Monocrystalline Photovoltaic Panel Response Pattern to Relative Humidity and Temperature under Distinct Wavelengths in Mangrove Swamp Environment in Calabar, Cross River States, Nigeria

Abstract

A meticulous experimental investigation was conducted to study the response pattern of monocrystalline photovoltaic technology to relative humidity and temperature under distinct wavelengths under the mangrove swamp atmosphere in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria, by in-situ measurement approach using a precision digital hygrometer, precision digital infrared gun thermometer and an intelligent photovoltaic panel maximum power point tracker (MPPT) to track and determine the maximum power, voltage and current produced by the photovoltaic (PV) technology at a particular panel temperature and humidity level. The result reveals that 100% efficiency from the PV technology may not be possible with the various wavelengths aside from the natural spectrum because the humidity level will have to drop below 10% for 100% efficiency to be achieved. However, under the natural spectrum the results revealed that the PV technology could attain 100% efficiency at a humidity level of 35%. The results also reveal that an increase in efficiency as temperature rises is not indefinite as there is a threshold temperature above which the efficiency will begin to drop for all wavelengths. Results of the study reveal that under the natural and red wavelengths, the maximum efficiency that could be attained is 62% and 41% respectively at a threshold of 440C. With the orange wavelength, 46% efficiency is possible at a threshold of 44.70C. With the lemon, green and violet wavelengths, the maximum efficiency that could be attained is 50%, 40% and 44% respectively at a threshold of approximately 430C. While 43% and 48% efficiency is possible with the blue and peach filter at a threshold of 40.50C and 42.30C respectively.

Keywords

• monocrystalline photovoltaic technology;
• response pattern;
• threshold temperature;
• mangrove swamp