Claims:N/A , Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of solar panel cleaning. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a device for automatic cleaning of solar panel.

BACKGROUND
[0002] The background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present system. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed system, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] Solar panel comprises an array of Photo Voltaic (PV) cells that absorbs the solar energy and converts the absorbed solar energy into electrical energy. The solar panels are often setup in an open area to get maximum exposure of solar energy. Hence, they are also exposed to large amount of dust, water, bird dropping and other dirt coverage problems. Due to absorption of dirt on the surface of solar panel, there can be reduction in the power generation efficiency of the solar panel and thus the output of the solar panels significantly reduces. If the cleaning of solar panels is not performed regularly, it causes huge economic losses for the solar power plants.
[0004] Efforts have been made in the related art to provide an apparatus to clean solar panels that could potentially solve above problem and provide an apparatus for cleaning of solar panels. Currently, the solar power plants generally use large manual cleaning methods. It is difficult to clean these solar panels manually, since these panels are placed at certain angle and height above the ground, which makes it difficult to clean manually for large scale solar power plants.
[0005] Cleaning of solar panel is generally carried out by several methods depending on the region in which the solar panel is being employed. Generally, the solar panel is cleaned by washing using water jets, which is expensive and labor intensive. Also, the cleaning of solar panel using water jets is not feasible in areas where water is not easily available.
[0006] Other methods include use of self-cleaning nano-films, which uses super-hydrophilic material such as Titanium (II) Oxide (TiO) to repel dust and water to settle over the panels. But these self-cleaning films are really expensive to be employed. Another electrostatic dust removal prevention method is also used in solar panels for space and highly delicate applications. This method generates counter electric charge to balance the electrostatic charge available in the dust. As these methods are effective in cleaning dust but they themselves are really expensive to setup and requires large amount of electrical power to operate.
[0007] There is, therefore, a need to provide a device for automatic cleaning of solar panel, which is economical, consumes very low electrical power and easy to operate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0008] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.
[0009] The diagrams are for illustration only, which thus is not a limitation of the present disclosure, and wherein:
[00010] FIGs. 1A and 1B illustrate exemplary embodiments of the proposed device, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00011] FIGs. 2A and 2B illustrate structural views of the proposed apparatus, in accordance with embodiments of the proposed disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00012] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[00013] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without some of these specific details.
[00014] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. These embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, all statements herein reciting embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future (i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure)
[00015] The present disclosure relates to the field of solar panel cleaning. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a device for automatic cleaning of solar panel.
[00016] FIGs. 1A and 1B illustrate exemplary embodiments of the proposed device, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00017] According to an embodiment, the device 100 as illustrated can include a plurality of first wheels 102-1, 102-2…102-N (collectively referred to as a plurality of first wheels 102, herein) on one or more edges of the solar panel 120. The function of the plurality of first wheels 102 is to effect the movement of the device 100 over the solar panel 120.
[00018] In an embodiment, the device 100 can include a plurality of second wheels 104-1, 104-2…104-N (collectively referred to as a plurality of second wheels 104, herein). The plurality of second wheels 104 can facilitate gripping of the device 100 on the solar panel 120.
[00019] In an embodiment, any or a combination of the plurality of first wheels 102 and the plurality of second wheels 104 can be coated with rubber. The rubber coating of any or a combination of the plurality of first wheels 102 and the plurality of second wheels 104 can facilitate even distribution of load on the frame of solar panel 120, damp vibrations and misalignment caused due to the movement of the device 100.
[00020] In an embodiment, the device 100 can include a plurality of assemblies 122-1, 122-2…122-N (collectively referred to as assemblies 122 and individually referred to as assembly 122, herein). In an illustrative embodiment, the device 100 can include two side assemblies 122, and a middle assembly 122. In an embodiment, each of the two side assemblies 122 can include two aluminum plates 124. The two aluminum plates 124 can be machined according to design required. In another embodiment, the middle assembly 122 can include four aluminum plates 124.
[00021] In an embodiment, the device 100 can include a first pipe 128 as a spacer to maintain the gap between the machined aluminum sheets. The first pipe 128 can be a hollow pipe and can be made of aluminum.
[00022] In an embodiment, the device 100 can include a second pipe 126. The plurality of assemblies 122 can be connected through the second pipe 126. The second pipe 126 can be an aluminum extrusion channel. The aluminum extrusion channel 126 can be rigidly coupled to the plurality of assemblies 122 through a plurality of aluminum L-clamps. Each of the plurality of aluminum L-clamps can be provided at each of the plurality of assemblies 122 to restrict sliding motion between the plurality of assemblies 122 and the aluminum extrusion channel 126.
[00023] In an embodiment, length of the device 100 can be re-configured according to dimensions of the solar panel 120. The length of the device 100 can be re-configured by varying distance between the plurality of assemblies 122.
[00024] In an embodiment, the device 100 can include a handle 112. A user can manually placed the device 100 from one location to another location by holding the handle 112 of the device 100.
[00025] In an embodiment, the device 100 can include motors 106-1, 106-2…106-N (collectively referred to as plurality of motors 106, and individually referred to as motor 106, herein). The plurality of motor 106 can be operatively coupled to the any or a combination of the plurality of first wheels 102 and the plurality of second wheels 104. The plurality of motor 106 can be mounted on a side assembly 122 through a timing belt and a pulley drive. The plurality of motor 106 can generate a first torque. The time belt can transmit the first torque from the plurality of motor 106 to any or a combination of the plurality of first wheels 102 and the plurality of second wheels 104.
[00026] In an illustrative embodiment, the time belt can transmit the torque from the plurality of motor 106 to nearest wheel 102. In another illustrative embodiment, the torque can be transferred to a wheel 104 associated with the middle assembly 122 and other wheels through an aluminum rod and a coupling.
[00027] In an embodiment, the device 100 can include a power management unit. The power management unit can be configured to convert a first electrical signal to a second electrical signal which can facilitate torque generation in the plurality of motor 106 and movement of the plurality of motor 106. The power management unit can include, but not limited to a full converter, a half converter, and the likes.
[00028] In an embodiment, the device 100 can include nozzles 108-1, 108-2…108-N (collectively referred to as a plurality of nozzles 108, herein). The plurality of nozzles can be positioned at the device 100 such that the plurality of nozzles 108 can face towards the solar panel 120.
[00029] In an embodiment, the device 100 can include one or more fluids. The one or more fluids can be stored in one or more housings. The plurality of nozzles 108 can purge the one or more fluids on the solar panel 120. The one or more fluids can include any or a combination of a cleaning agent and a coating agent.
[00030] In an embodiment, the device 100 can include a pressurizing unit. The pressurizing unit can exert pressure to facilitate purging of the one or more fluids through the plurality of nozzles 108.
[00031] In an embodiment, the device 100 can include one or more brushes 110. The one or more brushes 110 can be positioned below the plurality of assemblies 122. The one or more brushes 110 can be positioned through a friction-reducing mechanism. The movement of the one or more brushes 110 can be controlled by the plurality of motors 106.The plurality of motor 106 can generate a second torque. The time belt can transmit the second torque from the plurality of motor 106 to one or more brushes 110. The second torque can be transmitted from each of the one or more brushes to other brushes of the one or more brushes in a series manner.
[00032] The movement of the one or more brushes 110 can be any or a combination of circular rotation, horizontal motion, vertical motion, and the likes. The one or more brushes can be mechanically coupled with each other in series.
[00033] In an illustrative embodiment, the one or more brushes 110 in the device 100 can include first flat brush 110, second flat brush 110, and a third rotary brush 110. The first flat brush 110 can be positioned at first end of the device 100 and the second flat brush 110 can be positioned at second end of the device 100. The third rotary brush 110 can be positioned between the first flat brush 110 and the second flat brush 110. The third rotary brush 110 can be positioned at the centre of the device 100.
[00034] In an embodiment, the first flat brush 110 and the second flat brush 110 can be configured to move horizontally. The third rotary brush 110 can move in a circular manner. The first flat brush 110 can facilitate removal of large dust particles from the solar panel 120. The third rotary brush 110 can remove small dust particles from the solar panel 120. The third rotary brush 110 can create airflow to facilitate removal of small dust particles. The second flat brush 110 can remove remaining dust particles from the solar panel 120.
[00035] In an illustrative implementation, the plurality of motor 106 can generate a second torque. The time belt can transmit the second torque from the plurality of motor 106 to the first flat brush 110. The second torque can facilitate the movement of the first flat brush in a horizontal direction for removal of the large dust particles. The first flat brush 100 can transmit the second torque to the third rotary brush 110. The second torque can facilitate creation of airflow by the third rotary brush 110 for removal of the small dust particles. The third rotary brush 100 can transmit the second torque to the second flat brush 110. The second torque can facilitate the movement of the second flat brush in a horizontal direction for removal of the remaining dust particles.
[00036] In an illustrative embodiment, the plurality of nozzles 120 can purge the cleaning agent on the solar panel 120. The movement of the one or more brushes 110 can facilitate cleaning of the solar panel 120 for a first pre-defined time-period. In another illustrative embodiment, a first set of nozzles 108 of the plurality of nozzles 108 can purge a coating agent. The one or more brushes 110 can facilitate spreading of the coating agent on the solar panel 120 in a pre-determined way for a second pre-defined time-period. The second set of nozzles 108 of the plurality of nozzles 108 can purge pressurized air of a pre-determined pressure over the solar panel 120 to facilitate drying of the coating agent.
[00037] In an embodiment, the device 100 can include a control unit. The control unit can generate an actuating signal to actuate the device 100 and the device 100 automatically starts cleaning the solar panel. In an illustrative embodiment, the control unit can include SCADA.
[00038] In an embodiment, the control unit can include a first dataset including test and train data corresponding to panel attributes of the solar panel 120 associated with meteorological attributes of an area associated with the solar panel 120. The panel attributes of the solar panel 120 can be any or a combination of a current of the solar panel, a voltage of the solar panel, a power generated by the solar panel, and the likes. The meteorological attributes of the area associated with the solar panel 120 can be any or a combination of rainfall, opacity of clouds, wind direction, wind speed, angle between sun rays and the device 100, intensity of sun rays, and the likes.
[00039] In an embodiment, the device 100 can extract panel attributes of the solar panel 120 and meteorological attributes of an area associated with the solar panel 120. The control unit can compare the extracted panel attributes associated with the extracted meteorological attributes with the first dataset. The extracted panel attributes of the solar panel 120 can be compared with the panel attributes in the first database associated with the extracted meteorological attributes.
[00040] In an embodiment, the control unit can generate an actuating signal when the extracted panel attributes of the solar panel 120 are less than the panel attributes in the first database associated with the extracted meteorological attributes.
[00041] In an illustrative implementation, during day-time when the extracted panel attributes of the solar panel 120 are less than the panel attributes in the first database associated with the extracted meteorological attributes, the control unit can generate the actuating signal to actuate the device 100 for cleaning the solar panel. In another illustrative embodiment, the control unit can not generate the actuating signal during night-time or in the event of heavy rainfall, though the extracted panel attributes of the solar panel 120 are minimal.
[00042] FIGs. 2A and 2B illustrate structural views of the proposed apparatus, in accordance with embodiments of the proposed disclosure.
[00043] As illustrated FIG. 2A represents top view of the device 100, and FIG. 2B represents top view of the device 100. The nozzles 108 can be positioned at both sides of the device 100. The length of the device 100 can be adjusted based on dimensions of the solar panel 120.
[00044] It is to be appreciated that while various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described with reference of a solar panel, however the concept of the present disclosure can be used for cleaning any surface that is generally flat, such as but not limited to glass frames, floors, boards, tables and all such applications are well within the scope of the present disclosure without any limitations whatsoever.
[00045] It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C …. and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.
[00046] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.