Techno-Economic GIS-aided analysis of particles deposition on PV modules in different climate conditions


Abstract

Providing optimal photovoltaic (PV) module cleaning schedules, as well as cost analysis of particle deposition on PV modules, play a crucial role from the economic point of view. To date, adequate and comprehensive in-formation sources to supply economically optimized cleaning schedules for different climate conditions are not available. Also, one can not find any researches in the literature concerning to cost/economic analysis of soiling in different climate zones. This research aims to do an all embracing investigation of the effect of soiling on the power efficiency of solar panels for all climate conditions. In this study, a comprehensive classification of deposited particles on PV modules will be done for specified climate zones in terms of the elemental composition, optics, nature, size, and morphology of particles. The mentioned characterizations will obtain by using standard analysis and Nondestructive tests such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-Ray (EDS), and Raman spectroscopy. Then, the effect of the mentioned factors on the power loss of PV panels will be determined theoretically and experimentally as a function of the geographical location. That will provide a complete criterion to estimate economic losses of this phenomenon and to minimize the cleaning costs for each climate. Also, a detailed discussion of the effect of soiling for each different air climate will be presented.

Subsequently, by implementing the outcome data into the geographic information system (GIS), (Which this idea, has not been applied in literature yet), the results of this research proposal will help to prepare a far reaching cleaning schedule for existing PV modules in solar farms. It will be an appropriate information source for solar cleaning companies, solar farm holders, and stockholders. It also provides technically and economically optimized proposals for investors who are going to establish a new solar park.

Status: Completed

For more information, please contact me.