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3-D numerical simulation and experimental study of PV module self-cleaning based on dew formation and single axis tracking

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  • Rahbar, Kiyarash
  • Eslami, Shahab
  • Pouladian-Kari, Ramin
  • Kirchner, Lars

Abstract

Despite the global acceptance and rapid market penetration of PV power plants and recent advancements in increasing panels electrical efficiency, soiling is still one of the most critical challenges that deteriorate the performance. This study proposes a unique method for PV panel self-cleaning based on dew formation on panel’s active surface and with aid of Single Axis Tracking (SAT) mechanism. Both experimental study and numerical simulations were performed in this research to highlight the effectiveness of self-cleaning method. Such approach is based on rotation of panels toward ground during night in an inclined position for simultaneous dew formation and cleaning of panels via water droplets runoff and prevention of dust accumulation. Experimental results exhibit a maximum loss of 5.9% in panel efficiency during a 94 days testing period while for the fixed PV and SAT without night position losses were measured to be 33.2% and 11.9% respectively. Using a validated CFD model, a new PV glazing geometry was proposed to increase dew formation for more effective self-cleaning. CFD numerical results demonstrate that the amount of collected dew mass formed on the panel can be increased by about 86 % while dew film thickness increased by about 67% compared to conventional flat glaze configuration. Overall, the proposed system outperforms its counterparts based on a continuous self-cleaning strategy on a nightly basis which does not require any additional capital and labor costs, energy consumption and water resources.

Suggested Citation

  • Rahbar, Kiyarash & Eslami, Shahab & Pouladian-Kari, Ramin & Kirchner, Lars, 2022. "3-D numerical simulation and experimental study of PV module self-cleaning based on dew formation and single axis tracking," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 316(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:316:y:2022:i:c:s0306261922005001
    DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2022.119119
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Micheli, Leonardo & Fernández, Eduardo F. & Aguilera, Jorge T. & Almonacid, Florencia, 2021. "Economics of seasonal photovoltaic soiling and cleaning optimization scenarios," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 215(PA).
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    5. Kalogirou, Soteris A. & Agathokleous, Rafaela & Panayiotou, Gregoris, 2013. "On-site PV characterization and the effect of soiling on their performance," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 51(C), pages 439-446.
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    7. Rafi Zahedi & Parisa Ranjbaran & Gevork B. Gharehpetian & Fazel Mohammadi & Roya Ahmadiahangar, 2021. "Cleaning of Floating Photovoltaic Systems: A Critical Review on Approaches from Technical and Economic Perspectives," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(7), pages 1-25, April.
    8. Jamil, Wan Juzaili & Abdul Rahman, Hasimah & Shaari, Sulaiman & Salam, Zainal, 2017. "Performance degradation of photovoltaic power system: Review on mitigation methods," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 67(C), pages 876-891.
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    Cited by:

    1. Bin Huang & Jialiang Huang & Ke Xing & Lida Liao & Peiling Xie & Meng Xiao & Wei Zhao, 2023. "Development of a Solar-Tracking System for Horizontal Single-Axis PV Arrays Using Spatial Projection Analysis," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(10), pages 1-19, May.

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