Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an automated solar panel cleaning device that is capable of maintaining solar panels in optimal condition by removing dirt, dust, and other obstacles, and adjusts the panel's position, which results in increased energy output and reduced maintenance efforts.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] As the world shifts towards renewable energy sources, solar power has emerged as a leading alternative to fossil fuels. Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, providing a clean and sustainable source of energy. However, their efficiency is compromised when exposed to environmental elements, leading to reduced energy output and increased maintenance costs. Ensuring solar panels operate at optimal levels is crucial to harnessing their full potential.

[0003] Traditionally, solar panel cleaning and maintenance involve manual or semi-automated processes. These methods include manual cleaning by personnel using water, detergents, and brushes, water-based systems that rinse the panels, and mechanized cleaning tools. However, these methods have several drawbacks. Manual cleaning is labor-intensive, requiring significant manpower and potentially leading to accidents. Water-based systems waste substantial amounts of water, particularly in water-scarce regions. Mechanized cleaning tools have limited accessibility and high upfront costs. Moreover, traditional methods often fail to remove stubborn debris, reducing panel efficiency, and pose safety risks to cleaning personnel. The use of chemical-based cleaning solutions also harms the environment and contaminates water sources. Furthermore, scheduling and tracking regular cleaning can be challenging, and the frequency of cleaning is often inadequate.

[0004] US8771432B2 discloses a system and method for cleaning rows of solar panels. Each solar row has an upper edge elevated above ground level and a lower edge to provide an inclination of the solar row. A cleaning assembly cleans the solar panel surfaces. A support frame supports the cleaning assembly and enables upward and downward motion in the width and length directions of the solar row. Operation and movement of the cleaning assembly is controlled so as to clean a surface of the solar panels during downward movement. The cleaning assembly is preferably not operative during upward movement. During 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. The system further includes a guide system for moving the cleaning assembly to align with successive solar panel rows.

[0005] WO2019118435A1 discloses a method for automatically cleaning a solar panel using an atmospheric water generator is provided. The method includes the steps of generating water using the atmospheric water generator. The water can be stored for using in a cleaning operation. The system can monitor the efficiency of the solar panel power generation. If the efficiency drops below a certain level, which can indicate that the solar panels are dirty, the system can automatically initiate a cleaning operation. The stored water can be pumped through pipes and nozzles to clean the solar panels. The system can automatically initiate the atmospheric water generator to replenish the used water. The system can use a portion of the power generated by the solar panels to perform the cleaning and water generation operations. Accordingly, an automatic and self-contained solar panel cleaning method and system is provided.

[0006] Conventionally, there exists many devices that are capable of cleaning the solar panels, however these existing devices are also incapable of monitoring accurate orientation of the solar panel, which cause minimum energy absorption and reduce efficiency. In addition, these existing devices are also incapable of removing stubborn debris, which reduce optimal performance.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that requires to be capable of thoroughly cleaning a solar panel by eliminating dust/debris/snow to increase lifespan and efficiency of long term. Furthermore, the developed device needs to be potent enough of analyzing and adjusting the angle of the solar panel so, it consumes more energy.

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 ensuring a solar panel is thoroughly cleaned to optimize energy production by removing dirt, dust, and other obstacles.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of allowing a user to control and monitor cleaning sessions remotely, minimizing manual intervention and making maintenance easier.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of adjusting the solar panel to the ideal position for maximum energy absorption, ensuring optimal performance and energy output.

[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 an automated solar panel cleaning device that is capable of keeping solar panel clean by removing debris and adjusting their angle, leading to higher energy yields and lower maintenance needs.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an automated solar panel cleaning device, comprising a cuboidal housing designed to be positioned over a roof surface, multiple motorized omnidirectional wheels installed beneath the housing to move the housing over the surface, a computing unit wirelessly connected with the device allowing a user to provide input commands for cleaning of a solar panel, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed on the housing to capture multiple high-resolution images of surroundings to detect precise location of the solar panel, a dust sensor installed with the housing for monitoring level of dust accumulated over the solar panel, an electronic nozzle installed with the housing dispense an optimum amount of a cleaning solution from a chamber configured with the nozzle, over the solar panel and a motorized plate having multiple bristles installed over the housing via an L-shaped telescopically operated rod to get extend and position the plate over the solar panel for scrubbing the dust.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of an electronic valve installed with a container over the housing to dispense the water to wash the solar panel, an L-shaped telescopically operated bar installed over the housing by means of a motorized slider, which moves the bar in proximity to the panel, the bar is configured with a wiping unit to get extend and wipe the solar panel after washing, a telescopically operated gripper installed with the housing to grip the solar panel and align the panel at an accurate angle if misalignment is detected by the imaging unit, a color sensor installed on the housing to detect presence of snow on the solar panel, a robotic arm having a rubberized rectangular member over the housing to remove the snow with the help of the member, a level sensor installed inside the chamber and container to monitor level of the water and the cleaning solution and a battery is associated with the device to supply power to electrically powered components which are employed herein.

[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 an automated solar panel cleaning device.

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 an automated solar panel cleaning device that is capable of optimizing solar panel performance through automated cleaning and alignment, resulting in enhanced energy output and reduced upkeep.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of an automated solar panel cleaning device is illustrated, comprising a cuboidal housing 101, plurality of motorized omnidirectional wheels 102 configured with the housing 101, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 mounted on the housing 101, an electronic nozzle 104 attached with a chamber 105, a motorized plate 106 installed with the housing 101 via an L-shaped telescopically operated rod 107 and equipped with plurality of bristles 108, an electronic valve 109 attached with a water container 110, mounted on the housing 101, a wiping unit 111 installed with the housing 101 via an L-shaped telescopically operated bar 112, a robotic arm 113 assembled with the housing 101 and equipped with a rubberized rectangular member 114 and a telescopically operated gripper 115 arranged with the housing 101.

[0023] The device disclosed herein, comprises of a cuboidal housing 101, which serves as a main structure of the device and developed to be placed over a roof surface. The housing 101 made of sturdy material like steel and robust material which includes, but is not limited to stainless steel, aluminum, wherein the housing 101 installed with multiple motorized omnidirectional wheels 102 to move the housing 101 over the surface.

[0024] The process begins where a user provides input commands over a user-interface inbuilt in a computing unit, which is wirelessly connected with the device, for cleaning of a solar panel. After receiving the input commands of the user, a microcontroller of the device processes these commands and activates an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 installed on the housing 101 to capture multiple high-resolution images of surroundings to detect precise location of the solar panel, wherein the microcontroller is wirelessly linked with the computing unit via a communication module which includes, but not limited to Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module, GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) module, Bluetooth module.

[0025] The artificial intelligence based imaging unit 103 is constructed with a camera lens and a processor, wherein the camera lens is adapted to capture a series of images of the surrounding present in proximity to the housing 101. The processor carries out a sequence of image processing operations including pre-processing, feature extraction, and classification. The image captured by the imaging unit 103 is real-time images of the housing 101’s surrounding. The artificial intelligence based imaging unit 103 transmits the captured image signal in the form of digital bits to the microcontroller. The microcontroller upon receiving the image signals compares the received image signal with the pre-fed data stored in a database and constantly determines exact location of the solar panel.

[0026] In accordance with the detected location, the microcontroller actuates the wheels 102 to move the housing 101 towards the solar panel. The wheels 102 move independently on the surface and the rollers and smaller wheels 102 create a lateral force that allows the wheel to move in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The wheel’s design enables it to move on any type of surface with high agility and versatility for moving the housing 101 on the surface in proximity to the solar panel.

[0027] After positioning of the housing 101 near to the solar panel, a dust sensor installed with the housing 101 get activated, which works in synchronization with the imaging unit 103 for monitoring level of dust over the solar panel. The synchronization of imaging unit 103 and dust sensor provides better accuracy, which results in precise cleaning of the solar panel.

[0028] The dust sensor installed here uses an optical sensing method and is optically equipped with an infrared light-emitting diode (IR LED) and a photo sensor. It works on the principle of Laser Scattering and is effective in detecting fine and small particles. The IR LED illuminates the particles and scattered light is transformed into a signal by a phototransistor. The signals are then amplified by an amplifier and then processing is done to get the particle concentration. The intensity of light depends on the scattered light, the more the dust particles more the intensity of scattered light.

[0029] The microcontroller receives data from imaging unit 103 and dust sensor and processes the data for determining accumulated dust over the solar panel. Based on the monitored dust, the microcontroller actuates an electronic nozzle 104, which is installed with the housing 101 and arranged a chamber 105 stored with cleaning solution, to dispense an optimum amount of the solution on the solar panel. The electronic nozzle 104 works by utilizing electrical energy to automize the flow solution in a controlled flow pattern by converting the pressure energy of a fluid into kinetic energy, which increases the fluid's velocity. Upon actuation of nozzle 104 by the microcontroller, the electric motor or the pump pressurizes the incoming solution, increasing its pressure significantly. High pressure enables the solution to be sprayed out with a high force for cleaning the solar panel.

[0030] After dispensing the solution over the solar panel, the microcontroller actuates an L-shaped telescopically operated rod 107 installed over the housing 101 with a motorized plate 106 that have multiple bristles 108 to get extend and position the plate 106 over the solar panel. The telescopic rod 107 as mentioned herein are powered by a pneumatic unit that utilizes compressed air to extend and retract the rod 107. The process begins with an air compressor which compresses atmospheric air to a higher pressure. The air cylinder of the pneumatic unit contains a piston that moves back and forth within the cylinder.

[0031] The cylinder is connected to one end of the telescopic rod 107. The piston is attached to the telescopically operated rod 107 and its movement is controlled by the flow of compressed air. To extend the telescopic rod 107 the piston activates the air valve to allow compressed air to flow into the chamber 105 behind the piston. As the pressure increases in the chamber 105, the piston pushes the telescopic rod 107 to the desired length to get extend and position the plate 106 over the solar panel.

[0032] After positioning the plate 106 over the panel, the microcontroller actuates the plate 106 for scrubbing the solar panel with the help of the bristles 108. The plate 106 powered by a motor mechanism, which is basically an electric motor that provides the necessary power to the plate 106 to rotate. Motorized gears and belts are used as transmission units to control the direction and speed of the motor. The motorized plate 106 is equipped with the bristles 108 to facilitate the scrubbing of the panel.

[0033] The bristles 108 are usually arranged in rows or clusters across the plate 106. The length and stiffness of the bristles 108 are carefully designed to penetrate deep into the dust and properly scrub the panel. Nylon bristles 108 are used due to their durability, flexibility and resistance to moisture. The bristles 108 rotate or oscillate along with the plate 106 and this motion causes the bristle to agitate the surface of the solar panel, dislodging dirt and debris from the panel.

[0034] After completion of the scrubbing in a pre-set time period, the microcontroller actuates an electronic valve 109 installed on the housing 101 via a water container 110 to dispense the water to clean the solar panel. The electronic valve 109 mentioned herein follows the working mechanism similarly as the electronic nozzle 104, wherein the microcontroller synchronously actuates the wheels 102 to move the housing 101 around the panel for precisely washing each edge and entire surface of the solar panel.

[0035] An L-shaped telescopically operated bar 112 installed over the housing 101 and configured with a wiping unit 111. After successfully washing the solar panel, the microcontroller actuates a motorized slider arranged in between the bar 112 and housing 101 to move the bar 112 in close proximity to the solar panel. The motorized slider consists of a motor, and a rail unit integrated with ball bearings to allow smooth linear movement. As the motor rotates the rotational motion of the motor is converted into linear motion through a pair of belts and linkages.

[0036] This linear motion provides a stable track and allows the smooth translation of the bar 112 near to solar panel. When the bar 112 get positioned near the solar panel, the microcontroller actuates to bar 112 to get extend and retract continuously for effective wiping of the solar panel. The bar 112 mentioned herein is powered by a pneumatic unit that utilizes the compressed air to extend and retract the bar 112 for wiping the solar panel. While cleaning, if any inappropriate angle is detected by the imaging unit 103, then the microcontroller actuates a telescopically operated gripper 115 installed with the housing 101 to grip the solar panel and align the panel at an accurate angle in such manner that the solar panel harvest maximum energy.

[0037] The gripper 115 typically consists of two opposing arms or fingers that mimic a human hand-gripping motion. These arms are usually made of durable materials like metal or plastic to provide strength and flexibility. The gripper 115 design incorporates springs to securely hold the solar panel and align the panel. The pneumatic unit is used to control the telescopic gripper’s 115 movement. The pneumatic unit provide the necessary force and precision to manipulate and align the solar panel.

[0038] A color sensor installed on the housing 101 and synced with the imaging unit 103 to detect presence of snow on the solar panel. The color sensor emits a light, usually a white light onto the solar panel. The solar panel reflects the white light, and the color sensor captures the reflected light. The color sensor measures the intensity of the reflected light across different wavelengths to determine the presence of the snow over the solar panel. By comparing the intensity values, the color sensor classifies the snow’s presence. The microcontroller receives data from both the color sensor and processes the data to monitor presence of the snow over the solar panel. Based on the monitored presence of the snow, the microcontroller actuates a robotic arm 113 installed with the housing 101 and configured with a rubberized rectangular member 114 to remove the snow with the help of the member 114.

[0039] The robotic arm 113 is a type of mechanical arm 113 which is usually available with similar function to a human arm 113. The segments of such a manipulator are connected by joints allowing either rotational motion or translational displacement. The robotic arm 113 contains several segments that are attached together by joints also referred to as axes. The robotic arm 113 contains several segments that are attached together by motorized joints also referred to as axes. Each joints of the segments contains a step motor that rotates and allows the robotic arm 113 to complete a specific motion in translating the equipped member 114 over the panel to remove the accumulated snow.

[0040] A level sensor installed inside the chamber 105 and container 110 to monitor level of the water and the cleaning solution. The level sensor typically emits high-frequency sound waves towards the chamber 105 and container 110. The level sensor measures the time taken by the sound waves to bounce back which is used to calculate the distance to the water and cleaning solution surface.

[0041] The microcontroller interprets the sensor’s output converts it into meaningful information such as level in inches. The microcontroller linked with the level sensor continuously monitors the level sensor’s output and compares the output with the pre-determined threshold value. When the detected level of water and cleaning solution recedes the threshold value the microcontroller generates a notification over the computing unit to inform the user for re-filling the chamber 105 and container 110.

[0042] A battery is associated with the device to supply power to electrically powered components which are employed herein. The battery is comprised of a pair of electrode named as a cathode and an anode. The battery uses a chemical reaction of oxidation/reduction to do work on charge and produce a voltage between their anode and cathode and thus produces electrical energy that is used to do work in the device.

[0043] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the cuboidal housing 101 as disclosed in the invention is developed to be positioned over the roof surface, multiple motorized omnidirectional wheels 102 moves the housing 101 over the surface, where the user provides input commands for cleaning of the solar panel over the computing unit, then the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 captures multiple high-resolution images of surroundings to detect precise location of the solar panel. Based on the detected location, the dust sensor gets activated for monitoring level of dust accumulated over the solar panel and the electronic nozzle 104 dispense the optimum amount of the cleaning solution from the chamber 105 over the solar panel. After dispensing solution, the microcontroller actuates the L-shaped telescopically operated rod 107 to get extend and position the plate 106 over the solar panel for scrubbing the dust and the electronic valve 109 dispense the water to wash the solar panel. After washing the panel, the L-shaped telescopically operated bar 112 moves in proximity to the panel by the slider and get extend to wipe the solar panel with the wiping unit 111, the telescopically operated gripper 115 to grip the solar panel and align the panel at the accurate angle if misalignment is detected by the imaging unit 103. Simultaneously, the color sensor to detect presence of snow on the solar panel and the robotic arm 113 remove the snow with the help of the member 114. Herein, the level sensor monitors level of the water and the cleaning solution and the battery supply power to electrically powered components which are employed herein.

[0044] 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) An automated solar panel cleaning device, comprising:

i) a cuboidal housing 101 positioned on a roof surface installed with a solar panel and configured with plurality of motorized omnidirectional wheels 102 that provides mobility to said housing 101 on said surface, wherein a user-interface inbuilt in a computing unit is wirelessly associated with said device for enabling a user to give input commands for cleaning said solar panel;
ii) a microcontroller wirelessly linked with said computing unit that processes said input commands and activates an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 paired with a processor mounted on said housing 101 for capturing and processing multiple images of surroundings, respectively, for detecting exact location of said solar panel, wherein said microcontroller directs said wheels 102 for maneuvering and positioning said housing 101 in proximity to said solar panel;
iii) an electronic nozzle 104 attached with a chamber 105 stored with cleaning solution, configured on said housing 101, wherein a dust sensor is arranged on said housing 101 that works in sync with said imaging unit 103 for detecting level of dust accumulated over said solar panel, in accordance to which said microcontroller actuates said nozzle 104 for dispensing an optimum amount of said cleaning solution on said solar panel;
iv) a motorized plate 106 installed with said housing 101 via an L-shaped telescopically operated rod 107 and equipped with plurality of bristles 108, wherein said microcontroller actuates said rod 107 to extend for positioning said plate 106 in contact with said solar panel and actuates said plate 106 to rotate for scrubbing said solar panel via said bristles 108, in synchronization with actuation of said wheels 102 for maneuvering said housing 101 around said solar panel to clean entire surface of said solar panel;
v) an electronic valve 109 attached with a water container 110, mounted on said housing 101, wherein upon cleaning of said solar panel for a pre-set time duration, said microcontroller actuates said valve 109 to dispense said water for washing said solar panel, in synchronization with actuation of said wheels 102 for maneuvering said housing 101 around said solar panel to wash entire surface of said solar panel;
vi) a wiping unit 111 installed with said housing 101 via an L-shaped telescopically operated bar 112, wherein upon washing of said solar panel, said microcontroller actuates a motorized slider configured with said bar 112 to translate said bar 112 for positioning said bar 112 in contact with said solar panel and actuates said bar 112 to extend and retract in a continuous manner to wipe said solar panel, in synchronization with actuation of said wheels 102 for maneuvering said housing 101 around said solar panel to wipe entire surface of said solar panel; and
vii) a robotic arm 113 assembled with said housing 101 and equipped with a rubberized rectangular member 114, wherein upon detecting presence of snow on said solar panel via a color sensor synced with said imaging unit 103, said microcontroller actuates said robotic arm 113 for removing said snow via said member 114.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein in case said microcontroller via said imaging unit 103 detects inappropriate orientation of said solar panel, said microcontroller actuates a telescopically operated gripper 115 arranged with said housing 101 for tilting said solar panel for orienting said solar panel at an accurate angle to allow maximum energy harvesting from said solar panel.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a level sensor is embedded within said chamber 105 and container 110 for detecting level of said cleaning solution and water, and as soon as said detected level recedes a threshold level, said microcontroller sends an alert on said computing unit for notifying said user to re-fill said chamber 105 and container 110.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said microcontroller is wirelessly linked with said computing unit via a communication module which includes, but not limited to Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module, GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) module and Bluetooth module.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said L-shaped telescopically operated rod 107 and L-shaped telescopically operated bar 112 are 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 said rod 107 and bar 112.

6) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is associated with said device for supplying power to electrical and electronically operated components associated with said device.