Mitigation of dust impacts on solar collectors by water-free cleaning with transparent electrodynamic films: Progress and challenges

Abstract

Energy-yield loss caused by soiling of the PV modules and CSP mirrors in utility-scale power plants would result in unsustainable demands for fresh water needed for cleaning. This paper reviews the progress of the electrodynamic screen (EDS) film technology for frequent water-free cleaning with low energy requirements. EDS-based cleaning would maintain high optical efficiency ensuring long-term sustainability of TW-scale plants located in arid lands. Principles, modeling, construction, and lamination of the EDS films on modules and mirrors and experimental data showing power output restoration are presented. Current challenges in production and meeting outdoors durability of the EDS films are discussed.