Claims:I/We claim:

1. A photovoltaic panel cleaning system (100) comprising:
a photovoltaic panel (101) comprising a plurality of photovoltaic cells,
at least two delivery ports (104, 105, 106, 107) for splashing a fluid on the photovoltaic panel (101) for a predetermined duration of time;
at least two cleaning members (108, 109, 110) for cleaning at least two cleaning portions (301, 302, 303) of the photovoltaic panel (101); and
at least one cleaning controller (103) for controlling the operation of the at least two delivery ports (104, 105, 106, 107) and the at least two cleaning members (108, 109, 110) in cleaning and cooling the photovoltaic panel (101).

2. The photovoltaic panel cleaning system (100) of claim 1, further comprises
a fluid source (113) for storing the fluid to be splashed, and
a flow pump (112) for moving the fluid from the fluid source (113) to the at least two delivery ports (104, 105, 106, 107) through at least one routing structure.

3. The photovoltaic panel cleaning system (100) of claim 1, wherein each of the at least two cleaning members (108, 109, 110) are driven by a driving motor (111).

4. The photovoltaic panel cleaning system (100) of claim 1, wherein each of the at least two cleaning members (108, 109, 110) clean each of the at least two cleaning portions (301, 302, 303).

5. The photovoltaic panel cleaning system (100) of claim 1, wherein the at least one cleaning controller (103) receives temperature input and voltage input from a photovoltaic charge controller (102) of the photovoltaic panel (101).

6. The photovoltaic panel cleaning system (100) of claim 5, wherein the at least one cleaning controller (103) controls duration and sequence of operation of each of the at least two delivery ports (104, 105, 106, 107) and each of the at least two cleaning members (108, 109, 110) based on the received temperature input and current input from the photovoltaic charge controller (102).

7. The photovoltaic panel cleaning system (100) of claim 1, wherein the photovoltaic panel (101) comprises a peripheral conduit (101b) to collect and disposably route waste fluid generated on cleaning of the splashed fluid from the photovoltaic panel (101).

8. The photovoltaic panel system of claim 1 wherein the photovoltaic panel (101) is mounted on an inclined surface (501) on the powered device.

9. A method for cleaning and cooling a photovoltaic panel (101) executed by a photovoltaic panel cleaning system (100), the photovoltaic panel cleaning system (100) comprising the photovoltaic panel (101) comprising a plurality of photovoltaic cells, at least two delivery ports (104, 105, 106, 107) for splashing a fluid on the photovoltaic panel (101) for a predetermined duration of time, at least two cleaning members (108, 109, 110) for cleaning at least two cleaning portions (301, 302, 303) of the photovoltaic panel (101), and at least one cleaning controller (103) for controlling the operation of the at least two delivery ports (104, 105, 106, 107) and the at least two cleaning members (108, 109, 110) for cleaning and cooling the photovoltaic panel (101), the method comprising steps of:

receiving temperature input and current input of the photovoltaic panel (101) by the at least one cleaning controller (103) from the photovoltaic charge controller (102);

comparing the received temperature input with a predetermined temperature threshold and the received current input with a predetermined current threshold and generating a comparison flag by the at least one cleaning controller (103);

activating each of the at least two delivery ports (104, 105, 106, 107) for splashing the fluid on the photovoltaic panel (101) for a first time duration by the at least one cleaning controller (103), based on the comparison flag;

activating a driving motor (111) to drive each of the at least two cleaning members (108, 109, 110) by the at least one cleaning controller (103) for a second time duration alternately, on activation of the each of the at least two delivery ports (104, 105, 106, 107) for the first time duration;
wherein the driving motor (111) is activated to drive one of the at least two cleaning members (108, 109, 110) on activation of each of the at least two delivery ports (104, 105, 106, 107) for the first time duration and the driving motor (111) is activated again to drive another of the at least two cleaning members (108, 109, 110) on driving one of the at least two cleaning members (108, 109, 110) for the second time duration and subsequent activation of each of the at least two delivery ports (104, 105, 106, 107) for the first time duration; and

cleaning and cooling of the photovoltaic panel (101) by operation of the at least two cleaning members (108, 109, 110) alternately in the at least two cleaning portions (301, 302, 303) for the second time duration respectively.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein number of times of activation of each the at least two delivery ports (104, 105, 106, 107) is equal to the number of cleaning members (108, 109, 110).

11. The method of claim 9, further comprises step of determining whether the received temperature input continues to be greater than the predetermined temperature threshold and generating a temperature flag by the at least one cleaning controller (103).

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising:

activating the each of the at least two delivery ports (104, 105, 106, 107) for splashing the fluid on the photovoltaic panel (101) for a third time duration by the at least one cleaning controller (103), based on the temperature flag,
waiting for a fifth time duration on activation of the each of the at least two delivery ports (104, 105, 106, 107) for the third time duration,
activating the driving motor (111) to drive the each of the at least two cleaning members (108, 109, 110) by the at least one cleaning controller (103) for a fourth time duration alternately, on activation of the each of the at least two delivery ports (104, 105, 106, 107) for the third time duration and waiting for a fifth time duration,
wherein the driving motor (111) is activated to drive the one of the at least two cleaning members (108, 109, 110) on activation of each of the at least two delivery ports (104, 105, 106, 107) for the third time duration and the driving motor (111) is activated to drive the another of the at least two cleaning members (108, 109, 110) on driving one of the at least two cleaning members (108, 109, 110) for the fourth time duration and subsequent activation of each of the at least two delivery ports (104, 105, 106, 107) for the third time duration and waiting for the fifth time duration, and
cooling the photovoltaic panel (101) by the operation of the at least two cleaning members (108, 109, 110) alternately in the at least two cleaning portions (301, 302, 303) for the fourth time duration respectively.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising indicating a malfunction of the photovoltaic panel cleaning system (100) to a user, based on a predetermined number of times of generation of the temperature flag by the at least one cleaning controller (103).

14. The method of claim 9, wherein the at least one cleaning controller (103) activates a flow pump (112) for moving the fluid from a fluid source (113) to the at least two delivery ports (104, 105, 106, 107) through at least one routing structure, based on the generated comparison flag.

15. The method of claim 9, wherein a peripheral conduit (101b) of the photovoltaic panel (101) of the photovoltaic panel cleaning system (100) collects and disposably routes waste fluid generated on cleaning of the splashed fluid from the photovoltaic panel (101).

16. The method of claim 9, further comprising indicating a malfunction of the photovoltaic panel cleaning system (100) to a user, based on a predetermined number of times of generation of the comparison flag by the at least one cleaning controller (103). , Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates to photovoltaic devices. More particularly, maintenance and thermal management of the photovoltaic devices.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Photovoltaic devices, such as, solar panels are implementable solutions to the energy crisis that the world is likely to face in the future. Solar panels are employed as energy sources in numerous commercial and domestic applications, such as, vehicles, cooking, heating, etc. Solar harvesters on vehicle have not been commercially used much in the past because of low efficiency and its rigidity. But lately, the efficiency has increased and the solar panels now can be semi-flexible, without losing on efficiency. This makes them very suitable for on board energy generation in powered devices including powered vehicles especially three and four wheeled vehicles.
[0003] A photovoltaic panel, that is, a solar panel generates electricity by converting incident photons (sunlight) into moving electrons. However, when the surface of the solar panel is obstructed by accumulated dust, bird droppings, snow, dirt, etc., the number of incident photons drastically reduces, in turn reducing the efficiency of the solar panel. The efficiency may drastically reduce by about 15-25% within a week’s time. Thus, the solar panel surfaces need to be cleaned regularly. In implementations of the solar panel on the rooftop or on ground, manually cleaning of the solar panel surface may be feasible. However, in case of absence of a maintenance personnel or the installation of the solar panel on the vehicle rooftop, manual cleaning is difficult as well as prone to accidental damage. Due to this, the functioning of the solar panel is adversely affected & it is not feasible to run the photovoltaic system at highest possible efficiency resulting in loss of vehicle travel range etc. In such scenarios, there arises a need for an automated cleaning system for the maintenance of the solar panel & its consistent efficient operation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0004] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.

[0005] Fig. 1 exemplarily illustrates a schematic diagram of the photovoltaic panel cleaning system;
[0006] Fig. 2 exemplarily illustrates a layout of the photovoltaic panel with the jet spray valves and the wipers;
[0007] Figs. 3A-3C exemplarily illustrate the area swept by each of the wipers on the photovoltaic panel surface;
[0008] Fig. 4 exemplarily illustrates a plan view of the photovoltaic panel;
[0009] Fig. 5 exemplarily illustrates a left side elevation view of the photovoltaic panel;
[0010] Fig. 6 exemplarily illustrates a flowchart depicting a method for cleaning and cooling of the photovoltaic panel;
[0011] Fig. 7 exemplarily illustrates an algorithm executed by the cleaning controller of the photovoltaic panel cleaning system for cooling and cleaning the photovoltaic panel;
[0012] Fig. 8 exemplarily illustrates an algorithm executed by the cleaning controller of the photovoltaic panel cleaning system for further cooling of the photovoltaic panel; and
[0013] Fig. 9 exemplarily illustrates an embodiment of the photovoltaic panel cleaning system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] In existing implementations of the automatic cleaning system for the roof/ground installed photovoltaic/solar panels, the cleaning systems are heavy and space intensive. Such cleaning systems may not be suitable for moving systems and space constrained systems such as the solar panels installed on a vehicle roof. There is a need for the automatic cleaning system to be light in weight, occupy less space, and simple in design as well as assembly.
[0015] Further, at high ambient temperature, the outputs of the solar panel, that is the current generated reduces and the solar panel no longer functions efficiently. The solar panel power output is known to suffer a typical loss of 0.4% per °C rise in temperature. Thus, there is a need for reducing the temperature of operation of the solar panel for it to produce a desired output.
[0016] Therefore, there exists a need for an automatic photovoltaic panel cleaning system that cleans the surface of the photovoltaic or solar panel and reduces the temperature of the solar panel, for the solar panel to be structurally intact and function efficiently overcoming all problems disclosed above as well as other problems of known art.
[0017] In an embodiment, a photovoltaic panel cleaning system comprising a photovoltaic panel comprising a plurality of solar cells, at least two delivery ports for splashing a fluid on the photovoltaic panel for a predetermined duration of time, at least two cleaning members for cleaning at least two cleaning portions of the photovoltaic panel, and at least one cleaning controller for controlling the operation of the at least two delivery ports and the at least two cleaning members in cleaning and cooling the photovoltaic panel are disclosed. The photovoltaic panel cleaning system further comprises a fluid source for storing the fluid to be splashed, and a flow pump for moving the fluid from the fluid source to the at least two delivery ports through at least one routing structure. Each of the at least two cleaning members is driven by a driving motor. Each of the at least two cleaning members clean each of the at least two cleaning portions. The at least one cleaning controller receives temperature input and voltage input from a photovoltaic charge controller of the photovoltaic panel. The at least one cleaning controller controls duration and sequence of operation of each of the at least two delivery ports and each of the at least two cleaning members based on the received temperature input and current input from the photovoltaic charge controller. The photovoltaic panel comprises a peripheral conduit to collect and disposably route waste fluid generated on cleaning of the splashed fluid from the photovoltaic panel. The photovoltaic panel is mounted on an inclined surface.
[0018] In an embodiment, a method for cleaning and cooling a photovoltaic panel executed by a photovoltaic panel cleaning system is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: receiving temperature input and current input of the photovoltaic panel by the at least one cleaning controller from the photovoltaic charge controller; comparing the received temperature input with a predetermined temperature threshold and the received current input with a predetermined current threshold and generating a comparison flag by the at least one cleaning controller; activating each of the at least two delivery ports for splashing the fluid on the photovoltaic panel for a first time duration by the at least one cleaning controller, based on the comparison flag; activating a driving motor to drive each of the at least two cleaning members by the at least one cleaning controller for a second time duration alternately, on activation of the each of the at least two delivery ports for the first time duration; and cleaning and cooling of the photovoltaic panel by operation of the at least two cleaning members alternately in the at least two cleaning portions for the second time duration respectively. The driving motor is activated to drive one of the at least two cleaning members on activation of the each of the at least two delivery ports for the first time duration and the driving motor is activated again to drive another of the at least two cleaning members on driving the one of the at least two cleaning members for the second time duration and subsequent activation of the each of the at least two delivery ports for the first time duration. Number of times of activation of each the at least two delivery ports is equal to the number of at least two cleaning members. The method further comprises the step of determining whether the received temperature input continues to be greater than the predetermined temperature threshold and generating a temperature flag by the at least one cleaning controller. Further, steps comprise of activating the each of the at least two delivery ports for splashing the fluid on the photovoltaic panel for a third time duration by the at least one cleaning controller, based on the temperature flag; waiting for a fifth time duration after the activation of the each of the at least two delivery ports; activating the driving motor to drive each of the at least two cleaning members by the at least one cleaning controller for a fourth time duration alternately, on activation of each of the at least two delivery ports for the third time duration and waiting for the fifth time duration; and cooling the photovoltaic panel by the operation of the at least two cleaning members alternately in the at least two cleaning portions for the fourth time duration respectively. The driving motor is activated to drive the one of the at least two cleaning members on activation of the each of the at least two delivery ports for the third time duration; waiting for the fifth time duration after the activation of the each of the at least two delivery ports and the driving motor is activated to drive another of the at least two cleaning members on driving one of the at least two cleaning members for the fourth time duration and subsequent activation of each of the at least two delivery ports for the third time duration and waiting for the fifth time duration. The at least one cleaning controller activates a flow pump for moving the fluid from a fluid source to the at least two delivery ports through at least one routing structure, based on the generated comparison flag. The method further comprises the step of indicating a malfunction of the photovoltaic panel cleaning system to a user, based on a predetermined number of times of generation of the comparison flag by the at least one cleaning controller. The method further comprises the step of indicating a malfunction of the photovoltaic panel cleaning system to a user, based on a predetermined number of times of generation of the temperature flag by the at least one cleaning controller. The terms “solar panel” and “photovoltaic panel” has been used interchangeably & imply any photovoltaic panel which can generate energy when exposed to incident light.
[0019] Fig. 1 exemplarily illustrates a schematic diagram of the solar panel cleaning system 100 along with the solar panel 101. The solar panel cleaning system 100 comprises a solar panel 101, at least two delivery ports 104, 105, 106, 107, for delivery of cleaning medium or cleaning agent, at least two cleaning members 108, 109, 110, and at least one cleaning controller 103. The solar panel cleaning system 100 periodically cleans the solar panel 101. The solar panel 101 comprises multiple solar cells that are connected in series and/or parallel combination to produce a rated current. The current generated is stored in an energy storage unit, such as, a battery (not shown). The solar panel 101 charges the battery. The operation of the solar panel is monitored and controlled by a solar charge controller 102. The solar charge controller 102 regulates voltage and current from the solar panel to charge the battery and avoids overcharging of the battery and may protect the battery from overvoltage. The battery in turn powers multiple energy consuming electrical loads. The cleaning controller 103 constitutes the solar charge controller 102. The cleaning controller 103 may be embodied as a software module within the solar charge controller 102. In an embodiment, the cleaning controller 103 may be a separate controller in communication with the solar charge controller 102. The cleaning controller 103 controls the operation of the delivery ports 104, 105, 106, 107 and the cleaning members108, 109, 110 in cleaning and cooling the solar panel 101. The cleaning controller 103 triggers the cleaning process automatically once in a day based on a timer and a cleaning sequence algorithm or may be triggered by a user depending on an alert indication from an IOT device. In an embodiment, the cleaning controller 103 may be activated manually to trigger the cleaning process. After the cleaning sequence is complete, the solar charge controller 102 checks the solar panel outputs. If the Isc (short circuit current) is at least 95% of rated Isc at standard temperature conditions, the cleaning sequence is considered as complete. If not, the entire cleaning sequence is repeated once again in a loop. The cleaning controller 103 also actuates a cooling sequence whenever the solar panel temperature exceeds the pre-defined value as exemplarily illustrated in Fig. 8.
[0020] As exemplarily illustrated, there are four delivery ports, hereafter referred to as, jet spray valves 104, 105, 106, 107. The jet spray valves 104, 105, 106, 107 are located in the positions as illustrated in Fig. 1 and operate as per the algorithms illustrated in Figs.7-8. The jet spray valves 104, 105, 106, 107 spray a jet of a fluid or cleaning agent, for example, water or a soap solution. The fluid is contained in a fluid source 113, also referred as a cleaning solution storage unit. The fluid is pumped from the fluid source 113 using a flow pump 112. The pump 112 will enable the spraying of the cleaning solution stored in the storage unit 113 through the spray valves 104, 105, 106, 107. In present embodiment, the cleaning members 108, 109, 110 are three in number and henceforth referred to as wipers. The three wipers 108, 109, 110 are placed along the solar panel 101 to cover maximum area to be cleaned with minimum number of wipers as shown in the figure and operate as per the algorithms illustrated in Figs. 7-8 The wipers 108, 109, 110 are driven by a DC motor 111. The energy required for the pump 112, the DC motor 111, and the cleaning controller 103 is provided by the solar panel 101 and hence makes the cleaning process self-sustained. The cleaning solution can be replenished periodically. The level of the solution in the storage unit can be checked through a see-through panel (not shown) on the storage unit. The cleaning solution may be a simple solution of soap and water in the ratio of 1:9 or plain water.
[0021] Fig. 2 exemplarily illustrates a layout of the solar panel 101 with the jet spray valves 104, 105, 106, 107 and the wipers 108, 109, 110. As exemplarily illustrated, the solar panel 101 is rectangular in shape and the valves 104, 105, 106, 107 are located on the opposite sides of the solar panel 101. The wipers 108, 109, 110 are optimally located at locations as illustrated. The positions of the jet spray valves 104, 105, 106, 107 are such that they cover substantially the entire solar panel surface 101a uniformly for all practical purposes. Similarly, the wipers 108, 109, 110 are placed so that they cover the entire panel surface 101a. As per an aspect of the present invention, the spray valves 104, 105, 106, 107 and the wipers 108, 109, 110 cover more than 90% of the panel surface area 101a.
[0022] Figs. 3A-3C exemplarily illustrate the area swept by each of the wipers 108, 109, 110. In Fig. 3A, the area swept by the operation of the wiper W1 108 is one quadrant 301 of the rectangular panel surface 101a. In Fig. 3B, the area swept by the operation of the wiper W2 109 is another quadrant 302 of the rectangular panel surface 101a. In Fig. 3C, the area swept by the operation of the wiper W3 110 is a semicircular region 303 of the rectangular panel surface 101a. The operation of the three wipers 108, 109, 110 ensures the whole area of the rectangular solar panel surface 101a is cleaned.
[0023] Fig. 4 exemplarily illustrates a plan view of the solar panel 101. As exemplarily illustrated, the solar panel 101 comprises a conduit 101b on the outer periphery of the solar panel 101 that will guide the flow of the used/dirty cleaning fluid to an outlet.
[0024] Fig. 5 exemplarily illustrates a left side elevation view of the solar panel 101. As exemplarily illustrated, the solar panel 101 is mounted on a surface 501 with a minimum tilt angle from a horizontal plane parallel to ground. The tilt angle ensures easy flow under gravity and disposal of the dirty cleaning fluid after being wiped off from the surface of the solar panel 101. Also, illustrated is the installation of the solar panel 101 on a canopy 502 of a vehicle, for example, a two-wheeled or a three-wheeled vehicle. In such an installation, the solar panel 101 is shown mounted at an angle to the horizontal roof plane. The cleaning solution storage unit 113, the pump 112, and the DC motor 111 are placed in the rear of the vehicle below the sitting compartment, proximal to the solar charge controller 102 in the vehicle.
[0025] Fig. 6 exemplarily illustrates a flowchart depicting a method for cleaning and cooling of the solar panel 101. The method is executed by the solar panel cleaning system 100 with components illustrated in Fig. 1. At step 601, the cleaning controller 103 of the solar panel cleaning system 100 receives temperature input and current input from the solar charge controller 102. The temperature input is received from the sensors installed at predetermined locations on the surface of the solar panel 101. The values for the current generated by the solar panel 101 are measured continuously by the solar charge controller 102. At step 602, the cleaning controller 103 compares the received temperature input with a predetermined temperature threshold and the received current input with a predetermined current threshold. If the received temperature input is greater than the predetermined temperature threshold and the received current input is less than the predetermined current threshold, the cleaning controller 103 determines that cleaning and cooling of the solar panel 101 is required and thus generates a comparison flag.
[0026] At step 603, based on the generation of the comparison flag, the cleaning controller 103 activates each of the jet spray valves 104, 105, 106, 107 for splashing the fluid on the solar panel 101 for a first time duration. Further, at step 604, the cleaning controller 103 activates the DC motor 111 to drive each of the wipers 108, 109, 110 for a second time duration alternately after the activation of the jet spray valves 104, 105, 106, 107 for the first time duration. The cleaning controller 103 activates the driving motor 111 to drive the wiper 108 on activation of the jet spray valves 104, 105, 106, 107 for the first time duration and the driving motor 111 is activated again to drive another wiper 109 on driving the wiper 108 for the second time duration and subsequent activation of the jet spray valves 104, 105, 106, 107 for the first time duration. Similarly, the cleaning controller 103 activates the driving motor 111 to drive the wiper 110 on driving the wiper 109 for the second time duration and subsequent activation of the jet spray valves 104, 105, 106, 107 for the first time duration. At step 605, the solar panel 101 is cleaned and cooled by the operation of the wipers 108, 109, 110 for the second time duration in the cleaning portions, that is the regions 301, 302, 303 indicated in Figs. 3A-3C
[0027] Fig. 7 exemplarily illustrates an algorithm executed by the cleaning controller 103 of the solar panel cleaning system 100 for cooling and cleaning the solar panel 101. At step 701, a time based cleaning sequence preprogrammed in the local memory of the cleaning controller 103 is actuated based on the comparison flag generated. At step 702, the pump 112 is activated to enable flow of the cleaning solution through the four jet spray valves 104, 105, 106, 107 for the first time duration, for example, 5 seconds (secs). At step 703, the DC motor 111 enabling the wiper W1 108 is activated for second duration, for example, 20 secs. Further, at step 704, the pump 112 is again activated to enable flow of the cleaning solution through the four jet spray valves 104, 105, 106, 107 for the first time duration, for example, 5 seconds (secs). At step 705, the DC motor 111 enabling the wiper W2 109 is activated for second time duration, for example, 20 secs. Further, at step 706, the pump 112 is again activated to enable flow of the cleaning solution through the four jet spray valves 104, 105, 106, 107 for the first time duration, for example, 5 seconds (secs). At step 707, the DC motor 111 enabling the wiper W3 110 is activated for second time duration, for example, 20 secs. Post this, at step 708, the solar charge controller 102 measures the Isc and determines if Isc is at least 95% of Isc at standard operating conditions. If true at step 709, the cleaning process is completed and the solar panel 101 continues to function efficiently. If found false at step 710, the cleaning process from steps 702 to 707 are repeated until the output of step 708 turns out true. In an alternate embodiment, if after more than a predetermined number of repeat operations, the target Isc is not reached, the cleaning system terminates its operation & a malfunction indication in form of an alarm or light or a mobile app-based indication may be generated to initiate suitable service & repair.
[0028] Fig. 8 exemplarily illustrates an algorithm executed by the cleaning controller 103 of the solar panel cleaning system 100 for further cooling of the solar panel 101. After the completion of the cleaning process illustrated in Fig. 7, the temperature of the solar panel 101 is measured by the solar charge controller 102. The solar charge controller 102 communicates the solar panel temperature to the cleaning controller 103. The cleaning controller 103 compares the solar panel temperature with the predetermined temperature threshold and generates a temperature flag. The temperature flag indicates the solar panel temperature exceeds the pre-decided temperature value. The steps of the cooling sequence illustrated in Fig. 8 are triggered by the generation of the temperature flag. At step 801, the cooling sequence preprogrammed in the local memory of the cleaning controller 103 is actuated based on the temperature flag. At step 802, the pump 112 is activated to enable flow of the cleaning solution through the four jet spray valves 104, 105, 106, 107 for the third time duration, for example, 10 seconds (secs). At step 803, the DC motor 111 enabling the wiper W1 108 is activated for fourth time duration, for example, 10 secs, after waiting for a fifth time duration, for example, 15 secs post the third time duration. Further, at step 804, the pump 112 is again activated to enable flow of the cleaning solution through the four jet spray valves 104, 105, 106, 107 for the third time duration, for example, 10 seconds (secs). At step 805, the DC motor 111 enabling the wiper W2 109 is activated for fourth time duration, for example, 10 secs, after waiting for the fifth time duration, for example, 15 secs post the third time duration. Further, at step 806, the pump 112 is again activated to enable flow of the cleaning solution through the four jet spray valves 104, 105, 106, 107 for the third time duration, for example, 10 seconds (secs). At step 807, the DC motor 111 enabling the wiper W3 110 is activated for second time duration, for example, 10 secs, after waiting for the fifth time duration, for example, 15 secs post the third time duration. Post this, at step 808, the solar charge controller 102 measures the panel temperature and the cleaning controller 103 determines if it is less than required temperature value. If true at step 809, the cooling process is completed and the solar system continues to function efficiently. If found false at step 810, the cooling process from steps 802 to 807 are repeated until the output of step 808 turns out true. As per an embodiment, the number of repeat cooling process can be restricted to terminate further cooling cycles wherein a suitable malfunction indication is provided to the user for service & repair. As per an alternate embodiment, within an hour the cooling sequence can be repeated only twice.
[0029] Fig. 9 exemplarily illustrates another embodiment of the solar panel cleaning system 100. As exemplarily illustrated, in an embodiment, the automatic cleaning and cooling of the solar panel 101 mounted on, for example, a vehicle can also be done with a soft brush mounted roller 901 that glides on guided rails 902 along the length of the solar panel 100. In this embodiment, the multiple wipers 108, 109, 110 can be done away with. Also, instead of four jet spray valves 104, 105, 106, 107 only two valves 903, 904 are positioned at the higher end of the solar panel 101. The soft brushes (not shown) are mounted on the roller 901 fixed along the width of the solar panel 101. This roller 901 with wheels on the edges, glides on the guided rails 902 along the length of the solar panel 101. This embodiment of the solar panel cleaning system 100 is more efficient in effective maintenance and thermal management of the solar panel 101.
[0030] The different embodiments of the solar panel cleaning system disclosed herein are light weight, occupies less space, and readily available for commercial and domestic applications. The solar panel cleaning systems are more suitable for the solar panels installed on a moving subject such as a vehicle roof. The solar panel cleaning systems not only address the problem of the dirt deposition but also addresses efficiency loss due to panel temperature rise.
[0031] Improvements and modifications may be incorporated herein without deviating from the scope of the invention.