Hilmer, Kane (2023) Glass Surface Contamination Sensor System: Design and Verification. [USQ Project]
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Abstract
Contamination on glass surfaces, including that found on photovoltaics (PV), results in significant reductions in power generating capacity, and requires regular cleaning maintenance. This project develops a sensor system that could be integrated into the construction of a PV module. The sensor can provide information about the quantity of contamination on a glass surface. Research conducted showed that the properties of interest of typical contaminants found on PV modules could be systematically measured via relative permittivity and temperature. Electrodes bonded to the rear of the glass surface are used to develop a capacitance change due to the contamination on the front surface. RTD temperature measurements provide contaminant temperature and additional information. Processing of the capacitance and temperature measurement information is proposed for use in determining surface contamination. FDM simulation of a surface contamination sensor embedded into a PV module is discussed and implemented prior to conducting extensive simulations to verify the operation and optimise the sensor electrode dimensions. A physical analogue is designed and FDM simulations are performed using a PCB, prior to fabrication. An interfacing circuit is included for verifying the PCB Sensor functionality. Testing of the PCB Sensor element is completed using various contaminants, with LCR Meter and VNA measurements determining the characteristics of the sensor element for comparison to the FDM simulation results. The interface circuit and combined sensor system were also tested, with the results of all testing showing that the measurement of contamination using the electrode on glass method is viable, and that contamination on a glass surface is measurable. Future design and development with additional testing will support the full-scale integration into a PV module.
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| Item Type: | USQ Project |
|---|---|
| Item Status: | Live Archive |
| Faculty/School / Institute/Centre: | Current – Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences - School of Engineering (1 Jan 2022 -) |
| Supervisors: | Maxwell, Andrew |
| Qualification: | Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical & Electronic) |
| Date Deposited: | 25 Sep 2025 01:22 |
| Last Modified: | 25 Sep 2025 01:22 |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | photovoltaics (PV) |
| URI: | https://sear.unisq.edu.au/id/eprint/52952 |
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