Characterization of dust collected from PV modules in the area of Dhahran, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and its impact on protective transparent covers for photovoltaic applications. (1st January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mehmood, Umer; Al-Sulaiman, Fahad A.; Yilbas, B.S.
• Is Part Of: Solar energy. Volume 141(2017)
• Page Start: 203
• Page End: 209
• Publication Date: 2017-01-01
• Subjects: Photovoltaic devices -- Dynamic light scattering -- Polycarbonate -- Glass -- Mud -- Dust -- Transmittance; Solar energy -- Periodicals; Solar engines -- Periodicals; 621.47
• DOI: 10.1016/j.solener.2016.11.051
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0038-092X

Abstract

Highlights: The dust is collected from PV panels in the area of Dhahran, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Mud solutions of different concentrations were prepared from the dust particles. Dry mud on glass and polycarbonate substrates is analyzed by SEM-EDS, XRD and visible spectroscopy. Accumulation of dry mud significantly reduces the transmittance of light through the protective covers. Tangential force needed to detach dry mud from the glass is higher as compared to polycarbonate surface. Abstract: The accumulation of dust and subsequent mud formation on solid surfaces in the humid environment adversely affects the optical, texture and mechanical properties of solid surfaces. The aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive analysis of environmental dust and dried mud and their impact on protective transparent covers of PV modules. Polycarbonate wafers and glass have been used as protective covers for PV modules. The dust has been collected from PV modules in the area of Dhahran, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Morphological and elemental analyses of the collected dust have been performed using Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy-Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), while the particle size distribution has been analyzed using Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) method. Qualitative analysis using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) has been conducted to determine the major and minor constituent minerals present in the dust sample. Mud solution has been prepared by suspending dust particles in deionized water which is then sprayed on transparent glass and polycarbonate substrates. The dried mud film has been analyzed employing SEM-EDS, X-ray diffraction, and UV–visible spectroscopy. Microtribometer analysis performed on dried mud films demonstrates that the tangential force required to remove the dry mud from glass substrate is comparatively higher as compared to that needed for the polycarbonate substrate.