The energy produced by solar photovoltaic (SPV) modules is directly connected with the solar accessible irradiance, spectral content, different variables like environmental and climatic components. Dust and bird droppings are considered as the real challenges for SPV performance. This article covers dust-related challenges and advanced improvements made on the automated cleaning system, by providing a brief framework on strategies such as mechanical, electrical, chemical and electrostatic. The environmental impact of cleaning processes has also been evaluated, which is directly related to the ultimate performance of overall conversion.

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One of the most important issues currently facing the oil and gas industries is the safety and security of pipelines which deliver crude oil from the reservoir to the refineries. Many complications such as waxing, slugging, rusting, theft, etc. obstruct the regular supply of fuel to the refineries. Continuous monitoring of pipelines is a major hurdle because of climatic conditions, length of the pipelines, identification of leakage, etc. Here we showcase an unmanned autonomous powered parachute aerial vehicle designed for monitoring such pipelines, thereby paving a way to solve this problem. The vehicle would follow a planned trajectory for following the pipeline effectively. We present here guidance, navigation and control of a powered parachute aerial vehicle. A nine degree of freedom mathematical model has been presented in detail. Lateral heading and longitudinal altitude hold controller was designed for this purpose. A path planning algorithm verified by actual flight parameters has been designed for following a trajectory using way point navigation.

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