Innovative Robot Design for Cleaning Solar Panels

Abstract

The accumulation of dust particles on the solar panels decrease the total amount of solar energy received by the Photovoltaic panel (PV) and, it has also been proven that the increase of temperature reduces the overall efficiency. These effects have been studied by different researchers based on collected data comparison. As both of these parameters have a negative effect on the efficiency of the solar panel, it is essential to keep them clean and at low temperatures. The use of technologies, such as robots, is an effective way of carrying out repetitive tasks at low cost and in a short time. This work consists of developing a robot capable of cleaning and cooling the solar panels, based on images acquired through a camera positioned directly towards the panels, thus maintaining periodic cleaning in order to increase its efficiency. The preliminary results demonstrate the possibility of using this approach for the accomplishment of this task.

Designing and Manufacturing a Robot for Dry-Cleaning PV Solar Panels

“…The results found that the exposure of 12 months under different seasons reduced the PV system's efficiency by 24.5, 15.6, 5.14, and 1.95% in summer, winter, postmonsoon, and monsoon, respectively. Also, [25] mentioned that the long periods without rain, such as the summer, dust accumulation can lead to daily losses and can be as high as 20%. Moreover, [26] concluded that soiling losses of PV panels due to dust lead to a significant decrease in the yield of solar energy and result in economic losses.…”

“…Due to the advantages of the robotic device outlined in the previous paragraph, some suggestions have been made for multiple automated systems to solve the problem of dust accumulation on the surfaces of solar panels through robots. Hence, [25] innovated a robot design capable of cleaning and cooling the PV panels, based on images acquired to create a maintaining periodic cleaning system to increase PV efficiency. In the final analysis, the preliminary finds demonstrated the possibility of this approach for the accomplishment of this task.…”