Experimental Examination of Enhanced Nanoceramic-Based Self-Cleaning Sprays for High-Efficiency Hydrophobic Photovoltaic Panels
Source abstract
Abstract
Dust deposition poses a significant challenge in the implementation of photovoltaic panels (PV) especially in hot and dusty environments, such as the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. This issue leads to progressive degradation of PV efficiency and output power. In this context, this research work aims to improve PV performance by developing self-cleaning sprays as a preventative solution. Different concentrations of SnO2 and TiO2 nanoceramics were dispersed in isopropyl alcohol solvent to reduce the mixture’s viscosity and facilitate smooth spraying on solar panels, whose efficiency was continually assessed in outdoor conditions. Although less commonly used for this application, the nano-SnO2 was selected for the purpose of enhancing the surface hydrophobicity, whereas nano-TiO2 was included for its favorable photocatalytic properties. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) oil, known for its self-cleaning characteristic, was served as the base material in the developed sprays. The described blend of materials represents a novel combination. The results indicated that 2.5% nano-SnO2 and 2.5% nano-TiO2 in PDMS oil enhanced efficiency by 5.4% compared to a non-sprayed panel after five weeks of outdoor exposure. This efficiency gain was experimentally justified and attributed to the spray’s ability to achieve a water contact angle (WCA) of 100.6°, forming a hydrophobic surface conducive to self-cleaning. Further characterization results, including photocatalysis and zeta potential have been gathered and analyzed.
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Research context
OpenAlex topics: Surface Modification and Superhydrophobicity · Electrohydrodynamics and Fluid Dynamics · solar cell performance optimization
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Department of Mechanical Engineering, The British University in Egypt, Cairo 11837, Egypt
Department of Production Engineering and Mechanical Design, Faculty of Engineering, Port Said University, Port Fuad 42526, Egypt
Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt
Department of Biochemical Engineering, Faculty of Energy and Environmental Engineering, The British University in Egypt, Cairo 11837, Egypt
Department of Metallurgical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt
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