Desert Photovoltaic Panel Drone

How to clean photovoltaic panels in desert zone?

An autonomous robotic device has been developed for the waterless cleaning of photovoltaic panels in desert zone. Two helical brushes with opposite helix angles wipe away sand from the photovoltaic panels. Ultrasonic sensors are used for the real-time adjustment of the position, trajectory and speed rate of the robotic device.

How to clean drone-based solar panels?

Optimum cleaning technique suitable for retrofitting onto drones is determined. Significant reduction in the PV efficiency is observed for monthly cleaning periods. Microfiber based-cloth wiper is the most suitable option for drone-based solar panel cleaning among selected methods.

Can a photovoltaic power station be built in the desert?

"Building a photovoltaic power station in the desert is not easy, and requirement for solar equipment is higher due to the windy and sandy environment in the desert," Miao Ruijun, deputy head of Mengxi New Energy Dalad Photovoltaic Power Station in SPIC Nei Mongol Energy Co, told the Global Times at the site on Saturday.

Can PV cleaning solutions be used in a drone?

In this study, there is a long-term experimental quantification of cleaning performance of the selected PV cleaning techniques. In addition, this study is unique to assess the adaptability of these cleaning solutions into a drone by considering diverse parameters ranging from cleaning effectiveness, payload to size and cost.

Can a robotic solar system be used in desert zones?

The proposed robotic device has been successfully validated by means of laboratory experiments. In desert zones, a continuous cleaning activity of photovoltaic panels in solar plants is required since the deposition of both airborne dust and sand after a storm can reduce their efficiency up to 80%.

Can solar panels be used in the desert?

This environmental desert control system is a new use for PV. PV panels in the desert can collect enough dew to provide water for ecological restoration and develop agriculture under the panels, Tong Zhongming, general manager of Zhengzhou Ximei High-tech Energy Technology, told Global Times on Sunday.