Solar panel automatic cleaning robot with traction control algorithm

The efficiency losses of solar power plants are due to dust and other types of dirt layered over the panel. The efficiency loss is estimated around 25% in India and 35% the Middle East (monthly) due to less light coming through the solar cells. Solar Panel Automatic Cleaner (SOPAC) is an autonomous,...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Gopalan, Muthukumaran, Raj, Jayachandran, James, Beena, Pillai, Adarsh Vijayan
Format: Conference Proceeding
Language:English
Subjects:
Algorithms
Automatic control
Cleaning
Control algorithms
Control theory
Efficiency
Photovoltaic cells
Power plants
Robot control
Robots
Solar cells
Solar panels
Suction
Tracks (paths)
Traction control systems
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Summary:The efficiency losses of solar power plants are due to dust and other types of dirt layered over the panel. The efficiency loss is estimated around 25% in India and 35% the Middle East (monthly) due to less light coming through the solar cells. Solar Panel Automatic Cleaner (SOPAC) is an autonomous, self-driven, battery-operated solar panel cleaning robot that works on a cost-effective solution to increase the efficiency of solar panels. SOPAC works with suction cups to attach itself to the surface of the panels. The traverse of the robot is monitored and controlled through advanced algorithms with suitable sensor interface which detects the end of the solar panel. The robot can traverse onto the next solar panel if it is not further away than 60 mm. The tilt is limited to 45 degrees. Realistically, wheel slipping occurs due to several factors like difference in surface friction, speed of wheels and other factors. Due to this, SOPAC cannot maintain the cleaning path. Hence, a section of the panel remains uncleaned at the end of the operation. So, there is a need for Traction Control Algorithm which tracks and maintains the cleaning path when moving by using the gyroscopic sensors with the micro-controller and achieves maximum cleaning efficiency.
ISSN:0094-243X
1551-7616
DOI:10.1063/5.0208705