MMU Scientists Receives Recognition in USA
The huge magnetic field which surrounds the Earth, protecting it from radiation and charged particles from space is changing constantly. This is according to a research done by scientists from Multimedia University of Kenya which revealed that the earth’s magnetic field affects the performance of solar photovoltaics (PV) panels in the same manner the magnetic fields from power lines, transformers and other electrical equipment can.
The complexity of the geomagnetic field makes it difficult to observe and predict. According to the researchers led by principal investigator Dr. Wafula Wekesa (pictured) at Department of Physics, they claim the geomagnetic area could reduce solar panel conversion effectiveness by 0.21%. The values recorded using an experimental probe (pictured), are applicable for locations between the Equator and a latitude of 50 degrees. The findings reveal that the complex magnetic field can determine increases in module’s fill factor and falls in maximum power.
The findings of the Kenyan study, which got the attention of the world’s USA based PV magazine (attached link), were presented in the paper (attached link), published in Renewable Energy and on the Science Direct website.
USA magazine link: https://www.pv-magazine.com/2020/06/11/earths-magnetic-field-affecting-pv-panel-performance/
ScienceDirect website link: https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1bDo6_LrCmmwU0
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7 Comments
Congrats Dr. Wekesa et. al! For the first time in the history of photovoltaics, we have learned from your research findings that fluctuations in earth’s magnetic field plus local magnetic anomaly from large geographical features affects PV panel performance.
Congrats Dr. Wekesa et. al!
Indeed for the first time in the history of photovoltaics, we have learned from your research findings that, fluctuations in earth’s magnetic field plus local magnetic anomaly from large geographical features affects PV panel performance.
Impeccable! Such breakthroughs and findings in the solar industry give great hope to the growth of the whole economy and positions Kenya strategically globally in having a voice in what needs to be done.
*”Congratulations Dr. Wekesa et.al! Daktari’s lectures are 100% practical in nature, well deserved! A huge break through in solar PV technology, the study findings should be modulated into the new solar cell by manufacturing companies.”*
Congratulations Dr. Wekesa et.al! Daktari’s lectures are 100% practical in nature, well deserved! A huge break through in solar PV technology, the study findings should be modulated into the new solar cell by manufacturing companies.
This is quite an achievement and the findings towards solar and the earth’s magnetic field will inform quite a lot to the investment in this form of energy. Well done Dr. David and co-authors.
Congratulations, this is such a remarkable achievement and quit a motivation to the entire engineering and science body.
This is an inspiration to continue the varsity goal towards Technology and Innovation.