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(a-c) Schematic and dimension of carport structure, foundation, balance of system enclosures, water supply, and recovery system.
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Dust accumulation on solar photovoltaic (PV) modules reduces light transmission from the outer surfaces to the solar cells reducing photon absorption and thus contributing to performance reduction of PV systems. In regions such as the Middle East where dust is prevalent and rainfall is scarce, remedial measures are needed to reduce such impacts. Cu...
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Context 1
... carport is able to accommodate four parked vehicles, occupying a total area of ~65 m² (12.0 × 5.4 m, excluding spaces occupied by the foundations and water tank). Details of the structure as well as some of the systems installed are given in Figure 4. The roof of the structure has a 10° inclination, which allows rainwater or water from cleaning to be drained away from solar panels into a collection gutter. ...
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... roof of the structure has a 10° inclination, which allows rainwater or water from cleaning to be drained away from solar panels into a collection gutter. The water is collected by aluminium panels fitted under the modules, allowing the water to flow into the gutter installed on the lower end of the roof and then through pipework connected to the underground water storage tank (marked in Figure 4c). Before entering the water storage tank, the water passes through a three-stage water filter unit to remove sand, dust, and debris (not shown in Figure 4c). ...
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... water is collected by aluminium panels fitted under the modules, allowing the water to flow into the gutter installed on the lower end of the roof and then through pipework connected to the underground water storage tank (marked in Figure 4c). Before entering the water storage tank, the water passes through a three-stage water filter unit to remove sand, dust, and debris (not shown in Figure 4c). The water storage and reuse system is discussed further in Section 2.5. ...
Context 4
... roof of the carport structure is composed of two main parts. On the top of the roof, six aluminium rails were installed horizontally (Figure 4c), serving as the base where PV modules can be mounted. The space between each rail is around 0.8 m and can be adjusted, allowing the layout of the PV modules to be rearranged, in the future, to accommodate different cleaning systems. ...
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... total roof space provided by the carport structure is ~65 m² (Figure 4). If fully utilised it could accommodate a PV system with a capacity of up to 11 kWp. ...
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... it is important to determine accurately the volume of water lost during water-based cleaning modes. In order to achieve this, the filling curve for the water tank was determined by first calibrating the depth (pressure) sensor and then filling the tank (cylinder shape but horizontally-fitted, see Figure 4) from empty, while simultaneously recording the counts from the water meter and the depth given by the pressure sensor. The resulting filling curve is shown in Figure 18 along with a cubic curve-fit to the depth d. ...
Citations
... Among the most effective parameters on these losses are the shading pattern, position of shaded modules, and array arrangement. In any large-scale solar power plant or solar rooftop system, it is impossible to perform regular maintenance and a unified cleaning approach, thereby leading to a mismatch of power generation and resulting in huge financial losses in power generation [15,16]. ...
Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems continue to be the most prevalent renewable energy resource despite the presence of numerous limitations. A power discrepancy between PV modules on a large scale may result in power dissipation throughout the entire PV system. This particular paper proposes an efficient multi-port converter for distributed maximum power point tracking operation (D-MPPT) for a solar PV system. The operation details of the proposed multi-port converter along with analytical waveforms are presented in this paper. To implement the D-MPPT approach in the proposed multi-port converter, a detailed analysis of mathematical modeling of solar PV systems with a mismatch of PV power and voltage stabilization approach is done. In addition, the proposed approach eliminates the need for additional current sensors and semiconductor components to overcome the effect of mismatched power in the PV system. To validate this, the prototype has been built and integrated with the real environment of the solar PV system. To verify the operation, a detailed simulation study and experimental investigation have been carried out and presented in this paper which reveals that the proposed system offers 24% improved power extraction compared to the centralized converter and MPPT method under partially shaded conditions. After a detailed investigation and discussion of measured results and analysis, it is concluded that the proposed multi-port DC-DC converter is the most suitable solution for solar PV applications.
... Automated cleaning uses specially designed devices to clean panels autonomously, while ultrasonic vibration cleaning uses sound waves to dislodge dust. The implementation of these processes is complex and involves moving parts that consume a significant amount of energy [18][19][20][21][22][23][24]. The electrostatic cleaning system for photovoltaic panels has been presented as a promising approach that could eliminate the need to use water and prevent damage caused by friction, as it does not require mechanical components in direct contact with the panel. ...
... If the outcomes deviate from expectations, a review of the design, analysis, and optimization is to be conducted to address the noted aspects for redesign. 10 Upon successful completion of the scale-down prototype, efforts will be directed towards making it userfriendly through the development of a mobile app and ensuring ease of assembly and disassembly. ...
The primary focus of this study was the development of a solar panel cleaning machine intended for the maintenance of photovoltaic solar panels after their installation. The study also encompassed detailed analysis of this machine. The accumulation of dust particles on solar panels presents a significant challenge, as it jeopardizes the optimal functionality of these panels. By obstructing crucial sunlight, dust diminishes the panels' electricity production capacity, consequently reducing overall efficiency. Moreover, this dust accumulation poses a threat to the integral electrical components of the panels, potentially causing harm to the embedded silicon wafers through overheating if left unaddressed. This situation escalates the necessity for post-installation maintenance and escalates associated repair costs. In response to these challenges, a novel automated mechanism for cleaning solar panels is introduced in this paper, effectively eliminating dust particles. The analytical findings strongly indicate that consistent and periodic cleaning of panels can uphold a stable rate of electricity generation within the power production system. This innovative system design empowers users to effortlessly operate the machine in less time, all the while delivering superior cleaning performance when compared to conventional manual methods. To establish a competitive edge in the market, it is imperative that the proposed system presents a cost-effective solution, evaluated in relation to the number of panels cleaned. Consequently, for the purpose of testing the proposed system, a solar installation was meticulously designed and implemented at PDEA’s College of Engineering in Manjari, (Bk.) Pune, Maharashtra, India. This location was deliberately selected as the experimental site to facilitate comprehensive investigations of the requisite design metrics. The prototype was subsequently simulated within this real-world system. This cleaning system utilizes high-quality microfiber cloth to effectively remove dust from panel surfaces without the need for water, making it suitable for arid areas. Additionally, provisions have been included for a water sprinkler to address stubborn stains like bird droppings that cannot be removed solely with the cloth. The overall impact of this mechanism will result in an increased rated power output from the panels, which had previously been compromised due to the mentioned issues.
... The settling of dust materials on the so;ar panels' surfaces prevents them from proper energy absorption (Nahar Myyas et al., 2022). Statistics show that dust deposition on solar panels reduces their output by as much as 30% in just one month, making regular cleaning essential (Alghamdi et al., 2019). The research has also demonstrated that the solar panels' efficiency declines by 3-6% yearly, and this rate may be higher in countries that experience much dust, such as Thailand (Abuzaid et al., 2022;Nezamisavojbolaghi et al., 2023). ...
There is a global trend towards adopting green energy, with solar energy being the primary source derived from solar panel technologies. Solar panels can generate enough power for general and household use. However, to effectively function and serve their purpose, they require regular cleaning and effective maintenance, and robotic cleaning is among the current applicable technologies. This research aims to determine the intention of using solar panel cleaning robots in Thailand for individual solar panel users. The study was hinged on the extended C-TAM-TPB model. The quantitative survey study design was employed using primary data collected from individual solar panel users in their households. 419 respondents were used to collect the data. The C-TAM-TPB model proposed using reliability, validity, and model fitness which employed confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). They adopted structural equation modeling (SEM) in the evaluation of the variables' relationships and study hypotheses. Subjective norms and trust in technology, individual control perception, and awareness of renewable energy significantly and positively affected behavioral intention to use solar panel cleaning robots as indicated by the study. Trust in technology, awareness of renewable energy, and environmental concerns were found to be pivotal mediators to the attitude effect on individual users' intention to act in using solar panel cleaning robots. The authors recommend that to improve the adoption of solar panel cleaning robots; the concerned stakeholders should consider, firstly, enhancing trust in the technology of these robots, which is crucial, focusing on aspects like reliability, privacy, security, and reputation. Secondly, considering the influence of subjective norms, including perceptions from family, friends, colleagues, and experts, is essential. Perceived behavioral control should also be a focal point, encompassing self-efficacy, resources, and complexity. Moreover, increasing awareness of renewable energy and environmental benefits is vital to encourage individual adoption. The research also recommended that to encourage the adoption and use of solar panel cleaning robots, the aspects that should be emphasized include subjective norm, perceived behavior control, trust in technology, and awareness of renewable energy.
... Once the modules are installed in the plant, they are subjected also to mechanical fatigue originated by wind, rain and snow loads, and by day-night thermal cycles [6,24] that generate vibrations which may damage the modules. Some cleaning operations in the plants use mechanical vibrations [25] that might have an impact in the long term. Among the different sources of induced vibrations in the PV modules, transportation and installation are one of the main causes. ...
Large deployment of photovoltaic (PV) installation worldwide demands reliability assurance of the systems to maintain the confidence in the markets. With the diversity of PV applications, it is essential the detection of circumstances that can be the root of failure mechanisms, such as transportation and installation of the modules. They are one of the main sources of induced vibrations, which, in its turn, can provoke defects and damages in the PV modules. In this work, we have measured and analyzed tri-axial accelerations and mechanical vibration that photovoltaic crystalline modules withstand during transportation by road, including loading and unloading operations. We have also analyzed the natural oscillation frequencies, the resonance phenomena and the highest impacts. It is concluded that a proper fastening of the load inside the truck is necessary and that high impacts during loading and unloading should be avoided. Packing the modules to reduce vibrations is also recommendable. Several solutions to perform this are proposed.
... A series of active and passive cleaning and anti-fog methods have been proposed to address the above issues. Active dust cleaning methods, including wiping, blowing, and ultrasonic driving, achieve the goal of dust removal [15][16][17][18][19], but there are problems such as low dust removal efficiency, poor economy, and the potential for surface damage to devices. Active anti-fogging technology, which involves regulating air velocity and surface temperatures, effectively prevents fogging. ...
The deposition of dust and condensation of fog will block the scattering and transmission of light, thus affecting the performance of optical devices. In this work, flexible polyethylene terephthalate (PET) foil functionalized by active dust removal and anti-fogging characteristics is realized which combines electrodynamic screen (EDS) and electro-heating devices. In lieu of traditional measurement methods of dust removal efficiency, the PSNR is employed to characterize the dust removal efficiency of the film for the first time. The results show that both dust removal and anti-fogging improve the image quality, in which the dust removal increases the PSNR from 28.1 dB to 34.2 dB and the anti-fogging function realizes a film temperature rise of 16.7 ∘C in 5 min, reaching a maximum of 41.3 ∘C. According to the high sensitivity of the PSNR, we propose a fully automatic CIS film-driven algorithm, and its feasibility has been demonstrated.
... Another prototype has designed by the researchers [15] where two types (dry and wet) of cleaning system has developed by aluminum frame based on brush connected electric motor and water pump; nevertheless, these report makes no mention of any experimental findings or performance assessments of the suggested solar panel cleaning system. In comparison to Un-Cleaned PV (UCPV) systems, the research [16] indicated that cleaning systems' energy production increased from 0.25 to 2.75 kWh/day. However, these systems consume a lot of water and electricity, which is problematic for desert places with limited water supplies and may not be a cost-effective solution. ...
... Despite their findings, they discovered that string power output increased by approximately 27% for the watercleaning mode only. Module vibration and air jets had a lesser effect on dust settlement compared to other methods [150]. ...
... Despite their findings, they discovered that string power output increased by approximately 27% for the water-cleaning mode only. Module vibration and air jets had a lesser effect on dust settlement compared to other methods [150]. ...
Conversion efficiency, power production, and cost of PV panels’ energy are remarkably impacted by external factors including temperature, wind, humidity, dust aggregation, and induction characteristics of the PV system such as tilt angle, altitude, and orientation. One of the prominent elements affecting PV panel performance and capability is dust. Nonetheless, dust features including size, shape, type, etc. are geologically known. Several mitigation methods have been studied for the reduction of dust concentration on the exterior face of the PV modules. The outcomes have demonstrated that dust concentration and pollutants remarkably affect the PV panel energy production. This paper reviews the recently developed research on the outcomes of the dust effect on PV panels in different locations and meets the needs of future research on this subject. Moreover, different cleaning methods that could be advantageous for future researchers in opting for the most applicable technique for dust removal are reviewed.
... The available cleaning solutions to soiling losses differ in terms of efficacy and technology (Hariri, 2022). The cleaning methods are largely grouped into manual, automatic, passive, and natural cleaning techniques (Alghamdi et al., 2019). Alternatively, they can also be categorized into wet and dry-cleaning technologies. ...
... Coatings lower water use but during cleaning, it could lead to clumps of dust on the surface of the panel (Farrokhi et al., 2021). Since coatings do not completely replace the requirement for cleaning but instead provide longer intervals between cleanings, their market adoption has been limited (Alghamdi et al., 2019). While rainfall in deserts is uncommon and dew production and runoff are frequently insufficient, the (theoretical) basis of many self-cleaning coatings frequently depends on increased water cleaning (Ilse et al., 2016). ...
... By using the nanoparticles, the thermal efficiency achieved was 85%, and the electrical efficiency was 12.75% under solar irradiance of 1000W/m 2 . Another study, on the other hand, proposed a mechanical approach of water jet system installed above the PV module to eliminate dust and reduce the temperature of the PV module [84]. The proposed design showed an increment in the output power by 27%. ...
Jet impingement mechanism has been extensively studied in previous research due to its ability to enhance the efficiency of a solar collector. The photovoltaic module temperature can be effectively lowered while preserving the temperature uniformity and enhancing the solar collector performance. Since jet impingement offers such a broad application, numerous studies have focused on its heat transfer characteristic. This article provides a comprehensive review of recent jet impingement solar collectors. Additionally, the design and performance of the jet impingement cooling methods on solar air collectors, photovoltaic and photovoltaic thermal systems are discussed. The comprehensive review is classified into four main components involving jet impingement in solar collector applications: single pass, double pass, concentrated and jet configuration. A critical review is discussed at the end of each classification. The nozzle streamwise and spanwise pitch, nozzle to target spacing, nozzle diameter, nozzle shape, and Reynold number significantly impact the heat transfer properties of jet impingement. Research on applying single pass-single ducts using jet impingement is still lacking and needs further research. Thermally, a double pass-solar collector outperforms a single pass-solar collector due to the absorber plate's high heat extraction rate and more significant interaction caused by the doubled heat transfer surface.
