Dust Removal by Electrostatic Forces in Solar Panel

One of the major constraints linked to the operating conditions of photovoltaic systems relates to dust deposits on the optical surface of the modules. Indeed, the accumulation of dust particles on the surface of the module greatly affects performance, especially in terms of solar energy harvesting in desert areas regularly exposed to sandstorms throughout the year. Today, the idea is to implement an optical surface cleaning system to improve the performance of solar panels instead of the traditional cleaning method that uses high-pressure water jets. Indeed, this cleaning system is represented by the electrodynamic screen (EDS) technology which offers a very interesting solution to remove dust particles from optical surfaces using electrostatic forces. In this study, a planar TWC was used to analyze the traveling waves which can lift and convey charged particles. A three-phase conveyor comprising parallel electrodes that obtained power from high-voltage amplifiers (2 kV, 20 mA) controlled by digital function generators. The results obtained show that depending on the value of the amplitude, frequency, and waveform of the applied voltage, the micronized particles can move at variable speeds. This displacement is maximum at high voltages and frequencies and for a square waveform.