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Status
Electronic Resource
Call number
Publication
1426; Report; October 1978.
Language
Library's review
ABSTRACT:
During the installation and checkout portion of the Department of Energy's program on the Application of Solar Energy to Industrial Drying of Soybeans, it became evident that a significant solar panel cleaning problem existed. The problem stems from soybean oil droplets and particles in
During the installation and checkout portion of the Department of Energy's program on the Application of Solar Energy to Industrial Drying of Soybeans, it became evident that a significant solar panel cleaning problem existed. The problem stems from soybean oil droplets and particles in
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the environment of the plant site. A conceptual design has been prepared for an automatic cleaning system for the solar panels. Investigations into the nature of the contaminant revealed that the soybean oil polymerizes with extended exposure to ultraviolet rays. This polymerization is accelerated by the presence of ozone. It was concluded that the most practical method of panel cleaning would involve daily removal of deposits before significant polymerization could occur. Several cleaning system concepts were studied. An oscillating spray bar promised the optimum cleaning action/initial investment ratio. A 48-ft-long prototype of this type was constructed and a test program initiated. This test program will continue throughout Phase III. To date, the prototype has operated daily without incident and has performed a credible cleaning job. A preliminary design of a control system is presented. This system is completely automatic and incorporates freeze protection. Show Less