Photovoltaic panel dust removal patent application

Can dust be removed from solar panels using electrostatic induction?

Here, we present a waterless approach for dust removal from solar panels using electrostatic induction. We find that dust particles, despite primarily consisting of insulating silica, can be electrostatically repelled from electrodes due to charge induction assisted by adsorbed moisture.

Does electrostatic cleaning remove sand from solar panels?

H. Kawamoto, T. Shibata, Electrostatic cleaning system for removal of sand from solar panels. 73, 65–70 (2015). H. Kawamoto, Electrostatic cleaning equipment for dust removal from soiled solar panels. , 11–16 (2019).

What is electrostatic cleaning system installed on a lab-scale solar panel?

Electrostatic cleaning system installed on a lab-scale solar panel. (A) Schematic of the dust removal mechanism with AZO-coated glass installed on top a 10 cm by 15 cm solar panel. Electric field is set up between moving top plate and the bottom transparent electrode.

How do dust particles affect the power output of a solar panel?

(A and B) Spreading dust particles (~15 μm in size) uniformly on the surface of a lab-scale solar panel reduces power output exponentially with increasing dust coverage due to increased blocking of incident light. Here, we used a fluorescent lamp as the light source.

Does dust deposition cause soiling loss in concentrating solar collectors?

A. Sayyah, M. N. Horenstein, M. K. Mazumder, Mitigation of soiling losses in concentrating solar collectors. 2013 IEEE 39th Photovoltaic Specialists Conference (PVSC), 480–485 (2013). A. Sayyah, M. N. Horenstein, M. K. Mazumder, Energy yield loss caused by dust deposition on photovoltaic panels. Sol. Energy. 107, 576–604 (2014).

Can waterless electrostatic cleaning improve the efficiency of solar panels?

Given the significant efficiency losses posed by dust fouling and the associated water footprint for cleaning the panels, we expect that our waterless electrostatic cleaning can provide an efficient and cost-effective approach for maintaining dust-free solar panels, contributing to sustainable operation of solar farms.