Condensation
We are developing a low-cost hybrid hydrophobic-hydrophilic coating for photovoltaic (PV) modules. The coating combines anti-reflective and anti-soiling properties based on a patent-pending, technology.
Anti-soiling properties are achieved using a combination of mechanisms: preferential nucleation and growth of liquid water droplets on hydrophilic regions during natural condensation (i.e., dew), and high droplet mobility on the hydrophobic surface. Realizing these properties would achieve up to 91% of the SunShot 2030 O&M cost-reduction goal of 0.7¢/kWh.
180403-BG-T1.mp4Clean Bare Glass
filmwise condensation rate:
4.0 g/m2/min
180331-Hydrophobic-Trial3.mp4Hydrophobic Coating
dropwise condensation rate:
6.7 g/m2/min
180505-HS2mm4mm3row-T3.mp4Hydrophilic Rings in Hydrophobic Coating
Hydrophilic Rings in Hydrophobic Coating
nucleated dropwise conden. rate:
9.1 g/m2/min
