Dry cleaning analysis for photovoltaic modules

Abstract

For a photovoltaic module to work in optimal conditions, it is necessary a correct cleaning, as electrical power losses due to dirt on the module´s surface are estimated to be as high as 30-40% in dry and sandy climates. In this work, the design and construction of a dry cleaning system was made using a cylindrical brush with nylon bristle of 100 cm in length and 12 cm in width, the bristle have 0.3 mm diameter. The angular speed of the system is 10.58 π radians per second. The objective is to analyze the impact of the cleaning system on the electrical properties of a photovoltaic module. For the experimental analysis, the brush was adapted to a conventional electric motor, and the cleanings was on the frontal cover of the photovoltaic modules. The module was exposed to the environmental conditions of a desert climate, to perform periodic cleanings and record temperature and irradiance variables. The result of the research shows the analysis of the electrical properties of the module to determine the influence of the type of cleaning and its impact on the conversion efficiency.