Is Boiled Deionized Water Better for Preventing PC Corrosion Than Normal Distilled Water?

Boiled Deionized Water vs. Normal Distilled Water: Which is Better at Preventing PCS Corrosion and Algae Growth?

Deionized (DI) water and distilled water are both purified forms of water that undergo different processes to remove impurities. While they may seem similar, there are key differences between the two that can affect their performance in preventing corrosion and algae growth in Photovoltaic (PCS) systems.

What is Deionized Water?

Deionized water is water that has had almost all of its mineral ions removed, such as cations like sodium, calcium, iron, and copper, and anions such as chloride and bicarbonate. This is achieved through a process called deionization, which uses ion-exchange resins to remove the ions. DI water is often used in industrial applications where pure water is required, such as in laboratory experiments, electronics manufacturing, and medical applications.

What is Distilled Water?

Distilled water is water that has been boiled and then condensed back into a liquid state. This process removes impurities, including minerals, bacteria, and other contaminants. However, unlike DI water, distilled water can still contain some impurities, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can vaporize and condense along with the water. Distilled water is often used in households for irons, humidifiers, and autoclaves.

Which is Better at Preventing PCS Corrosion and Algae Growth?

When it comes to preventing PCS corrosion and algae growth, DI water is generally considered to be a better choice than distilled water. This is because DI water is more pure, having had almost all of its mineral ions removed. These ions can cause corrosion and scaling in PCS systems, leading to decreased efficiency and lifespan. Additionally, the absence of nutrients in DI water makes it less conducive to algae growth.

On the other hand, distilled water can still contain impurities that can contribute to corrosion and scaling. While distilled water is effective at removing mineral ions, it can still contain VOCs and other contaminants that can cause problems in PCS systems. Furthermore, the presence of nutrients in distilled water can make it more conducive to algae growth.

Boiling Deionized Water

While boiling deionized water can further purify it by removing any remaining impurities, it is not necessary for preventing PCS corrosion and algae growth. In fact, boiling DI water can actually lead to the creation of new impurities, such as dissolved gases and scale. Therefore, it is generally recommended to use DI water in its unboiled state for PCS applications.

In conclusion, while both boiled deionized water and normal distilled water can be effective at preventing PCS corrosion and algae growth, DI water is generally considered to be the better choice due to its higher purity. However, it is important to note that the quality of the water used in PCS systems can vary, and it is always best to consult with a professional to determine the best water quality for a specific application.

References

• Deionized Water. Water Right Group.

• Distilled Water. Water Right Group.

• Photovoltaic (PV) System Design and Installation Best Practices. National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

• Water Quality for Photovoltaic Systems. National Renewable Energy Laboratory.