Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a snow removal device for solar panel that automatically removes snow deposited over a solar panel by detecting the presence of snow and also eliminates the moisture from the solar panel in an automated manner.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, making them essential for renewable energy generation. However, the deposition of snow on solar panels obstruct sunlight, reducing energy output or halting it entirely. Snow accumulation creates a barrier, preventing efficient power generation. Additionally, if snow melts and moisture remains on the panel's surface, it leads to water seepage into electrical components, causing corrosion, electrical malfunctions, and potential damage over time. Removing snow and moisture is crucial to maintaining optimal panel performance, maximizing energy efficiency, and extending the lifespan of the panel by preventing long-term damage.

[0003] Traditionally, people remove snow from solar panels using tools like soft brooms, roof rakes, or squeegees with long handles to gently clear the snow without damaging the panel's surface. Some people use heated cables placed around the edges of panels to melt snow. While these traditional methods are effective to some extent but they also pose several challenges and drawbacks. Manual removal is time-consuming and may involve climbing onto roofs or using ladders, posing risks of slips or falls. These methods also often fail to fully remove moisture, which lead to further issues.

[0004] CN103008308A discloses about a solar panel dust and snow remover which has a lightweight structure, and is convenient to install and simple to repair; the solar panel dust and snow remover comprises a motor, a lead screw which is connected with the motor and a crossbeam which is in threaded connection with the lead screw; the lead screw is arranged above a solar panel; the crossbeam is arranged on one end of the solar panel; a dust removing and/or snow removing device is arranged below the crossbeam; and the crossbeam can be driven by the motor to advance from one end to the other end of the solar panel. The solar panel dust and snow remover is applicable to all solar systems, and can ensure the light transmission of solar panel glass; the installation is convenient, and the structure is simple; the flexibility is higher, the repair is simple and various environments can be adapted to; the snow and dust removing effects are significant, and the solar panel is not damaged in any way; and the service life is long. Though, CN’308 discloses about an invention that relates to a solar panel dust and snow remover. However, the cited invention lacks in removing the snow from the solar panel in an automated manner by detecting the presence of snow.

[0005] CN112491351A discloses about a solar panel dust removal and snow removal device.The solar panel dust removal and snow removal device comprises a solar panel, moving mechanisms, a connecting piece, a cleaning mechanism, a cable, a heat storage device, a conversion device and a connecting pipe, the moving mechanisms are arranged on the left side and the right side of the solar panel and drive the cleaning mechanism to move to clean the solar panel, and the connecting piece is fixedly connected to the bottom end of the rear end of the solar panel; a cleaning mechanism is arranged at the front end of the solar panel and used for cleaning accumulated snow in a dust box on the surface of the solar panel, the left side and the right side of the cleaning mechanism are fixedly connected with the moving mechanisms, the bottom end of the connecting piece is fixedly connected with the connecting pipe, the other end of the connecting pipe is fixedly connected with the heat storage device, the bottom end of the heat storage device is fixedly connected with the conversion device, cables are fixedly connected to the two sides of the conversion device, the other ends of the cables are fixedly connected with the bottom ends of the moving mechanisms, and the problem that dust and accumulated snow on the surface of the solar panel are inconvenient to clean is solved. Though, CN’351 discloses about an invention that relates to a solar panel dust removal and snow removal device. However, the cited invention lacks in detecting and removing the presence of moisture over the solar panel in an automated manner.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed that are capable of assisting a user in removing snow from a solar panel. However, these devices are incapable of removing the snow from the solar panel in an automated manner by detecting the presence of snow, and fails in reducing manual efforts and consumption of time in the overall process. Additionally, these existing devices also lacks in detecting and removing the presence of moisture over the solar panel in an automated manner.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of removing snow from the surface of a solar panel in a self-sufficient manner by detecting the presence of snow deposited over the solar panel. In addition, the developed device also detects the presence of moisture over the solar panel and accordingly dry out the solar panel in an automated manner for preventing damage caused by moisture accumulation.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of removing snow from a solar panel in an automated manner by detecting the presence of snow, thereby reducing manual efforts and consumption of time in the overall process.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of detecting the presence of moisture over the solar panel and accordingly provide a means for drying the solar panel, thus ensuring optimal performance of the solar panel and preventing damage caused by moisture accumulation.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of detecting an ambient light level and accordingly provide a means for illumination of surrounding.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to a snow removal device for solar panel that is capable of removing snow from a solar panel in an automated manner by detecting the presence of snow over the solar panel. Further, the device is capable of detecting an ambient light level and accordingly provide a means for illumination of surrounding.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a snow removal device for solar panel compresses of a rectangular frame adapted to be enclosed around periphery of a solar panel, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed on the frame and integrated with a processor to determine snow collected on the solar panel, a sliding unit installed along opposite edges of the frame to translate an elongated rod installed between the sliding units, plurality of telescopic links incorporated downwardly on the rod to extend and establish physical contact of rectangular plates attached at the end of each telescopic link with the snow, a hinge configured between each plate and link to angle the plates to remove the snow during the translation, and a moisture sensor embedded in the frame detects a moisture on the solar panel.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of plurality of hot air blowers installed along the frame for blowing air onto the solar panel for drying of the solar panel, a microphone provided on the frame for receiving an audio command from the user regarding removing snow from the solar panel, a wireless communication module is provided on the frame for enabling the user to remotely initiate or conclude snow removal process by connecting with a computing unit, an LDR (light dependent resistor) provided with the frame detects an ambient light level, plurality of LEDs (light emitting diodes) mounted on the frame to provide illumination if the detected light level is below a threshold light level, and a battery is associated with the device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with the device.

[0016] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a snow removal device for solar panel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0019] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0020] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0021] The present invention relates to a snow removal device for solar panel that is capable of providing a means for removal of snow from a solar panel in an automated manner by detecting the presence of snow over the solar panel. Additionally, the proposed device is capable of detecting and removing the presence of moisture over the solar panel in an automated manner.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a snow removal device for solar panel is illustrated, comprising a rectangular frame 101, a sliding unit 102 installed along opposite edges of the frame 101, an elongated rod 103 is installed between the sliding units 102, plurality of telescopic links 104 incorporated downwardly on rod 103, a rectangular plate 105 is attached at the ends of each link by means of hinges 106, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 107 installed on the frame 101, plurality of hot air blowers 108 installed along the frame 101, a microphone 109 provided on the frame 101, and plurality of LEDs 110 (light emitting diodes) mounted on the frame 101.

[0023] The device disclosed herein comprises of a rectangular frame 101 incorporating various components associated with the device and developed to be positioned around periphery of a solar panel manually by a user. The frame 101 serves as the core structure and is made from strong, waterproof and lightweight materials which includes but not limited to hardened steel, aluminum alloy, hard fiber, and composite materials. These materials offer strength and rigidity to the frame 101 making it resistant to mechanical stress and pressure. The surface of the frame 101 is coated with material like Teflon or other low-friction coatings to improve wear resistance and reduce friction.

[0024] Upon positioning the frame 101 around the periphery of the solar panel, the user is required to access a microphone 109 provided on the frame 101 to provide audio command regarding removing snow from the solar panel. The microphone 109 receives the user voice commands and converts the sound energy emitted by the user into electrical energy. Inside the microphone 109, a diaphragm made of plastic is present that moves back and forth when the sound wave hits the diaphragm, which then moves a coil attached to the diaphragm in the same way in order to generate an electrical signal proportional to the sound. The electric signal from coil flows to an amplifier which amplifies the electrical signal. The amplified electrical signal is then sent to an inbuilt microcontroller linked to the microphone 109.

[0025] Upon receiving and processing the signal from the microphone 109, the microcontroller recognizes the user input voice command and accordingly generates a command to actuate an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 107 installed on the frame 101 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of the frame 101. The artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 107 comprises of a high-resolution camera lens, digital camera sensor and a processor, wherein the lens captures multiple images from different angles and perspectives in vicinity of the frame 101 with the help of digital camera sensor for providing comprehensive coverage of the solar panel.

[0026] The captured images then go through pre-processing steps by the processor integrated with the camera. The processor carries out a sequence of image processing operation including pre-processing, feature extraction and classification in order to enhance the image quality, which includes adjusting brightness and contrast and removing any distortion or noise. The pre-processed images are transmitted to the microcontroller linked with the processor in the form of electrical signals.

[0027] The microcontroller further processes the received signals in order to determine snow collected on the solar panel. A sliding unit 102 is installed along opposite edges of the frame 101 and having an elongated rod 103 installed between the sliding unit 102, wherein upon successful detection of snow on the solar panel, the microcontroller actuates the sliding unit 102 to translate the rod 103. The sliding unit 102 used herein consists of a sliding-rail and multiple rolling members which are integrated with a step motor. On actuation, the step motor rotates the rolling members in order to provide rolling motion to the members which results in sliding of the units for translating the rod 103.

[0028] Simultaneously, the microcontroller actuates multiple telescopic links 104 (ranging from 4 to 6 in numbers) incorporated downwardly on the rod 103 to extend and position a rectangular plate 105 attached at ends of each link, in contact with the snow. The extension of the links 104 is powered by a pneumatic unit that includes an air compressor, air cylinder, air valves and piston which works in collaboration to aid in extension and retraction of the links 104.

[0029] The air compressor used herein extract the air from surrounding and increases the pressure of the air by reducing the volume of the air. The air compressor is consisting of two main parts including a motor and a pump. The motor powers the compressor pump which uses the energy from the motor drive to draw in atmospheric air and compress to elevated pressure. The compressed air is then sent through a discharge tube into the cylinder across the valve. The compressed air in the cylinder tends to pushes out the piston to extend. The piston is attached to the links 104, wherein the extension of the piston corresponds to the extension of the links 104 in order to establish physical contact of the plates 105 with the snow.

[0030] Once the plates 105 are positioned in contact with the snow, the microcontroller actuates a hinge 106 configured between each of the plates 105 and the links 104 to tilt the plates 105 in order to remove the snow during the translation of the rod 103. The hinges 106 integrates an electric motor with a traditional hinge mechanism to enable controlled, automated rotational movement of the plates 105 around a fixed axis.

[0031] The hinge joint comprises of a pair of leaf that are screwed with the surface of the plates 105 and the links 104. The leafs are connected with each other by means of a cylindrical member integrated with a shaft coupled with a DC (Direct Current) motor to provide required movement to the hinges 106. The rotation of the shaft in clockwise and anti-clockwise direction provides required tilting movement to the hinges 106, that in turn tilt the plates 105 for effectively removing the snow during the translation of the rod 103 along the surface of the solar panel.

[0032] Synchronously, the microcontroller in association with a moisture sensor embedded in the frame 101, detects moisture on the solar panel. The moisture sensor used herein is a non-contact moisture sensor which operate based on capacitance principle. An electromagnetic field is generated by an oscillator circuit within the sensor. This field extends to the solar panel. When the solar panel is dry, its dielectric constant is relatively low. However, when moisture is present, the dielectric constant increases. This change in dielectric constant alters the capacitance between the sensor and the surface. The sensor measures the changes in capacitance caused by the presence of moisture. This change is converted into an electrical signal, which is then transferred to the linked microcontroller for interpretation.

[0033] The microcontroller processes the signals received from the moisture sensor in order to determine the moisture level of the solar panel and accordingly actuates multiple hot air blowers 108 (ranging from 2 to 4 in numbers) installed along the frame 101 for blowing air onto the solar panel for drying of the solar panel. The air blowers 108 used herein consists of a motor, fan blades, an air intake, and an outlet nozzle. When the microcontroller activates the blower, the motor drives the fan blades to rotate at high speed, drawing air through the intake. The blades push this air towards the outlet nozzle, creating a focused stream of air. This air is then directed towards the solar panel, in order to dry the solar panel.

[0034] Further, the microcontroller by means of an LDR (light dependent resistor) provided with the frame 101, detects an ambient light level. The LDR (light dependent resistor) comprises of a photodiode, wherein the photodiode is capable of measuring intensity of light in proximity of the solar panel, when beam of light strikes the photodiode then the photodiode has a tendency to loosen electrons causing an electric current to flow. More the intensity of light, stronger is the electric current generated by the sensor which is further transmitted to the microcontroller.

[0035] The microcontroller interprets the magnitude of the generated current to determine the intensity of the ambient light in proximity of the solar panel and compares the determined intensity level with a threshold level that is pre-feed in the database of the microcontroller. In case the determined intensity of light is below the threshold level, the microcontroller generates a command to activate multiple LEDs 110 (Light Emitting Diode) (ranging from 4 to 6 in numbers) mounted on the frame 101 to glow for providing optimal illumination.

[0036] The LED (Light Emitting Diode) light is a two-lead semiconductor light source also known as p-n junction which produce the lighting when constant voltage is supplied across the diode. When the voltage is supplied across the diode, the electrons recombine with the electrons hole in the diode which result in conversion of electron into photons (which is another form of light) to glow and provide illumination.

[0037] The microcontroller is linked with a wireless communication module provided on the frame 101 for establishing a wireless connection between the microcontroller and a computing unit such as a smartphone, tablet, or other handheld devices accessed by the user for enabling the user to remotely trigger the microcontroller to initiate or conclude the snow removal process. The communication module used herein includes, but not limited to Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module, Bluetooth module, GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) module.

[0038] The communication module allows the microcontroller to send and receive data to and from the computing unit without the need for physical connections. The Wi-Fi module provides connectivity over local networks, enabling real-time communication over longer distances. The Bluetooth module offers short-range, low-power communication, ideal for close proximity. The GSM module allows for communication over mobile networks, facilitating remote monitoring and control from virtually anywhere. This versatile connectivity ensures seamless interaction between the microcontroller and the computing unit for enabling the user to remotely give input commands to initiate or conclude snow removal process.

[0039] Lastly, a battery is installed within the device which is connected to the microcontroller that supplies current to all the electrically powered components that needs an amount of electric power to perform their functions and operation in an efficient manner. The battery utilized here, is generally a dry battery which is made up of Lithium-ion material that gives the device a long-lasting as well as an efficient DC (Direct Current) current which helps every component to function properly in an efficient manner. As the device is battery operated and do not need any electrical voltage for functioning. Hence the presence of battery leads to the portability of the device i.e. user is able to place as well as moves the device from one place to another as per the requirement.

[0040] The proposed invention works best in the following manner, where the rectangular frame 101 is developed to be enclosed around periphery of the solar panel. The user access the microphone 109 for providing audio command regarding removing snow from the solar panel. Based on which the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 107 integrated with the processor determine snow collected on the solar panel. On successful detection of snow, the sliding unit 102 translate the elongated rod 103. Simultaneously, multiple telescopic links 104 extend to establish physical contact of rectangular plates 105 with the snow. After which the hinges 106 tilts the plates 105 to remove the snow during the translation. Synchronously, the moisture sensor detects the moisture on the solar panel and accordingly multiple hot air blowers 108 blow air onto the solar panel for drying of the solar panel. The LDR (light dependent resistor) detects ambient light level and if the detected light level is below the threshold light level, multiple LEDs 110 (light emitting diodes) provide illumination.

[0041] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) A snow removal device for solar panel, comprising:

i) a rectangular frame 101 adapted to be enclosed around periphery of a solar panel;
ii) a sliding unit 102 installed along opposite edges of said frame 101 having an elongated rod 103 is installed between said sliding unit 102, wherein a plurality of rectangular plates 105 is attached at the ends of telescopic links 104 incorporated downwardly on said rod 103 by means of hinges 106 for removal of snow from said solar panel;
iii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 107, installed on said frame 101 and integrated with a processor for recording and processing images in a vicinity of said frame 101, to determine snow collected on said solar panel to trigger a microcontroller to actuate sliding unit 102 to translate said rod 103, said links 104 to extend to establish physical contact of said plates 105 with said snow and said hinges 106 to angle said links 104 and plates 105 to remove said snow during said translation; and
iv) a moisture sensor embedded in said frame 101 detects a moisture on said solar panel to trigger a microcontroller to actuate a plurality of hot air blowers 108 installed along said frame 101 for blowing air onto said solar panel for drying of said solar panel.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a microphone 109, linked with said microcontroller, provided on said frame 101 for receiving an audio command from said user regarding removing snow from said solar panel to trigger said microcontroller to actuate said imaging unit 107 to determine snow collected on said solar panel to actuate sliding unit 102 to translate said rod 103, said links 104 to extend to establish physical contact of said plates 105 with said snow and said hinges 106 to angle said links 104 and plates 105 to remove said snow during said translation.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a wireless communication module, linked with said microcontroller, is provided on said frame 101 for enabling said user to remotely trigger said microcontroller, by connecting with a computing unit, to initiate or conclude snow removal process.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein an LDR (light dependent resistor), provided with said frame 101, detects an ambient light level to trigger said microcontroller to actuate a plurality of LEDs 110 (light emitting diodes), mounted on said frame 101, to provide illumination if said detected light level is below a threshold light level.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is associated with said device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with said device.