This document discusses the use of robotic devices for installing and maintaining solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. It describes how robots could install large utility-scale PV panels twice as fast as humans while using less labor. Robots would apply adhesives instead of bolts and transport panels automatically. The document also discusses how robots could clean PV panels to maintain efficiency, especially in dusty environments. Robotic installation and cleaning could make PV energy less expensive and more sustainable while reducing human labor costs and risks.
This document discusses the use of robotic devices for installing and maintaining solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. It describes how robots could install large utility-scale PV panels twice as fast as humans while using less labor. Robots would apply adhesives instead of bolts and transport panels automatically. The document also discusses how robots could clean PV panels to maintain efficiency, especially in dusty environments. Robotic installation and cleaning could make PV energy less expensive and more sustainable while reducing human labor costs and risks.
This document discusses the use of robotic devices for installing and maintaining solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. It describes how robots could install large utility-scale PV panels twice as fast as humans while using less labor. Robots would apply adhesives instead of bolts and transport panels automatically. The document also discusses how robots could clean PV panels to maintain efficiency, especially in dusty environments. Robotic installation and cleaning could make PV energy less expensive and more sustainable while reducing human labor costs and risks.
This document discusses the use of robotic devices for installing and maintaining solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. It describes how robots could install large utility-scale PV panels twice as fast as humans while using less labor. Robots would apply adhesives instead of bolts and transport panels automatically. The document also discusses how robots could clean PV panels to maintain efficiency, especially in dusty environments. Robotic installation and cleaning could make PV energy less expensive and more sustainable while reducing human labor costs and risks.
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A COURSE SEMINAR RES-692
ROBOTICS DEVICES FOR
INSTALLATION AND MAINTAINANCE OF SOLAR PV SYSTEMS SUBMITTED TO DR. NAFISA ALI, Professor By ER. Sudhir Narayan Kharpude, PhD Scholar Department of Renewable Energy Engineering, CTAE Udaipur Contents: Introduction Robotic solar PV installations Robotic solar PV maintenance Environmental aspects Conclusions
Introduction: Solar photovoltaic is a sustainable energy source.
In 2013, its fast-growing capacity increased by 36% to a running total of 136 GW, worldwide. India: 6.4 GW The installation of large capacity plants has been gaining more importance. To boost the Solar PV installation and cutting down prices of installations; nowadays, robotic devices have gained very much importance. Robotic Solar PV Installations The typical installation process for utility scale projects is labour intensive, long and prone to logistical and quality problems. Despite incremental improvements, the installation process is fundamentally flawed because it relies on components largely designed for small, residential roof systems. While these flaws are minor within a 20 panel system, they can create major problems for 20,000 panel systems.
Main highlights: a better process that can build utility scale PV projects twice as fast and with less than half the labour. construction technique uses extruded concrete rails to replace metal posts, racks and cable trenches found in conventional installations. Automatically deposited, powerful adhesives replace all bolts and clips robotic installation vehicle replaces manual labour for rack assembly and panel placement. It works continuously, using a fraction of the labour, while increasing speed and quality. A robotic PV installer Advantages: Construction materials last longer and Cost effective materials. Technology eliminates low-skilled tasks including ditch-digging, bolt- tightening and hauling heavy glass over uneven ground. Saves time and money System is fully based on Renewable energy. Can be used in all types of climates and geographical regions. Robotic solar PV maintenance The accumulation of dust particles and debris on the surface of photovoltaic (PV) panels negatively affects the performance the same way as if on a cloudy day. This is especially problematic in arid, dusty environments. There is a need for an automated cleaning solution to this problem which can service large ground based solar arrays up to an operating park of 22,000 panels (20,000 square meters). Contd. An efficient robotic device can service such large scale parks for cleaning and built-in auto inspection for panels whilst conserving power and cleaning water when compared to human crews and current hardware alternatives. Water for cleaning panels can also benefit efficiency because most crystalline silicone solar cells have better current-voltage characteristics at lower temperatures. The water being sprayed by the robot cools the panels while cleaning which can further increase efficiency of the array by up to 15%
System components: Drive system Cleaning head Automatic inspection unit Water spraying unit
Solar Robotic cleanser Advantages: A pure SPV based technology. Helps improving and maintaining SPV efficiency. Quality deterioration of panels is inhibited. Auto inspection helps for better maintenance. No need for human operation control. Environmental aspects: Environmental: Brownfields and landfills: concrete rail system is ballasted and requires no ground penetration, making non- penetrating system ideal for brown fields, landfills and other areas where driving posts are difficult, impossible or cost-prohibitive. Damp environments and marine layers: Performance risk due to metal corrosion is an inherent issue in damp regions, island nations, and areas impacted by marine layer. concrete rail system and powerful adhesives eliminate risks due to metal corrosion.
Dusty regions and deserts: Soiling can reduce panel performance by double-digits. So robotic brush can help in maintainance. High wind areas: ballasted concrete rails and low profile are ideally suited for gusting regions.
Conclusions: A robotic devices are nowadays are suitable technology for installation of PV system Cost effective technology Labour effective technology Takes very less time for installation Can work in harsh climatic conditions References: http://www.ipceagle.com/products/solar-panel-pure-water-cleaning- system#.U4d0f3IaaV8 http://www.alionenergy.com/services/ideal-for-challenging- environments/ H. Hayden, P. Johnston, V. Garboushian, D. Roubideaux, APS Installation and Operation of 300 kW of Amonix High Concentration PV Systems, Proc. 29th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conf., New Orleans, USA, (2002). OSC Energy Inc., SolarWash, 7 Nov. 2008, http://www.ocsenergy.com