H-H, Anti-Reflective, and Anti-Soiling Coatings
| Project ID | d2242bbc-53f4-4cba-9be0-158d065a4cfd |
|---|
A Hybrid Hydrophobic-Hydrophilic Coating with Combined Anti-Reflective and Anti-Soiling Properties
Recipient City University of New York (PI: Lyons, Alan)
Subs NREL ARL Designs, LLC
Status Awarded
Abstract Reflections from the outer glass surface of PV panels results in losses of over 4%; losses from soiling are greater and may reach up to 50% of the energy produced. We propose to develop a novel and low cost hybrid hydrophobic-hydrophilic coating that combines excellent anti-reflective and anti-soiling properties with abrasion resistance based on our patent pending lamentation-peeling technology. The coating reduces reflections by >75% because of the low index of refraction and the morphology of the coating. Anti-soiling properties are achieved using a combination of two mechanisms: enhanced nucleation of dew droplets on hydrophilic regions and "herding" of dust particles into isolated agglomerates during evaporation. The durability, reliability and the anti-soiling efficacy of the coating will be studied in both outdoor field tests and laboratory soiling studies.