You know that cooling of the PV modules helps increase the efficiency, but can we use saline (salty) water in this process without having any harmful effects to the modules?
note that the saline water will be sprayed through nozzles above the modules as in the attached picture, and not in inner channels like in PVT integrated systems.
Make sure (1) the water doesn't contain particulate matter which could adhere to the cells and block off sunlight; it is remarkable how little of this you need to considerably reduce your panel efficiency, and (2) make sure that the water doesn't evaporate and leave salt deposits on the panels with the same results as in (1). As long as the panels are properly sealed I don't see the water getting into the panel - but if it did it would probably wreck it so it would be cheaper to replace and recycle the old panel than try and clean it.
Mohamed Azab I do not mean spraying the saline water in fine droplets, but i meant to have a system as in the figure.
You will get deposited salts on the boundaries. Even if in the center of flow water will not evaporate on the border line it could happen.
Apart from salt deposition, water is not transparent. Some light will reflect from the water surface above the module. I'd guess that the loss in energy due to additional reflected light would be similar to the energy gain from lower temperatures. Both would be on the order of a few percent of module output.
Nick Hamburger thanks sir for you answer, can you please tell me whether you tried it ?
Nick Hamburger thanks so much sir for your answer, can you clarify more why it is not possible to use saline water, and if you have anything in the literature, please let me know.
thanks Sir,
Ibrahim
I think the upper surface of the PV module will be of extreme importance, as the newer types available in markets now even do not allow the dust particles to stay over, a little support for the saline water will do a great damage as it will cause shading and lesser efficiency as a result.
So your question basically relates to the type of outer layer currently in use.
I agree with Edwin Rodriguez-Ubinas . Particularly in Neuquén, Argentina salty water deposit a white thin film of salt on glasses which considerably reduce solar radiation transmission. Also are all the problems of corrosion and increasing resisteance of contacts.
Best Regards.
Carlos
Why not use a rol of LED blanket rol-over panels in times of heat and less sun intension. Due to transforming process of LED converts heat into light?
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