Solar Panel Surface Research Articles

Cooling characteristics of solar photovoltaic panels based on phase change materials

The efficiency of photovoltaic(PV) panels decreases as their temperature increases, so effective cooling of them is necessary. The cooling of PV panels based on phase change materials(PCMs) is an emerging cooling method that has recently received the attention of scholars around the world. Herein, the cooling characteristics of PCM on PV panels are experimentally investigated to study the cooling effect of PCM on solar PV panel cooling technology (PV-PCM) and explore the effect of inverse process of PCM from molten to solidified state on the temperature of solar PV panels after cooling. The results reveal that the PCM can effectively reduce the temperature of solar PV panels under the condition of no wind, irradiance of 1000 W/m2 and ambient temperature of 7.3 °C. The PCM can reduce the average temperature of the upper and back surfaces of solar PV panels by 33.94 °C and 36.51 °C within 300 min, respectively. Moreover, the PCM increased the average maximum power generation efficiency of solar PV panels by 1.63% and the average maximum output power by 1.35 W. The solar PV panels cooled without PCM took only 60 min to cool from the maximum temperature to room temperature, whereas the solar PV panels in PV-PCM system took 480 min to cool down to room temperature.

Solar panel surface dirt detection and removal based on arduino color recognition

Color sensing is a technique for identifying physical changes in materials based on appearance assessment. Dirt deposition on solar panels can change their physical appearance and performance. Considering that dirt accumulation on solar panels needs monitoring to make efficient cleaning schedules, reduce unnecessary costs, and optimize solar panel output generation. Color sensing can achieve fast, accurate, and economical dirt detection, unlike the use of robotic cameras, mathematical formulae, and considering varying output current and voltage methods. Here, we introduce a method that detects and removes dirt on solar panels based on TCS3200 and Arduino Uno components. The approach targets (i.) Panel color measurement, calibration, threshold selection process, (ii.) comparison of color measurement values, and (iii.) align further calibration in response to discoloration of solar panels. This method aims to correct the dirt detection methods previously in use. Hence, a high-speed rolling brush arrangement is designed to improve the cleaning of the solar panel without using water. Further investigations of the panel's color may require some improvement in terms of increasing the sensitivity of the color sensor even with increased distance from the solar panel. Combining multiple color sensors may also be necessary.

A Review on Investigation of PV Solar Panel Surface Defects and MPPT Techniques

Abstract: The lifetime of PV modules is reduced due to a variety of degradation modes. Failure modes that contribute significantly to PV module output power losses include snail trails, hotspots, micro cracks, bubbles or delamination, and dust accumulation. The correlations between these phenomena, like those between corrosive environment and potential-induced breakdown, are not well understood. As a result, in this review, we will try to explain the relationship between snail trails, hotspots, microcracks, bubbles or delamination, and dust accumulation on photovoltaic module components in order to ensure the PV modules' reliability. This paper in the Photovoltaic literature gives an overview of several Maximum Point Tracking (MPPT) techniques that have been recently designed, simulated and/or experimentally validated. The main objective of every MPPT technology is to maximize the output of a photovoltaic array with shade or unshade conditions. The characteristics presented in this paper are unique, and they provide researchers with a starting point for choosing and implementing an appropriate MPPT technique.

Numerical simulation of the dust particles deposition on solar photovoltaic panels and its effect on power generation efficiency

The deposition of dust particles on the surface of solar photovoltaic panels leads to a decrease in power generation efficiency, so it is necessary to study the interaction mechanism between dust particles and solar photovoltaic panels. Aiming at the problem that the simplified two-dimensional model cannot reflect the actual photovoltaic power station in the traditional research, a geometric model of the distribution form of the 3 × 3 solar photovoltaic panel array is constructed. The shear stress transport k−ω turbulence model is used to predict the flow field changes around solar photovoltaic (PV). A discrete particle model is used to predict the particle deposition rate of photovoltaic panels. The effects of different wind speeds, particle sizes, and wind angles on particle deposition were analyzed. With the increase of wind speed, the deposition amount of the photovoltaic panels in the last two rows gradually decreased, while the photovoltaic panels in the first row showed a trend of first decreasing and then increasing. As the particle size increases, the particle deposition amount increases gradually. When the particle size is less than 60 μm, the deposition amount on the photovoltaic panel is less than 0.03g. When the particle size is greater than 60 μm, the deposition amount of particles increases exponentially. The maximum deposition amount is 3.98g, and the maximum deposition rate is 0.796% for 160 μm particles. Wind angle has different effects on the deposition on different rows of photovoltaic panels. When the wind Angle is 0°, the deposition amount of the first row of photovoltaic panels is the largest, the deposition amount is 4.66g, and the deposition rate is 0.932%. When the wind angle is 45°, the deposition amount on the second and third rows of photovoltaic panels is the largest, the deposition amount is 3.21g, and the deposition rate is 0.642%. Finally, the changes in the maximum output power of photovoltaic panels after 60 days of exposure were predicted using an improved dust particle occlusion model.

Effect of peak sun hour on energy productivity of solar photovoltaic power system

A solar cell is a type of renewable energy engineering technology that can convert photons coming from the sun to be converted into electrical energy. The amount of energy that can be converted by a solar cell is determined by the effective insolation time. Peak sun hours (PSH) are the focus of this research. This PSH analysis aims to determine the potential for solar energy obtained in geographical locations throughout the year. Geographical location and the position of the astronomical coordinates of a certain area affect PSH. Therefore, the orientation of solar panel installation, including the height, slope, and latitude of the solar panel surface needs to be considered in order to get maximum solar energy. The results of this study can be used by technicians in determining the orientation of solar panel development in an area.

Enhanced photocatalytic activity of highly transparent superhydrophilic doped TiO2 thin films for improving the self-cleaning property of solar panel covers

Undoped and metal doped nanocrystalline TiO2 transparent thin films were synthesized on glass substrates via sol-gel/dip-coating method. TiO2 thin film coatings can be applied to the surfaces of solar panels to impart self-cleaning properties to them. The structural and optical properties of few nanometer-thick films were characterized by XRD, SEM, CA, AFM, XPS, and UV–Vis spectrophotometry techniques. The stoichiometric TiO2 films crystallized in anatase phase, with a particle size of ∼100 nm, which were uniformly distributed on the surface. The prepared films with a roughness of ∼1–5 nm, increased the hydrophilicity of the glass surface. Reducing the amount of Ti precursor (X) favored the improvement of film quality. To improve the photocatalytic activity of the TiO2 thin film, it was doped with Ni, Cd, Mo, Bi and Sr metal ions. The effect of metal doping on the photocatalytic activity of the films was investigated using the degradation process of methylene blue (MB) dye as the model contaminant. Among the prepared coatings, the Sr–TiO2 film showed the highest efficiency for MB degradation. It increased the dye degradation efficiency of the films under both UV and Vis lights. The kinetic investigations also showed that the degradation of MB by TiO2 and M − TiO2 films obeyed the pseudo-first order kinetics.

Effects of nanocoatings on the temperature-dependent cell parameters and power generation of photovoltaic panels.

Operational requirements of photovoltaic (PV) modules result in their inherent exposure to harsh environmental conditions. The performance of solar cells decreases with increasing temperature, with both efficiency and power output getting affected. High ambient temperature coupled with irradiance absorption leads to an elevated photovoltaic cell operating temperature, adversely affecting the panels' lifespan. Superhydrophobic nanocoatings are the preferred solution to reduce the accumulation of dust (soiling) over the surface of the panels. This article aims to study the effects of nanocoatings on module operating temperature and temperature-dependent cell parameters, such as open-circuit voltage ({V}_{mathrm{oc}}), short-circuit current ({I}_{mathrm{sc}}) and power generation. The application of nanocoating over the surface of solar panels reduces the operating temperatures while improving power generation in a temperate location with high annual atmospheric temperatures.

An infrared based dust mitigation system operated by the robotic arm for performance improvement of the solar panel

Solar panel is one of the key elements to extract the electrical energy from solar energy for end use. The performance of solar panels is affected by the dust accumulation, which is one of the serious concerns for the decrement in the solar panel output. A suitable cleaning technique can be useful to overcome this problem. Thus, to mitigate the dust effect on the solar panel surface, a robotic arm based self-automated dust removal system is designed and developed. A novel IR sensor-based cleaning technique is utilized, which performs multitasking operation for early morning shadow-free cleaning, day-to-night shifting, overheating observations and movement of robotic arm. The proposed wet cleaning mechanism offers a Silicone rubber based wiping function carried out by a PWM operated motor of robotic arm. The IEEE 1149.1 compliant embedded controller (C8051F226DK) is incorporated to control the whole system. The experimental work on a 30 WP system can produce the average value of 11.88 % of energy increase, 13.02 % of PV module efficiency and 81.35 % of performance ratio after 2.4 months (73 days) cleaning in winter season. The device works at higher cleaning rate (1.86 m2/s) with less water (0.31 L/m2) consumption. A comparatively light weighted (520 g) device provides low power cleaning operation and offers low cost (1.84 $/kW) per cleaning cycle. It is concluded that the upgradability and user-friendly operation of this indigenous device make it competitive among other cleaning solutions. The proposed technique is more suitable in terms of its operation, electrical and economic performance.

Solar power satellites: technical challenges and economic feasibility

World energy consumption is constantly rising; therefore, it is essential to investigate different possibilities to produce power in the medium and long term. The sun is a clean source of power that is virtually inexhaustible. Photovoltaic (PV) power stations are used to harness this energy, but they are not completely reliable since they depend on weather patterns. To overcome this problem, large satellites with extensive solar panel surfaces can be placed in orbit. These satellites, known as Solar Power Satellites (SPS), would be positioned in geostationary orbit (GEO) thus constantly providing energy while avoiding meteorological conditions and erosive factors. These benefits make solar power station an appealing option for the energy of the future. Therefore, in this paper, the possibility and challenges of using solar-powered satellites are explored. The mechanisms regarding microwave transmission, photovoltaic collection, radiation impact, and propulsion are discussed. The advantages and disadvantages of solar-powered satellites are discussed regarding cost and practicality, and the current race between different countries to achieve this technology was examined. It was found that power could be collected with an efficiency of over 30% using gallium-arsenide photovoltaic cells. To minimize radiation effects, the use of a 100-micron transparent Pilkington Borosilicate Glass (commercially known as CMG cover glass) could be employed. For spacecraft propulsion, Hall thrusters provide the optimal combination between efficiency and thrust. Finally, the cost analysis indicates that to make the SPS viable, launch costs to GEO must be decreased by a factor of 10, solar panel efficiency must be increased to 40%, panel density must be minimized, and international cooperation must be achieved.

Soiling mapping through optical losses for Nigeria

Soiling consists of the accumulation of dust on the solar panel's surface and has a deleterious effect on solar photovoltaic devices' performance, which varies with location. However, soiling losses and rates are significantly under-reported or underestimated since regional differences and seasonal variations are overlooked. Accurate prediction of PV soiling losses for a particular location can save revenue losses associated with a solar PV system. This research investigated the effect of soiling on PV performance through optical losses by employing a low-cost soiling station. Low iron glass coupons (5 mm × 5 mm) were exposed on three angles (vertical, tilt-45°, and horizontal) in seven sites across Nigeria to collect annual, seasonal and monthly soiling data. Each coupon was then subjected to optical characterisation using a spectrometer and imaging analysis using the SEM/EDX. The finding shows significant optical losses across the country, with all the highest rates recorded on coupons exposed on the horizontal plane, where the maximum loss of 88% was recorded on the Abuja, North Central (ABV) coupon. SEM/EDX finding illustrated minerals with the potential to affect light transmittance, and the pollutant data confirmed the particles. The optical results were further employed to map the soiling distribution across the country. A wide deviation was observed from the data on the Global Solar Atlas, as it disproportionately underestimated the soiling losses across the world.

Innovative energy sources for Hyperloop high-speed transport

This article describes an innovative design of a solar-wind generator for a distributed energy Hyperloop high-speed system. The knowhow of this development is to mount flexible silicon solar panels (SP) on wind turbine blades, thus optimizing the thermal efficiency of solar panels. The basic dimensions of the wind turbine blades and the maximum internal flow velocities at the blade outlet (tips) are presented. At low wind velocities, it is rational to locate solar panels on the outer end (or the tip) of a blade, rather than along the blade length.The cooling effect can be increased by using materials with low thermal resistance for the SP and blades, or by reducing their thickness.To increase the heat transfer coefficient, it is recommended to use the airflow turbulence on the solar panel surface. In practice, this can be achieved both by changing the operating parameters and by introducing innovative design solutions.For better cooling of solar panels, it is recommended to use the technology of a wind flow sucked into the blade inner cavity. Changing the geometry of the outer end (tip) of the blades and the use of deflectors also give a better panel cooling parameters.

ANALYSIS OF TILT ANGLE AND BATTERY CHARGING TIME OF ELECTRICAL POWER REQUIREMENTS FOR WOOD CUTTING EQUIPMENT PURPOSES

Solar panels are a tool that serves to convert sunlight into electrical voltage, sunlight itself contained energy in the form of photons. In this photon hit the surface of the electron solar cell panel that will be excited and cause electricity. This is known as the photoelectric principle. Every day the earth rotates on its axis while orbiting along the ellipse. Where along the plane of the earth's orbit is called the ecliptic plane so that it affects the geothermal received. So in this study analyzed the angle of the panel with the battery charging time needed on wood cutting equipment. From the results of testing and observation of the most effective tilt angle and with the highest power is an angle of 30°. Where the intensity of sunlight received by solar panels is very influential that determines the amount of electrical output or power generated by solar panels. Due to erratic weather and average power generated during 7 hours of measurement and observation produces 55.29 Watts then the power passed on the scc (controller) for the battery charging time for 7 hours then (7 hours × 55.29 Watt = 387.03 Watts / h) after being calculated to get a total load of 328.98 Wh and the length of battery charging time at full condition (full) is 1.64 Hours (h) with the slope angle sample taken is an angle of 30° with power highest.

Introducing a new method of automatic cleaning of the PV array surface using a suction robot

One of the concerns of using PV arrays in solar power plants is cleaning the surface of the PV array. In this paper, a suction robot called MFv01 was designed, built, and tested, which not only has a higher cleaning quality than Antonelli and Ecoppia T4 robots but also has a faster cleaning speed. Therefore MFv01 robot reduces the cleaning time of the surface of solar panels. In the MFv01 robot, two sets of brushes are used to clean the surface of the PV array that the brushes are installed in the front and back of the robot. Also, a suction system is designed that sucks the dust collected by the brushes into its garbage bag. The MFv01 operates without rails or guides and finds its spatial position by ultrasonic sensors. The movement strategy of MFv01 is such that it moves shorter paths compared to similar robots. The tests on the PV array have confirmed the simulation results and approved the effectiveness of the proposed movement strategy and suction system to improve cleaning quality.

Influence of chemical coatings on solar panel performance and snow accumulation

Solar panel performance can be impacted when panel surfaces are coated with substances like dust, dirt, snow, or ice that scatter and/or absorb light and may reduce efficiency. As a consequence, time and resources are required to clean solar panels during and after extreme weather events or whenever surface coating occurs. Treating solar panels with chemical coatings that shed materials may decrease the operating costs associated with solar panel maintenance and cleaning. This study investigates three commercial coatings for use as self-cleaning glass technologies. Optical and thermal properties (reflectivity, absorption, and transmission) are investigated for each coating as well as their surface wettability and particle size. Incoming solar radiation was continuously monitored and snow events were logged to estimate power production capabilities and surface accumulation for each panel. In terms of power output, the commercial coatings made little impact on overall power production compared to the control (uncoated) panels. This was attributable to the overall high transmission, low absorption, and low reflection of each of the commercial coatings, making their presence on the surface of solar panels have minimal impact besides to potentially shed snow While the coatings made no observable difference to increase power production compared to the control panels, the shedding results from video monitoring suggest both the hydrophilic or hydrophobic test coatings decreased snow accumulation to a greater extent than the control panels (uncoated). Controlling the wettability properties of the solar panel surfaces has the potential to limit snow accumulation when compared to uncoated panel surfaces.

Design and implementation of an active optimized optical green energy generation system using ultraviolet solar irradiance

This paper proposes a methodology of optimum power point tracking for tandem solar cell technology to generate green energy. It utilizes an active optical solar tracking and concentrating system, employing ultraviolet (UV) parts: UVA and UVB (280–400 nm), from the solar irradiations. Hence, devises a methodology to avoid complex maximum power point tracking hardware and presents a use of UV solar irradiation. It can be used as an alternative to the conventional concentrated photovoltaic system as well. The performance of the proposed system is also optimized for its output power fixed at a required value of the interest with fewer fluctuations and heating effects. Working of the proposed system is based on a solar irradiance, intensity-dependent axial movement of the light funnel with its variable aperture, and the W/m2 created by a Fresnel lens. The proposed system finds its utility for places where the UV index is recorded at its highest ≥ +11 allowing UV radiations to reach the earth at high levels. The proposed approach is validated, to fulfill fixed energy demand of a thermolysis process against its constant output power claim. For the purpose, firstly absorption response of a quadruple junction solar cell is investigated and made sure that it is capable of operating on UVA and UVB. Secondly, to achieve a constant irradiance level on solar panel surface, control systems along three-axes are designed based on the least-squares optimization criterion to minimize the tracking error and keep the irradiation fixed to a reference value of 1000 W/m2.

Challenges and opportunities in solar photovoltaic system

In recent years, research work in renewable energy sources is significant due to fossil fuels depletion, environmental degradation and global warming issues related to fossil fuel. The renewable energy or non-conventional energy source is renewed by the nature and operating cost is low. The solar energy is most widely used renewable energy source and popular solar photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal system is used for solar energy conversion. The solar PV system generates electrical energy from solar energy directly. The performance of the solar photovoltaic system is impacted by ambient temperature, solar radiation intensity, surface temperature of solar photovoltaic module, dust, shades etc. The impact of ambient conditions on the performance of the solar PV system was studied in this work. The higher panel temperature reduces the solar PV panel performance. The dust deposition on the PV panel reduces the power generation and also increases the solar PV panel surface temperature which may reduce the life of the solar PV panels. These challenges provide research opportunities to overcome these issues. From this work, it is concluded that the regular cleaning and effective cooling methods will help to overcome the challenges posed by ambient condition on solar PV panels..

Modelling of Solar Power Production in Dry and Rainy Seasons Using Some Selected Meteorological Parameters

In this paper, we deployed the multiple linear regression method in developing a solar power output model for solar energy production, where the meteorological parameters are the independent variables. We fitted the model and found that the meteorological variables considered accounted for 94.88% and 99.61% of the power output in both dry and rainy seasons. We observed from the work that the solar panel performs well in all seasons but slightly better in the rainy seasons. This could be attributed to the washing away of dust particles from solar panels by the rain and higher operating temperature different from the specified manufactured temperature of 25°C. We observed that other factors such as the cloud slightly affect the optimal performance of the system. Panels inclined at an angle of 5° (Tilt) and facing south azimuth performs optimally, periodic washing of the surface of solar panels enhances optimal performance.

Porous alumina thermophotovoltaic film for output voltage enhancement of silicon solar cell at room temperature

Antimony doped porous alumina film deposited over indium tin oxide (ITO) coated glass substrate can be helpful in the thermophotovoltaic system. The film pore dimensions of the system developed are: pore radius of 200–400 nm, pore height ∼200 nm, inter pore distance ∼400 nm, and pore wall thickness ∼80 nm. These dimensions match to a large extent of specially prepared design values of optimized HfO2-filled photonic crystal for cutoff wavelength (λc) of 1.70 μm. The X-ray diffraction analysis of the synthesized films reveals direct evidence that crystalline alumina coexists with ITO. The trace amount of antimony was detected by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic analysis. However, other optical analysis techniques, e.g., absorbance and photoluminescence, cannot detect such a trace amount. The developed thermophotovoltaic film was applied to cover the top surface of silicon solar panels. The output voltage of the panel was compared to that of panel without thermophotovoltaic film. The transient voltage response of the covered panel after several measurements confirms an increase in voltage (∼0.15 V) with VOC = 10 V and ISC = 0.4 Amp under solar radiation of ∼600 W/m2. The increase in voltage by applying the thermophotovoltaic film is a novel outcome and has immense potential for industrial application in the future.

The Study of Dust Removal Using Electrostatic Cleaning System for Solar Panels

This study explores the use of electrostatic cleaning to remove dust from the surface of photovoltaic solar panels. First of all, existing systems used for dust removal from solar panels were evaluated. Then, the effects of dust on the panel were investigated for Şanlıurfa province in Turkey. In addition, the elemental content of the powder was analyzed. A new device for electrostatic cleaning has been designed and implemented. The cleaning performance of this device has been tested considering the electrode designs. The electric field value was determined by analytical and numerical methods in the conventional model (parallel electrode) model. Electric field distribution was investigated using Ansys Maxwell simulation software. The printed circuit boards of the proposed model and the conventional model were produced. The traditional model with positive and negative waveform is widely used in electrostatic cleaner studies. Dust removal efficiencies and electrical losses for different frequency and voltage values were compared for both cards. It has been shown that the proposed model can perform cleaning with high efficiency despite similar loss variation.

Cleaning dielectric surfaces by the electrical fields of the linear electrodynamic Paul trap

A method against dust pollution of dielectric surfaces has been proposed. The dust removal is achieved applying alternating electric fields of special geometry created by the linear electrodynamic Paul traps, which polarize dust particles on the surface of the dielectric and draw them into the interelectrode space of the trap. The captured dust can be moved without contact with the solar panel surface toward the electrodes ends in a special container by an additional constant electric field. The feasibility of the approach was demonstrated by a series of experiments on the removal of aluminium oxide and sand particles of various sizes from a glass surface and solar panels. The cleaning rate for 7090 μm particles uniformly scattered on the glass substrate inclined at 20∘ was 92%. The capture of a single particle was analyzed using numerical simulations and the conditions necessary for its capturing and levitating were determined.