Experimental study of the dust effect on photovoltaic panels' energy yield
TL;DR: In this paper, the effect of dust on electrical and thermal behavior of photovoltaic panels is investigated, which leads to different panel behaviors in the thermal, optical and electrical aspects.
About: This article is published in Solar Energy.The article was published on 2017-01-15. It has received 122 citations till now. The article focuses on the topics: Glazing & Photovoltaic system.
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TL;DR: In this paper, a review of the photovoltaic systems, where the design, operation and maintenance are the key points of these systems, is presented. But, the authors do not focus on the operation of the PV systems.
195 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, different solar photovoltaic (SPV) technology and mathematical modeling to characterize the SPV systems are comprehensively presented and performance analysis on the basis of standard parameters like performance ratio, yield energy, reference energy, capacity utilization factor etc.
Abstract: United Nations adopted Sustainable Development Goals to ensure prosperity, reduction of poverty and mitigation of climate change. Energy is a part of these goals. Today, energy demand heavily relies on the fossil fuel sources: petroleum, natural gas, coal etc., which causes greenhouse gas emission and environmental deterioration. In order to avoid environmental impacts, current energy systems need to transform into clean and renewable sources of energy systems. Deployment of solar energy, an omnipresent renewable energy source, is gaining popularity due to the easiness of installation, availability and competitive cost. For effective utilization and higher penetration of solar energy, knowledge about technology and performance of solar energy system is required. In this paper, different solar photovoltaic (SPV) technology and mathematical modeling to characterize the SPV systems are comprehensively presented. The performance analysis on the basis of standard parameters like performance ratio, yield energy, reference energy, capacity utilization factor etc. and on the basis of exergy as well as energy efficiency are also presented. Variation in environmental conditions significantly affects the outdoor performance and operation of SPV systems. Therefore, study of degradation and failure modes is important for accurate prediction of performance of SPV systems and has been discussed.
173 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a review of the effect of environmental conditions on photovoltaic (PV) module performance, in particular, the impact of dust fouling.
Abstract: The mitigation of environmental effects on clean-energy technology is an area of increasing interest. Photovoltaic (PV) modules have been widely used in small and large-scale applications for many years. However, they are not yet competitive with other electrical energy-generation technologies, especially in environments that suffer from dust, airborne particles, humidity and high ambient temperatures. This paper presents a review of the effect of climatic conditions on PV module performance, in particular, the effect of dust fouling. Research to date indicates that dust deposition has a considerable effect on PV module performance as it reduces the light transmissivity of the PV module surface cover. Studies on the ways in which dust is deposited on PV module surfaces are reviewed, as understanding this process is essential to develop effective mitigation approaches. Module performance is also adversely affected by high ambient temperature, humidity and lack of rainfall. The current review summarizes the past, current and promising future approaches towards mitigating environmental effects, in particular dust fouling. Electrostatic cleaning methods and micro/nanoscale surface functionalization methods both have the potential to counteract the negative effects of dust deposition, with the combination of the two methods showing special efficacy, particularly in arid regions.
169 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the impact of dust accumulation on PV performance in Tehran, Iran, a 70-day experiment, started on May 9th, 2017, was developed, and the results indicated that after 70 days without raining, 6.0986 (g/m2) dust was accumulated on the surface, which caused 21.47% reduction in the power output.
168 citations
TL;DR: A recent literature review and survey as discussed by the authors provides a compilation and assessment of recent published reports for solar-electric device soiling R&D, to extend and update the compendium covering 2012-2015 we published last year.
Abstract: The objective of this literature review and survey is to provide a compilation and assessment of recent published reports for solar-electric device soiling R&D, to extend and update the compendium covering 2012–2015 we published last year. This review provides a comprehensive listing of the publications with references for 2016—with some preliminary 2017 publications that have appeared at the time of this writing. Photovoltaics (PV) and concentrating solar (thermal) power (CSP) technologies are covered. To guide the reader, tabulated information on the investigative focus of the studies, the location, the duration (if pertinent), the solar-device type, key findings and other useful information within the report is presented.
129 citations
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TL;DR: In this article, the impact of dust on PV system performance and identifying challenges to further pertinent research are discussed. And a framework to understand the various factors that govern the settling/assimilation of dust and likely mitigation measures have been discussed in this paper.
Abstract: The peaking of most oil reserves and impending climate change are critically driving the adoption of solar photovoltaic's (PV) as a sustainable renewable and eco-friendly alternative. Ongoing material research has yet to find a breakthrough in significantly raising the conversion efficiency of commercial PV modules. The installation of PV systems for optimum yield is primarily dictated by its geographic location (latitude and available solar insolation) and installation design (tilt, orientation and altitude) to maximize solar exposure. However, once these parameters have been addressed appropriately, there are other depending factors that arise in determining the system performance (efficiency and output). Dust is the lesser acknowledged factor that significantly influences the performance of the PV installations. This paper provides an appraisal on the current status of research in studying the impact of dust on PV system performance and identifies challenges to further pertinent research. A framework to understand the various factors that govern the settling/assimilation of dust and likely mitigation measures have been discussed in this paper. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
800 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors provide a comprehensive overview of soiling problems, primarily those associated with sand and combined dust-moisture conditions that are inherent to many of the most solar-rich geographic locations worldwide.
Abstract: The energy delivery of a solar-energy system is generally associated with the sun's available irradiance and spectral content, as well as a variety of environmental and climatic factors and inherent system and component performances. However, other external factors relating to geographical location and conditions can have even greater impacts on system performance. Among these, soiling is a commonly overlooked or underestimated issue that can be a showstopper for the viability of a solar installation. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of soiling problems, primarily those associated with “dust” (sand) and combined dust–moisture conditions that are inherent to many of the most solar-rich geographic locations worldwide. We review and evaluate key contributions to the understanding, performance effects, and mitigation of these problems. These contributions span a technical history of almost seven decades. We also present an inclusive literature survey/assessment. The focus is on both transmissive surfaces (e.g., those used for flat-plate photovoltaics or for concentrating lenses) and reflective surfaces (e.g., mirrors or heliostats for concentrating power systems).
696 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a brief review of the energy yield losses caused by dust deposition on solar collectors, with particular emphasis on flat-panel photovoltaic (PV) systems, is presented.
380 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the experimental data concerning the effect of three representative air pollutants (i.e., red soil, limestone and carbonaceous fly-ash particles) on the energy performance of PV installations are analyzed.
221 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a variety of measurements were performed to determine the effect of dust settlement on the power output of photovoltaic modules in Belgium, and the physical properties of the collected dust were examined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM).
183 citations