A Comparative Study of Cleaning Methods across Various Dust Types: Optimizing Cleaning Techniques for Dust-Affected Photovoltaic Panels

Authors

Ahmed Moustafa, Undergraduate Student, Energy Resources and Mechanical Power Engineering Department, Egypt Japan University of Science & Technology, 21928, Alexandria, Egypt
Ahmed Tohami, Undergraduate Student, Energy Resources and Mechanical Power Engineering Department, Egypt Japan University of Science & Technology, 44756, Alexandria, Egypt
Hamdy Hassan, Professor and Chairman, Energy Resources Engineering Department , Egypt Japan University of Science and Technology, 21934, Alexandria, Egypt - Mechanical Power Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Assiut University, Asyut, EgyptFollow

DOI

10.70259/engJER.2024.851862

Abstract

Solar energy is increasingly crucial for generating electricity and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. However, the efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) panels is substantially affected by dust accumulation. This research aims to enhance the performance and longevity of solar panels by evaluating various eco-friendly cleaning techniques for different dust types: Yellow Sand, Normal Dust, and Mud. The methods tested include low, medium, and high-water flow rates, medium flow rates with a wiper, compressed medium flow, and air blowing. Key performance metrics such as temperature, current, voltage, and power were measured before and after cleaning to assess effectiveness. The results demonstrate that low water flow rates were the most effective method for Yellow Sand, achieving a 24.21% increase in power output and an 18.63% increase in current. In contrast, this method provided only moderate improvement for Mud, with a 20.1% increase in power and 16% in current, and was least effective for Normal Dust, showing minor gains of 5.77% in power and 4.26% in current. Medium flow rates with a wiper proved particularly beneficial for Normal Dust, resulting in a 62% increase in power and 54.8% in current, while high flow rates yielded significant improvements for Mud (157.3% in power) and Normal Dust (95.7% in power). Compressed medium flow rates performed exceptionally well for Mud, with a 151.48% increase in power and a 142.92% boost in current. Air blowing, while generally effective across all dust types, was especially advantageous in scenarios where water conservation is essential. These findings highlight the importance of tailoring cleaning strategies to specific dust types for optimal PV panel performance. Future research should explore hybrid cleaning approaches, assess long-term impacts on panel durability, and conduct cost-benefit analyses to refine and optimize cleaning methods for enhancing the efficiency and durability of solar installations.

Recommended Citation

Moustafa, Ahmed; Tohami, Ahmed; and Hassan, Hamdy (2024) "A Comparative Study of Cleaning Methods across Various Dust Types: Optimizing Cleaning Techniques for Dust-Affected Photovoltaic Panels," Journal of Engineering Research: Vol. 8: Iss. 5, Article 11.
DOI: 10.70259/engJER.2024.851862
Available at: https://digitalcommons.aaru.edu.jo/erjeng/vol8/iss5/11