scholarly journals Cymatics Inspired Self-Cleaning Mechanism for Solar Panels

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edwin Babu ◽  
Sumith Yesudasan ◽  
Sibi Chacko
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Structural Integrity ◽  
Mechanical Vibration ◽  
Solar Panel ◽  
Solar Array ◽  
Great Effort ◽  
Solar Panels ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Solar Arrays ◽  
Self Cleaning

The Photovoltaic modules are usually installed on the ground which exposes it to surface deposition of foreign particles. In the Middle East and North Africa region, the primary culprit is dust and sand. They form an insulating and opaque layer on the surface of the glass, which obstructs its heat transfer and optical properties, thereby reducing the overall yield efficiency of the solar panel. Cleaning of this layer is critical to the operation of the solar panel and often requires great effort and energy on a large-scale solar array. In this paper, we propose a novel self-cleaning mechanism for solar panels, with an understanding of the structural integrity of the Photovoltaic laminate and application of external mechanical vibration. By applying an external source of vibration, the solar panels vibrate, excites its fundamental frequencies and cleans by its own. The method is analyzed using finite element analysis method and tested using experiments. Our simulation results based on IEC 61215 show that the maximum principal stress and deformation in the critical layers is within limits. Our experimental results prove the proposed theory is feasible and can be extended to large scale solar arrays. Our proposed method is retrofittable and could save money, energy and effort in cleaning the solar arrays, which can replace current techniques.

Development of Transparent Electrodynamic Screens on Ultrathin Flexible Glass Film Substrates for Retrofitting Solar Panels and Mirrors for Self-Cleaning Function

MRS Advances ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (15) ◽  
pp. 1003-1012 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. K. Mazumder ◽  
J. W. Stark ◽  
C. Heiling ◽  
M. Liu ◽  
A. Bernard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Transmission Efficiency ◽  
Silver Nanowire ◽  
Dust Particles ◽  
Glass Film ◽  
Solar Collectors ◽  
Solar Panels ◽  
Labor Costs ◽  
Adhesive Film ◽  
Self Cleaning

ABSTRACTDevelopment of transparent electrodynamic screens (EDS) printed on ultrathin flexible glass film substrates for retrofitting on solar panels and solar mirrors to perform self cleaning function is reviewed. Large-scale solar plants are generally installed in semi-arid and desert areas where dust layers build up on solar collectors causes major energy-yield loss. Maintaining designed plant capacities requires more than 90% reflectivity for CSP mirrors and 90% transmission efficiency for PV modules; solar collectors must therefore be cleaned at a frequency depending on the rate of dust deposition. Scarcity of water in these regions requires a cleaning method that drastically reduces or eliminates water and the associated labor costs for high efficiency operation of large-scale solar plants. An EDS film consists of rows of interdigitated, transparent conducting parallel electrodes embedded within a flexible ultrathin glass film and an optically clear adhesive film used for retrofitting the film on the surface of solar collectors. When phased voltage pulses activate the electrodes, the dust particles are first electrostatically charged, then repelled and removed from the surface of the solar collectors by Coulomb force, restoring transmission efficiency greater than 90%. The electrodes of EDS are either made from silver nanowire or another conductive transparent material printed on a highly transparent, ultrathin (100-μm thick), flexible borosilicate glass film. Applications of different conducting transparent electrodes and methods of printing are reviewed for optimizing self-cleaning function of solar panels and mirrors.

Multifunctional Structures for Attitude Control

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vedant ◽  
James T. Allison
Keyword(s):  
Attitude Control ◽  
Mechanical Vibration ◽  
Systems Design ◽  
Small Strain ◽  
Small Displacement ◽  
Solar Panels ◽  
Attitude Control System ◽  
Deployable Structures ◽  
Solar Arrays ◽  
Satellite Attitude Control

Abstract The Engineering Systems Design Lab (ESDL) at the University of Illinois introduced Strain-Actuated Solar Arrays (SASAs) as a solution for precise satellite Attitude Control System (ACSs). SASA is designed to provide active mechanical vibration (jitter) cancellation, as well as small slew maneuver capabilities to hold a pose for short time periods. Current SASA implementations utilize piezoelectric distributed actuators to strain deployable structures, and the resulting momentum transfer rotates the spacecraft bus. A core disadvantage, however, is small strain and slew capability. Initial SASA systems could help improve pointing accuracy, but must be coupled with another ACS technology to produce large reorientations. A novel extension of the original SASA system is presented here that overcomes the small-displacement limitation, enabling use of SASA as a sole ACS for some missions, or in conjunction with other ACSs. This extension, known as Multifunctional Structures for Attitude Control (MSAC), can produce arbitrarily-large rotations, and has the potential to scale to large spacecraft. The system utilizes existing flexible deployable structures (such as solar arrays or radiators) as multifunctional devices. This multi-role use of solar panels extends their utility at a low mass penalty, while increasing reliability of the spacecraft ACS.

scholarly journals Resettable fuses for overcurrent protection in photovoltaic solar array systems

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 81-88 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Yu. Lyashkov ◽  
A. S. Tonkoshkur ◽  
S. F. Lyagushyn
Keyword(s):  
Solar Cells ◽  
Electrical Resistance ◽  
General Scheme ◽  
Solar Array ◽  
Photovoltaic Systems ◽  
Solar Panels ◽  
Photovoltaic Modules ◽  
Conducting State ◽  
Solar Arrays ◽  
Overcurrent Protection

The general scheme of using self-repairing PolySwitch-type fuses to limit the current in photovoltaic systems of solar arrays and the resulting requirements for their parameters are analyzed. The possibilities of applying modern serial resettable fuses for solving the problem of increasing the reliability of solar panels are studied. In particular, it is established that currently available nomenclature of fuses of the PolySwitch type allows implementing protection of photovoltaic systems of solar arrays against current overloads at the level of photovoltaic modules. At the same time, for the implementation of such protection at the level of solar cells, it is necessary to develop fuses with lower values of electrical resistance in the conducting state and lower tripping currents.

scholarly journals Digital record of specimens, including voucher material, from the study of a pollinator habitat restoration site under a commercial solar array in Jackson County, Oregon, 2019

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maggie Graham ◽  
Lincoln Best ◽  
Andrew R Moldenke
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Restoration ◽  
Solar Array ◽  
Solar Panels ◽  
Jackson County ◽  
Solar Arrays ◽  
Partial Shade ◽  
Voucher Specimens ◽  
Pollinating Insects ◽  
Accession Record ◽  
The Impact

Photovoltaic solar energy installation is booming, frequently near agricultural lands. Traditionally, the land underneath ground-mounted photovoltaic panels is unused, though some are repurposing it as habitat for pollinating insects. However, the impact of the solar panel canopy on the pollinator-plant community understory is unknown. In this study (Graham et al., 2020), we investigated the effects of solar arrays on plant composition, bloom timing and foraging behavior of pollinators in open fields (control), and in full shade and partial shade areas under solar panels in a predominant agricultural region of southern Oregon. Pollinating insect specimens were collected using hand nets, and identified to the lowest taxonomic group possible by M. Graham, A.R. Moldenke, and L.R. Best. A total of 85 voucher specimens were deposited into the Oregon State Arthropod Collection; accession record: OSAC_AC_2021_03_11_001-01.

scholarly journals Study of Cellulose Nanocrystals (CNC) & Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) Composite Film Modified Using Silica and Polybutylene Terephthalate(PBT) As a Transparent, Hydrophobic, Self-Cleaning Cover

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nishan Khadka ◽  
Sulav Parajuli ◽  
Rabindra Acharya ◽  
Sanjaya Neupane ◽  
Jyoti Giri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cellulose Nanocrystals ◽  
Incident Light ◽  
Solar Panel ◽  
Poly Vinyl Alcohol ◽  
Solar Pv ◽  
Solar Panels ◽  
Polybutylene Terephthalate ◽  
Water Contact ◽  
Major Barrier ◽  
Self Cleaning

Solar panel soiling is a major barrier in electricity generation by solar Photo-Voltaic (PV) technology, especially in dust-prone cities like Kathmandu. Currently employed techniques use expensive cleaning bots, short-lived coatings or environmentally non-friendly coatings. This paper encompasses a study of a green alternative to counteract solar panel soiling. Cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) blended with Poly Vinyl Alcohol (PVA) with surface modification by Poly butylene terephthalate (PBT) and powdered silica was used to produce a transparent, hydrophobic film which could act as a self-cleaning cover for soiling prone solar panels. The film exhibited an average transmittance of 92.18% of the incident light in the solar PV working spectra (420nm-700nm). Hydrophobicity was quantified by the water contact angle (WCA) which was an average of 87.25°. The film was durable to photocatalytic and hydrolytic decay but further research is warranted before rendering the film suitable for use as a protective cover for solar panels.

scholarly journals Analysis and Synthesis of Control Systems for Spacecraft Solar Arrays

Machines ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 64
Author(s):  
Anatoly K. Tishchenko ◽  
Eugeny M. Vasiljev ◽  
Artyom O. Tishchenko
Keyword(s):  
Control System ◽  
Power Supply ◽  
Pulse Width Modulation ◽  
Simulation Models ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Solar Panel ◽  
Hierarchical Organization ◽  
Solar Panels ◽  
Solar Arrays ◽  
Reliable Power Supply

The paper is devoted to the problem of creating highly reliable power supply systems for spacecrafts intended for long-term autonomous flights. Within its framework, the problem of synthesizing a control system for solar arrays is being solved. To solve this problem, a mathematical model of a solar panel was compiled, and a study of its static and dynamic characteristics was carried out. It was found that when the solar panel is controlled using a shunt switch with pulse-width modulation, resonance phenomena appear in the system, leading to an unacceptable change in the polarity of voltages on the photocells. The operating conditions of the solar panels, which exclude the occurrence of the indicated alternating voltages, are found, and appropriate recommendations are given for the choice of the quantization frequency in the system. On the basis of the recommendations received, the transition to a quasi-continuous representation of the control system was carried out, and a graphic-analytical synthesis of the controller providing the required quality indicators of the system was carried out. To ensure the survivability of the power supply system, a method is proposed for the hierarchical organization of the interaction of solar panels, which reproduces the homeostatic properties of biological structures in the system. This property is provided by automatic transfer of control to subsequent levels of the hierarchy as the energy resources of the previous levels are exhausted. In addition, selective control is applied only to that part of the total generated power, which is sufficient to counter the current disturbing influences on the system. This approach to control prevents cascading failures in the system. The paper presents simulation models on which all theoretical positions and methods proposed in the work are tested.

Development of a Pile Mooring System for Large Scale FSRUs

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taeyoon Park ◽  
Junhwan Jeon ◽  
Jung Kim ◽  
Sangbae Jeon ◽  
Bongjae Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element Analysis ◽  
Finite Element ◽  
Structural Analysis ◽  
Pile Foundation ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Structural Integrity ◽  
Mooring System ◽  
Basic Design ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Pile Resistance

Abstract In this paper, a pile mooring system is introduced as an alternative mooring solution for FSRU. Also, the methodologies of mooring analysis and structural analysis to verify a design of pile mooring system are introduced. The mooring performance of pile mooring system can be assessed by coupled mooring analysis considering stiffness of pile, resistance of soil and hull interface mechanism. The structural integrity of pile, foundation and hull interface can be assessed by non-linear contact finite element analysis. Using these methods, the basic design of pile mooring system for 160,000-CBM large scale FSRU is developed considering practical environmental conditions.

scholarly journals A Review on Self Cleaning and Tracking of Photovoltaic Panel

2021 ◽  
pp. 78-85
Author(s):  
Adithya P ◽  
Harsha Awate ◽  
Nikitha L ◽  
Vidhyashree H S ◽  
P Praveen
Keyword(s):  
Natural Resources ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Electrical Energy ◽  
Solar Panel ◽  
Energy Output ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
The Sun ◽  
Solar Panels ◽  
Photovoltaic Panel ◽  
Pv Module

Solar panels are used to convert the energy from sunlight to electrical energy. The different impacts on the solar panel which influences the productivity of the solar panel are Sun movement and dirt which generate the fundamental impact on solar panel. Because of those impacts, less yield generated by solar panel so to increase the effectiveness of the solar panel is by utilizing tracking and cleaning technique. There is a framework which is mix of tracking and cleaning. In this cutting-edge world, power is likewise added to the most fundamental requirements in everybody's day to day existence. With the expanding request of power, destruction of the natural resources is done and will be used for energy generation. To adjust the shortage of natural resources unconventional fuels are used for power generation and are used by the most part of world. Among all the unconventional fuel sources, power created by solar panel energy is broadly utilized. The abundancy of this type of energy is more all around the earth. A framework which tracks sun as well as automatic washing of solar panel with automated instructions is required. The instrument requires a LDR for following the sun and for cleaning wiper module is required. Regarding every day energy production, the sun tracking - cum cleaning plan gives more energy output when contrasted with the fixed PV module. Without this framework this cleaning work is done by man force which is good for small scale but for large scale like power plant it is very difficult. Then led display is required to display the result of the framework.

Kajian PLTS on–grid pada gedung X Politeknik Negeri Malang untuk melayani beban perkantoran menggunakan perangkat HOMER PRO

JURNAL ELTEK ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 96
Author(s):  
Priya Surya ◽  
Mochammad Junus
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Energy Requirement ◽  
Power Converter ◽  
Solar Panel ◽  
Capacity Factor ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Solar Panels ◽  
Daily Production ◽  
Cost Of Energy

Pembangkit Listrik Tenaga Surya (PLTS) dapat diaplikasikan mulai skala kecil sampai skala besar, itu merupakan keunggulan teknologi ini. Dalam skala kecil, pemanfaatan energi surya dapat diaplikasikan di setiap atap rumah untuk memenuhi kebutuhan listrik tiap konsumen residential / rumah tangga. Untuk kebutuhan ini, sistem PLTS dilakukan secara on – grid yaitu terhubung dengan jaringan yang sudah tersedia yaitu jaringan penyedia layanan listrik seperti PLN. Pada penelitian ini, objek penelitian adalah Gedung X pada Politeknik Negeri Malang, dimana kebutuhan bebannya sebesar 12,5 kW dan kebutuhan energi harian 64 kWh. Menggunakan aplikasi HOMER PRO didapatkan untuk sistem dengan skema PV, Baterai, Grid PLN, dan konverter, maka Skematik yang diusulkan pada sistem PLTS adalah menggunakan solar panel dengan total daya terpasang sebesar 11 kWp, dan ditambah dengan baterai sebesar 1500 Ah, konverter daya sebesar 6 kW , dan grid PLN tetap sebagai suplai utama. Untuk bisa mengurangi  tagihan listrik, dilakukanlah Renewable Fraction (RF) sebesar 58,5 %, sehingga didapatkan produksi harian untuk solar panel sebesar 45,6 kWh, yaitu sebesar 68 % kebutuhan harian dengan capacity factor sebesar 17,3 %. Solar panel yang digunakan merk ICASOLAR dengan kapasitas 250 Wp membutuhkan sebanyak 44 panel dengan total luasan yang diperlukan sebesar 57 m2 pada atap gedung. Secara ekonomis didapatkan bahwa Net Present Cost pada sistem ini adalah sebesar Rp. 183.000.000,- dan nilai Cost of Energy sebesar Rp. 484,58,- / kWh.   PLTS can be applied from small to large scale, that is the advantage of this technology. On a small scale, the use of solar energy can be applied on every roof of the house to meet the electricity needs of each residential / household consumer. For this need, the PLTS system is carried out on an on-grid basis, which is connected to an already available network, namely a network of electricity service providers such as PLN. In this study, the object of research is Building X at the State Polytechnic of Malang, where the load requirement is 12.5 kW and the daily energy requirement is 64 kWh. Using the HOMER PRO application obtained for systems with PV schemes, Batteries, PLN Grids, and converters, the proposed Schematic for the PLTS system is to use solar panels with a total installed power of 11 kWp, and coupled with a 1500 Ah battery, a power converter of 6 kW , and the PLN grid remains as the main supply. To be able to reduce electricity bills, Renewable Fraction (RF) is carried out by 58.5%, so that the daily production for solar panels is 45.6 kWh, which is 68% of daily needs with a capacity factor of 17.3%. The solar panels used by the ICASOLAR brand with a capacity of 250 Wp require 44 panels with a total required area of ​​57 m2 on the roof of the building. Economically, it is found that the Net Present Cost in this system is Rp. 183,000,000,- and Cost of Energy amount Rp. 484,58,- / kWh.

scholarly journals Analysis of design of spacecraft solar arrays

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 121-136
Author(s):  
Z. A. Kazantsev ◽  
A. M. Eroshenko ◽  
L. A. Babkina ◽  
A. V. Lopatin
Keyword(s):  
Solar Cells ◽  
Flexible Substrate ◽  
Electrical Power ◽  
Photoelectric Effect ◽  
Solar Array ◽  
Solar Panels ◽  
Starting Position ◽  
Solar Arrays ◽  
Characteristic Features

Solar arrays supply electrical power to spacecraft equipment and also provide charging of electrochemical batteries used in the shadow sections of the orbit. Photovoltaic converters of light energy of solar radiation form the basis of the solar battery. Their principle of operation is based on the phenomenon of the photoelectric effect. The article provides an overview of the development of solar cells and the classification of modern designs of solar cells for spacecraft. The review considers stationary and deployable solar batteries used both on the first spacecraft and on space stations. The classification of solar cell designs is made taking into account their characteristic features. These features are the rigidity of the supporting structure, the method of placement in the starting position and the method of orientation towards the light source. The classification covered rigid panel solar arrays, flexible substrate solar panels, inflatable solar arrays, self-expanding solar arrays, and solar concentrator panels. In each design group of this classification, corresponding examples of solar cells are presented. The presented review and classification makes it possible to track trends in the development of solar array designs for spacecraft.

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