AkSoRe – Acoustic cleaning of photovoltaic modules

The market for renewable energy is growing steadily, with photovoltaic (PV) systems playing a central role. However, the efficiency of PV modules can be significantly reduced by soiling such as dust, sand, insects, and pollen – potentially resulting in yield losses of up to 20 percent. Rain can have a cleaning effect, but regular cleaning is necessary, especially in regions with low rainfall. Traditional cleaning methods often involve the use of robots, which have notable drawbacks. For instance, robotic cleaning consumes substantial amounts of water and may gradually damage the anti-reflective coating on the modules.

Aim of the project

The goal of the project is to develop an innovative method for the automated cleaning of PV modules using acoustic vibrations through structure-borne sound excitation. The technology aims to enable the modules to clean themselves without contact or external media. This approach is intended to prevent scratches and conserve resources such as water and energy.

Project approach

The research project combines vibration-based excitation of PV modules with their cleaning. The approach is divided into three main development areas:

1. Development of control algorithms for removal of soiling using vibration exciters.
2. Development of vibration exciters for PV modules, including the necessary electronics.
3. Development of PV modules with integrated acoustic cleaning using acoustic exciters.

Prototype deevelopment

At the end of the project, a prototype with three PV modules and integrated structure-borne sound exciters is to be developed, which will be tested for performance under real conditions in joint functional tests. The goal is a fully functional system for the automated cleaning of PV modules.