Shading Effect Research Articles

Cultivation conditions and their impact on yerba mate ecophysiology and antioxidant potential

This work aimed to evaluate the effect of light and shading on yerba mate's ecophysiology and antioxidant potential. To this end, an experiment was carried out in an entirely randomized design, with three treatments, being cultivated in full sun (Ts), in agroforestry (Ta), and in native forest (Tm). Photosynthesis activity and chlorophyll, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and tannins , and antioxidant activity were analyzed to determine the best cultivation environment that influences the ecophysiology and antioxidant potential of Yerba mate. Ts environment yielded higher concentrations of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and tannins. Shaded environments showed greater antioxidant activity. Chlorophyll and photosynthesis indices differed in shaded environments, with Tm having higher concentration and photosynthetic activity and Ta having lower concentration and photosynthetic activity. The results show that PAR positively influenced the biochemical parameters. Shading was more efficient for antioxidant activity, and agroforestry contributed to greater antioxidant activity. The highest concentrations of chlorophyll and highest photosynthetic activity were found in yerba mate in native forests.

Essential Oil Composition and Physiology of Three Mentha Genotypes Under Shaded Field Conditions

Mentha spp. are commonly used for the production of tea and for the extraction of essential oils (EOs). The key factor of mint quality is the content and composition of the EO. Health-promoting compounds such as menthol are desirable, whereas the presence of potentially health-damaging compounds such as menthofuran should be avoided. This study examines the effect of shading on the EO content and composition of three Mentha genotypes (Mentha × piperita ‘Multimentha’, Mentha × piperita ‘Fränkische Blaue’ and Mentha rotundifolia ‘Apfelminze’). The Mentha genotypes were cultivated in field trials for two years (2022–2023). Each genotype was shaded with a shading net (50% photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) reduction), and a control without shading was prepared. EO content was determined by steam distillation and EO composition was characterized by GC-MS analysis. Furthermore, biomass, vegetation indices (VIs) and the electron transport rate (ETR) were analyzed. While shading led to higher plant heights, higher EO content and a slightly reduced amount of undesired EO compounds, the unshaded control yielded a higher biomass accumulation. Significant genotypic differences were determined. In conclusion, the benefits of shading depend on the intended use and genotype selection.

Nanoenabled Self-Assembled Metal-Organic Algaecides Generated Photosynthetic Inhibition and Oxidative Stress for Sustainable Food Security.

Achieving food sustainability is one of the biggest challenges in the new millennium. Plant factory cultivation systems provide an alternative for food sustainability, while they often suffer from algal blooms. The overuse of conventional algaecides has caused significant environmental pollution and concerns about food security. Here, we design a nanoenabled metal-organic algaecide that is self-assembled from natural polyphenols and two functional metal ions for providing shading effects and delivering active ingredients synergistically to suppress algal blooms. Black wattle tannin (BWT) and Fe3+ ions are utilized to develop self-assembled FeBWT nanoalgaecides with significant shading effects for decreasing light transmission (up to 97 %) and effectively inhibiting algal photosynthesis. Further, the FeBWT is functionalized with Cu2+ ions (bimetallic Cu/FeBWT) to target the algal cells and release Cu2+ ions via phenolic-mediated cell surface interactions, thus enhancing the inhibition efficiency. Importantly, the biosafety of Cu/FeBWT is demonstrated through toxicity tests on zebrafish and NIH3T3 cells. In our real-world field test, the Cu/FeBWT demonstrates high algal inhibition performance (>95 %, over 30 days), and enhances the accumulation of food nutrients in model plant lettuces. Collectively, the supramolecular metal-organic nanoalgaecide provides a promise for nanoagrochemical application and promotes food sustainability and security.

Thermal–mechanical coupling performances and parameters sensitivity analyses of a deployable Astromesh antenna under different heat radiations

The deployable Astromesh antenna has been extensively used in communication satellites in recent decades. The antenna may have large deformations and even thermal-induced vibrations under solar radiation shocks, which may affect the normal operation of the antenna. In this paper, the finite element theory and the Fourier thermal element method are combined to study the thermal–mechanical responses of the antenna under different unidirectional solar heat shocks. In addition, the reflector’s light shading effect and cable pretension is included in the thermal–mechanical coupling analysis model. The cable pretension is determined through the cable net form-finding method. The thermal–mechanical coupling analysis model is validated by two designed numerical examples using the finite element software COMSOL. Modal analyses have been conducted to further validate the accuracy of the established model and frequency sensitivity analyses are also performed. Thermal–mechanical coupling performances including the temperature distributions and thermal deformations of the Astromesh antenna under different unidirectional solar heat flux shocks are then evaluated using the established model. On this basis, effects of some key structural parameters and the reflector’s light shading effect on temperature and deformation of the Astromesh antenna are also examined. It is shown that the light shading effect of the reflector exacerbates the temperature gradient and thermal deformation of the antenna, but the antenna hardly undergoes the phenomenon of thermally excited vibration with enough cable pretension.

Light Intensity Effects on Bioproduct Recovery from Fuel Wastewater Using Purple Phototrophic Bacteria in a Hybrid Biofilm-Suspended Growth System.

This research looked at how three different light intensities (1600, 4300, and 7200 lx) affect the biomass development, treatment of fuel synthesis wastewater and the recovery of valuable bioproducts between biofilm and suspended growth in a purple-bacteria enriched photobioreactor. Each condition was run in duplicate using an agricultural shade cloth as the biofilm support media in a continuously mixed batch reactor. The results showed that the highest chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal rate (56.8 ± 0.9%) was found under the highest light intensity (7200 lx), which also led to the most biofilm formation and highest biofilm biomass production (1225 ± 95.7 mg). The maximum carotenoids (Crts) and bacteriochlorophylls (BChls) content occurred in the suspended growth of the 7200 lx reactor. BChls decreased with light intensity in suspended growth, while in biofilm both Crts and BChls were relatively stable between light conditions, likely due to an averaging effect as biofilm thickened at higher light intensity. Light intensity did not affect protein content of the biomass, however, biofilm showed a lower average (41.2% to 43.7%) than suspended biomass (45.4% to 47.7%). For polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) the highest cell concentration in biofilm occurred at 1600 lx (11.4 ± 2.4%), while for suspended growth it occurred at 7200 lx (22.7 ± 0.3%), though total PHB productivity remained similar between reactors. Shading effects from the externally located biofilm could explain most variations in bioproduct distribution. Overall, these findings suggest that controlling light intensity can effectively influence the treatment of fuel synthesis wastewater and the recovery of valuable bioproducts in a biofilm photobioreactor.

PV Array Reconfiguration for Global Maximum Power Optimizing under Partial Shading Conditions based on PV Switched System

Background: Due to the partial shading effects on different photovoltaic (PV) modules in a PV array, PV module operating conditions are inconsistent, and PV array output power is significantly reduced. Although the maximum power point (MPP) of a non-uniform irradiance PV array can be observed through global maximum power point tracking (GMPPT), no evaluation of the array's energy potential has been done. Objective: One of the most effective solutions to overcome the negative effects of partial shading in PV systems is the PV array reconfiguration process. To optimize the electrical structure of the PV array as the PV modules are partially shaded in a non-uniform manner, this study proposes a promising technique for dynamic reconfiguring a PV array in order to improve the extracted maximum power from a PV array under partial shading conditions (PSC). Methods: PV modules are rearranged by iteratively sorting them to allow the PV array with nonuniform irradiance to produce as much power as possible. This is conducted by applying a switching matrix to implement a PV-switched system approach. The proposed system with different PV array dimensions (e.g., 3×4, 4×6, and 5×8) is assessed in order to validate the proposed algorithm. A MATLAB/Simulink PV array developed model is used to find the global maximum power point for the different PV array dimensions in both pre-reconfiguration and post-reconfiguration states. Results: A detailed numerical comparison of the extracted power from the proposed system has been provided. Conclusion: The results show that the proposed system has the potential to extract the exact global maximum power for a PV-switched system under PSC, irrespective of array dimensions, according to simulation results.

Irrigation rates and turfgrass evapotranspiration in cities with contrasting water availability

AbstractAs water scarcity is worsened by drought and climate change, there is more interest in efficient management of urban irrigation, requiring understanding of the drivers of evapotranspiration (ET) and the role of irrigation inputs. We developed and validated a method to accurately measure ET of turfgrass lawns in contrasting climates using portable static chambers. We made in situ measurements of ET and irrigation inputs in lawns across three metropolitan areas in the United States with varying climatic conditions, water availability, and water conservation policies: Salt Lake Valley, Utah; San Fernando Valley, California; and Tallahassee, Florida. In full sun, mean daily ET estimates (ETsun) were 0.7 ± 0.4 mm day−1 in Tallahassee, 1.6 ± 0.8 mm day−1 in Los Angeles, and 3.3 ± 1.1 mm day−1 in Salt Lake Valley. In the shade, daily ET estimates (ETshade) were two to three times lower. In all three regions, ET was primarily driven by solar radiation (I0) and atmospheric vapor pressure deficit (D). Across the cities, irrigation rates were a key driver of ET, along with I0 and D. Daily irrigation ranged from 0 mm day−1 in Tallahassee (most were unirrigated) to 1.9 ± 1.2 mm day−1 in Los Angeles and 5.1 ± 2.9 mm day−1 in Salt Lake Valley. ET increased linearly with irrigation up to ~3 mm day−1, after which ET remained relatively constant despite irrigation increases. Our results highlight the importance of accounting for nonlinear responses and shading effects on ET in developing accurate irrigation recommendations.

New Approach for Tracking, Monitoring, and Diagnosing Faults in a Photovoltaic System in Real Time: An Experimental and Case Study

Photovoltaic installations have emerged as a cornerstone of sustainable energy production, playing a pivotal role in the global transition towards renewable sources of electricity. As the demand for clean energy surges, so too does the need for robust monitoring and diagnostic strategies to ensure the efficient operation of these systems. This study presents a novel methodology for the real-time tracking, monitoring, and diagnosing of faults in photovoltaic systems (PVSs), emphasizing their crucial role in sustainable energy production amid the global shift to renewable energy. The study was conducted in Guelma, Algeria, during the spring and summer seasons. The investigation utilized WatchPower simulation software over a 24-hour performance analysis of the photovoltaic system. On June 19, 2024, with a high temperature of 32°C, the system achieved a peak output power of 600W under optimal conditions, validating its efficiency in energy generation. The study also analyzed the effects of shading on energy output by comparing data from a shaded day on May 14, 2024, at 25°C, to an unshaded day on June 21, 2024, at 32°C, during peak sunlight hours from 9:00 AM to 2:15 PM, the period when sunlight is at its strongest. The results showed a significant drop in output power from 600W to 450W due to shading, underscoring the importance of real-time monitoring to detect performance inefficiencies. This research not only enhances operational reliability and maintenance strategies for PV systems but also demonstrates the effectiveness of integrating real-time data analytics to support decision-making in similar environments.

Radiation Limits the Yield Potential of Main Crops Under Selected Agrivoltaic Designs—A Case Study of a New Shading Simulation Method

Agrivoltaics (APVs) represent a growing technology in Europe that enables the co-location of energy and food production in the same field. Photosynthesis requires photosynthetic active radiation, which is reduced by the shadows cast on crops by APV panels. The design of the module rows, material, and field orientation significantly influences the radiation distribution on the ground. In this context, we introduce an innovative approach for the effective simulation of the shading effects of various APV designs. We performed an extensive sensitivity analysis of the photovoltaic (PV) geometry influence on the ground-incident radiation and crop growth of selected cultivars. Simulations (2013–2021) for three representative arable crops in eastern Austria (winter wheat, spring barley, and maize) and seven different APV designs that only limited to the shading effect showed that maize and spring barley experienced the greatest annual above-ground biomass and grain yield reduction (up to 25%), with significant differences between the APV design and the weather conditions. While spring barley had similar decreases within the years, maize was characterized by high variability. Winter wheat had only up to a 10% reduction due to shading and a reduced photosynthetic performance. Cold/humid/cloudy weather during the growing season had more negative yield effects under APVs than dry/hot periods, particularly for summer crops such as maize. The lowest grain yield decline was achieved for all three crops in the APV design in which the modules were oriented to the east at a height of 5 m and mounted on trackers with an inclination of +/−50°. This scenario also resulted in the highest land equivalent ratios (LERs), with values above 1.06. The correct use of a tracker on APV fields is crucial for optimizing agricultural yields and electricity production.

Influence of view factors on outdoor thermal comfort of residential areas in hot-humid regions.

Sky View Factor (SVF) is commonly used to describe the impact of urban geometry on the urban thermal environment. Shading effects from plants and buildings also exert a considerable influence. To investigate the influence of view factors on outdoor thermal comfort in residential areas, we employed the Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET) and view factors (SVF, TVF, BVF) as indicators to determine outdoor thermal comfort and the quantity of shaded spaces. Thermal measurements collected from 13 points in Guangzhou, China, Our findings revealed that high TVF points exhibited more stable air temperature throughout the daytime, with average temperature differentials ranging 0.4-1.9°C lower than other points. Air temperature demonstrated a positive correlation with SVF (R2 = 0.53), while exhibiting a negative correlation with TVF (R2 = 0.45). Additionally, shading provided by plants and buildings manifests heterogeneity. At similar SVF levels, points predominantly shaded by plants (TVF > BVF) showcased lower Mean Radiant Temperature (MRT) and PET compared to points shaded mainly by buildings (BVF > TVF). The maximum reduction in air temperature and PET reached 1.1°C and 1.2°C, respectively. BVF exerted greater influence earlier in the morning, as solar altitude angle rises, the average thermal parameters of sites with BVF > TVF escalated rapidly until eventually surpassing sites with TVF > BVF. Last, superior thermal conditions were only ensured under high shading conditions. When the effective shading ratio of plants and buildings diminished (SVF > 0.3), the microclimate of measurement points might be impacted by the long-wave radiation from the underlying surface.

Efficient Environment Map Rendering Based on Decomposition

AbstractThis paper presents an efficient environment map sampling algorithm designed to render high‐quality, low‐noise images with only a few light samples, making it ideal for real‐time applications. We observe that bright pixels in the environment map produce high‐frequency shading effects, such as sharp shadows and shading, while the rest influence the overall tone of the scene. Building on this insight, our approach differs from existing techniques by categorizing the pixels in an environment map into emissive and non‐emissive regions and developing specialized algorithms tailored to the distinct properties of each region. By decomposing the environment lighting, we ensure that light sources are deposited on bright pixels, leading to more accurate shadows and specular highlights. Additionally, this strategy allows us to exploit the smoothness in the low‐frequency component by rendering a smaller image with more lights, thereby enhancing shading accuracy. Extensive experiments demonstrate that our method significantly reduces shadow artefacts and image noise compared to previous techniques, while also achieving lower numerical errors across a range of illumination types, particularly under limited sample conditions.

Improving solar panel performance using MPPT optimization algorithms

One of the primary challenges faced by solar energy systems is the issue of inconsistent lighting and uneven distribution of sunlight across the surface of solar panels. These conditions can result in a substantial reduction in the power output of the panels and, in some cases, the complete failure of certain solar cells. This paper examines the effects of shading on solar panel performance, focusing on how partial shading impacts energy production and efficiency through both experimental analysis and simulation. The findings emphasize the critical influence of shading patterns and configurations on the overall efficiency of photovoltaic systems. The study highlights the necessity of implementing shading mitigation strategies and optimization algorithms to enhance energy production and ensure the reliability of solar systems operating in environments with varying light conditions. This study showed that the use of optimization algorithms in photovoltaic systems exposed to shading increases their efficiency in terms of energy saving as well as performance stability. The simulation results shows that the GWO algorithm gives a higher performance than the other algorithms in the same partial shading conditions.

Microalgae Enhance the Resistance of Pond-Dwelling Ammonia-Oxidizing Bacteria to Light Irradiation

Pond aquaculture is an important aquacultural model worldwide in which ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) are crucial for the removal of ammonia from water. The influence of light irradiation on AOB in an aquaculture pond was studied using artificial simulation wastewater under dark/light cycles of 24 h/0 h (L0), 12 h/12 h (L12), and 0 h/24 h (L24). The ammonia oxidation rates (AORs) in groups L0, L12, and L24 were 9.88 ± 0.19 mg h−1, 6.01 ± 0.32 mg h−1, and 1.85 ± 0.09 mg h−1, respectively. Long-term exposure to light had a serious impact on the AOR and decreased the abundance of Nitrosomonas spp. and their ammonia monooxygenase genes. To determine the protective effect of microalgae on AOB, different doses of freeze-dried Chlorella spp. powder were added to the nitrifying bacteria community. The photoinhibition rate of chlorophyll a (Chla) in the groups with 300 and 1300 µg L−1 of added Chlorella were 32.85% and 28.77%, respectively, while the Chla in the 2200 µg L−1 Chlorella-added group was only 0.01%, with no significant differences (p > 0.05) in AOR between the dark/light treatment subgroups. Fluorescence in situ hybridization showed that AOB, nitrite-oxidizing bacteria, and algae coexist and grow together without free AOB in the nitrifying bacterial community. It was suggested that microalgae enhance the resistance of AOB to light irradiation in a pond through the shading effect provided by algal chlorophyll and the close symbiotic relationship between microalgae and AOB.

Silicate Derived from Phaeodactylum tricornutum for Removal of Polystyrene: Interfacial Effects of Living Organism and Its Derivatives with Nanoplastics.

The deposition of nanoplastics in the environment poses a direct threat to human health through the food chain. There is an urgent need to investigate how they can be effectively removed from water. In this work, the toxic effects of nanopolystyrene (PS) at different concentrations on Phaeodactylum tricornutum (PT) were investigated. The results show that PS affects the cell activity of PT through cell wall adhesion and shading effect and hinders the transmission of light energy, thus inhibiting the growth of PT. Considering that living PT is not suitable for the removal of heterogeneous aggregation of PS, magnesium silicate (MS) was obtained by calcination of PT biomass based on retaining salt. The maximum adsorption capacity of PS by MS was 40.85 mg g-1, which was 10 times higher than that of conventional adsorbents. The presence of competitive anions significantly affects the removal of PS. The application in real water bodies and the reusability of the adsorbents were also verified. By characterizing the materials before and after adsorption, it is found that the adsorption mechanism mainly includes electrostatic attraction, hydrogen bonding, π-π interaction, and complexation between Si-O bond and PS. This study explains the toxic effect of nano-PS on PT and innovatively develops a biomass derivative from diatoms, which provides a novel and feasible strategy for environmental remediation.

Performance of Zigzag Photovoltaic Noise Barriers near a Belgian Highway

Herein, the energy performance of photovoltaic noise barriers (PVNBs) with cassette and shingles built‐on designs is evaluated using imec's energy yield framework. The simulation is validated through on‐site electrical and thermal measurements, and then the same design is employed for a case study near E19 road in Belgium using different scenarios. To optimize the energy yield, variations in the noise barrier height, orientation, and PV module tilt are introduced. The energy yield is then simulated to identify the optimal combination of parameters to maximize energy production. The results show that the cassette built‐on PVNB with fixed cassette distance provides higher energy yield throughout the year compared to other scenarios, and a low‐rise noise barrier is more energy‐efficient due to reduced shading effects. Sound pressure simulation conducted in COMSOL reveals that the cassette built‐on and shingles built‐on have comparable performance in sound reduction, and high‐rise noise barriers with small tilts (20°–40°) are optimal for sound pressure attenuation.

Masking ability of CAD-CAM resin-matrix ceramics with different translucencies and thicknesses combined with four cement shades against varying background colors when facing veneer restorations

BackgroundTo evaluate the comprehensive effect of translucency, thickness, cement shades, and background color on the masking ability of resin-matrix ceramic veneer restorations.MethodsResin-matrix ceramic specimens with 2 translucencies (LT, HT) and 3 thicknesses (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mm) were made of Upcera Hyramic (A2 shade). Cement specimens were made of Variolink N in 4 shades (yellow, white, transparent, and bleach XL). Five background specimens were made of IPS Natural Die Material in 5 shades (ND1, ND2, ND3, ND4, and ND5). Color coordinates of 120 subgroups (n = 5) of combined specimens composed of different ceramic, cement, and background specimens were obtained using a spectroradiometer. Color difference (ΔE00) compared with a 4-mm thick specimen of LT and HT ceramics was calculated and four-way ANOVA was used for statistical analysis (α = 0.05).ResultsTranslucency, thickness, cement shade, background color, and their interaction had significant effects on ΔE00 (p < 0.001). ΔE00 values of HT groups were always higher than that of LT groups and were greater than 1.8 against all background colors. ΔE00 values of LT groups could be achieved to be less than 1.8 with appropriate thickness and cement shade. ΔE00 value decreased with increasing ceramic thickness. The effect of cement shade on ΔE00 had no obvious regularity, but ΔE00 values of bleach XL cement shade group were always lower than other cement shade groups under ND3 and ND5 background color.ConclusionsThe masking ability of CAD-CAM resin-matrix ceramics can be simultaneously affected by translucency, thickness, cement shade, and background color. Resin-matrix ceramics with low translucency has a better masking ability than that with high translucency. The masking ability of CAD-CAM resin-matrix ceramics increase with increasing thickness. Cement shade has less impact on the final color of resin-matrix ceramic restorations.

Effects of shading on morphology, photosynthesis characteristics, and yield of different shade-tolerant peanut varieties at the flowering stage.

In maize and peanut intercropping, shading emerges as a critical factor for restricting peanut growth, yield, and quality. This study investigated the impact of 30% shade on shade-tolerant [Huayu 22 (HY22) and Fuhua 12 (FH12)] and shade-sensitive [Nonghua 11 (NH11) and Nonghua 5(NH5)] peanut varieties, with non-shaded condition as the control (CK). The effects of shade stress on plant morphology, photosynthetic characteristics, dry-matter accumulation, chloroplast ultra-microstructure, yield, and quality of different shade-tolerant peanut varieties were examined. Compared to that in the control, shade stress led to an elongation of the main stem, shortening of the lateral branches, and reduction in the leaf area. However, these changes were less significant in the shade-tolerant than in the shade-sensitive peanut varieties, with minimal effect on the elongation of the main stem height and shortening of the lateral branches. Differences in leaf area became significant during the later stages of shade stress, particularly pronounced in the shade-sensitive peanut varieties. To enhance light capture by leaves, the shade-tolerant peanut varieties exhibited increased chlorophyll content and chloroplast grain-layer numbers. The decrease in the chlorophyll a/b ratio was more pronounced in the shade-tolerant than in the shade-sensitive peanut varieties, with significant differences. However, reduced activities of ribulose 1,5-biphosphate (RuBP) carboxylase/oxygenase and fructose 1,6-biphosphate aldolase (FBA) resulted in decreased net photosynthetic rates, particularly evident in the shade-sensitive peanut varieties during the late shade period. Shade stress led to decreased dry-matter accumulation, reduced weight of 100 fruits and kernels, and a significant decline in yield in the shade-sensitive cultivars. Shading also affected peanut-kernel quality. Compared with that in the control, the protein content increased and amino-acid (except cysteine) content decreased in the shade-tolerant cultivars. Under shade stress, shade tolerant peanut varieties have increased the yield by improving the photosynthetic efficiency, which provided a reference for rational selection of shade tolerant peanut varieties in maize and peanut intercropping system.

Diverse Responses of Upper Ocean Temperatures to Chlorophyll‐Induced Solar Absorption Across Different Coastal Upwelling Regions

AbstractChlorophyll in phytoplankton absorbs solar radiation (SR) and affects the thermal structure and dynamics within upwelling regions. However, research on this process across global‐scale coastal upwelling systems is still lacking. Here, we use a coupled ocean‐biogeochemical model to investigate differing responses to chlorophyll‐induced solar absorption between Pacific and Atlantic coastal upwelling regions. Chlorophyll‐induced solar absorption leads to colder Pacific coastal upwelling but warmer Atlantic coastal upwelling. In the Pacific, the shading effect of the surface chlorophyll maximum leads to colder subsurface water, which is then upwelled, contributing to cooling. The more stratified upper ocean leads to shallower mixed layer depth, intensifying offshore transport and upwelling. In the Atlantic, the absorption of SR by the subsurface chlorophyll maximum causes warmer and weaker upwelling. The processes described, in turn, trigger positive feedback to ocean biogeochemistry and potentially interact with climate dynamics, underscoring the necessity to incorporate them into Earth system models.

Analyzing the effects of shading on power output in curved photovoltaic array on airship

This study investigates the use of photovoltaic (PV) arrays on airships, focusing on challenges due to the curved structure that affects solar radiation distribution. A novel Photo-Thermal-Electric Model (PTEM), developed in MATLAB/Simulink, is introduced to simulate PV array behavior under various conditions, including the impact of solar altitude, laying angle, and airship flight attitude on power generation. PTEM's effectiveness is demonstrated through detailed power output graphs, revealing that radiation gradients significantly affect power generation, often leading to overestimations in the Photo-Thermal Model (PTM) model by 3 %–30 %. Comparative analysis shows that PTEM provides more accurate energy output estimates for individual PV modules, especially in areas with pronounced radiation gradients, differing from PTM estimates by hundreds of watts. These findings offer valuable insights for enhancing PV module lifespan and optimizing energy system designs, contributing to more efficient renewable energy solutions for long-endurance aircraft.

Experimental investigation of a nano coating efficiency for dust mitigation on photovoltaic panels in harsh climatic conditions

Dust accumulation on photovoltaic (PV) panels in arid regions diminishes solar energy absorption and panel efficiency. In this study, the effectiveness of a self-cleaning nano-coating thin film is evaluated in reducing dust accumulation and improving PV Panel efficiency. Surface morphology and elemental analysis of the nano-coating and dust are conducted. Continuous measurements of solar irradiances and ambient temperature have been recorded. SEM analysis of dust revealed irregularly shaped micron-sized particles with potential adhesive properties, causing shading effects on the PV panel surface. Conversely, the coating particles exhibited a uniform, spherical shape, suggesting effective prevention of dust adhesion. Solar irradiance ranged from 120 W/m² to a peak of 720 W/m² at noon. Application of the self-cleaning nano-coating thin film consistently increased short circuit current (Isc), with the coated panel averaging 2.8 A, which is 64.7% higher than the uncoated panel’s 1.7 A. The power output of the coated panel ranged from 7 W to 38 W, with an average of approximately 24.75 W, whereas the uncoated panel exhibited a power output between 3 W and 23 W, averaging around 14 W. These findings highlight the substantial potential of nano-coating for effective dust mitigation, particularly in dusty environments, thus enhancing PV system reliability.