Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present disclosure relates to open frame solar panel cleaning devices.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Cleaning solar panels is crucial for maintaining their efficiency and longevity. Dust, dirt, bird droppings, and other debris can accumulate on the surface of the panels, significantly reducing their ability to absorb sunlight and convert it into energy. Regular cleaning ensures optimal performance, maximizing energy output and improving the overall return on investment. Additionally, clean solar panels contribute to the sustainability of solar energy systems by maintaining high levels of efficiency, thereby supporting environmental conservation efforts and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. So, for cleaning the solar panels manual cleaning with brushes and squeegees, water sprayers and extendable poles equipped with brushes or cloths can be used by a user for maintaining the sunlight absorption capacity of the solar panels. Presently, an automated Brush Systems and robotic cleaners are widely used for cleaning the solar panels with lesser human effort and lesser human intervention.
Conventionally, robotic cleaners are placed above the surface of the solar panels for performing cleaning of the solar panels. However, these conventional robotic cleaners have various limitations associated therewith. In many instances, it has been observed that robotic cleaners exert a substantial amount of force due to its weight over the surface of the solar panels. Therefore, there remains a possibility that due to excess weight of the robotic cleaners, the solar panels may get damaged. The excess weight of conventional robotic cleaners can lead to various handling problems, such as during transportation, mounting and demounting the robotic cleaners from the solar panels. Additionally, the excess weight of the conventional robotic cleaners can adversely affect a runtime or a battery life of the conventional robotic cleaners. Moreover, conventional robotic cleaners may not be efficient in terms of cleaning the solar panels, for example, no specific feature or means are installed in the conventional robotic cleaners that is capable of performing cleaning based upon the type of dirt present on the solar panel.
Therefore, in the light of foregoing discussion, there exists a need to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A primary objective of the present disclosure seeks to provide an open frame solar panel cleaning device that provides minimal amount of force over the surface of the solar panels, while performing cleaning of the solar panel. Specifically, the open-frame design or construct of the solar panel cleaning device makes it lightweight, which helps prevent any potential damage to the solar panels due to excessive force or weight. Further, the open-frame solar panel cleaning device is easy to handle and offers improved runtime or battery life compared to conventional robotic cleaners. Furthermore, the open frame solar panel cleaning device is also capable of performing cleaning as per the type of dust and debris present on the surface of the solar panels. An aim of the present disclosure is to provide a solution that overcomes at least partially the problems encountered in prior art.
In an aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides an open frame solar panel cleaning device, comprising:
a first cleaning unit and a second cleaning unit positioned adjacent to the first cleaning unit wherein the first cleaning unit is operable to remove sticky debris and the second cleaning unit is operable to remove dust from a surface of the solar panel;
a pair of support plates coupled to the end portions of the device to provide support to the first and second cleaning units;
at least one pair of driven and driving wheels arranged on a first and second ends of the pair of support plates, respectively to manoeuvre the device over the surface of the solar panel;
at least one pair of guiding wheels arranged on the first and second ends of the pair of support plates, respectively, wherein the least one pair of guiding wheels are positioned in a perpendicular manner to the least one pair of driven and driving wheels for gripping the edges of the solar panel, when the device is manoeuvring over the surface of the solar panel; and
an electronic assembly comprising:
at least one sensor mounted on one of the pair of support plates, wherein the at least one sensor is configured identify traversable surface ahead for a movement of the device over the solar panel;
at least one battery arranged on one of the supporting plates in proximity to the electronic control box, wherein at least one power cable attached with the at least one battery connecting the at least one battery with the at least one sensor, the at least one pair of driving wheels and the first and second cleaning unit for providing a power supply; and
a notification unit positioned on the at least one battery for notifying a user a value depicting a battery percentage of the at least one battery.
Additional aspects, advantages, features and objects of the present disclosure would be made apparent from the drawings and the detailed description of the illustrative embodiments construed in conjunction with the appended claims that follow.
It will be appreciated that features of the present disclosure are susceptible to being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to specific instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale.
Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein:
FIG. 1A illustrates a top view of the open frame solar panel cleaning device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 1B illustrates an enlarged isometric view of one of the side of the proposed device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 1C illustrates an enlarged side view of the proposed device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 2A illustrates an enlarged isometric view of the first cleaning unit of the proposed device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 2B illustrates an enlarged isometric view of the second cleaning unit of the proposed device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 3A illustrates another isometric view of the open frame solar panel cleaning device along with a third cleaning unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
FIG. 3B illustrates an enlarged isometric view of a third cleaning unit of the proposed device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
In the accompanying drawings, an underlined number is employed to represent an item over which the underlined number is positioned or an item to which the underlined number is adjacent. A non-underlined number relates to an item identified by a line linking the non-underlined number to the item. When a number is non-underlined and accompanied by an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify a general item at which the arrow is pointing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the present disclosure and ways in which they can be implemented. Although some modes of carrying out the present disclosure have been disclosed, those skilled in the art would recognize that other embodiments for carrying out or practising the present disclosure are also possible.
The present disclosure provides the aforementioned open frame solar panel cleaning device. The solar panel cleaning device is capable of cleaning the surface of the solar panel in a semi-automated manner. The structural frame of the solar panel cleaning device is open in nature, which makes the entire device light weight. Beneficially, the light weight design reduces the possibility of damaging the solar panels, while the device is cleaning the solar panels. Furthermore, the device is arranged with different types of cleaning means for cleaning different types of dust and debris, thus cleaning the surface of the solar panels in a better manner.
Referring to FIG. 1A, 1B and 1C, FIG. 1A illustrated is a top view of the open frame solar panel cleaning device 100, FIG. 1B, illustrated is an enlarged isometric view of one of the side of the proposed device 100, and FIG. 1C, illustrated is an enlarged side view of the proposed device 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The open frame solar panel cleaning device 100 comprising a first cleaning unit 106 and a second cleaning unit 108 positioned adjacent to the first cleaning unit 106, wherein the first cleaning unit 106 is operable to remove sticky debris and the second cleaning unit 108 is operable to remove dust from a surface of the solar panel; a pair of support plates 122 coupled to the end portions of the device 100 to provide support to the first and second cleaning units 106, 108; at least one pair of driven and driving wheels 112, 114 arranged on a first and second ends 116, 118 of the pair of support plates 122, respectively to manoeuvre the device 100 over the surface of the solar panel; at least one pair of guiding wheels 120 arranged on the first and second ends 116, 118 of the pair of support plates 122, respectively, wherein the at least one pair of guiding wheels 120 are positioned in a perpendicular manner to the at least one pair of driven and driving wheels 112, 114 for gripping the edges of the solar panel, when the device 100 is manoeuvring over the surface of the solar panel; and an electronic assembly comprising at least one sensor 110 mounted on one of the pair of support plates 122, wherein the at least one sensor 110 is configured identify traversable surface ahead for a movement of the device 100 over the solar panel. The electronic assembly further comprises: an electronic control box 124 positioned on one of the support plates 122, wherein the electronic control box 124 comprising a switch that is accessed by a user for activating the device 100; and at least one battery 140 arranged on one of the support plates 122 in proximity to the electronic control box 124, wherein at least one power cable 142 attached with the at least one battery 140 connecting the at least one battery 140 with the at least one sensor 110, a pair of driving wheels 114 and the first and second cleaning unit 106, 108 for providing a power supply.
In an aspect, the present disclosure provides the open frame solar panel cleaning device 100, comprising:
a first cleaning unit 106 and a second cleaning unit 108 positioned adjacent to the first cleaning unit wherein the first cleaning unit 106 is operable to remove sticky debris and the second cleaning unit 108 is operable to remove dust from a surface of the solar panel;
a pair of support plates 122 coupled to the end portions of the device 100 to provide support to the first and second cleaning units 106, 108;
at least one pair of driven and driving wheels 112, 114 arranged on a first and second ends 116, 118 of the pair of support plates 122, respectively to manoeuvre the device 100 over the surface of the solar panel;
at least one pair of guiding wheels 120 arranged on the first and second ends 116, 118 of the pair of support plates 122, respectively, wherein the at least one pair of guiding wheels 120 are positioned in a perpendicular manner to the at least one pair of driven and driving wheels 112, 114 for gripping the edges of the solar panel, when the device 100 is manoeuvring over the surface of the solar panel; and
an electronic assembly comprising:
at least one sensor 110 mounted on one of the pair of support plates 122, wherein the at least one sensor 110 is configured identify traversable surface ahead for a movement of the device 100 over the solar panel;
at least one battery 140 arranged on one of the supporting plates 122 in proximity to the electronic control box 124, wherein at least one power cable 142 attached with the at least one battery 140 connecting the at least one battery 140 with the at least one sensor 110, the at least one pair of driving wheels 114 and the first and second cleaning unit 106, 108 for providing a power supply; and
a notification unit 144 positioned on the at least one battery 140 for notifying a user a value depicting a battery percentage of the at least one battery 140.
The present disclosure discloses a solar panel cleaning device 100 that performs cleaning of the surface of the solar panel, by exerting less force over the solar panels, due to its open frame structure. The term "open frame" refers to the structure of the device 100 that is open from all sides, precisely the frame used herein is an exoskeletal frame that makes the device 100 exposed to the nature. Beneficially, an open frame provides accessibility to the components of the device 100 with a great ease for performing maintenance, repairs, and modifications, since there is no cover to remove. Even an open frame reduces the overall weight of the device 100, making it lighter and often easier to handle, thus the reduction of weight of the device 100 also results in reduction of the force exerted by the device 100 over the surface of the solar panel, thereby preventing the solar panels from getting damaged. The weight of the device 100 is reduced by a certain percentage in comparison to the conventional robotic cleaners, wherein the reduction percentage lies within a range from 20 to 30 percentage as compared to the conventional robotic cleaners. For example, the reduction percentage in weight may be from 20, 20.5, 22, 24 or 26.5 up to 25, 27, 28.5, 29, 29.5 or 30. Further, an open frame provides better airflow around the components, which lead in advanced cooling, which prevents the components of the device 100 from being over heated. Moreover, eliminating the requirement for a cover reduce manufacturing costs and material usage, which makes the device 100 cost effective. Additionally, the lightweight design of the device 100, enables in offering improved runtime or battery life in a range of 15 to 20 percentage as compared to the conventional robotic cleaners. For example, the improved percentage of battery life may be from 15,15.25, 15.75, 16.5 or 17.5 up to 17, 18.5, 19.5, 19.75, or 20. This means, that as the weight of the device gets decreased, the battery life gets increased.
The term "first cleaning unit" refers to a means used for cleaning that performs cleaning of the surface of the solar panels, specifically the first cleaning unit 106 is designed to remove the sticky debris from the surface of the solar panels. The term "second cleaning unit" refers to another cleaning means that is specifically designed to remove dust from the surface of the solar panel. The first cleaning unit 106 and second cleaning unit 108 are illustrated in FIG. 2, so the detail explanation of the first cleaning unit 106 and second cleaning unit 108 are provided below in conjunction with the detail explanation of FIG. 2.
Throughout the present disclosure, the term "pair of support plates" refers to a set plates that provide support to the components, that are arranged on the pair of support plates 122, due to which the pair of support plates 122 are coupled to the end portions of the device 100 to provide support to the frame and components arranged on the frame. The pair of support plates 122 have a high tensile strength to withstand breaking or deforming, in case of exertion of excessive load over the support plates 122, Further the pair of support plates 122 have the following properties that consist of high compressive strength to withstand any compressive force, high shear strength to resist sliding forces, high flexural strength to resist bending or flexing of the support plates 122 under the load of the components of the device 100 and hardness to prevent the support plates 122 from surface deformation, scratching, or wear. Moreover, the support plates 122 have a controlled thermal expansion, thus aiding the device 100 to maintain the dimension stability of the device 100.
The term "electronic assembly" refers to a set of electronically controlled components arranged within the device 100 comprises the at least one sensor 110, the electronic control box 124 and the at least one battery 140.
Optionally, the electronic assembly further comprises an electronic control box 124 positioned on one of the support plates 122, wherein the electronic control box 124 comprising a switch that is accessed by the user for activating the device 100.
The term "electronic control box" refers to a casing or a housing within which the switch and wires are arranged in a secured manner. The electronic control box 124 is positioned on one of the support plates 122 that is accessed by a user to use the switch for activating the device 100. As the user press the switch, an electronic signal is generated that is transmitted to the controller. The controller then processes the signal and accordingly activates the device 100.
The at least one battery 140 stores chemical energy and converts it into electrical energy through electrochemical reactions. The at least one battery 140 consists of one or more cells, each containing two electrodes: an anode (i.e., negative electrodes) and a cathode (i.e., positive electrodes), separated by an electrolyte. When at least one battery 140 is connected to a specific circuit designed for the device 100, then a chemical reaction occurs between the anode and the electrolyte, releasing electrons and creating a flow of electric current. These electrons travel through the external circuit to the cathode, where another chemical reaction takes place, allowing the current to complete its loop. The electrolyte facilitates the movement of ions between the electrodes, balancing the charge and enabling the continuous flow of electrons, thereby resulting in providing a power supply to the at least one sensor 110, at least one pair of driving wheels 114 and the first and second cleaning units 106, 108 via the at least one power cable 142. The at least one power cable 142 has two ends, wherein one end of the at least one power cable 142 is connected to the terminal of the at least one battery 140 and other end of the at least one power cable 142 is connected with the at least one sensor 110, at least one pair of driving wheels 114 and the first and second cleaning units 106, 108, thereby transmitting the power supplied by the at least one battery 140. Optionally, the at least one battery 140 can also pertains to be a rechargeable battery, that is recharged after the whole power is consumed from the at least one battery 140 by the electronically operated components of the device 100.
The term "notification unit" refers to an electronic component that provides some form of alert or indication to the user regarding the amount of power left within the at least one battery 140. The notification unit 144 pertains to be a state of charge (SOC) indicator, wherein the SOC indicator displays the remaining charge in the at least one battery 140 as a percentage. Basically, the SOC indicator works by calculating the amount of charge currently stored in the at least one battery 140 compared to a full capacity of the at least one battery 140. The calculation is done either on a basis of coulomb counting or on a basis of voltage measurement. Optionally, in coulomb counting, the SOC indicator tracks the flow of current, precisely the mount of current getting in and getting out of the at least one battery 140 over time. By determining this current flow, which is a measure of the amount of electrical charge, the SOC indicator is capable of measuring the amount of charge that has been added or used, thereby calculating the remaining capacity of the at least one battery 140. Optionally, in voltage measurement the SOC indicator estimates the charge based on the at least one battery's terminal voltage. The voltage of the at least one battery 140 typically decreases as the at least one battery 140 gets discharged, so by measuring the voltage and comparing the voltage to known discharge curves, the SOC indicator is capable of estimating the remaining charge of the at least one battery 140. Thus, displaying the remaining charge in the at least one battery 140 as a percentage form, thereby aiding the user to determine the amount of power left within the at least one battery 140 for operating the device 100.
Optionally, the electronic control box 124 further comprising a controller configured to:
determine the signal generated from the switch, when the switch is turned ON by a user; and
determine the traversable surface travelled by the device 100 over the surface of the solar panels.
The term "controller" refers to an electronic component that manages the operation of the device 100. The controller determines the signal generated by the switch, when the circuit gets completed, while the user turns the switch ON. The type of the switch includes but are not limited to push button or touch based switch.
Optionally, in the electronic control box 124 there can also be a set of switches comprises of different types of switches that includes a start switch 146 that is pressed by the user when the user wishes to activate the device 100, a selector switch 148 that is accessed by the user to start the operation of the device 100. Furthermore, a forward/reverse switch 150 that is accessed by the user to drive the device 100 in forward and reverse directions over the surface of the solar panels. Basically, when the forward/reverse switch 150 is rotated towards the forward direction, the controller generates a signal for rotating the at least one pair of driving wheels 114 in a counterclockwise direction, thus driving the device 100 in a forward direction. Similarly, when the forward/reverse switch 150 is rotated towards the reverse direction, the controller generates a signal for rotating the at least one pair of driving wheels 114 in a clockwise direction, thus driving the device 100 in a reverse direction. Moreover, a first motor switch 152 to operate the first cleaning unit 106 and the second cleaning unit 106 and a second motor switch 154 to operate the at least one pair of driving wheels 114. In addition, there is also an emergency switch 156, that is pressed by the user, when, the user requires to stop all the operation of the device 100 suddenly due to some inconvenience.
Optionally, the electronic control box also comprises of a first LED light that illuminates at the time when each and every electronic components are working at an optimized state and a second LED light that illuminates only when there is fault in the device. For example, in case the at least one battery 140 is supplying power to all the electronic components of the device 100, then the controller transmits a signal to illuminate the first LED light, thus notifying the user that the device is working properly. In case there is any fault in the wiring of the device, or the power is not getting transmitted to any of the electronic components of the device, then the controller transmits a signal to illuminate the second LED light, thus notifying the user that the device 100 is having some fault and require a maintenance check before operating the device 100 in further future.
Optionally, the controller is further configured to:
generate a first signal to actuate the first cleaning unit 106;
generate a second signal to actuate the second cleaning unit 108;
generate a third signal to activate the at least one sensor 110;
generate a fourth signal to actuate a pair of bi-directional driving motors 126 coupled with the at least one pair of driving wheels 114, wherein the pair of bi-directional driving motors 126 are arranged on the pair of support plates 122, for rotating the at least one pair of driving wheels 114; and
generate a fifth signal to de-actuate the pair of bi-directional driving motors 126, based upon the traversable surface travelled by the device 100 that is measured by the at least one sensor 110, for restricting the manoeuvring of the device 100 over the solar panel.
As the device 100 is activated, the controller generates a first signal to actuate the first cleaning unit 106. The terms "first signal" is a specific type of signal that actuates only the first cleaning unit 106. In a similar manner, the second signal is also a specific type of signal that actuates only the second cleaning unit 108. Then the controller generates third signal to activate the at least one sensor 110, thus the third signal is a specific kind of signal capable of only activating the at least one sensor 110.
The term "sensor" refers to an electronic component that is capable of identifying traversable surface ahead for a movement of the device 100 over the solar panel. Specifically, the at least one sensor 110 used herein pertains to be a piezoelectric sensor, wherein the piezoelectric sensor comprises of a Piezoelectric Material, electrodes and housing. The piezoelectric materials include but are not limited to a crystal material (e.g., quartz) or ceramic material (e.g., lead zirconate titanate (PZT)). The piezoelectric materials are capable of identifying the mechanical force or stress exerted over the piezoelectric materials, because the piezoelectric sensor touches the surface of the solar panels, thus the surface of the solar panels applies a force over the piezoelectric materials and the materials get deformed due to application of the force. As the mechanical force or stress applied by the surface of the solar panel is detected, the traversable surface ahead for the movement of the device 100 is accordingly identified. Similarly, the absence of mechanical force or stress indicates the absence of a traversable surface ahead, causing the device 100 to stop moving.
The controller then determine the traversable surface travelled by the device 100 over the surface of the solar panels and based upon the determined traversable surface, the controller generate a fourth signal to actuate the pair of bi-directional driving motors 126 coupled with the at least one pair of driving wheels 114 of the at least one pair of driving wheels 114, wherein the pair of bi-directional driving motors 126 are arranged on the pair of support plates 122, for rotating the at least one pair of driving wheels 114. The term "fourth signal" is a specific type of signal that actuates only the pair of bi-directional driving motors 126 coupled with the at least one pair of driving wheels 114 of the at least one pair of driving wheels 114 for rotating the at least one pair of driving wheels 114.
The pair of bi-directional driving motors 126 comprises of a stator, a rotor and a driving motor shaft coupled with the shaft of the at least one pair of driving wheels 114 via a coupling. The term "bi-directional driving motors" refers to an electric motor that can rotate in both directions (clockwise and counterclockwise) by reversing the direction of the current flow through the motor windings. The stator is the stationary part of the pair of bi-directional driving motors 126. The stator typically consists of coils of wire wound around a core made of magnetic material. These coils are often referred to as windings, when electric current passes through these windings, it creates a magnetic field. The rotor is the rotating part of the pair of bi-directional driving motors 126 located inside the stator. The first rotor is usually mounted on the driving motor shaft that rotates freely. The rotor can be a permanent magnet or contain windings, depending on type of the pair of bi-directional driving motors 126 used. When electric current flows through the stator windings, it generates a magnetic field. This magnetic field interacts with the rotor. In the pair of bi-directional driving motors 126 where the rotor is a permanent magnet, the interaction between the stator's magnetic field and the magnetic field of the rotor causes the rotor to turn. In the pair of bi-directional driving motors 126 where the rotor contains windings, the changing magnetic field in the stator induces a current in the rotor windings. This induced current generates its own magnetic field, which interacts with the stator's field to produce torque. The magnetic fields in the stator and rotor are arranged so that they produce forces that cause the rotor to spin. Due to the rotation of the rotor, the driving motor shaft also rotates in the same direction, when there is a change in the direction of the flow of current, there is also a change in the direction of the magnetic field, which leads in changing the rotational direction of the driving motor shaft. The term "coupling" refers to a mechanical component that joins the driving motor shaft with the shaft of the at least one pair of driving wheels 114. The coupling transmits the rotational force from the driving motor shaft to the shaft of the at least one pair of driving wheels 114, thereby rotating the at least one pair of driving wheels 114 in either clockwise or counter clockwise direction as per the requirement, which further aids the at least one pair of driven wheels 112 to rotate in a direction similar to the rotational direction of the at least one pair of driving wheels 114 and manoeuvre the device 100 over the surface of the solar panel. However, usage of coupling prevents the shafts from being misaligned, thereby reducing the possibility of slippage. Additionally, the coupling also aids the at least one pair of driving wheels 114 to absorb the shock or vibration generated from the motor, thereby increasing the shelf life of the driving motor shaft and the shaft of the at least one pair of driving wheels 114.
Optionally, there also remains a possibility that there can be only a single driving shaft, wherein one end of the shaft is connected with the rotor via shaft key and another end of shaft is connected with the at least one pair of driving wheels 114 via another shaft key, thereby transmitting the rotational energy from the rotor to the at least one pair of driving wheels 114, which further aids the at least one pair of driven wheels 112 to rotate in a direction similar to the rotational direction of the at least one pair of driving wheels 114 and manoeuvre the device 100 over the surface of the solar panel. Optionally, there also remains a possibility that no driven wheels are arranged on the device, rather all the pairs of the wheels that are arranged on the first and second ends 116 and 118 of the pair of support plates 122 are driving wheels.
Further, as the at least one sensor 110 determines that there is no traversable surface left for manoeuvring, that is when the piezoelectric material of the at least one sensor 110 stops getting deformed, then no electrical potential difference is generated and the at least one sensor 110 transmits the electronic signal, to the controller. The controller then processes the electronic signal to determine the absence of any traversable surface, then the controller directs the fifth signal to de-actuate the pair of bi-directional driving motors 126, for restricting the manoeuvring of the device 100 over the solar panel in an automated manner. Beneficially, usage of the at least one sensor 110 prevents the intervention of human and even prevents the device 100 from confronting any accidental damage.
Throughout the present disclosure, the term "one pair of guiding wheels" refers to a pair of wheels that grips the edges of the solar panel, when the device 100 is manoeuvring over the surface of the solar panel. The at least one pair of guiding wheels 120 are positioned in a perpendicular manner to the at least one pair of driven and driving wheels 112, 114, and rotates due to the rotation of the least one pair of wheels (114). The at least one pair of guiding wheels 120 rotates in a similar direction to the rotational direction of the at least one pair of driven and driving wheels 112, 114.
Optionally, the at least one pair of guiding wheels 120 are either freely rotatable in nature or the at least one pair of guiding wheels 120 are coupled with at least one pair of bi-directional guiding motor. When the rotational speed of the at least one pair of bi-directional guiding motors is similar to the rotational speed of the at least one pair of driven and driving wheels 112, 114 in order to grip the edges of the solar panel and rotate along the edges of the solar panels in a synchronized manner and prevent the device 100 from being derailed from the surface of the solar panels, while the device 100 is manoeuvring over the surface of the solar panels.
Referring to FIG. 2A and 2B, FIG.2A, illustrated is an enlarged isometric view of the first cleaning unit 106 of the proposed device 100, and FIG. 2B, illustrated is an enlarged isometric view of the second cleaning unit 108 of the proposed device 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The first cleaning unit 106 comprising: a first shaft 202; a first bi-directional motor 128 coupled with the first shaft 202 for rotating the first shaft 202; and a plurality of bristles 206 arranged over the first shaft 202 in a helical manner, for removing sticky dirt and debris from the surface of the solar panel. The second cleaning unit 108 comprising: a second shaft 208; a second bi-directional motor 130 coupled with the second shaft 208 for rotating the second shaft 208; at least one pair of rings 214 arranged on the second shaft 208, wherein each of the ring 214 amongst the at least one pair of rings 214 are equally spaced from each other, wherein a plurality of sets of clamps 216A and 216B are arranged on an outer periphery of each of the ring 214 amongst the at least one pair of rings 214, wherein a corresponding set of clamps 218A and 218B in its adjacent ring 220 is positioned at an angle with each other; a plurality of flexible tubes 222 attached with the plurality of sets of clamps 216A and 216B and the corresponding set of clamps 218A and 218B, forming a helical shaped structure of the plurality of flexible tubes 222 around the second shaft 208; and a microfiber cloth 224 stitched around each of the flexible tubes 222 amongst the plurality of flexible tubes 222, thereby forming a helical cloth arrangement around the second shaft 208.
Optionally, the first cleaning unit 106 comprising:
a first shaft 202;
a first bi-directional motor 128 coupled with the first shaft 202 for rotating the first shaft 202; and
a plurality of bristles 206 arranged over the first shaft 202 in a helical manner, for removing sticky dirt and debris from the surface of the solar panel.
Throughout the present disclosure, the term "first shaft" refers to a shaft that rotates the first cleaning unit 106. As the device 100 is activated, the controller generates a first signal to actuate the first cleaning unit 106. The controller actuates the first bi-directional motor 128 coupled with the first shaft 202 for rotating the first shaft 202. The first bi-directional motor 128 comprises of a first stator, first rotor and first driving motor shaft coupled with the first shaft 202 of the first cleaning unit 106 via a first coupling. The term "first bi-directional motor" refers to an electric motor that can rotate in both directions (clockwise and counterclockwise) by reversing the direction of the current flow through the motor windings. The first stator is the stationary part of the first bi-directional motor 128. It typically consists of coils of wire wound around a core made of magnetic material. These coils are often referred to as windings, when electric current passes through these windings, it creates a magnetic field. The first rotor is the rotating part of the first bi-directional motor 128 located inside the first stator. It is usually mounted on the first driving motor shaft that rotates freely. The first rotor can be a permanent magnet or contain windings, depending on the type of motor. When electric current flows through the first stator windings, it generates a magnetic field. This magnetic field interacts with the first rotor. In the first bi-directional motor 128 where the first rotor is a permanent magnet, the interaction between the stator's magnetic field and the magnetic field of the first rotor causes the first rotor to turn. In the first bi-directional motor 128 where the first rotor contains windings, the changing magnetic field in the first stator induces a current in the first rotor windings. This induced current generates its own magnetic field, which interacts with the first stator's field to produce torque. The magnetic fields in the first stator and first rotor are arranged so that they produce forces that cause the first rotor to spin. Due to the rotation of the first rotor, the first driving motor shaft also rotates in the same direction, when there is a change in the direction of the flow of current, there is also a change in the direction of the magnetic field, which leads in changing the rotational direction of the first driving motor shaft. The term "first coupling" refers to a mechanical component that joins the first driving motor shaft with the first shaft 202 of the first cleaning unit 106. The first coupling transmits the rotational force from the first driving motor shaft to the first shaft 202 of the first cleaning unit 106, thereby rotating the first cleaning unit 106 in either clockwise or counter-clockwise direction as per the requirement. However, usage of the first coupling prevents the first driving motor shaft and the first shaft 202 from being misaligned, thereby reducing the possibility of slippage. Additionally, the first coupling also aids the first cleaning unit 106 to absorb the shock or vibration generated from the first bi-directional motor 128, thereby increasing the shelf life of the first driving motor shaft and the first shaft 202 of the first cleaning unit 106.
Optionally, a first bearing is installed on one of the pair of support plates 122 which is mounted on one end of the first shaft 202, wherein another end of the first shaft 202 is coupled with the first bi-directional motor 128 via the first coupling. The first bearing provides the first shaft 202 a smooth rotation, preventing the first shaft 202 from friction, thus prevents the first shaft 202 from overheating. The first bearing includes but are not limited to ball bearing, roller bearing, fluid bearing and taper bearing.
Optionally, there also remains a possibility that there can be only a first single driving shaft, wherein one end of the first single driving shaft is connected with the first rotor via first shaft key and another end of first single driving shaft is connected to the opposite end on one of the pair of support plates 122 via the first bearing, thereby transmitting the rotational energy from the first rotor to the first bearing via the first single driving shaft, which further aids the first cleaning unit 106 to rotate in a direction similar to the rotational direction of the first bi-directional motor 128.
Further, the plurality of bristles 206 arranged over the first shaft 202 in a helical manner to remove sticky dirt and debris from the surface of the solar panel. The helical manner arrangement of the plurality of bristles 206 leads in sliding down the sticky dirt and debris beneath the device 100 in an efficient manner, thereby preventing the debris from creating any blockage within the device 100. The plurality of bristles 206 are made up of either synthetic or rubberized material, that aids the first cleaning unit 106 to perform cleaning in much smoother way.
Optionally, the second cleaning unit 108 comprising:
a second shaft 208;
a second bi-directional motor 130 coupled with the second shaft 208 for rotating the second shaft 208;
at least one pair of rings 214 arranged on the second shaft 208, wherein each of the ring 214 amongst the at least one pair of rings 214 are equally spaced from each other, wherein a plurality of sets of clamps 216A and 216B are arranged on an outer periphery of each of the ring 214 amongst the at least one pair of rings 214, wherein a corresponding set of clamps 218A and 218B in its adjacent ring 220 is positioned at an angle with each other;
a plurality of flexible tubes 222 attached with each of the plurality of sets of clamps 216A and 216B and the corresponding set of clamps 218A and 218B, forming a helical shaped structure of the flexible tubes 222 around the second shaft 208; and
a microfiber cloth 224 stitched around each of the flexible tubes 222 amongst the plurality of flexible tubes 222, thereby forming a helical cloth arrangement around the second shaft 208.
Throughout the present disclosure, the term "second shaft" refers to a shaft that rotates the second cleaning unit 108. As the device 100 is activated, the controller generates a second signal to actuate the second cleaning unit 108. The controller actuates the second bi-directional motor 130 coupled with the second shaft 208 for rotating the second shaft 208. The second bi-directional motor 130 comprises a second stator, a second rotor and a second driving motor shaft coupled with the second shaft 208 of the second cleaning unit 108 via a second coupling. The term "second bi-directional motor" refers to an electric motor that can rotate in both directions (clockwise and counterclockwise) by reversing the direction of the current flow through the second bi-directional motor 130 windings. The second stator is the stationary part of the second bi-directional motor 130 When electric current flows through the second stator windings, it generates a magnetic field. This magnetic field interacts with the second rotor and the magnetic field of the second rotor causes the second rotor to turn. In the second bi-directional motor 130, where the second rotor contains windings, the changing magnetic field in the second stator induces a current in the second rotor windings. This induced current generates its own magnetic field, which interacts with the second stator's field to produce torque. The magnetic fields in the second stator and second rotor are arranged so that they produce forces that cause the second rotor to spin. Due to the rotation of the second rotor, the second driving motor shaft also rotates in the same direction. The term "second coupling" refers to a mechanical component that joins the second driving motor shaft with the second shaft 208 of the second cleaning unit 108. The second coupling transmits the rotational force from the second driving motor shaft to the second shaft 208 of the second cleaning unit 108, thereby rotating the second cleaning unit 108 in either clockwise or counter clockwise direction as per the requirement. However, usage of the second coupling prevents the second driving motor shaft and second shaft 208 from being misaligned, thereby reducing the possibility of slippage. Additionally, the second coupling also aids the second cleaning unit 108 to absorb the shock or vibration generated from the second bi-directional motor 130, thereby increasing the shelf life of the second driving motor shaft and the second shaft 208 of the second cleaning unit 108.
Optionally, a second bearing is installed on one of the pair of support plates 122 which is mounted on one end of the second shaft 208, wherein another end of the second shaft 208 is coupled with the second bi-directional motor 130 via the second coupling. The second bearing provides the second shaft 208 a smooth rotation, preventing the second shaft 208 from friction, thus prevents the second shaft 208 from overheating. The second bearing includes but are not limited to ball bearing, roller bearing, fluid bearing and taper bearing.
Optionally, there also remains a possibility that there can be only a second single driving shaft, wherein one end of the second single driving shaft is connected with the second rotor via second shaft key and another end of second single driving shaft is connected to the opposite end on one of the pair of support plates 122 via the second bearing, thereby transmitting the rotational energy from the second rotor to the second bearing via the second single driving shaft, which further aids the second cleaning unit 108 to rotate in a direction similar to the rotational direction of the second bi-directional motor 130.
Further, the at least a pair of rings 214 arranged on the second shaft 208 and the space maintained between each of the ring 214 amongst the at least a pair of rings 214 are equal. Then, the plurality of sets of clamps 216A and 216B are arranged on the outer periphery of each of the ring 214 amongst the at least a pair of rings 214, wherein a corresponding set of clamps 218A and 218B in its adjacent ring 220 is positioned at an angle with each other. Basically, the term "at least a pair of rings" refer to a ring that is been fabricated over the second shaft 208, wherein the at least a pair of rings 214 are fabricated with the plurality of sets of clamps 216A and 216B and the adjacent ring 220 is fabricated with the corresponding set of clamps 218A and 218B.
The plurality of sets of clamps 216A and 216B act as a gripping means that grips a certain portion of the plurality of flexible tubes 222 and similarly the corresponding set of clamps 218A and 218B in the adjacent ring 220 also grips other portion of the plurality of flexible tubes 222. However, the plurality of sets of clamps 216A and 216B are arranged on an outer periphery of each of the ring 214 amongst of the at least a pair of rings 214, which is positioned at a certain angle to the corresponding set of clamps 218A and 218B arranged on the adjacent ring 220.
Optionally, the angle at which the plurality of sets of clamps 216A and 216B are positioned with respect to the corresponding set of clamps 218A and 218B in its adjacent ring 220 lies within a range from 8 degrees to 11 degrees. For example, the angle at which the plurality of sets of clamps 216A and 216B are positioned with respect to the corresponding set of clamps 218A and 218B in its adjacent ring 220 may be from 8 degrees, 8.25 degrees, 8.75 degrees or 9.5 degrees up to 9 degrees, 10 degrees, 10.5 degrees, 10.25 degrees or 11 degrees. Due to the positioning of the plurality of sets of clamps 216A and 216B at a certain angle with respect to the to the corresponding set of clamps 218A and 218B, the plurality of flexible tubes 222 attached within both of the plurality of sets of clamps 216A and 216B and the corresponding set of clamps 218A and 218B get twisted, which results in forming a helical shaped structure of the plurality of flexible tubes 222 around the second shaft 208. The plurality of flexible tubes 222 are elastic in nature, thus the elasticity increases the bending and twisting capability of the plurality of flexible tubes 222.
The term "microfiber cloth" refers to a specific type of cleaning cloth made from very fine synthetic fibres, typically a blend of polyester and polyamide (i.e., nylon), allowing the plurality of microfiber cloth 224 to have a high density of fibres per square inch. Beneficially, the plurality of microfiber cloth 224 has high absorbency that allows the plurality of microfiber cloth 224 to hold several times their weight in water, making them efficient for cleaning up the surface of the solar panels. The incredibly fine fibres reach into small openings or gaps over the solar panels, effectively lifting dirt, dust, without requiring harsh chemicals, which makes the device 100 a more environmentally friendly cleaning means. Additionally, the plurality of microfiber cloth 224 are non-abrasive and lint-free, in nature, thus ensuring that surface of the solar panels is left spotless and without scratches or residue. The plurality of microfiber cloth 224 are also durable and withstand many cycles of cleaning and reuse, maintaining their cleaning power over time. This durability, combined with their cleaning effectiveness, makes the plurality of microfiber cloth 224 a cost-effective and versatile means for cleaning the surface of the solar panels. However, as the microfiber cloth 224 are stitched around each of the flexible tubes 222 amongst the plurality of flexible tubes 222, so due to the formation of the helical shaped structure of the plurality of flexible tubes 222 around the second shaft 208, a helical cloth arrangement is also formed naturally around the second shaft 208. The helical cloth arrangement leads in sliding down the dirt and debris beneath the device 100 in an efficient manner, thereby preventing the dust from creating any blockage within the device 100.
Referring to FIG. 3A and 3B, FIG. 3A illustrated is another isometric view of the open frame solar panel cleaning device along with a third cleaning unit 302 and FIG. 3B illustrated is an enlarged isometric view of a third cleaning unit 302 of the proposed device 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Optionally, there remains a possibility that the first cleaning unit 106 is interchangeable with a third cleaning unit 302 that is positioned in adjacent to the second cleaning unit 108, wherein the third cleaning unit 302 is identical to the second cleaning unit 108 that is operable to remove dust from the surface of the solar panel.
Optionally, the third cleaning unit 302 comprising:
a third shaft 304;
a third bi-directional motor 306 coupled with the third shaft 304 for rotating the third shaft 304;
at least one pair of rings 308 arranged on the third shaft 304, wherein each of the ring 308 amongst the at least a pair of rings 308 are equally spaced from each other, wherein a plurality of sets of clamps 310A and 310B are arranged on an outer periphery of each of the ring 308 amongst at least a pair of rings 308, wherein a corresponding set of clamps 312A and 312B in its adjacent ring 314 is positioned at an angle with each other;
a plurality of flexible tubes 316 attached with the plurality of sets of clamps 318A and 318B and the corresponding set of clamps 312A and 312B, forming a helical shaped structure of the plurality of flexible tubes 316 around the third shaft 304; and
a microfiber cloth 324 stitched around each of the flexible tubes 316 amongst the plurality of flexible tubes 316, thereby forming a helical cloth arrangement around the third shaft 304.
Throughout the present disclosure, the term "third shaft" refers to a shaft that rotates the third cleaning unit 302. As the device 100 is activated, the controller generates a signal to actuate the third cleaning unit 302. The controller actuates a third bi-directional motor 306 coupled with the third shaft 304 for rotating the third shaft 304. The third bi-directional motor 306 comprises of a third stator, third rotor and third driving motor shaft coupled with the third shaft 304 of the third cleaning unit 302 via a third coupling. The term "third bi-directional motor" refers to an electric motor that can rotate in both directions (clockwise and counterclockwise) by reversing the direction of the current flow through the third bi-directional motor 306 windings. The third stator is the stationary part of the third bi-directional motor 306. When electric current flows through the third stator windings, it generates a magnetic field. This magnetic field interacts with the third rotor that causes the third rotor to turn. In the third bi-directional motor 306, where the third rotor contains windings, the changing magnetic field in the third stator induces a current in the third rotor windings. This induced current generates its own magnetic field, which interacts with the third stator's field to produce torque. The magnetic fields in the third stator and third rotor are arranged so that they produce forces that cause the third rotor to spin. Due to the rotation of the third rotor, the third driving motor shaft also rotates in the same direction. The term "third coupling" refers to a mechanical component that joins the third driving motor shaft with the third shaft 304 of the third cleaning unit 302. The third coupling transmits the rotational force from the third driving motor shaft to the third shaft 304 of the third cleaning unit 302, thereby rotating the third cleaning unit 302 in either clockwise or counter-clockwise direction as per the requirement. However, usage of the third coupling prevents the third driving motor shaft and third shaft 304 from being misaligned, thereby reducing the possibility of slippage. Additionally, the third coupling also aids the third cleaning unit 302 to absorb the shock or vibration generated from the third bi-directional motor 306, thereby increasing the shelf life of the third driving motor shaft and the third shaft 304 of the third cleaning unit 302.
Optionally, a third bearing is installed on one of the pair of support plates 122 which is mounted on one end of the third shaft 304, wherein another end of the third shaft 304 is coupled with the third bi-directional motor 306 via the third coupling. The third bearing provides the third shaft a smooth rotation, preventing the third shaft from friction, thus prevents the third shaft from overheating. The third bearing includes but are not limited to ball bearing, roller bearing, fluid bearing and taper bearing.
Optionally, there also remains a possibility that there can be only a third single driving shaft, wherein one end of the third single driving shaft is connected with the third rotor via a third shaft key and another end of third single driving shaft is connected to the opposite end on one of the pair of support plates 122 via the third bearing, thereby transmitting the rotational energy from the third rotor to the third bearing via the third single driving shaft, which further aids the third cleaning unit 302 to rotate in a direction similar to the rotational direction of the third bi-directional motor 306.
Further, the at least a pair of rings 308 arranged on the third shaft 304 and the space maintained between each of the ring 308 amongst the at least a pair of rings 308 are equal. Then, the plurality of sets of clamps 310A and 310B are arranged on the outer periphery of each of the ring 308 amongst the at least a pair of rings 308, wherein a corresponding set of clamps 312A and 312B in its adjacent ring 314 is positioned at an angle with each other. Basically, the term "at least a pair of rings" refer to a ring that is been fabricated over the third shaft 304, wherein the at least a pair of rings 308 are fabricated with the plurality of sets of clamps 310A and 310B and the adjacent ring 314 is fabricated with the corresponding set of clamps 312A and 312B.
The plurality of sets of clamps 310A and 310B act as a gripping means that grips a certain portion of the plurality of flexible tubes 316 and similarly the corresponding set of clamps 312A and 312B in the adjacent ring 314 also grips other portion of the plurality of flexible tubes 316. However, the plurality of sets of clamps 310A and 310B are arranged on an outer periphery of each of the ring 308 amongst the at least a pair of rings 308, which is positioned at a certain angle to the corresponding set of clamps 312A and 312B arranged on the adjacent ring 314.
Optionally, the angle at which the plurality of sets of clamps 310A and 310B are positioned with respect to the corresponding set of clamps 312A and 312B in its adjacent ring 314 lies within a range from 8 degrees to 11 degrees. For example, the angle at which the plurality of sets of clamps 310A and 310B are positioned with respect to the corresponding set of clamps 312A and 312B in its adjacent ring 314 may be from 8 degrees, 8.25 degrees, 8.75 degrees or 9.5 degrees up to 9 degrees, 10 degrees, 10.5 degrees, 10.25 degrees or 11 degrees. Due to the positioning of the plurality of sets of clamps 310A and 310B at a certain angle with respect to the to the corresponding set of clamps 312A and 312B, the plurality of flexible tubes 316 attached within both of the plurality of sets of clamps 312A and 312B and the corresponding set of clamps 320A and 322B get twisted, which results in forming a helical shaped structure of the plurality of flexible tubes 316 around the third shaft (304). The plurality of flexible tubes 316 are elastic in nature, thus the elasticity increases the bending and twisting capability of the plurality of flexible tubes 316.
The term "plurality of microfiber cloth" refers to a specific type of cleaning cloth made from very fine synthetic fibres, typically a blend of polyester and polyamide (i.e., nylon), allowing the plurality of microfiber cloth 324 to have a high density of fibres per square inch. Beneficially, the plurality of microfiber cloth 324 has high absorbency that allows the plurality of microfiber cloth 324 to hold several times their weight in water, making them efficient for cleaning up the surface of the solar panels. The incredibly fine fibres reach into small openings or gaps over the solar panels, effectively lifting dirt, dust, without requiring harsh chemicals, which makes the device 100 a more environmentally friendly cleaning means. Additionally, the plurality of microfiber cloth 324 are non-abrasive and lint-free, in nature, thus ensuring that surface of the solar panels is left spotless and without scratches or residue. The plurality of microfiber cloth 324 are also durable and withstand many cycles of cleaning and reuse, maintaining their cleaning power over time. This durability, combined with their cleaning effectiveness, makes the plurality of microfiber cloth 324 a cost-effective and versatile means for cleaning the surface of the solar panels. However, as the microfiber cloth 324 are stitched around each of the flexible tubes 316 amongst the plurality of flexible tubes 316, so due to the formation of the helical shaped structure of the plurality of flexible tubes 316 around the third shaft 304, a helical cloth arrangement is also formed naturally around the third shaft 304. The helical cloth arrangement leads in sliding down the dirt and debris beneath the device 100 in an efficient manner, thereby preventing the dust from creating any blockage within the device 100.
The best method to operate the open frame solar panel cleaning device 100, includes manually positioning the device 100 over the surface of the solar panel, wherein after successfully positioning the device 100 over the surface of the solar panel, the user access a switch arranged within the electronic control box 124 that is positioned on one of the supporting plates 122 for transmitting a signal to the controller integrated within the circuit board arranged within the electronic control box 124. The controller then processes the signal and generate a first signal to actuate the first cleaning unit 106 and a second signal to actuate the second cleaning unit 108 for removing sticky debris and dust from the surface of the solar panel respectively. Furthermore, the pair of support plates 122 that are coupled to the end portions of the device 100 also provide support to the first and second cleaning units 106, 108. The controller then generates a third signal to activate the at least one sensor 110 mounted on one of the pair of support plates 122 identify traversable surface ahead for a movement of the device 100 over the solar panel. Based upon the identified traversable surface, the controller further generates a fourth signal to actuate the pair of bi-directional driving motors 126 coupled with the at least one pair of driving wheels 114 of the at least one pair of driving wheels 114 for rotating the at least one pair of driving wheels 114 that also forces the at least one pair of driven wheels 112 to rotate that results in manoeuvring the device 100 of the surface of the solar panels. Moreover, the at least one pair of guiding wheels 120 grip the edges of the solar panel, when the device 100 is manoeuvring over the surface of the solar panel and also starts rotating along with the rotation of the at least one pair of driven and driving wheels 112, 114, thereby preventing the device 100 from being derailed, while performing the cleaning of the surface of the solar panels. As the at least one sensor 110 identifies that there is no traversable surface left for the device 100 to move, then the at least one sensor 110 transmits a signal to the controller the controller then based upon the transmitted signal generates fifth signal to de-actuate the pair of driving motors 126, for restricting the manoeuvring of the device 100 over the solar panel, thereby preventing the device 100 from accidental damages.
Modifications to embodiments of the invention described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the accompanying claims. Expressions such as “including”, “comprising”, “incorporating”, “consisting of”, “have”, “is” used to describe and claim the present invention are intended to be construed in a non-exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural. Numerals included within parentheses in the accompanying claims are intended to assist understanding of the claims and should not be construed in any way to limit subject matter claimed by these claims.
, Claims:I/We claim:
1. An open frame solar panel cleaning device (100), comprising:
a first cleaning unit (106) and a second cleaning unit (108) positioned adjacent to the first cleaning unit wherein the first cleaning unit (106) is operable to remove sticky debris and the second cleaning unit (108) is operable to remove dust from a surface of the solar panel;
a pair of support plates (122) coupled to the end portions of the device (100) to provide support to the first and second cleaning units (106, 108);
at least one pair of driven and driving wheels (112, 114) arranged on a first and second ends (116, 118) of the pair of support plates (122), respectively to manoeuvre the device (100) over the surface of the solar panel;
at least one pair of guiding wheels (120) arranged on the first and second ends (116, 118) of the pair of support plates (122), respectively, wherein the at least one pair of guiding wheels (120) are positioned in a perpendicular manner to the at least one pair of driven and driving wheels (112, 114) for gripping the edges of the solar panel, when the device (100) is manoeuvring over the surface of the solar panel; and
an electronic assembly comprising:
at least one sensor (110) mounted on one of the pair of support plates (122), wherein the at least one sensor (110) is configured identify traversable surface ahead for a movement of the device (100) over the solar panel;
at least one battery (140) arranged on one of the supporting plates (122) in proximity to the electronic control box (124), wherein at least one power cable (142) attached with the at least one battery (140) connecting the at least one battery (140) with the at least one sensor (110), the at least one pair of driving wheels (114) and the first and second cleaning unit (106, 108) for providing a power supply; and
a notification unit (144) positioned on the at least one battery (140) for notifying a user a value depicting a battery percentage of the at least one battery (140).
2. The open frame solar panel cleaning device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the electronic assembly further comprises an electronic control box (124) positioned on one of the supporting plates (122), wherein the electronic control box (124) comprising a switch that is accessed by the user for activating the device (100).
3. The open frame solar panel cleaning device (100) according to claim 2, wherein the electronic control box (124) further comprising a controller configured to:
determine the signal generated from the switch, when the switch is turned ON by a user; and
determine the traversable surface travelled by the device (100) over the surface of the solar panels.
4. The open frame solar panel cleaning device (100) according to claim 3, wherein the controller is further configured to:
generate a first signal to actuate the first cleaning unit (106);
generate a second signal to actuate the second cleaning unit (108);
generate a third signal to activate the at least one sensor (110);
generate a fourth signal to actuate a pair of bi-directional driving motors (126) coupled with the at least one pair of driving wheels (114), wherein the pair of bi-directional driving motors (126) are arranged on the pair of support plates (122), for rotating the at least one pair of driving wheels (114); and
generate a fifth signal to de-actuate the pair of bi-directional driving motors (126), based upon the traversable surface travelled by the device (100) that is measured by the at least one sensor (110), for restricting the manoeuvring of the device (100) over the solar panel.
5. The open frame solar panel cleaning device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first cleaning unit (106) comprising:
a first shaft (202);
a first bi-directional motor (128) coupled with the first shaft (202) for rotating the first shaft (202); and
a plurality of bristles (206) arranged over the first shaft (202) in a helical manner, for removing sticky dirt and debris from the surface of the solar panel.
6. The open frame solar panel cleaning device (100) according to the preceding claims, wherein the second cleaning unit (108) comprising:
a second shaft (208);
a second bi-directional motor (130) coupled with the second shaft (208) for rotating the second shaft (208);
at least one pair of rings (214) arranged on the second shaft (208), wherein each of the ring (214) amongst the at least one pair of rings (214) are equally spaced from each other, wherein a plurality of sets of clamps (216A and 216B) are arranged on an outer periphery of each of the ring (214) amongst the at least one pair of rings (214), wherein a corresponding set of clamps (218A and 218B) in its adjacent ring (220) is positioned at an angle with each other;
a plurality of flexible tubes (222) attached with the plurality of sets of clamps (216A and 216B) and the corresponding set of clamps (218A and 218B), forming a helical shaped structure of the plurality of flexible tubes (222) around the second shaft (208); and
a microfiber cloth (224) stitched around each of the flexible tubes (222) amongst the plurality of flexible tubes (222), thereby forming a helical cloth arrangement around the second shaft (208).
7. The open frame solar panel cleaning device (100) according to claim 6, wherein the angle at which the plurality of sets of clamps (216A and 216B) are positioned with respect to the corresponding set of clamps (218A and 218B) in its adjacent ring (220) lies within a range from 8 degrees to 11 degrees.