Performance analysis of a solar photochemical photovoltaic hybrid system for decolorization of Acid Red 26 (AR 26)

To reduce the power energy consumption of wastewater treatment and make full use of the solar spectrum, a new water purification system that integrated homogeneous solar photochemical (SPC) and photovoltaics (PV) was constructed to treat wastewater and generate electricity for the first time. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and potassium persulfate (K2S2O8) were chosen as oxidants in the system and have a comparative analysis. The results show that solar/K2S2O8 has a higher decolorization efficiency than solar/H2O2, the accumulated ultraviolet energy in solar/K2S2O8, needed for complete decolorization, is far lower than in solar/H2O2. Also temperature has a positive effect on the dark-K2S2O8 processes especially in the range of 40-60 °C, and it follows pseudo-first-order kinetic relationship. Meanwhile, to investigate the influence of flow channel on PV, the short circuit current (Isc) and maximum output power (Pm) were monitored. It indicates that the presence of flow channel effectively decreases the working temperature of PV modules, while the Isc and Pm have a different degree reduce. Luckily, the impact is not big. Additionally, Pm in experiment system, though lower than reference system, is sufficient to drive the whole system.