This research presents the design, development, and simulation analysis of an autonomous dry-cleaning robot for solar panels, aiming to enhance photovoltaic (PV) system performance in dusty, arid environments like Oman. If PV panels are covered with dust, sand, and air particles, their energy production can drop by up to 30% within a couple of weeks. Most cleaning in these parts of the world is done manually and by using a large amount of water which is no longer a good solution in the Gulf region. A cleaning robot was made with a strong but light aluminum body, rubber wheels for easy movement and a revolving nylon brush that lifts dust from the surface into the air. Edge detection, avoiding obstacles and stability while moving are made possible by including infrared, ultrasonic, and IMU sensors in the robot. An Arduino Mega microcontroller controls it, and its operation is wireless using XBee, with batteries charged by the sun when there is no power grid. Finite element analysis (FEA) simulations in ANSYS were performed on both fixed and portable versions of the robot to ensure structural strength and validate safe interaction with solar panels. The tests showed that the robot does not cause damage to the glass, since total panel deformation stays under 0.1 mm even when it is fully loaded. The project offers a good solution for meeting the need for sustainable care of solar panels. It reduces water consumption, guarantees solar panel safety, and brings a flexible way to clean solar panels in deserts. The research also aids local knowledge development and renewable energy goals in Oman Vision 2040 by providing a base for future autonomous maintenance systems.

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Design and Development of an Autonomous Solar Panel Cleaning Robot to Enhance Photovoltaic Efficiency

  • Khalid Salim AL-Khanbashi,
  • Ali Al-Humairi

摘要

This research presents the design, development, and simulation analysis of an autonomous dry-cleaning robot for solar panels, aiming to enhance photovoltaic (PV) system performance in dusty, arid environments like Oman. If PV panels are covered with dust, sand, and air particles, their energy production can drop by up to 30% within a couple of weeks. Most cleaning in these parts of the world is done manually and by using a large amount of water which is no longer a good solution in the Gulf region. A cleaning robot was made with a strong but light aluminum body, rubber wheels for easy movement and a revolving nylon brush that lifts dust from the surface into the air. Edge detection, avoiding obstacles and stability while moving are made possible by including infrared, ultrasonic, and IMU sensors in the robot. An Arduino Mega microcontroller controls it, and its operation is wireless using XBee, with batteries charged by the sun when there is no power grid. Finite element analysis (FEA) simulations in ANSYS were performed on both fixed and portable versions of the robot to ensure structural strength and validate safe interaction with solar panels. The tests showed that the robot does not cause damage to the glass, since total panel deformation stays under 0.1 mm even when it is fully loaded. The project offers a good solution for meeting the need for sustainable care of solar panels. It reduces water consumption, guarantees solar panel safety, and brings a flexible way to clean solar panels in deserts. The research also aids local knowledge development and renewable energy goals in Oman Vision 2040 by providing a base for future autonomous maintenance systems.