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Assessment of Various Dry Photovoltaic Cleaning Techniques and Frequencies on the Power Output of CdTe-Type Modules in Dusty Environments

Author

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  • Mohammed Al-Housani

    (Division of Sustainable Development (DSD), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), Education City, Doha 5825, Qatar)

  • Yusuf Bicer

    (Division of Sustainable Development (DSD), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), Education City, Doha 5825, Qatar)

  • Muammer Koç

    (Division of Sustainable Development (DSD), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), Education City, Doha 5825, Qatar)

Abstract

This study presents the conditions and results of experimental investigations on various photovoltaic (PV) module cleaning methods and the effects on the performance of cadmium-telluride CdTe-type photovoltaic (PV) modules located in Doha, Qatar. The study aims to find the optimum cleaning technique and frequency based on cleaning performance and cost. PV modules are in a dusty and rocky area in the western part of Doha, Qatar within the north campus of Education City. Maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technology is employed for five different PV modules. The results show that microfiber-based wiper along with microfiber & vacuum cleaner are the most effective cleaning methods with about 6% improvement for the weekly period compared to the control panel among the considered methods. However, due to the increased cost of adding a vacuum cleaner, the microfiber-based wiper is the most efficient method when both cost and improvement rates are considered. In addition, the most efficient cleaning frequency (among daily, weekly and monthly) is found to be the weekly cleaning under the tested climate conditions.

Suggested Citation

  • Mohammed Al-Housani & Yusuf Bicer & Muammer Koç, 2019. "Assessment of Various Dry Photovoltaic Cleaning Techniques and Frequencies on the Power Output of CdTe-Type Modules in Dusty Environments," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(10), pages 1-18, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:11:y:2019:i:10:p:2850-:d:232512
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    5. Chiteka, Kudzanayi & Arora, Rajesh & Sridhara, S.N. & Enweremadu, C.C., 2021. "Optimizing wind barrier and photovoltaic array configuration in soiling mitigation," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 163(C), pages 225-236.
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    8. Aritra Ghosh, 2020. "Soiling Losses: A Barrier for India’s Energy Security Dependency from Photovoltaic Power," Challenges, MDPI, vol. 11(1), pages 1-22, May.
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