Design of Automatic Solar Panel Cleaning Robot System for Industrial Applications

摘要

The main sources of solar power generation in solar farms or systems are arrays of photovoltaic panels. Even on a single solar panel in an array, dust and debris buildup can reduce PV panel efficiency, despite the fact that solar energy is preferred in sun-rich areas because it is clean. Global interest in more energy-efficient and sustainable energy production has resulted from this. Solar panels are becoming the main electrical power source for many industrial applications. The surface of the panels should be clear of dust and other particles that obstruct photon passage so that the PV cells can function at maximum efficiency without any energy loss. As a result, PV panels must be cleaned regularly. Current manual cleaning techniques require considerable time and energy, with a notable absence of automated solutions. Along with this, water is commonly employed in the cleaning processes, often resulting in wastage due to inefficient usage. However, such cleaning methods are impractical in areas experiencing water scarcity, where conservation and efficient utilization of water resources are paramount. Hence, the Automatic Solar Panel Cleaning Robot is proposed to address this issue. An Arduino controlling system regulates the robot's movements while it is cleaning. To efficiently clear soil and dirt from the PV panel surfaces, it comes with a microfiber brush. Introducing an IoT-based automation system significantly reduces the necessity for manual intervention, hence lowering operational costs. Moreover, the system offers remote monitoring and management of cleaning operations through IoT-enabled devices like smartphones, tablets, or through web platforms.