Ultrasonic Actuation Technology for Particulate Mitigation on Martian Solar Panels

The rapid developments in interplanetary exploration underscore the need for more efficient, self-sustaining energy production while exposing major limitations in current autonomous decontamination technologies. With the recent focus on Martian exploration, there have been six rovers sent to the Red Planet; four of which used solar as a primary energy source, and none of which included reliable decontamination technology. Studies have shown that Martian regolith accumulation on solar panels results in an average power loss of 0.2% per sol, with some missions experiencing even higher rates depending on local conditions [1]. In order to combat these losses and improve the effectiveness of future Mars exploration missions and habitation, this study explores Near-Field Acoustic Levitation (NFAL) as a non-contact dust removal method for solar energy. Experimental tests assessed the effectiveness of placing tempered glass above a solar panel and optimized ultrasonic transducer positioning for efficient dust removal. Using a solar simulator, the glass demonstrated an improved solar power output of up to 9.3 ± 0.1%. Optimization with dust simulants identified an emitter-receiver configuration—emitter at the glass’s bottom—as the most effective, achieving a 95 ± 4% dust mass reduction after 20 seconds of actuation and with an angle of 20° with respect to the ground. Video analysis of the actuation supported these values with a steady state dust coverage reduced to 6 ± 3% of initial coverage. Testing with various dust types to confirm experimental validity showed comparable results. Specifically, MGS-1 particles achieved 94 ± 3% mass removal in terrestrial atmospheric conditions following 120 seconds of actuation. Furthermore, initial tests in low-pressure environments (<0.4 torr ambient pressure) demonstrated effective dust removal. Additional tests will characterize the response at angles below 20º using charged MGS-1 particles. Ultrasonic solar cleaning provides an effective solution to dust accumulation in extraterrestrial applications, an absolute necessity as humans attempt to extend their reach into the cosmos. [1] Lorenz, R. D., Martínez, G. M., Spiga, A., Vicente-Retortillo, A., Newman, C. E., Murdoch, N., Forget, F., Millour, E., and Pierron, T., “Lander and rover histories of dust accumulation on and removal from solar arrays on Mars,” Planetary and Space Science, vol. 207, Nov. 2021, p. 105337. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pss.2021.105337