Systems and Methods for Self-Cleaning Solar Panels Using an Electrodynamic Shield

Abstract

Systems and methods for self-cleaning a surface of an object where an electrodynamic shield is mounted to a surface of the object. The electrodynamic shield includes one or more sets of electrodes atop a substrate, at least one or more sets of electrodes being covered in a protective film. A coating is applied to the top surface of the protection film. A signal pulse generator is connected to the one or more sets of electrodes. The signal pulse generator generates a pulse signal that causes the one or more sets of electrodes to generate an electric field. The pulse signal comprises a plurality of different pulse signals which have phase differences between consecutive signals, and the electric field causes a particle atop the coating to experience an electrostatic force and be repelled away from the coating. These pulse signals (including shapes, amplitudes, shifts, and frequencies) can be tuned to increase efficiency of removal depending on dust type and relative humidity.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system for self-cleaning a surface of an object, comprising:
 an electrodynamic shield mounted to a surface of the object, the electrodynamic shield including one or more sets of electrodes atop a substrate, the at least one or more sets of electrodes covered in a protective film, and a coating applied to the top surface of the protection film; and   a signal pulse generator connected to the one or more sets of electrodes, wherein the signal pulse generator generates a pulse signal that causes the one or more sets of electrodes to generate an electric field, wherein the pulse signal comprises a plurality of different pulse signals having phase differences between consecutive signals, and wherein the electric field causes a particle atop the coating to experience an electrostatic force and be repelled away from the coating.