Wind-driven tech powers photo voltaic panel mud elimination with out exterior electrical energy
by Riko Seibo
Tokyo, Japan (SPX) Jul 22, 2025
By a joint effort with Dr. Wanchul Seung at Samsung Electronics’ World Expertise Analysis division, Professor Juhyuck Lee and his group on the Division of Vitality Science and Engineering at DGIST have developed a self-powered system for cleansing photo voltaic panels. The innovation combines wind power with electrodynamic display (EDS) expertise, eliminating the necessity for exterior energy sources.
Mud buildup on photo voltaic panels can drastically scale back their effectivity. EDS expertise, which makes use of electrical fields to dislodge mud, has confirmed worthwhile in distant places like deserts and mountainous areas the place handbook cleansing is impractical. Conventional EDS methods, nevertheless, demand excessive voltage and exterior power, rising repairs prices.
In 2024, DGIST researchers proposed a wind-powered, single-phase EDS resolution, nevertheless it suffered from restricted efficiency. Its effectiveness was closely depending on the panel’s mounting angle, as mud elimination relied on gravity-based, side-to-side motion.
To beat these shortcomings, the DGIST group launched a three-phase EDS system pushed by a wind-powered rotational triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG). This new setup makes use of specifically designed three-phase electrodes to actively direct mud off the panel floor, functioning effectively no matter orientation.
Checks confirmed the system generated as much as 1,383 volts and achieved 83.48% mud elimination efficiency-1.6 occasions greater than earlier designs. When powered solely by wind, the expertise restored photo voltaic panels’ efficiency to about 96% of their unique energy conversion effectivity.
“The important thing takeaway on this examine is that three-phase excessive voltage generated by wind energy is used to maneuver mud within the desired route, and it doesn’t require exterior energy,” mentioned Professor Lee. “This expertise will scale back the upkeep prices of photo voltaic panels and may be utilized effectively throughout a variety of environments.”
The analysis was supported by Korea’s Ministry of Science and ICT and the Nationwide Analysis Basis, with findings revealed in Nano Vitality. First authors had been DGIST graduate college students Cheoljae Lee and Junyoung Yang.
Analysis Report:Self-powered directional dust removal via wind-driven phase-controlled TENG for solar panel maintenance
Associated Hyperlinks
Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology
All About Solar Energy at SolarDaily.com
