Self-cleaning coating wettability on dynamic characteristics of dust in condensing state

Abstract

This paper investigates the condensation and dust removal mechanisms of self-cleaning superhydrophobic and superhydrophilic coatings on photovoltaic modules. Experimental tests were conducted on typical dust types found in northwest China, including sand, laterite and laterite salt, to examine the effects of different dust types on the condensation and dust removal properties of the coatings. The results show that the wettability of the self-cleaning coating plays a key role in the movement of dust and the subsequent recovery of photovoltaic (PV) module output power after condensation and dust removal. On the surface of the superhydrophilic coating, there is no significant shrinkage agglomeration of the dust during condensation, while the dust diffusion during drying further increases the shading area. On the contrary, on the surface of superhydrophobic coating, there is obvious dust shrinkage agglomeration during both condensation and drying, especially the shrinkage of laterite salt is most obvious, and the output power recovery of PV modules can reach 96.59%. With the increase of the degree and range of dust shrinkage, the recovery rate of PV module output power is significantly increased. These research results provide an important scientific basis and practical value for the sustainable development and wide adoption of PV industry.