A new IR and sprinkler based embedded controller directed robotic arm for automatic cleaning of solar panel. Issue 4 (29th November 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ghodki, Manish Kumar; Swarup, Akhilesh; Pal, Yash
• Is Part Of: Journal of engineering, design and technology. Volume 18:Issue 4(2020)
• Page Start: 905
• Page End: 921
• Publication Date: 2019-11-29
• Subjects: Robotics -- Renewable energy -- Solar panel cleaning -- IR sensor -- Embedded controller -- Robotic arm -- Dust mitigation -- PWM; Engineering -- Periodicals; Engineering design -- Periodicals; Industrial design -- Periodicals; Technology -- Periodicals; 620.005
• DOI: 10.1108/JEDT-10-2019-0253
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1726-0531

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to design and develop an IR and sprinkler based embedded controller operated robotic arm for automatic dust removal system to mitigate the dust effect on the solar panel surface, since dust accumulation normally affected by real weather conditions is one of the serious concern for the deterioration of photovoltaic (PV) system output. Design/methodology/approach: The system is a wet cleaning device which provides a cheap silicon rubber-based wiping operation controlled by the pulse width modulation-operated motors of robotic arm. The IEEE 1149.1-compliant mixed signal-embedded platform of C8051F226DK is involved to command the complete system. Findings: A prototype of 30 WP system is capable of producing an inspiring average value of 11.26 per cent in energy increase, 13.63 per cent in PV module efficiency and 85.20 per cent in performance ratio of the system after 73 days of cleaning in summer season. In addition, a total of 1, 617.93 W power; 1, 0516.55 Wh energy; and 350.55 KWh/KWP final yield was found during the entire cleaning period. Originality/value: A novel technique of the implementation of IR sensor and sprinkler in dust mitigation is proposed in this paper. The IR sensor is used as a versatile object which can manage the robotic arm setting and control the automatic switching between cleaning and charging, as well as identify the thermal condition of solar panel for overheating.