Evaluation of dust deposition impacts on solar photo voltaic module

Solar Photo Voltaic (PV) Modules is a prominent renewable energy source in Indian Sub-Continent, Typical Metrological Year (TMY) data shows that favourable weather conditions prevail in various regions of the country. PV cell is a photo diode and it converts the light energy photons into electrons, when the electrons flow in a circuit it produces useful energy. When PV cell is illuminated it is forward biased and when it is shaded it is reverse biased. Airborne dust particles has tendency to settle or deposit over the surface of the PV modules creating a shade. There are two distinct effects results due to the shade over the surface of the PV cells. Due to improper illumination on the photo diode, PV cell produces lower energy. Essentially the PV cells are series connected to produce useful energy output, the dust deposited cell reduce the electron flow to the circuit cause a disturbance to equilibrium, which results in increase in temperature of the PV cell. The Open Circuit Voltage (Voc) and Short Circuit Current (Isc) defines properties of a PV cell, the dust deposited PV cell Isc will be reduced. PV cells are connected in series with an assumption that all the cells are having same Isc whereas in a practical, these properties differ and any minor mismatch will lead to change in the equilibrium. This research is to evaluate the dust shade over the PV cells and study the performance degradation as well as the rise in temperature of the cell.

Dr S Sakthivel

Dr S. Sakthivel is a Senior Technologist (Process) at Tata Consulting Engineers Limited (TCE) since 2009. He holds a BTech degree in chemical engineering, an MTech degree in Petroleum Refining and Petrochemicals (PRPC), and a PhD in chemical engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT-D). He has experience in process engineering, optimisation and development; technology analysis, screening and selection; techno-economic analysis; basic, applied and market research; laboratory and pilot experimental setup; process hazard analysis; planning and data management; and powder science and technology. He has published several research and technical papers in national and peer-reviewed international journals.

You may also like...