DESC:FIELD
The present disclosure relates to the field of solar photovoltaic (PV) power systems. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to self-cleaning mounting mechanisms for solar panels with sun tracking capabilities.
DEFINITIONS
As used in the present disclosure, the following terms are generally intended to have the meaning as set forth below, except to the extent that the context in which they are used indicate otherwise.
Solar panel/module: The term ‘solar panel/module’ used hereinafter in the disclosure refers to an assembly of connected solar cells, wherein each cell is an electrical device that converts incident solar radiation into electrical energy.
BACKGROUND
The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.
There is an increasing interest in the utilization of solar energy (i.e. sunlight) for production of electrical energy. Typically, production of electrical energy from solar energy is achieved using solar panels. Solar panels comprise multiple solar cells connected in series and parallel. The solar cells convert incident sunlight into electrical energy through a natural reaction called the photovoltaic effect.
In some regions, particularly equatorial and tropical regions, the solar energy is available throughout the year. Therefore, the potential of harnessing solar energy for commercial and domestic purposes, in these regions, is abundant. For harnessing solar energy, a number of solar panels are required to be installed, thereby forming a solar array. Typically, efficiency of generation of electrical energy using solar panels, is at most 25%. In order to financially compete with existing energy generation solutions, there is considerable economic pressure to maximize the efficiency of solar energy solutions. Conventionally, this is done by integrating solar tracker mechanisms with the solar panels.
A solar tracker mechanism orients the panel surface in accordance with position of the sun in the sky, to maximize the absorption of sunlight, thereby generating maximum possible electrical energy. The orientation is described in terms of azimuth and elevation angles, whose rotational axis are horizontal and orthogonal to each other.
However, the use of tracker mechanisms does not guarantee a substantial improvement in the efficiency of solar panels. This is because the efficiency of solar panels is affected if the surface of panel is not clean enough. Accumulation of dust, dirt, pollen, soot and other particulate matter on the surface of solar panel, leads to a reduction in absorption of solar energy. In regions with regular availability of precipitation, cleaning of solar modules is not mandatorily required. However, there are many regions around the globe in the tropical belt with little or no rain available virtually throughout the year. Such regions are prone to regular and intense dust storms. Also, in urban areas with high density of heavy industries as well as traffic, soot accumulation on the surfaces of solar panels is very common. In such areas, solar panels need to be cleaned periodically on a regular basis.
Normally, cleaning of solar modules is done using pressurized water, pumped using power generated by diesel engines such as that of a tractor, and sprayed on the panels manually. In other instances, manual wiping of the surface of panels using brushes or cloth is also done. These methods not only lead to wasteful use of water, but also involve risk of damage to the delicate and costly components of a solar power installation. These methods are also labour intensive and the quality of cleaning is dependent on operator’s skill. Further, the tractor moving between compactly arranged panel rows and haphazard cleaning of the panels can cause damage to the solar panels.
Hence, more sophisticated methods, such as robotic cleaning of solar modules, are employed, wherein robots are equipped with brushes, wipers, blowers, brooms, etc. for performing dry or wet cleaning on the surface of the solar modules. The robots can also be equipped with reservoirs of water or a cleaning solution to facilitate wet cleaning. A separate control unit and a separate power source such as an auxiliary solar module are required to operate such a cleaning robot, further adding to the capital and operating costs. Moreover, such a robot for cleaning solar modules consumes a separate space for parking when not in use, thereby making the overall system bulky. Further, these robots require a separate SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) system for monitoring and separate channels for communication control.
Efficient robotic cleaning has not been hitherto employed together with a tracker mechanism in a photovoltaic power system.
Therefore, there is felt, a need for a photovoltaic power system with a self-cleaning tracking mechanism.
OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a photovoltaic power system with an integrated mechanism for cleaning of tracked solar panels.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a photovoltaic power system with an integrated mechanism for cleaning of tracked solar panels, whose control is integrated and hence less complicated.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a photovoltaic power system with an integrated mechanism for cleaning of tracked solar panels, which is energy-efficient.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a photovoltaic power system with an integrated mechanism for cleaning of tracked solar panels, which is cost saving.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a photovoltaic power system with an integrated mechanism for cleaning of solar panels, which is compact.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a photovoltaic power system with an integrated mechanism for cleaning of tracked solar panels, which is safe.
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure envisages a photovoltaic power system having at least one solar panel with a cleaning mechanism integrated in the system. The system comprises a repository, a tracker mechanism, a cleaning mechanism, a power source, and a control unit. The tracker mechanism is configured to angularly displace the solar panel about a rotational axis to align the surface of the solar panel perpendicular to incident sunrays, wherein the rotational axis is aligned parallel to the ground surface. The cleaning mechanism is configured to clean the surface of the solar panel. The power source is configured to supply power to the tracker mechanism and the cleaning mechanism. The repository is configured to store a pre-determined set of tracking instructions, a pre-determined set of cleaning instructions, a pre-determined schedule, and thresholds corresponding to a pre-determined set of circumstances. The control unit is configured to cooperate with the repository to receive the pre-determined set of tracking instructions, the pre-determined set of cleaning instructions, the pre-determined schedule, and the thresholds. The control unit is further configured to receive an actual set of readings corresponding to the circumstances from an external station and compare the received readings with corresponding thresholds. The control unit is configured to generate:
• an activating signal for selectively operating one or both of the tracker mechanism and the cleaning mechanism based on the received pre-determined schedule, the comparison between the pre-determined thresholds and the actual readings, and the pre-determined set of cleaning and tracking instructions; and
• a control signal for controlling the operation of the tracker mechanism and the cleaning mechanism based on the received pre-determined schedule and the received pre-determined set of tracking and cleaning instructions respectively.
In an embodiment, the schedule includes a start time and a stop time for each day of a year, wherein the start time is associated with sunrise and the stop time associated with sunset. In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to generate the activating signal to operate the tracker mechanism between the start time and the stop time and the cleaning mechanism after the stop time. In another embodiment, the control unit is configured to generate the activating signal to operate the cleaning mechanism before the start time.
In an embodiment, the power source is an Alternating Current (AC) power source. In another embodiment, the power source is a Direct Current (DC) power source such as a battery, a solar panel, a switch mode power supply (SMPS), and the like.
In an embodiment, the tracker mechanism comprises a tracker actuator and a tracker driver circuit. The tracker actuator is configured to rotate the solar panel about the rotational axis. The tracker driver circuit is configured to drive the tracker actuator upon receiving the activating signal, and is further configured to control the operation of the tracker actuator based on the control signal to maintain an angle of incidence of sun rays on the surface of the solar panel at 90 degrees. The tracker actuator is an electric motor selected from the group consisting of a DC motor, a stepper motor, a linear actuator, and a servo motor.
In an embodiment, the cleaning mechanism comprises a cleaning device and a cleaner driver circuit. The cleaning device is configured to clean the surface of the solar panel. The cleaner driver circuit is configured to drive the cleaning device upon receiving the activating signal, and is further configured to control the operation of the cleaning device based on the control signal.
In an embodiment, the cleaning device is a cleaning robot. The panel is configured with a space for parking the cleaning device when said cleaning device is not operated. In another embodiment, the cleaning device comprises a reservoir for storing a cleaning solution, wherein the cleaning solution can be water, soap water, or other solution. In yet another embodiment, the cleaning device comprises a traction element for facilitating its motion on the surface of the panel. The traction element is selected from the group consisting of driving wheels, driving belts, wire ropes, and driving chains. In another embodiment, the cleaning device comprises a sweeper that sweeps the dust off the surface. In yet another embodiment, the cleaning device comprises a wiper that will wipe the surface of the solar module clean.
The system includes at least one detection device connected to the control unit. In an embodiment, the detection device is a light sensor. The light sensor is configured to measure the intensity of ambient light. The control unit is configured to receive the measured light intensity from the light sensor, and is further configured to compare the received light intensity with a pre-determined threshold intensity. The control unit is configured to generate the activating signal for operating the cleaning mechanism when the measured light intensity falls below the pre-determined threshold intensity.
In another embodiment, the detection device is a dust monitoring unit. The dust monitoring unit is configured to measure the thickness of dust settled on the surface of the panel. The control unit is configured to receive the measured dust thickness from the dust monitoring unit, and is further configured to compare the received dust thickness with a pre-determined threshold dust thickness. The control unit is configured to generate the activating signal for operating the cleaning mechanism when the measured dust thickness becomes greater than or equal to the pre-determined threshold dust thickness.
The cleaning mechanism is connected to the power source through at least one cable. Advantageously, the system includes a cable management mechanism configured to prevent tangling of said cable during coiling and uncoiling. In an embodiment, the cable management mechanism includes a hollow tube through which the cable passes. The hollow tube is made of a material that is more rigid than that of the cable.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
A photovoltaic power system with an integrated mechanism for cleaning of solar panels of the present disclosure will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of a photovoltaic power system with an integrated mechanism for cleaning of solar panels.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
100 – System
120 – Power source
130 – Tracker mechanism
132 – Tracker driver circuit
134 – Tracker actuator
140 – Cleaning mechanism
142 – Cleaner driver circuit
144 – Cleaning device
150 – Control unit
160 – Cable management mechanism
170 – Repository
180 – Detection device
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details, are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.
The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms "a,” "an," and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," “including,” and “having,” are open ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, elements, modules, units and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
When an element is referred to as being "mounted on," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element, it may be directly on, connected or coupled to the other element. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed elements.
A photovoltaic power system (hereinafter referred as “system 100”) with an integrated mechanism for cleaning of solar panels, of the present disclosure, is now being described with reference to Figure 1. Typically, a photovoltaic power system 100 is also called as a solar array and comprises a collection of solar panels/solar modules, connected in series and parallel. Each panel/module in the solar array comprises a plurality of solar cells connected to one another. The solar cells convert the energy of sunlight directly into electricity using photovoltaic effect.
The photovoltaic power system 100 of the present disclosure comprises a repository 170, a tracker mechanism 130, a cleaning mechanism 140, a power source 120, and a control unit 150. The repository 170 is configured to store a pre-determined set of tracking instructions, a pre-determined set of cleaning instructions, and a pre-determined schedule, thresholds corresponding to a pre-determined set of circumstances. The circumstances are hazardous events which may result in settling of dust or dust particles on the solar panels. The pre-determined schedule includes a start time and a stop time for each day of a year, wherein the start time is associated with sunrise and the stop time is associated with sunset. Alternatively, the repository 170 is configured to store astronomical techniques. The control unit 150 is configured to compute the time for sunrise and sunset based on the astronomical techniques stored in the repository 170. The tracker mechanism 130 is configured to angularly displace the solar panel about a rotational axis to track sun’s position in the sky such that the surface of the solar panel is perpendicular to incident sunrays. The rotational axis is aligned parallel to the ground surface. The cleaning mechanism 140 is integrated with one or more solar panels and is configured to clean the surface of the solar panel. The power source 120 is configured to supply power to the tracker mechanism 130 and the cleaning mechanism 140. The control unit 150 is configured to cooperate with the repository 170 to receive the pre-determined set of tracking instructions, the pre-determined set of cleaning instructions, the pre-determined schedule, and the thresholds (command signal and data path therebetween shown by a dotted bidirectional arrow in the figure). The control unit is further configured to receive an actual set of readings corresponding to the circumstances from an external station and compare the received readings with corresponding thresholds. The control unit 150 is further configured to generate:
i. an activating signal for selectively operating one or both of the tracker mechanism 130 and the cleaning mechanism 140 based on the received pre-determined schedule, the comparison between the pre-determined thresholds and the actual readings, the pre-determined set of cleaning instructions, and the pre-determined set of tracking instructions; and
ii. a control signal for controlling the operation of the tracker mechanism 130 and the cleaning mechanism 140 based on the received pre-determined schedule and the received pre-determined set of tracking and cleaning instructions respectively.
In an exemplary embodiment, the station is a weather station located near the photovoltaic power system 100. The weather station detects circumstances such as high wind speed and periodically generates corresponding wind speed readings. The repository 170 stores pre-determined thresholds corresponding to the detected circumstance. The control unit 150 periodically receives wind speed readings from the weather station and compares the received wind speed readings with the pre-determined set of thresholds. The control unit 150 generates the activating signal, when the measured readings become greater than or equal to the pre-determined thresholds, for operating the cleaning mechanism 140 and/or the tracker mechanism 130. For example, if the measured wind speed reading is greater than the pre-determined threshold, there will be accumulation of dust particles on the surface of the solar panels. To avoid loss of efficiency due to the accumulation of dust, the control unit 150 generates the activating signal for operating the cleaning mechanism 140 in order to clean the accumulated dust. In an alternate embodiment, if high wind speed condition is detected after the sunset, the control unit 150 does not generate the activating signal for operating the cleaning mechanism 140 as the system 100 does not generate any power after the sunset.
In an embodiment, the pre-determined set of tracking and cleaning instructions can be stored in the form of a lookup table. The tracking lookup table can store instructions related to the tracker mechanism 130 in the form of orientation (azimuth angle alpha, elevation angle beta) of solar panel based on day time as well as date. The control unit 150 can be configured to maintain the solar panels in the solar array at a predetermined angle with respect to the horizontal axis while operating the cleaning mechanism 140. The angle can be one of alpha and beta. In another embodiment, the cleaning lookup table can store instructions related to the cleaning mechanism 140 such as schedule of cleaning, type of cleaning – dry wiping, blow cleaning, wet wiping, wiping with a cleaning solution, intensity of wiping, intensity of blowing, sweeping and so on.
In an embodiment, the control unit 150 is configured to generate the first activating signal to operate the tracker mechanism 130 between the start time and the stop time and the cleaning mechanism 140 after the stop time. Thus, the control unit 150 operates the tracker mechanism 130 during day time and the cleaning mechanism 140 during the night. In another embodiment, the control unit 150 is configured to generate the first activating signal to operate the cleaning mechanism 140 before the start time. In yet another embodiment, the control unit 150 is configured to operate the cleaning mechanism 140 before the sun rises. The specific selection of timing of operating the cleaning mechanism 140 before the sun rises is due to the consideration that dew deposited on the cold surface of the solar panels over the night needs to be wiped out completely. Such accumulated dew causes stains to form on the solar module as it evaporates as the day breaks. Such stains are detrimental to the efficiency of solar radiation absorption by the panels. However, the dew also acts as a lubricant as well as a cleaning solution during the wiping action performed over the solar panel surface by the robots. This reduces operating expenditure, at least in case of relatively loosely deposited layers of dust, as saving of water or cleaning solution is made possible. Thus, wiping of panel as later as possible but without allowing the dew to evaporate and leaving stains, is essential. Hence, the specific timing is selected for operating the cleaning mechanism 140.
The control unit 150 is configured to communicate with the tracker mechanism 130 and the cleaning mechanism 140 through a control unit signal path (shown by solid lines in Figure 1) which can pass through a tracker driver circuit 132 and a cleaner driver circuit 142 respectively. The control unit 150 can be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, digital signal processors, central processing units, state machines, logic circuitries, and/or any devices that generate/manipulate signals based on operational instructions.
In an embodiment, the power source 120 is an Alternating Current (AC) power source. In another embodiment, the power source 120 is a Direct Current (DC) power source such as a battery. In an embodiment, the battery is configured to store electrical energy generated by the solar panels. The power for operating the tracker mechanism 130 and the cleaning mechanism 140 is extracted from the battery, thereby pooling energy resource and making the system 100 energy-efficient and cost-efficient. The battery is configured to supply power to the control unit 150, the tracker mechanism 130, and the cleaning mechanism 140 through a power transmission path (shown by dashed lines in Figure 1). The battery used as a power source 120 can be a rechargeable or a non-rechargeable battery. The battery may be selected from the group consisting of Alkaline Batteries, Zinc-Carbon Batteries, Lead-Acid Batteries, Mercury Batteries, Lithium and Silver Oxide Batteries, Nickel Cadmium, Nickel-Metal Hydride Batteries, Lithium Ion Polymer Batteries, and the like. In another embodiment, the power source 120 is DC power source such as a solar panel. In yet another embodiment, the power source 120 is a DC power source such as switch mode power supply (SMPS) system.
Thus, the tracker mechanism 130 and the cleaning mechanism 140 are powered from the same power source 120, thereby saving energy and are driven/controlled by the same control unit 150, thereby pooling resources of control and communication and making the control less complicated.
In an embodiment, the tracker mechanism 130 comprises a tracker driver circuit 132 and a tracker actuator 134. The tracker actuator 134 is configured to rotate the solar panel about the rotational axis. The tracker driver circuit 132 is configured to drive the tracker actuator 134 upon receiving the activating signal, and is further configured to control the operation of the tracker actuator 134 based on the control signal to maintain an angle of incidence of sun rays on the surface of the solar panel at 90 degrees. The tracker actuator 134 is an electric motor and can be selected from the group consisting of, but not limited to, a DC motor, a stepper motor, a linear actuator, and a servo motor.
In an embodiment, the cleaning mechanism 140 comprises a cleaner driver circuit 142 and a cleaning device 144. The cleaning device 144 is configured to clean the surface of the solar panel. The cleaner driver circuit 142 is configured to drive the cleaning device 144 upon receiving the activating signal, and is further configured to control the operation of the cleaning device 144 based on the control signal.
The tracker mechanism 130 is mounted on a tracker structure. In an embodiment, the tracker structure can be configured with a space (not shown in figure) for parking the cleaning device 144, thereby making the system 100 more compact. The control unit 150 can be configured to control the cleaning device 144 so as to park the cleaning device 144 inside the space for parking in the tracker structure when the cleaning device 144 is not operated.
In an embodiment, the cleaning device 144 is selected from a group consisting of, but not limited to, a brush, a rolling brush, blowers, and brooms. The cleaning device 144 also comprises a reservoir for storing water, a cleaning solution, and a sprayer. In another embodiment, the cleaning device 144 comprises a traction element (not shown in figure) for facilitating its motion on the surface of the solar panel. The traction element is selected from the group consisting of driving wheels, driving belts, and driving chains. In another embodiment, the cleaning device 144 comprises a sweeper that sweeps dust from the surface of the panel. In yet another embodiment, the cleaning device 144 comprises a wiper that wipes the dust off the surface of the panel.
In an embodiment, the system 100 includes at least one detection device 180 connected to the control unit 150. In an embodiment, the detection device 180 is a light sensor. The light sensor is configured to measure the intensity of ambient light. The control unit 150 is configured to receive the measured light intensity from the light sensor, and is further configured to compare the received light intensity with a pre-determined threshold intensity. The control unit 150 is configured to generate the activating signal for operating the cleaning mechanism 140 when the measured light intensity falls below the pre-determined threshold intensity. In another embodiment, the detection device 180 is a dust monitoring unit. The dust monitoring unit is configured to measure the thickness of dust settled on the surface of the panel. The control unit 150 is configured to receive the measured dust thickness from the dust monitoring unit, and is further configured to compare the received dust thickness with a pre-determined threshold dust thickness. The control unit 150 is configured to generate the activating signal for operating the cleaning mechanism 140 when the measured dust thickness becomes greater than or equal to the pre-determined threshold dust thickness. Such a configuration allows immediate cleaning of the solar panels after arrival of dust storms, thereby reducing the down time of the power generation system from a couple of days to a couple of hours. In an embodiment, the cleaning mechanism 140 is operated for a predetermined value of time which is stored in the repository 170.
The control signal generated from the control unit 150 can be transmitted to the cleaning mechanism 140 using wired or wireless communication.
In an embodiment, the cleaning mechanism 140 is operatively coupled with power source 120 through at least one cable. The system 100 includes a cable management mechanism 160 configured to prevent tangling of the cable during coiling and uncoiling. The cable management mechanism 160 includes a hollow tube through which the cable passes, the hollow tube being made of a material that is more rigid than the cable. Further, the cable management mechanism 160 can comprise a cable tension control mechanism (not shown in figure) which is configured to prevent damage to components and disconnection of connections due to excessive tension.
In yet another embodiment, the cleaning mechanism 140 can be operatively coupled with the power source 120 through a wireless communication means (not shown in figure). The wireless communication means can be radio-based. In an embodiment, the wireless communication means is a Bluetooth communication module. Further, the cleaning mechanism 140 can comprise an auxiliary battery and an auxiliary solar module. The control unit 150 can be configured to charge the auxiliary battery of the cleaning mechanism 140 when the cleaning mechanism 140 is parked in the space which is configured in the tracking structure.
Energy savings over previously known tracked solar module systems are obtained by implementing the photovoltaic solar system 100 with automated cleaning of tracked solar modules as disclosed in the present disclosure. The system 100 as disclosed in the present disclosure gives an approximate saving of at least 2 litres of diesel as well as of 7000 litres of water per MW of power generated as compared to previously known systems. Also, a gain of more than 2% in energy generation per MW of power over that of previously known systems is also noted.
A photovoltaic solar system 100 that is designed as per the present disclosure is self-cleaning due to the presence of cleaning mechanism 140 in-built with the tracker mechanism 130. This thus reduces the overall cost of ownership of the entire solar panel system. The system 100 also provides advantages as compared to the current system of using a separate cleaning robot and a separate tracker. The combined system 100 is designed to reduce the number of components in the overall system by pooling resources of power supply and processing power and communication. The control unit 150 and the battery are used during the day for tracking operation and during the evening/night time for cleaning operation, thereby optimizing its usage. All communication for both, robot and tracker is done through the same communication channels, thus making the system 100 self-contained.
The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.
TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS
The present disclosure described herein above has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of a photovoltaic power system with an integrated mechanism for cleaning of tracked solar panels switch that:
• less complicated;
• energy-efficient;
• cost-efficient;
• compact; and
• safe.
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.
The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.
,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:

1. A photovoltaic power system (100), said system (100) comprising:
i. at least one solar panel;
ii. a tracker mechanism (130) configured to angularly displace said solar panel about a rotational axis to align the surface of said solar panel perpendicular to incident sunrays;
iii. a cleaning mechanism (140) integrated with said solar panel, said cleaning mechanism (140) configured to clean the surface of said solar panel;
iv. a repository (170) configured to store a pre-determined set of tracking instructions, a pre-determined set of cleaning instructions, a pre-determined schedule, and thresholds corresponding to a pre-determined set of circumstances;
v. a control unit (150) configured to cooperate with said repository (170) to receive said pre-determined set of tracking instructions, said pre-determined set of cleaning instructions, said pre-determined schedule, and said thresholds, said control unit (150) further configured to receive an actual set of readings corresponding to the circumstances from an external station and compare said received readings with corresponding thresholds, said control unit (150) configured to generate:
i. an activating signal for selectively operating one or both of said tracker mechanism (130) and said cleaning mechanism (140) based on said received pre-determined schedule, the comparison between said pre-determined thresholds and said actual readings, said pre-determined set of cleaning instructions, and said pre-determined set of tracking instructions; and
ii. a control signal for controlling the operation of said tracker mechanism (130) and said cleaning mechanism (140) based on said received pre-determined schedule and said received pre-determined set of tracking and cleaning instructions respectively.
2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said system (100) includes a power source (120) configured to supply power to said tracker mechanism (130) and said cleaning mechanism (140).
3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said rotational axis is aligned parallel to the ground surface.
4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said schedule includes a start time and a stop time for each day of a year, wherein said start time is associated with sunrise and said stop time associated with sunset.
5. The system as claimed in claim 4, wherein said control unit (150) is configured to generate said activating signal to operate said tracker mechanism (130) between said start time and said stop time and said cleaning mechanism (140) after said stop time.
6. The system as claimed in claim 4, wherein said control unit (150) is configured to generate said activating signal to operate said cleaning mechanism (140) before said start time.
7. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein said power source (120) is an Alternating Current (AC) power source.
8. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein said power source (120) is a Direct Current (DC) power source.
9. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said tracker mechanism (130) comprises:
i. a tracker actuator (134) configured to rotate said solar panel about said rotational axis; and
ii. a tracker driver circuit (132) configured to drive said tracker actuator (134) upon receiving said activating signal, and further configured to control the operation of said tracker actuator (134) based on said control signal to maintain an angle of incidence of sun rays on the surface of said solar panel at 90 degrees.
10. The system as claimed in claim 9, wherein said tracker actuator (134) is an electric motor selected from a group consisting of a DC motor, a stepper motor, a linear actuator, and a servo motor.
11. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said cleaning mechanism (140) comprises:
i. a cleaning device (144) configured to clean the surface of said solar panel;
ii. a cleaner driver circuit (142) configured to drive said cleaning device (144) upon receiving said activating signal, and further configured to control the operation of said cleaning device (144) based on said control signal.
12. The system as claimed claim 1, wherein said tracker mechanism (130) is mounted on a tracker structure.
13. The system as claimed in claim 12, wherein said tracker structure is configured with a space for parking said cleaning device (144) when said cleaning device (144) is not operating.
14. The system as claimed in claim 11, wherein said cleaning device (144) includes a reservoir for storing a cleaning solution.
15. The system as claimed in claim 11, wherein said cleaning device (144) includes a traction element (not shown in figure) for facilitating its motion on the surface of said panel.
16. The system as claimed in claim 15, wherein said traction element is selected from the group consisting of driving wheels, driving belts, wire ropes, and driving chains.
17. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said system (100) includes at least one detection device (180) connected to said control unit (150).
18. The system as claimed in claim 17, wherein said detection device (180) is a light sensor, said light sensor being configured to measure the intensity of ambient light.
19. The system as claimed in claim 18, wherein said control unit (150) is configured to receive said measured light intensity from said light sensor, and is further configured to compare said received light intensity with a pre-determined threshold intensity, said control unit (150) configured to generate said activating signal for operating said cleaning mechanism (140) when said measured light intensity falls below said pre-determined threshold intensity.
20. The system as claimed in claim 17, wherein said detection device (180) is a dust monitoring unit, said dust monitoring unit being configured to measure the thickness of dust settled on the surface of said panel.
21. The system as claimed in claim 20, wherein said control unit (150) is configured to receive said measured dust thickness from said dust monitoring unit, and further configured to compare said received dust thickness with a pre-determined threshold dust thickness, said control unit (150) is configured to generate said activating signal for operating said cleaning mechanism (140) when said measured dust thickness becomes greater than or equal to said pre-determined threshold dust thickness.
22. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said cleaning mechanism (140) is connected to said power source (120) through at least one cable.
23. The system as claimed in claim 22, wherein said system (100) includes a cable management mechanism (160) configured to prevent tangling of said cable during coiling and uncoiling.
24. The system as claimed in claim 23, wherein said cable management mechanism (160) includes a hollow tube through which said cable passes, said hollow tube being made of a material that is more rigid than said cable.