TAGS: Marine / Protective Coatings
Nanoveu Limited (Nanoveu), a company specializing in modern, cutting-edge nanotechnology in reducing contagious transmissions on high touch points extending to immersive vision-based entertainment and development of allied products, advises that is has successfully expanded its Nanoshield™ product suite to include a proprietary antimicrobial coating targeting algae growth on photo-voltaic (PV) panels (solar).
The transparent coating is self-maintaining, anti-fouling, anti-static and hydrophilic.
Solution to Surface Contaminants
A major inhibitor to the efficiency of a solar PV system is the accumulation of surface contaminants, which may also lead to corrosion. Surface dust, water marks and sand are generally removed with costly regular cleaning and maintenance, and algae growth removal requires even more resources and maintenance.
Biofilms (algae) will not form on the transparent nano coating, which the company refers to as its E series, which were developed from the Company’s antiviral products. The hydrophilic and anti-static properties reduce adherence of all surface contaminants.
The coating is designed to solve a major issue for solar panels – reduction of output from panel surface debris. Antifouling, using metal oxide nano sized particles in the E-series inhibit the growth of algae on the coated surface, a major issue for PV systems in humid climates. Currently, panels require constant cleaning to ensure biofilm does not form.
Commenting on the company achievements, Nanoveu’s Managing Director Mr Alfred Chong said, “
The growth of solar markets is a key green initiative adopted by countries worldwide. With this new and unique development, we will work towards establishing Nanoveu as an attractive solution to enhance the performance of solar assets worldwide.”
Algae & Lichen Problem
Algae and Lichen are organisms that grow on solar panels thriving in moist and humid conditions. Once algae spores are lodged in the microscopic pores of solar panels, they rapidly grow and, if not cleaned on regular basis, can cover the entire surface of the panel.
In addition, Algae and Lichen build up will eventually cause corrosion to the panels, leading to long-term damage to the solar panels.
Preventing Algae and Lichen build-up is a painstaking and laborious task which must be done continuously every few months. Dirty algae covered panels can cause up to 26% energy loss in the Solar’s capacity to generate electricity.
Benefits of E-series Hard Coat
The E-series hard coat is a self-cleaning product which washes away the dirt in rainwater through its hydrophilic properties. As opposed to water repellent coatings (hydrophobic), the hydrophilic effect reduces the angle of water droplets, allowing penetration beneath the contaminant. Antistatic, larger particle sized debris such as dirt and sand simply slides off the surface.
It makes the company’s E-series coating suitable as a self-cleaning coating solution for both humid and dry climates. The company is currently embarking on trials in the Philippines and has identified 55 MW of projects that are suitable candidates for its technology. The results of the trials will be published once the trials have been completed.
According to Fortune Business Insights, the solar market was about USD 170.55 Billion in 2020 and is expected to grow to USD 293,18B by 2028, a 6.9% compounded annual growth rate. The company believes that this technology is unique and a world first for the solar market. The company plans to file for patent protection.
The company believes that in addition to the initial solar panel market, the product’s antifouling capability can be applicable to a wider range of applications including ships and boat hulls that constantly require antifouling treatment as organism growth can greatly affect durability & performance, and oil platforms, where algae growth will compromise the integrity of the platforms over time and other uses.
Source: Nanoveu