Projeto conceitual de um dispositivo de limpeza de módulos fotovoltaicos

Abstract

Combined with the growing global demand for the use of renewable energy sources, the solar energy market has expanded rapidly, reinforcing the importance of solutions that maximize the efficiency of photovoltaic systems. One of the main challenges faced by solar plant owners and maintenance service providers is cleaning photovoltaic panels, whose accumulation of dirt can significantly reduce energy generation. Although there are manual and automated methods for cleaning modules, there is still no efficient standardization that fully meets users' needs, both in terms of effectiveness and operational costs. Given this scenario, the objective of this work is to develop, through product development methodology, an innovative solution for an automatic device for cleaning photovoltaic panels. This device aims to improve the efficiency of cleaning operations, offering a viable alternative for both service providers and solar plant owners themselves. The methodology used in developing the project was divided into two main stages: informational design and conceptual design. In the first stage, a detailed analysis of the solar energy market was carried out, identifying the specific needs of customers and the limitations of currently available cleaning methods. From this analysis, a set of functional and technical specifications for the product was generated. In the second stage, several alternative solutions were proposed, taking into account factors such as technical feasibility, cost and efficiency. A 3D model was developed to represent the final solution, allowing a visualization of the proposed device and its functionalities. The presented concept is expected to contribute to increasing efficiency in the maintenance of photovoltaic modules, reducing operational costs and optimizing the energy performance of solar plants. Furthermore, the work can pave the way for the development of new devices and technologies aimed at maintaining renewable energy systems, contributing to the sustainability of the sector.