Micron-Smooth, Robust Hydrophobic Coating for Photovoltaic Panel Surfaces in Arid and Dusty Areas
Source abstract
Abstract
Photovoltaic (PV) power generation is a clean energy source, and the accumulation of ash on the surface of PV panels can lead to power loss. For polycrystalline PV panels, self-cleaning film is an economical and excellent solution. However, the main reasons why self-cleaning coatings are currently difficult to use on a large scale are poor durability and low transparency. It is a challenge to improve the durability and transparency of self-cleaning thin films for PV panel surface against ash accumulation. Therefore, in this paper, a resin composite film containing modified silica components was designed and synthesized, mainly by the organic/inorganic composite method. A transparent hydrophobic coating with nano-micro planar structures was constructed, which primarily relies on the hydrophobic properties of the compound itself to build the hydrophobic oleophobic coating. The layer has a micrometer-scale smooth surface structure and high transparency, with a 0.69% increase in light transmittance compared with uncoated glass, and the durability is good. It is mainly applied to the surface of photovoltaic devices, which can alleviate the dust accumulation problem of photovoltaic panels in arid, high-temperature, and dusty areas and reduce the maintenance cost of them.
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Research context
OpenAlex topics: Surface Modification and Superhydrophobicity · Optical Coatings and Gratings · TiO2 Photocatalysis and Solar Cells
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Center of New Energy Research, School of Future Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi 830047, China
Engineering Research Center Northwest Energy Carbon Neutrality, Ministry of Education, Xinjiang University, Urumqi 830047, China
Hoffmann Institute of Advanced Materials, Shenzhen Polytechnic University, Shenzhen 518055, China
School of Electrical Engineering, Xinjiang University, Urumqi 830047, China
Innovation Laboratory of Materials for Energy and Environment Technologies, Institute of Oxygen Supply, College of Science, Tibet University, Lhasa 850000, China
College of Science (Managerial Economic Programme), Nanyang Technological University, South Spine, Singapore 639798, Singapore
Department of Economics, Huron University College, London, ON N6G 1H3, Canada
Funding
National Key Research and Development Program of China · National Oversea High-level Talents Program of China, National Natural Science Foundation of China · National Social Science Foundation of China · Xinjiang Natural Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars · Xinjiang Regional Coordination Special Project-International Science and Technology Cooperation Program · Xinjiang Major Science and Technology Special Project · Xinjiang Key Research and development Project · Central Guidance on Local Science and Technology Development Project · Innovation Team Project of Xinjiang University · High-level Talents Project of Xinjiang University · Central Government Funds for Local Scientific and Technological Development
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