System and method for self-cleaning solar panel using electrodynamic shield

Abstract

To provide systems and methods for self-cleaning that do not require water or mechanical cleaning.SOLUTION: An electrodynamic shield (EDS) 10 is mounted to a surface of an object. The electrodynamic shield (EDS) 10 includes one or more sets of electrodes 12 atop a substrate 18, At least one or more sets of electrodes 12 are covered in a protective film 14. Coating 16 is applied to the top surface of the protection film 14. A signal pulse generator is connected to the one or more sets of electrodes 12. The signal pulse generator generates a pulse signal that causes the one or more sets of electrodes 12 to generate an electric field. The pulse signal comprises a plurality of different pulse signals which have phase differences between consecutive signals. The electric field causes a particle 20 atop the coating 16 to experience an electrostatic force and be repelled away from the coating 12. These pulse signals (including shapes, amplitudes, shifts, and frequencies) can be tuned to increase efficiency of removal depending on types of dust 20 and relative humidity.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] (CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 557,070, filed Sep. 11, 2017, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to equipment for cleaning solar panels, and more particularly to a system and method for self-cleaning solar panels using an electrodynamic shield. [Background technology]

[0003] In the renewable energy sector, photovoltaic power generation using solar panels has attracted widespread interest and is increasingly being deployed. A major challenge with existing solar panels is the reduction in output power due to dust and other particles coating the solar panels. Dust accumulation on solar panels can significantly reduce power output. The standard approach to alleviate this problem is to mechanically clean the solar panels, which requires the use of water and manual labor or water and robotics, which are very expensive and error-prone. Emerging approaches include applying hydrophobic or hydrophilic coatings to the glass surfaces of the solar panels and automating manual cleaning using robots. However, repeated mechanical cleaning can damage the glass surfaces of the solar panels and can require large amounts of water, which is a scarce commodity in desert regions.

[0004] Further approaches include the use of electrodynamic shielding, or "EDS." EDS generates an electric field through electrodes, which causes dust particles on the solar panels to experience electrostatic forces and be repelled from the solar panels. The use of EDS has attracted interest in addressing the problem of dust accumulation on solar panels for vehicles operating on the Moon and Mars. On the Moon, the weightlessness, zero magnetic field, and harsh vacuum environment allow EDS to repel dust particles. However, the EDS technique in its current incarnation is impractical for terrestrial applications due to the Earth's humidity levels and the low transparency of the electrode materials currently used. Specifically, the layer of moisture that condenses on the surface of the solar panels shields the electric field and also acts as a trap for dust particles due to the resistive forces of the moisture layer, such as dielectrophoretic forces, adhesion forces, etc. Also, with current EDS systems, particles remain near the electrode edges and in a central location above the electrode. These residual particles are difficult to repel from the solar panels, even with additional electric field stimulation. The combination of moisture and dust can also result in the formation of a highly sticky dust "cake" that is impossible to remove by current EDS systems.

[0005] Accordingly, the systems and methods disclosed herein address these and other needs by providing a system and method for self-cleaning that addresses the above-noted moisture layer problem without the need for water or mechanical cleaning. Specifically, the systems and methods disclosed herein address these and other needs using novel electrode and insulator configurations that control water adsorption, and using novel electrical pulse generators that improve cleaning efficiency and require minimal power consumption. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 557,070 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The current disclosure relates to a system and method for self-cleaning a solar panel using an electrodynamic shield. The system includes an electrodynamic shield ("EDS") that includes one or more sets of electrodes, a protective film on the electrodes, a coating on the protective film, and a substrate under the electrodes. The electrodes and protective film are shaped and arranged to control water adsorption on the surface of the electrodynamic shield. The substrate can be a low-iron soda-lime glass cover of the solar panel, which is one of the most suitable glass types for EDS applications. A pulse signal generator can generate a pulse signal that powers the set(s) of electrodes. The pulse signal includes a plurality of different pulse signals with a phase difference between successive signals. The pulse signals can include different waveforms, different amplitudes, and different frequencies. The pulse signal can be enhanced with leading-edge pulses and trailing-edge pulses, as desired. The initial pulses provide a measurable increase in force to overcome the stiction and inertia of the stationary dust particles, and the amplitude of the subsequent pulses can be reduced to reduce the net power consumed. The pulse combination may be tailored for the particular type of dust. When connected to a single electrode set, the pulse signal generator uses a standing wave signal pattern to generate the electric field. When connected to multiple electrode sets, the pulse signal generator uses a traveling wave signal pattern to generate the electric field. By powering the electrode set(s), the EDS generates an electric field that causes the dust particles on the coating to experience a large electrostatic force. The electrostatic force combined with gravity repels the dust particles from the solar panel. The series of pulses, combined with the hydrophobic nature of the top coating, loosens the dust particles from the dust cake on the solar panel that forms due to the presence of moisture. Thus, the EDS described in the invention is capable of cleaning solar panels exposed to a variety of dust types and environmental conditions.

[0008] The above features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an overall system of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 illustrates an electrodynamic shield ("EDS") of the present disclosure integrated with a solar panel. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 illustrates an electrodynamic shield ("EDS") of the present disclosure integrated with a solar panel. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram showing an example of EDS electrodes arranged in two sets and connected to a pulse signal generator. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional view of the EDS of FIG. 4, which includes two sets of electrodes connected to a pulse signal generator that generates a single standing wave pulse signal. [Figure 6] 1 is a diagram showing an example of electrodes of an EDS arranged in four sets and connected to a pulse signal generator. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional view of the EDS of FIG. 6, which includes four sets of electrodes connected to a pulse signal generator that generates traveling wave patterns via four separate pulse signals. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a schematic circuit diagram of a pulse signal generator according to the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 shows four different pulse signals generated by the system, each pulse signal being phase shifted by 90 degrees. [Figure 10] Photographs of oscilloscope traces of four different pulse signals. [Figure 11A] FIG. 1 shows dust particles being removed from the surface of the EDS. [Figure 11B] FIG. 1 shows dust particles being removed from the surface of the EDS. [Figure 12]4 is a flow chart illustrating steps of a process performed by the system of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] A diagram showing a cover with power optimizer, a fixed base, a bypass connector, and a cover for a standard junction box. [Figure 14] 1 is a photograph of a circuit implementation of a pulse signal generator. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 shows the different types of dust tested. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] The present disclosure relates to a system and method for self-cleaning solar panels using an electrodynamic shield, as described in detail below in connection with FIGS. 1-15.

[0011] It should be noted at the outset that the systems and methods are discussed below with respect to solar panels, however, the systems and methods of the present disclosure may be used with any system, including but not limited to windows, vehicle surfaces, vehicle windshields, optical devices, etc., whereby an electrodynamic shield enables automatic cleaning of such objects.

[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates an overall system, generally designated 10 (hereinafter "electrodynamic shield 10" or "EDS 10"). Electrodynamic shield 10 includes one or more electrodes 12, a protective coating 14, a coating 16, and a substrate 18. Electrodes 12 may be embedded within protective coating 14. The protective coating is made of a material that prevents electrode breakdown. In one embodiment, protective coating 14 is transparent, highly dielectric silicon dioxide ("SiO2"). SiO2 prevents breakdown between electrodes 12 at high voltages. SiO2 also protects electrodes 12 from the environment and environmental elements. In particular, the properties of SiO2 allow for scratch resistance, moisture resistance, high transparency, etc. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, other materials may be used as protective coating 14 as desired, and other materials may provide additional or different benefits.

[0013] The EDS 10 generates an electric field that causes the dust particle(s) 20 to experience an electrostatic force having two vector component directions Fx and Fy, causing them to be repelled from the EDS 10. The gravitational force G acting continuously on the dust particle 20 helps the dust particle 20 to move towards the ground with the resulting particle trajectory T.

[0014] In a first embodiment, the electrode 12 is made of transparent indium tin oxide ("ITO"). ITO is a transparent material with excellent transparency, conductivity, and durability properties. The transparency of ITO can reach above 90%. In a second embodiment, the electrode 12 is made of fluorine doped tin oxide ("FTO"). FTO is a transparent conductive oxide ("TCO") with properties comparable to ITO. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, other transparent materials may be used to fabricate the electrodes as desired, and other materials may provide additional or different benefits.

[0015] In one embodiment, the width of the electrodes 12 ranges from 0.1 micrometers ("um") to 100 um, and the inter-electrode spacing ranges from 0.1 um to 100 um. Note that these ranges are used by way of example only, and other ranges can be used. In another embodiment, the width of the electrodes ranges from 10 um to 400 um, and the inter-electrode spacing ranges from 10 um to 800 um. The electrode geometry depends on the type of dust to be cleaned. For different types of dust, the efficiency depends on different inter-electrode spacing and different electrode shapes. The efficiency of the electrodes is based on a balance between the sheet resistance and transparency of the electrodes.

[0016] An optically transparent coating 16 is applied on top of the protective film 14. The coating 16 has one or more material properties, including but not limited to anti-reflective, hydrophobic, etc. The material properties allow the coating to function efficiently under different conditions, such as high relative humidity. Thus, the coating 16 allows the application of the EDS 10 in areas with high humidity. The surface topology of the coating 16 may be modified to trap light and prevent light loss through reflection. Those skilled in the art will understand how to adjust the surface topology depending on the dust conditions in the applicable area.

[0017] Substrate 18 can be a rigid substrate and / or a flexible substrate. Flexible substrates can include flexible polymer substrates such as ethylene vinyl acetate ("EVA") films, polyethylene terephthalate ("PET") films, polytetrafluoroethylene ("PTFE") films, etc. Rigid substrates can include rigid low iron soda lime glass substrates, solar panels, windows, automotive windshields, optical devices, and other substrates.

[0018] The EDS 10 is integrated with a solar panel. In some embodiments, the EDS 10 can be integrated as a top layer of a solar panel. However, one of ordinary skill in the art would understand how to integrate the EDS 10 as any layer of a solar panel. FIG. 2 is an illustration of the EDS 10 integrated with a crystalline solar panel ("CSP") 22. FIG. 3 is an illustration of the EDS 10 integrated with a thin film solar panel ("TFSP") 24. It should be understood that CSPs and TFSPs are only examples of solar panels, and that the EDS 10 can be integrated with any type of solar panel. Furthermore, it should be understood that the EDS 10 is not limited to being used with solar panels, but can also be used in other applications, such as, but not limited to, windows, vehicle surfaces, vehicle windshields, optical devices, and the like.

[0019] The electrodes 12 are grouped into one or more sets of electrodes. One or more sets of electrodes can be organized into different configurations and connected to a pulse signal generator. Depending on the arrangement, different wave patterns can be generated within the electrode sets. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a first embodiment of electrodes arranged in two sets 32, 34 and connected to a pulse signal generator 36. A pulse signal 38 from the pulse signal generator 36 powers the two sets of electrodes 32, 34 to generate a standing wave pulse signal. More specifically, the pulse signal 38 powers the two sets of electrodes 32, 34 to generate an electric field that charges the dust particles 20 and tends to levitate (repel) the dust particles 20 from the surface of the EDS 10. It should be understood that the solar panel is typically installed at an inclination angle (e.g., 25 degrees to 30 degrees), and gravity will assist in sliding the levitated dust particles 10 from the surface of the EDS 20.

[0020] Figure 5 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional view of the EDS 10 of Figure 4 connected to a pulse signal generator 36 for generating a single standing wave pulse signal. The EDS 10 further includes a coating 16 on the top surface, a protective coating 14 that is used to protect the electrodes 12 from electrical breakdown, and a substrate 18 (e.g., a low-iron soda lime glass cover substrate of a solar panel).

[0021] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a second embodiment of electrodes arranged in four sets 42, 44, 46, 48 connected to a pulse signal generator 36. The pulse signal from the pulse signal generator 36 powers the four sets of electrodes 42, 44, 46, 48 to generate a traveling wave pattern. More specifically, the pulse signal powers the four sets of electrodes 42, 44, 46, 48 with four separate pulse signals 52, 54, 56, 58. The four separate pulse signals 52, 54, 56, 58 have a 90 degree phase difference between successive signals. This form of electrode arrangement (four sets of electrodes and traveling wave pattern) will cause the dust particles 20 to slide onto the ground towards the edge of the EDS 10 surface.

[0022] Figure 7 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional view of the EDS 10 of Figure 6 connected to a pulse signal generator 36 that generates traveling wave patterns via four separate pulse signals 52, 54, 56, 58. It should be understood that the generation of standing waves and traveling waves by the pulse signal generator is only one example, and that the systems, methods, and embodiments discussed throughout this disclosure may also generate and use other waves, such as, but not limited to, triangular waves, sine waves, sawtooth waves, etc.

[0023] FIG. 8 is a schematic circuit diagram of the pulse signal generator 36. Specifically, the schematic diagram shows that the pulse signal generator 36 generates four different pulse signals 52, 54, 56, 58 with a 90 degree phase difference between successive signals. When the pulse signal generator 36 is connected to a single electrode set (e.g., electrode set 32) as shown in FIG. 4, it will generate an electric field using a regular wave signal pattern. When the pulse signal generator 36 is connected to four electrode sets 42, 44, 46, 48 as shown in FIG. 6, it will generate an electric field using a traveling wave signal pattern. The circuit includes a DC power supply ("DCPS") 60, a pulsing unit 62, and four pairs of power switching transistors 66, 68, 70, and 72, which may also function as optical isolators for the pulsing unit 62. The DCPS takes power directly from the solar panel as input 74. The pulsing unit is a computing module that provides commands to the transistors. Each pair of power switching transistors has one transistor for switching a positive voltage ("PV") or switching a positive voltage, and the other for switching a negative voltage ("NV"). The pulse signal 38 can be a square wave with each signal having an amplitude up to a certain voltage. For example, the pulse signal 38 can be a square wave with each signal having an amplitude up to 1500V. Figure 9 is a diagram showing different pulse signals 52, 54, 56, and 58, each of which is phase shifted 90 degrees compared to the successive signals. Figure 10 is a photograph of the four different pulse signals 52, 54, 56, and 58.

[0024] Referring again to FIG. 8, the set of electrodes is powered by a pulse signal 38 or 52, 54, 56 and 58. The pulse signal generates an electric field on the surface of the coating 16 to remove particles from the surface of the solar panel. The pulse signal will remove particles via different methodologies when connected to differently arranged sets of electrodes. Furthermore, an EDS 10 including an arrangement of two sets of electrodes 32, 34 as shown in FIG. 5 will levitate dust particles from the surface of the EDS 10 in a bouncy manner, and the dust particles will reach the ground with the assistance of gravity. An EDS 10 including an arrangement of four sets of electrodes 42, 44, 46, 48 as shown in FIG. 7 will cause dust particles to slide toward the edge of the panel in a mobile manner, and the dust particles will fall to the ground. This eliminates or greatly reduces the need for gravity assistance. In this manner, substrate surfaces perpendicular to gravity can also be cleaned.

[0025] The pulse signal generator 36 can adjust signal parameters of the pulse signal. The signal parameters include signal amplitude, signal frequency, etc. The signal amplitude and signal frequency required to clean the dust particles 20 depend on the characteristics of the dust particles 20, such as, but not limited to, dust particle size, dust particle chemical composition, and dust particle surface charge density. Adjusting the signal parameters adjusts the electric field strength that removes the dust particles from the surface of the EDS 10. Specifically, the electric field strength is adjusted based on the amplitude of the pulse signal, and the particle charging and removal process is adjusted based on the frequency of the pulse signal. In one embodiment, the amplitude is in the range between 400 volts and 1000 volts, and the frequency is in the range between 30 Hz and 100 Hz. It is understood that other ranges may be used. Figures 11A-11B show particles being removed from the surface of the EDS 10.

[0026] It should be understood that the electrostatic force that moves the dust particles increases with increasing dust particle size and is very weak for small sized dust particles, making it difficult to remove ultrafine particles. Therefore, the particle size needs to be increased by accretion before the electrostatic force is switched on. The electrostatic force acting on the dust particles depends mainly on the particle size and the slope of the square of the electric field magnitude. In some embodiments, increasing the electrostatic force acting on the dust particles improves the slope of the square of the electric field magnitude by enhancing the electric field strength. The electric field strength can be achieved by integrating smaller sized microelectrodes, resulting in a progressively larger range of controllable particle sizes even at low voltages.

[0027] It should be further understood that for greater efficiency, the size of the dust particles must be smaller than the inter-electrode spacing. The width and inter-electrode separation of the electrodes 12 should be on the scale of the smallest dust particles. Therefore, an EDS 10 built with smaller electrode width and inter-electrode spacing in the range of 10um to 100um may be more efficient for fine dust particles in the range of 5um-100um.

[0028] In addition to reducing the electrode gap, insulating microstructures can also enhance the electric field strength. Compared to conventional electrode-exposed devices, external electrodes can be employed to generate a uniform electric field, and insulating microstructures can be embedded into the microchannels to choke the electric field, thereby creating high electric field gradients with local maxima. High electric field gradients have the advantage that the structure is mechanically robust and chemically inert, and very high electric fields can be applied without air breakdown or arcing at 3V / um at STP. High amplitude DC voltage pulses can be applied directly to the block to choke the electric field and steer the electric field gradient to have a component parallel to the substrate instead of a component perpendicular to the substrate, whereas conventional electrode-based devices use small amplitude AC signals.

[0029] A typical solar power plant in a desert area has a dust accumulation rate of 0.3 g / m per day. 2 From 0.5 g / m 2 The accumulated dust blocks sunlight from reaching the solar cell(s) on the solar panel. By adding a sensor that responds to the loss of light reaching the solar cell, automated dust removal of the dust can be achieved. An actuation system including the sensor can be programmed to activate the pulse signal generator 36 when the sensor detects a predefined drop in the light intensity reaching the solar panel, directing a small amount of power from the solar cell to the pulse signal generator 36 to generate a pulse signal.

[0030] FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustrating the process steps performed by the system of the present disclosure, generally designated as method 80. In step 82, the system determines a first light intensity, where the first light intensity is the amount of light reaching the solar cell. In step 84, the system determines whether the first light intensity is below a first predefined threshold. When the first light intensity is not below the first predefined threshold, the system proceeds to step 82 and determines the first light intensity again. The system may re-determine the first light intensity immediately or after a predefined time delay. When the first light intensity is below the first predefined threshold, the system proceeds to step 86, where the system activates the EDS 10. The EDS 10 generates an electric field on the surface of the coating 16 to remove dust particles from the surface of the solar panel, as discussed above. In step 88, the system determines a second light intensity. In step 90, the system determines whether the second light intensity is below a second predefined threshold. The second predefined threshold may have the same value as the first predefined threshold or a different value. When the second light intensity is below the predetermined threshold, the system proceeds to step 88 and again determines the second light intensity. The system may re-determine the second light intensity immediately or after a predetermined time delay. When the second light intensity is no longer below the second predetermined threshold, the system proceeds to step 92 where the system deactivates the EDS 10.

[0031] It should be noted that the electrodes 12 can be activated by using standing wave pulse signals or traveling wave pulse signals. Newer generation solar modules are optionally integrated with power optimizers during the manufacturing process. The circuitry used to activate the electrodes can be built into the already existing power optimizer with few additional steps during the manufacturing process of the solar panel.

[0032] Power optimizers have the ability to modify voltage or current to reduce system losses and have similar electronic functions that can be expanded to incorporate the controls of Figure 8. Other devices include string inverters and microinverters. Inverters convert the direct current ("DC") energy produced by solar panels into usable alternating current ("AC") energy. Microinverters and power optimizers are often collectively referred to as module-level power electronics or MLPE. MLPE technologies are rapidly gaining popularity and market share as their costs have fallen.

[0033] Power optimizers are installed on each panel, typically integrated into the panel itself. However, instead of converting DC electricity to AC electricity at the panel site, the DC electricity is conditioned, optimizing energy losses, and sent to the string inverters or central inverter. This approach results in higher system efficiency than string inverters alone. It also reduces the impact of individual or sectional panels shadowing the system performance and provides panel performance monitoring.

[0034] The AC / DC converter may be connected to each solar panel by the installer or may be embedded by the module manufacturer to replace the conventional solar junction box. Thus, the circuit shown in FIG. 8 can be directly integrated into the power optimizer for newer solar panels or into the junction box for normal solar panels. Integrating the circuit into the junction box enclosure and power optimizer already embedded in the back of the solar panel would further provide protection against water and dust ingress. Moreover, the junction box is typically IP67 certified, which ensures safe operation in harsh conditions such as dust storms, high temperature, and high humidity. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the cover with power optimizer 102, fixed base 104, bypass connector 106, and cover 108 for standard junction box. As discussed above, the circuit shown in FIG. 8 can be directly integrated into the power optimizer 102 or into the fixed base 104 and covered by the standard junction box cover 108.

[0035] Figure 14 is a photograph showing a circuit implementation of the pulse signal generator. As can be seen, Figure 14 includes a transformer, a bridge rectifier 114, a microcontroller board 116, and multiple integrated circuits and discrete components on a breadboard 118. The circuit implementation can be integrated into the power optimizer 102 or fixed base 104 of Figure 13.

[0036] Figure 15 is a photograph showing the various dusts used for testing, including non-porous inorganic dust, porous inorganic dust, hydrophobic organic dust, and hydrophilic organic dust. It was found that different types of dusts required different combinations of amplitude, phase shift, and frequency of the pulse signal. The hydrophobic coating 16 helps the EDS 10 clean even the most hygroscopic dusts.

[0037] Although the system and method have been described in detail, the above description is not intended to limit the spirit and scope thereof. It will be understood that the embodiments of the present disclosure described herein are merely exemplary, and that one skilled in the art may make any variations and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. All such variations and modifications, including those discussed above, are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure. What is intended to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the following claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0038] 10 Electrodynamic Shielding (EDS) 12 electrodes 14 Protective film 16 Covering 18 Substrate 20 dust particles 22 Crystalline Solar Panel (CSP) 24 Thin Film Solar Panel (TFSP) 32, 34 Electrode pair 36 Pulse Signal Generator 38 Pulse Signal Generator 42, 44, 46, 48 Electrode pairs 52, 54, 56, 58 Pulse signal 60 DC power supply (DCPS) 62 Pulsing Unit 66, 68, 70, 72 Power switching transistor pairs 74 Input 102 Power Optimizer 104 Fixed base 106 Bypass Connector 108 Standard Junction Box Cover 114 Bridge Rectifier 116 Microcontroller Board 118 Breadboard Fx, Fy vector component directions G gravity T particle orbit PV positive voltage NV Negative voltage

Claims

1. In a system for self-cleaning the surface of an object, An electrodynamic shield attached to the surface of the object, wherein the electrodynamic shield includes one or more sets of electrodes on a substrate, the one or more sets of electrodes are covered within a protective film, and the upper surface of the protective film is covered, A pulse signal generator connected to one or more sets of electrodes, the pulse signal generator generates pulse signals that generate an electric field in the one or more sets of electrodes, the pulse signals comprising a plurality of different pulse signals having a phase difference between consecutive signals, and the electric field causing particles on the coating to be subjected to electrostatic force and repelled from the coating, A system in which each electrode of the one or more sets of electrodes is controlled by a pair of power switching transistors connected in parallel with the electrode, the first transistor of the pair of power switching transistors being connected to the output of the positive voltage of the power supply to switch a positive voltage to the electrode, the second transistor of the pair of power switching transistors being connected to the output of the negative voltage of the power supply to switch a negative voltage to the electrode, and the pair of power switching transistors being controlled by the pulse signal generator.

2. The system according to claim 1, further comprising an operating subsystem, the operating subsystem determining the light intensity and activating the pulse signal generator when the light intensity falls below a predetermined threshold.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the protective film is formed from silicon dioxide.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein each electrode of the one or more sets of electrodes is formed from transparent indium tin oxide or fluorine-doped tin oxide.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the electrodes of the one or more sets of electrodes are spaced 0.1 micrometers to 100 micrometers apart from each other.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein each electrode of the one or more sets of electrodes has a width of 0.1 micrometers to 100 micrometers.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein the substrate is a rigid substrate or a flexible substrate.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein the object is a solar panel.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein the object is one of a window, a vehicle surface, a vehicle windshield, or an optical device.

10. The system according to claim 1, wherein the coating has anti-reflective and hydrophobic properties to reduce the formation of dust clumps.

11. The system according to claim 1, wherein when the pulse signal generator is connected to a single electrode set of the one or more sets of electrodes, the pulse signal generator generates an electric field using a standing wave pulse signal.

12. The system according to claim 1, wherein when the pulse signal generator is connected to the set of four electrodes of the one or more sets of electrodes, the pulse signal generator generates an electric field using a traveling wave signal pattern.

13. The system according to claim 1, wherein the pulse signal generator comprises a plurality of switching elements.

14. The system according to claim 1, wherein the amplitude of the pulse signal is in the range of 400 volts to 1000 volts, and the frequency of the pulse signal is in the range of 30 hertz to 100 hertz.

15. The system according to claim 8, wherein the solar panel comprises a crystalline solar panel.

16. The system according to claim 8, wherein the solar panel comprises a thin-film solar panel.

17. The system according to claim 1, wherein the pair of power switching transistors function as optical isolators.

18. The system according to claim 1, wherein the pulse signal generator is provided with a DC power supply.

19. The system according to claim 18, wherein the DC power source receives power from a solar panel.

20. The system according to claim 1, wherein the pulse signal generator is capable of operating together with a power optimizer, and the pulse signal generator and the power optimizer are located in a junction box attached to a solar panel.

21. The system according to claim 1, wherein the pulse signal generator activates the electrodynamic shield when the sensed first light intensity falls below a first threshold, and deactivates the electrodynamic shield when the sensed second light intensity exceeds a second threshold.

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