Solar Cell Panels Research Articles

Robust TiO2 nanorods-SiO2 core-shell coating with high-performance self-cleaning properties under visible light

Photocatalytic SiO2–TiO2 composite coatings with excellent self-cleaning properties have attracted much attention in recent years due to their promising applications in many areas such as automobile windshields, window glasses, and solar cell panel covers, etc. However, most of these coatings are of low self-cleaning capability in the visible light region due to TiO2 only absorbing ultraviolet light, which limit their practical application. Here, highly transparent coatings of the rod-like TiO2–SiO2 nanoparticles on glass substrates were prepared by a simple dip-coating process. The photocatalytic activity and self-cleaning property of the coatings were evaluated by photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) and methyl stearate (MS) under visible light irradiation. It was found that the coatings exhibited ~4% enhancement in the optical transmission of glass and a good mechanical stability. The as-prepared and annealed rod-like TiO2–SiO2 nanoparticle coatings show excellent self-cleaning properties. The results mean that the coatings have a high potential for self-cleaning applications in removal of organic pollutants under visible light such as solar cell panels, architectural glasses and optical devices, etc.

Subwavelength Hollow-Nanopillared Glass with Gradient Refractive Index for Ultralow Diffuse Reflectance and Antifogging.

Nanostructured glass with subwavelength hollow nanopillars of diameters of sub-65 nm was fabricated, showing high optical transmittance and ultralow diffuse reflectance. A simple process involving single-step plasma etching was used on a glass slide coated with a SiO2 sacrificial film. First, SiO2 nanodot structures were formed using plasma-induced anisotropic etching with CF4 plasma. The SiO2 nanodot array then became a secondary etching mask to form hollow nanopillars on the glass. The hollow structures formed at the upper part reaching up to the apex of the nanopillar had a lower solid fraction, while the lower part had a higher fraction. The refractive index (RI) gradually increased from 1.09 (near the value for air) to 1.42 (near the value for glass). Geometry-induced RI gradient enhanced light transmi, while it significantly reduced diffuse reflectance, particularly in the shorter wavelengths, thus suppressing the haziness or milky appearance of the nanostructured glass. Superhydrophilic and antifogging properties of nanostructured glasses and dental mirrored glasses were also demonstrated with water spraying and exhaled breath tests. Results showed that the wettability was enhanced in hydrophilicity and antifogging property by both the hydrophilic nature of the glass and the newly formed nanostructures. The nanostructured, superhydrophilic glass was also found to have easy cleaning nature against fine sand dust adhesion by simplyblowingair or sprayingwater. Results of this study showed that such a hollow-pillared glass surface with gradient RI and special wettability could be applied in a variety of optical and optoelectronic applications requiring superwetting, such as optical windows for solar cell panels, display panels, light-emitting diodes, and medical devices even with curved surfaces.

Dependence of electric power flow on solar radiation power in compact photovoltaic system containing SiC-based inverter with spherical Si solar cells

A photovoltaic power generation system suitable for mobile applications was developed. A SiC integrated converter with the maximum power point tracking circuit provided the smallest photovoltaic inverter in ~200 W level. The SiC-based inverter exhibited a peak direct current (DC)-alternating current (AC) conversion efficiency higher than that of conventional Si inverters. A Li-ion laminated battery was mounted in the same housing as the inverter. The weight of entire system containing spherical Si solar cell panels was well below 6 kg. Continuous operation measurements of this system were carried out using four solar cell modules connected in parallel under irradiation by natural sunlight. The total inverter efficiencies under realistic operation conditions were slightly decreased compared with the DC-AC converter values because of loss by the maximum power point tracking device. Even under unstable weather conditions, the system provided power stability without ripples. The behaviors of the output powers of the solar cell, storage battery, and inverter modules were analyzed as a function of the solar radiation power density. The substantial efficiencies of the solar cell modules were dependent on the weather conditions and were approximately 10% on cloudy days. The present compact photovoltaic power generation system with SiC device and spherical Si solar cells is viable for sub kW-class inverter.

PERANCANGAN SOLAR CELL SEBAGAI SUMBER ENERGI LISTRIK ALTERNATIF UNTUK PENERANGAN LOBBY FAKULTAS TEKNIK UNIVERSITAS RIAU KEPULAUAN

Electricity is one of the most important needs of the community electricity shorttages are very disturbing human activities as well as the University of Riau Islands campus is very dependent on electricity supply from PLN, because this campus conducts tearning activities at night, the current energy is mustly fulfilled by fosil fuel energy such as petroleum, coal and natural gas but the supply of this energie is decreasing, PLN which as a supply of electricity is very dependent on fossil fuels so that PLN can at any time turn out blackouts on the campus of the University of Riau Islands very disturbed with the rilling blackout because the campus will be dark.there needs to be alternative energy at least illuminating as long as the electricity from PLN is on, this research and design is to build asolar electricity supply sistem to help temporary lighting in this design. PLTS is utilized as Alternative electrical energy to illuminatethe lobby of the Faculty of engineering Universitas Riau.Byusing50Wp solar cell panel,charge controller to maintain the stability of the sistem and 42 Ah batrtery, by using this sistem Dc lamps as a load of 54 Watt batrei capacitycan be lit during a blackout from the PLN.

A parametric study on the impact of integrating solar cell panel at building envelope on its power, energy consumption, comfort conditions, and CO2 emissions

This paper presents a parametric study on the impact of solar cells at the building envelope on the generated power, energy consumption, comfort conditions (interior temperature, relative humidity, discomfort hours, and lighting), and CO2 emissions within a building. It considers the cell position on the facade (cell inside window, two cells outside the window), orientation direction (north, east, south, west), and location (wall, roof). The study is performed under the meteorological conditions in the city of New Borg El Arab, Alexandria, Egypt. The numerical solution of the physical model is solved using the Design-Builder software and is validated through an experiment. The results reveal that solar cells on the facade and roof decrease the annual energy consumption inside the facility by approximately 15% and 40%, respectively, compared to a facility without cells. A cell installed on the roof facing south has the highest annual generated power. For a solar cell on the wall, a cell facing south produces the highest annual generated power and a cell facing north produces the lowest. The temperature inside the facility is lower when the solar cells are installed, and a cell facing south provides comfortable interior conditions in all the investigated cases. A cell located inside the window produces the lowest light intensity and a cell facing north produces the lowest CO2 emissions.

PEMANFAATAN TEKNOLOGI SOLAR CELL SEBAGAI SUMBER ENERGI LISTRIK ALTERNATIF DI PANTI ASUHAN AL-HASANAH

The need for electrical energy is a basic requirement besides the need for food and clothing, electrical energy is absolutely needed by the community to support all their daily activities. The purpose of carrying out community service activities is to provide an alternative source of electrical energy by utilizing solar cell panels which can be felt by the public in the form of DC voltage and AC voltage through an inverter device. The method applied in this service activity is to set a plan in the form of a system work diagram and then carry out the service activities in accordance with the work plan that was made previously. The results obtained are the availability of lighting facilities and electrical energy to start the pump so that it can meet the lighting needs and water needs of the orphanage.

Evaluating a Self-Charging Electrostatic Dust Shield for Solar Cell applications in Baghdad Outdoor Weather

Introduction: It is well known that the biggest problem facing the utilizing of solar cell Panels in Baghdad is the unpredictable dusty weather through the days of year. This big problem is not easy to overcome due to the frequent dust accumulations and the high cost of cleaning and other maintenance problems. Dust problems are increasing due to global warming. In Baghdad city, where solar radiation is intense and available almost throughout the year, Deposition of dust on the panels could severely minimize solar-to power output efficiency. There are many methods for dust removing from surfaces like the natural dust removal of wind, mechanical dust removing, super-hydrophobic on solar panel surface, and the electrostatic method which is adopted in this work. The dust particles will be charged statistically by rolling on the surface of the solar panels they will have the same electric charge and the electrostatic forces between them are repulsion. Hence, the dust particles will float away from the solar panels. Materials and Methods: A self-charging transparent conductive glass is prepared by spraying a thin film (141 nm thickness) of a Tin dioxide (SnO2) solution on a glass substrate (12x12 cm2). The dust shield is connected to an electronic charging circuit. The shield is located on the top of a silicon solar cell. The novel idea is that the shield is electrically supplied by the solar cell itself whereas D.C. current from the solar cell itself is used to charge the conductive glass, which is located on the top surface of the cell. Results and Discussion: A test was done for dust removing from a Silicon solar cell by electrostatic repulsion method, considering matching the spectral response region of the Siliconsolar cells with the film transmittance spectral region (400 -700 nm). The transmittance value is between (92 – 95)% and results are compared withan identical reference solar cell. Results show a good response as the calculated clearing factor value increases due to the cell efficiency increment.Also, the clearing factor is discussed as a function of outdoor temperature to show a direct proportionality, while the environmental humidity showed an inverse proportionality. Conclusions: A self-cleaning method for a solar cell is successfully introduced via a conductive glass. tests were carried outdoor in Baghdad city. Results showed that there is a direct proportionality between both: the clearing factor and the efficiency gain with the ambient temperature. The ambient humidity showed indirect proportionality with system efficiency (clearing factor and efficiency gain show reduction as the humidity percentage increases).

Synthesis of hydrophilic silica nanoparticle and its application as self-cleaning coating for solar cell panels

In past decades, nanotechnology has attracted much attention among researchers and industries due to its high potential of adding significant values to the original materials. Thin film coating with nanomaterial can provide new properties and enhance performances of pristine surfaces for certain applications. In this research, we investigated the development of superhydrophilic self-cleaning coatings for solar panels using colloidal silica nanoparticles. The coatings consist of colloidal silica nanoparticles with the average size of 30 nm, sodium dihydrogen phosphate and boric acid under various formulations. The coatings can be applied by simple painting or fine spraying. The light transmittance of the coated samples was characterized by UV–visible spectrophotometer. The water contact angle (WCA) was measured by a contact angle instrument. It was observed that the optimum weight ratio of silica nanoparticles : sodium dihydrogen phosphate : boric acid was 22:1:1 with contact angle of 1.83° and transmittance of 65%.

Multifunctional core-shell-like nanoarchitectures for hybrid supercapacitors with high capacity and long-term cycling durability

Transition metal oxide/hydroxide with multifunctional hierarchical nanostructures has attracted widespread attention in supercapacitors (SCs) because of their large accessible surface area, high electrochemical activity and superior redox chemistry. Herein, core-shell-like copper (Cu) hydroxide nanotube arrays grafted nickel aluminum layered double hydroxide nanosheets were facilely synthesized on porous Cu foam (CH NTAs@NiAl LDH NSs) for use as an efficient battery-type electrode in hybrid SCs. With the synergistic effects of NiAl LDH NSs on well-adhered CH NTAs/CF, the core-shell-like composite (prepared for 24 h) delivered a maximum areal capacity of 334.3 μAh/cm2 at a current density of 3 mA/cm2 in 2 M KOH electrolyte, which is comparatively higher than other samples synthesized at different growth times. Moreover, the core-shell-like CH NTAs@NiAl LDH NSs-24 demonstrated an outstanding cycling stability of 134.3% after 10,000 cycles. Utilizing high capacity and stability of CH NTAs@NiAl LDH NSs-24, a pouch-type hybrid SC was further assembled with core-shell-like composite as a positive electrode and reduced graphene oxide as a negative electrode with a filter paper as a separator in aqueous alkaline electrolyte. The hybrid SC showed a high areal capacity of 250 μAh/cm2 at 2 mA/cm2 with maximum areal energy and power densities of 181.9 μWh/cm2 and 24,991.5 μW/cm2, respectively. Successfully harvesting the solar energy via solar cell panel and subsequently delivering the stored energy to switching and proximity applications also demonstrated the real-time applicability of our hybrid SCs.

The micrometheroid influence estimate on the microaccelerations level onboard small spacecraft

The problem of estimating the impact of a particle of a space debris or a micrometeoroid in the solar cell panel of a small spacecraft is considered. Numerical modeling of the impact of particle penetration into the solar cell panel on the dynamics of a small spacecraft and the level of microacceleration of its internal environment have been simulated. As a prototype for numerical modeling, a small spacecraft “Aist-2D” was chosen. The obtained results testify to the significant influence of particle penetration into the solar cell panel on the level of microacceleration of the internal environment of a small spacecraft and the need to take this influence into account when carrying out gravitationally sensitive processes on its board.

Color-Tunable Upconversion in Er3+/Yb3+-Codoped KLaF4 Nanophosphors by Incorporation of Tm3+ Ions for Biological Applications.

Heavily doped nanocrystals of host KLaF4 with rare earth (RE3+ = Er3+, Tm3+, and Yb3+) ions prepared by a simple one-step template-free wet-chemical route have been reported. Prepared KLaF4 nanocrystals reveal phase-pure cubic structures (lattice constant a = 5.931Å) with space group Fm3m. Precisely defined molar ratios of heavily dopant RE3+ ions allow us to achieve wide color upconversion (UC) emission tunability (blue, green to yellow–orange–red) and white light, without any morphology and structure changes. The enhanced red emission by a factor of ∼120 has been achieved in 20% Yb3+ and 5% Tm3+ ions in KLaF4:1% Er3+ nanocrystals, which is due to an efficient sensitizer–acceptor (Yb3+ to Er3+ and Tm3+ ions) energy transfer and interexchange energy process between acceptors. For the first time, the key role of sensitizer (Yb3+) for UC emission energy transfer to Er3+ and/or Tm3+ is experimentally demonstrated. The evidence of upconversion photoluminescence excitation spectra reveals a broad safe biological excitation window (690–1040 nm), which can be well demonstrated by low-cost NIR diode lasers/LEDs. The applicability of these cubic nanophosphors is demonstrated as light-emitting polymer composite coatings and blocks for LEDs and solar cell panels. These well-dispersed UC nanocrystals can also be found to have greater use in bioimaging and spectral studies.

Cylindrical lens array concentrator with a nanonipple-array antireflective surface for improving the performances of solar cells

Nanoscale nipple array (NNA) structures have always been used in solar cells for the purpose of antireflection. However, most NNAs are fabricated on the planar surface of a film. Here, we report NNA structures are fabricated on the curved surface of a millimeter-scale cylindrical lens array concentrator (MCLAC) using the simple soft imprint method. The MCLAC concentrates all incoming sunlight to silicon surface of solar cells to overcome the reflection loss from finger electrodes. The NNAs on the surface of MCLAC can reduce the reflection loss at the lens–air interface and enhance the hydrophobicity of solar cell. Through applying the polymer multiscale AR coating consisting of NNAs and MCLAC(NNA–MCLAC) to commercial polycrystallinesilicon solar cells and optimizing the supporting layer height between MCLAC and silicon film, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) has been successfully improved from 18.60% to 19.52% under normal incidence, increased by 4.95%. Importantly, compared with the solar cell with the no structure planar coating, the relative PCE improvement ratio of the solar cell with the multiscale NNA–MCLACAR coating increases from ca. 5% up to ca. 32% when the incident angle increases from 0°to 60°. These remarkable improvements are of significance for practical deployment of commercial solar cells panels without a costly solar tracking system.

Self – cleaning superhydrophobic coatings: Potential industrial applications

Many technologies have surfaced through careful observation and investigation of unusual features of various species found in Nature. Among which, the remarkable non – wetting properties of lotus leaf has hugely occupied the minds of students, researchers and industrialists from last two decades. Due to high contact angle (>150°), water drops readily roll off the lotus leaf surface compiling dirt particles. This self – cleaning lotus effect has found huge attention in daily life. Many surfaces in day-to-day life eventually get contaminated due to the accumulation of dust/dirt or through air pollution. A huge amount of money, labor and energy is wasted in their restoration. The self – cleaning superhydrophobic coating is one of the best options for this problem. In this study, the suspension of hydrophobic silica nanoparticles was dip and/or spray coated on the body of motorcycle, building wall, mini boat, solar cell panel, window glass, cotton shirt, fabric shoes, paper (currency notes), metal, wood, sponges, plastic and marble. Every coated substrate exhibited superhydrophobicity with water contact angle nearly 160° and sliding angle less than 6°. The self-cleaning performance of the superhydrophobic coating applied on various substrates was thoroughly evaluated. The specific purpose of this article is to explore the possible industrial applications of self – cleaning superhydrophobic coatings.

Effect of gamma and beta radiation on I–V characterization of the solar cell panel

ABSTRACTOptoelectronic devices, widely used in high energy and nuclear physics applications, suffer severe radiation damage that leads to degradations in its efficiency. In this paper, the influence of gamma radiation (137Ce source) and beta radiation (90Sr source) on the photoelectric parameters of the Si solar cell, based on the I–V characterization at different irradiation exposer, has been studied. The penetrating radiation produces defects in the base material, may be activated during its lifetime, becoming traps for electron–hole pairs produced optically and, this will, decrease the efficiency of the solar cell. The main objective of the paper is to study and measure changes in the I–V characteristics of solar cells, such as efficiency, maximum current, maximum power, and efficiency, due to the exposure of solar systems to different doses of γ and β irradiations.

Small Scale DSSC Panels Design and Its Performance

This study reports an effort to design dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) panels. The panel was proposed using a TiO2 layer, dye, electrolyte and counter electrode. TiO2 layer was deposited on FTO glass by using spray methods then it was heated on the furnace for 45 minutes. We applied ruthenium dye (N719), iodolyte and platinum as a counter electrode. Performance of solar cells was characterized by solar illumination using a multimeter. The solar’s intensity was measured by using a solar power meter. It was found the efficiency and fill factor of DSSC about 2.08% and 0.80, respectively. This study can be scaled up then applying in daily life.

A superhydrophobic polyacrylate film with good durability fabricated via spray coating

A superhydrophobic film with good durability was fabricated by simple spraying a mixed solution of a POSS-based fluorinated acrylate polymer and ethyl-α-cyanoacrylate on a glass slide. The polymer was firstly synthesized via a typical free radical solution polymerization and could self-assemble into spherical micelle, thus leading to the formation of a rough film with hierarchical nano-microstructure through spray coating. The adding of ethyl-α-cyanoacrylate can improve the mechanical durability of the film. The film shows robust superhydrophobicity with a high water angle contact of 158° and an ultralow water sliding angle of 1.9°. More importantly, the film not only can withstand 25 abrasion cycles under a load of 200 g and approximately 5.5 m high static water pressure without losing superhydrophobicity, but also exhibits favorable resistance to acidic and basic solutions over a wide range of pH values from 2 to 14. Besides, the transmittance of the coated glass slide is above 75% in the visible light range of 400–800 nm, reflecting high transparency of the film. This film may be a promising candidate in practical applications, including coating of optical devices, solar cell panel and outdoor instruments, because this method to fabricate supehydrophobic surfaces is facile, effective and scalable, and the superhydrophobic coating has good water resistance, high transparency and enough durability.

Elimination of Nonstationary Oscillations of an Elastic System at the Stopping Time after Finite Rotation by the Given Law via the Tuning of Eigenfrequencies

The article deals with an arbitrary elastic 3D-system (body) that performs a controlled finite rotation with respect to some fixed axis and small nonstationary oscillations. The system oscillations occur due to external load (power control) or inertial load of the rotational transportation of the carrying body (kinematic control). The linear equations of oscillations are used in normal coordinates, in which motion is represented by eigenmodes of vibrations for system that is free in the rotation angle (including system rotation as a solid body in the case of power control) and for system fixed in rotation angle in the case of kinematic control. It is assumed that the (power or inertial)load acting on the system is proportional to some controlling finite time function from a certain class. The purpose of this article is to solve the problem of system rotation for a certain time from one rest position to another at a given finite angle using the given control function and to eliminate the elastic oscillations on the several lowest eigenmodes at the stopping time. The relations between the time of the system rotation under the action of a given control function and the eigenmodes frequencies for oscillations being eliminated are obtained on the basis of the exact solutions of the equations in normal coordinates. These relations satisfy the zero initial and final conditions. They are “tuned” by minimizing the positive definite quadratic form written for them by varying the system parameters to fulfill these relations simultaneously for several eigenfrequencies. As an example, the calculations for a model of a symmetrical spacecraft with two identical elastic solar cell panels consisting of four planar non-deformable sections connected by elastic hinges are carried out for comparison and analysis of the results accuracy. The finite rolling motion of the system with the damping at the stopping time of rotation for several (from one to three) lowest eigenmodes of antisymmetric vibrations is considered. The comparisons of the initial equations of motion for the system in generalized coordinates using several simple control functions and the found parameters of the “tuned” system with numerical solutions are accomplished.

Fabrication of transparent superhydrophobic polytetrafluoroethylene coating

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) thin films were successfully deposited on glass substrates using pulsed laser deposition, with deposition times ranging from 30 to 120 minutes (min). The surface roughness of the films increased as deposition time increased, with micro/nanoscale roughness developing when deposition time increased over 60 min. This roughness made the surface superhydrophobic, having a contact angle of about 151.6°±1. UV–vis spectroscopic analysis of the PTFE films revealed that they were highly transparent, up to ∼90% in visible and near-infrared ranges. Furthermore, when the deposition time was increased—which increased the films’ thickness—the films were able to absorb 80–90% of ultraviolet light in the wavelength range <300 nm. The researchers used an x-ray photoelectron spectrometer to find the chemical and elemental composition of the films’ surfaces. Atomic force microscopy was used to determine the effect of surface roughness on the films’ hydrophobicity. The fabricated superhydrophobic films have many potential practical uses, from self-cleaning materials to solar cell panel coatings. Additionally, the low dielectric properties of PTFE make the films’ ideal for communication antenna coatings and similar applications.

Study on High energy efficiency photovoltaic facility agricultural system in tropical area of China

The photovoltaic facility agriculture is developing rapidly in recent years, but there are many problems brought out, even in some important demonstration projects, due to the lack of standards. In order to solve some of these problems, we set up a photovoltaic facilities agricultural system in Guilinyang University City, Haikou, China and make an in-depth study on the photovoltaic facility agricultural system and its related problems. In this paper we disclose some of the experimental results. We plant corianders under two kinds of solar cell panels and general double glass assembly already sold on the market. Experiments showed that the square format cell panels are much better than row type, and the next one is general double glass assembly sold on the market, the last is the case without any shelter. 30 days after planting, the height of coriander plants are 50mm, 30mm, 23mm and 20mm correspondingly. The two typical solar cell panels have gaps between cells, and can save much more energy and improve power generation efficiency, we arrange the panels at optimum tilted angle, and design the system as open structure to save more energy. The photovoltaic facilities agricultural system we set up in Guilinyang University City can achieve much high solar energy efficiency than others and has broad application prospects.

Spatial Distribution of Radiation Belt Protons Deduced from Solar Cell Degradation of the Arase Satellite

Analysis of solar-cell array panel (SAP) data from the Arase satellite orbiting in the inner magnetosphere showed a clear degradation of solar cells that could be attributed to trapped protons with energies greater than 6 MeV. Proton fluence was determined based on variations in the open-circuit voltage (Voc) of the solar cells, which we compared with that expected based on various distribution models (AP8MAX, AP9 mean and CRRESPRO quiet) of trapped protons. We found a general agreement, confirming the major contribution of trapped protons to the degradation, as well as a slight difference in the fluence expected based on the model calculations. To minimize this difference, we slightly modified the models, and found that concentrating the energetic protons on the magnetic equator provided a better agreement. Our results indicate that >6 MeV protons also has the equatorial concentration as reported for >18 MeV protons from the Van Allen Probes observation, and are interpreted as two components of the trapped protons, i.e., those of solar energetic particle (SEP) origin have an anisotropic pitch-angle distribution and are confined near the magnetic equator.