Jul 21, 2025

Wind-driven nanogenerator powers self-cleaning system for solar panels

Researchers developed a wind-powered triboelectric nanogenerator that drives a self-cleaning system for solar panels, restoring 96% of their efficiency.

(Nanowerk News) A research team from Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), working with Dr. Wanchul Seung at Samsung Electronics’ Global Technology Research, has developed a self-sustaining system to clean dust from solar panels using only wind energy. The system harnesses a rotating triboelectric nanogenerator to power an electrodynamic screen (EDS) that removes dust without relying on external electricity (Nano Energy, "Self-powered electrodynamic dust removal for sustainable solar panels using triboelectric nanogenerators").

Dust accumulation is a major problem for solar panels, significantly reducing their power output. EDS technology addresses this by generating electric fields to dislodge dust, making it especially useful in remote areas like deserts, mountain ranges, or even space. However, conventional EDS systems typically require high-voltage external power sources, increasing both energy demand and maintenance costs.

To address these challenges, the DGIST team previously introduced a wind-powered single-phase EDS system. This earlier version relied on dust shifting back and forth between electrodes, depending on gravity to help remove it. As a result, its efficiency dropped on solar panels installed at non-optimal angles.

The newly developed system overcomes this limitation. It uses a three-phase rotating triboelectric nanogenerator directly driven by wind. This generator powers a redesigned EDS electrode structure that moves dust in a consistent, single direction—regardless of the panel’s tilt or orientation. The new configuration improves both performance and reliability.

Lab tests showed that the triboelectric generator produced up to 1,383 volts and achieved a dust removal efficiency of 83.48%, which is 1.6 times higher than the earlier single-phase design. When used on dusty panels, the system restored power conversion efficiency to about 96% of the original output, all without needing an external power supply.

“This technology allows dust to be cleared using only wind-powered voltage, without relying on any external electricity,” said Professor Juhyuck Lee, who led the project. “It can reduce solar panel maintenance costs and work effectively in harsh or remote environments.”

Source: Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST) (Note: Content may be edited for style and length)