WO2022224226A1

WO2022224226A1 - System for cleaning solar panel

Info

Publication number: WO2022224226A1
Application number: PCT/IB2022/053797
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yogesh Bhimrao KUDALE; Tejas Balasaheb MEMANE; Abhishek Arun MASURKAR; Akshay Deepak AUTI
Original assignee: Taypro Private Limited
Priority date: 2021-04-23
Filing date: 2022-04-23
Publication date: 2022-10-27

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a system for cleaning a solar panel. The system includes a cleaning device adapted to be configured on the solar panel. The cleaning device includes a frame adapted to be movably configured on the solar panel. The frame comprises a rotatable channel extending, along the width of the frame, from a first end of the frame till a second end of the frame. The channel is configured to rotate along a longitudinal axis of the channel. A plurality of flexible flaps is configured on the channel and configured to clean, on the rotation of the channel, the solar panel. A pair of louvers is configured on either side, in parallel, of the channel. A distance between the channel and the pair of louvers is less than an aerial width of the plurality of flexible flaps.

Description

SYSTEM FOR CLEANING SOLAR PANEL

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of cleaning devices. More particularly the present disclosure relates to a system for cleaning solar panels.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0003] Solar energy has emerged as a promising source of energy in recent times.

Solar panels are an accumulation of Photo Voltaic (PV) cells that absorbs the solar energy and converts the absorbed solar energy into electrical energy. The solar panel surface has a top side with a top surface through which the incoming sunlight is received by the solar panel for the generation of electrical energy. The solar panels are oftenset-up in an open area, to get maximum exposure tosunlight, and are exposed to weather, dust, rain, and like. Presence of dirt on the surface of solar panels can reducethe power generation efficiency of the solar panel significantly. Currently, existing solar panel cleaning processes are costly, require manpower, and consume high volumes of water which is undesired.

[0004] There is, therefore, a need for a system for cleaning the solar panels, which is free from the above-discussed problems.

OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

[0005] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfy are as listed herein below.

[0006] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a system for cleaning a solar panel, which is cost-effective.

[0007] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a system for cleaning a solar panel, which is automatic and does not require any manual intervention.

[0008] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a system for cleaning a solar panel, which does not require water for cleaning the solar panels.

[0009] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a system for cleaning a solar panel, which is easy to implement and use. [0010] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a system for cleaning a solar panel, which requires less maintenance cost.

SUMMARY

[0011] The present disclosure relates to the field of cleaning devices. More particularly the present disclosure relates to a system for cleaning solar panels.

[0012] An aspect of the present disclosure pertains to a system for cleaning a solar panel. The system includes a cleaning device adapted to be configured on the solar panel. The cleaning device includes a frame adapted to be movably configured on the solar panel. The frame comprises a rotatable channel extending, along the width of the frame, from a first end of the frame till a second end of the frame. The channel is configured to rotate along a longitudinal axis of the channel. A plurality of flexibleflaps is configured on the channel and configured to clean, on the rotation of the rotatable channel, the solar panel. A pair of louvers is configured on either side, in parallel, of the channel, wherein a distance between the channel and the pair of louvers is less than an aerial width of the plurality of flaps.

[0013] In an aspect, the pair of louvers may be configured to direct, along a top surface of the solar panel, an airflow generated by a rotation of the plurality of flexibleflaps in a direction of movement of the frame.

[0014] In an aspect, the cleaning device may be movably configured with the solar panel through a plurality of wheels, and the plurality of wheels are aligned with the boundary of the solar panel such that the plurality of wheels is restricted fromcoming in contact with the solar cells.

[0015] In an aspect, the plurality of wheels may be electrically coupled with one or more motors that are controlled through a motor controller.

[0016] In an aspect, the cleaning device may be configured to be accommodated by a docking station, configured at any of a third end and a fourth end of the solar panel, when not in use.

[0017] In an aspect, the system may comprise one or more sensing devices configured at any of the third and the fourth end of the solar panel for detecting a position of the cleaning device with respect to any of the third end and the fourth end, and the direction of movement of the frame is controlled based on the detected position of the cleaning device.

[0018] In an aspect, the system may comprise a processor operatively configured with the one or more sensing devices and the motor controller, and the processor is configured to execute a set of instructions, stored in a memory, which on execution, causes the system to receive, from the one or more sensing devices, a first set of signals pertaining to the position of the cleaning device with respect to any of the third end and the fourth end. Transmit, to the motor controller, based on the first set of instmctions a second set of instructions for controlling the direction of movement of the frame on the solar panel.

[0019] In an aspect, the plurality of flexible flaps may be configured on the channel through a fifth end, of the plurality of flexible flaps, while a sixth end extending circumferentially outwards from the channel.

[0020] In an aspect, body of the cleaning device may be aerodynamically designed in such a way that if the wind speed is flowing from the opposite direction of the direction of movement of the frame, the wind may be directed aerodynamically on the plurality of flexible flaps for better cleaning results.

[0021] In an aspect, the cleaning device may comprise an electrostatic discharge element to transfer static charge, generated due to the rubbing action of the cleaning device, is transferred to electrical ground.

[0022] In an aspect, the cleaning device may be self-adjustable with respect to misalignment along a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction of the solar panel. [0023] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0024] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. The diagrams are for illustration only, which thus is not a limitation of the present disclosure.

[0025] In the figures, similar components and/or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label with a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label. [0026] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a system for cleaning the solar panel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary representation of a cleaning device for cleaning the solar panel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 3A and 3B illustrate an exemplary representation of the cleaning device in respect of the direction of movement of the device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0030] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without some of these specific details.

[0031] The present disclosure relates to the field of cleaning devices. More particularly the present disclosure relates to a system for cleaning solar panels.

[0032] The present disclosure elaborates upon a system for cleaning a solar panel.

The system includes a cleaning device adapted to be configured on a top surface of the solar panel. The top surface of the solar panel can correspond to a surface with solar cells. The cleaning device includes a frame adapted to be movably configured on the solar panel. The frame comprises a rotatable channel extending, along the width of the frame, from a first end of the frame till a second end of the frame. The channel is configured to rotate along a longitudinal axis of the channel. A plurality of flexibleflaps is configured on the channel and configured to clean, on the rotation of the rotatable channel, the solar panel. A pair of louvers is configured on either side, in parallel, of the channel, wherein a distance between the channel and the pair of louvers is less than an aerial width of the plurality of flaps.

[0033] In an embodiment, the pair of louvers can be configured to direct, along a top surface of the solar panel, an airflow generated by a rotation of the plurality of flexibleflaps in a direction of movement of the frame. [0034] In an embodiment, the cleaning device can be movably configured with the solar panel through a plurality of wheels, and the plurality of wheels are aligned with the boundary of the solar panel such that the plurality of wheels is restricted to come in contact with the solar cells.

[0035] In an embodiment, the plurality of wheels can be electrically coupled with one or more motors that are controlled through a motor controller.

[0036] In an embodiment, the cleaning device can be configured to be accommodated by a docking station, configured at any of a third end and a fourth end of the solar panel, when not in use.

[0037] In an embodiment, the system can comprise one or more sensing devices configured at any of the third and the fourth end of the solar panel for detecting a position of the cleaning device with respect to any of the third end and the fourth end, and the direction of movement of the frame is controlled based on the detected position of the cleaning device. [0038] In an embodiment, the system can comprise a processor operatively configured with the one or more sensing devices and the motor controller, and the processor is configured to execute a set of instructions, stored in a memory, which on execution, causes the system to receive, from the one or more sensing devices, a first set of signals pertaining to the position of the cleaning device with respect to any of the third end and the fourth end. Transmit, to the motor controller, based on the first set of instructions a second set of instructions for controlling the direction of movement of the frame on the solar panel.

[0039] In an embodiment, the plurality of flexible flaps can be configured on the channel through a fifth end, of the plurality of flexible flaps, while a sixth end extending circumferentially outwards from the channel.

[0040] In an embodiment, body of the cleaning device can be aerodynamically designed in such a way that if the wind speed is flowing from the opposite direction of the direction of movement of the frame, the wind can be directed aerodynamically on the plurality of flexible flaps for better cleaning results.

[0041] In an embodiment, the cleaning device can comprise an electrostatic discharge element to transfer static charge, generated due to the rubbing action of the cleaning device, is transferred to electrical ground.

[0042] In an embodiment, the cleaning device can be self-adjustable with respect to misalignment along a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction of the solar panel. [0043] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a system for cleaning the solar panel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [0044] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary representation of a cleaning device for cleaning the solar panel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] FIG. 3A and 3B illustrate an exemplary representation of the cleaning device in respect of the direction of movement of the device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] As illustrated, a system for cleaning a solar panel 200 can include a cleaning device 100 that can be adapted to be configured on the solar panel 200. The cleaning device 100 can include a frame 102 that can be adapted to be movably configured on the solar panel 200. The cleaning device 102 can be movably configured on the solar panel 200 through a plurality of wheels 104. The plurality of wheels 104 is aligned with the boundary of the solar panel 100 such that the plurality of wheels 104 is restricted from coming in contact with the solar cells of the solar panel 200.The plurality of wheels 104 can be electrically coupled with one or more motors and the one or more motors can be controlledusing a motor controller. The plurality of wheels 104 can be coated with a soft material that can facilitate uniform distribution of load of the frame 102 on the solar panel 200, damp vibrations, and misalignment caused due to the movement of the cleaning device 100.

[0047] In an embodiment, the frame caninclude a rotatable channel 106 extending, along the width of the frame 102, from a first end 102-1 of the frame to a second end 102-2 of the frame 102. Channell06 can be configured to rotate along a longitudinal axis of the channel 106. A plurality of flexibleflaps 108 can be configured on the channel 106 and can be configured to clean, on the rotation of the channel 106, the solar panel 106. A pair of louvers 110 can be configured on either side, in parallel, of the channel. In an embodiment, the plurality of flexible flaps can be made of microfiber cloth. In an embodiment, the plurality of flexible flaps can be “V” shaped. The plurality of flexible flaps 108 can be configured on the channel through a fifth end 108-1, of the plurality of flexible flaps 108, while a sixth end 108- 2 extends circumferentially outwards from the channel 106.

[0048] In an embodiment, a distance between channel 106 and the pair of louvers 110 can be less than an aerial width of the plurality of flexible flaps 108. This can facilitate bending of the plurality of flexible flaps, by a first louver of the pair of the louvers 110, to reduce the revolving radius of the plurality of flaps 108. The first louver can correspond to a louver that is ahead of the channel in a direction of motion of frame 102. Bending of the plurality of louvers by the first louver ensures that the plurality of flexible flaps 108 does not touch the second louver. When the plurality of flaps passes away the second louver, the gravitational pull along with centrifugal force can play a major role which helps to hit the plurality of flexible flaps 108 on the solar panel 200 to perform a wiping action.

[0049] In an embodiment, the pair of louvers 110 can be configured to direct, along a surface of the solar panel 200, an airflow generated by a rotation of the plurality of flaps 108 in a direction of movement of the frame 102. When a first flexible flap of the plurality of flexible flaps 108 hits the first louver, it can generate an airflow. The shape of the pair of louvers 110 can be aerodynamic so that airflow gets converged in the direction of the movement of the frame 102. A second flexible flap of the plurality of flaps 108 coming after the first flexible flap can trap the air and does not allow the air to move in the reverse direction (opposite to the direction of motion of the frame 102) instead pushes the air in the direction of movement of the frame 102.

[0050] In an embodiment, after hitting the microfiber cloth on the first louver, the microfiber clothcan drop the absorbed dust during wiping action, and the airflow can carry that dust along with it in the direction of movement of the frame 102. This hitting action can help self-cleaning of the plurality of flexible flaps 108 in each and every rotation which increases the life of the plurality of flexible flaps 108. The cleaning device 100 can be configured to be accommodated by a docking station (not shown)when not in use. The docking station can be configured at any of a third end 200-1 and a fourth end 200-2 of the solar panel 200. The docking station can include a shed that can prevent the plurality of flexible flaps 108 from getting wet. There can be more than one docking station. The docking station can include a solar module that can be configured to provide apower supply to the cleaning device. The cleaning device can include a rechargeable battery that can be charged by the docking station.

[0051] In an embodiment, the system can include one or more sensing devices that can be configured at any of the third and the fourth end of the solar panel 200, for detecting a position of the cleaning device 100 with respect to any of the third end and the fourth end.The direction of movement of the frame 102 can be controlled based on the detected position of the cleaning device 100 through the motor controller, and also the rotation of the channel can also be controlled with the motor controller. Controlling the direction of motion can include but is not limited to reversing the direction of movement of the frame 102, and varying the rotation per minute of the channel 106. In an embodiment, when frame 102 is moving from the third end 200-1 towards the fourth end 200-2, the channel 106 can be allowed to rotate in the clockwise direction (as shown in FIG. 3A). When the flexible flaps are rotated in the clockwise direction, the air generated by the rotation of the channel can be directed in a direction, parallel to the top surface, in the same direction of linear movement of the frame 102 on the solar panel 200.

[0052] In an embodiment, when frame 102 is moving from the fourth end 200-2 towards the third end 200-1 (FIG. 3B), the rotatable channel 106 can be allowed to rotate in the anti-clockwise direction (not shown). When the flexible flaps are rotated in the anti clockwise direction, the air generated by the rotation of the rotatable channel 106 can be directed in a direction, parallel to the top surface, in the direction of linear movement of the frame 102 on the solar panel 200.

[0053] In an embodiment, the system can include a processor operatively configured with the one or more sensing devices and the motor controller. The processor can be configured to execute a set of instructions, stored in a memory, which on execution, causes the system to receive, from the one or more sensing devices, a first set of signals pertaining to the position of the cleaning device with respect to any of the third end and the fourth end. Transmit, to the motor controller, based on the first set of instructions a second set of instructions for controlling the direction of movement of the frame on the solar panel. The system can include one or more weather monitoring devices that can be used to predict the weather of an area where the solar panel and the system are installed, to take necessary preventing actions in extreme weather conditions such as but are not limited to the storm, rain, etc. The weather monitoring device can include but is not limited to a rain sensor, humidity sensor, and temperature sensor.

[0054] In an embodiment, the system can be operatively configured with one or more mobile computing devices through a network. The network can include but is not limited to a wired network and a wireless network. The one or more mobile computing devices can be associated with one or more users and the one or more users can monitor and control the cleaning device through one or more mobile computing devices.

[0055] In an embodiment, a body of the cleaning device (100) can be aerodynamically designed in such a way that if the wind speed is flowing from the opposite direction of the direction of movement of the frame (102), the wind can be directed aerodynamically on the plurality of flexible flaps (108). The cleaning device (100) can comprise an electrostatic discharge element (not shown) to transfer static charge, generated due to the rubbing action of the cleaning device (100), is transferred to electrical ground. [0056] The present disclosure pertains to a system for cleaning the solar panels. The proposed system is cost-effective and simple to use as no complex machinery is used in the system. Also, the maintenance cost is less due to the absence of complex electronic circuits. The proposed system allows remote monitoring and control of the cleaning device using mobile computing devices.

[0057] Moreover, in interpreting the specification, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refer to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C ... and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.

[0058] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions, or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0059] The proposed invention provides a system for cleaning a solar panel, which is cost-effective.

[0060] The proposed invention provides a system for cleaning a solar panel, which is easy to implement and use.

[0061] The proposed invention provides a system for cleaning a solar panel, which requires less maintenance cost. [0062] The proposed invention provides a system for cleaning a solar panel, which is automatic and does not require any manpower.

[0063] The proposed invention provides a system for cleaning a solar panel, which does not require water for cleaning the solar panels.

Claims

We Claim:

1. A system for cleaning a solar panel (200), the system comprising: a cleaning device(lOO) adapted to be configured on the solar panel (200), the cleaning device (100) comprising: a frame (102) adapted to be movably configured on the solar panel (200), wherein the frame (102) comprises a rotatable channel (106) extending, along the width of the frame (102), from a first end (102-1) of the frame (102) till a second end (102-2) of the frame (102), and wherein the rotatable channel (106) is configured to rotate along a longitudinal axis of the channel (106); a plurality of flexible flaps (108) configured on the channel (106), and configured to clean, on the rotation of the channel (106), the solar panel (200); and a pair of louvers (110) configured on either side, in parallel, of the channel (106), wherein a distance between the channel (106) and the pair of louvers (110) is less than an aerial width of the plurality of flexible flaps (108).

2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pair of louvers (110) are configured to direct, along a top surface of the solar panel (200), an airflow, generated by a rotation of the channel (106) plurality of flexible flaps (108), in a direction of a linear movement of the frame (102).

3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cleaning device (100) is movably configured with the solar panel (200) through a plurality of wheels (104), and the plurality of wheels (104) are aligned with the boundary of the solar panel (200) such that the plurality of wheels (104) is restricted from coming in contact with the solar cells (200).

4. The system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the plurality of wheels (104) and the channel (106) is electrically coupled with one or more motors that are controlled through a motor controller.

5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cleaning device (100) is configured to be accommodated by a docking station, configured at any of a third end (200-1) and a fourth end (200-2) of the solar panel (200), when not in use.

6. The system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the system comprises one or more sensing devices configured at any of the third end (200-1) and the fourth end (200-2) of the solar panel (200) for detecting a position of the cleaning device (100) with respect to any of the third end (200-1) and the fourth end (200-2), and the direction of movement of the frame (102) is controlled based on the detected position of the cleaning device (100).

7. The system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the system comprises a processor operatively configured with the one or more sensing devices and the motor controller, and the processor is configured to: receive, from the one or more sensing devices, a first set of signals pertaining to the position of the cleaning device with respect to any of the third end (200-1) and the fourth end (200-2); and transmit, to the motor controller, based on the first set of instructions a second set of instructions for controlling the direction of movement of the frame (102) on the solar panel.

8. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of flexible flaps is configured on the rotatable channel (106) through a fifth end (108-1), of the plurality of flexible flaps (108), while a sixth (108-2) end extending circumferentially outwards from the rotatable channel (106).

9. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein body of the cleaning device (100) is aerodynamic ally designed in a such a way that if wind speed is flowing from the opposite direction of the direction of movement of the frame (102), the wind is directed aerodynamically on the plurality of flexible flaps (108) for better cleaning results.

10. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cleaning device (100) comprises an electrostatic discharge element to transfer static charge, generated due to the rubbing action of the cleaning device (100), is transferred to electrical ground.

11. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cleaning device is self-adjustable with respect to misalignment along a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction of the solar panel.