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Dust Removal from Solar PV Modules by Automated Cleaning Systems

Author

Listed:
  • Abdulsalam S. Alghamdi

    (King Salman bin Abdulaziz Chair for Energy Research, & Electrical Engineering Department, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 22254, Saudi Arabia)

  • AbuBakr S. Bahaj

    (King Salman bin Abdulaziz Chair for Energy Research, & Electrical Engineering Department, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 22254, Saudi Arabia
    Energy & Climate Change Divisions, Sustainable Energy Research Group, School of Engineering, Faculty of Engineering & Physical Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK)

  • Luke S. Blunden

    (Energy & Climate Change Divisions, Sustainable Energy Research Group, School of Engineering, Faculty of Engineering & Physical Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK)

  • Yue Wu

    (Energy & Climate Change Divisions, Sustainable Energy Research Group, School of Engineering, Faculty of Engineering & Physical Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK)

Abstract

Dust accumulation on solar photovoltaic (PV) modules reduces light transmission from the outer surfaces to the solar cells reducing photon absorption and thus contributing to performance reduction of PV systems. In regions such as the Middle East where dust is prevalent and rainfall is scarce, remedial measures are needed to reduce such impacts. Currently, various techniques are being employed to address such sand soiling ranging from mechanical (brushing) to active and passive electrical interventions. This research focuses on mechanical approaches encompassing module vibration, air and water jets, and combinations of these. A reconfigurable pilot-scale testbed of 8 kWp PV plant was installed on a carport shading system within the campus of King Abdulaziz University (KAU), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The functional PV carport was configured to allow water recovery and re-use within the testbed. Here, we discuss the overall cleaning design philosophy and approach, systems design, and how multiple cleaning configurations can be realised within the overall PV carport. Results indicate that in this location, sand soiling has a significant effect on performance of PV modules on a timescale of days. In addition, water jets optimised for high volume and low pressure were effective at reducing sand soiling with array power output increasing by over 27%, whilst air jets and module vibration were less effective in reducing soiling to an acceptable level. Overall, the testbed has provided a new approach to testing a combination of cleaning solutions in the field coupled with used water recovery. The proposed approach is important, as currently, there are a large number of solar PV projects being built in Saudi Arabia with more being planned for the future.

Suggested Citation

  • Abdulsalam S. Alghamdi & AbuBakr S. Bahaj & Luke S. Blunden & Yue Wu, 2019. "Dust Removal from Solar PV Modules by Automated Cleaning Systems," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(15), pages 1-21, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:12:y:2019:i:15:p:2923-:d:252818
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Marta Redondo & Carlos A. Platero & Antonio Moset & Fernando Rodríguez & Vicente Donate, 2023. "Soiling Modelling in Large Grid-Connected PV Plants for Cleaning Optimization," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(2), pages 1-13, January.
    2. Gowtham Vedulla & Anbazhagan Geetha & Ramalingam Senthil, 2022. "Review of Strategies to Mitigate Dust Deposition on Solar Photovoltaic Systems," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(1), pages 1-28, December.
    3. Wu, Yubo & Du, Jianqiang & Liu, Guangxin & Ma, Danzhu & Jia, Fengrui & Klemeš, Jiří Jaromír & Wang, Jin, 2022. "A review of self-cleaning technology to reduce dust and ice accumulation in photovoltaic power generation using superhydrophobic coating," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 185(C), pages 1034-1061.
    4. Amor Hamied & Adel Mellit & Mohamed Benghanem & Sahbi Boubaker, 2023. "IoT-Based Low-Cost Photovoltaic Monitoring for a Greenhouse Farm in an Arid Region," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(9), pages 1-21, April.
    5. Faris E. Alfaris, 2023. "A Sensorless Intelligent System to Detect Dust on PV Panels for Optimized Cleaning Units," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(3), pages 1-17, January.
    6. Abdulsalam S. Alghamdi, 2019. "Potential for Rooftop-Mounted PV Power Generation to Meet Domestic Electrical Demand in Saudi Arabia: Case Study of a Villa in Jeddah," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(23), pages 1-29, November.
    7. Dávid Matusz-Kalász & István Bodnár, 2021. "Operation Problems of Solar Panel Caused by the Surface Contamination," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(17), pages 1-13, September.

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