An infrared based dust mitigation system operated by the robotic arm for performance improvement of the solar panel

Abstract

Solar panel is one of the key elements to extract the electrical energy from solar energy for end use. The performance of solar panels is affected by the dust accumulation, which is one of the serious concerns for the decrement in the solar panel output. A suitable cleaning technique can be useful to overcome this problem. Thus, to mitigate the dust effect on the solar panel surface, a robotic arm based self-automated dust removal system is designed and developed. A novel IR sensor-based cleaning technique is utilized, which performs multitasking operation for early morning shadow-free cleaning, day-to-night shifting, overheating observations and movement of robotic arm. The proposed wet cleaning mechanism offers a Silicone rubber based wiping function carried out by a PWM operated motor of robotic arm. The IEEE 1149.1 compliant embedded controller (C8051F226DK) is incorporated to control the whole system. The experimental work on a 30 WP system can produce the average value of 11.88 % of energy increase, 13.02 % of PV module efficiency and 81.35 % of performance ratio after 2.4 months (73 days) cleaning in winter season. The device works at higher cleaning rate (1.86 m2/s) with less water (0.31 L/m2) consumption. A comparatively light weighted (520 g) device provides low power cleaning operation and offers low cost (1.84 $/kW) per cleaning cycle. It is concluded that the upgradability and user-friendly operation of this indigenous device make it competitive among other cleaning solutions. The proposed technique is more suitable in terms of its operation, electrical and economic performance.