DESC:FORM – 2

THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(SEE SECTION 10, RULE 13)

POSITIONING SYSTEM FOR TRACKING POSITION OF SOLAR PANEL CLEANING ROBOT ON SOLAR PANEL ARRAY

APLOS VENTURES PRIVATE LIMITED, A COMPANY REGISTERED UNDER THE LAWS OF INDIA, HAVING ADDRESS AT 604, C WING, LAVENDER, MAHINDRA SPLENDOR, LBS MARG, BHANDUP WEST, MUMBAI 400078, INDIA

THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION PARTICULARLY DESCRIBES THE INVENTION AND THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE PERFORMED.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
The present invention relates to a positioning system for tracking a position of a solar panel cleaning robot on a solar panel array.

PRIOR ART OF THE INVENTION:
Generally, in solar power plants, several solar panels are disposed in rows known as a solar panel array to open environment for generating solar power. Due to exposure to the open environment, dust and debris get accumulated on a surface of the solar panels, which may decrease the efficiency of the solar power plant. Conventionally, solar panel cleaning robots are used to clean solar panel array in solar power plants which typically clean one continuous solar panel array. Further, the solar panel cleaning robots are being extensively used in large solar power plant. The trend of deployment of the solar panel cleaning robot is rising and will be continuing exponentially in future because of the ease, environmental impact of water cleaning, increasing land coverage of solar power plant, labor laws to ensure ideal working condition, and the like.
A position of the solar panel cleaning robot on the solar panel array plays critical role in overall performance and efficiency of the solar panel system. In case of absence of information regarding position of the solar panel cleaning robot, a site engineer or a mechanic responsible for uptime and maintenance of the solar panel cleaning robot has to search for the solar panel cleaning robot in the entire solar panel array. The data of position of the solar panel cleaning robot helps in analytics too for deducing meaning full insights of current, voltage, path, and the like, of the solar panel cleaning robot.
However, current solar panel cleaning robots do not have a real time positioning system and/or these solar panel cleaning robots need Global Positioning System (GPS) to track the position of the solar panel cleaning robot. Moreover, tracking the solar panel cleaning robots by GPS increases the cost of electronics and need full time GPS service.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
In one aspect of the present invention, a positioning system for tracking a position of a solar panel cleaning robot on a solar panel array is provided. The positioning system includes at least one sensor disposed on the solar panel cleaning robot. The positioning system also includes a plurality of markers disposed on the solar panel array. The positioning system further includes a controller communicably coupled to the sensor. The sensor detects the presence of the marker as an input data when the sensor is in a close proximity of the markers. The input data is communicated to the controller to detect the position of the solar panel cleaning robot on the solar panel array.
According to the present invention, the markers are disposed on the solar panel array in a pre-defined pattern.
According to the present invention, the markers are disposed on the solar panel array in a pre-defined number.
According to the present invention, the controller sends the position of the solar panel cleaning robot to a user as an output data through at least one of a cloud system and an internet.
According to the present invention, the sensor includes at least one of an inductive sensor, a capacitive sensor, a proximity sensor, a limit switch, a Quick Response (QR) code scanner, a bar code scanner, and a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) reader.
According to the present invention, the marker includes at least one of a metal or non-metal stud, a Quick Response (QR) code, a bar code, and a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag.
According to the present invention, the markers are disposed on at least one of a docking station, a bridge, and a reverse station.
In another aspect of the present invention, a method of tracking a position of a solar panel cleaning robot having a sensor on a solar panel array having a plurality of markers using a positioning system is provided. The method includes step of detecting, by the sensor, a presence of the marker as an input data. The method also includes step of receiving, by a controller, the input data to detect the position of the solar panel cleaning robot on the solar panel array.
According to the present invention, the controller sends the position of the solar panel cleaning robot to a user as an output data through at least one of a cloud system and an internet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:
FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of a solar panel system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic view of a positioning system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
FIG. 3 illustrates a method of tracking a position of a solar panel cleaning robot, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or the like parts. Wherever possible, corresponding, or similar reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or corresponding parts.
The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are open ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated elements, modules, units and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
The terms first, second, third, etc., should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure as the aforementioned terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another component, or section. Terms such as first, second, third etc., when used herein do not imply a specific sequence or order unless clearly suggested by the present disclosure.
FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a solar panel system (100). The solar panel system (100) typically includes a solar panel array (102). The solar panel array (102) includes a plurality of solar panels (104), a plurality of bridges (106) disposed between the solar panel (104), at least one docking station (108), and at least one reverse station (110). The solar panel system (100) also includes a solar panel cleaning robot (112) for cleaning the plurality of solar panels (104). The solar panel cleaning robot (112) includes a power source (not shown) thereof. The power source may include lithium-ion battery, lithium-ferro-phosphate battery, lead-acid, nickle metal hydrite, and the like. The solar panel cleaning robot (112) also includes a body portion (114). The solar panel cleaning robot (112) further includes a plurality of driving wheels (116) to guide and move the solar panel cleaning robot (112) on the solar panels (104) during the cleaning operation. The solar panel cleaning robot (112) includes a cleaning unit (not shown) such as brush, mop, cloth, and the like, to clean the solar panels (104). Further, the solar panel cleaning robot (112) defines a rectangular-shaped structure having dimensions corresponding to the solar panels (104).
The solar panel system (100) further includes a positioning system (118) for tracking a position of the solar panel cleaning robot (112) on the solar panel array (102). During cleaning operation of the solar panels (104), the solar panel cleaning robot (112) moves from one end of the solar panel array (102) to another end of the solar panel array (102). The positioning system (118) includes at least one sensor (120) disposed on the solar panel cleaning robot (112). The sensor (120) includes at least one of an inductive sensor, a capacitive sensor, a proximity sensor, a limit switch, a Quick Response (QR) code scanner, a bar code scanner, and a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) reader. In the illustrated embodiment, the sensor (120) includes the inductive sensor. The inductive sensor detects the presence of ferrous or non-ferrous metals. The presence of metal in a pre-defined pattern may be used to determine location. Similarly, other sensors may be used to determine position using a pre-determined and pre-defined pattern.
In an illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, the solar panel cleaning robot (112) includes one sensor (120) disposed at lower middle portion of the solar panel cleaning robot (112). In other embodiment, the solar panel cleaning robot (112) may include more than one sensor (120) which may be disposed at any other strategic location on the solar panel cleaning robot (112). It should be noted that, the number of sensors (120) and the locations of the sensors (120) on the solar panel cleaning robot (112) do not limit the scope of the present invention.
The positioning system (118) also includes a plurality of markers (122) disposed on the solar panel array (102). More particularly, the markers (122) are disposed on at least one of the docking station (108), the bridge (106), and the reverse station (110). The marker (122) includes at least one of a stud, a Quick Response (QR) code, a bar code, and a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, the marker (122) includes the stud. The stud is a metal plate welded on the strategic location on the solar panel array (102), such that the inductive sensor can read its presence. In another embodiment, the marker (122) may include the bar code which may be read by the bar code scanner. In yet another embodiment, the marker (122) may include the QR code which may be read by the QR code scanner. In yet another embodiment, the marker (122) may include the RFID tag which may be read by the RFID reader. It should be noted that, the type of marker (122) does not limit the scope of the present invention.
Further, the markers (122) are disposed on the solar panel array (102) in a pre-defined number. As illustrated in FIG. 1, six markers (122) are disposed at lower portion of the docking station (108), four markers (122) are disposed at lower portion of the bridge (106), and four markers (122) are disposed at the lower portion of the reverse station (110). In other embodiment, the docking station (108), the bridge (106), and the reverse station (110) may include any number of markers (122) as per application requirement. In another embodiment, the markers (122) may be disposed at upper portion of the docking station (108), the bridge (106), and the reverse station (110) as per application requirement. It should be noted that the number and position of the markers (122) do not limit the scope of the present invention.
Further, the markers (122) are disposed on the solar panel array (102) in a pre-defined pattern. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the markers (122) are disposed equidistant from each other on the docking station (108). Two markers (122) are disposed at one end of the bridge (106) and two markers (122) are disposed at another end of the bridge (106). Further, four markers (122) are disposed equidistant from each other on reverse station (110). In other embodiment, the docking station (108), the bridge (106), and the reverse station (110) may include any pre-defined pattern of markers (122) as per application requirement. In another embodiment, the markers (122) may be disposed at upper portion of the docking station (108), the bridge (106), and the reverse station (110) as per application requirement. It should be noted that the pre-defined pattern and position of the markers (122) do not limit the scope of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 2, the positioning system (118) further includes a controller (124) communicably coupled to the sensor (120). In the illustrated embodiment, the controller (124) is coupled to the sensor (120) through a wire connection. The controller (124) may control a plurality of operations of at least one of the solar panel cleaning robot (112) and the positioning system (118). The controller (124) may control one or more of an electrical system or subsystems in the solar panel system (100). The controller (124) may store information, analyze one or more input data from one or more components, and send one or more output data to desired one or more components. The controller (124) may store various logical operations, algorithm, and programs to performs one or more operations. It should be noted that the controller (124) may perform any other function which is not explicitly described in this present invention. The controller (124) may include a memory (not shown) to store one or more information such as algorithms, instructions, programs, schedules, and the like. This information may be retrieved from the memory during the operations. The controller (124) may also include a processer (not shown) to process one or more information such as algorithms, instructions, programs, schedules, and the like.
The positioning system (118) includes a user interface (not shown), such as display screen, mobile phone, and the like, to provide the output data to a user. When the solar panel cleaning robot (112) moves on the solar panel array (102), the sensor (120) detects the presence of the marker (122) as the input data. The input data is communicated to the controller (124) to detect the position of the solar panel cleaning robot (112) on the solar panel array (102). More particularly, the controller (124) analyzes the input data from the sensor (120) and identifies the precise position of the solar panel cleaning robot (112) on the solar panel array (102). Further, the controller (124) sends the position of the solar panel cleaning robot (112) to the user as the output data through at least one of a cloud system and an internet. Specifically, the output data from controller (124) to the user interface is communicated using the cloud system and/or the internet. Moreover, the solar panel cleaning robot (112) keeps track of its position with respect to the marker (122) in its path.
FIG. 3 illustrates a method (300) of tracking the position of the solar panel cleaning robot (112) on the solar panel array (102) using the positioning system (118). At step (302), the sensor (120) is disposed in a close proximity of the plurality of markers (122). The sensor (120) is disposed on the solar panel cleaning robot (112). The markers (122) are disposed on the solar panel array (102).
At step (304), the sensor (120) detects a presence of the marker (122) as the input data.
At step (306), the controller (124) receives the input data to detect the position of the solar panel cleaning robot (112) on the solar panel array (102).
At step (308), the controller (124) sends the output data to the user interface via at least one of the cloud system and the internet. The controller (124) uses at least one of TCPIP, GSM, GPRS, and LoraWan to send the output data to the user interface via the cloud system.
The present invention discloses an improved positioning system (118) for tracking the position of the solar panel cleaning robot (112) on the solar panel array (102). The positioning system (118) provides a real time update on the position of the solar panel cleaning robot (112). Further, real time update on the position of the solar panel cleaning robot (112) may be used for guiding a person in charge of the solar panel cleaning robot (112) maintenance precisely to the solar panel cleaning robot (112) that needs service and/or maintenance. Furthermore, the real time update on the position of the solar panel cleaning robot (112) may be used for making sensible and in-depth insights and/or analysis of critical parameters, such as motor current, battery voltage, and the like.
This positioning system (118) eliminates need of GPS tracking or similar techniques which reduces a number of expensive electronic devices and services, thus, reducing overall cost of the positioning system (118). Further, a high design life of the sensor (120) in the positioning system (118) makes it robust and durable. The sensor (120) used in this positioning system (118) is less expensive and easily available. Moreover, a lower power consumption feature of the sensor (120) improves the efficiency of the positioning system (118).
While aspects of the present disclosure have been particularly shown and described with reference to the embodiments above, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various additional embodiments may be contemplated by the modification of the disclosed machines, systems, and methods without departing from the spirit and scope of what is disclosed. Such embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the present disclosure as determined based upon the claims and any equivalents thereof.
,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:
1. A positioning system (118) for tracking a position of a solar panel cleaning robot (112) on a solar panel array (102), the positioning system (118) comprising:
at least one sensor (120) disposed on the solar panel cleaning robot (112);
a plurality of markers (122) disposed on the solar panel array (102); and
a controller (124) communicably coupled to the sensor (120), the sensor (120) detects the presence of the marker (122) as an input data when the sensor (120) is in a close proximity of the markers (122), the input data is communicated to the controller (124) to detect the position of the solar panel cleaning robot (112) on the solar panel array (102).

2. The positioning system (118) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller (124) sends the position of the solar panel cleaning robot (112) to a user as an output data through at least one of a cloud system and an internet.

3. The positioning system (118) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the sensor (120) includes at least one of an induction sensor, a capacitive sensor, a proximity sensor, a limit switch, a Quick Response (QR) code scanner, a bar code scanner, and a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) reader.

4. The positioning system (118) as claimed in claims 1 to 3, wherein the marker (122) includes at least one of a stud, a Quick Response (QR) code, a bar code, and a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag.

5. The positioning system (118) as claimed in claims 1 to 4, wherein the markers (122) are disposed on at least one of a docking station (108), a bridge (106), and a reverse station (110).

6. The positioning system (118) as claimed in claims 1 to 5, wherein the markers (122) are disposed on the solar panel array (102) in a pre-defined pattern.

7. The positioning system (118) as claimed in claims 1 to 6, wherein the markers (122) are disposed on the solar panel array (102) in a pre-defined number.

8. A method of tracking a position of a solar panel cleaning robot (112) having a sensor (120) on a solar panel array (102) having a plurality of markers (122) using a positioning system (118), the method comprising steps of:
detecting, by the sensor (120), a presence of the marker (122) as an input data; and
receiving, by a controller (124), the input data to detect the position of the solar panel cleaning robot (112) on the solar panel array (102).

9. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the controller (124) sends the position of the solar panel cleaning robot (112) to a user as an output data through at least one of a cloud system and an internet.

Dated this 19th day of April, 2022

FOR APLOS VENTURES PRIVATE LIMITED
BY THEIR AGENT

(GIRISH VIJAYANAND SHETH) (IN/PA 1022)
KRISHNA & SAURASTRI ASSOCIATES LLP