MSE Masters Thesis Presentation of Yuchun Guo

TITLE: APPLICATION FOR FLUORIDE BASED SILICON HYDROPHOBIC COATING ON EDS FILM

ABSTRACT: This thesis presents a method to decrease the particle adhesion forces on the Electrodynamic Screen (EDS) film surface by the application of a superhydrophobic (SH) coating. The combination of the electrostatic dust removal force applied by the EDS film and lowering of the surface energy by a SH coating becomes effective for self-cleaning functions of the EDS film laminated solar collectors, without requiring any water or mechanical forces. A non-conductive, optically transparent and hydrophobic coating was applied on the surface of the EDS film. Synthesis of a superhydrophobic fluorinated SiO2 nanoparticle coating by sol-gel method is described. We used a dip-coating method to apply a single-layer hydrophobic SiO2 nanoparticle film with large static water contact angle on EDS film surface. Experimental data on the optical transmittance, adhesion of the SH film on the glass surface of the EDS film, and the dust removal efficiency are presented. The output power restoration (OPR) of the solar panels laminated with EDS film with SH coating increased from 98.3% to 99.19%. Possible improvements of SH coating process, its durability and future research needs are discussed.

COMMITTEE: Advisor: Malay Mazumder, MSE/ECE; Kevin Smith, Physics/MSE

When 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm on Monday, December 16, 2019
Location 15 Saint Mary's Street, Rm 121