Soiling Modelling in Large Grid-Connected PV Plants for Cleaning Optimization

Marta Redondo (), Carlos A. Platero (), Antonio Moset, Fernando Rodríguez and Vicente Donate
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Marta Redondo: Department of Automática, Ingeniería Eléctrica y Electrónica e Informática Industrial, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28006 Madrid, Spain
Carlos A. Platero: Department of Automática, Ingeniería Eléctrica y Electrónica e Informática Industrial, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28006 Madrid, Spain
Antonio Moset: Department of Operation & Maintenance Solar Iberia, Enel Green Power Iberia, 28042 Madrid, Spain
Fernando Rodríguez: Department of Operation & Maintenance Improvement, Enel Green Power Iberia, 28042 Madrid, Spain
Vicente Donate: Department of Operation & Maintenance Solar Iberia, Enel Green Power Iberia, 28042 Madrid, Spain

Energies, 2023, vol. 16, issue 2, 1-13

Abstract: Soiling of PV modules is an issue causing non-negligible losses on PV power plants, between 3 and 4% of the total energy production. Cleaning is the most common way to mitigate soiling. The impact of the cleaning activity can be significant, both in terms of cost and resources consumption. For these reasons, it is important to monitor and predict soiling profiles and establish an optimal cleaning schedule. Especially in locations where raining is irregular or where desert winds carry a high concentration of particles, it is also important to know how precipitation and dust events affect the soiling ratio. This paper presents a new model based on environmental conditions that helps the decision-making process of the cleaning schedule. The model was validated by the analysis of five large grid-connected PV plants in Spain over two years of operation, with a total power of 200 MW. The comparison between the model and soiling sensors at the five locations was included. Excellent results were achieved, the mean difference between sensors and model being 0.71%.

Keywords: dust accumulation; energy efficiency; forecasting; optimal scheduling; photovoltaic power systems; PV cleaning; solar power generation; soiling (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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