Dust effect on photovoltaic utilization in Iraq: Review article

The term Dust is called for any substance that spreads in the air which includes soil and dust particles (suspended dust), smoke, fog and particulate matters. It is formed from organic and inorganic substances of terrestrial origin. Such substances are like sand storms, factory smoke, bacteria, pollen, Forrest fires and volcanoes vapors. Also, they include solid atmospheric particles that stay suspended in the air for long periods, and that are able to move with wind movements for long distances. It represents large differences in volume, shape, distribution and concentrations. Dust-storms are an environmental phenomenon that transcends boundaries and their growing intensity and frequency-as a result of increasing desertification and decreasing vegetation coverage-has a tremendous negative impact on national and regional human and socio-economic development. In this study, a review of Iraqi geographical and meteorically characteristics will be made. In addition, a review of the human activities that increased desertification in Iraq areas that reflects on increasing sand and dust storms in the country will also be reviewed. The focus on dust causes, types and specifications was a priority in order to analyze its effects on PV systems. PV systems performance is affected by dust and dust storms highly influence the energy collected. A comprehensive review for the effect of dust on PV in Iraq is represented to researchers; designers and engineers dealing with PV systems in Iraq. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.