Desarrollo de un prototipo de limpieza de paneles fotovoltaicos
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RevActaNova.
Abstract
Resumen: La acumulación de polvo en los paneles fotovoltaicos (FV) es un importante factor que influye en la eficiencia de generación fotovoltaica. Estudios han demostrado que cuando sobre la superficie captadora de radiación solar se acumula polvo y suciedad del ambiente, se reduce significativamente la capacidad de generación de electricidad. En Bolivia, actualmente, solo se emplean métodos manuales para limpiar las plantas solares, siendo interesante analizar las soluciones tecnológicas en base a máquinas de limpieza automatizadas, como una alternativa prometedora y eficiente. En este artículo, se plantea el diseño y la fabricación de un prototipo de estas características. En el desarrollo del mismo, se aplicaron conceptos de diseño asistido por computadora, mecánica, electrónica, programación de microcontroladores y desarrollo de software, todo desde un enfoque mecatrónico. Las pruebas se realizaron en un ambiente de laboratorio, observando un aumento significativo en la producción de electricidad de los paneles, y determinando que el prototipo es capaz de limpiar 700 metros lineales (matrices de paneles lado a lado) en un tiempo aproximado a tres horas. Finalmente, se presenta un análisis de la capacidad del prototipo, determinando sus costos y tiempo que demora en la limpieza de distintas plantas fotovoltaicas de Bolivia.
Abstract: Dust accumulation in photovoltaic (PV) panels is an important factor that influences the efficiency of photovoltaic generation. Studies have shown that when dust and dirt from the environment accumulate on the surface that captures solar radiation, the capacity to generate electricity is significantly reduced. In Bolivia, currently, only manual methods are used to clean solar plants, and it is interesting to analyze technological solutions based on automated cleaning machines, as a promising and efficient alternative. In this article, the design and manufacture of a prototype of these characteristics is proposed. In the development of the prototype, concepts of computer-aided design, mechanics, electronics, microcontroller programming and software development were applied, all from a mechatronics approach. The tests were carried out in a laboratory environment, and a significant increase in the electricity production of the panels was observed. It was also determined that the prototype is capable of cleaning 700 linear meters (side-by-side arrays of panels) in approximately three hours. Finally, an analysis of the prototype's capacity is presented, determining its costs and the time it takes to clean different photovoltaic plants in Bolivia.
Abstract: Dust accumulation in photovoltaic (PV) panels is an important factor that influences the efficiency of photovoltaic generation. Studies have shown that when dust and dirt from the environment accumulate on the surface that captures solar radiation, the capacity to generate electricity is significantly reduced. In Bolivia, currently, only manual methods are used to clean solar plants, and it is interesting to analyze technological solutions based on automated cleaning machines, as a promising and efficient alternative. In this article, the design and manufacture of a prototype of these characteristics is proposed. In the development of the prototype, concepts of computer-aided design, mechanics, electronics, microcontroller programming and software development were applied, all from a mechatronics approach. The tests were carried out in a laboratory environment, and a significant increase in the electricity production of the panels was observed. It was also determined that the prototype is capable of cleaning 700 linear meters (side-by-side arrays of panels) in approximately three hours. Finally, an analysis of the prototype's capacity is presented, determining its costs and the time it takes to clean different photovoltaic plants in Bolivia.
Description
Vol. 10, No. 2