https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/133759 Thu, 09 Apr 2026 18:25:18 GMT 2026-04-09T18:25:18Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/133785 Title: Domestic solar panel cleaning system Abstract: The performance of solar panels is greatly affected by their cleanliness, which directly impacts their ability to convert sunlight into electrical energy. Any obstruction that reduces the amount of sunlight reaching the solar panel surface can reduce its efficiency. However, maintaining clean solar panels can be challenging, especially for those installed on high roofs, which are difficult to access and clean regularly. The goal of this research is to develop a practical and affordable solution to keep solar panels clean and maintain their maximum performance. Previous studies have shown that an automated cleaning system is effective in maintaining cleanliness for large-scale installations that required significant labour hours when done manually (Bose & Modi, 2020; Engineering, 2023). Such industrial systems are not practical for domestic areas. Therefore, this project aims to design a reasonably priced solution that can cater to domestic areas and help individuals keep their solar panels as clean as possible without risking their safety by reaching for panels on high roofs. The research will focus on designing and building a robotic-based cleaning solution. The study will propose a practical solution that is cost-effective, easy to use, and accessible to homeowners to maintain clean solar panels. Description: B.Sc. (Hons) TDT (Melit.) Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/133785 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/133784 Title: Portable rising platform Abstract: This project will focus on enhancing the safety and well-being of workers engaged in physically demanding indoor work such as maintenance, carpentry, electrical and plastering. These skilled tradesmen often face the challenges of lifting heavy tools and setting up intricate equipment to access elevated workspaces. The primary objective will be to develop a practical apparatus designed to assist them in tasks up to 3m high without putting undue strain on their legs. To achieve this, a comprehensive research approach will be employed, combining hands-on fieldwork in the form of interviews, with a thorough exploration of existing products and technologies. By engaging directly with workers in their real-world environments and analysing available information, the project aims to gain valuable insights into their specific needs and challenges. This hybrid research methodology will ensure a holistic understanding of the practical context in which the product will be used. The expected outcome of this research driven project is a marketable product that will seamlessly address the identified objectives. Leveraging insights from both the field and desk research, the aim is to create a portable mechanism that not only facilitates work at heights but does so with a direct focus on user safety and ease of use. The envisioned product is a practical and efficient tool that will successfully mitigate strain on the worker's legs, surpassing the limitations of conventional methods like scaffolding, ladders, or step-stools. In essence, this project will strive to deliver more than just a solution; it will aim to bring to market a transformative tool designed from layers of research, capable of enhancing the working conditions of skilled tradesmen while meeting the demands of practicality and market viability. Through this approach, it will seek to not only solve a problem but also create a tangible, user-friendly scaled down prototype of the product that will exhibit the product's main functions and features. The prototype will display what the product has to offer, and its ability to make a significant positive impact on the lives of hardworking individuals in these industries. Description: B.Sc. (Hons) TDT (Melit.) Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/133784 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z