DESC:FIELD
The present disclosure relates to the field of mechanical engineering. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to the field of solar panels.
BACKGROUND
Solar panels convert light, typically sunlight, into electricity. The solar panels are disposed over a large area that are exposed to light. The solar cells receive light and convert light into electricity. The efficiency of the solar cells depends upon the ratio of the amount of light it receives to the amount of electricity it generates. Hence, if the solar panel is misaligned, the amount of light received by the solar cells is reduced, thereby reducing the efficiency of electricity generated by the solar panels. Also, the solar cells get covered with dust, dirt, debris, grime, bird droppings, leaves, airborne contaminants and the like. In order to avoid any reduction in the amount generation of electricity, the solar panels need to be cleaned frequently.
A solar farm includes a large quantity of individual solar panels and therefore, the cleaning of each of the solar panels in the solar farm is a cumbersome task and may consume too much time.
Further, due to varying climatic conditions, cleaning of solar panels becomes a challenging task. For example, during dust storms, dry dust or dry debris accumulates on the solar panels and hence the dry dust or debris needs to be cleaned. However, during thunderstorms or rain or dew, dust and debris disposed on the solar panels get moist and become sticky and adhere to the surfaces of the solar panels. Also, marks are formed on the surfaces of the solar panels due to rain droplets that needs to be cleaned. Hence, conventional cleaning systems and methods used for cleaning dust or debris may not be suitable for cleaning dirt formed due to varying climate.
Hence, there is a need of a cleaning system for cleaning solar panels that alleviates the aforementioned problems.
OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows.
It is an object of the present disclosure to ameliorate one or more problems of the prior art or to at least provide a useful alternative.
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a solar panel cleaning system that requires minimum human intervention.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a solar panel cleaning system that adapts itself for cleaning the surface of the solar panel according to the type of dust or dirt accumulated thereon.
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
The present invention envisages a solar panel cleaning system. The solar panel cleaning system comprises a cleaning unit, a control unit, a plurality of sensors and a drive mechanism. The cleaning unit is configured to clean a solar panel. The cleaning unit includes a contact based cleaning subunit and a non-contact based cleaning subunit. The plurality of sensors is disposed on at least one of the cleaning unit and the solar panel. The plurality of sensors is configured for sensing at least one physical parameter associated with the solar panel and generate a sensor signal based on the at least one physical parameter. The control unit cooperates with the cleaning unit and the plurality of sensors. The control unit includes a processing unit. The processing unit cooperates with the plurality of sensors and is configured to receive the sensor signal from the plurality of sensors and process the sensor signal to generate control signals. Further, the drive mechanism is configured to receive the control signals from the processing unit of the control unit and is adapted to drive the cleaning unit around the surface of the solar panel.
The contact based cleaning subunit can be at least one selected from the group consisting of brushes and wipers.
The non-contact based cleaning subunit can be at least one selected from the group consisting a spraying mechanism, a pressurized dispensing mechanism, an air blowing mechanism and an air suction mechanism.
The plurality of sensors is at least one selected from the group consisting of at least one atmospheric pressure sensor, at least one distance sensor, at least one dirt sensor, and at least one vision sensor.
The distance sensor is used for aligning the cleaning unit parallel to the solar panel.
The processing unit is configured to receive signals from the at least one atmospheric pressure sensor, the at least one distance sensor, the at least one dirt sensor, and the at least one vision sensor. The processing unit generates control signals for controlling the cleaning unit based on the received signals from the at least one atmospheric pressure sensor, the at least one distance sensor, the at least one dirt sensor, and the at least one vision sensor.
In an embodiment, the climate based solar panel cleaning system is configured to receive data corresponding to weather forecasts/predictions from an online source, typically from an online server, an online database, or the like for smartly planning the cleaning schedule.
In aother embodiment, the solar panel cleaning system comprises a cleaning unit, a control unit, a plurality of sensors and a drive mechanism. The cleaning unit is configured to clean a solar panel. The cleaning unit includes a contact based cleaning subunit and a non-contact based cleaning subunit. The plurality of sensors is disposed on at least one of the cleaning unit and the solar panel. The plurality of sensors is configured for sensing at least one physical parameter associated with the solar panel and generate a sensor signal based on the at least one physical parameter. The control unit cooperates with the cleaning unit and the plurality of sensors. The control unit includes a processing unit. The processing unit cooperates with the plurality of sensors and is configured to receive the sensor signal from the plurality of sensors and process the sensor signal to generate control signals. Further, the drive mechanism is configured to receive the control signals from the processing unit of the control unit and is adapted to drive the cleaning unit around the surface of the solar panel. In an operative configuration at least one of the contact based cleaning subunit and the non-contact based cleaning subunit is actuated depending upon the control signals.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
A solar panel cleaning system of the present disclosure will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of a solar panel cleaning system, in accordance present disclosure.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
100 – Solar panel cleaning system
102 – Cleaning unit
104 – Control unit
106 – Processing unit
108 – a plurality of sensors
110 – Drive mechanism
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Due to varying climatic conditions, cleaning of solar panels becomes a challenging task. For example, during dust storms, dry dust or dry debris accumulates on the solar panels and hence the dry dust or debris need to be cleaned. Further, during an event of thunderstorm, rain, or dew, dust and debris disposed on the solar panels get moist and become sticky and adhere to the surface of the solar panels. Also, a lot of dirt marks are formed on the surfaces of the solar panels due to rain droplets that needs to be cleaned. Hence, conventional cleaning systems and methods used for cleaning dust or debris may not be suitable for cleaning dirt formed due to varying climate.
The present disclosure envisages a solar panel cleaning system that is designed to overcome the drawbacks of the conventional solar panel cleaning system. A preferred embodiment of the solar panel cleaning system, of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawing. The preferred embodiment does not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration.
The present disclosure envisages a solar panel cleaning system. The solar panel cleaning system comprises a cleaning unit, a control unit, a plurality of sensors and a drive mechanism. The cleaning unit is configured to clean a solar panel. The cleaning unit includes a contact based cleaning subunit and a non-contact based cleaning subunit. The plurality of sensors is disposed on at least one of the cleaning unit and the solar panel. The plurality of sensors is configured for sensing at least one physical parameter associated with the solar panel and generate a sensor signal based on the at least one physical parameter. In an embodiment, the physical parameters may include, weather conditions, distance between the solar panel and the cleaning unit, the presence of dirt or dust on the surface of the solar panel, and the like.
The control unit cooperates with the cleaning unit and the plurality of sensors. The control unit includes a processing unit. The processing unit cooperates with the plurality of sensors and is configured to receive the sensor signal from the plurality of sensors and process the sensor signal to generate control signals. Further, the drive mechanism is configured to receive the control signals from the processing unit of the control unit and is adapted to drive the cleaning unit around the surface of the solar panel.
Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of a solar panel cleaning system 100. In accordance with present disclosure.
The solar panel cleaning system 100 comprises a cleaning unit 102, a control unit 104, a plurality of sensors 108 and drive mechanism 110. The control unit 104 includes a processing unit 106.
The cleaning unit 102 includes a cleaning subunit. The cleaning subunit is a contact based cleaning subunit and/or a non contact based cleaning subunit. In an embodiment, the cleaning subunit includes a cleaning head (not show in the figure), a cleaning head operating robotic mechanism (not shown in the figure), a liquid cleaning unit, an air cleaning unit, a brush cleaning unit and a wiper cleaning unit.
The system 100 is an automatic control system for cleaning the surface of the solar panel using a self alignment and climate based cleaning features. In an embodiment, the system 100 is configured to receive data corresponding to weather forecasts/predictions from an online source, typically from an online server, an online database, or the like for smartly planning the cleaning schedule.
In an embodiment, the contact based cleaning subunit can be at least one selected from the group consisting of brushes and wipers. In another embodiment, the non-contact based cleaning subunit can be at least one selected from the group consisting a spraying mechanism, a pressurized dispensing mechanism, an air blowing mechanism, and an air suction mechanism.
In another embodiment, the plurality of sensors 108 is at least one selected from the group consisting of at least one atmospheric pressure sensor, at least one distance sensor, at least one dirt sensor, and at least one vision sensor.
The at least one distance sensor may be used for aligning the cleaning unit parallel to the solar panel. In an exemplary embodiment, the cleaning head may include four distance sensors. In an embodiment, out of the four distance sensors, two distance sensors are disposed at the edge of the cleaning head and the remaining two distance sensors are placed off-center on the cleaning head, i.e. in-between the preceding two distance sensors.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, the size of the cleaning head is comparatively larger than the width of the solar panel to be cleaned. Therefore, the two distance sensors disposed at the edge of the cleaning head are placed outside the area of the solar panel to be cleaned.
The two distance sensors disposed at the edge of the cleaning head send signals to the control unit 104. The signal indicates whether the cleaning head is aligned with respect to the solar panel, i.e. within the surface of the solar panel to be cleaned. The correct place of the cleaning head is determined when the cleaning head is parallel to the solar panel and within the surface of the solar panel to be cleaned. The cleaning process on the surface of the solar panel is initiated when the cleaning head is in the correct place. In case, if the cleaning head is not in the correct place, a server (not illustrated in Figures) connected to the control unit 104 aligns the cleaning head with respect to the surface of the solar panel to be cleaned.
The remaining two distance sensors sense the distance between the cleaning head and the surface of the solar panel to be cleaned. The distance measured by the two distance sensors is compared with the defined default distance and sent to the control unit 104. In case the distance between the cleaning head and the surface of the solar panel increases or decreases with reference to the defined default distance, the control unit 104 sends command to the drive mechanism 110 for tilting or moving the cleaning head till the defined height is achieved. The four distance sensors enable the cleaning head to be above the cleaning surface at a defined distance (fixed distance) at all time. Although, four distance sensors are used to describe the present disclosure, the present disclosure is not limited to the use of the four distance sensors and any number of distance sensors may be used.
In accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one dirt sensor is disposed either on the control head of the cleaning unit 102 or on the periphery of the solar panel. The at least one dirt sensor senses the surface of the solar panel to be cleaned. The at least one dirt sensor senses whether the surface of the solar panel has a layer of heavy dust, moist dirt, or a layer of dry or dusty deposits and accordingly send signals to the control unit 104.
In accordance with yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one atmospheric pressure sensor is disposed either on the control head of the cleaning unit 102 or on the periphery of the solar panel. The at least one atmospheric pressure sensor provides input to the control unit 104 about the prevailing weather conditions of the local area in which the solar panel is mounted. In an embodiment, at least one atmospheric pressure sensor is a barometer. The at least one atmospheric pressure sensor senses the air pressure and compares the sensed air pressure with a pre-defined pressure. More specifically, if the at least one atmospheric pressure sensor indicates low pressure than the pre-defined pressure, it is likely that there will be rainfall and if the at least one atmospheric pressure sensor indicates higher pressure than a pre-defined pressure, it is likely that there will be clear skies and no rainfall.
In accordance with yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one vision sensor is used. The at least one vision sensor checks the current surface condition of the solar panel and accordingly inform the control unit 104.
The processing unit 106 of the control unit 104 is configured to receive signals from the at least one atmospheric pressure sensor, the at least one distance sensor, the at least one dirt sensor, and the at least one vision sensor. The processing unit 106 generates control signals for controlling the cleaning unit 102 based on the received signals from the at least one atmospheric pressure sensor, the at least one distance sensor, the at least one dirt sensor, and the at least one vision sensor.
In an embodiment, the cleaning unit comprises a non-limiting divisions such as the liquid cleaning unit (not shown in the figure), the air cleaning unit (not shown in the figure), the brush cleaning unit (not shown in the figure) and the wiper cleaning unit (not shown in the figure). The liquid cleaning unit includes at least one liquid supply source (not illustrated in figures) and at least one nozzle (not shown in the figure). The air cleaning unit includes at least one air supply source (not illustrated in Figures) and at least one air nozzle (not illustrated in Figures). Typically, the brush cleaning unit and the wiper cleaning unit has one or plurality of brushes (not illustrated in Figures) or wipers respectively. In an embodiment, the brushes and wipers can be rotatable.
The processing unit 106, is the active control and decision making unit. The processing unit 106 receives information from the plurality of sensors 108. At least one of the liquid cleaning unit, the air cleaning unit, the brush cleaning unit and/ or the wiper cleaning unit is actuated based on the information received by the processing unit 106 from the plurality of sensors 108. In an exemplary embodiment, when the heavy dust or moist condition is determined, then the non contact cleaning subunit, typically the liquid cleaning unit, and/or air cleaning unit, are actuated. In the event when the dry-dust condition is determined, then the contact based cleaning subunit, typically the brush cleaning unit and/or the wiper cleaning unit, are actuated. In another exemplary embodiment, when the heavy dust or moist condition is determined, then the contact based cleaning subunit, typically the brush cleaning unit and/ or the wiper cleaning unit, are actuated. In the event when the dry-dust condition is determined, then the non contact cleaning subunit, typically the liquid cleaning unit, and/or air cleaning unit are actuated. Further, in the event when extremely dry and dusty deposits due to long dry spells of weather occur, then the non contact cleaning subunit, typically the air cleaning unit, is actuated.
In an embodiment, the solar panel cleaning system 100 is placed on a vehicle (not shown in the figure). In another embodiment, the solar panel cleaning system 100 is placed on a solar panel table (not shown in the figure).
The solar panel cleaning system 100 requires minimum human intervention and hence requires comparatively less time for cleaning the solar panel. Also, based on the type of dirt or dust accumulated on the surface of the solar panel, the solar panel cleaning system 100 adapts itself for cleaning the surface of the solar panel in various climatic conditions. The solar panel cleaning system 100 is cost effective as comparatively less manpower is required.
The solar panel cleaning system 100 performs self-alignment of a cleaning head of the solar panel. The solar panel cleaning system 100 requires minimum human intervention, cleans the surface in comparatively less time. Further, the solar panel cleaning system 100 adapts itself to varying climatic conditions for cleaning the surface of the solar panel according to the dust or dirt accumulated thereon.
TECHNICAL ADVANCES AND ECONOMICAL SIGNIFICANCE
The present disclosure described herein above has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of a solar panel cleaning system that:
? requires minimum human intervention;
? identifies various climatic conditions;
? smartly plans the cleaning schedule;
? can work at night;
? is cost effective; and
? adapts itself for cleaning the surface of the solar panel according to the type of dust or dirt accumulated thereon.
The disclosure has been described with reference to the accompanying embodiments which do not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration.
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully revealed the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
Throughout this specification the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.
The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.
Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation. ,CLAIMS:1. A solar panel cleaning system (100) comprising:
a. a cleaning unit (102) configured to clean a solar panel, said cleaning unit (102) includes at least one of:
i. a contact based cleaning subunit, and
ii. a non-contact based cleaning subunit;
b. a plurality of sensors (108) disposed on at least one of said cleaning unit (102) and said solar panel, said plurality of sensors are configured for sensing at least one physical parameter associated with said solar panel and generate a sensor signal based on said at least one physical parameter;
c. a control unit (104) cooperating with said cleaning unit (102) and said plurality of sensors (108), said control unit (104) includes:
a processing unit (106) cooperating with said plurality of sensors (108), configured to receive said sensor signal and process said sensor signal to generate control signals; and
d. a drive mechanism (110) configured to receive said control signals from said processing unit (106) of said control unit (104) and adapted to drive said cleaning unit (102).
2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said contact based cleaning subunit is at least one selected from the group consisting of brushes and wipers.
3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said non-contact based cleaning subunit is at least one selected from the group consisting of a spraying mechanism, a pressurized dispensing mechanism, an air blowing mechanism, and an air suction mechanism.
4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said plurality of sensors is at least one selected from the group consisting of:
at least one atmospheric pressure sensor,
at least one distance sensor,
at least one dirt sensor, and
at least one vision sensor.
5. The system as claimed in claim 4, wherein said at distance sensor is used for aligning said cleaning unit (102) parallel to said solar panel.
6. The system as claimed in claim 4, wherein said processing unit (106) is configured to receive signals from said at least one atmospheric pressure sensor, said at least one distance sensor, said at least one dirt sensor, and said at least one vision sensor and generate said control signals for controlling said cleaning unit (102).
7. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said solar panel cleaning system (100) is configured to receive data corresponding to weather forecasts/predictions from an online source.
8. A solar panel cleaning system (100) comprising:
a. a cleaning unit (102) configured to clean a solar panel, said cleaning unit (102) includes:
i. a contact based cleaning subunit, and
ii. a non-contact based cleaning subunit;
b. a plurality of sensors (108) disposed on at least one of said cleaning unit (102) and said solar panel, said plurality of sensors (108) are configured for sensing at least one physical parameter associated with said solar panel and generate a sensor signal based on said at least one physical parameter;
c. a control unit (104) cooperating with said cleaning unit (102) and said plurality of sensors (108), said control unit (102) includes:
a processing unit (106) cooperating with said plurality of sensors (108), configured to receive said sensor signal and process said sensor signal to generate control signals; and
d. a drive mechanism (110) configured to receive said control signals from said processing unit (106) of said control unit (104) and adapted to drive said cleaning unit (102), wherein, in an operative configuration at least one of said contact based cleaning subunit and said non-contact based cleaning subunit is actuated depending upon said control signal.