Loading...
Optimizing the Cleaning Frequency of Solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems Using Numerical Analysis
Kaiss, El-Cheikh Amer Kais
Kaiss, El-Cheikh Amer Kais
Date
2021-11
Author
Advisor
Type
Thesis
Degree
Citations
Altmetric:
Files
Description
A Master of Science thesis in Engineering Systems Management by El-Cheikh Amer Kais Kaiss entitled, “Optimizing the Cleaning Frequency of Solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems Using Numerical Analysis”, submitted in November 2021. Thesis advisor is Dr. Noha Hussein. Soft copy is available (Thesis, Completion Certificate, Approval Signatures, and AUS Archives Consent Form).
Abstract
There has been a huge growth in the global capacity of solar PV installation to harvest solar energy. However, the efficiency of solar PV systems can be greatly reduced due to dust accumulation/soiling. Cleaning the panels frequently can mitigate the reduction in efficiency of solar PV systems due to dust; however, cleaning the panels too frequently can increase maintenance costs which decreases profitability. Therefore, it is crucial to optimize the cleaning frequency of solar PV systems to maximize its efficiency and power generation while minimizing operational costs. This study aims to determine the optimum cleaning frequency of solar PV system to minimize operational costs and maximize power output. Several factors that influence the dust deposition rate are analyzed through CFD simulations on ANSYS FLUENT. A mathematical model that relates the dust deposition rate to the most significant factors is developed using Minitab software. Subsequently, the developed model is used to determine the decrease in solar PV efficiency due to dust deposition over time. Finally, the cleaning frequency of solar PV panels specific to Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (UAE) is optimized using the Solver Add-in in Microsoft Excel to maximize energy generation and minimize cleaning costs. It was found that the dust diameter, panel tilt angle, and wind speed have the greatest impact on the dust deposition rate. The dust diameter is positively related to dust deposition rate while a negative relationship exists between the wind speed and dust deposition rate. In addition, it was found that the maximum dust deposition rate occurs at a tilt angle of approximately 50 degrees. Furthermore, it was found that the optimum cleaning frequency using manual cleaning method in Sharjah, UAE is every 8 to 9 days. In addition, the optimum cleaning frequency using machinery cleaning method in Sharjah, UAE was shown to be every 3 to 4 days. The results agree well with the results reported in the literature.