Long-term analysis of PV module with large-area patterned anti-reflective film. (May 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Huh, Daihong; Choi, Hak-Jong; Byun, Minseop; Kim, Kwan; Lee, Heon
• Is Part Of: Renewable energy. Volume 135(2019)
• Page Start: 525
• Page End: 528
• Publication Date: 2019-05
• Subjects: Anti-reflective -- Moth-eye -- Nanoimprint lithography -- Long-term -- Field test; Renewable energy sources -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Periodicals; Énergies renouvelables -- Périodiques; Ressources énergétiques -- Périodiques; 333.794
• DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2018.12.055
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0960-1481

Abstract

Abstract: Due to the PV modules are exposed to the external environment, it is necessary to clean or replace the protective glass upon contamination. In this study, we demonstrate a large-area and flexible anti-reflective film with moth-eye pattern fabricated by using a highly straightforward process: nanoimprint lithography. In addition, the fabricated anti-reflective film exhibits self-cleaning capability owing to the hydrophobic self-assembled-monolayer-coated surface. The fabricated anti-reflective film was attached to the surface of photovoltaic (PV) modules and placed outdoor to conduct a seven-month field test in order to observe the increase in the conversion efficiency of the PV modules as a result of the effect of the anti-reflective film. Two types of patterns, moth-eye pattern and micro-cone pattern, were used as the anti-reflective patterns; these were conveniently fabricated by the ultraviolet-nanoimprint lithography process, which does not use vacuum or high-temperature process. In the seven-month analysis, the moth-eye patterned film was observed to exhibit a transmittance that is 5.0% higher than that of the flat film, whereas the PV module with the moth-eye patterned film on its surface exhibited a conversion efficiency that is 2.85% higher than that of the PV module with the flat film. Graphical abstract: In this study, self-cleanable and micro-nano-size anti-reflective structure were fabricated on large area flexible film. Monitoring system was installed and long-term field test was conducted to measure effect of the anti-reflective patterned flexible film. Due to the formed moth-eye patterns, generated electricity was improved up to 2.85% per month compare to PV module with un-patterned sample.Image 10883 Highlights: Self-cleanable anti-reflective structure were fabricated on large flexible film. Long-term field test was conducted to measure effect of the anti-reflective patterned flexible film. Generated electricity was improved up to 2.85% per month compare to PV module with un-patterned sample.