Project
| # | Title | Team Members | TA | Documents | Sponsor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26 | Solar Panel Cleaner |
Cameron Little Geoffrey Swisher Thomas Cai |
Maanas Sandeep Agrawal | design_document1.pdf final_paper1.pdf presentation2.pptx proposal1.pdf video |
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| # Solar Panel Cleaner Team Members: Cameron Little (clittle5) Thomas Cai (wcai10) Geoffrey Swisher (swisher5) # Problem Solar panels are highly sensitive to shading and dirt accumulation, which can significantly reduce their energy generation efficiency. Even partial shading or debris on the surface can create hotspots or disrupt the panel's output, leading to substantial energy losses over time. During ECE 469 Power Electronics Laboratory, we explored techniques to extract maximum power from solar panels installed on the roof of ECEB. However, these experiments highlighted how environmental factors, such as dust and shading, limit the panels' ability to consistently deliver optimal power output. # Solution To provide a cheap and effective solution for various types and models of solar panels, we are going to design a rail-based cleaner. The rail can be attached to the top of the solar panels, with wheels to allow horizontal movements. A soft material like felt can be used to prevent damage to the panels. The cleaning module is then attached to the rail through cables, which can be shortened or lengthened through controllable motors to achieve vertical cleaning. # Solution Components ## PCB Controller The controller subsystem includes a front panel with inputs for controlling the cleaner, as well as the MCU which will interface with the panel and the drivetrain. The front panel will have buttons/switches/knobs to enable and control the operation of the cleaner. The microcontroller will be STM32C0. ## Drivetrain The drivetrain subsystem is responsible for moving the cleaning module across the solar panel surface. The design involves two distinct motion components: Vertical movement for the cleaning module to scale up and down the solar panel using attached cables. Horizontal Movement for the cleaning module to be able to move along the rail attached at the top of the panel Motors such as the NEMA 17 stepper motor will be used for accurate control of both vertical and horizontal movement. These motors will be paired with motor drivers (e.g., DRV8825) to interface with the microcontroller. ## Cleaning Mechanism The cleaning module consists of an interchangeable microfiber cloth and a cleaning solution dispenser. The solution can be dispensed with the use of a [Digiten](https://www.digiten.shop/products/digiten-1-2-dc-12v-electric-solenoid-valve-normally-closed-n-c-water-inlet-flow-switch) ½ inch, 12 Volt solenoid valve. ## Energy Storage Two (2) 12V drill batteries, such as [Warrior ](https://www.harborfreight.com/12v-lithium-ion-battery-with-charger-57763.html?gQT=1) 12V Lithium-ion Battery. Charger will be included with the batteries. DC-DC converters will be used to power the motors and supply 3V for the microcontroller. In order to provide power to devices on the moving cleaning component, a [coiled cable](https://www.amazon.com/RIIEYOCA-Female-Cable%EF%BC%8CDC-Extension-Stretched/dp/B0BJT9TC5J?th=1) could be used. # Criterion for Success To ensure the solar panel cleaner is effective, the following goals can be tested: The cleaning mechanism must remove at least 80% of visible debris (e.g., dust, dirt, or bird droppings) from the solar panel surface. Cleaning tests will demonstrate a measurable increase in power output of the cleaned panel, with a minimum improvement of 10% compared to an uncleaned panel under identical lighting conditions. Solar panel extraction power can be done in the Power Lab on the fourth floor. Manual operation via front-panel controls must allow precise movement of the cleaning module in both horizontal and vertical directions. The drivetrain, motors, and other electronics must function correctly after 40 cleaning cycles without significant wear or failure, ranging in environments 32°F - 100°F. |
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