Title :
Novel PV module cleaning system using ambient moisture and self-cleaning coating
Author :
John, Jim Joseph ; Raval, Mehul C. ; Kottantharayil, Anil ; Solanki, Chetan Singh
Author_Institution :
Nat. Center for Photovoltaic Res. & Educ., Indian Inst. of Technol. Bombay, Mumbai, India
Abstract :
Soiling is a major concern for PV modules installed in field with power losses ranging from 15% to 65%. In current work, we propose an improved design for a PV module cleaning system based on absorption of ambient moisture and making the module glass super-hydrophilic by TiO2 coating. Initial studies indicate uniform and continuous fibers of diameter of approximately 250nm deposited throughout the sample. A complete prototype design with an automated water delivery system is implemented.
Keywords :
absorption; cleaning; coatings; hydrophilicity; moisture; solar cells; titanium compounds; PV module cleaning system; TiO2; ambient moisture; ambient moisture absorption; automated water delivery system; continuous fibers; module glass super-hydrophilic; power losses; self-cleaning coating; soiling; uniform fibers; Cleaning; Coatings; Glass; Moisture; Prototypes; Surface treatment; Automation; Energy Conversion; Module cleaning; Photovoltaic Systems; Solar Energy; Solar Heating;
Conference_Titel :
Photovoltaic Specialists Conference (PVSC), 2013 IEEE 39th
Conference_Location :
Tampa, FL
DOI :
10.1109/PVSC.2013.6744425