Development of a Dust Cleaning Robot Controlled using Arduino Microcontroller for Solar Photovoltaic Panel Maintenance

Article Sidebar

PDF
Published: Mar 31, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.55164/ajstr.v28i2.255888
Keywords:
Solar photovoltaic panels Dust cleaning robot Arduino microcontroller

Main Article Content

Sasimonton Moungsrijun
Faculty of Liberal Arts and Science, Kasetsart University Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakhon Pathom, 73140, Thailand
Sawitree Wongrerkdee
Faculty of Engineering, Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna Tak, Tak 63000, Thailand
Chainarong Raktham
Faculty of Education, Uttaradit Rajabhat University, Uttaradit, 53000, Thailand
Pichitchai Pimpang
Faculty of Science and Technology, Pibulsongkram Rajabhat University, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand
Yutthana Munklang
Faculty of Engineering, Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna Tak, Tak 63000, Thailand
Sutthipoj Wongrerkdee
Faculty of Liberal Arts and Science, Kasetsart University Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakhon Pathom, 73140, Thailand

Abstract

The electricity production of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels often decreases over time due to dust accumulation. Thus, regular cleaning is necessary to maintain optimal electricity production efficiency. Advanced cleaning technologies are commonly used in commercial solar farms. However, household solar PV systems may face challenges in adopting such technologies due to budget constraints or cost-effectiveness considerations. In this work, a low-cost dust-cleaning robot for solar PV panel cleaning systems, utilizing Arduino microcontrollers, was developed. The robot’s performance was tested under natural climate conditions, and satisfactory results were demonstrated in removing dust from solar PV panels to sustain electricity generation. This innovation system effectively addresses household solar PV systems' dust accumulation and maintenance issues.  

Article Details

Issue
Vol. 28 No. 2 (2025): March - April
Section
Research Articles
Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

References

Vedulla, G.; Geetha, A.; Senthil, R. Review of Strategies to Mitigate Dust Deposition on Solar Photovoltaic Systems. Energies 2023, 16, 109. https://doi.org/10.3390/en16010109

Alraeesi, A.; Shah, A.H.; Hassan, A.; Laghari, M.S. Characterisation of Dust Particles Deposited on Photovoltaic Panels in the United Arab Emirates. Appl. Sci. 2023, 13, 13162. https://doi.org/10.3390/app132413162

Tarigan, E. The effect of dust on solar PV system energy output under urban climate of Surabaya, Indonesia. J. Phys. Conf. Ser. 2019, 1373, 012025. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1373/1/012025

Pedersen, H.; Strauss, J.; Selj, J. Effect of soiling on photovoltaic modules in Norway. Energy Procedia 2016, 92, 585-589. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egypro.2016.07.023

Urrejola, E.; Antonanzas, J.; Ayala, P.; Salgado, M.; Ramírez-Sagner, G.; Cortés, C.; Pino, A.; Escobar, R. Effect of soiling and sunlight exposure on the performance ratio of photovoltaic technologies in Santiago, Chile. Energy Convers. Manag. 2016, 114, 338-347. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2016.02.016

Shenouda, R.; Abd-Elhady, M.S.; Kandil, H.A. A review of dust accumulation on PV panels in the MENA and the Far East regions. J. Eng. Appl. Sci. 2022, 69, 8. https://doi.org/10.1186/s44147-021-00052-6

Wongrerkdee, S.; Ritruksa, M.; Phattum, S.; Lohawet, K.; Kaewprajak, A.; Kumnorkaew, P.; Wongrerkdee, S. PEDOT Film Preparation and Characterization Using Convective Deposition System Controlled by Arduino Microcontroller for Organic Photovoltaic Application. Eng. J. 2021, 25, 335-341. https://doi.org/10.4186/ej.2021.25.2.335

Kumar, S.; Mahavar, S.; Mawire, A.; Ruivo, C.R. Design development of an economic solar paraboloidal concentrator for industrial process heat generation. Energy Convers. Manag. 2023, 292, 117380. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2023.117380

Otanasap, N.; Kanchanawongkul, V.; Chalermsuk, C. Design and Development of Saline Infusion Administration System Using IoT. ASEAN J. Sci. Tech. Report. 2022, 25, 41-49. https://doi.org/10.55164/ajstr.v25i1.244460

Ketjoy, N.; Konyu, M. The dust effect on photovoltaic module surface to photovoltaic power generation. J. Sci. Technol. MSU. 2013, 32, 555-562.