Cleaning Device Developed to Boost Photovoltaic Panel Efficiency

Cleaning Device Developed to Improve Photovoltaic Panel Efficiency A remote-access fully automatic cleaning device has been developed at Trakya University that increases the efficiency of photovoltaic panels used in electricity generation from solar energy and extends their service life. The device, which automatically cleans solar energy panels installed on the roofs of homes and businesses, was designed by a team led by Dr. Dinçer Akal from the Department of Mechanical Engineering. The team that developed the design and software for the product prototype received support from Serkon Makine, owned by mechanical engineer İzzet Savaş, a Trakya University graduate, during the manufacturing phase of the device. Akal and team members Dr. Ozan Akı, Assoc. Prof. İlhan Umut, mechanical engineer Emre Çetinzafer and Serkon Makine R&D Director Yusuf Şener applied to the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office for registration of the designed device.

Prevents dust accumulation and soiling

Akal said that electricity generation from solar energy is developing day by day and has begun to be used in many locations. Akal stated that they conducted extensive research on energy efficiency and designed a device to ensure maximum electricity production from photovoltaic panels. Noting the importance of panel cleanliness in obtaining energy from the sun, Akal continued as follows: "While solar radiation intensity varies according to climate conditions, the efficiency of photovoltaic panels used today is around 20 percent under normal conditions. The conversion efficiency is very important in obtaining energy from the rays reaching the panels. The most important parameter affecting this efficiency is dust accumulation on the panels, soiling and especially bird droppings. Bird droppings contain uric acid. This creates a shading effect. Over time, as it dries, it has a negative impact on the panel surface." Akal said that different cleaning systems exist in solar energy facilities, but regular cleaning cannot be performed in places with fewer panels, such as roofs and business premises.

"We developed a smart product that can be controlled from a mobile phone"

Akal said that soiling reduces energy efficiency and panel service life, and continued as follows: "A study conducted in the United Kingdom determined that if solar panels are not cleaned for a month, efficiency drops by 6 percent. We developed an autonomous product that performs cleaning in three ways—dry, wet and air-based—fixed on roof installations of panels. We built the prototype. The patent process is ongoing on the other hand."

Dinçer Akal noted the following:

"There are panel cleaning systems used today, but ours is fixed to the panel and fully automatic. The model we developed features a system that has not been implemented to date. What we developed is a smart product that can move autonomously according to panel size and can be controlled from a mobile phone. What distinguishes our system from others is that it is applicable to roof installations. With this remote-access system, when we install it on a 20-story building, there is no need to go up to the roof again to perform cleaning. This system prevents energy losses. Energy efficiency is provided and at the same time the panel service life is extended. Cleaning costs are also eliminated." Akal said that one of the most important features of the system is that it provides its energy from the sun, and was designed to be able to draw energy from a battery and the grid when there is no sun. Noting that test work is ongoing for the device with the participation of students, Akal said they will take steps toward commercialization of the product and its widespread use after the patent process.

Students learn through hands-on experience

Yaren Yücel, a 4th-year student at Trakya University Department of Mechanical Engineering, stated that the developed device allows photovoltaic panels to be cleaned automatically. Noting that they gained experience by conducting practical work alongside theoretical training, Yücel said, "Tests are ongoing for device development. Our work will continue under the guidance of Prof. Akal." Burak Özcan said they learned new information through the project developed for energy efficiency. Source