Design and Optimization of an Automated Electrostatic Soil Removal System for Solar Photovoltaic Systems.

Abstract: Photovoltaic (PV) solar panels are exposed to various environmental contaminants such as micro plastics, particulate matter from brick kilns, dusts – in one word known as soil. Traditional cleaning methods such as cleaning and water-based sweeping have several limitations. Frequent use of brushing can cause damage to the anti-reflective coating of the panel, whereas water-based machines consume a lot of water, placing an additional pressure in limited water resources. To overcome these problems, this paper proposes to introduce a new, automated electrostatic soil removal system for both new and retrofitted solar panels. This system utilizes a low power high voltage DC boost converter connected to a high density stainless steel needle to induce localized corona discharge. This ionizes dust particles, which are driven to a positively charged collecting foil at the other end of the panel. To stop the particles from gathering again, a low cost ERM vibrator will be attached with the collecting foil to dispose the particles. This will be powered by the PV itself, and controlled by an automated weather-sensing microcontroller. This system eliminates mechanical wear and water consumptions. Theoretical analysis shows that this system restores panel efficiency with a net positive energy yield.