Review Study on Dirt Removal Using Mechanical Cleaning Technique: Semiautomatic and Automatic

Objective: To carry out a literature review to identify the main studies found on mechanical cleaning techniques, divided into semi-automatic and automatic, which may or may not use water to remove dirt from photovoltaic modules. Theoretical Framework: The research is based on the analysis of scientific articles and publications on specialized websites in recent years, to identify publications on mechanical cleaning techniques according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Method: The methodology adopted is an integrative review of the literature using published scientific articles and technical information taken from reliable websites as sources for research, including searches for titles relevant to the topic, as well as abstracts and articles relevant to the research. Results and Discussion: The results obtained revealed that the applications of the techniques in some studies showed efficiency of up to 25% in cleaning modules, using Arduino UNO microcontrollers combined with sensors and rotating brushes to remove dirt, developing a cleaning robot prototype, in addition to carrying out mechanical tests to verify the conservation status of the surface of the modules. Research Implications: The practical and theoretical implications of this research are discussed, providing insights into how the results can be applied or influence mechanical cleaning techniques. These implications may include the way dirt is removed from photovoltaic modules. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature with the main mechanical cleaning methods developed in recent years, combining the use or not of water to remove dirt in photovoltaic systems.