Solar Panel Cleaning Robot

The goal of Project Detergeobot is to create an automated solar panel cleaner that will address the adverse impact of environment like dust, bird drops etc. on PV panels. Specifically, we created a device that increases the efficiency of a dirty panel by 10% while still costing under 100000 rupee an

Project Title

Solar Panel Cleaning Robot

Project Area of Specialization

Robotics

Project Summary

The goal of Project Detergeobot is to create an automated solar panel cleaner that will address the adverse impact of environment like dust, bird drops etc. on PV panels. Specifically, we created a device that increases the efficiency of a dirty panel by 10% while still costing under 100000 rupee and operating for up to 5 years. Furthermore, a successful design should operate without the use of water and require only yearly maintenance. The current mechanism utilizes a brush cleaning system that cleans on set cleaning cycles. It uses a rolling brush to clean as it horizontally translates across an array of panels. The device is mounted on a set of battery powered-motorized wheels.

Beyond improving the efficiency, we hope that our design will continue to expand the growth of solar energy globally. An efficient cleaner would not only help communities transition into using cleaner alternative fuel sources, but help society, as a whole, move closer toward providing everyone the opportunity to harness reliable energy.

Project Objectives

The long term goal of this Project is to become the primary supplier of automated solar panel cleaning systems in Pakistan.

The current objective is to establish a foothold in Rawalpindi, Lahore and Bahawalpur solar sectors. We hope to establish a 20% market share within the next 5 years, before expanding to other regions.

Project Implementation Method

We devised a system that moves along the length of an array of panels, cleaning the entire array. The system uses a motorized brush to clean the surface of the panel array. The system is moved along the panel by two sets of motorized wheels, with one set located at either end of the device. The entire system is driven by a compact high-torque DC motor. The system uses a pair of custom gearboxes to transfer the mechanical energy to wheels and cleaning system. The device draws power from an internal rechargeable battery pack. Currently there is no automated solution for charging the system; however the charging system as well as the docking station concept have been identified as future development goals.

An external protective casing has been fitted to the system to improve the lifespan of the device and its subsystem. Constructed of aluminum sheet, the casing protects the system from rain and debris while allowing sunlight to pass through, minimizing any impact on solar energy production. The entire system is controlled by an onboard microcontroller which is paired with a dedicated motor controller. This control system is able to fully automate the system’s cleaning process with the ability to schedule cleanings at any given time.

Benefits of the Project

Following are our key benefits of this project

• It increases the efficiency of the solar panel.
• It can clean solar panel at a speed of 5 sec per meter with currently providing 10% increase in efficiency.
• It can be wet cleaning as well as dry cleaning, if wet it takes 250 ml of water per panel which is very less as compared to manual cleaning which takes up 1-2 liter per panel.
• The Detergeobot is made in assembly with all parts being easily manufactured and assembled so it has a very good ease of manufacturability.
• It is fully automated just requires labor for installation.
• The whole product can be powered with battery as well as its own solar panel.
• It has only one maintenance cost per year.
• Its life is 5 years.

Technical Details of Final Deliverable

Our deliverables were as follows

• To design, develop and manufacture a robot that can clean solar panel.
• The Robot will be totally autonomous and only requires labor for installation.
• Ensure the increase in efficiency of the solar panel which is currently at 10%.
• Will be provided with Operational Manual for the layman.
• Commercially competitive.

Technical Details are as follows

• One motor of torque 50 Nm to rotate the brush and other two motors are of 30 Nm torque.
• It takes 5 sec per meter to clean panel.
• It has operational manual for layman so you don’t need to hire an educated person for installation of the panel.
• It can be installed anywhere from home to industrial. It can used for single array of panel as well as double array of panels.
• Power source from solar panel can also be used to run the system.

Final Deliverable of the Project

HW/SW integrated system

Type of Industry

Energy

Technologies

Robotics, Clean Tech

Sustainable Development Goals

Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Required Resources

If you need this project, please contact me on contact@adikhanofficial.com