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An Equipment For Cleaning Photovoltaic Modules By Using Combination Of Bristles And Flapped Microfiber Brush

Abstract: The present invention is related to an equipment for cleaning solar photovoltaic modules with unique microfiber soft bristles and flapped combination. According to the invention, the solar panel cleaning apparatus keeps panels dust-free to maintain constant efficiency. The system runs on a dedicated power source and has its own intelligent control unit that directs and controls the rotary cleaning operation, the system’s movement on the panel frame, and allows the system to be operated manually as well as automatically. The solar panel array is cleaned when the rotary brush is brought into contact with the surface of the solar panels. The cleaning is performed in a horizontal direction, either from left to right or from right to left, depending on the right of way (ROW). The system runs on the aluminum frame to avoid any damage to the glass of the solar panel. The wet cleaning method additionally requires a circuit line for fluid flow, followed by a flow control valve.

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Notices, Deadlines & Correspondence

Patent Information

Application #
Filing Date
12 October 2023
Publication Number
25/2024
Publication Type
INA
Invention Field
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
Status
Email
Parent Application
Patent Number
Legal Status
Grant Date
2025-09-11
Renewal Date

Applicants

Next Inn Robotics Pvt Ltd.
G. No. 769, Koregaon, Bhima, Maharashtra, India

Inventors

1. SAHARE, Mayur Devraoji
3169, Behind Sai Nagar, Bhandekar Layout, Wardha, Maharashtra, India
2. BHAJIPALE, Mohit Purushottam
S/O Purushottam Bhajipale, Khat Road, New Friends Colony, Bhandara, Maharashtra, India
3. CHAVAN, Akash Harish
S/O Harish Chavan, Durwankur Garden, Near PMT Colony, Bhankawdi, Pune, Maharashtra, India

Specification

Description:TECHNICAL FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention is directed towards cleaning solar panels using a hybrid combination of soft bristle and flap-type microfiber brushes that provide a soft touch to the surface of solar panels along with high air flow generation that helps in cleaning fine and heavy dust particles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.

US20130206173A1: The invention concerns a mobile cleaning device suitable for displacing along and cleaning a series of adjacent tilted solar panels aligned in a row and requiring therefor no superstructure fixed to the row of solar panels. The device includes a supporting frame defining a cleaning plane, on which are mounted a cleaning device suitable for cleaning a surface parallel to the cleaning plane, a support device for maintaining the supporting frame substantially parallel to the surface to be cleaned during the displacement of the cleaning device along a row of solar panels; and a guiding device for guiding the displacement of the cleaning device along a row of solar panels. The guiding device includes at least two, preferably at least three, separate guiding wheels, which are aligned along a straight line parallel to the cleaning plane and adjacent to a first edge of the frame. Each guiding wheel is mounted such as to rotate about an axis substantially normal to the cleaning plane and suitable for resting and rolling on the upper edge of the aligned solar panels with the cleaning device in cleaning contact with the surface to be cleaned.

US11345016B2: The solar energy and solar farms are used to generate energy and reduce dependence on oil (or for environmental purposes). The maintenance, operation, optimization, and repairs in big farms become very difficult, expensive, and inefficient, using human technicians. Thus, here, we teach using the robots with various functions and components, in various settings, for various purposes, to improve operations in big (or hard-to-access) farms, to automate, save money, reduce human mistakes, increase efficiency, or scale the solutions to very large scales or areas, e.g., for repair, operation, calibration, testing, maintenance, adjustment, cleaning, improving the efficiency, and tracking the Sun.

US9123845B2: A solar panel cleaning device includes a solar panel having a plurality of photovoltaic cells arranged in rows and embedded in the solar panel with space between the rows. A transparent dielectric overlay is affixed to the solar panel. A plurality of electrode pairs each of which includes an upper and a lower electrode are arranged on opposite sides of the transparent dielectric and are affixed thereto. The electrodes may be transparent electrodes which may be arranged without concern for blocking sunlight to the solar panel. The solar panel may be a dielectric and its dielectric properties may be continuously and spatially variable. Alternatively, the dielectric used may have dielectric segments which produce different electrical field and which affects the wind “generated.”

US8500918B1: System and method for cleaning a solar row of solar panels. The solar row has an upper edge elevated from ground level more than a lower edge to provide an inclination of the solar row. A cleaning assembly operates to clean a surface of the solar panels. A support frame supports the cleaning assembly and enables the cleaning assembly to move upwardly and downwardly in the width direction of the solar row, and in the length direction of the solar row. Operation and movement of the cleaning assembly is controlled by a control unit to cause the cleaning assembly to clean a surface of the solar panels during downward movement of the cleaning assembly. The cleaning assembly is preferably not operative during its upward vertical movement. During the downward movement, the cleaning assembly removes dirt, debris and dust from the surface of the solar panels and generates an air stream to blow off the dirt, debris, and dust.

US9923513B2: A cleaning mechanism having a water spray function adapted for cleaning photovoltaic panel is provided, which includes a cleaning rack, a cleaning member and a sweeping member. Cleaning rack includes several connecting rods detachably connected; Cleaning member is detachably mounted between the connecting rods and used for stripping off adhesive materials on photovoltaic panel; the sweeping member being detachably mounted on connecting rods and used for sweeping the adhesive materials away from the photovoltaic panel. A water spray device is detachably mounted on the cleaning rack used for wetting adhesive materials. The water spray device includes a water spray pipe and a water storage tank, and a spray nozzle atomizing water. A cleaning member power unit is detachably connected with the cleaning member and is used for driving the cleaning member to rotate; and the cleaning member power unit comprises a self-locking device used for preventing cleaning member from idling.

US9455665B1: A solar tracker waterless cleaning system for cleaning solar panels of solar trackers in at least one solar tracker row, each solar tracker having a length and a width and being able to be positioned at a pre-determined angle, the cleaning system including at least one waterless cleaning apparatus operable to clean a panel surface of the solar tracker row without using water, at least two rails positioned horizontally parallel to the solar tracker row, a support frame for supporting the cleaning apparatus and a controller coupled with the cleaning apparatus and with the support frame for moving the cleaning apparatus in the width direction and the length direction of the solar tracker row, the support frame moving over the rails and moving the cleaning apparatus in a width direction and a length direction of the solar tracker row while maintaining a pre-determined angle in the width direction of the solar trackers.

US9831823B1: An obstacle crossing mechanism, adapted and arranged on a cleaning rack of a photovoltaic panel cleaning equipment configured to clean photovoltaic panel arrays is disclosed. The cleaning rack includes connecting rods detachably-connected, and fixed rods arranged on respective connecting rods. The obstacle crossing mechanism includes a moving rack and a fixed rack, in which moving rack is used for temporarily stopping photovoltaic panel cleaning equipment; and the fixed rack is located below the moving rack and the moving rack ascends or descends on the fixed rack. A telescopic mechanism is further provided with the obstacle crossing mechanism so that the two mechanisms together facilitates the photovoltaic panel cleaning equipment to travel from a photovoltaic panel array to reach another photovoltaic panel array during cleaning process of photovoltaic panels without requiring any human assistance, thus achieve total automation.

OBJECTIVE OF THE INVENTION

The primary objective of the present invention is to provide an equipment for cleaning solar photovoltaic modules with unique microfiber soft bristles and flapped combination.

Yet another objective of the invention is to clean PV modules independently without any manual intervention.

Yet another objective of the invention is to clean PV modules from row to row without them falling.

Yet another objective of the invention is to build up a user-friendly and cheap apparatus in another mode for cleaning solar panels.

Yet another objective of the invention is to build up a robotic apparatus that senses obstructions and takes actions accordingly as per the size of the obstruction.

Yet another objective of the invention is to provide a solution for cleaning PV modules with a combination of fabric materials for cleaning fine and coarse dust.

Yet another objective of the invention is to provide a solution for robotic cleaning of PV modules using dry cleaning methods, not limited to conventional wet cleaning.

Yet another objective of the invention is to clean solar panels using a combination of soft touch and air flow using a hybrid range of fibres.

Yet another objective of the invention is the cleaning of solar panels as per the daily schedule.

Yet another objective of the invention is to maintain the daily efficiency of solar panels with respect to irradiation available using schedule cleaning mode.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an equipment for cleaning solar photovoltaic modules with unique microfiber soft bristles and flapped combination. The solar panel cleaning apparatus keeps panels dust-free to maintain optimum efficiency. The system runs on a dedicated power source and has its own intelligent control unit (hereafter referred to as the "ICU) that directs and controls the rotary cleaning operation, the system’s movement on the panel frame, and allows the system to be operated manually as well as automatically. The ICU keeps the system safe by automatically detecting system faults and acting on safety measures as required. The solar panel array is cleaned when the rotary brush is brought into contact with the surface of the solar panels. The soft touch of the microfiber brush, along with its airflow capability to throw away dust, brings about maximum cleaning efficiency in any robotic system made today. The cleaning is performed in a horizontal direction, either from left to right or from right to left, depending on the right of way (ROW). The system runs on the aluminum frame to avoid any damage to the glass of the solar panel. Further, the apparatus can be equipped with a water spray mechanism so that it can be used for cleaning solar panels using water too. The wet cleaning method additionally requires a circuit line for fluid flow, followed by a flow control valve.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING

This invention is described by way of example with reference to the following drawing where,

Figure 1 of Sheet 1 illustrates a top view of the cleaning system over the solar panel array in a horizontal direction.

Figure 2 of Sheet 1 illustrates a side view of the cleaning system over the solar panel array.
Where,
01 denotes solar panel array,
02 denotes end sensing part,
03 denotes bottom wheel stopper,
04 denotes main structural frame,
05 denotes top transmission unit,
06 denotes bottom transmission unit,
07 denotes rotary cleaning unit,
08 denotes non-contact sensing unit,
09 denotes wheels,
10 denotes extended shaft,
11 denotes end bearing,
12 denotes top vertical transmission shaft,
13 denotes top horizontal wheel powering motor,
14 denotes top vertical wheel powering motor,
15 denotes vertical dragging belt,
16 denotes horizontal dragging belt,
17 denotes driver module box,
18 denotes electronics control unit,
19 denotes power unit box,
20 denotes idling roller,
21 denotes driving roller,
22 denotes handles,
23 denotes rotary dc motor,
24 denotes horizontal idling roller support mount,
25 denotes powered shaft support bearing,
26 denotes vertical idling roller support mount,
27 denotes bottom horizontal wheel powering motor,
28 denotes wheel-shaft coupler,
29 denotes top cover,
30 denotes bottom cover,
31 denotes antenna,
32 denotes charging solar panel,
33 denotes driven roller,
34 denotes powered shaft and rotary motor mount plate,
35 denotes frame connecting bracket,
36 denotes indicator lamp,
37 denotes power switch,
38 denotes direction switch,
39 denotes bottom horizontal transmission shaft with adjustments,
40 denotes top horizontal transmission shaft with adjustments.

Figure 3 of Sheet 2 illustrates an isometric view of an open embodiment of a cleaning system without its cover and charging solar panel.

Figure 4 of Sheet 2 illustrates a front view of the top transmission system.

Figure 5 of Sheet 3 illustrates a front view of the bottom transmission system.

Figure 6 of Sheet 3 illustrates a side view of the cleaning system without cover and the charging solar panel resting on the ground.

Figure 7 of Sheet 4 illustrates an isometric view of a hybrid microfiber brush.

Figure 8 of Sheet 5 illustrates a flow chart of operations.

Figure 9 of Sheet 6 illustrates a block diagram for system control.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context
clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

The present invention is related to an equipment for cleaning solar photovoltaic modules with unique microfiber soft bristles and flapped combination. This part of the document determines the total embodiment of solar panel cleaning apparatus placed on the solar array for the cleaning of solar panels. A solar array is a set of panels linked together to generate electricity collectively from the number of solar panels mounted in an array. A solar farm can consist of a number of arrays placed in the same row or a number of rows forming kilometers of length, irrespective of terrain. It can be mounted on flat plains or hilly areas as well.

The solar arrays are placed mostly in the north-south direction to capture maximum radiation, wherein inclination angles at the top end refer to the north side and the bottom end refers to the south side within specified tilt angles per location. The solar panel cleaning device is flexible, running on the aluminum frame of the solar panels irrespective of external guide rails. The cleaning system consists of a main structural frame (04), which provides support to the top transmission unit (05), and a bottom transmission unit (06), which helps travel the cleaning apparatus in a horizontal direction, either left or right, regardless of terrain angle.

The frame is usually made of aluminum extrusion to maintain modularity in the structural frame, be adjustable, and be quick to assemble and disassemble. The dual-directional rotatory brush allows cleaning in both directions. The main structural unit can be built from various aluminum profiles that are adjustable within their lengths. The top transmission unit (05) and bottom transmission unit (06) are adjustable within the lengths of the frame. The top transmission unit (05) uses a vertical dragging belt (15) and a horizontal dragging belt (16) that help transmit the power between the top horizontal wheel powering motor (13) and the wheels (09). The power from the motor to the wheels (09) is transmitted using a driving roller (21) mounted on the top horizontal powering motor and driven rollers (33) mounted on the top vertical transmission shaft (12).

The bottom transmission unit (06) uses a horizontal dragging belt (16) that helps transmit the power between the bottom horizontal wheel powering motor (27) and the wheels (09). The power from the motor to the wheels (09) is transmitted using a driving roller (21) mounted on the bottom horizontal wheel powering motor (27) and driven rollers (33) mounted on the bottom horizontal transmission shaft (39). The bottom horizontal transmission shaft is so designed that the wheels can be adjusted on the same shaft over a certain length. The drive system motor can be any DC motor, brush or brushless, without any external encoder, but it works on a number of pulses, and these pulses can be used to calculate the horizontal speed of the system.

The non-contact sensing unit (08) on the top transmission unit helps to determine the rpm and distance travelled of the system. The non-contact sensing unit (08) also determines the end panel by sensing the end sensing part (02) that is located at the ends of the solar array and two bottom wheel stoppers (03) that are located at the bottom ends on either side of the solar arrays. The wheel-powered motor mount plate (34) acts as a support for its powering DC motor and to the idle rollers (20) that provide the required tension to the belts.

The system is placed on panels such that the wheels (09) only come in contact with the aluminum frame of the system and no portion of the wheels comes in contact with the glass of the solar panels. This allows an equal load to be distributed on the solar panels at the wheel resting points. The top transmission unit consists of a driver module box (17) that powers and controls the wheel-powering DC motor and an electronics control unit box (18) that controls the overall working of the robotic cleaning apparatus. The length of the main structural frame depends upon the width of the solar array, and hence more connecting modules can be added between the top transmission unit (05) and the bottom transmission unit (06). The rotary cleaning unit (07) is driven by a rotary DC motor (23), which steps up power by using an alternative transmission unit (e.g., a gear box) for rotating the rotary cleaning unit (07). The rotary DC motor (23) is connected to the powered shaft and rotary motor mount plate (34). A number of rotary cleaning units (07) can be connected one after another in series as per the increasing length of the cleaning unit.

A rotary cleaning unit consists of a combination of a bunch of microfiber bristles and a series of microfiber flaps. Each material has its own functionality, e.g., microfiber bristles are used to clear fine dust; microfiber flaps clean the dust over the glass by pulling away medium-level dust and helping to remove the larger particles that provide a finishing touch to the panels for removing dust, hence making the system a reliable dry cleaner for solar panels. A combination of 80% polyster and 20% polyamide material with 340 to 350 GSM of microfiber flaps provides miraculously stunning performance in cleaning solar modules.

The rotary movement of the microfiber flap creates a wave of air flow to throw away the dust, hence pushing it towards the ground as well as in a forward direction. The rotary cleaning unit can also be fully made of nylon bristles to provide an alternative wet cleaning method. The rotary cleaning brush is designed using a flat, thin stainless steel pipe or aluminum acting as a drum for cleaning material, extended with two thick stainless steel small length pipes acting as shafts that connect directly with the rotary DC motor's (23) shaft. The fabric used for cleaning solar panels provides a soft touch to its surface, and soft nylon bristles of thickness and diameter 0.12 mm to 0.16mm are used that are harmless to solar panels. The fabric material can be stitched with the stainless steel or aluminum pipe drum or by using chain zips or Velcro.

The rotary DC motor (23) is given to and fro movement for self-cleaning the cleaning unit so as to throw away dust from the rotary cleaning unit (07). This movement of the rotary DC motor is controlled by the electronics control unit box (18). The direction of DC motor shaft rotation depends on the motion of the system. When the system moves left to right, the DC motor is allowed to rotate clockwise, whereas when the system moves right to left, the DC motor is rotated in an anticlockwise direction.

The system rests at the parking location as long as it receives any command from the electronics control unit (18). As soon as the motor receives a trigger, the rotary DC motor starts rotating to and fro as it initiates its self-cleaning mode. This allows the cleaning unit to throw away dust absorbed while cleaning and in the parking location itself. After several to-and-fro rotations, the sidewise motion of the robot starts with cleaning at least 12 to 15 meters per minute, depending on the panel-to-panel gap and any obstructions. The control unit triggers the motor with improved torque capacity when the system hits any measured obstruction three times. If the system overcomes the obstruction, it will continue to clean till it reaches the end panel; otherwise, it will go back to its initial location or it will stops there itself with indication. The sensing unit senses a metallic end sensing part (02) that, when detected, triggers the system to determine the end location and take actions accordingly.

The dedicated power unit (19) is used to energize the system. It has an independent battery that is charged using the solar panel equipped with the system or with an external charger. It can also be charged using the docking mechanism at the parking station. The system is not only limited to a single panel in portrait mode but is also adjustable as per new sites, either in portrait or landscape mode. The same structural design is suitable for both ground-mounted and roof-mounted solar plants of any width.

Figure 8 shows a flow chart for controlling the cleaning apparatus. As soon as the system is switched on after pressing the power button, it checks for sensor data, location, input parameters, the current status of the robot, etc. This data is also displayed on the screen (not shown) along with the system faults. After checking system status and receiving a command for cleaning, the system starts self-cleaning mode to clean the dust saturated on the system. The system then checks the direction of the robot (either left or right) so that it lets the system carry out cleaning accordingly in the opposite direction of the end location. This also lets the system know about the end location. If the system is in the middle of the row or stuck in between operations, it automatically checks the condition to overcome the situation and sends the system back to one of the two ends (either left or right) to its home location.

After the cleaning is completed, the end is detected, and the sensor sends data to the controller to take further action. The system is meant to stop at the home location and switch to energy-saving mode. If, after checking the initial status, the system is triggered with a fault, it sends an alert message to the user, and an LED blinks continuously for 15 minutes in every 2 seconds. After 15 minutes of blinking, the system automatically stops its operation until further commands are received.

Figure 9 shows the block diagram of the microcontroller unit enclosed inside the electronics control unit (18). As shown, the microcontroller gets its input from Sensor-01, Sensor-02, and Sensor-03, which are used for detecting ends of array and measuring distance, whereas Toggle Switch-01 and Toggle Switch-02 are used for switch cleaning mode (either fast, normal, or slow speed) operation and direction purpose (left to right or right to left). Under auto mode, the microcontroller also gets input commands using GSM, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth for operation purposes. GPS can be equipped with a system to avoid theft by tracking the position of the system.

A charge controller unit acts as an intermediary between the microcontroller unit and the power source (battery). The PCB of the system is also equipped with a protection circuit that does not allow any harm to the entire circuit against overcurrent (OC), overvoltage (OV), and short circuits, along with any temperature rise in the electronics control unit (18). The LCD display, indicator 01, and indicator 02 are equipped to know the status of the system. As soon as the input side is triggered, the motors start their operation for horizontal movement and cleaning unit rotary operation. A feedback control unit allows a system to communicate with itself to take necessary actions with respect to circuit protection, its end location, input commands, and its operation.

The invention primarily focuses on the cleaning of solar panel arrays using single or multiple robots for improved efficiency in less time. In fact, robotic cleaning solutions can be used for daily cleaning of solar panels to keep the power performance of solar photovoltaic modules at their peak. This is achieved with the present invention using a combination or hybrid microfiber brush (soft bristles that clean fine or tiny dust saturated as well as heavy particles) at every corner of the solar panel. The system is not limited to wet cleaning but also assists in the majority of its performance with dry cleaning operations. Its dual-purpose action helps to remove sticky dust smoothly without any scrubbing action.

The equipment has the capability to dust away light particles as well as heavy sand particles, which could be achieved with a unique combination of soft bristles and flap-type microfiber material. This invention beats the current dust-cleaning ability of just using nylon bristles, a nylon wiper, or a flap-type brush. Nylon brushes create almost invisible scratches and increase transmission loss, which affects solar photovoltaic modules over the long term and deteriorates the efficiency of solar panels even faster than their capacity if the proper thickness of bristles is not used. Continuous scrubbing by using nylon bristle brushes can cause the removal of the anti-reflecting coating and can make the glass surface even more scratchy or opaque, creating a hindrance for solar rays to pass through its surface.

The device has the modular ability to adjust as per panel size within its adjusting range, which makes it flexible to assemble and dismantle as well. The device has its own capability to identify any faults in the system and respond accordingly, even when the system identifies a larger obstacle to overcome than its capacity. Furthermore, the intelligent control unit (ICU) is capable of communicating with a number of robots for their synchronized operation. Hence, all the robots can be scheduled to clean every day at a specific hour of the day without hampering peak generation.

While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described herein, it will be clear that the disclosure is not limited to these embodiments only. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, as described in the claims.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION

• The solar panel cleaning apparatus keeps panels dust-free to maintain optimum efficiency. The system runs on a dedicated power source and has its own intelligent control unit (hereafter referred to as the "ICU) that directs and controls the rotary cleaning operation, the system’s movement on the panel frame, and allows the system to be operated manually as well as automatically. The ICU keeps the system safe by automatically detecting system faults and acting on safety measures as required.

• The solar panel array is cleaned when the rotary brush is brought into contact with the surface of the solar panels. The soft touch of the microfiber brush, along with its airflow capability to throw away dust, brings about maximum cleaning efficiency in any robotic system made today.

• The cleaning is performed in a horizontal direction, either from left to right or from right to left, depending on the right of way (ROW). The system runs on the aluminum frame to avoid any damage to the glass of the solar panel. Further, the apparatus can be equipped with a water spray mechanism so that it can be used for cleaning solar panels using water too. The wet cleaning method additionally requires a circuit line for fluid flow, followed by a flow control valve.
, Claims:1. An equipment for cleaning photovoltaic modules by using combination of bristles and flapped microfiber brush; consisting of;

a main structural frame (04), which provides support to a top transmission unit (05), and a bottom transmission unit (06), which helps travel the cleaning apparatus in a horizontal direction, either left or right, regardless of terrain angle;

said frame made of aluminum extrusion to maintain modularity in the structural frame, be adjustable, and be quick to assemble and disassemble;

wherein said top transmission unit (05) and bottom transmission unit (06) are adjustable within the lengths of the frame; the top transmission unit (05) uses a vertical dragging belt (15) and a horizontal dragging belt (16) that help to transmit the power between the top horizontal wheel powering motor (13) and the wheels (09);

the power from the motor to the wheels (09) is transmitted using a driving roller (21) mounted on the top horizontal powering motor and driven rollers (33) mounted on the top vertical transmission shaft (12); and

said bottom transmission unit (06) uses a horizontal dragging belt (16) that helps transmit the power between the bottom horizontal wheel powering motor (27) and the wheels (09).

2. The equipment for cleaning photovoltaic modules by using combination of bristles and flapped microfiber brush as claimed in claim 1 wherein the power from the motor to the wheels (09) is transmitted using a driving roller (21) mounted on the bottom horizontal wheel powering motor (27) and driven rollers (33) mounted on the bottom horizontal transmission shaft (39).

3. The equipment for cleaning photovoltaic modules by using combination of bristles and flapped microfiber brush as claimed in claim 1 wherein a non-contact sensing unit (08) configured on the top transmission unit helps to determine the rpm and distance travelled of the system.

4. The equipment for cleaning photovoltaic modules by using combination of bristles and flapped microfiber brush as claimed in claim 1 wherein said non-contact sensing unit (08) also determines the end panel by sensing the end sensing part (02) that is located at the ends of the solar array and two bottom wheel stoppers (03) that are located at the bottom ends on either side of the solar arrays.

5. The equipment for cleaning photovoltaic modules by using combination of bristles and flapped microfiber brush as claimed in claim 1 wherein the wheel-powered motor mount plate (34) acts as a support for its powering DC motor and to the idle rollers (20) that provide the required tension to the belts.

6. The equipment for cleaning photovoltaic modules by using combination of bristles and flapped microfiber brush as claimed in claim 1 wherein said top transmission unit consists of a driver module box (17) that powers and controls the wheel-powering DC motor and an electronics control unit box (18) that controls the overall working of the robotic cleaning apparatus.

7. The equipment for cleaning photovoltaic modules by using combination of bristles and flapped microfiber brush as claimed in claim 1 wherein said rotary cleaning unit (07) is driven by a rotary DC motor (23), which steps up power by using an alternative transmission unit (e.g., a gear box) for rotating the rotary cleaning unit (07); and the rotary DC motor (23) is connected to the powered shaft and rotary motor mount plate (34).

8. The equipment for cleaning photovoltaic modules by using combination of bristles and flapped microfiber brush as claimed in claim 1 wherein a rotary cleaning unit consists of a combination of a bunch of microfiber bristles and a series of microfiber flaps; wherein a rotary movement of the microfiber flap creates a wave of air flow to throw away the dust, hence pushing it towards the ground as well as in a forward direction.

9. The equipment for cleaning photovoltaic modules by using combination of bristles and flapped microfiber brush as claimed in claim 1 wherein the microcontroller gets its input from sensors which are used for detecting ends of array and measuring distance, whereas Toggle Switch-01 and Toggle Switch-02 are used for switch cleaning mode (either fast, normal, or slow speed) operation and direction purpose (left to right or right to left) and under auto mode, the microcontroller also gets input commands using GSM, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth for operation purposes. GPS can be equipped with a system to avoid theft by tracking the position of the system.

10. The equipment for cleaning photovoltaic modules by using combination of bristles and flapped microfiber brush as claimed in claim 1 wherein a charge controller unit acts as an intermediary between the microcontroller unit and the power source (battery).

Documents

Application Documents

# Name Date
1 202321068721-FORM FOR STARTUP [12-10-2023(online)].pdf 2023-10-12
2 202321068721-FORM FOR SMALL ENTITY(FORM-28) [12-10-2023(online)].pdf 2023-10-12
3 202321068721-FORM 1 [12-10-2023(online)].pdf 2023-10-12
4 202321068721-EVIDENCE FOR REGISTRATION UNDER SSI(FORM-28) [12-10-2023(online)].pdf 2023-10-12
5 202321068721-EVIDENCE FOR REGISTRATION UNDER SSI [12-10-2023(online)].pdf 2023-10-12
6 202321068721-DRAWINGS [12-10-2023(online)].pdf 2023-10-12
7 202321068721-COMPLETE SPECIFICATION [12-10-2023(online)].pdf 2023-10-12
8 202321068721-FORM 3 [15-12-2023(online)].pdf 2023-12-15
9 202321068721-ENDORSEMENT BY INVENTORS [15-12-2023(online)].pdf 2023-12-15
10 Abstract.1.jpg 2024-01-24
11 202321068721-FORM-9 [21-02-2024(online)].pdf 2024-02-21
12 202321068721-STARTUP [23-02-2024(online)].pdf 2024-02-23
13 202321068721-FORM28 [23-02-2024(online)].pdf 2024-02-23
14 202321068721-FORM 18A [23-02-2024(online)].pdf 2024-02-23
15 202321068721-Proof of Right [07-06-2024(online)].pdf 2024-06-07
16 202321068721-FORM-26 [07-06-2024(online)].pdf 2024-06-07
17 202321068721-FER.pdf 2024-12-17
18 202321068721-FER_SER_REPLY [19-05-2025(online)].pdf 2025-05-19
19 202321068721-PatentCertificate11-09-2025.pdf 2025-09-11
20 202321068721-IntimationOfGrant11-09-2025.pdf 2025-09-11

Search Strategy

1 202321068721E_29-11-2024.pdf

ERegister / Renewals