Journal of Material Sciences & Engineering

Material Selection for Electrodes of Electrodynamic Screen (EDS): A Self Cleaning Technology for Solar Collectors

Abstract

Annie Rabi Bernard and Malay Mazumder*

The Electrodynamic Screen (EDS) is a self cleaning surface technology that can be retrofitted or integrated onto the optical surface of solar collectors, which when activated, can charge dust and remove it off the surface without using water or robotic parts. The EDS film’s electrodes enable the cleaning action and hence have to account for both conductivity and transparency to be included in the solar collectors. We present the different materials explored to serve this purpose, the reason for their selection, pros and cons of each material and results obtained upon testing their environmental durability and viability. The results from standardized accelerated weathering tests which validate the outdoor durability of the final electrode materials are also reported.