Date Approved
12-20-2024
Graduate Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Engineering (M.S.E.)
Degree Program
School of Engineering
First Advisor
Lihong (Heidi) Jiao
Second Advisor
Christopher Pung
Third Advisor
Linsay Corneal
Academic Year
2024/2025
Abstract
As global energy demands continue to rise amid increasing environmental concerns, the transition to renewable energy sources, particularly solar power, has become imperative. Solar energy, driven by recent advancements in photovoltaic (PV) technology, presents a promising solution for achieving greater sustainability and efficiency. However, despite these technological advancements, the persistent issue of soiling caused by dust, bird droppings, and other contaminants remains a major obstacle, diminishing sunlight absorption and reducing energy conversion efficiency, presenting a significant obstacle to optimal PV performance.
This study explores the application of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticle coatings to address this challenge by enhancing the self-cleaning capabilities of PV panels. Leveraging the super-hydrophilic and anti-soiling properties of TiO2, the coating uses natural rainfall to autonomously maintain panel cleanliness, minimizing the need for manual maintenance and improving overall system performance. To enhance adhesion, (3-Aminopropyl) trimethoxy silane (APTMS) was employed as an interlayer, strengthening the TiO2 coating’s bond to the PV panel glass and increasing its durability under environmental stress. The coating’s performance was evaluated through abrasion tests simulating natural weather conditions, including repeated wash-dry cycles, water immersion, falling sand, and dust deposition.
Preliminary results highlight the coating's exceptional super-hydrophilic properties, with water contact angle measurements less than 10 degrees, indicative of TiO2's strong water affinity. The spectrophotometry measurements show that the developed coating maintains high optical transmittances for the wavelength range from 350nm to 800nm which is the most crucial for the energy conversion of solar panels. Furthermore, photocatalytic tests demonstrated that the TiO2 coating effectively degrades the concentration of Methylene Blue (MB) dye under direct sunlight exposure, achieving a degradation efficiency of approximately 33% within 120 minutes. This highlights the coating's dual functionality in maintaining optical clarity and reducing soiling, making it highly suitable for improving the performance and longevity of photovoltaic panels.
Additionally, the durability tests further reveal that the APTMS-enhanced TiO2 coating retains its hydrophilic properties after multiple testing cycles, with only slight increases in water contact angle. Although some degradation in performance was observed following prolonged exposure to falling sand or water immersion, the coating remained effective in mitigating soiling buildup. These findings illustrate that APTMS enhances the TiO2 coating’s durability and abrasion resistance, reinforcing its applicability as a long-term self-cleaning solution for PV panels and supporting the global shift toward sustainable energy.
ScholarWorks Citation
Pham, Chau, "Development of Titanium Dioxide Coating for Self-Cleaning Photovoltaic Panels" (2024). Masters Theses. 1139.
https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/theses/1139