Mitigating the effect of heat and dust to enhance solar panels efficiency

Shahzada Pamir Aly, Nicolas Barth, Benjamin Figgis, Elhachmi Essadiqi, Mustapha Faqir, Ahmed Ennaoui, Said Ahzi

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

8 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Solar panels are used to directly convert sunlight into electric current. Associated with a useful range of the solar spectrum is the rest unwanted irradiation, causing the temperature rise in the solar cells, which ultimately reduces the efficiency and power output of most of panels. Furthermore, dust settlement on the surface of panel, also referred to soiling, is another factor that reduces the efficiency, at least by shading. A novel, simple, cheap and robust system has been proposed in this study to mitigate the notorious effects of heat, as well as dust, through the use of forced air draft produced via a fan. The findings highlight that a cumulative power gain of at least 48.4 W under tested conditions can be achieved by implementing this system, on an array of solar panels constituting eight modules. Whereas, including the effect of natural wind in the analyses, further increases the power gain. The results obtained have been validated by the use of 3D finite element modeling, as well as through literature.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of 2016 International Renewable and Sustainable Energy Conference, IRSEC 2016
EditorsYoussef Zaz, Mohamed Essaaidi
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages835-841
Number of pages7
ISBN (Electronic)9781509057139
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 18 Jul 2017
Event2016 International Renewable and Sustainable Energy Conference, IRSEC 2016 - Marrakech, Morocco
Duration: 14 Nov 201617 Nov 2016

Publication series

NameProceedings of 2016 International Renewable and Sustainable Energy Conference, IRSEC 2016

Conference

Conference2016 International Renewable and Sustainable Energy Conference, IRSEC 2016
Country/TerritoryMorocco
CityMarrakech
Period14/11/1617/11/16

Keywords

  • 3D Finite Element
  • 3D Numerical Model
  • Anti-Soiling
  • Efficiency Increase
  • PV/Solar Panel
  • Power Increase
  • Thermal Model

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