Description:BACKGROUND
Field of Invention
[001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a solar panel maintenance system and particularly to a solar panel maintenance system and method for maintaining the solar panel using an autonomous robotic cleaner.
Description of Related Art
[002] Dirt and dust on solar panels pose a significant threat to an efficiency and longevity of solar energy systems. As these particles accumulate, they form a barrier that obstructs sunlight from reaching photovoltaic cells beneath, reducing energy output and overall system performance. Additionally, the buildup of contaminants can lead to hotspots on the panels, causing uneven heating and potentially damaging delicate electronics. Over time, this buildup exacerbates wear and tear on the panels, shortening their operational lifespan. These issues have far-reaching consequences for both residential and commercial solar installations. Decreased sunlight absorption results in lower electricity generation, impacting financial returns and accelerating degradation, reducing overall efficiency over time. Moreover, shading effects created by dirt and dust can further diminish performance, leading to suboptimal energy production, increased maintenance costs, and a shorter service life for the entire system.
[003] From residential rooftops to vast utility-scale solar farms, routine maintenance and cleaning are crucial for safeguarding performance and sustainability. Despite the imperative for maintenance, existing cleaning systems face challenges.
[004] Traditional methods often rely on manual labor, a time-consuming and labor-intensive process, particularly for large-scale installations. Moreover, water consumption and environmental repercussions can be significant, especially in regions prone to water scarcity. Ensuring uniform coverage and thorough cleaning of all panel surfaces is also challenging, leading to uneven results and safety concerns for personnel, particularly when working at heights or in adverse weather conditions.
[005] Therefore, there is a need for a solar panel maintenance system that can effectively address these challenges in more effective manner.
SUMMARY
[006] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a solar panel maintenance system. The system comprising: distributed sensors arranged in proximity to a solar panel, and adapted to monitor parameters related to an operation and a condition of the solar panel; a robotic cleaner adapted to navigate through a solar array of the solar panel for performing cleaning mechanisms; and a control unit connected to the distributed sensors and the robotic cleaner, characterized in that the control unit is configured to: receive data from the distributed sensors regarding the monitored parameters; analyze the received data to assess a cleanliness of the solar panel; dynamically adjust cleaning schedules and routes based on the analyzed data; and actuate the robotic cleaner to initiate a cleaning operation based on the dynamically adjusted cleaning schedules and the routes.
[007] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a method for maintaining the solar panel using an autonomous robotic cleaner, the method comprising the steps of: receiving data from distributed sensors regarding monitored parameters; analyzing the received data to assess a cleanliness of a solar panel; dynamically adjust cleaning schedules and routes based on the analyzed data; and actuating a robotic cleaner to initiate a cleaning operation based on the dynamically adjusted cleaning schedules and the routes.
[008] Embodiments of the present invention may provide a number of advantages depending on their particular configuration. First, embodiments of the present application may provide a solar panel maintenance system that improves energy efficiency and prolongs the lifespan of solar panels by ensuring regular and effective cleaning.
[009] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a solar panel maintenance system that enhances the reliability and performance of solar energy systems by autonomously detecting and addressing cleanliness issues without the need for manual intervention.
[0010] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a solar panel maintenance system that reduces maintenance costs and downtime associated with solar panel cleaning, thereby increasing the overall return on investment for solar energy installations.
[0011] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a solar panel maintenance system that enhances accessibility to clean energy solutions, ensuring that occupants can easily experience and maintain comfortable environments while minimizing environmental impact.
[0012] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a solar panel maintenance system that streamlines the cleaning process by utilizing autonomous robotic cleaners, reducing the need for manual labor and minimizing cleaning time compared to traditional methods.
[0013] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a solar panel maintenance system that ensures precise cleaning through the integration of advanced sensors, allowing robotic cleaners to navigate with accuracy, avoid obstacles, and achieve thorough coverage of the entire solar array surface.
[0014] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a solar panel maintenance system that promotes sustainability by employing water-efficient cleaning mechanisms.
[0015] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a solar panel maintenance system that enhances cost-effectiveness over a lifetime of a solar array.
[0016] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a solar panel maintenance system that features remote monitoring and control capabilities by enabling operators to oversee the cleaning process in real time.
[0017] This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the present invention and its various embodiments. The summary presents selected concepts of the embodiments of the present invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the present invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] The above and still further features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein:
[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a diagram of a solar panel maintenance system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of the control unit of the solar panel maintenance system, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0021] FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of a method for maintaining the solar panel using the solar panel maintenance system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures. Optional portions of the figures may be illustrated using dashed or dotted lines, unless the context of usage indicates otherwise.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] 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 scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
[0024] 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.
[0025] 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.
[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates a diagram of a solar panel maintenance system 100 (hereinafter referred to as the system 100), according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system 100 may be a comprehensive solution designed to efficiently maintain and optimize the performance of solar panel installations.
[0027] In an embodiment of the present invention, the system 100 may be used for maximizing energy production from solar panels while minimizing downtime and maintenance costs. By employing an advanced sensor technology and a specialized cleaning mechanism, the system 100 may ensure thorough cleaning of solar panels to mitigate efficiency losses caused by dust, dirt, and other contaminants. The system 100 may be installed at a location that may be, but not limited to a roof, a solar farm, commercial buildings, residential installations, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any location for installing the system 100, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0028] In an embodiment of the present invention, the system 100 may comprise a solar panel 102, distributed sensors 104, a robotic cleaner 106, and a control unit 108. In an embodiment of the present invention, the solar panel 102 may be a photovoltaic module designed to convert sunlight into electrical energy. The solar panel 102 may be configured in various forms that may be, but not limited to, monocrystalline, polycrystalline, thin-film, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the solar panel 102, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0029] In an embodiment of the present invention, the distributed sensors 104 may be adapted to monitor various parameters related to the operation and condition of the solar panels. In an embodiment of the present invention, the parameters related to the operation and the condition of the solar panel 102 may be, but not limited to a sunlight intensity, a temperature, a humidity, an efficiency, a layout of the solar array, a presence of shading objects, a presence of dust, dirt, and other contaminants, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the parameters to be monitored by the distributed sensors 104, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0030] In an embodiment of the present invention, the distributed sensors 104 may be placed at strategic locations in proximity to the solar array to monitor the parameters and other environmental factors.
[0031] In an embodiment of the present invention, the robotic cleaner 106 may be adapted to autonomously navigate through the solar array, identifying and cleaning individual solar panels as needed. The system 100 may comprise the robotic cleaner 106, in plurality based on a size and the layout of the solar array of the solar panel 102.
[0032] In an embodiment of the present invention, the robotic cleaner 106 may be equipped with advanced navigation capabilities that may enable the robotic cleaner 106 to traverse the surface of the solar array with precision. The robotic cleaner 106 may be of a small dimension that may be optimized for efficient maneuverability within constraints of the solar panel layout. The robotic cleaner 106 may be equipped with cleaning components selected from brushes, wipers, air jets, and so forth to effectively remove the dust, dirt, and other contaminants from the surface of the solar panel 102. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the cleaning components of the robotic cleaner 106, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0033] In another embodiment of the present invention, the robotic cleaner 106 may be equipped with sensing components may be, but not limited to, cameras, a Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR), and proximity sensors or a combination thereof. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the sensing components of the robotic cleaner 106, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0034] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the robotic cleaner 106 may include obstruction sensors for detecting obstacles in a cleaning path. In an embodiment of the present invention, the robotic cleaner 106 may utilize an obstacle detection algorithm to navigate on the solar array of the solar panel 102.
[0035] In an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit may be connected to the distributed sensors 104 and the robotic cleaner 106. The control unit 108 may be configured to receive data regarding the monitored parameters from the distributed sensors 104. The control unit 108 may analyze the received data to assess the cleanliness of the solar panel 102. The control unit 108 may dynamically adjust cleaning schedules and routes based on the analyzed data. The control unit 108 may further actuate the robotic cleaner 106 to initiate a cleaning operation based on the dynamically adjusted cleaning schedules and the routes. In an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 108 may be adapted to generate alerts and reports regarding one or more of the monitored parameters, cleaning schedules, the routes, a current status of a cleaning operation, and so forth. In an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 108 may be adapted to transmit the generated alerts and reports to a remote system 110.
[0036] According to embodiments of the present invention, the control unit 108 may be configured to execute computer readable instructions stored in the memory (not shown) to generate outputs for maintenance of the solar panel 102. The control unit 108 may be, but not limited to, a microcontroller, a microprocessor, a development board, a digital signal processor, and alike. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 108 may be an Arduino. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the control unit 108, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0037] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of the control unit of the system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The control unit 108 comprises the computer readable instructions in the form of programming modules such as a detection module 200, a communication module 202, an analyzing module 204, and an actuation module 206. These modules may work together to facilitate the seamless operation and control of the system 100, ensuring efficient cleaning and maintenance of the solar panels.
[0038] In an embodiment of the present invention, the detection module 200 may receive the sensor data from the distributed sensors 104 placed across the solar array. This sensor data may include information on environmental conditions such as sunlight intensity, temperature, and humidity, as well as feedback from obstruction sensors and proximity sensors.
[0039] The communication module 202 may be configured to establish and maintain the communication network between the control unit 108, the distributed sensors 104, and the robotic cleaner 106. This communication network may facilitate real-time data transmission and command execution, enabling coordinated operation and control of the system 100.
[0040] The analyzing module 204 may receive the sensor data to analyze the accumulation of dust, dirt, and other contaminants and obstacles in the path of the robotic cleaner 106. Additionally, the analyzing module 204 may be configured to assess the efficiency of the solar panel 102 based on received monitored parameters. Upon analysis, if the assessed efficiency of the solar panel 102 falls below a rated efficiency threshold, the control unit 108 may transmit an actuation signal to the actuation module 206 that may be configured to initiate the cleaning operation.
[0041] The actuation module 206 may receive the actuation signal from the analyzing module 204 and may execute control commands to actuate the robotic cleaner 106. Based on the received actuation signal, the actuation module 206 may adjust cleaning schedules, activate cleaning mechanisms, and direct the movement of the robotic cleaner 106 to effectively remove the dust, dirt, and other contaminants from surfaces of the solar panel 102.
[0042] FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of a method 300 for optimizing solar panel maintenance using the solar panel maintenance system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0043] At step 302, the system 100 may initiate a monitoring process to continuously collect the data from the distributed sensors 104 placed across the solar array.
[0044] At step 304, the system 100 may analyze the collected sensor data to assess the cleanliness of the solar panels and identify any obstacles obstructing the cleaning path of the robotic cleaner 106. This analysis may involve evaluating accumulation levels, assessing the presence of shading objects, and determining optimal cleaning routes.
[0045] At step 306, based on the analysis results, the system 100 may dynamically adjust cleaning schedules and routes to optimize the efficiency and effectiveness of the cleaning process. This may involve prioritizing areas with higher dust accumulation, avoiding obstacles, and coordinating multiple robotic cleaners for simultaneous operation.
[0046] At step 308, the system 100 may actuate the robotic cleaner 106 and may direct it to autonomously navigate through the solar array according to the cleaning routes. The robotic cleaner 106 may engage the cleaning mechanisms to remove the dust, dirt, and other contaminants from the surface of the solar panels as it traverses the array. In an embodiment of the present invention, the system 100 may continuously monitor the cleaning process in real-time, adjusting cleaning parameters and routes as needed to ensure thorough coverage and optimal performance. Additionally, the system 100 may provide remote monitoring and control capabilities, allowing operators to oversee the cleaning operation, make adjustments, and receive alerts in case of any issues or malfunctions.
[0047] While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims.
[0048] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined in the claims and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements within substantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. , Claims:CLAIMS
We Claim:
1. A solar panel maintenance system (100), comprising:
distributed sensors (104) arranged in proximity to a solar panel (102), and adapted to monitor parameters related to an operation and a condition of the solar panel (102);
a robotic cleaner (106) adapted to navigate through a solar array of the solar panel (102) for performing cleaning mechanisms; and
a control unit (108) connected to the distributed sensors (104) and the robotic cleaner (106), characterized in that the control unit (108) is configured to:
receive data from the distributed sensors (104) regarding the monitored parameters;
analyze the received data to assess a cleanliness of the solar panel (102);
dynamically adjust cleaning schedules and routes based on the analyzed data; and
actuate the robotic cleaner (106) to initiate a cleaning operation based on the dynamically adjusted cleaning schedules and the routes.
2. The solar panel maintenance system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the parameters related to the operation and the condition of the solar panel (102) are selected from a sunlight intensity, a temperature, a humidity, an efficiency, a layout of the solar array, a presence of shading objects, a presence of dust, dirt, and other contaminants, or a combination thereof.
3. The solar panel maintenance system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the control unit (108) is configured to initiate the cleaning operation when the efficiency of the solar panel (102) drops below a predetermined threshold, indicating a need for cleaning.
4. The solar panel maintenance system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the robotic cleaner (106) is equipped with cleaning components selected from brushes, wipers, air jets, or a combination thereof.
5. The solar panel maintenance system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the robotic cleaner (106) is equipped with sensing components selected from cameras, a Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR), and proximity sensors or a combination thereof.
6. The solar panel maintenance system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the robotic cleaner (106) utilizes an obstacle detection algorithm to navigate on the solar array of the solar panel (102).
7. The solar panel maintenance system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (108) is adapted to transmit reports and alerts to a remote system (110).
8. A method (30) for maintaining the solar panel using a system (100), the method (300) comprising:
receiving data from distributed sensors (104) regarding monitored parameters;
analyzing the received data to assess a cleanliness of a solar panel (102);
dynamically adjusting cleaning schedules and routes based on the analyzed data; and
actuate a robotic cleaner (106) to initiate a cleaning operation based on the dynamically adjusted cleaning schedules and the routes.

Date: April 26, 2024
Place: Noida

Dr. Keerti Gupta
Agent for the Applicant
(IN/PA-1529)