DE102016012897B4 - Apparatus for cleaning photovoltaic installations, and method for operating such - Google Patents

Abstract

Device for cleaning photovoltaic systems, which is equipped with at least one movable cleaning element, wherein said device for cleaning over rope elements by a traveling winch (2) so over the photovoltaic system is movable that they both up and down, and horizontally is movable, and that for the use of said device on a photovoltaic system on a roof, a guideway (1) along or parallel to the roof ridge is provided, along which said movable winch (2) is guided horizontally guided, and that at least a movable cleaning element is circumferentially surrounded by a closed frame (11), and that said frame (11) describes a polygon or quadrangle provided at the bottom with rolling or sliding elements (20) slidable over the surface of the photovoltaic system (3) is movable, characterized in that the frame (11) ü Connected to the cable via an attachment point (B1), and the cable is guided to the winch (2) via a second cable attachment point (B2), and another cable section is arranged between the cable attachment point (B2) and a laterally offset attachment point (B3) is, which is acted upon separately via an electrically controllable separate winch at the attachment point (B3), such that by shortening the cable section between the points (B2) and (B3) the frame (11) is controlled tilted.

Description

The invention relates to a device for cleaning photovoltaic systems, and method for operating such, according to the preamble of patent claims 1, and 9.

Photovoltaic systems on roofs on farms are widespread. In particular, the roofs of large stables are suitable for the large-area placement of photovoltaic systems. Especially in this application, but also at their locations cause dust deposits on the photovoltaic systems a massive slump in the efficiency of electrical energy production. Reflections on this can be found in the "Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 14 (2010) 3124-3131, Prog. Photovolt: Res Appl. 2011; 19: 211-217 "known.

For this purpose, various measures are known to keep the surfaces of photovoltaic systems dust and pollution-free.

An example of this is revealed by the WO 2012/028712 A1 , There, the photovoltaic modules with the help of an intermediate layer, via which an electric field is fed, kept dust-free with the help of this field.Due disadvantage is that each photovoltaic module must be equipped with it, which has the consequence that in large-scale photovoltaic systems, the relevant additional construction costs over the high number of required photovoltaic modules added up. Furthermore, a cleaning device for photovoltaic systems from the WO 2015/187693 A2 known. In this case, a cleaning robot is provided, which has to be guided along two opposite rails, along the outer edges of the photovoltaic modules, and can be moved in an x-direction. A cleaning device guided therein can be moved along a vertical axis in the y-direction in order to clean the photovoltaic modules with brushes.

Due to the large distance between the guideways, tilting and thus jamming of the cleaning trolley must be avoided with a complex synchronous guide on both guideways. This limits the reliability of the device.

Another problem is added. In a large-area coverage of a roof with photovoltaic modules arise between the modules themselves, or between the assembled modules of modules column, which can lead to interference in the direction of travel. This impairs the operational safety of an automatic or semi-automatic guided cleaning device.

Other devices for this purpose are from the DE 20 2010 007 564 U1 . DE 10 2010 017 698 A1 , and the DE 20 2009 006 195 U1 known in which only a vertical or parallel displacement is possible.

The present invention is therefore an object of the invention to improve a device for cleaning photovoltaic systems, and a method for operating such a device, according to the preamble of claims 1, 7 and 8, that with simple means higher reliability and reliability in the Cleaning is given in particular of large-scale photovoltaic systems.

In a device of the generic type, the object is achieved by the characterizing features of claim 1.

Further advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims 2 to 8.

With regard to a method for operating such a device, the object is achieved by the characterizing features of claim 9.

Another method is specified in claim 10.

Further relevant advantageous embodiments are shown in the remaining dependent claims.

The core of the device according to the invention is that said device for cleaning via cable elements of a movable winch so over the photovoltaic system is movable, that it is both up and down, and horizontally movable.

In an advantageous embodiment it is indicated that for the use of said device on a photovoltaic system on a roof, a guideway is provided along or parallel to the roof ridge, along which said movable winch is guided horizontally movable.

Furthermore, it is advantageously configured that the at least one movable cleaning element is peripherally surrounded by a closed frame, and that said frame describes a polygon or a quadrangle, which is provided at the bottom with rolling or sliding elements, which sliding over the surface of the photovoltaic Plant is movable.

In this way, the Reinigungsvorichtung, if they reach such a stage between module groups of the photovoltaic system in the process, no longer get stuck at this stage.

Instead, the frame first reaches such a stage. Sliders or rollers located at the bottom overcome this step before the rotating brushes reach them.

By a resiliently entraining height movement between the frame and the Bürstenanordnungn the brush assembly is moved across this stage in the further process of the frame. Since the frame is closed, and is square or polygonal configured, the frame overcomes both longitudinal and transverse gaps, especially when the square or polygonal frame is used to overcome the edge slightly oblique.

In a further advantageous embodiment, it is stated that for the use of said device on roofs, a single guideway is provided along or parallel to the roof ridge, along which a winch is movably guided, with the aid of which the frame of the said device, via rope elements and is movable downwards.

This is a significant difference to related prior art cleaning devices equipped with two parallel guide rails. These can namely jam in the known cleaning devices.

When operating with only one guideway, as in the present invention, jamming is excluded.

In a further advantageous embodiment, it is stated that at least two cleaning elements are provided, which are used as rotating brushes, such that the axis of rotation of the brushes is or are arranged perpendicular to the surface of the photovoltaic modules.

In a further advantageous embodiment it is provided that the rotating brushes are arranged within the substantially quadrangular circumferential frame so that the connecting line between the pivot points of the rotating flat circular brushes describe one or more parallel diagonals or diagonals to the quadrangular frame.

In this case, the brushes may be arranged along a diagonal or, in the case of a multiplicity of brushes, along two or more parallel diagonals.

In an alternative embodiment, it is stated that the polygon describes a triangle or a delta in which the rotating brushes are arranged.

The delta may even be tiltable via a multi-wire cable to clean up the cleaning device into each corner of the photovoltaic system.

Of particular importance in the context of the invention is that the brushes each rotate in opposite directions, that is, with mutually opposite directions of rotation.

It is particularly advantageous if half of the number of brushes rotate in one direction of rotation and the other half rotate in the opposite direction of rotation. This has the effect that the cleaning device according to the invention does not already drift away in a preferred direction by the rotation of the brushes.

With even symmetrical distribution of the direction of rotation on the brushes, all drifts caused by this compensate themselves to zero.

Even with an asymmetrical distribution, the cleaning device drifts away in the direction in which the larger number of brushes rotate.

Within the said frame, the round brushes lie flat, with their fulcrums entlag a line, which preferably describes a diagonal in a square frame.

As a result, the flat brush arrangement moves almost always obliquely to the frame. This ensures that with this arrangement, the corners of the photovoltaic system can be achieved.

In a further advantageous embodiment, it is stated that the winch which can be moved along the roof ridge is provided with a walk-in working platform as an inspection platform. In this way, there is the possibility for very large-scale photovoltaic systems to monitor the cleaning process from above, or to intervene in a clamp.

Furthermore, it is advantageously configured that the rotating brush, or each of the rotating brushes are coupled via such spring and or Führungslemente to the frame, that the brush or the brushes relative to the frame in the direction of the surface normal of the photovoltaic modules are movable over an adjustable stroke. In this way, the brush-to-brush cleaning device can also overcome relatively high levels one after the other, and subsequently the entire apparatus is easier to retighten or move over the step.

This embodiment is of special functionality. If, for example, the device reaches a transitional line in the photovoltaic system, the frame first encounters such a step, overcomes it, and raises the frames, as it were, in order to drive over these steps. Due to the height-elastic springy coupling of brushes and frames, the brushes remain in effective cleaning position even with slight lifting of the frame until reaching the edge. When the said edge is exceeded, the resilient coupling still helps to lift the brushes over the edge.

In a further advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the device can be fed via a trailing hose with rinsing water from a rainwater collection device. With the towing hose, the cleaning device remains fully mobile. The coupling to a rainwater source ensures a possible lime-free and salt-free cleaning water, so that streaks and water edges are avoided.

In a further advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the frame is connected via an attachment point with the rope, and the rope is guided to the winch via a second cable attachment point, and that a further cable section between the cable attachment point and a laterally placed attachment point is arranged, which via a electrically controllable separate winch at the attachment point is separately acted upon, such that is controlled by shortening the cable section between the points and the frame tilted. In this way, the cleaning device can not only be arbitrarily moved over the winch on the photovoltaic system, but they can be tilted within the cleaning level such that the brushes reach the entire photovoltaic system in the corners.

With regard to a method, it is provided that all positions can be reached on the with the photovoltaic system for cleaning on the control of the guided along only one guideway winch.

With regard to a method for operating a device for cleaning photovoltaic systems, the essence of the invention is that, instead of a winch, the device is placed over the photovoltaic system by a mobile lifting device placed next to the building whose roof is provided with the photovoltaic system is guided / moved on the roof surface.

In an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention is stated that the water for cleaning rainwater and / or drain water from the cleaning of the photovoltaic system, which is collected from the running off the photovoltaic system water in a roof drainage and filtered afterwards, and then re-use for the cleaning is available.

An embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the drawing and described in more detail below.

• 1: Dachseite mit PV-Panels und Reinigungsvorrichtung
• 2: Reinigungsvorrichtung
• 3: weitere Ausgestaltungsalternative
• 4: deltaförmige Reingungsvorrichtung
• 5: Kippbarkeit der Reingungsvorrichtung

It shows:

• 1 : Roof side with PV panels and cleaning device
• 2 : Cleaning device
• 3 : further design alternative
• 4 : delta-shaped cleaning device
• 5 : Tiltability of the cleaning device

1 shows the top view of an otherwise obliquely employed roof side of a photovoltaic system, with two-dimensionally arranged side by side photovoltaic elements 3 , also called panels. Up in the ridge of the roof, preferably on the highest line, is a guideway 1 arranged. In the guideway 1 runs along the guideway guided movable, preferably electrically operated winch 2 , The winds 2 is height-displaceable on a support cable with the support frame 11 of the cleaning device 10 connected. About the mobility of the winch 2 itself, as well as the Höhenverfahrbarkeit of the support frame 11 over the winds 2 , can the cleaning device 10 to every place of the photovoltaic system 3 drive.

Inside the support frame 11 is a diagonal carrier 16 arranged. This carrier 16 is via spring couplings 16a and 16b in both diagonally opposite corners of the support frame 11 spring-mounted, in such a way that the carrier 16 opposite the support frame 11 in height, parallel to the surface normal on the photovoltaic elements 3 can move relative to it. On the diagonal support 16 four circular-shaped rotating brushes are arranged, which are movable by electric motor rotation. The circular-shaped brushes 12 . 13 . 14 and 15 in turn are in terms of the support frame 11 also spring-mounted, such that they also in the direction of the surface normal to the photovoltaic elements 3 can move.

The described resilient mobility of the diagonal carrier 16 on the one hand, and the brushes 12 . 13 . 14 and 15, on the other hand, assures maximum self-adaptability and overcoming capability over stages and gaps between the photovoltaic elements 3 to be able to drive away, without causing a jam.

It is important in this embodiment that two of the brushes rotate in one direction of rotation, and rotate the other two brushes in the opposite direction of rotation. In this way, exactly compensates for the drift direction of the cleaning device generated by the rotation of the brushes.

As the support frame 11 together with the brushes 12 . 13 . 14 and 15 over the rope also along the guideway 1 movable winch 2 can be moved over the roof, so can clean the entire photovoltaic system on the roof at any point from dust and environmental contaminants.

As mostly both roof surfaces of a roof with photovoltaic elements 3 equipped, it is possible either the same cleaning device 10 to use by changing sequentially on both sides of the roof, or it may be provided a second cleaning device, which rests on the other side of the roof, and on the same winch 2 is moved synchronously.

2 shows again the cleaning device 10 as already written above. In addition, in the upper part of the picture 2 a side view shown. The view of the support frame 11 conceals the diagonal support 15 which is preferably at about the same height as the support frame 11 the cleaning device itself. The rotating circular-shaped brushes 12 . 13 , 14 and 15 have on the bottom either a brush pad or a tile pad, with the photovoltaic elements 3 come into cleaning contact. The edge of the frame has at least on the undersides of the narrow sides turn brush strips 20 , which either simply consists of rigid brushes, as shown on the left, or round rotatable brush rollers as in the right-hand part of the picture.

It can also be seen that the circular disk-shaped brushes 12 . 13 . 14 and 15 are stored on the support frame via telescoping or spring elements, that they can move in the direction shown resiliently up and down, so that the rotating brushes can easily move across steps between the individual panels of the photovoltaic elements.

Within the support frame, a flushing water line is also introduced, which is carried along by a drag hose in the process of cleaning device.

This can be connected to a rainwater collection device.

The rinsing or rainwater contains considerably less mineral residues, so that a formation of water streaks or water edges is reduced. Expiring water can also be collected again, then filtered and then used again for cleaning.

Likewise, a controllable metering device for solvent or cleaning agent can be implemented in the support frame. The addition and the Waschwasserzusteuerung can like the method of the winds 2 and thus be remotely controlled to the entire cleaning device.

3 shows another possible embodiment for the arrangement of the brush along two parallel carrier. This results within the frame 11 a number of N = 6 rotating brushes.

The directions of rotation are distributed so that 3 of the brushes rotate in one direction of rotation, while the other three brushes rotate in the opposite direction of rotation.

Here are the carriers 16 each provided with said spring couplings.

There may also be arranged three carriers with rotating brushes. The important thing is that the total number of rotating brushes on the carriers are even in total, and that half of the brushes rotate in one direction of rotation and the other half in the other direction of rotation. This avoids unwanted drifting away of the cleaning device.

The cleaning device as a whole is then moved only by the movable winch on the photovoltaic system.

4 shows a further, but very advantageous alternative for the said device 10 , Here is the frame 11 delta-shaped. The rotating brushes are entlag the angularly spaced segments of the delta-shaped frame 11 arranged distributed.

It is important to have an even number of brushes with half rotating in the clockwise direction and the other half counterclockwise.

Thus, the drifts generated by the rotations cancel each other out.

Which in the representation of 4 resulting two rows of brushes do not necessarily have to be positioned centrally in the legs of the delta-shaped frame, but they can also be arranged offset.

5 shows only the special cable linkage of the embodiment according to 4 , Not shown are the busts.

A rope becomes from above, from the winds 2 coming over a common upper attachment point B2 guided. From there is a rope section between the upper attachment point B2 to the attachment point B1 directly on the frame; here in balanced middle position. Another separate rope section is located between the upper attachment point B2 and a laterally offset further attachment point B3 on the frame 11 , At the attachment point B3 There are a small electrically controllable further motor winds 30 covering the rope section between the attachment points B3 and B2 shorten or lengthen, so that about the frame 11 is tiltable controlled, as in 5 shown in dashed lines.

This ensures that the brushes can reach and clean all corners of the photovoltaic system.

Another embodiment, not shown here, is that the device, or more precisely the frame with the rotating brushes, is not moved by a guided in a fixed guideway winds, but lifted by a mobile lifting device on the roof, but also moved over it ,

In this case, said winch may be attached to the boom of the mobile lifting device.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

guideway

2

Movable winch

3

Photovoltaic elements (panels)

10

cleaning device

11

Frame, support frame

12

rotating brush, electric motor

12a

Spring for rotating brush

13

rotating brush, electric motor

13a

rotating brush

14

rotating brush, electric motor

14a

rotating brush

15

rotating brush, electric motor

15a

rotating brush

16

diagonal straps

16a

spring coupling

16b

spring coupling

20

circumferential brush strip

30

separate winds

B1, B2, B3

Attachment or articulation points

Claims (12)

Device for cleaning photovoltaic systems, which is equipped with at least one movable cleaning element, wherein said device for cleaning over rope elements by a traveling winch (2) so over the photovoltaic system is movable that they both up and down, and horizontally is movable, and that for the use of said device on a photovoltaic system on a roof, a guideway (1) along or parallel to the roof ridge is provided, along which said movable winch (2) is guided horizontally guided, and that at least a movable cleaning element is circumferentially surrounded by a closed frame (11), and that said frame (11) describes a polygon or quadrangle provided at the bottom with rolling or sliding elements (20) slidable over the surface of the photovoltaic plant (3) is movable, characterized in that the frame (11) Connected to the cable via an attachment point (B1), and the cable is guided to the winch (2) via a second cable attachment point (B2), and another cable section is arranged between the cable attachment point (B2) and a laterally offset attachment point (B3) is, which is acted upon separately via an electrically controllable separate winch at the attachment point (B3), such that by shortening the cable section between the points (B2) and (B3) the frame (11) is controlled tilted. Device after Claim 1 , characterized in that at least two Reinigungslemente are provided, which are used as rotating brushes (12, 13, 14, 15), such that the axis of rotation of the brush is arranged perpendicular to the surface of the photovoltaic modules (3). Device after Claim 2 , characterized in that the rotating brushes (12, 13, 14, 15) are arranged within the substantially quadrangular circumferential frame (11) so that the connecting line (16) between the fulcrums of the rotating flat circular brushes (12, 13, 14, 15) describe one or more parallel diagonals or diagonals to the quadrangular frame (11). Device according to one of Claims 2 to 3 , characterized in that the polygon describes a triangle or delta in which the rotating brushes are arranged. Device according to one of Claims 2 to 4 , characterized in that the brushes (12, 13, 14, 15) respectively in opposite directions, ie rotate with mutually opposite directions of rotation. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the winch (2) which can be moved along the roof ridge is provided with a walk-on working platform as an inspection platform. Device according to one of Claims 2 to 6 , characterized in that the rotating brush, or each of the rotating brushes (12, 13, 14, 15) via such spring and or Führungslemente (16a, 16b) are coupled to the frame (11) that the brush or the brush (12, 13, 14, 15) are movable relative to the frame (11) in the direction of the surface normal of the photovoltaic modules via an adjustable stroke. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device can be fed via a trailing hose with rinsing water from a rainwater collection device. Method for operating a device for cleaning photovoltaic systems according to one of Claims 1 to 8th , characterized in that on the control of guided along only one guideway mobile winch, all positions on the with the photovoltaic system for cleaning can be reached, and that the water for cleaning rainwater and / or drain water from the cleaning of the photovoltaic system, which is collected from the running through the photovoltaic system water in a roof drainage and then filtered, and then available for reuse for cleaning. Method for operating a device for cleaning photovoltaic systems, according to one of Claims 1 to 8th , characterized in that instead of a guided in a stationary guide track winds, the device is guided by a next to the building, the roof of which is provided with the photovoltaic system, placed mobile lifting device on the photovoltaic system on the roof surface / process. Method according to Claim 10 , characterized in that a mobile winch is arranged on the mobile lifting device, and the cleaning device can be moved over it in all degrees of freedom. Method according to one of Claims 9 to 11 , characterized in that the water for cleaning rainwater and / or drain water from the cleaning of the photovoltaic system, which is collected from the running through the photovoltaic system water in a roof drainage and filtered afterwards, and is then available for reuse for cleaning ,

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