Solar panel surface dirt detection and removal based on arduino color recognition

Color sensing is a technique for identifying physical changes in materials based on appearance assessment. Dirt deposition on solar panels can change their physical appearance and performance. Considering that dirt accumulation on solar panels needs monitoring to make efficient cleaning schedules, reduce unnecessary costs, and optimize solar panel output generation. Color sensing can achieve fast, accurate, and economical dirt detection, unlike the use of robotic cameras, mathematical formulae, and considering varying output current and voltage methods. Here, we introduce a method that detects and removes dirt on solar panels based on TCS3200 and Arduino Uno components. The approach targets (i.) Panel color measurement, calibration, threshold selection process, (ii.) comparison of color measurement values, and (iii.) align further calibration in response to discoloration of solar panels. This method aims to correct the dirt detection methods previously in use. Hence, a high-speed rolling brush arrangement is designed to improve the cleaning of the solar panel without using water. Further investigations of the panel's color may require some improvement in terms of increasing the sensitivity of the color sensor even with increased distance from the solar panel. Combining multiple color sensors may also be necessary.

Dental implant education in Nigeria: a curriculum guide

AIM

Anecdotal evidence suggests that the practice of implant dentistry, "gold standard" for edentulism is presently very low in Nigeria. This article proposes a model for teaching dental implant education and also emphasises the need for inclusion of standardised dental implant education in the dental curriculum in Nigeria.

METHODS

A literature search using the MEDLINE was conducted on various models for teaching of dental implant education worldwide.

RESULTS

Implant dental education for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes has 3 components namely: didactic educational programme, laboratory hands-on experience, and clinical hands-on experience. In addition, dentists and dental educationists can gain proficiency in basic and advanced implant dentistry through implant dental education organised by recognised universities, private and international implant organisations, manufacturer-sponsored educational programmes as well as training and courses organised by dental associations.

CONCLUSIONS

Dental implant education should be given a priority and be included in both the undergraduate and postgraduate dental curriculum in Nigeria. In addition, a standardised implant dentistry programme should be formulated and developed for all dental schools in Nigeria.

Sintering flaws in Flexoceram inlay porcelain

The development of processing flaws within Flexoceram inlay porcelain prior to fracture strength testing was assessed qualitatively. The firing procedure recommended by the manufacturer was used except for the end-firing temperature which was varied. Sintering for 10 minutes produced less porous samples which were better than the manufacturer's recommended time of 9 minutes.