International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 10 Issue: 03 | Mar 2024
p-ISSN: 2395-0072
www.irjet.net
Robotics in Solar Energy: Enhancing Panel Efficiency through Robotic Cleaning Harshada D. Gurav1, Sakshi C. Sawant2, Tejas M. Shinde3, Aniket A. Kamble4, Akshay S. Ingavale5, Dr. Mahadev S. Patil6 1Department of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering, Kasegaon Education Society’s Rajarambapu
Institute of Technology, affiliated to Shivaji University, Sakharale, MS-415414, India.
2Department of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering, Kasegaon Education Society’s Rajarambapu
Institute of Technology, affiliated to Shivaji University, Sakharale, MS-415414, India.
3Department of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering, Kasegaon Education Society’s Rajarambapu
Institute of Technology, affiliated to Shivaji University, Sakharale, MS-415414, India.
4Department of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering, Kasegaon Education Society’s Rajarambapu
Institute of Technology, affiliated to Shivaji University, Sakharale, MS-415414, India.
5Department of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering, Kasegaon Education Society’s Rajarambapu
Institute of Technology, affiliated to Shivaji University, Sakharale, MS-415414, India.
6Assistant professor, Department of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering, Kasegaon Education
Society’s Rajarambapu Institute of Technology, affiliated to Shivaji University, Sakharale, MS-415414, India. ---------------------------------------------------------------------***---------------------------------------------------------------------
Abstract - Solar energy is a crucial renewable resource,
have shown that in regions with high dust levels, energy losses due to soiling can reach up to 30%, leading to significant reductions in power generation.
but the efficiency of solar panels can be significantly reduced due to the accumulation of dust and debris on their surface. Regular cleaning is necessary to maintain optimal energy output, especially in regions prone to dust. This paper presents the development of a solar panel cleaning system aimed at improving the generation of required units of energy and longevity of solar installations. The proposed solution involves a robot, controlled by microcontroller, designed to provide a cost-effective and efficient cleaning method. The paper explores the overall design considerations, the need for such systems, and the environmental and energy benefits of maintaining clean solar panels. Additionally, it highlights the challenges faced while developing this system.
Manual cleaning of solar panels is time-consuming, laborintensive, and can be inefficient, especially for large-scale solar farms. Furthermore, improper cleaning techniques can damage the delicate surface of the panels, reducing their lifespan. As a result, there is a growing need for automated, efficient, and cost-effective solutions to maintain solar panel cleanliness and ensure maximum energy output. This paper introduces a Solar Panel Cleaning Robot, controlled by a PIC18F4520 microcontroller, designed to address this need. The robot offers a remote-controlled solution for regular cleaning of solar panels, with minimal human intervention. This approach not only improves the efficiency of solar installations but also reduces the overall maintenance cost. The following sections of this paper discusses the system architecture, key components, design challenges, and future directions for the development of this technology.
Key Words: Solar energy, renewable resource, solar panels, efficiency, dust accumulation, optimal energy output, solar panel cleaning system, robot, microcontroller, cost-effective, efficient cleaning, energy benefits, solar panel maintenance.
1.INTRODUCTION The increasing global demand for clean and sustainable energy has made solar power one of the most viable and widely adopted renewable energy sources. Solar panels, which convert sunlight into electricity, play a pivotal role in harnessing this energy. However, the efficiency of solar panels is highly dependent on their cleanliness. Dust, dirt, and other environmental pollutants accumulate on the surface of solar panels, reducing their ability to absorb sunlight and generate electricity. Figure 1 depicts solar panel with dust and an actual clean solar panel. Studies
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