Development of Transparent Electrodynamic Screens on Ultrathin Flexible Glass Film Substrates for Retrofitting Solar Panels and Mirrors for Self-Cleaning Function

MRS Advances ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (15) ◽  
pp. 1003-1012 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. K. Mazumder ◽  
J. W. Stark ◽  
C. Heiling ◽  
M. Liu ◽  
A. Bernard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Transmission Efficiency ◽  
Silver Nanowire ◽  
Dust Particles ◽  
Glass Film ◽  
Solar Collectors ◽  
Solar Panels ◽  
Labor Costs ◽  
Adhesive Film ◽  
Self Cleaning

ABSTRACTDevelopment of transparent electrodynamic screens (EDS) printed on ultrathin flexible glass film substrates for retrofitting on solar panels and solar mirrors to perform self cleaning function is reviewed. Large-scale solar plants are generally installed in semi-arid and desert areas where dust layers build up on solar collectors causes major energy-yield loss. Maintaining designed plant capacities requires more than 90% reflectivity for CSP mirrors and 90% transmission efficiency for PV modules; solar collectors must therefore be cleaned at a frequency depending on the rate of dust deposition. Scarcity of water in these regions requires a cleaning method that drastically reduces or eliminates water and the associated labor costs for high efficiency operation of large-scale solar plants. An EDS film consists of rows of interdigitated, transparent conducting parallel electrodes embedded within a flexible ultrathin glass film and an optically clear adhesive film used for retrofitting the film on the surface of solar collectors. When phased voltage pulses activate the electrodes, the dust particles are first electrostatically charged, then repelled and removed from the surface of the solar collectors by Coulomb force, restoring transmission efficiency greater than 90%. The electrodes of EDS are either made from silver nanowire or another conductive transparent material printed on a highly transparent, ultrathin (100-μm thick), flexible borosilicate glass film. Applications of different conducting transparent electrodes and methods of printing are reviewed for optimizing self-cleaning function of solar panels and mirrors.

Development and Evaluation of Prototype Transparent Electrodynamic Screen (EDS) Integrated Solar Collectors for Automated Dust Removal

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
John N. Hudelson ◽  
Jeremy Stark ◽  
Hannah Gibson ◽  
Fang Hao ◽  
Zhongkai Xu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Specular Reflection ◽  
Short Circuit ◽  
Test Chamber ◽  
Short Circuit Current ◽  
Dust Particles ◽  
Laboratory Evaluation ◽  
Solar Collectors ◽  
Solar Panels ◽  
Dust Deposition ◽  
Self Cleaning

The integration of transparent electro-dynamic screen (EDS) on the front surface of solar mirrors and glass cover plates of photovoltaic panels has a strong potential to significantly reduce the frequency of water-based cleaning needed to mitigate losses from dust depositions present in arid regions. The objective of our research was to develop and evaluate prototype transparent EDS-integrated mirrors and solar panels for their self-cleaning functions, with an aim to keep the collectors clean at a low cost without water or manual labor. This paper focuses on the design, fabrication, and laboratory evaluation of a prototype EDS integrated second surface mirrors and solar panels. The EDS consists of a set of parallel transparent electrodes screen-printed on the optical surface and embedded in a thin transparent dielectric film. By applying three-phase, low current, low frequency high voltage-pulses to the electrodes, electro-dynamic repulsion forces and a traveling wave are created for removing dust particles from the surface of the collectors. Design and construction of an environmental test chamber to simulate different atmospheric conditions of semi-arid and arid areas with respect to temperature, RH, and dust deposition conditions are briefly described. A non-contact specular reflectometer was designed, constructed and calibrated for measuring specular reflection efficiency of the mirrors. Laboratory evaluation of the performance of the EDS-integrated collectors was completed using humidity controlled environment test chamber where the prototype mirrors and panels were examined for their self-cleaning action. In each experiment, the solar collectors were loaded with dust until the specular reflectance of the test mirror or the short circuit current of the panel showed a significant decrease. The EDS was then operated for one minute and the relative output was recorded. The results show that the specular reflectivity of EDS mirrors and the short circuit current of the EDS panels can be restored by more than 90% of the values measured under the clean conditions.

scholarly journals Cymatics Inspired Self-Cleaning Mechanism for Solar Panels

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edwin Babu ◽  
Sumith Yesudasan ◽  
Sibi Chacko
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Structural Integrity ◽  
Mechanical Vibration ◽  
Solar Panel ◽  
Solar Array ◽  
Great Effort ◽  
Solar Panels ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Solar Arrays ◽  
Self Cleaning

The Photovoltaic modules are usually installed on the ground which exposes it to surface deposition of foreign particles. In the Middle East and North Africa region, the primary culprit is dust and sand. They form an insulating and opaque layer on the surface of the glass, which obstructs its heat transfer and optical properties, thereby reducing the overall yield efficiency of the solar panel. Cleaning of this layer is critical to the operation of the solar panel and often requires great effort and energy on a large-scale solar array. In this paper, we propose a novel self-cleaning mechanism for solar panels, with an understanding of the structural integrity of the Photovoltaic laminate and application of external mechanical vibration. By applying an external source of vibration, the solar panels vibrate, excites its fundamental frequencies and cleans by its own. The method is analyzed using finite element analysis method and tested using experiments. Our simulation results based on IEC 61215 show that the maximum principal stress and deformation in the critical layers is within limits. Our experimental results prove the proposed theory is feasible and can be extended to large scale solar arrays. Our proposed method is retrofittable and could save money, energy and effort in cleaning the solar arrays, which can replace current techniques.

Development of Self-Cleaning Solar Collectors for Minimizing Energy Yield Loss Caused by Dust Deposition

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Malay Mazumder ◽  
Mark Horenstein ◽  
Jeremy Stark ◽  
Daniel Erickson ◽  
Arash Sayyah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Yield Loss ◽  
Research Effort ◽  
Large Fraction ◽  
Dust Removal ◽  
Energy Yield ◽  
Solar Collectors ◽  
Dust Deposition ◽  
Prototype Development ◽  
Self Cleaning

Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) systems used for photothermal conversion of solar energy to electricity are capable of meeting a large fraction of the global energy requirements. CSP plants are inherently robust with respect to the availability of materials, technology, and energy storage. However, dust depositions on solar collectors cause energy yield loss annually, ranging from 10 to 50% depending upon their location in the semi-arid and desert lands. Mitigation of energy loss requires manual cleaning of solar mirrors with water. A brief review of the soiling related losses in energy yield of the CSP plants is presented, which shows that cleaning of the CSP mirrors and receivers using water and detergent is an expensive and time-consuming process at best and is often impractical for large-scale installations where water is scarce. We report here our research effort in developing an electrodynamic dust removal technology that can be used for keeping the solar collectors clean continuously without requiring water and manual labor. Transparent electrodynamic screens (EDS), consisting of rows of transparent parallel electrodes embedded within a transparent dielectric film can be integrated on the front surface of the mirrors and on the receivers for dust removal for their application as self-cleaning solar collectors. When the electrodes are activated, over 90% of the deposited dust is removed. A summary of the current state of prototype development and evaluation of EDS integrated solar mirrors and experimental data on the removal of desert dust samples are presented. A brief analysis of cost-to-benefit ratio of EDS implementation for automated dust removal from large-scale solar collectors is included.

Transparent Electrodynamic Screen (EDS) Films - Industrial Production and Lamination onto PV Modules and CSP Mirrors for Self Cleaning Function

MRS Advances ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (50) ◽  
pp. 2595-2602
Author(s):  
Dylan Jones ◽  
Annie Rabi Bernard ◽  
Merlin Hoffman ◽  
Shannon Chang ◽  
Celia Wilkins ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transmission Efficiency ◽  
Curing Temperature ◽  
Dust Particles ◽  
Dielectric Films ◽  
Energy Yield ◽  
Pv Modules ◽  
Lamination Process ◽  
Self Cleaning ◽  
Power Restoration ◽  
Robotic Devices

AbstractElectrodynamic screens (EDS) are transparent dielectric films, consisting of embedded, interdigitated parallel conducting electrodes that can be integrated onto the optical surface of a photovoltaic (PV) module or concentrated solar power (CSP) mirror for their self-cleaning function to mitigate the energy yield losses caused by soiling. The EDS film removes dust particles using electrostatic forces thus eliminating the need for water or robotic devices to clean the solar devices. In this paper we report the methods experimented to produce EDS film stacks integrated onto individual PV modules (33 cm x 28 cm) for solar field applications using an industrial vacuum lamination process for the purpose of outdoor testing. Steps taken to optimize the lamination process to provide high optical transparency, resistance against moisture ingress and to withstand dust abrasion are described. The experiments performed to arrive at the optimal curing temperature, curing time, and vacuum pressure maintenance for the lamination process are elaborated. Details on the construction, functionality and operation of the outdoor testing units are provided. Measurements of the optical transmission efficiency (TE) and output power restoration (OPR) of the EDS film stack laminated onto PV modules are presented along with a model for full-scale lamination with an aim for advancing the EDS film technology as a commercially available product.

Recent advances in superhydrophobic polymers for antireflective self-cleaning solar panels

2021 ◽  
Vol 151 ◽  
pp. 111538
Author(s):  
Nizamudeen Cherupurakal ◽  
Mohammad Sayem Mozumder ◽  
Abdel- Hamid I. Mourad ◽  
Shubra Lalwani
Keyword(s):  
Solar Panels ◽  
Recent Advances ◽  
Self Cleaning

Design, Development, and Evaluation of Electrodynamic Screens for Self-Cleaning Solar Panels and Concentrating Mirrors

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annie Bernard ◽  
Sean M. Garner ◽  
Mark N. Horenstein ◽  
Malay K. Mazumder ◽  
Cristian Morales ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Solar Panels ◽  
Design Development ◽  
Self Cleaning

scholarly journals Dust detection in solar panel using image processing techniques: A review

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. e321985107 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriel Moura Dantas ◽  
Odilon Linhares Carvalho Mendes ◽  
Saulo Macêdo Maia ◽  
Auzuir Ripardo De Alexandria
Keyword(s):  
Image Processing ◽  
Monitoring And Evaluation ◽  
Dust Particles ◽  
Solar Panels ◽  
Photovoltaic Panel ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Image Processing Techniques ◽  
Dust Detection ◽  
Two Parameters ◽  
Processing Techniques

The performance of a photovoltaic panel is affected by its orientation and angular inclination with the horizontal plane. This occurs because these two parameters alter the amount of solar energy received by the surface of the photovoltaic panel. There are also environmental factors that affect energy production, one example is the dust. Dust particles accumulated on the surface of the panel reduce the arrival of light to the solar modules, reducing the amount of generated energy. The cleaning or mitigation of the modules is important and, to optimize these processes, constant monitoring and evaluation must be carried out. In order to increase the efficiency of photovoltaic panels, the use of image processing methods can be considered for the detection of dust. Therefore, the creation of a document that gathers and analyzes the results of different works developed to solve this problem facilitates access to information, allowing a better understanding of what has already been done and how it can be improved. The objective of this article is to review researches that uses image processing techniques to detect dust on solar panels, in order to compile information to assist research in the area and provide inspiration for future studies.

Characterization of microbial communities in exhaust air treatment systems of large-scale pig housing facilities

2010 ◽  
Vol 62 (7) ◽  
pp. 1551-1559 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Haneke ◽  
N. M. Lee ◽  
T. W. Gaul ◽  
H. F. A. Van den Weghe
Keyword(s):  
Microbial Communities ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Dust Particles ◽  
Nitrifying Bacteria ◽  
Ammonium Concentration ◽  
Nitrogen Compounds ◽  
Air Treatment ◽  
Fattening Period ◽  
Washing Water ◽  
Housing Facilities

Exhaust air treatment has gained importance as an essential factor in intensive livestock areas due to the rising emissions in the environment. Wet filter walls of multi-stage exhaust air treatment systems precipitate gaseous ammonia and dust particles from exhaust air in washing water. Microbial communities in the biomass developed in the washing water of five large-scale exhaust air treatment units of pig housing facilities, were investigated by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and 16S rDNA sequence analyses. No “standard” nitrifying bacteria were found in the washing water. Instead mainly α-Proteobacteria, aggregating β- and χ-Proteobacteria, a large number of Actinobacteria, as well as individual Planctomycetales and Crenarchaeota were detected after more than twelve months' operation. The main Proteobacteria species present were affiliated to the families Alcaligenaceae, Comamonadaceae and Xanthomonadaceae. Furthermore, we investigated the consumption of inorganic nitrogen compounds in the washing water of one exhaust air treatment unit during a fattening period with and without pH control. Maintaining the pH at 6.0 resulted in a ca. fivefold higher ammonium concentration and a ca. fourfold lower concentration of oxidized nitrogen compounds after the fattening period was finished.

The influence of single layer MoS2 flake on the propagated surface plasmons of silver nanowire

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liu Lu ◽  
Tiantian Zhao ◽  
Lei Chen ◽  
Chenyang Wang ◽  
Zhiqiang Zhou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Refractive Index ◽  
Single Layer ◽  
High Refractive Index ◽  
Transmission Efficiency ◽  
Silver Nanowire ◽  
Propagation Loss ◽  
Optical Barrier ◽  
Propagation Length ◽  
Simulation Results ◽  
Ag Nanowire

Abstract We demonstrate the enhancement of both excitation and transmission efficiency of the propagated surface plasmon (SP) of Ag nanowire (Ag NW) in hybrid Ag-MoS2 structure by contrasting the SP propagation of the same Ag NW on different substrates including silicon substrate, monolayer MoS2, or partially overlapping the Ag NW on MoS2 flake. The simulation results indicate that with the assistance of MoS2, the leaky radiation of the hybrid plasmonic modes of the H1 and H2 can be prominently suppressed by the high refractive index dielectric layer of the MoS2, which provides an optical barrier blocking the leaky radiation, resulting in the reduced propagation loss. Our work provides a feasible and effective method to enhance the SP propagation length.

Solar Concentrators

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-38
Author(s):  
Bekhruzi Talbi Shokhzoda ◽  
Mikhail Georgievich Tyagunov
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Solar Energy ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Scale Production ◽  
Cell Area ◽  
Solar Panels ◽  
Solar Concentrators ◽  
Large Scale Production ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Cost

Looking at the history of solar energy and renewable energy in general, the authorities and scientists have been paying much attention to the recent period, due to the depletion of fossil energy resources and the growing difficulties in solving environmental problems. The development of solar energy has led to the use of solar energy concentrators. Concentrators are used to concentrate sunlight onto PV cells. This allows for a reduction in the cell area required for producing a given amount of power. The goal is to significantly reduce the cost of electricity generated by replacing expensive PV converter area with less expensive optical material. In this chapter, the authors talk about concentrators in solar energy, especially about modules based on holographic films. Holographic solar panels (HSP) in recent decades have appeared in large-scale production and been actively used in solar energy. Evaluations of other types of existing concentrators are presented.

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