The College of Engineering at the University of Baghdad held the public defense of the Master’s thesis submitted by Ahmed Abdulsalam Khudhur, from the Department of Energy Engineering. The thesis was entitled (Experimental Investigation of Nanoparticles-Coated Photovoltaic Solar Modules Performance under Iraqi Weather Conditions) .The defense was held on Monday, September 7, 2026, at the Department of Environmental Engineering Hall, under the supervision of Assistant Professor Dr. Hussein Khalaf Jobair.
The thesis aimed to investigate the electrical and thermal performance of nanoparticle-coated photovoltaic modules and compare their performance with that of uncoated modules. It also evaluated the effects of silicon dioxide (SiO₂) and titanium dioxide (TiO₂) coatings on module efficiency and performance under Iraqi climatic conditions, in addition to conducting energy and exergy analyses.
The results showed that the nanocoatings contributed to improving the performance of the photovoltaic modules, with the coated modules achieving improvements in efficiency and electrical power output compared with the uncoated reference module. The SiO₂ coating demonstrated the best overall performance. The coatings also exhibited properties that helped reduce dust accumulation and improve the self-cleaning capability of the module surface.
Accordingly, the thesis recommended conducting experimental tests over longer periods and during different months of the year, particularly during the summer months characterized by high temperatures and solar irradiance. It also recommended conducting an economic study to determine the cost of preparing and applying the nanocoatings and compare it with the benefits resulting from improved photovoltaic module performance, while taking into consideration the challenges and difficulties that may be encountered in future field studies.
Following the scientific discussion by the members of the examination committee, listening to the researcher’s defense, and evaluating the thesis, Ahmed Abdulsalam Khudhur was awarded a Master’s degree in Energy Engineering.
