How does a solar panel suction work?

Since the surface of the solar panel is not horizontal but tilted suction method is used for creating the grip on the panel. In suction method, a vaccum pump and a suction cup is used. Vacuum pump sucks air out of the cup and suction cup grips the wall due to external pressure.

How does a vacuum pump affect a PV panel?

These suction cups when actuated using the vacuum pumps, create a suction force which helps the robot to get attached to its surface and move on it. As accumulation of dust on the PV panel reduces its transmittance which results in the reduction of the power output, thus resulting in loss of power generation.

How does a solar panel cleaning unit work?

The Arduino controls the movement of the cleaning unit and coordinates with other components of the system. Dust removal mechanism: The cleaning unit's motion and rotating brush effectively remove dust from the surface of the solar panel. The dust is forced in the direction of motion and blown away at the panel's edge.

How to optimize the structure of the vacuum chamber?

The structure of the vacuum chamber is optimized by the CFD-DEM simulation results. High-speed photography tests are carried out to evaluate the dust cleaner's function. Image processing method is applied to quantify the performance of the dust cleaner. 1. Introduction

Why do you need to touch a suction cup?

In order to generate a vacuum and therefore a lifting force it is necessary to touch the object because without it the suction cup would not be sealed and ambient air would disturb the evacuation. The size and the amount of suction cups vary up to wafer area-covering models.

What is a vacuum pump & how does it work?

Vacuum Pump is a device that removes gas molecules from a sealed volume in order to leave behind a partial vacuum. Vacuum pump is connected to the suction cups which helps the robot to move on the surface of the solar panel. 3 DC motor, 4 vacuum pump and one stepper motor were used in this project.