An automated and cost-efficient method for photovoltaic dust cleaning based on biaxially oriented polyamide coating material

Said Halwani, Mena Maurice Farag, Abdul Kadir Hamid, Mousa Hussein

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Photovoltaic (PV) systems have been at the forefront of renewable energy technologies. However, they are highly dependent on environmental parameters that affect their performance and longevity. Dust accumulation presents a critical factor in the performance of PV systems, leading to minimum system efficiency under largely dusty conditions. Several cleaning methodologies have been proposed in scientific literature to prevent dust accumulation at the forefront of PV modules. However, most cleaning methodologies are cost-consuming, timeconsuming, complex in implementation, or require huge manpower to implement them. This paper proposes a cost-efficient and automated method for dust accumulation prevention and cleaning based on Biaxially Oriented Polyamide (BOPA) coating material. This transparent thin film is applied on the front surface and integrated based on an automated control scheme, for controlled rotation every 2 weeks, to prevent dust accumulation on the forefront of the PV surface. The performance of the BOPA coating film was experimentally assessed for 45 days, assessing the irradiance and electrical performance of the PV modules. The application of BOPA maintained a PV module electrical efficiency of 12.19%, while the dusty PV module electrical efficiency is reduced to 7.79% at high dust accumulation levels. Moreover, the BOPA material has demonstrated its ability in capturing solar irradiance, without losses for the visible light, hence maintaining an electrical current of 2.15 A, while the dusty PV module loses its electrical current by 40%, maintaining an electrical current of 1.28 A.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationRenewable Energy
Subtitle of host publicationGeneration and Application-ICREGA 2024
EditorsAla A. Hussein
PublisherAssociation of American Publishers
Pages316-323
Number of pages8
ISBN (Print)9781644903209
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2024
Event7th International Conference on Renewable Energy: Generation and Application, ICREGA 2024 - Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia
Duration: Apr 21 2024Apr 24 2024

Publication series

NameMaterials Research Proceedings
Volume43
ISSN (Print)2474-3941
ISSN (Electronic)2474-395X

Conference

Conference7th International Conference on Renewable Energy: Generation and Application, ICREGA 2024
Country/TerritorySaudi Arabia
CityAl Khobar
Period4/21/244/24/24

Keywords

  • Cleaning Methods
  • Dust Accumulation
  • Experimental Investigation
  • PV Systems

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Materials Science

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