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 of electricity generated, the solar panels need to be cleaned frequently.
Conventionally, a human guided vehicle is used for cleaning the solar panels. More specifically, positioning, alignment and the movement of the cleaning unit of the human guided vehicle is operated by humans. Due to human intervention, the time required for cleaning the solar panels is comparatively more. Also, a skilled labor is required to actuate and guide the vehicle.
Hence, there is a need of a navigable solar panel cleaning vehicle 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 navigable solar panel cleaning vehicle that requires minimum human intervention.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a navigable solar panel cleaning vehicle that is comparatively more efficient.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a navigable solar panel cleaning vehicle that consumes less time.
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 disclosure envisages a navigable solar panel cleaning vehicle. The navigable solar panel cleaning vehicle having a cleaning unit which includes a robotic arm that is configured to clean a plurality of solar panels. The navigable solar panel cleaning vehicle comprises a control unit, and a navigation unit. The control unit includes a memory, a processor, a position identifier and a path identifier. The memory is configured to store predetermined set of rules, position coordinates of a plurality of solar panel tables and a geographical map. The processor is configured to cooperate with the memory to receive the rules and possessing functional elements to provide system processing commands. The position identifier is configured to identify current position coordinates of the vehicle. The path identifier is configured to receive the position coordinates of the plurality of solar panel tables, the position coordinates of the vehicle and the geographical map. Further, the path identifier is configured to identify a path on the geographical map based on the comparison of the position coordinates of the plurality of solar panel tables and the position coordinates of the vehicle. The navigation unit is configured to cooperate with the path identifier to receive the path on the geographical map. The navigation unit is further configured to maneuver the vehicle to the position coordinates of the plurality of solar panel tables.
In an embodiment, the cleaning unit further includes an alignment unit that is configured to align the vehicle with the plurality of solar panel tables. In another embodiment, the alignment unit comprises a vision sensor that is configured to sense a plurality of markers provided on each of said plurality of solar panels disposed on each of said plurality of solar panel tables and generate alignment instructions.
In still another embodiment, the navigable solar panel cleaning vehicle further includes a speed sensor that is configured to sense the speed of the vehicle and transmit sensed speed signals to the processor. The processor further controls the speed of the vehicle below pre-defined speed limit.
In yet another embodiment, the control unit further includes an interface unit that is placed in between the path identifier and the processor.
In an embodiment, the vehicle is further configured to receive data of presence of dirt by a plurality of dirt sensors. The plurality of dirt sensors is placed on each of the plurality of solar panels that are disposed on each of the plurality of solar panel tables.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
A navigable solar panel cleaning vehicle 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 navigable solar panel cleaning vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Figure 2 illustrates a schematic illustration of an area in which solar panels are placed.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
100 – Navigable solar panel cleaning vehicle
102 – Control unit
102a – Memory
102ai – First database
102aii – Second database
102b – Processor
102c – Position identifier
102d – Path identifier
104 – Navigation unit
106 – Cleaning unit
108a -108f – Solar panel tables
110 – a plurality of markers
112 – alignment unit
114 – Vision sensor
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Conventionally, a human guided vehicle is used for cleaning the solar panels. The positioning, alignment and the movement of the cleaning head of the human guided vehicle is operated by humans. Due to human intervention, the time required for cleaning the solar panels is comparatively more. Also, a skilled labor is required to actuate and guide the human guided vehicle.
The present disclosure envisages a navigable solar panel cleaning vehicle that is designed to overcome the drawbacks of the conventional human guided solar panel cleaning vehicle. A preferred embodiment of the navigable solar panel cleaning vehicle, 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.
In accordance with the present disclosure, the navigable solar panel cleaning vehicle 100 (hereinafter referred to as “vehicle) having a cleaning unit 106 which includes a robotic arm (not shown in the figures) that is configured to clean a plurality of solar panels. The vehicle 100 comprises a control unit 102, and a navigation unit 104. The control unit 102 includes a memory 102a, a processor 102b, a position identifier 102c and a path identifier 102d. The memory 102a is configured to store predetermined set of rules, position coordinates of a plurality of solar panel tables 108a-108f and a geographical map. The processor 102b is configured to cooperate with the memory 102a to receive the rules and possessing functional elements to provide system processing commands. The position identifier 102c, under system processing command, is configured to identify current position coordinates of the vehicle 100. The path identifier 102d is configured to receive the position coordinates of the plurality of solar panel tables 108a-108f, the position coordinates of the vehicle 100 and the geographical map. Further, the path identifier 102d is configured to identify a path on the geographical map based on the comparison of the position coordinates of the plurality of solar panel tables 108a-108f and the position coordinates of the vehicle 100. The navigation unit 104 is configured to cooperate with the path identifier 102d to receive the path on the geographical map. The navigation unit 104 is further configured to maneuver the vehicle 100 to the position coordinates of the plurality of solar panel tables 108a-108f. The cleaning unit 106 present on the vehicle 100 includes a robotic arm (not shown in the figures) that is configured, under system processing command, to clean a plurality of solar panels (not shown in the figures) disposed on each of said plurality of solar panel tables 108a-108f.
In an embodiment, The memory 102a of the control unit 102 includes a first database 102ai and a second database 102aii. The first database 102ai comprises a geographic map of the area/region in which the plurality of solar panel tables 108a-108f is fitted. Figure 2 illustrates a geographical representation of the area in which the plurality of solar panel tables 108a-108f is placed. Each solar panel table of the plurality of solar panel tables 108a-108f includes the plurality of solar panels that require cleaning. The second database 102aii includes a plurality of pre-defined solar panel table points P1 to P6, which represents the position/location information of the plurality of solar panel tables 108a-108f. Further, the navigation unit 104 communicates with the position identifier 102c and the path identifier 102d. In an embodiment, the navigation unit 104 may communicate with the first database 102ai and the second database 102aii for generating a guiding path for the vehicle 100.
In another embodiment, the position identifier 102c of the vehicle 100 updates the current location information of the vehicle 100 and transmits the current location information of the vehicle to the path identifier 102d. The path identifier 102d compares the received updated current location information of the vehicle 100 with the already stored location of the predefined solar table points P1 to P6 and generates comparison information for guiding the vehicle 100 to the next solar panel table containing the plurality of solar panels.
In still another embodiment, the plurality of solar panels disposed on each of the solar panel table of the plurality of solar panel tables 108a-108f contains a plurality of markers 110. In another embodiment, the plurality of markers 110 is disposed on the edges of each solar panel of the plurality of solar panel tables 108a-108f.
In yet another embodiment, the cleaning unit 106 further includes an alignment unit 112. The alignment unit 112 is configured to align the vehicle 100 with at least one solar panel table of the plurality of solar panel tables 108a-108f. Once the vehicle 100 reaches the at least one solar panel table of the plurality of solar panel tables 108a-108f, the alignment unit 112 is activated. In one embodiment, the alignment unit 112 includes a vision sensor 114. The vision sensor 114 of the alignment unit 112 is configured to sense the plurality of markers 110 disposed on at least one of the solar panel of said plurality of solar panels and generate alignment instructions. Further, the alignment unit 112 communicates the generated alignment instructions from the vision sensor 114 to the processor 102b. The vision sensor 114 acquires the images of the plurality of markers 110 disposed on at least one solar panel of the plurality of solar panels and transmits each image data to the processor 102b of the control unit 102. The processor 102b analyzes the image data received from the vision sensor 114. The processor 102b further transmits alignment instructions to the navigation unit 104 for aligning the vehicle 100 in parallel with at least one solar panel table of the plurality of solar panel tables 108a-108f. The navigation unit 104 subsequently guides the movement of the vehicle 100 such that the vehicle remains substantially parallel to at least one solar panel table of the plurality of solar panel tables 108a-108f avoiding any collision. In an embodiment, the vision sensor 114 is a camera. In an embodiment, the control unit can further include an interface unit that is placed in between the path identifier 102d and the processor 102b.
In an embodiment, once the vehicle 100 approaches the appropriate solar panel table of the plurality of solar panel tables 108a-108f, the processor 102b of the control unit 102 actuates the cleaning unit 106 for cleaning the at least one solar panel of the plurality of solar panel disposed on the at least one solar panel table of the plurality of solar panel tables 108a-108f. Hence, the cleaning of the solar panel by the navigable solar panel cleaning vehicle 100 is actuated with comparatively minimum human intervene. Further, the navigable solar panel cleaning vehicle 100 is comparatively more efficient, accurate and less time consuming because of minimum human intervene.
In an embodiment, the navigable solar panel cleaning vehicle 100 further includes a speed sensor (not shown in the figure) that is configured to sense the speed of the vehicle 100 and transmit sensed speed signals to the processor 102b. The processor 102b further controls the speed of the vehicle and maintains it below pre-defined speed limit.
In an embodiment, the navigable solar panel cleaning vehicle 100 is further configured to receive data of presence of dirt by a plurality of dirt sensors (not shown in the figures). The plurality of dirt sensors is placed on each of the plurality of solar panels that are disposed on each of the plurality of solar panel tables 108a-108f.
Although, the present disclosure is described with six solar panel tables 108a to 108f having six solar panel table points P1 to P6. The present disclosure is not limited to the use of six solar panel tables P1 to P6 having six solar panel table points P1 to P6, any number of tables and table points may be used.
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; and
? is cost effective.
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 navigable solar panel cleaning vehicle having a cleaning unit which includes a robotic arm configured to clean a plurality of solar panels, said vehicle comprising:
a control unit that includes:
• a memory configured to store predetermined set of rules, position coordinates of a plurality of solar panel tables and a geographical map;
• a processor configured to cooperate with the memory to receive said rules and possessing functional elements to generate processing commands;
• a position identifier configured to identify a current position coordinates of said vehicle; and
• a path identifier configured to receive the position coordinates of said plurality of solar panel tables and the geographical map from said memory and the position coordinates of said vehicle from said position identifier, and further configured to identify a path on the geographical map based on the comparison of the position coordinates of said plurality of solar panel tables and the position coordinates of said vehicle.
a navigation unit configured to cooperate with said path identifier to receive the identified path on the geographical map, and further configured to maneuver said vehicle to the position coordinates of said plurality of solar panel tables.
2. The vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said cleaning unit further includes an alignment unit configured to align said vehicle with said plurality of solar panel tables.
3. The vehicle as claimed in claim 2, wherein said alignment unit includes a vision sensor, configured to sense a plurality of markers provided on each of said plurality of solar panels disposed on each of said plurality of solar panel tables and generate alignment instructions.
4. The vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said vehicle further includes a speed sensor configured to sense the speed of said vehicle and transmit sensed speed signals to said processor that further controls the speed of said vehicle below pre-defined speed limit.
5. The vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said control unit further comprises an interface unit placed in between said path identifier and said processor.
6. The vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said vehicle is configured to receive data of presence of dirt by a plurality of dirt sensors, which are placed on each of said plurality of solar panels disposed on each of said plurality of solar panel tables.