Investigation of Geometric and Hardness Parameters of Tank Track Grooves Equipped on Photovoltaic Cleaning Robot
Source abstract
Abstract
The utilization of photovoltaic (PV) cleaning robots has proven to be an effective method for maintaining the conversion efficiency of utility-scale PV power plants by mitigating the impact of dust accumulation. However, ensuring the safe operation of these robots, resembling tanks in appearance, particularly in wet working conditions, relies heavily on their adherence to PV panels. This study focuses on assessing the slip resistance of candidate materials coated on endless polyurethane timing belts, which are equipped on PV cleaning robots to enable the efficient cleaning of uneven and misaligned PV arrays. A novel apparatus is proposed to evaluate the coefficient of static friction (COSF) of slip specimens, considering factors such as outsole patterns, area density, and shore hardness. The results highlight the significant influence of shore hardness and area density on the slip resistance of the specimens. Based on the findings, it is recommended to design track grooves with hexagon or zigzag patterns and maintain a low area density (e.g., 0.44 g·mm−2) to ensure the safe operation of PV cleaning robots, irrespective of the working conditions they encounter. By addressing the slip resistance challenge, this research contributes to the overall efficiency and reliability of PV cleaning robots, enhancing their performance in maintaining clean and optimal PV panel surfaces.
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Research context
OpenAlex topics: Power Line Inspection Robots · Photovoltaic System Optimization Techniques · Structural Analysis and Optimization
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Faculty of Electronics and Telecommunication, Sai Gon University, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam
National Key Laboratory of Digital Control and System Engineering (DCSELab), Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT), Linh Trung Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam
Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, Linh Trung Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam
Funding
Vietnam National University
References (38)
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