Photovoltaic (PV) modules are widely used for harnessing solar energy which ensure maximum output when their glass surface is clean. However, PV modules are open to dust, grime and other contaminations which get deposited on their surface causing reduction in transmittance and hence their efficiency reduces. It is therefore required to clean the glass surface of PV modules time to time either manually by labor or using some special arrangements such as automated systems. However, these techniques are either laborious or require extra energy. Therefore, another solution to offset such complications is to use chemical coatings which ensure self-cleaning of glass surface by increasing water contact angle. In the present study, two types of water repellent chemicals (such as trimethylchlorosilane and hexamethyldisilazane) have been used to coat the glass surface using dip coating technique. The performance of such coated glass slides has been investigated using some important characterization techniques, such as finding transmittance by spectrophotometer and measuring water contact angle using a high resolution camera. Moreover, the self-cleaning effect has been observed using a microbalance to measure dust on coated glass exposed to open atmosphere and compared with uncoated glass. The results revealed that these coatings have increased the water contact angle up to 149% which reduces friction between the glass surface and water droplets. Moreover, the friction reduction helps in mobility of water droplets which in turn can easily carry out dust along with them, thus improving the efficiency of PV module.
In June 2018, the power deficit in Pakistan hit a record high of 9000 MW. Although alarming, it is not unprecedented due to past trends of exponential population growth, inadequacy of conventional energy sources to meet demand and lack of technological advancements. This represents an urgent and unavoidable need to turn to alternate renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and hydroelectric power. This paper aims to explore the possibilities presented by solar energy to solve the power crisis. This technology can be used to generate electricity which can then be used in different thermal applications. This paper presents a detailed discussion regarding these technologies, the institutions working in this field and scheme of solar thermal plants as per energy needs of Pakistan.
The Porous silica nanoparticles deposited on the glass as well as bare silicon wafer substrate to obtain super hydrophilicity and antireflectivity. The coating is performed by using aerosol impact deposition system using silane, air and helium as precursor gases. The desired coating thickness over the substrate surface is achieved by tuning the RF power, pressures ratio of reaction to deposition chamber and maneuvering of silane flow rate, helium and air mixture. Scanning electron microscopy reveals the particle size of 12.6 nm, whereas, atomic force microscopy (AFM) is deployed to study the coated film surface topology. This indicates outstanding antifogging and super-hydrophilic properties due to surface roughness and nano-porosity. Moreover, the coated surface graded index increases the transmissivity from 90% to 99.2%. Such enhancements are much favorable for the solar PV applications.
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