LAUSR

Abstract A detachable cleaning device that utilizes electrodynamic force has been improved to clean hardly adhered dust particles owing to the moisture absorption from the surface of photovoltaic (PV) panels. The device comprises parallel screen electrodes attached in a plastic frame. When a high ac voltage is applied to the parallel screen electrodes (whose lower part is set on a soiled PV panel), the generated electrodynamic force acts on the particles under the lower electrode. A flip-flop motion of the particles arises between the electrodes owing to the electrodynamic force as well as some particles that pass through the openings of the upper screen electrode and fall downward along the inclined panel owing to gravitational force. Hence, the dust deposited on the panel is cleaned. Previously, it has been demonstrated that dust is removed efficiently from the surface of an inclined panel by applying a low-frequency high-voltage. However, the performance is low for particles that are strongly fixed on the panel. Three countermeasures are proposed herein to improve the cleaning of dust particles: by adjusting the operational scheme, improving the electrode configuration, and utilizing airflow. This improved technology is expected to realize the efficient operation of large-scale PV power generation plants constructed in deserts.