Particle deposition indicator device in photovoltaic panels.

Abstract

This work deals with the instantaneous power loss delivered by a PV panel in the presence of deposition of environmental particles on its surface and on a device capable of sensing dirt using an optical sensor designed to detect said dust particles and thus emit a signal. scheduled notice for cleaning. The proposed device consists of an infrared emitting diode with a phototransistor, which are arranged diagonally, so
that it can detect light reflected from dust in the air. The sensor has an analog voltage output that is linear and proportional to the amount of dust detected (dust density mg/m3). The sensitivity of the sensor is 0.5V for every 0.1mg of dust per cubic meter.