Professional Documents
Culture Documents
BSME
by
Faculty of Engineering
Capital University of Science & Technology,
Islamabad
February, 2020
February, 2020
Faculty of Engineering
Capital University of Science & Technology,
Islamabad
Copyright 2016 by CUST Student
All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form requires the prior
written permission of Rana Saqib Sultan BME173005, Hassan Ali BME173007, Ebad
Hassan BME173017 or designated representative.
ii
This project is dedicated to our supervisor SIR Touseef Ahmed the
major concern of our project. His efforts makes us able to precede the
project in the right direction without his efforts it was not possible to
carry the project. His kind behavior kept our goals high and the
submission of project on time is possible only due to his efforts.
iii
DECLARATION
February, 2020
iv
CERTIFIC ATE O F APPRO VAL
It is certified that the project titled “AUTOMATIC CLEANING SYSTEM OF
SOLAR PANEL” carried out by Rana Saqib Sultan BME173005, Hassan Ali
BME173007, Ebad Hassan BME173017 under the supervision of Mr. Touseef
Ahmed, Capital University of Science & Technology, Islamabad, is fully adequate, in
scope and in quality, as a final year project for the degree of BS of Mechanical
Engineering.
Supervisor: -------------------------
Mr. …
Assistant Professor
Dept. of Mechanical Engineering
Faculty of Engineering
Capital University of Science & Technology, Islamabad
HOD: ----------------------------
Dr. Muhammad Mahabat Khan
Associate Professor
Dept. of Mechanical Engineering
Faculty of Engineering
Capital University of Science & Technology, Islamabad
v
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The project is about the fabrication of automatic cleaning system of solar panel which
is supervised by SIR TOUSEEF AHMED. We thanks to sir for being supervise the
project and share the techniques and his experience to continue the project in a way
that we can complete the project efficiently in the required time period. Although we
require help from other professors related to the project they also helped us a lot in
every aspect and class mates also share their ideas to enhance the performance of
project while selection of machinery and parts that are installed in the project.
vi
ABSTRACT
The project is the automatic cleansing system of solar panel. As the world is
converting gradually on the solar photovoltaic. The actual reason behind this project
is that our university installed the photovoltaic cell and its capacity is about 1 MW.
While the cleaning procedure that is followed is manual cleaning and performed by
labors. In cleaning of panels most of the water is wasted and if not cleaned, it may
reduce the power about 50% after a month. So the point to be noted is that per week it
reduce the power up to 15% and it is hazardous that power is not significant. Panels
should be cleaned over respective time period so that power output not decreases.
For designing the project we have performed experiments in I-9 Islamabad for
determining the efficiency loss. The design is based on the efficiency and it’s
performance. While keeping in mind payback period of the project so that after
installing the project, it will save our economy and will save the water that used in
bulk amount for cleaning of solar panel. The experiment is the difference in the
cleaned panel efficiency and dirty panel efficiency. There we found some
uncertainties and errors so we perfumed another experiment in which we took the
efficiency of 7 days dirty panel while spreading the particular amount of dust by
weighting it and check after 7 days of dust accumulation that how much grain of dust
is spread over the surface of panel after 7 days and the drop of power output is
determined.
After the experimental results we will design an apparatus that contained a spray and
viper mechanism and run on the D.C motor. No external supply is used to run the
mechanism.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
vii
Acknowledgment.....................................................................................................v
Declaration..............................................................................................................vi
Abstract..................................................................................................................vii
Table of Contents..................................................................................................viii
List of Figures..........................................................................................................x
List of Tables..........................................................................................................xi
List of Acronyms/Abbreviations............................................................................xii
Chapter 1...........................................................................................7
Introduction...........................................................................................7
1.1 Overview......................................................................................................7
1.2 Statement of Problem...................................................................................7
1.3 Specifications of proposed Solution.............................................................7
1.4 Purpose of the project/research....................................................................8
1.5 Applications of the project/research.............................................................8
1.6 Project Plan..................................................................................................8
1.7 Report Organization.....................................................................................8
Chapter 2...........................................................................................9
Literature review...................................................................................9
2.1 Related Technologies...................................................................................9
2.1.1 Related Technology 1....................................................................9
2.1.2 Related Technology 2....................................................................9
2.2 Related Projects..........................................................................................10
2.3 Related Studies...........................................................................................10
2.3 Limitations and Bottlenecks of earlier work..............................................10
2.4 Summary....................................................................................................10
Chapter 3.........................................................................................11
Project Design.....................................................................................11
3.1 Project Design............................................................................................11
3.2 Analysis procedures...................................................................................11
3.3 Development procedure/Methodology.......................................................11
3.4 Details about proposed solutions ……………………………………11
viii
3.5 Details about simulation / mathematical modeling……………… ……12
3.6 Details of working design prototype . ……………………………12
3.7 Summary....................................................................................................12
Chapter 4.........................................................................................13
Tools and Techniques …………........................................................13
4.1 Solution with complete technical specifications........................................14
4.2 Simulation tool(s) used..............................................................................14
4.3 Summary....................................................................................................14
Chapter 5.........................................................................................15
Project Results & Evaluation..............................................................15
5.1 Presentation of the findings........................................................................15
5.1.1 Hardware results..........................................................................15
5.1.2 Software results...........................................................................15
5.2 Verification of design functionalities.........................................................16
5.3 Discussion of the findings..........................................................................16
5.3.1 Comparison with initial project specifications............................16
5.3.2 Reasoning for short comings.......................................................16
5.4 Limitations.................................................................................................16
5.5 Recommendations......................................................................................16
5.6 Summary....................................................................................................16
Chapter 6.........................................................................................17
Conclusion..........................................................................................17
References...........................................................................................18
Appendices(if included)......................................................................18
Appendix – A, Final activity chart vs. initially planned............................19
Appendix - B..............................................................................................19
ix
LIST OF FIGURES
x
LIST OF TABLES
xi
LIST OF ACRONYMS
xii
Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION
As energy demand increases on daily basis the production of environment distraction which can
affect the environment in a bad manner. The new technologies are used like solar cell or
photovoltaic cells are used to fulfill the energy requirement. The photovoltaic cells are used 15% to
18% but the problem is that they exposed to environment. The open environment has dirt and dust
particles which can stick with the surface of the solar panel and affect the efficiency of the panels.
The drop in efficacy in single panel can affect the overall efficiency.
There are many advantages of the solar panels. They save the cost of burning fuels and it’s are
environmental friendly. They are easy to install at roofs desert at any lace like canals. The
mechanism which is design is fabricating such type of mechanism which can increases the
efficiency solar panel.
The dust particles can affect the efficiency and power output of the panels. If we clean these panel
daily so its performance will be good and its efficiency will be increased as they are. For that we
design an automatic solar panel cleaning mechanism that can clean the panels whenever you want.
While designing the panel it should be considered that the installation and operating should be as
simple as no other person should be hired to run the project.
1.1 Overview
The Project named as “Automatic cleansing system of solar panel.” The world is using different
technologies for cleaning the solar panel. These ways are used in under developed countries there is
not specific method which is followed to clean the solar panel. So the method used in Pakistan is
some sort of manual cleaning done by labors. There are drawbacks of this method which are
following:
Firstly the labor climbed up to the panel via ladder, As we know that surface of panel is slippery
which can cause the fall of that cleaning person.
13
Secondly the water is required in bulk amount and water is wasted in cleaning purposes.
Thirdly, we can save the cost that is spread for hiring them.
The only operator can run the design mechanism and these things mentioned above can be served by
installing the mechanism so we can save the cost and efficiency can be enhanced that can be
decreased on daily basis. The main that is observed in this experiment is that the voltage value
almost remain constant but the current value keep decreasing. While the amount of dust is increased
on the panel. The things we have to consider to follow the energy that is required to clean the panel
is obtained from the panel which should be cleaned and no external power is used to start the
mechanism.
14
The specifications of the proposed solution should base on the design that we selected to carry the
project the specifications of the project are given as:
1. It should be automated.
4. Efficiently working.
15
The plan to precede the project in a simple way that we divided the whole project in two phases first
we perform the experiments to determine the efficiency loss and then we deigned a project which
will clean the solar panel mechanism without using external source and the we explained the
procedure step by step in the following road map.
ExpeAnalryimsisenontalthe
ExtDesriagcnitinogn of Two phases Completion of
Figure 1.1
On fworiceoldskt ofest
mercehsuanltis m of project the project
1.6.2 Gantt chart:
16
The Gantt chart is made to settle the time period with respect to the work done we have to perform
to complete the project:
Figure 1.2
17
Chapter 2
LITERATURE REVIEW
Ala’a studied that the natural process effect the power output of solar panel and natural
deposition in the environment of Bagdad. The studies result in such way that 50% approximately
decreased. But also the result says that increase of tilt angle can significantly decrease the losses
as the particles slides and naturally comes down.
The study of Naseer.K.Kasim results that 8.9% for 11 days. Also in his studies from 18-2-2010 to
25-3-2010 for 34 days due to accumulation of dust about 31.4% and 23.1% loss of energy. [1]
The study of Mohammad Raza Maghmi results in such way that the 0.2% loss of efficiency of solar
cell per day when there is not rain fall. The annual loss due to dirt particles ranges from 15% to62%
depending on the site of installation of PV forms. The study also results that dust particles reduces
the power output range from 2% to 50 % in different areas.[2]
The study of Nurul F. Zainuddin result that external resistance reduces the performance of panel up
to 22%. The deep analysis shows that the radiation falling on the surface of the panel make a barrier
in surface and radiation and show resist once in flow of I current. [3]
B.GUO studies that the panel placed in the desert can easily attract the dust particle and he should in
his studies that the small particles can decrease the efficiency by 15% as the panel was placed in
desert of Qatar ‘Doha’ and is not cleaned for a month.[4]
It is founded that the system efficiency can be decreased by 50% due to dust accumulation. It will be
seen when no significant rain fall happened. The daily energy losses can be form 20% to 25% or
even more. The tiny particles act like billions of resistors and reduce the performance by 85%.[5]
The technologies used in cleaning the solar panel are as follows that are automatic:
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1. Heliotex Technology:
It is the automatic cleaning system that cleans the solar panel surfaces. The
system is programmed in such way that can be changed depending on the change the environment.
Only the work done by man in this technology is to replace the water filter and refilling of foam. It is
the general and can be used for any type of cleaning mechanism.
2. Electrostatic Cleaning
This technology is named as “Harvesting Technology” this cleaning technology was first invention
by scientist to get rid of dust deposition problem. This technology is used in the dry desert areas.
The dust is shaken off the solar panel when a electrically charged waves break over the surface
material
Draw Backs
Not good for the home based farms because shaking jerk may lose its connection and fall down can
cause injury[6].
2.1.1Related Technology 1
Mechanical dust removal system
The mechanical dust removal system has various methods
such as blowing, brushing and vibrating. The blowing can clean the panel by throwing high pressure
air that clean the panel and increase the efficiency but on the other hand brushing can also be done to
cleans the panel but not significant. The problem in blowing may cause difficulty in maintenance of
blower and in vibrating mechanism a large amount of electric power is required to generated a jerk
to panel that clean the solar panel.[7]
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2.1.2 Related Technology 2
20
Using the IoT the system can be operated from anywhere all around the world. The Wi-Fi
technology seems to be beneficent for cleaning the solar cells. The project consumes a lot of
water and soap for cleaning.
The robotic mechanism move on the rails that once it moves in forward direction and then it
moves in the backward direction consist of D.C motor and gear mechanism which is installed
in it and having two units autonomous and robotary unit and linked together .
21
2.3 Related Studies/Research
2.3.1. Automated Solar Panel Cleaning System using IoT:
Robotic Unit
The unit that depend on the autonomous unit and it follows the command from autonomous unit.
The autonomous unit operate on the user guide .As the user Give command to autonomous Unit and
the autonomous unit send it to the robotic unit. The mechanism contain motors that move back and
forth through the rails over the panel. It also contain brushes that clean the panel.
Autonomous unit
the autonomous unit also called as “master unit” send command to the robotic part to clean the
panel. The three variables,illuminance,currents and voltage and take as the input and time is
calculated .the system send signal to the robotic unit when there is change in variables and it will
send until the recovery of the performance.[3]
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2.5 Summary
The solar pane is exposed to open environment and the dust particles decrease the power output
panel .when the dust deposited on the panel the power output of the panel .the different studies deals
that how the dust particles decrease the power output of the panel. The study Nasser shows that
8.91% decrease per eleven days. Depending upon the location the value of decreasing in power
output varies as the tiny dust particles act as billions of resistors that may resist the flow of current .
The factor of dust particles that decrease the efficiency decreases when the tilt angle increases up to
48 degree. the other study Muhammad raza maghani shows that 0.2% loss per day due to dust
accumulation on to clean the solar panel. The method that is described is the heliotex technology
when the pump is installed in the tank that is kept below the panel the nozzle is connected with the
piping system of the pump. the drawback is that person required to turn off and on the cleaning
mechanism. the other is microcontroller based automatic cleaning of the solar panel .the different
countries uses different technology , in turkey the company name “Mazaka” which make cleaning
mechanism invented over tractors and crawlers, but using on the engine may produce emissions . the
design we will going to fabricate have zero emission. The smart solar photo photovoltaic cleaning
mechanism consists of two units autonomous unit and robotic unit. The autonomous unit sends
message to the robotic until the power output should not be the same as in clean condition.
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Chapter 3
The project is carried with the experimentation. The experiment we perform in the different sites to determine
the behavior of dust and other pollution in real time. So that we can determine the actual data that after a
specified amount of dust the panel losses the specified amount of power output. After determining the
specified losses we are going to design a system which can save the power output as much as possible. The
one thing more design of the project has a specified payback period. We can tell our customer that after
installing the system this system will pay back to you after a time and will provide equal amount of voltages
and current.
Exper
iment
:
To identify the major efficiency loss of the panel due to dirt that
spread over the surface when exposed to open environment
Apparatus:
The apparatus consist of the following parts:
1. Three solar panels.
2. Voltmeter.
3. Ammeter.
4. Stand to hold plates.
Purpose:
The purpose of designing an experiment is to obtain the efficiency loss that is due to the dirt
particles that spread over the surface of solar panel and cause difficulty to flow of electron.
24
The dirty panel can significantly affect the efficiency of solar panel. An apparatus will be
design that can clean the solar panel automatically with less consumption of power.
Site Location:
The experiment is performed in order to estimate the efficiency loss that
occurs due to the soil that spread over the surface of solar panel and
significantly decreases the efficiency of solar panel. The soiling of the panel is
measured as in terms of weight that spread on the surface of panel as in some
conditions the day wise data is not kept as constant and we say that in one day
the 100 Grams of dust can be easily carried by the solar panel on the basis of
the dust that the panel had carried can be we perform the experiment that will
help in optimizing the efficiency loss that occur when panel is un cleaned.
This experiment is performed in the Islamabad I-9 Sector the conditions that
were kept as constant as given below:
Temperature 17˚C
Tilt Angle of the panel 25˚
Humidity 68%
25
Procedure:
The procedure of the experiment consists of following points after performing which we
going to obtain results.
1. The panel ideal conditions are measured when the panel is cleaned and its power
is maximum.
2. Then the panel voltages are measured when there is load and is fully cleaned.
3. Then the panel is set in such a way that it carries the maximum dirt particles and
the weight of that dust is 100g it is done via using smart weight machine that is
attached under the panel. The panel is exposed to open environment when that is
in real conditions and have full load. Then we obtained the readings.
4. On the very next day the panel is exposed to the same environment and
approximately carries 200 g of dust. After that we calculate the same readings that
are efficiency loss and difference in power generated.
5. Readings are taken on the multiple times to calculate the difference. The data
obtained in given below.
26
Panel Specifications:
27
Data obtained:
The data obtained when there is load on the solar panel and is in working condition. Also
the panel is cleaned and giving its maximum efficiency.
28
After two days of cleaning:
On the next day the panel accumulates about 208grms of soil so the data
generated is as follows:
Sr. Date Time Input Output Volts Efficiency Drop in
Generated efficiency
No. Voltages Current %
%
1. 30/11/2020 12:30pm 16.73 3.02 16.73 47.18 52.82
2. 30/11/2020 03:00pm 16.6 2.68 16.6 41.87 58.13
3. 30/11/2020 01:00pm 16.56 2.39 16.56 37.34 62.66
The percentages of drop in efficiency were not same at different weight of dust so we perform the
different experiment in different location in Islamabad F-8. At that time we performed in a different way
so that the results were somehow certain and we have gone through the results by the help of efficiencies
drop:
Experiment No 2:
29
To determine the drop in efficiency when the specified amount of dust is spread over the surface
of solar panel.
Procedure:
Readings:
31
Sr. Date Time Real time Output Current Efficiency Drop in
efficiency
No. Voltages %
%
1. 24/01/2021 12:30pm 16.57 5.32 80.13 19.8
2. 24/01/2021 03:00pm 16.59 5.27 79.48 20.5
3.8 Summary
32
Summary of all your methodologies.
33
Chapter 4
In this chapter, you will be discussing in detail all the tools used in your work. This includes
hardware, software and simulation tools or any other thing which aided in your project. If
multiple hardware/software tools are used, use subheadings and go in detail of each one of them.
4.3 Summary
Summary of the chapter.
34
Chapter 5
In this chapter, you will explain all the results you achieved after completing all what you
explained in previous chapter. Try to find a balance while explaining your results. Neither makes
your project/work look worthless in case you were unable to achieve the goals identified. Nor
should you claim to have solved all the problems in the world by the results you have achieved.
Take a step by step approach as identified in the section headings below.
Split the project in major parts and discuss the results for each part.
Again split the project in different parts discuss the results for each part.
What you initially claimed and what you achieved in the end.
Most probably there will be some results not in line with your goal, explain the reasons for this
e.g. Hardware/recourses unavailability, time constraints e.t.c.
35
5.4 Limitations
The goals/results you achieved if some constraints have or if they are for some specific
conditions, explain all these.
5.5 Recommendations
What your recommendations would be to someone who wants to carry on with your work where
you left it or wants to improve it.
5.6 Summary
Summary of the results.
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Chapter 6
CONCLUSION
What is the strongest and most important statement that you can make from your
observations? If you met the reader at a meeting six months from now, what do you want them to
remember about your paper? Refer back to problem posed, and describe the conclusions that you
reached from carrying out this investigation, summarize new observations, new interpretations,
and new insights that have resulted from the present work. Include the broader implications of
your results. Make sure you do not repeat word for word of any part of project report above.
37
REFERENCES
[4] N. K. Kasim, A. J. Al-wattar, and K. K. Abbas, “New Technique for Treatment of the dust
accumulation from PV solar panels surface,” Iraqi J. Phys., vol. 8, no. 12, pp. 54–59,
2010.
[6] M. Vaghani, J. Magtarpara, K. Vahani, and J. Maniya, “Automated Solar Panel Cleaning
System using IoT Automated Solar Panel Cleaning System using IoT,” no. April 2019,
2020.
[7] H. Kawamoto and B. Guo, “Improvement of an electrostatic cleaning system for removal
of dust from solar panels,” J. Electrostat., vol. 91, no. November 2014, pp. 28–33, 2018,
doi: 10.1016/j.elstat.2017.12.002.
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