Description:Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the field of renewable energy systems. More specifically, the present invention relates toa solar panel cleaning assembly which cleans of solar panels via sprinkler system in most efficient, affordable and contactless way.
Background of the Invention
This section is intended to provide information relating to the field and background of the invention and thus any approach/functionality described below should not be assumed to be qualified as prior art merely by its inclusion in this section.
Solar Energy is one of the most prominent and promising sources of energy in recent times. Solar Energy installations both in Residential as well as commercial sectors are growing by leaps and bounds. Solar Panels form the most important part of this energy source which converts sunlight into electrical energy. Solar panels are installed outside where they can get maximum sunlight. Since they are outside, they are prone to outside dust, dirt, leaves, bird droppings etc. All these parameters reduce the output of the solar panels and in long run also reduces solar panel efficiency. With dust, dirt etc. the output of solar panels falls by 30% to 40%. Regular cleaning of Solar panel is one of the main obstacles or the only drawback in this zero-maintenance system.
Residential solar panel systems have seen a significant rise in popularity due to their environmentally friendly and cost-effective nature. However, these
systems face several challenges that can impact their efficiency and maintenance. One is heightened installation, many residential solar panel systems are installed at elevated heights, making them difficult to access for routine cleaningand maintenance. Another is dust and debris buildup, over time, dust, dirt, and other particles accumulate on the surface of solar panels, diminishing their ability to efficientlygenerate electricity.
In one Indian patent application number IN202021025831A, invention describes a novel sprinkler is designed which is to be used for cleaning of solar panels. The Sprinkler comprises of unique spray nozzle, a clip-on clamp and pipe holder all in one unit. A single sprinkler cleans multiple panel and also utilizes less water or cleaning liquid due to its spraying pattern. These sprinklers can form a set of system which provides automatic cleaning for Solar Plants in a very inexpensive way.
In another Indian patent application number IN202241068490A, invention describes a portable solar panel cleaning device using pneumatic raising column with battery operated water sprinkler discloses the design of a portable, battery-powered solar panel cleansing device. The device has a wheel at the bottom to facilitate mobility, and above it there is a water tank that can supply water as needed to clean the solar panel. The hose, which is fastened to the multi-nozzle pipe from the device's bottom, delivers water to the nozzle. The device has a camera at the top that records and transmits information of the solar panel cleaning, which can be seen on the display unit at the bottom. To offer lighting and security in the case of a fire, a camera, light, and fire alarm are also installed. With the aid of a pneumatic cylinder, which receives pressure from the compressor, the water from the bottom is transferred to the multi-nozzle pipe. The control unit, which is driven by a 12-volt DC motor, can carry out and manage the entire operation. This device is portable hence it can be carried out easily from one place to another.
In the other Indian patent application number IN202021001499A,invention describes anair pipe spray air from the nozzle to the solar panel to clean the dust and dirt, and simultaneously water pipe spray water from the nozzle to the solar panels and the wipers to make them wet; then turning ON the power, it will run the motor which will provide the rotation to the drive unit which is attached with the caterpillar drive which will rotate the chain by the means of bracket; as a result, the wipers attached with it will rotate in clockwise or anti clockwise rotation to clean the surface of the solar panels.
In the other PCT patent application number WO2023135593A1, invention describes a spraying interface for cleaning solar panels without damaging the solar panel and with a reduced shadowing profile. For example, a clamp may hold a sprinkler head and/or a water inlet to the panel. Optionally, the inlet is connected to a water supply conduit (e.g., a flexible tube).
In another Korean patent number KR102447293B1, invention describes a solar panel with an automatic cleaning function. The purpose of the invention is to improve solar power generation efficiency through an automatic cleaning operation by automatically spraying washing water and high-pressure air when foreign substances such as snow or dust accumulate on a panel surface. To this end, in the solar panel supported at a certain height by a support formed on an inclined surface at a certain angle of the present invention, an upper part of the solar panel is composed of a washing frame in which washing water and air are sprayed, wherein the washing frame is provided with a washing water nozzle and an air nozzle, a water tank supplying washing water to the washing water nozzle and an air compressor supplying high-pressure air to the air nozzle are configured on one side of the washing frame, and a contamination detection sensor preventing contamination of the panel surface is configured on one side of the solar panel.
Therefore, to overcome the drawbacks discussed above, there is need to develop asolar panel cleaning assemblyfor efficiently cleaning solarpanels.
Object of the Invention
This section is intended to introduce certain objects of the disclosed composition in a simplified form, and is not intended to identify the key advantages or features of the present disclosure.
The main object of the present invention is to provide a solar panel cleaning assembly.
Another object of the present invention is to cleansolar panels via sprinkler.
The further object of the present invention is toprovide an affordable and contactlesssolar panel cleaning arrangement.
It is still further object of the present invention to provide an automated cleaning arrangement which saves time and effort for users.
It is still yet further object of the present invention to reduce maintenance expenses associated with manual cleaning.
It is still yet further object of the present invention to improveefficiency by ensuring optimal solar panel performance and maximizing energy production.
It is still yet further object of the present invention toincrease the lifespan of solar panels by preventing damage from dirt and debris buildup.
It is still yet further object of the present invention toprovide safety by minimizing the risks of injury associated with manual cleaning tasks.
It is still yet further object of the present invention toprovide assurance that solar panels are being maintained regularly and enhancing reliability.
It is still yet further object of the present invention toempower individuals to easily maintain their solar panels without specialized skills or equipment.
It is still yet further object of the present invention toprovide environmental impact by promoting the adoption of clean energy and contributing to a healthier planet.
It is still yet further object of the present invention toprovide resource conservation by minimizing water usage and reduces environmental footprint.
It is still yet further object of the present invention toprovide economic growth supports for job creation and growth in the renewable energy maintenance sector.
It is still yet further object of the present invention toprovide climate mitigation reduction and carbon emissions by maximizing the efficiency of solar energy production.
It is still yet further object of the present invention toprovide community engagement fosters collaboration and awareness around sustainable energy practices.
It is still yet further object of the present invention toprovide health and safety improvements and safety standards by reducing the need for risky manual cleaning tasks.
It is still yet further object of the present invention toprovide education and awareness about renewable energy and sustainability within communities.
These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawing which shows, for the purpose of illustration only, one embodiment in accordance with the present invention.
Summary of the Invention
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified format that are further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention, nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.
In order to overcome problems of conventionalsolar panel cleaning solutions, the present invention discloses toa solar panel cleaning assembly which cleans of solar panels via sprinkler in most affordable and contactless way.
The present invention according to the embodiment describesthe solar panel cleaning assembly comprising a hollow pipe placed around a solar panel frame for providing water, an electric motor connected with the hollow pipe for regulating consistent water pressure and water flow in the hollow pipe, a multiple of sprinkling unit connected on the hollow pipe near to the solar panel frame. The sprinkling unit comprising a nut for connecting the sprinkling unit on the hollow pipe and to fix positioning of the sprinkling unit, an allen grub screw for allowing easy access to the sprinkling unit for cleaning and servicing without the need to disassemble the entire sprinkling unit, a sprinkler clamp for connecting the sprinkling unit to the solar panel frame, a sprinkler body with an orifice design placed on the hollow pipe for generating water pressure and a nozzle for emitting controlled and targeted spray of water across the surface of the respective solar panel.
According to the embodiment of the present invention, the flow passing from the hollow pipe to the nozzle via the sprinkler body. The spray width calibrated to match the dimensions of the solar panels and minimizing water wastage.
According to the embodiment of the present invention, the solar panel frame is selected from mono type, poly type. The hollow pipe is UPVC standard pipe. The sprinkler clamp is made from NYLON 6.
According to the embodiment of the present invention, thesolar panel cleaning assembly further comprising a controller having a timer and a sensor for activating the sprinkling unit at pre-programmed intervals and in response to environmental conditions which ensures regular and effective cleaning of each individual solar panel without the need for manual intervention.
According to the embodiment of the present invention, the sprinkling unit is installed directly onto the hollow pipe with one sprinkling unit per solar panel, and the plurality of sprinkling unit strategically positioned at the center of the plurality of solar panels. The sprinkling unit release calibrated spray of water that cascades down the surface of the respective solar panels, dislodging dust, dirt, and other debris accumulated on the panel surface. The low-profile design of the sprinkling unit ensures that water is distributed evenly across the entire surface of each solar panel and effectively removing any contaminants without causing water pooling or wastage. The operation of the solar panel cleaning assembly is designed to minimize disruption to solar panel performance and energy generation. The spray height is carefully calibrated to avoid casting shadows on the solar panels and ensuring maximum exposure to sunlight.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosure are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawing. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of the disclosure can be employed and the subject disclosure is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description of the disclosure when considered in conjunction with the drawing.
To further clarify advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawing. It is appreciated that this drawing depicts only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.
Brief Description of Drawing
In order to better understand the present invention ofa solar panel cleaning assembly, the characteristics of object of the present invention, will be better viewed from the detailed description hereinafter, which is only for a way of example, associated to the drawing referenced below, which are an integral part of this application. The parts in the drawing are not drawn to scale; the main objective is to understand the components, their arrangement and their working.
FIG. 1 depicts thesolar panel cleaning assembly (1) for poly panels according to first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 depicts the solar panel cleaning assembly (1) for mono panels according to second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 depicts the sprinkling unit (40) for poly panels according to first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 depicts the sprinkling unit (40) for mono panels according to second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 depicts an actual view of the solar panel cleaning assembly (1) according to the present invention.
Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawing are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the product, have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawing may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.
Detailed Description
For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will be described in specific language. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.
Reference throughout this specification to “an aspect”, “another aspect” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention.
As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless expressly stated otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “includes”, “comprises”, and/or “comprising” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. Furthermore, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations and arrangements of one or more of the associated listed items.
The detailed description of thesolar panel cleaning assembly; object of the present invention will be made in accordance with the identification of components that form the basis of the figures described above.
As used herein, the following terms and variations thereof have the meanings given below, unless a different meaning is clearly intended by the context in which such term is used. Definitions, where the definition of terms departs from the commonly used meaning of the term, applicant intends to utilize the definitions provided below, unless specifically indicated.
For purposes of the present disclosure, it should be noted that to provide a more concise description, some of the quantitative expressions given herein are not qualified with the term “about.” It is understood that whether the term “about” is used explicitly or not, every quantity given herein is meant to refer to the actual given value, and it is also meant to refer to the approximation to such given value that would reasonably be inferred based on the ordinary skill in the art, including approximations due to the experimental and/or measurement conditions for such given value.
For purposes of the present disclosure, the term “sprinkler” refers to device that sprays water.
An embodiment of the present invention discloses a block diagram of the solar panel cleaning assembly (1)is shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 5.The solar panel cleaning assembly (1) comprising a hollow pipe (10) placed around a solar panel frame (20) for providing water, an electric motor (30) connected with the hollow pipe (10) for regulating consistent water pressure and water flow in the hollow pipe (10), a multiple of sprinkling unit (40) connected on the hollow pipe (10) near to the solar panel frame (20). The sprinkling unit (40) comprising a nut (401) for connecting the sprinkling unit (40) on the hollow pipe (10) and to fix positioning of the sprinkling unit (40), an allen grub screw (402) for allowing easy access to the sprinkling unit (40) for cleaning and servicing without the need to disassemble the entire sprinkling unit (40), a sprinkler clamp (403) for connecting the sprinkling unit (40) to the solar panel frame (20), a sprinkler body (404) with an orifice design placed on the hollow pipe (10) for generating water pressure and a nozzle (405) for emitting controlled and targeted spray of water across the surface of the respective solar panel.
According to the embodiment of the present invention, the flow passing from the hollow pipe (10) to the nozzle (405) via the sprinkler body (404). The spray width calibrated to match the dimensions of the solar panels and minimizing water wastage.
According to the embodiment of the present invention, the solar panel frame (20) is selected from mono type, poly type. The hollow pipe (10) is UPVC standard pipe. The sprinkler clamp (403) is made from NYLON 6. The nozzle (405)nozzle material is UPVC. The nut (401) is used to clamp the sprinkler (40)with clamp (403) and sprinkler (40) fits directly in to pipe (10) with adhesive or solution.
According to the embodiment of the present invention, the solar panel cleaning assembly (1) further comprising a controller (50) having a timer (501) and a sensor (502) for activating the sprinkling unit (40) at pre-programmed intervals and in response to environmental conditions which ensures regular and effective cleaning of each individual solar panel without the need for manual intervention.
According to the first embodiment of the present invention, the solar panel cleaning assembly (1) used with poly panels as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3.
According to the first embodiment of the present invention, the solar panel cleaning assembly (1) used with mono panels as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4.
According to the embodiment of the present invention, the sprinkling unit (40) is installed directly onto the hollow pipe (10) with one sprinkling unit (40) per solar panel, and the plurality of sprinkling unit (40) strategically positioned at the center of the plurality of solar panels. The sprinkling unit (40) release calibrated spray of water that cascades down the surface of the respective solar panels, dislodging dust, dirt, and other debris accumulated on the panel surface. The low-profile design of the sprinkling unit (40) ensures that water is distributed evenly across the entire surface of each solar panel and effectively removing any contaminants without causing water pooling or wastage. The operation of the solar panel cleaning assembly (1) is designed to minimize disruption to solar panel performance and energy generation. The spray height is carefully calibrated to avoid casting shadows on the solar panels and ensuring maximum exposure to sunlight.
According to the embodiment of the present invention, theadvantages of the present invention includes, but not limited to (a) Automated Cleaning: The incorporation of a UPVC sprinkler system eliminates the need for manual cleaning of solar panels, enhancing efficiency and reducing labor costs, (b)Seamless Integration: The sprinkler is designed to fit directly onto UPVC pipes, eliminating the requirement for additional fittings or components, streamlining installation and reducing complexity, (c)Optimal Positioning: With a minimal height of just 25mm above the solar panel surface, the sprinkler ensures that shadows are not cast onto the panels, maintaining their efficiency and maximizing energy generation, (d)Weather Resilience: Constructed from UPVC material, the sprinkler system is durable and weather-resistant, ensuring long-term usage in outdoor environments, (e)Rapid Installation: The inclusion of nylon brackets enables quick and easy installation onto the solar panel, minimizing downtime and disruption, (f)Economic and Reliable: The invention offers a cost-effective and dependable solution for solar panel maintenance, ensuring optimal performance and longevity, (g)Stability and Durability: Utilizing Nylon 6 and UPVC materials, the sprinkler system remains stable and resilient against external factors such as kite threads or bird disturbances, (h)Water Efficiency: By limiting the spray width to the dimensions of the solar panels, the invention minimizes water usage while effectively cleaning the entire surface area, (i)Maintenance Accessibility: In the event of scaling or jamming, the sprinkler system can be easily accessed and cleaned without disassembling the entire assembly, thanks to a convenient bottom-side grub screw design.
According to the embodiment of the present invention, the solar panel cleaning sprinkler system (40)is installed directly onto the UPVC pipes(10) with one sprinkler unit per solar panel. The systemconsists of a series of sprinkler units (10) strategically positioned at the center of the solar panels. A water supply source, such as a submersible pump, is connected to the sprinkler system. The water supply is regulated to ensureconsistent water pressure and flow to the sprinkler units(40).Each sprinkler unit (40)is designed with precision nozzles or spray heads (405)that emit a controlled and targeted spray of water acrossthe surface of the respective solar panel. The spray width is carefully calibrated to match the dimensions of the solar panels, minimizing waterwastage.The system can be equipped with an automated control mechanism, such as a timer or sensor that activates the sprinklerunits at pre-programmed intervals or in response to environmental conditions. This ensures regular and effective cleaning of each individual solarpanel without the need for manual intervention.When activated, the sprinkler units release a calibrated spray of water that cascades down the surface of the respective solarpanels, dislodging dust, dirt, and other debris accumulated on the panel surface.The low-profile design of the sprinkler units ensures that water is distributed evenly across the entire surface of each solarpanel, effectively removing any contaminants without causing water pooling or wastage.The operation of the cleaning system is designed to minimize disruption to solar panel performance and energy generation.The spray height is carefully calibrated to avoid casting shadows on the solar panels, ensuring maximum exposure to sunlight.In the event of scaling or jamming, maintenance of the system is straightforward. A bottom-side grub screw (402)allowseasy access to the sprinkler units (40)for cleaning or servicing without the need to disassemble the entire assembly.
According to the embodiment of the present invention, thepresent invention provides an automated system for cleaning solar panels, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The present invention providesseamless integrationdesigned to fit directly onto UPVC pipes without requiring additional fittings or components, simplifying installation and reducing complexity, and thereby enhancing economic efficiency. The present invention providesshadow less design whichmaintains a minimal height of just 25mm above the solar panel surface to prevent shadows from being cast, ensuring optimal energy generation. The present invention used weather-resistant materialssuch as constructed from durable UPVC material, ensuring long-term outdoor use and resilience against environmental factors. The present invention provides quick installation which utilizes nylon brackets for rapid and easy installation onto solar panels, minimizing downtime and disruption. The present invention provides stability and durability whichutilizes Nylon 6 and UPVC materials for a heavy-duty and stable design and resistant to disturbances from external factors such as kite threads or bird activity. The present invention provideswater-efficient design which minimizes water usage by limiting the spray width to the dimensions of the solar panels, ensuring efficient cleaning while conserving resources. The present invention providesaccessible maintenance features which incorporates a bottom-side grub screw design for easy access and cleaning in case of scaling or jamming, without the need to disassemble the entire assembly, contributing to economic savings in maintenance efforts. The present invention also provides an economic and low price: economic advantage of a low-cost design and seamless integration into UPVC pipes, does not need extra tee or connections, make the solar panel cleaning sprinkler invention unique and valuable. The present invention provides controlled flow directions designed and developed with more than 600 trial and prototypes with various flow angles. The present invention also provides inbuilt orifice design which creates high pressure jet with inbuilt orifice design, controls perfect and controlled flow in the complete span of solar panel. , Claims:I/We Claim:
1. A solar panel cleaning assembly(1) consisting of:
a hollow pipe (10) placed around a solar panel frame (20) for providing water;
an electric motor (30) connected with the hollow pipe (10) for regulating consistent water pressure andwater flow in the hollow pipe (10);
characterized in that,
a plurality of sprinkling unit (40) connected on the hollow pipe (10) near to the solar panel frame (20), wherein the sprinkling unit (40) further consisting of:
a nut (401);
an allen grub screw (402) for allowing easy access to the sprinkling unit (40) for cleaning and servicing without the need to disassemble the entire sprinkling unit (40);
a sprinkler clamp (403) for connecting the sprinkling unit (40) to the solar panel frame (20) with the help of nut (401);
a sprinkler body (404) with an orifice design placed on thehollow pipe (10)for generating water pressure;
a nozzle (405) for emitting controlled and targeted spray of water acrossthe surface of the respective solar panel;
wherein the flow passing from the hollow pipe (10) to the nozzle (405) via the sprinkler body (404);
wherein the spray width calibrated to match the dimensions of the solar panels and minimizing waterwastage.
2. The solar panel cleaning assembly (1), as claimed in claim 1 whereinthesolar panel frame (20) is selected from mono type, poly type.
3. The solar panel cleaning assembly (1), as claimed in claim 1 whereinthehollow pipe (10) and the nozzle (405) is made of material selected from UPVC.
4. The solar panel cleaning assembly (1), as claimed in claim 1 whereinthe sprinkler clamp (403) is made from NYLON 6.
5. The solar panel cleaning assembly (1), as claimed in claim 1 further consisting of:
a controller (50) having a timer (501) and a sensor (502)for activating the sprinkling unit (40) at pre-programmed intervals and in response to environmental conditions which ensures regular and effective cleaning of each individual solarpanel without the need for manual intervention.
6. The solar panel cleaning assembly (1), as claimed in claim 1 wherein the sprinkling unit (40) is installed directly onto the hollow pipe (10) with one sprinkling unit (40) per solar panel, andthe plurality of sprinkling unit (40) strategically positioned at the center of the plurality of solar panels.
7. The solar panel cleaning assembly (1), as claimed in claim 1 wherein thesprinkling unit (40) release calibrated spray of water that cascades down the surface of the respective solarpanels, dislodging dust, dirt, and other debris accumulated on the panel surface.
8. The solar panel cleaning assembly (1), as claimed in claim 1 wherein thelow-profile design of the sprinkling unit (40) ensures that water is distributed evenly across the entire surface of each solar panel and effectively removing any contaminants without causing water pooling or wastage.
9. The solar panel cleaning assembly (1), as claimed in claim 1 wherein theoperation of the solar panel cleaning assembly (1) is designed to minimize disruption to solar panel performance and energy generation.
10. The solar panel cleaning assembly (1), as claimed in claim 1 wherein thespray height is carefully calibrated to avoid casting shadows on the solar panels and ensuring maximum exposure to sunlight.