AUTOMATED SOLAR PANEL PROTECTION DEVICE

Abstract

An automated solar panel protection device comprises of a rectangular frame 101 equipped with plurality of an inverted V-shaped bars 102 for supporting the frame 101 over the panel, plurality of suction cups 104 adheres to surface for securing the frame 101 on the surface, a hydraulically operated rod 103 to extend/retract for adjusting height of the frame 101, a motorized roller 201 coiled with a sheet 202, rotates for unwrapping/wrapping the sheet 202, a pair of motorized clippers 105 acquires a grip of the loose ends of the sheet 202, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 106 determines dimensions of the panel, a motorized sliding unit 107 provides forward/backward translation to the clippers, along with the gripped sheet 202 over the panel, in view of covering the panel for providing additional protection to components of the panel, plurality of bristles for cleaning the panel while translating over the panel.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an automated solar panel protection device that is capable of protecting the solar panel from various environmental hazards like dust, rain, snow, and potential fire risks as well as ensuring the cleanliness of the solar panel surface for enhancing performance of the solar panel.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Solar panels, also known as photovoltaic (PV) panels, are equipment that convert sunlight into electricity using semiconductor materials. The solar panels consist of multiple solar cells connected in series or parallel within a panel frame. When sunlight strikes the surface of the solar cells, it generates an electric current through the photovoltaic effect, producing direct current (DC) electricity. This electricity then be used to power electrical devices directly or stored in batteries for later use. However, protecting solar panels is essential to ensure their long-term performance, reliability, and efficiency. The panels are exposed to various environmental factors and external threats that degrade their performance and reduce their lifespan. One of the primary concerns is physical damage from weather events such as hailstorms, strong winds, or falling debris, which crack or shatter the delicate solar cells and render the panels inoperable. Additionally, exposure to harsh weather conditions like extreme temperatures, humidity, and UV radiation degrade the materials and components of solar panels over time, leading to reduced efficiency and output.

[0003] The traditional method of protecting solar panels typically involves incorporating physical barriers and structural reinforcements to shield the panels from environmental hazards and external threats. One common approach is to install tempered glass covers or transparent acrylic sheets over the surface of the solar panels to provide a protective barrier against impact damage from hail, falling debris, or vandalism. However, the traditional methods of protecting solar panels equipped with several drawbacks. Primarily, while tempered glass covers and acrylic sheets offer some degree of protection against impact damage, they do not completely impervious to severe weather events such as hailstorms or extreme winds, which still cause cracks or fractures in the protective layer and compromise the integrity of the solar panels underneath. Moreover, these protective covers add weight and bulk to the solar panel assembly, increasing installation complexity, material costs, and maintenance requirements. So, need to develop an equipment that is efficient in minimizing above mentioned drawbacks and also proficient in protecting solar panels in automated manner.

[0004] EP2313706A2 discloses about an invention that includes a protective cover for a solar panel. The cover provides protection for the solar panel from the elements of the weather such as snow, hail, sleet, and windblown debris, and also against overheating of the solar panel during periods of long and intense solar radiation, when the demand for hot water is insufficient to dissipate heat build-up. The cover is constructed of material having heat-insulative properties and provides a barrier layer over the top of the solar panel to reduce the amount of heat transferred to the water tubes.

[0005] US20200295208A1 discloses about an invention that includes a photovoltaic panel generates electrical power when installed on a roof. The panel is constructed as a laminated sandwich having a transparent protective upper layer adhered to a photovoltaic layer with an encapsulation material. The photovoltaic layer is adhered to the top of a semi-rigid substrate layer with another encapsulation material. An outer portion of the the transparent protective upper layer is wraparound peripheral outer edges of the panel, and further fixed to the bottom surface of the the semi-rigid substrate with adhesives. Preferably the outer portion of the transparent protective layer is affixed to the bottom surface of the substrate with seamless adhesive ring along outer peripheral edges of the surface, so that encapsulation materials are protected from water. The laminated panel preferably has a layer of double stick tape on the bottom to adhere the panel to the surface of a roof.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed that are capable of protecting solar panels. However, these devices are incapable to shield solar panels from a variety of environmental hazards, such as dust, rain, snow, and even fire dangers. Additionally, these devices are inefficient in cleaning the solar panel for long-term, and failing in optimum performance of panel.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of protecting solar panel from environmental threats, such as dust, rain, snow, and even fire dangers. In addition, the propose device is capable of maintain the surface cleanliness of the solar panel in order to produce maximum performance throughout time.

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 is capable of protecting the solar panel against various environmental hazards, including dust, rain, snow, and potential fire risks, in order to safeguard the solar panels.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of ensuring precise coverage and protection of solar panel, thereby maximizes the panel's energy production output and overall efficiency.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of ensuring the cleanliness of the solar panel surface for generating optimal performance over time.

[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 protection device that is capable of protecting solar panel from environmental hazards, including dust, rain, snow etc, thus increases the working period of the solar panel and maximizes the panel's energy, production output and overall efficiency by ensuring precise coverage and protection of solar panel.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an automated solar panel protection device comprises of a rectangular frame developed to be mounted on a fixed surface over which a solar panel is installed, wherein plurality of an inverted V-shaped bars arranged underneath the frame by means of a hydraulically operated rod, for supporting the frame over the panel, plurality of suction cups are arranged underneath the bars to adhere to the surface for securing the frame on the surface, wherein an ultrasonic sensor is embedded in the frame for determining height of the panel, based on which an inbuilt microcontroller actuates the rod to extend/retract for adjusting height of the frame, thus properly accommodating the frame over the panel, an ambient light sensor embedded in the frame for detecting night-time in surroundings of the frame, based on which the microcontroller actuates a motorized roller coiled with a sheet, arranged across one side of the frame, to rotate for unwrapping/wrapping the sheet, the sheet is UV-resistant and transparent to not hinder performance of the panel, a pair of motorized clippers integrated on lateral inner peripheries of the frame to acquire a grip of the loose ends of the sheet, wherein an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit is mounted on the frame and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of the frame, respectively to determine dimensions of the panel.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of a motorized sliding unit integrated in between the clippers and frame, wherein based on the determined dimensions of the panel, the microcontroller actuates the sliding unit to provide forward/backward translation to the clippers, along with the gripped sheet over the panel, in view of covering the panel for providing additional protection to components of the panel, thereby maintaining the panel's efficiency and performance, plurality of bristles are arranged underneath first end of the sheet for cleaning the panel while translating over the panel, in order to maintain an optimal production output of the panel, a rain sensor coupled with a snow sensor for determining rainy and snowy weather conditions in surroundings of the frame, based on which the microcontroller directs actuation of the roller, clippers and sliding unit to cover the panel, a smoke detector is integrated in the frame for detecting potential fire hazards in proximity to the solar panel, based on which the microcontroller regulates covering of the panel, for isolating the panel to prevent dispersal of the fire, a GPS (Global positioning system) panel is integrated with the microcontroller to monitor location of the frame, for deterring and tracking attempted theft, a battery is configured with the device for providing a continuous power supply to electronically powered components associated with the device.

[0016] 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

[0017] 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 an isometric view of an automated solar panel protection device: and
Figure 2 illustrates an internal view of the proposed device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] The present invention relates to an automated solar panel protection device that is capable of safeguarding the solar panels from various environmental hazards, including dust, rain, snow, and potential fire risks.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1 and 2, an isometric view of an automated solar panel protection device and an internal view of the proposed device are illustrated, respectively comprising a rectangular frame 101 developed to be mounted on a fixed surface over which a solar panel is installed, plurality of an inverted V-shaped bars 102 arranged underneath the frame 101 by means of a hydraulically operated rod 103, plurality of suction cups 104 are arranged underneath the bars, a motorized roller 201 coiled with a sheet 202 arranged across one side of the frame 101, a pair of motorized clippers 105 integrated on lateral inner peripheries of the frame 101, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 106 is mounted on the frame 101, a motorized sliding unit 107 integrated in between the clippers and frame 101.

[0023] The proposed device comprises of a rectangular frame 101 mounted on a fixed surface. The frame 101 typically features a rectangular shape to match the standard form of most solar panels, ensuring maximum support and stability across the entire panel surface. The frame 101 is often constructed from durable materials such as aluminum, which is lightweight and corrosion-resistant, or steel, which offers high durability and strength but may require rust protection.

[0024] Underneath the frame 101, plurality of inverted V-shaped bars 102 are arranged by means of a hydraulically operated rod 103. The inverted V-shaped bars 102 evenly distributes the weight of the frame 101, enhancing structural strength and prevents from bending. The hydraulically operated rod 103 is powered by a hydraulic unit consisting of a hydraulic cylinder, hydraulic compressor, hydraulic valve and piston that work in collaboration for providing the required extension/retraction to the rod. The microcontroller actuates the valve to allow passage of hydraulic fluid from the compressor within the cylinder, the hydraulic fluid further develops pressure against the piston and results in pushing and extending the piston. The piston is connected with the V-shaped bars 102 and due to applied pressure the V-shaped bars 102 extends and similarly, the microcontroller retracts the V-shaped bars 102 by closing the valve resulting in retraction of the piston. The microcontroller regulates the extension/retraction of the piston for supporting the frame 101 over the panel.

[0025] Upon supporting the frame 101 over the panel, plurality of suction cups 104 arranged underneath the bars provides a strong grip to the frame 101 that prevents shifting or displacement of the frame 101 on the surface. The suction cups 104 ranges in between four to six in numbers. The suction cups 104 used herein are made up of silicone rubber that easily eliminates pressure inside the suction cup and creating a vacuum between the cup and the surface which seals the frame 101 tightly to the suction cup, resisting any slipping of the frame 101 in order to secure the frame 101 on the surface.

[0026] Upon securing the frame 101 on the surface, an ultrasonic sensor embedded in the frame 101 measures the height of the panel. The ultrasonic sensor works by emitting ultrasonic waves and then measuring the time taken by these waves to bounce back after hitting the surface of the panel. The ultrasonic sensor includes two main parts viz. transmitter, and a receiver for determining the height of the panel. The transmitter sends a short ultrasonic pulse towards the surface of the panel which propagates through the air at the speed of sound and reflects back as an echo to the transmitter as the pulse hits the panel. The transmitter then detects the reflected eco from the surface of the panel and calculations is performed by the sensor based on the time interval between the sending signal and receiving echo to determine the height of the panel.

[0027] The determined data is sent to the microcontroller in a signal form, based on which the microcontroller further process the signal to determine the height of the panel. Based on the detected height of the panel the microcontroller actuates the rod to extend/retract for adjusting the height of the frame 101 in order to properly accommodate the frame 101 over the panel.

[0028] The frame 101 is configures with an ambient light sensor to detect changes in light levels, particularly detecting daylight to night-time conditions. The ambient light sensor comprises of a photodiode to measure illuminance. When beams of light strike a photodiode, they have a tendency to knock electrons loose, causing an electric current to flow. The brighter the light, the stronger the electric current. The current is then measured to return the illuminance of the light that helps in detecting night-time in surroundings of the frame 101. The microcontroller processes the data and actuates a motorized roller 201 configured with a sheet 202 and arranged across one side of the frame 101 rotates for unwrapping/wrapping the sheet 202.

[0029] The motorized roller 201 comprises a disc 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 disc via the shaft. The disc thus provides a maximum level of assistance to the user and also allow the user to maintain a steady speed while moving the body. Further motorized roller 201 rotates for unwrapping/wrapping the sheet 202. The sheet 202 is UV-resistant and transparent that does not hinders the performance of the panel.

[0030] Upon unwrapping/wrapping the sheet 202, the microcontroller actuates a pair of motorized clippers 105 integrated on lateral inner peripheries of the frame 101 to acquire a grip of the loose ends of the sheet 202. The motorized clippers 105 are operated by a pair of handles which are alternately squeezed together and released for griping or releasing the sheet 202 and are driven by the motor which makes the blades of clip to oscillate from side to side. Upon actuation of the motorized clippers 105 by the microcontroller the motor rotates the blade to oscillate in order to grip the loose ends of the sheet 202.

[0031] An artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 106 mounted on the frame 101 and paired with a processor, captures and processes multiple images of the frame 101, respectively to determine dimensions of the panel. The artificial intelligence based imaging unit 106 comprises of a camera lens and a processor, wherein the 360 degree rotatable camera captures multiple images of the frame 101 and then the processor carries out a sequence of steps including pre-processing, feature extraction and segmentation. In pre-processing, the unwanted data like noise, background is removed out and the image is converted into a format recommended for feature extraction. The features like pixel intensities of the foreground image are extracted and are sent for classification to determine dimensions of the panel.

[0032] Upon determining the dimensions of the panel, the microcontroller actuates a motorized sliding unit 107 integrated in between the clippers and frame 101 to provide forward/backward translation to the clippers along with the gripped sheet 202 over the panel. The motorized sliding unit 107 incorporates an electric motor to drive a linear movement of the clippers along a track or guide. Upon actuation of the sliding unit by the microcontroller, the motor's power is harnessed to move the slider in an automated and precise way for a smooth and controlled transitional motion of the clippers within the trays along with the gripped sheet 202, in order to provide an additional protection to components of the panel and maintains the panel's efficiency and performance. Plurality of bristles are arranged underneath the first end of the sheet 202 for cleaning the panel while translation, to maintain an optimal production output of the panel.

[0033] The frame 101 has an integrated rain sensor that is coupled with a snow sensor for determining rainy and snowy weather conditions in surroundings of the frame 101. The snow sensor detects the presence and accumulation of snow. It typically consists of a moisture and temperature sensor combined in one unit. When snow falls, it melts on the sensor, causing a change in conductivity or capacitance, which is detected as moisture. The analog value of the varying resistance is then converted into the digital value by the control panel, wherein the digital value is digitally sent to the microcontroller that helps in determining rainy and snowy weather conditions. Based on the detected weather condition, the microcontroller directs the actuation of the roller, clippers and sliding unit to cover the panel.

[0034] A smoke detector is integrated in the frame 101, detects the potential fire hazards in proximity to the solar panel. The smoke sensor comprising different
types of technologies that used to detects fire by sensing small particles in
the air. Once microcontroller detect those particles above a certain limit, the
microcontroller actuates the alarm to sound based on which the microcontroller regulates covering of the panel, in order to isolating the panel and prevent dispersal of the fire to avoid any kind of fire hazards.

[0035] The device has a GPS (Global positioning system) panel integrated with the microcontroller to monitor the real time location of the frame 101, for deterring potential theft attempts and facilitating tracking in the event of unauthorized removal or movement. The GPS (Global Positioning System) panel is a satellite-based navigation system. The satellites present in space moving in fixed orbits transmits information about the real-time location of the frame 101. The signals travel at the speed of light and are intercepted by the GPS panel such that the GPS panel calculates the distance of each satellite and based on the time taken by the information to arrive at the receiver. The GPS panel locates four or more satellites and calculates the distance between each of them. Using this information, the GPS panel finds out the current location of the frame 101. Once the distance is determined, the GPS panel uses a trilateration method to determine the exact position of the frame 101 and thus fetching the real-time location coordinates of the frame 101 and the microcontroller monitors the location of the frame 101, for deterring and tracking attempted theft.

[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 the proposed device comprises of the rectangular frame 101 developed to be mounted on the fixed surface over which the solar panel is installed. Plurality of the inverted V-shaped bars 102 supports the frame 101 over the panel. Upon providing the support to the frame 101, plurality of suction cups 104 adhere to the surface for securing the frame 101 on the surface. Wherein the ultrasonic sensor determines the height of the panel, based on which the inbuilt microcontroller actuates the rod to extend/retract for adjusting height of the frame 101, thus properly accommodating the frame 101 over the panel. Upon accommodating the frame 101 over the panel, the ambient light sensor detects night-time in surroundings of the frame 101, based on which the microcontroller actuates the motorized roller 201 coiled with the sheet 202, to rotate for unwrapping/wrapping the sheet 202. While unwrapping/wrapping the sheet 202, the pair of motorized clippers 105 acquire the grip of the loose ends of the sheet 202.

[0038] In continuation, the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 106 captures and processes multiple images in vicinity of the frame 101, to determine dimensions of the panel. Based on the determined dimensions of the panel, the microcontroller actuates the sliding unit to provide forward/backward translation to the clippers, along with the gripped sheet 202 over the panel, in view of covering the panel for providing additional protection to components of the panel, thereby maintains the panel's efficiency and performance. Plurality of bristles cleans the panel to maintain the optimal production output of the panel. The rain sensor coupled with a snow sensor determines rainy and snowy weather conditions in surroundings of the frame 101, based on which the microcontroller directs actuation of the roller, clippers and sliding unit to cover the panel. The smoke detector detects potential fire hazards in proximity to the solar panel, based on which the microcontroller regulates covering of the panel, for isolating the panel to prevent dispersal of the fire.

[0039] 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 persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) An automated solar panel protection device, comprising:

i) a rectangular frame 101 developed to be mounted on a fixed surface over which a solar panel is installed, wherein plurality of an inverted V-shaped bars 102 arranged underneath said frame 101 by means of a hydraulically operated rod 103, for supporting said frame 101 over said panel;
ii) plurality of suction cups 104 are arranged underneath said bars to adhere said surface for securing said frame 101 on said surface, wherein an ultrasonic sensor is embedded in said frame 101 for determining height of said panel, based on which an inbuilt microcontroller actuates said rod to extend/retract for adjusting height of said frame 101, thus properly accommodating said frame 101 over said panel;
iii) an ambient light sensor embedded in said frame 101 for detecting night-time in surroundings of said frame 101, based on which said microcontroller actuates a motorized roller 201 coiled with a sheet 202, arranged across one side of said frame 101, to rotate for unwrapping/wrapping said sheet 202;
iv) a pair of motorized clippers 105 integrated on lateral inner peripheries of said frame 101 to acquire a grip of said loose ends of said sheet 202, wherein an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 106 is mounted on said frame 101 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of said frame 101, respectively to determine dimensions of said panel; and
v) a motorized sliding unit 107 integrated in between said clippers and frame 101, wherein based on said determined dimensions of said panel, said microcontroller actuates said sliding unit to provide forward/backward translation to said clippers, along with said gripped sheet 202 over said panel, in view of covering said panel for providing additional protection to components of said panel, thereby maintaining said panel's efficiency and performance.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein plurality of bristles are arranged underneath first end of said sheet 202 for cleaning said panel while translating over said panel, in order to maintain an optimal production output of said panel.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a rain sensor coupled with a snow sensor for determining rainy and snowy weather conditions in surroundings of said frame 101, based on which said microcontroller directs actuation of said roller, clippers and sliding unit to cover said panel.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a smoke detector is integrated in said frame 101 for detecting potential fire hazards in proximity to said solar panel, based on which said microcontroller regulates covering of said panel, for isolating said panel to prevent dispersal of said fire.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a GPS (Global positioning system) panel is integrated with said microcontroller to monitor location of said frame 101, for deterring and tracking attempted theft.

6) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sheet 202 is UV-resistant and transparent to not hinder performance of said panel.

7) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is configured with said device for providing a continuous power supply to electronically powered components associated with said device.

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