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A comprehensive study on Damage Behavior of ZnO-TiO2 Coatings on Photovoltaic Panels Under Simulated Desert Wind Conditions |
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PP: 155-163 |
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doi:10.18576/ijtfst/150202
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Author(s) |
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Ali Ooda Abd,
Anas Bouguecha,
Mohamed Haddar,
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Abstract |
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| Environmental soiling and mechanical erosion from windblown sand severely compromise the operational efficiency and optical integrity of photovoltaic (PV) modules in arid regions. This study evaluates the mechanical durability and solid particle erosion (SPE) behavior of a 50%-50% ZnO-TiO₂ nanocomposite coating designed for protective, self-cleaning solar applications. Nanoparticles synthesized via hydrolysis were deposited onto glass substrates using thermal spraying to a 1 µm thickness. The coating’s structural, morphological, and chemical properties were rigorously characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Erosion resistance was tested at impact angles of 15°, 30°, 45°, and 60°. The composite material exhibited a high maximum transmittance of 94% in the visible and infrared (VIS-IR) spectral range. The erosion rate increased with the impact angle, rising from ~0.0004 mg/g at 15° to ~0.0016 mg/g at 60°. The erosion mechanism is governed by brittle fracture mechanics, where higher impact angles promote crack propagation and material spallation. These results serve as a vital reference for enhancing the longevity of solar modules in sand-intensive environments. |
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