Session: 10-02: Photovoltaic, Photovoltaic-Thermal, and Electrochemical Technologies II

Paper Number: 156602

156602 - Exploring the Impact of Environmental and Dust Thermophysical Properties on Soiling Thermal Losses of Solar Pv Modules 

Abstract: 

As the world grapples with global warming, environmental degradation, and the increasing frequency of natural disasters, solar energy has emerged as a promising alternative clean energy source. This study explores the multifaceted relationship between environmental factors, dust thermophysical properties, and the soiling-induced thermal losses on solar photovoltaic (PV) modules. By incorporating key environmental parameters such as wind speed, wind direction, and ambient temperatures, alongside installation geometry factors like tilt, orientation, and height, the research investigates how these variables collectively impact soiling and thermal losses. The thermophysical properties of dust—such as thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity, and particle size—are also examined to understand their influence on the thermal behaviour of soiled PV modules.

Using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations combined with a full factorial face-centered central composite design, the study systematically investigates the complex interactions between environmental, geometric, and dust properties. Results show that installation geometry has a significant impact on the cell temperature of soiled PV modules. Lower tilt angles are associated with a higher dust deposition density, which acts as an insulating and thermal storage layer, leading to increased cell temperatures. This effect persists regardless of the dust particle size or the orientation of the panel. Additionally, installation height influences solar cell temperature by exposing the panels to higher wind speeds, which provide a cooling effect and reduce temperatures, independent of tilt angle, orientation, or dust properties.

Dust particle thermophysical properties were also found to play a crucial role in determining cell temperature. Dust with low thermal conductivity, high density, and high specific heat capacity resulted in elevated cell temperatures, regardless of the installation geometry. This suggests that the thermal characteristics of dust significantly contribute to soiling-related performance losses in PV systems. A 4.1°C overall temperature difference was observed between horizontally configured panels combined larger dust particles of higher density and specific heat capacity, and near-vertical panels, with lower dust deposition with smaller particles having lower density and specific heat capacity.

Response surface methodology was employed to analyse the relationships among these variables, leading to the development of highly predictive models with a coefficient of determination (R²) of no less than 96.5% and a mean absolute percentage error of no greater than 5.2%. These models offer valuable insights into the optimization of PV module performance, specifically by addressing soiling-induced thermal losses. The findings of this study contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms by which dust deposition affects solar cell temperature, providing practical recommendations for improving the design and maintenance strategies of solar PV systems in various environmental conditions.

Presenting Author: Kudzanayi Chiteka University of South Africa, Science Campus, Florida

Presenting Author Biography: Prof Christopher Chintua Enweremadu attended the Odessa Technological Institute of Food Industry, (now Odessa National Academy of Food Technologies, Odessa, Ukraine) where he obtained Integrated MSc, Mechanical Engineering with specialization in Food Processing Machines & Equipment in 1994. He lectured at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho, Nigeria from 1995 to 2008. After obtaining PhD in Mechanical Engineering (Heat & Mass Transfer) in 2008 at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, he was awarded a postdoctoral research fellowship at the Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria. On completion of the research fellowship, he was appointed as a Senior Lecturer at Vaal University of Technology, Vanderbijlpark where he worked from November 2009 to December 2011. Prof Enweremadu joined the University of South Africa in 2012.

Prof Enweremadu is an NRF (National Research Foundation of South Africa) C2 rated researcher who has published over 90 journal articles (in the areas of bioethanol, biodiesel, biogas, solar radiation, solar PV cleaning for soiling mitigation). He has also published over 30 papers in reputable peer-reviewed conferences and six book chapters. From 2015-2017, Prof Enweremadu served as a member of editorial board of the International Journal of Oil, Gas and Coal Technology, an ISI-indexed journal.

Prof Enweremadu is a regular reviewer for high-impact journals, reputable conference proceedings and book chapters. As a result of the quality of his reviews, he has been awarded Elsevier Certificates of Outstanding Contribution in Reviewing by the journals: Energy, Applied Energy, Energy for Sustainable Development and Journal of Cleaner Production. He has served in National Research Foundation (NRF) panels and has reviewed grant-funding and researcher rating applications for her and other international grant-awarding organizations.

Prof Enweremadu is an experienced teacher/lecturer who has taught various courses in Mechanical and General Engineering in Nigeria and Kenya (as an adjunct). He is a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), South African Institution of Mechanical Engineering (SAIMECHE), World Society of Sustainable Energy Technologies (WSSET), Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and a registered engineer with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN).