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A Novel Photovoltaic Panel Cleaning and Cooling Approach through Air Conditioner Condensate Water

Author

Listed:
  • Ali Hasan Shah

    (Department of Electrical Engineering, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates)

  • Abdulrahman Alraeesi

    (Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
    National Water and Energy Research Center, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates)

  • Ahmed Hassan

    (Department of Architectural Engineering, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates)

  • Mohammad Shakeel Laghari

    (Department of Electrical Engineering, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates)

Abstract

The elevated temperature and dust accumulation over the photovoltaic (PV) surface are the main causes of power loss in hot and desert climates. Traditionally, PV cleaning and cooling are addressed separately, and accordingly, solutions have been developed that require extensive energy and/or manpower to cool and clean the PV panels. However, these solutions are less effective due to a lack of synergy in the devised solution, affecting both energy use and the economics of the system. A highly synergic method to cool and clean PV panels in a singular embodiment is developed, involving flowing air conditioning condensate water over the PV front surface. The current article assesses the performance of the proposed system to cool and clean the panels efficiently. The experimental results showed an up to 14% increase in the power output of the PV panels through the proposed condensate water-based cooling and cleaning method.

Suggested Citation

  • Ali Hasan Shah & Abdulrahman Alraeesi & Ahmed Hassan & Mohammad Shakeel Laghari, 2023. "A Novel Photovoltaic Panel Cleaning and Cooling Approach through Air Conditioner Condensate Water," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(21), pages 1-14, October.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:21:p:15431-:d:1270432
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Radziemska, E., 2003. "The effect of temperature on the power drop in crystalline silicon solar cells," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 28(1), pages 1-12.
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