AUTOMATED SOLAR PANEL CLEANING DEVICE

Abstract

An automated solar panel cleaning device, comprising a cuboidal body 101 positioned on a ground surface in proximity to a solar panel 102, a touch interactive display panel 102 enables a user to give input commands for cleaning the solar panel 102, a camera 103 detect exact location and dimensions of the solar panel 102, plurality of motorized omnidirectional wheels 104 positions the body 101 on the solar panel 102, an electronic nozzle 105 dispense cleaning solution on the solar panel 102, a motorized disc 106 via an inverted L-shaped telescopically operated rod 107 scrubs the solar panel 102, a motorized slider crank arrangement 109 provides linear reciprocatory movement to a motorized roller 110 along surface of the solar panel 102, wherein the roller 110 is integrated with multiple electronically controlled valves 111 to dispense water, which is stained onto a sponge.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an automated solar panel cleaning device that provides means to the user for cleaning of solar panel by using water and cleaning solution in accordance to the dimensions of the solar panel in an automated manner, thereby reducing physical efforts as well as saving time of the user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Maintenance and efficiency of solar energy depend heavily on cleaning solar panels, which guarantees the longevity and peak performance of photovoltaic (PV) systems. As time passes and various things like dust, dirt, pollen, bird droppings, and other environmental detritus collect on surface of the solar panel, that lose their efficiency. Frequent cleaning aids in the removal of these impurities, improving the efficiency with which sunlight reaches the panel's surface and increasing energy generation. Cleaning solar panels usually entails giving them a wash with water and a mild cleaning solution to get rid of dirt and grime.

[0003] Moreover, regular maintenance and cleaning of solar panels contribute to maximizing return on investment for solar energy systems by optimizing energy generation and reducing the need for costly repairs or replacements. One common tool is the soft brush or sponge, typically attached to an extendable pole for reaching panels mounted on rooftops or high structures. While brushes are effective at loosening and removing dirt and debris, they may not always provide thorough cleaning, especially for stubborn stains or bird droppings. However, manual cleaning using these conventional tools can be labour-intensive and time-consuming, particularly for large solar panel arrays or installations located in remote or inaccessible areas. Climbing onto rooftops or navigating uneven terrain to reach solar panels poses safety risks to workers and may require additional equipment or safety precautions to mitigate hazards.

[0004] CN203830324U discloses a double-brush-disk solar panel cleaning device which mainly comprises a bracket, a hydraulic pump, a cleaning system, a mechanical transmission system and a control cleaning system, wherein the hydraulic pump is fixed to the bracket; the hydraulic pump obtains power through running water; the cleaning system consists of two brush disks; both the two brush disks are fully-covering spraying nozzles and respectively positioned at two ends of the bracket; the mechanical transmission system is combined with the hydraulic pump so as to drive the two brush disks to rotate and travel for operation; the control cleaning system is communicated with the two brush disks and controls the pressure of the brush disks spraying water to the outer side. The double-brush-disk solar panel cleaning device uses the running water as a power source, and the hydraulic pump drives the mechanical transmission system to drive the two brush disks to travel automatically; in the traveling process, the brush disks perform fully-covering water spraying work to clean a solar panel. The cleaning device is small in size, light in weight and convenient and easy to carry, and can guarantee the consistency and the uniformity of cleaning. Though CN'324 relates to cleaning equipment field, is specifically related to a kind of double brushing disks solar panels cleaning device, however this device lacks in cleaning of solar panel in accordance to the dimensions of the solar panel in an automated manner, thereby develops a need of physical efforts as well as time of the user.

[0005] CN217957023U relates to a cleaning device. The cleaning device comprises a frame body; a plurality of bristles are arranged on a rotating shaft, and the rotating shaft is pivoted with the frame body and drives the bristles to rotate relative to the frame body; the motor is mounted in the middle of the frame body; the transmission rod is pivoted with the frame body and is used for compensating the distance from the motor to one end of the frame body; and the motor and the transmission rod are connected together through an adapter, and the motor drives the rotating shaft to rotate through the transmission rod. By means of the design that the motor is arranged in the middle, excessive inclination is avoided, and the cleaning device is easier to operate. And secondly, the empty moving distance of the motor is replaced by the transmission rod, and the existing transmission mechanism does not need to be modified. Furthermore, the adapter is connected with the transmission rod, and the torque of the motor is transmitted to the rotating shaft. Though CN'023 relates to a cleaning device, in particular to solar panel cleaning device that motor that in particular to improvement was well design constitutes is used in solar panel's the field of cleaning, however this device lacks in cleaning of solar panel in accordance to the dimensions of the solar panel in an automated manner, thereby develops a need of physical efforts as well as time of the user.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed that are capable of cleaning a solar panel, however these devices lacks in cleaning of solar panel in accordance to the dimensions of the solar panel by using cleans solution and then water in an automated manner, thereby develops a need of physical efforts as well as time of the user.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of cleaning of solar panel in accordance to the dimensions of the solar panel in an automated manner, thereby reducing physical efforts as well as saving time of the user.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that provides a means to the user for cleaning of solar panel in accordance to the dimensions of the solar panel in an automated manner, thereby reducing physical efforts as well as saving time of the user.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of performing scrubbing over the solar panel in accordance to the hardness of the solar panel, thereby preventing any chances of causing damage to the solar panel.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of providing a means for applying of water along complete surface of the solar panel, thereby thoroughly cleaning the solar panel with water.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to an automated solar panel cleaning device that aids the user in cleaning of solar panel by using water and cleaning solution in accordance to the dimensions of the solar panel, thereby reducing physical efforts as well as saving time of the user.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an automated solar panel cleaning device, comprising a cuboidal body positioned on a ground surface in proximity to a solar panel laid over the ground surface, a touch interactive display panel installed on the body enables a user to give input commands for cleaning the solar panel, a camera mounted on the body to detect exact location and dimensions of the solar panel, plurality of motorized omnidirectional wheels configured underneath the body for maneuvering and positioning the body on the solar panel, an electronic nozzle attached with a chamber configured at a base portion of the body for dispensing the cleaning solution on the solar panel, a motorized disc installed with the body via an inverted L-shaped telescopically operated rod and equipped with plurality of bristles for scrubbing the solar panel, a motorized slider crank arrangement assembled on the body for providing linear reciprocatory movement to a motorized roller integrated on the arrangement along surface of the solar panel, wherein the roller is integrated with multiple electronically controlled valves to dispense water stored in a vessel configured with the body, which is stained onto a sponge fabricated on the roller resulting in applying of the water along the surface while the roller is moving along the solar panel.

[0015] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of an automated solar panel cleaning device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0018] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises," and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having" and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0019] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0020] The present invention relates to an automated solar panel cleaning device that provides means to the user for cleaning of solar panel by using water and cleaning solution in accordance to the dimensions of the solar panel in an automated manner, thereby reducing physical efforts as well as saving time of the user.

[0021] Referring to Figure 1, a perspective view of an automated solar panel cleaning device is illustrated, comprising a cuboidal body 101 positioned on a ground surface, a touch interactive display panel 102 is installed on the body 101 , a camera 103 mounted on the body 101 , plurality of motorized omnidirectional wheels 104 configured underneath the body 101 , an electronic nozzle 105 attached with a chamber 112 configured at a base portion of the body 101 , a motorized disc 106 installed with the body 101 via an inverted L-shaped telescopically operated rod 107 and equipped with plurality of bristles 108, a motorized slider crank arrangement 109 assembled on the body 101 , a motorized roller 110 integrated on the arrangement 109, and the roller 110 is integrated with multiple electronically controlled valves 111.

[0022] The device disclosed herein includes a cuboidal body 101 that is developed to be positioned on a ground surface in proximity to a solar panel 102 laid over the ground surface. The body 101 is made up of stainless steel that offers corrosion resistance, strength and durability to the device and is easy to maintain.

[0023] A touch interactive display panel 102 installed on the body 101 enables a user to give input commands for cleaning the solar panel 102. The touch interactive display panel 102 as mentioned herein is typically an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screen that presents output in a visible form. The screen is equipped with touch-sensitive technology, allowing the user to interact directly with the display using their fingers. A touch controller IC (Integrated Circuit) is responsible for processing the analog signals generated when the user inputs details regarding cleaning the solar panel 102. A touch controller is typically connected to an inbuilt microcontroller embedded within the body 101 through various interfaces which may include but are not limited to SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) or I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit).

[0024] Based on the input command of the user, the microcontroller activates a camera 103 mounted on the body 101 for capturing multiple images of surroundings. The camera 103 comprises of a processor that is encrypted with an artificial intelligence protocol and the camera 103 which upon activation captures multiple images of surroundings for detecting scope of maintenance work at the location. The camera 103 comprised of a lens and a digital camera 103 sensor, wherein the camera 103 lens takes all the light rays rebounding around and utilizes the lenses to transmit them to a single point for creating a sharp image. When all of those light rays rebound back and meet together on the digital camera 103 sensor, creates a digital image and the processor performs various operations like pre-processing, feature extraction and classification which are then transmitted to the microcontroller in the form of an electrical signal. The microcontroller processes the data to determine exact location and dimensions of the solar panel 102.

[0025] Based on the determined exact location and dimensions of the solar panel 102, plurality of motorized omnidirectional wheels 104 configured underneath the body 101 are actuated by the microcontroller for maneuvering and positioning the body 101 on the solar panel 102. The motorized omnidirectional wheels 104 comprises a pair of wheel coupled with a motor via a shaft wherein upon receiving the command from the microcontroller by the motor, the motor starts to rotate in clockwise or anti-clockwise direction in order to provide movement to the wheels 104 via the shaft. The wheels 104 thus maneuvers and positioning the body 101 on the solar panel 102.

[0026] Upon positioning of the body 101 on the solar panel 102, a dust sensor is positioned on the body 101 detects level of the dust over the solar panel 102 in synchronization with the camera 103. The dust sensor used herein is based on an optical sensing method to detect dust. The dust sensor consists of a photo sensor and an infrared light-emitting diode (IR LED). The IR- LED emits the IR rays on the solar panel 102 and the photo-sensor receive the reflected IR LED rays from the solar panel 102. The reflected rays are processed by the microcontroller to detect the level of the dust over the solar panel 102.

[0027] Based on the detected level of the dust over the solar panel 102, an electronic nozzle 105 attached with a chamber 112 stored with a cleaning solution and configured at a base portion of the body 101 is activated by the microcontroller for continuously dispensing the cleaning solution on the solar panel 102. The electronic nozzle 105 works by utilizing electrical energy to automize the flow solution in a controlled flow pattern by converting the pressure energy of a fluid into kinetic energy, which increases the fluid's velocity to get dispensed Upon actuation of nozzle 105 by the microcontroller, the electric motor or the pump pressurizes the cleaning solution within the chamber 112, increasing its pressure significantly. High pressure enables the solution to get dispensed out with a high force on the solar panel 102.

[0028] Further, a motorized disc 106 is installed with the body 101 via an inverted L-shaped telescopically operated rod 107 and equipped with plurality of bristles 108. Upon dispensing the cleaning solution on the solar panel 102, the microcontroller actuates the rod 107 to extend for positioning the motorized disc 106 over the solar panel 102. The L-shaped telescopically operated rod 107 is linked to a pneumatic unit, including an air compressor, air cylinders, air valves 111 and piston which works in collaboration to aid in extension and retraction of the rod 107. The pneumatic unit is operated by the microcontroller, such that the microcontroller actuates valve to allow passage of compressed air from the compressor within the cylinder, the compressed air further develops pressure against the piston and results in pushing and extending the piston. The piston is connected with the rod 107 and due to applied pressure the rod 107 extends and similarly, the microcontroller retracts the L-shaped telescopically operated rod 107 by closing the valve resulting in retraction of the piston. Thus, the microcontroller regulates the extension/retraction of the rod 107 in order to position the motorized disc 106 over the solar panel 102.

[0029] Upon positioning the motorized disc 106 over the solar panel 102, a tactile sensor arranged on the body 101 detects hardness of the solar panel 102. The tactile sensor detects the hardness of the solar panel 102 by measuring the force of contact between the sensor and surface of the solar panel 102. The sensor is typically a small, flat component that is placed against surface of the solar panel 102 and then pressed down. As the force of contact increases, the sensor measures the amount of pressure being applied and sends a signal to the microcontroller. The microcontroller then interprets the signal and determines the hardness of the solar panel 102.

[0030] Based on the determined the hardness of the solar panel 102, the disc 106 is actuated by the microcontroller to rotate for scrubbing the solar panel 102 via the bristles 108. The motorized disc 106 consists of motor connected to a disc 106 equipped with plurality of bristles 108 for scrubbing the solar panel 102. The motor is the key component that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy to provide movement to the disc. Upon actuation of the disc 106 by the microcontroller, the motor starts rotating the disc 106 in a clockwise/ anti-clockwise direction by imparting the rotational motion to the disc 106 thus perform scrubbing of the solar panel 102, along with actuation of the wheels 104 for maneuvering the body 101 over entire solar panel 102.

[0031] Upon scrubbing of the solar panel 102, a motorized slider crank arrangement 109 assembled on the body 101 is actuated by the microcontroller for providing linear reciprocatory movement to a motorized roller 110 integrated on the arrangement 109 along surface of the solar panel 102. The slider crank arrangement 109 consists of three main components that is a crank, connecting rod 107, and a slider, wherein the crank is powered by a DC (Direct Current) motor. The crank is a rotating shaft driven by a motor or other power source. The connecting rod 107 is a linear link that connects the crank to the slider. The slider is a sliding element that moves back and forth along a straight line. As the crank rotates, it drives the connecting rod 107 and slider through a series of pivot points, causing the slider to move back and forth that is in a reciprocating motion which is connected to the roller 110. The speed and distance of the slider movement can be controlled by adjusting the connecting rod 107 length, the crank speed, or the pivot points position. Thus, the slider crank arrangement 109 the converts the rotational motion to a linear reciprocatory movement to the roller 110 along surface of the solar panel 102.

[0032] Multiple electronically controlled valves 111 integrated with the roller 110 are actuated by the microcontroller to dispense water stored in a vessel configured with the body 101. The electronically controlled valve is used to control fluid flow by varying the size of the flow passage as directed by a signal from a controller. This enables the direct control of flow rate and the consequential control of process amount of water to be dispensed over the solar panel 102, which is stained onto a sponge fabricated on the roller 110 resulting in applying of the water along the surface while the roller 110 is moving along the solar panel 102, resulting in thoroughly cleaning the solar panel 102 with water.

[0033] Further, a level sensor embedded within the chamber 112 and vessel detects level of the cleaning solution and water in the chamber 112 and the vessel, respectively. The level senor used herein is a pressure-based level sensor which works on the principle that the pressure exerted by a liquid at a specific depth is directly proportional to the height of the liquid column in the sensor. The pressure-based level sensor comprises of a piezoelectric sensing element. When the sensing element is exposed to the liquid within the sensor, some hydrostatic pressure is exerted on the element by the liquid and which varies in accordance to the height of the liquid. A pressure transducer converts the hydrostatic pressure exerted by the liquid into an electrical pulse. Further the microcontroller analyses the electrical signal and based on which determine the level of the cleaning solution and water remaining in the chamber 112 and the vessel, respectively.

[0034] The determined level of the cleaning solution and water is further processes by the microcontroller to compare the determined value to a threshold level stored within a database linked to the microcontroller. As soon as the detected level recedes a threshold level, the microcontroller sends an alert on the computing unit for notifying the user to re-fill the chamber 112 and vessel.

[0035] The microcontroller is wirelessly linked with the computing unit via a communication module which includes, but not limited to Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module, Bluetooth module, GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) module for notifying the user to re-fill the chamber 112 and vessel.

[0036] Lastly, a battery is installed within the device which is connected to the microcontroller that supplies current to all the electrically powered components that needs an amount of electric power to perform their functions and operation in an efficient manner. The battery utilized here, is generally a dry battery which is made up of Lithium-ion material that gives the device a long-lasting as well as an efficient DC (Direct Current) current which helps every component to function properly in an efficient manner. As the device is battery operated and do not need any electrical voltage for functioning. Hence the presence of battery leads to the portability of the device i.e., user is able to place as well as moves the device from one place to another as per the requirements.

[0037] The present invention works best in the following manner, where a cuboidal body 101 is positioned on the ground surface in proximity to the solar panel 102 laid over the ground surface. The touch interactive display panel 102 enables the user to give input commands for cleaning the solar panel 102. Based on the input command of the user, the microcontroller activates the camera 103 to determine exact location and dimensions of the solar panel 102. Based on the determined exact location and dimensions of the solar panel 102, plurality of motorized omnidirectional wheels 104 are actuated by the microcontroller for maneuvering and positioning the body 101 on the solar panel 102. Upon positioning of the body 101 on the solar panel 102, the dust sensor detects level of the dust over the solar panel 102 in synchronization with the camera 103. Based on the detected level of the dust over the solar panel 102, the electronic nozzle 105 is activated by the microcontroller for continuously dispensing the cleaning solution on the solar panel 102. Further, the motorized disc 106 via the inverted L-shaped telescopically operated rod 107 and equipped with plurality of bristles 108 is actuated by the microcontroller to rotate for scrubbing the solar panel 102 via the bristles 108. Upon scrubbing of the solar panel 102, the motorized slider crank arrangement 109 is actuated by the microcontroller for providing linear reciprocatory movement to the motorized roller 110 along surface of the solar panel 102. Multiple electronically controlled valves 111 are actuated by the microcontroller to dispense water stored in the vessel configured with the body 101.

[0038] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to individuals skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) An automated solar panel cleaning device, comprising:

i) a cuboidal body 101 positioned on a ground surface in proximity to a solar panel 102 laid over said ground surface, wherein a touch interactive display panel 102 is installed on said body 101 for enabling a user to give input commands for cleaning said solar panel 102;

ii) a microcontroller linked with said screen for processing said input commands and activating a camera 103 mounted on said body 101 for capturing multiple images of surroundings, wherein said microcontroller processes said captured images by means of an artificial intelligence protocol encrypted with said microcontroller to detect exact location and dimensions of said solar panel 102;

iii) plurality of motorized omnidirectional wheels 104 configured underneath said body 101 that are actuated by said microcontroller for maneuvering and positioning said body 101 on said solar panel 102, wherein an electronic nozzle 105 attached with a chamber 112 stored with a cleaning solution and configured at a base portion of said body 101 that is activated by said microcontroller for continuously dispensing said cleaning solution on said solar panel 102;

iv) a motorized disc 106 installed with said body 101 via an inverted L-shaped telescopically operated rod 107 and equipped with plurality of bristles 108, wherein said microcontroller actuates said rod 107 to extend, followed by actuation of said disc 106 to rotate for scrubbing said solar panel 102 via said bristles 108 in synchronization with actuation of said wheels 104 for maneuvering said body 101 over entire solar panel 102; and

v) a motorized slider crank arrangement 109 assembled on said body 101 that is actuated by said microcontroller for providing linear reciprocatory movement to a motorized roller 110 integrated on said arrangement 109 along surface of said solar panel 102, wherein said roller 110 is integrated with multiple electronically controlled valves 111 that are actuated by said microcontroller to dispense water stored in a vessel configured with said body 101 , which is stained onto a sponge fabricated on said roller 110 resulting in applying of said water along said surface while said roller 110 is moving along said solar panel 102, resulting in thoroughly cleaning said solar panel 102 with water.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a dust sensor is positioned on said body 101 that works in synchronization with said camera 103 for detecting level of said dust over said solar panel 102, based on which said microcontroller regulates operation of said nozzle 105 for dispensing an appropriate amount of said cleaning solution over said solar panel 102.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a tactile sensor is arranged on said body 101 for detecting hardness of said solar panel 102, in accordance to which said microcontroller regulates operation of said disc 106 to rotate at an optimum speed in view of preventing any chances of causing damage to said solar panel 102.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a level sensor is embedded within said chamber 112 and vessel for detecting level of said cleaning solution and water, respectively, and as soon as said detected level recedes a threshold level, said microcontroller sends an alert on said computing unit for notifying said user to re-fill said chamber 112 and vessel.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1 and 4, wherein said microcontroller is wirelessly linked with said computing unit via a communication module which includes, but not limited to Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module, Bluetooth module, GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) module.

6) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is associated with said device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with said device.

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