Cleaning Mechanism to Improve Efficiency and Sustainability of Desert Solar Plant

Abstract

This paper proposes a design for the improvement in the efficiency of Quaid-e-Azam solar power plant using a robust cleaning system based on regional challenges and available resources. The deposition of sand on the panels impact the overall output and solutions have been prepared in many designs. With the environmental constraints and regional prospects, the right choice of such solution is essential given the economic and social viability in a developing country. The proposed design recycles the water that is used, under temperature conditions and dust type. The 100MW system has been assessed on techno-economic feasibility for the statistical difference of economic benefits of the solution using the proposed design. Bahawalpur region is a desert environment which has an adverse effect on the solar power plant due to dust deposition and utilizes a lot of water for cleaning purpose. Moreover, the design is also proposed keeping in view the water scarcity of the region thereby saving water to a significant extent and providing sustainability.