Characterization of Anti-Pollution Films by Thickness for Photovoltaic Modules That Can Be Applied in the Field

Abstract

In this study, the characteristics of functional coating films were investigated to improve the anti-pollution properties and efficiency of PV (Photovoltaic) module according to the variation of coating film thickness. Functional coating was applied of a glass substrate, which was composed with the same material as PV module. Brush coating method was used for the coating process. We coated the functional film on the glass substrate 1, 2 and 3 times alternately in the horizontal and vertical directions to change the film thickness, and a hot air fan equipment was used as a heat treatment process for easy application to existing PV modules. The heat treatment process was performed for 2 minutes after the coating process using a hot air fan equipment. After coating and heat treatment, glass substrates were analyzed for the anti-pollution properties, contact angle, optical properties and the mechanical properties such as hardness and adhesion. The anti-pollution properties were identified through self-cleaning test. The contact angle of the functional coating film was measured by a contact angle analyzer, and the optical properties were measured via UV-visible spectroscopy, which can be used as an integrating sphere. The hardness of the functional film was measured by the standard hardness testing method using H-9H, F, HB and B-6B pencil. Also, the adhesion of the functional film was measured by the standard adhesion testing method.