Session: 08-05-03: Energy-Related Multidisciplinary III

Paper Number: 144446

144446 - Characterization of Deposited Dust on Photovoltaic Panels and Residual Dust After Cleaning With Electrostatic Devices 

Dust accumulation on the surfaces of photovoltaic (PV) panels reduces the power output over time. Therefore, cleaning the PV modules is essential to ensure the maximum energy yield. Solar energy is widely available in in arid and semiarid locations with high irradiance, such as Saudi Arabia. However, these regions are more prone to dust deposition and necessitate a suitable PV cleaning method. In particular, water-free cleaning methods are of particular interest. A promising dry-cleaning method is the application of an Electrodynamic Shield (EDS) for automated dust removal. However, some residual dust remains on the surface after many EDS activations, resulting in a “dead” dust that cannot be cleaned. Understanding the residual dust characteristics is a key component of improving the EDS efficiency for dust removal.

This study analyzes five samples of soil surrounding areas that are Proposed locations for PV power plants in Saudi Arabia. The dust particles were analyzed for size distribution, shape, elemental composition, and chemical composition. First, SEM images of the dust samples were processed using an algorithm to calculate the equivalent particle diameter. The minimum number of particles required to accurately calculate the mean value was determined using statistical and value stabilization methods. Thus, the particle size distribution of each sample was calculated along with a description of the general particle shapes. Next, elemental analysis performed by Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDAX) revealed that oxygen, silicon, aluminum, and calcium were present in all the samples. The five dust samples were also analyzed by Powder X-ray Diffraction (PXRD) to determine the chemical compositions, considering the previous elemental analysis. Quartz was the dominant component in three of five samples while microcline and plagioclase were the main minerals in the other two samples. In addition, a finer dust of each sample was analyzed by PXRD to get more accurate result and more representative of the accumulated dust on the PV surfaces. The finer dust examination showed different chemical composition and absence of quartz in one sample. Based on the characteristics of the five dust samples, predictions were made about the electrodynamic shield cleaning performance at these locations in Saudi Arabia.

In order to also characterize the residual dust, a simulated PV panel was used. Dust samples were placed on the simulated PV panel and then cleaned using one of two electrostatic devices: an embedded EDS or a detachable EDS. After thorough cleaning, the residual dust was collected and characterized in the same manner as the original samples as described above. Comparison between the originally deposited dust and the residual dust can be used to understand the effect of dust proprieties on the cleaning performance.

 

Presenting Author: Abdurahman Albaradi Lawrence Technological University

Presenting Author Biography: Abdurahman Albaradi is a lecturer in the department of mechanical engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Al-Baha University, Saudi Arabia. He is a Taif University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, mechatronics engineering, Saudi Arabia. Additionally, Abdurahman earned a master’s degree of science in mechatronic systems engineering from college of engineering, Lawrence Technological University (LTU), USA. Currently, he is a PhD mechanical engineering candidate, LTU, USA. His research interests include robotics, control system, and automation. Albaradi’s current research focuses on automation of cleaning solar panels.

Authors:

Abdurahman Albaradi Lawrence Technological University
James Mynderse Lawrence Technological University
Meng Zhou Lawrence Technological University