Autonomous solar panel cleaning robot with rubber wheeled and air-absorbing motor

Abstract

De-dusting of photovoltaic panels enables the panels to produce the targeted power. In this study, an autonomous, water-free, self-energy source contained, air sucking robot which was not encountered in the literature research, was designed and developed. The developed robot can be adapted to each power plant by entering the photovoltaic panel path into the robot. The developed robot can be controlled by a joy stick or autonomously. Robot supplies own energy demand by the flexible solar panel mounted on it. Robot does not have any cable or water pipe connection, allowing to work flexibly. Rubber wheels allow nonslip omnidirectional rotation. Main effectiveness of the robot is the air vacuum instead of an air spray. Air spray sends dust from one point to another while blowing, whereas in this study dust is sucked from the surface using an air vacuum. Vacuumed dust can be stored in the storage of robot or can be thrown away to ground by a hose. The only essential human interference of the developed robot is amending of micro fiber cloths and emptying the dust if stored. Another advantage of the developed robot is being cost effective.