Design, Development, and Evaluation of Electrodynamic Screens for Self-Cleaning Solar Panels and Concentrating Mirrors

Optimization of Optical Performance and Dust Removal Efficiency of Electrodynamic Screen (EDS) Films for Improving Energy-Yield of Solar Collectors

“…Our studies have shown that over 90% of the deposited dust can be removed within a minute or so of activation period, using a negligible amount of energy that can be harvested from the solar collector itself, thereby negating the need for an external energy source. In the case of PV modules, we have measured restoration of output power to 95% or better compared to the power obtained under clean conditions and comparable results have been obtained to restore the specular reflectivity of CSP mirrors [25]. The operation of the EDS film requires no water, no manual labor, and no mechanical/moving parts or active wiping is involved thereby reducing the risk of abrasion of solar collector surfaces.…”

Dust settles, we don’t: The electrodynamic screen—A self-cleaning technology for concentrated solar power mirrors and photovoltaic panels

“…The curing process results in the formation of craters and peaks that are left behind by the escaping volatile solvents and binders, when they nucleate and rise to the surface to burn off, 6 as shown in Fig. 3.…”