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All issues Volume 6 (2021) Renew. Energy Environ. Sustain., 6 (2021) 30 Full HTML
Issue
Renew. Energy Environ. Sustain.
Volume 6, 2021
Achieving Zero Carbon Emission by 2030
Article Number 30
Number of page(s) 6
DOI https://doi.org/10.1051/rees/2021027
Published online 20 September 2021

© H.A. Kazem et al., Published by EDP Sciences, 2021

Licence Creative CommonsThis is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

1 Introduction

Solar energy can be considered the most reliable and most widespread renewable energy source for generating electricity around the world [1]. Photovoltaic systems that produce electricity directly from sunlight can be considered one of the most important applications of solar energy. Photovoltaic modules are one of the rapidly developing business sectors, as the annual growth rate of installed and in-service photovoltaic installations reached 40% from 2010 to 2016 [2]. Photovoltaic cells are characterized by a long operational life of 20 to 25 years, and the time to recover the cost of construction and operation is no more than 7 operational years. It is also characterized by the flexibility of its installation in mountains, valleys, plains, and even seas [3].

Since the photovoltaic cells are installed externally facing the sun and away from the shade, so they are affected by external weather factors [4]. Various factors can affect the efficiency of solar panel systems by either increasing or decreasing energy production such as the solar radiation intensity, cloud cover, relative humidity, heat build-up, and dust [5–8]. Practically, solar panels must be installed in areas free from shades because any shading, even on a small part of the panel, can have a significant impact on the energy produced [9]. Dust accumulated on photovoltaic units is an important factor in reducing their productivity. Sadly, the best areas in the world in terms of the high solar intensity are concentrated in deserts and have a high density of dust in their atmosphere [10]. The decrease in the productivity of solar cells depends not only on the amount of accumulated dust but also on the components of this dust and their physical and chemical properties [11–14]. The physical and chemical properties of dust differ from one region to another. These properties depend mainly on the source of the dust [15]. In desert areas, the dust originates from the soil, but in industrial cities, for example, there are many sources of dust, such as the exhaust of automobiles, equipment, and trucks, and chimneys of electricity production plants, in addition to various volatile building materials from construction sites [1,16].

The accumulation of dust on the photovoltaic modules increases as the slope of these modules decreases. Ghazi et al. (2014) showed that installing the cell in the horizontal position is the worst degree of inclination for PV modules, which causes the largest accumulation of dust. Note that installing solar cells in a horizontal position is most appropriate in areas north of the equator (such as Oman) [17].

Several published studies examined the negative impact of dust accumulation on PV cell productivity and how to reduce these effects. In brief, we will go through some studies in this regard in the Sultanate of Oman and its neighboring countries. Reference [18] investigated the effect of leaving PV cells uncleaned for 45 days exposed to external conditions. This caused the production capacity to decrease by up to 50% after 45 days. The researchers found that cleaning the photovoltaic modules with water mixed with ionic and cationic materials caused the cell to restore its initial efficiency. Reference [19] surveyed the area of Oman and found that only 9% of Oman can be considered suitable for the installation of photovoltaic systems. Because these areas have moderate temperatures with a clear decrease in the concentrations of dust and mineral pollutants in their atmosphere. Reference [20] showed that the quality of the accumulated dust and the level of this accumulation are directly related to the resulting deterioration in the efficiency of the photovoltaic unit. The researcher also analyzed the dust accumulated on the cells; it was found that this dust was consisting mostly of (sand, calcium carbonate, silica, red soil, and ash). Among these components, the accumulated ash caused the highest deterioration in cell productivity.

In Saudi Arabia, reference [21] found that increasing the angle of inclination of the cell reduces the amount of accumulated dust. Reference [22] also showed that the photovoltaic units installed in the eastern part of Saudi Arabia (near the Arabian Gulf) lose about 50% of their efficiency if they remain for six months without cleaning. Reference [23] found a decrease in light transmittance by up to 84% due to dust accumulation on photovoltaic units in Saudi Arabia. The study concluded that a large part of this loss can be restored by washing and wiping the cells.

Reference [24] studied the effect of dust accumulation on photovoltaic units for a year without cleaning in the United Arab Emirates, the northern neighbor of the Sultanate of Oman. The study concluded that polycrystalline panels have the best cleaning factor. While reference [25] showed that the accumulation of dust on the surfaces of solar panels reduces the transmittance of glass by up to 10% and its electrical efficiency by up to 70% in the United Arab Emirates.

In Qatar, reference [26] investigated the effect of the size of the accumulated dust particles on the photovoltaic modules installed in Qatar and the effect of exposure time on these sites. The results showed that the accumulation of particles of small sizes caused a greater decrease in the efficiency of cells compared to particles of large sizes. As for reference [27] has studied the effect of dust accumulated with high relative humidity on the resulting losses in the efficiency of photovoltaic units. After observing and checking the intensity of solar radiation, accumulated dust, and the rest of meteorological data for 12 months in a desert area in Qatar. In Qatar, too, reference [28] evaluated the effect of the accumulated dust on the photovoltaic units installed in the city of Doha after they were left for ten months without cleaning with continuous monitoring of the rate of dust accumulation and changes in the cleanliness index. The study concluded that the accumulated dust particle size and concentration decreased with increasing exposure time. Reference [29] also showed that the accumulation of dust increases on the surface of the solar panels if the wind speed is less than 3 m/s. Reference [30] demonstrated that the formation of dew on the surfaces of PV modules enhances the adhesion of dust particles accumulated on these surfaces depending on the chemical components of the dust.

Reference [31] emphasized that photovoltaic technologies offer a promising and competitive alternative and can positively affect the economy of the desert and rural areas of Yemen (Oman's neighbor).

In a review study of dust conditions in Iraq, reference [32] that the fertile Mesopotamia, after 20 years of continuous drought, turned into a basin source of dust and sand storms for the area surrounding this country. A large number of dusty days in the airspace of Iraq is the main obstacle in not focusing on this technology and paying attention to it, despite the country suffering from a stifling electricity crisis. Also in Iraq, reference [33] studied the effect of dust accumulation on PV modules installed near a highway in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad. The results showed a decrease of about 12% after the organization worked for two months without cleaning. The researchers focused on the fact that cleaning the photovoltaic unit with a sodium solution causes a greater recovery of the produced power than if it was cleaned in water or rain.

In Iran, reference [34] studied the effect of dust accumulated on photovoltaic modules that were exposed to atmospheric conditions for 70 days continuously and without rain. The accumulation of dust naturally on the surface of the tested PV module during this period reached 6.0986 g/m2. The output losses reached 21.47%, which equates to a loss of 289 kWh per cycle of 4845 kW due to this accumulation of dust. In Turkey, reference [35] studied the effect of coal dust accumulation (of varying sizes and weights) on the output losses of PV modules. Experiments were carried out under standard conditions using two types of PV modules (monocrystalline (m-Si) and polycrystalline (p-Si)). Several blocks of charcoal dust (5 g, 10 g, 15 g) were also used. Coal dust accumulation caused output losses of maximum 60% and 62% for both monocrystalline and polycrystalline modules, respectively.

Reference [36] examined the losses due to dust accumulation on the productivity of PV modules in Egypt. The authors used two types of photovoltaic panels (monocrystalline and polycrystalline). The accumulated dust caused an output loss of 30% of the PV modules' yield. It was also shown that the module's tilt angle affects its efficiency. The study concluded that the best tilt angles are 15° and 30° for PV modules, which gave the greatest productivity. In Pakistan, reference [37] studied the effect of dust accumulation on two types of PV modules (monocrystalline and polycrystalline). The studied modules were exposed to external conditions for a whole month. The productivity of mono-PV and polycrystalline modules decreased by 16.16% and 11.54%, respectively. The cleaning process of both types of PV modules restores 98% of their efficiency.

After this brief introduction, it is clear that the concentrations of dust components differ from one season to another and from one region to another. Therefore, examining the effect of the concentration of each of the dust components separately can give a greater clarification and detail of how the accumulated dust affects the behavior of the photovoltaic module.

2 Studied area

Sohar is the administrative center of the North Al Batinah Governorate and is located in the north of Oman. Sohar is about 234 km from Muscat and was previously dependent on agriculture, trade, and fishing. Currently, Sohar is the hub of the Omani industry. The city has an industrial port. Sohar overlooks the Sea of Oman with a 45 km coastal strip. It is also located in a plain area with a distance of ten kilometers and then in a mountainous area. This topographical diversity and the presence of a large desert bordering the mountains to the west made Sohar exposed to dust storms. Its weather is mostly warm in winter and hot in summer with a clear decrease in rainfall and high relative humidity most days of the year [38].

The city of Sohar has witnessed drastic economic and investment transformations and has achieved a number of giant investment and economic projects. Sohar has entered the stage of heavy industries and the establishment of the Sohar Industrial Port has facilitated investment in heavy industries such as the Sohar oil refinery, aluminum factory, Oman propylene factory, petrochemical complex, and other giant projects.

3 Experimental setup

To examine the effect of each of the components of the accumulated dust, a sample of the accumulated dust was taken for a month on the cell and examined using it to indicate its components. In the second step of the study, the focus was on finding each component separately by monitoring potential areas for export to the atmosphere and taking pure samples from them. The practical study of the effect of dust on PV systems was carried out using a system consisting of two monocrystalline silicon photovoltaic panels with dimensions of 1.43 × 0.63 × 0.9 m2, with a maximum power of 125 watts, an open-circuit voltage of 21.8 volts, and 7.45 amps of short-circuit current, and weighing 3.5 kg. One of the two cells used was always kept clean, while the second was contaminated with different dust components in measured quantities for comparison purposes.

The following measuring devices were also used

A digital voltmeter for measuring voltage and current type “HAILANGNIAO” and has a measurement accuracy of 98.7%.

  • A meter for the intensity of solar radiation (range 0-1500 watts / square meter) manufactured by “WE300" and has a measurement accuracy of 98%.

  • Temperature sensor type “WE710” with an accuracy of 99.7%.

  • Sensors for air temperature and relative humidity type “RHT2nl-02” with a measurement accuracy of up to 98%.

  • Wind speed and direction gauge (with a measurement range of 0–30 m/s and an accuracy of 97%) type “MoreSunsDIY”.

Because the study is practical, specific weights of the studied dust components were placed on the surface of the contaminated cell and shaken with a type-vibrator for half an hour to ensure that the pollutant spreads evenly on the surface of the solar cell, then left for half an hour to settle, after which the cell is fixed on its external holder and readings are taken. The process is repeated three times on three consecutive days at the same hours of the day to ensure repeatability. Clean the cells in the evening. The study was conducted from March 31, 2018 to December 1, 2020.

4 Results and discussions

Figure 1 shows the components of dust accumulated in Sohar as a percentage of the screened sample. It is noted that the bulk of the dust is silicon oxide coming from desert dust without impurities. It is very fine and dry dust, meaning that the adhesion to the surface of the photovoltaic cell is relatively weak. As for the highest concentrations, it is attributed to cement (5.25%) and gypsum (4.94%), both of which are construction materials used in construction operations, and their presence in these concentrations shows the severity of the current construction work in Sohar, while not being careful to prevent the volatilization of these materials in the atmosphere. Both materials represent a big problem if they are deposited on the surface of the photovoltaic cell in the presence of high humidity or water, as they form a highly adherent layer to the cell surface. The ash produced from smelter stacks, refineries, and power stations has a concentration of up to (4.92%), which is considered high relative to the rest of the components. As for the rest of the ingredients, such as Grit (1.79%), New Garment (1.26%), brown soil (1.27%), and iron powder (1.88%).

Figure 2 shows the effect of accumulating upward weights from the studied components of Sohar dust on the resulting stream. The current is affected by the accumulated dust, as it prevents sunlight from reaching, reducing the movement of free electrons. It seems that the impact of the current is high in the case of the accumulation of brown soil and new garment. As for the rest of the components, the effect is almost very small, especially in the case of cement. Cement is made of small size particles and therefore, when evenly distributed on the surface of the cell, is spaced so as to allow the passage of sunlight. The impact of the current on the ash was changing from one weight to another, and in general, the effect of the ash was the largest on the current.

Figure 3 shows the change in the voltage generated in the PV cell with the change in the mass of the accumulated studied impurities. Sand seems to cause the greatest decrease in the generated voltage, in contrast to red sand and iron powder, which cause the least effect on the voltage. Cement and new garment cause an obvious drop in voltages. Sand particles are tiny and their distribution on the PV panel surface caused this voltage drop.

Figure 4 shows the change in the generated power in a PV cell with the change in the weight of the accumulated studied impurities. Sand causes the largest decrease in the generating power, unlike red sand, and iron powder, which caused the least decrease in the power by increasing their accumulated mass. Ash, cement and new garment caused a significant decrease in power. The results give a roadmap to determine the effect of all studied components on the generated power of the PV module and thus the possible reduction can be determined and how to reduce it by using optimum PV cleaners.

thumbnail Fig. 1

Sohar city dust composition.
thumbnail Fig. 2

Effect of changing the weight of the studied impurities accumulated on the current of PV cell.
thumbnail Fig. 3

Effect of changing the weight of the studied impurities accumulated on the voltage of PV cell.

5 Conclusions

In this study, the dust in Sohar city accumulated on a PV was collected and analyzed. Examinations showed that the dust of Sohar consists mostly of silicon oxide coming from desert dust (65.76%). Also, many components have high concentrations, such as cement (5.25%), gypsum (4.94%), ash (4.92%), Grit (1.79%), New Garment (1.26%), brown soil (1.27%), and iron powder (1.88%). The results showed that the effect of most of these components is limited on the current of the photovoltaic cell, but their effect is clearer on the cell voltage. As a result, the decrease in power generation was especially evident in ash, cement, and new garments, but the biggest decrease was due to sand.

thumbnail Fig. 4

Effect of changing the weight of the studied impurities accumulated on the voltage of PV cell.

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Cite this article as: Hussein A. Kazem, Miqdam T. Chaichan, Ali H.A. Al-Waeli, Kamaruzzaman Sopian, Abdul Salam K. Darwish, Evaluation of Dust Elements on Photovoltaic Module Performance: an Experimental Study, Renew. Energy Environ. Sustain. 6, 30 (2021)

All Figures

thumbnail Fig. 1

Sohar city dust composition.
In the text
thumbnail Fig. 2

Effect of changing the weight of the studied impurities accumulated on the current of PV cell.
In the text
thumbnail Fig. 3

Effect of changing the weight of the studied impurities accumulated on the voltage of PV cell.
In the text
thumbnail Fig. 4

Effect of changing the weight of the studied impurities accumulated on the voltage of PV cell.
In the text

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