Smart Solar Panel Cleaning Robot (SSPCR)

Abstract

In this paper, a development and testing of one of such systems, which is referred to as Smart Solar Panel Cleaning Robot (SSPCR) is presented to rectify the poor photovoltaic(PV) based system performance caused by soiling in an automated manner. It contains mechanical design aspects of stability and minimum interaction with fragile panels, and mobility mechanisms that have been designed with a broad geometries and atmospheric conditions of installation. It is an electrically powered system that also incorporates on-board photovoltaic modules that are independent energy producers, also incorporating intelligent battery storage and management of the on-going cleaning meals Sensor array of Light Dependent Resistors and infrared reflectance sensors to correctly detect dust and debris, and adaptive control algorithms to adjust cleaning modes (such as dry brushing, wet cleaning or a mixture of the two)