure does not deteriorate these properties. While gas counter pressure does not mitigate odor emissions, it represents a promising step forward in developing a high-quality recycled polypropylene compound. This approach could pave the way for more advanced recycling techniques, enhancing the quality of products made from recycled plastics.

ANALYSIS OF SOILING MEASUREMENT SYSTEMS AND CLEANING METHODS OF SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULES

Enhancing the efficiency of photovoltaic solar energy converters is of paramount importance. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of soiling measurement systems and cleaning methods for photovoltaic modules aimed at improving their efficiency. The research highlights the significant impact of dust and dirt accumulation on the surface of PV modules, which can reduce efficiency by more than 35%. Various soiling measurement systems are discussed, including optical systems and systems using paired photovoltaic modules, along with their respective advantages and disadvantages. The analysis also covers different cleaning methods, such as natural cleaning, manual cleaning, automated cleaning, and self-cleaning coatings. Each method's benefits and drawbacks are examined in terms of efficiency, cost, and applicability. The integration of digital technologies and automation, including artificial intelligence and IoT systems, is identified as a promising direction for future development in the field of solar panel soiling measurement and cleaning systems. This study provides valuable insights and comparative analyses for researchers, solar energy professionals, and solar plant owners to enhance the efficiency, longevity, and economic returns of photovoltaic installations. The implementation of efficient cleaning methods and advanced soiling measurement systems can lead to significant increases in the efficiency and durability of solar modules, as well as environmental benefits by reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

Experimental investigation of Different types of Dust effect on the Grid-connected Rooftop Solar Power Plant

ABSTRACT The accumulation of dust and dirt not only reduces the power output of the solar power plant but also reduces the performance ratio, efficiency, and energy generation (kWh). In this paper, a 100-kWsolar power plant was selected for the experiment. Firstly, string identification and selection were done to find out the strings for the experiment. A total of 5 strings were selected for the experiment and there were 19 photovoltaic panels were connected to each string. Sand, Cement, Talcum powder, and dry leaves were deposited on string-1, string-2, string-3, string-6, and string-7 as reference strings. This paper investigates the performance of these materials on the operating voltage, DC current, power, energy (kWh), performance ratio, and efficiency. However, the impact of these materials on the photovoltaic panel temperature was also investigated. It was calculated that the output power of the photovoltaic panel string-2 (cement), string-3 (Talcum powder), string-1 (sand), and string-6 (Dry leaves) was reduced by 81.4%,53.4%, 9.8%, and 0.9% compared to the reference string and minimum photovoltaic panel temperature was observed in the case of Talcum powder. After completion of the experiment, the selected string was manually cleaned with water and it was observed that sand and trash of dry leaves were easily cleaned by water but Cement and talcum powder needs high-pressure water and wiping with a microfiber cloth to prevent these substances from the surface of the photovoltaic panels. Also, some future studies are suggested in the end section of the research paper.

Overview of Environment Sanitation Conditions of Elementary Schools in Surakarta City During the Covid-19 Transition Period

<div><table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="left"><tbody><tr><td align="left" valign="top"><p><em>The mandatory requirements that schools must fulfill are strict implementation of health protocols, for example having adequate hand washing facilities equipped with running water and soap. However, data shows that there are still many elementary schools in Indonesia that do not have sanitation facilities that meet standards. This research aims to provide an overview of the environmental sanitation conditions of elementary schools in Surakarta City during the Covid 19 transition period. This research uses a descriptive observational method. The research was conducted in 10 elementary schools in the Surakarta City area. The research was conducted from February to March 2023. The sampling technique was random sampling. The sample in this study was 10 elementary schools. The data collection technique is by observation by filling in an observation sheet. The data analysis used is descriptive univariate analysis. The research results show that 80% of elementary schools provide hand washing facilities and soap and are equipped with a good drainage system. The cleanliness and condition of water closets in most schools meets the requirements. However, there are several elementary schools where the ratio of the number of toilets and students does not meet the requirements. There are 80% of schools where clean water sources are located and 70% of schools where the distance between water reservoirs and water closets to the canteen meets the requirements. 70% of schools have a distance between the bathroom or cafeteria and the school canteen < 10 meters. It was concluded that 10 elementary schools in the city of Surakarta were categorized as healthy schools or had good sanitation hygiene. However, there are several sanitation facilities whose existence needs to be optimized so that the level of health can increase. It is recommended for schools to ensure that school areas, including classrooms, toilets and school grounds, are cleaned regularly to prevent the accumulation of rubbish and dirt and it is recommended to provide regular education to students about the cleanliness of the school environment and provide adequate hand washing facilities.</em></p><p><em> </em></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><strong><em>Keywords: COVID-19, environmental health inspection, elementary school, hygiene sanitation, transition period</em></strong>

Durability of antireflective SiO2 coatings with closed pore structure

The use of antireflective coatings to increase the transmittance of the cover glass is a central aspect of achieving high efficiencies for solar collectors and photovoltaics alike. Considering an expected lifetime of 20–30 years for solar energy installations, the durability of the antireflective surfaces is essential. Here, a novel antireflective SiO2 coating with a hexagonally ordered closed pore structure, produced with an aerosol-based sol-gel method is benchmarked against two commercial coatings; produced with acid etching and sol-gel roll coating. The optical and mechanical properties together with contact angle characteristics were evaluated before and after various durability tests, including climate chamber tests, outdoor exposure, and abrasion. Compared to the commercial antireflective coatings with open pore structures, the novel coating performed in parity, or better, in all tests. Based on the results of humidity freeze and industrial climate chamber tests, it appears that the coating with closed pore structure has a better ability to prevent water adsorption. Additionally, the closed pore structure of the coating seems to minimize the accumulation of dirt and deposits. The abrasion and cleanability test further confirm the advantages of a closed pore structure, showcasing the coating's mechanical durability. While the coatings exhibit similar hardness and reduced elastic modulus, the closed pore coating proves to be even harder after undergoing the industrial climate chamber test, but also slightly more brittle, as indicated by the probability of crack initiation. In summary the closed pore structure is well suited for tempered and arid climates, making it a truly competitive alternative to existing antireflective coatings.

Feasibility Analysis of the Wind Energy Potential in Libya using the RETScreen Expert

This study focuses on the evaluation of the economic viability of various scale wind farms and the assessment for the first time of the wind power potential of 22 locations distributed over Libya. The study utilizes monthly mean wind data collected from the NASA power dataset. The analysis includes determining and analyzing the mean wind speed, frequency distribution, and Weibull distribution scale and shape factors. The results showed that Darnah is the most promising location for insulation wind farms due to the high value of wind speed. Moreover, RETScreen software is used to estimate the energy output and conduct an economic feasibility analysis of the wind farm. Additionally, this paper establishes a relationship between the wake effect, airfoil losses, and the potential for greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation and the performance of wind farms. The results indicate that wind projects are economically viable when the EWT-DW 52 with a capacity of 500 kW is used. The study findings show that the wake effect is a crucial consideration in wind farm design, and it can be minimized through strategic spacing and turbine design. Furthermore, the accumulation of dirt and debris on wind turbine blades can significantly reduce a wind farm's energy output, causing turbine inefficiency and decreasing the overall energy production. Additionally, the energy production cost from a wind farm is less than that of the electricity tariff and can result in a profitable wind energy project.

PERSONAL HIGIENE UNTUK MENCEGAH KECACINGAN DI SD INPRES BUKIT KEL. TAMARUNANG KEC. SOMBA OPU GOWA

Efforts to prevent worms include maintaining good body hygiene, good environmental hygiene, good and clean food and drink, wearing footwear, defecating in the toilet, maintaining good personal hygiene such as cutting nails and washing hands before eating. The skin is the place where germs enter the body, loose soil (sand, humus) is good soil for the growth of worm larvae. Cleaning long and dirty fingernails causes accumulation of dirt and disease germs. Clean snacks are part of the daily life of almost all age groups and social classes, including elementary school-age children. The purpose of personal hygiene is to improve one's health status and maintain one's personal hygiene. Service activities regarding helminthiasis need to be carried out repeatedly because students can find out how someone can be infected with worms and with infection with worms various health problems can appear and one of them is related to growth in children. Hygiene behavior and maintaining great health need to be given since the child is small, so that it becomes a good habit in the future.

Utilization of Empty Oil Palm Bunch as an Alternative of Organic Fertilizer at PTPN III Labuhanbatu Selatan

The development of the area of ​​oil palm plantations in Indonesia is increasing every year. So many empty palm fruit bunches produced from palm oil mills. Oil Palm Empty Bunches (EFB) is a type of solid waste that is mainly produced by palm oil mills. Empty palm kernels, e.g. Materials with a high water content are only processed in the palm oil industry due to the high cost and inefficiency of transporting and disposing of them. The purpose of this article is to discuss the use of empty fruit or palm fronds as an alternative to organic fertilizer at PTPN III Labulasel from previous research. In writing this article, the research article literature search method was used in the Google Scholar database. The criteria for the selected articles are articles published in national magazines in 2018-2023. Library research was carried out by comparing research methods, processing and results of each article. Based on the results of a literature search, it is known that empty bunches or fronds of PTPN III Labusel's oil palm can be used as an alternative organic fertilizer that can be used as plant fertilizer, especially for the oil palm plant itself, and this avoids the accumulation of dirt.

Transparent Silicone–Epoxy Coatings with Enhanced Icephobic Properties for Photovoltaic Applications

Recently, the photovoltaic technology has become very popular as a means to produce renewable energy. One of the problems that are still unsolved in this area of the industry is that photovoltaic panels are subject to a significant loss of efficiency due to the accumulation of dust and dirt. In addition, during the winter season, the accumulation of snow and ice also reduces or stops the energy production. The current methods of dealing with this problem are inefficient and pollute the environment. One way with high potential to prevent the build-up of dirt and ice is to use transparent coatings with self-cleaning and icephobic properties. In this work, the chemical modification of an epoxy–silicone hybrid resin using dually functionalized polysiloxanes was carried out. The icephobic properties (ice adhesion and freezing delay time of water droplets), hydrophobic properties (water contact angle, contact angle hysteresis, and roll-off angle), average surface roughness, and optical properties were characterized. It can be concluded that the performed chemical modification resulted in a significant improvement of the icephobic properties of the investigated coatings: ice adhesion decreased by 69%, and the freezing delay time increased by 17 times compared to those of the unmodified sample. The polysiloxanes also caused a significant reduction in the contact angle hysteresis and roll-off angle. The chemical modifications did not negatively affect the optical properties of the coatings, which is a key requirement for photovoltaic applications.

인공 신경망 예측기를 이용한 새로운 데이터 모델 기반 PV 어레이 고장 진단용 기준 신호 발생 방법

The power supply part of a PV system is called a PV array which is composed of many PV strings connected in parallel. A PV-string which is a set of PV modules is made by serial connection of many PV modules. PV modules presents irregularity of ouput power which is generated due to various factors such as average performance degradation of about 0.923% to 1.54% according to various researches and born power variations over production stages. Power degradation and born power variation are due to various factors such as material interactions(connection state of connectors between PV cells, corrosion, browning of encapsulation materials ...etc) and environment factors such as shading and soiling which refers to the accumulation of snow, dirt, leaves and bird droppings on PV modules. Such various minor factors can make side effects in safety side and economic one. Therefore several methodology for diagnosis of PV-array have been developed, which are classified into three types – image-based diagnosis approach, model-based approach and data-driven approach. In this paper, a new data-based approach(called data model) with good failure diagnosis reliability and economy is proposed, and verified by simulation using Python, published data and reasonable data generation. Based on the bathtub failure rate function, the fault diagnosis model requires a well-functioning predictor to generate a reference signal which evaluates the output characteristics of PV array under instantaneously varying environmental condition such as solar irradiance, temperature, etc. To implement a new data-based approach, an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) based predictor is applied as a reference generator for PV array’s fault diagnosis. r² value and the RMSE(Root Mean Square Error) are used to evaluate how far away individual learned predictions are from the actual measured values. Based on the reliability obtained from the learning result for a specific PV string, it is confirmed through pair comparison analysis(called t-test) that the learning result(called clustering possibility) between PV strings under different installation conditions is also reliable.

Data-Driven Soiling Detection in PV Modules

Soiling is the accumulation of dirt in solar panels that leads to a decreasing trend in solar energy yield and may be the cause of vast revenue losses. The effect of soiling can be reduced by washing the panels, which is, however, a procedure of non-negligible cost. Moreover, soiling monitoring systems are often unreliable or very costly. We study the problem of estimating the soiling ratio in photovoltaic (PV) modules, i.e., the ratio of the real power output to the power output that would be produced if solar panels were clean. A key advantage of our algorithms is that they estimate soiling, without needing to train on labeled data, i.e., periods of explicitly monitoring the soiling in each park, and without relying on generic analytical formulas that do not take into account the peculiarities of each installation. We consider as input a time series comprising a minimum set of measurements that are available to most PV park operators. Our experimental evaluation shows that we significantly outperform current state-of-the-art methods for estimating soiling ratio.

Dermatitis Neglecta in a Case of Meningomyelocele

Dermatitis neglecta is a condition secondary to inadequate cleansing of the skin due to underlying causes such as pain, surgical site, neurological deficit, and neglect or psychocutaneous disorders. The result is an accumulation of keratin debris, sweat, sebum, and dirt giving a hyperkeratotic, hyperpigmented, and waxy appearance of the affected area. Soakage of the lesion with alcohol swabs and frictional cleaning of the area leads to the clearing of hyperkeratotic debris. We report a case of a 2-year-old male with dermatitis neglecta over meningomyelocele in the sacral region.

Coatings containing molybdenum trisulphide QDs to protect oil paintings against different environmental factors

PurposeThis study aims to investigate profoundly the protection of oil painting from deterioration using molybdenum trisulphide quantum dots (MoS3 QDs) against microbe, dirt accumulation and ultraviolet (UV) degradation.Design/methodology/approachThe protection of painting against different deterioration factors necessitates the sustainable methods and advanced techniques. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy have been used to investigate the morphological structure of the painting and MoS3 QDs, respectively, and optical microscopy was used to examine antibacterial activity of MoS3 QDs towards different types of bacteria. To investigate the protection of painting against deterioration, the Fourier transform IR spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to investigate the paintings left in open air for a year. Chemical composition and crystal structure of MoS3 QDs have been studied using X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis, respectively.FindingsThe addition of MoS3 nanoparticles into painted coatings enhances the durability of linseed oil-based paintings toward UV ageing regarding the change in colour which confirmed by FTIR analysis. The protection of oil painting opposed to various deterioration factors was developed by involving of MoS3 QDs in the coating of the painting. Antibacterial effect of MoS3 QDs was tested against different types of bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa confirming that the MoS3 QDs involved in the coatings of oil paintings produces a high protection layer for the paintings against several microbial attacks. In addition, coatings containing MoS3 QDs reduce the accumulation of dirt on oil paintings when subjected to open air for a year.Originality/valueThe novel MoS3 QDs was used to form a protective and transparent coating layer for the oil painting to overcome the deterioration, displays the promising protection and can be applied for different oil paintings.

Modelling the Impact of Road Dust on Air Pollution: A Sustainable System Dynamics Approach

Road dust contributes significantly to air pollution by releasing fine particulate matter (PM) and other pollutants into the air, which can cause respiratory and cardiovascular problems and premature death. This dust is generated through the wear and tear of vehicle tires and road surfaces, as well as the accumulation of dirt and debris on the road, primarily from construction activities and cargo trucks carrying building materials. Wind, weather conditions, and vehicle movement play crucial roles in the distribution and concentration of these particles in the air. To address this issue, this paper focuses on identifying various variables that are connected to road dust operations and their interrelationships with air pollution variables, representing the dynamic pattern of the entire system. The paper proposes the establishment of a sustainable causal-loop model using system dynamics (SD) modeling in Vensim, connecting feedback mechanisms to effectively control the road dust concentration. Additionally, the paper suggests different policy interventions applied to the whole system to achieve optimized results. In the future, this research aims to convert and simulate the causal-loop model to a stock-flow model and compare the effectiveness of different policy interventions to further reduce road dust contributing to air pollution.