In-service photovoltaic panel cleaning device and method

Abstract

The invention discloses an in-service photovoltaic panel cleaning device and method, and the device comprises a cleaning device which is installed on a photovoltaic panel and moves in the full-length direction of the photovoltaic panel to clean the photovoltaic panel; the steam generator is connected with the cleaning device and used for conveying steam to the cleaning device; the storage tank is connected with the steam generator; the filtering device is connected with the cleaning device and used for filtering waste liquid generated by the cleaning device. When the cleaning device is used for cleaning the photovoltaic panel, the cleaning device mounted on the photovoltaic panel performs displacement cleaning along the full length direction of the photovoltaic panel, so that each part of the photovoltaic panel can be uniformly and fully cleaned, the cleaning efficiency is improved, and cleaning dead angles are reduced; secondly, due to the fact that water vapor is used instead of a large amount of flowing water, consumption of water resources is remarkably reduced, and finally, waste liquid generated by the cleaning device can be filtered through the filtering device, so that the waste liquid can be recycled, and the effect of saving the water resources is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the technical field of photovoltaic panel cleaning, and in particular relates to a device and method for cleaning an in-service photovoltaic panel. Background Art

[0002] The core part of a solar power station is composed of individual solar photovoltaic panels connected in series and parallel. The photovoltaic panels are installed on the photovoltaic panel bracket at a certain slope, and the solar energy irradiated on the photovoltaic panel surface is converted into electrical energy. However, during the operation of the solar power station, the photovoltaic panels are always placed outdoors. After long-term operation, the surface of the photovoltaic panels will be covered with sand and other impurities, which will affect its photoelectric conversion efficiency. Therefore, the surface of the photovoltaic panels needs to be cleaned regularly to restore its photoelectric conversion efficiency.

[0003] At present, there are three main cleaning methods: manual cleaning, high-pressure water cleaning, and equipment cleaning. In the process of manual cleaning, a large amount of manpower is required, the cleaning efficiency is low, and a lot of time and manpower are consumed; high-pressure water cleaning consumes a large amount of water and is not suitable for water-scarce areas; finally, when using equipment cleaning, due to geographical restrictions, it can only be applied to areas with relatively flat terrain and good geology, and professional technicians are required to operate on site. The above three cleaning methods cannot achieve water recycling and save water resources on the one hand, and cannot be applied to a wide range of terrain environments on the other hand. Summary of the invention

[0004] The purpose of the present invention is to provide an in-service photovoltaic panel cleaning device and method to solve the technical defects of the existing cleaning method that on the one hand, it cannot realize water recycling and save water resources, and on the other hand, it cannot be applied to a wide range of terrain environments.

[0005] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions: In a first aspect, a device for cleaning an in-service photovoltaic panel is provided, comprising: A cleaning device is installed on the photovoltaic panel and moves along the length of the photovoltaic panel to clean the photovoltaic panel; a steam generator connected to the cleaning device and used to deliver water vapor to the cleaning device; A storage tank connected to the steam generator; A filtering device is connected to the cleaning device and is used to filter the waste liquid generated by the cleaning device.

[0006] Further, the cleaning device comprises a baffle, a water collecting tank and a cleaning assembly, wherein the water collecting tank is arranged on opposite sides and ends of the photovoltaic panel, wherein rails are installed on the water collecting tanks located on both sides of the photovoltaic panel; The baffle is provided with a driving unit on both opposite sides, and a moving wheel is installed at the driving end of the driving unit, and the moving wheel cooperates with the track; The cleaning component is installed on the baffle, one end of the cleaning component is connected to the steam generator, and the other end faces the surface of the photovoltaic panel.

[0007] Furthermore, the cleaning component includes a nozzle, and a plurality of nozzles are provided. The plurality of nozzles are sequentially spaced apart and arranged on the baffle, and the plurality of nozzles are all located inside the water collection tank.

[0008] Furthermore, the baffle is a structure with one end open and the other end blocked, and the two opposite sides of the open end are located above two of the water collecting tanks, and the track is installed on the outside of the two water collecting tanks.

[0009] Furthermore, the cleaning device also includes a dust detector and a receiver, and the dust detector and the receiver are arranged at opposite ends of the baffle and are located inside the water collection tank.

[0010] Furthermore, a drain pipe is installed at the bottom of the photovoltaic panel, and the drain pipe is connected to the filtering device.

[0011] Furthermore, a hose is installed on the steam generator, and the steam generator and the cleaning device are connected through the hose.

[0012] Furthermore, a pump body is installed on the steam generator.

[0013] Furthermore, the dust detection element is an infrared sensor.

[0014] In a second aspect, a method for using an in-service photovoltaic panel cleaning device is provided, wherein the method is performed using the cleaning device as described above, and comprises: Installing a cleaning device on the photovoltaic panel and moving the cleaning device along the length of the photovoltaic panel; Using a steam generator to deliver water vapor to a cleaning device, so that a nozzle on the cleaning device sprays water vapor toward the surface of the photovoltaic panel; The residual waste liquid on the photovoltaic panel is collected and filtered through the filtering device, and the filtered waste liquid is transported to the storage tank.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: 1. When the cleaning device is used to clean the photovoltaic panel, the cleaning device installed on the photovoltaic panel is displaced along the length of the photovoltaic panel for cleaning, which can ensure that each part of the photovoltaic panel can be cleaned evenly and fully, thereby improving the cleaning efficiency and reducing cleaning dead corners; secondly, since water vapor is used instead of a large amount of flowing water, the consumption of water resources is significantly reduced. This feature is particularly important in arid areas or water resource shortages; finally, the waste liquid generated by the cleaning device can be filtered through the filter device, so that the waste liquid can be recycled and the effect of saving water resources is achieved.

[0016] 2. Through the combination of baffles and water collection tanks, a framework that is both stable and can effectively collect waste liquid is formed. The water collection tanks are set on the opposite sides and ends of the photovoltaic panel, which helps to collect the waste liquid generated during the cleaning process and prevent it from flowing around, which is convenient for subsequent treatment. The drive unit drives the moving wheels to roll on the track, realizing the automatic movement of the cleaning device, which not only reduces the burden of manual operation, but also improves the uniformity and efficiency of cleaning. At the same time, the automatic movement also makes the cleaning process more flexible and can adapt to photovoltaic panels of different lengths and shapes.

[0017] 3. The sequential spacing of multiple nozzles ensures that the steam can be evenly sprayed onto the entire surface of the photovoltaic panel, which can prevent dirt from remaining in some areas due to insufficient cleaning, and avoid damage to other areas due to excessive cleaning.

[0018] 4. Since the opening end of the baffle is located above the water collection tank, the waste liquid generated during the cleaning process can flow more directly into the water collection tank, reducing the possibility of waste liquid splashing outside the photovoltaic panel or the surrounding environment. This helps to improve the collection efficiency of waste liquid and reduce the risk of environmental pollution.

[0019] 5. The dust detection component can monitor the dust accumulation on the surface of the photovoltaic panel in real time and effectively clean the dust. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings required for use in the embodiments are briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show certain embodiments of the present invention and therefore should not be regarded as limiting the scope. For ordinary technicians in this field, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work.

[0021] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of the in-service photovoltaic panel cleaning device provided by the present invention; Figure 2 A rear view of the in-service photovoltaic panel cleaning device provided by the present invention; Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a cleaning device in an in-service photovoltaic panel cleaning device provided by the present invention; Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the cooperation between the moving wheels and the track in the in-service photovoltaic panel cleaning device provided by the present invention; Figure 5 A flow chart of the method for using the in-service photovoltaic panel cleaning device provided by the present invention; Wherein: 1. cleaning device; 101. baffle; 102. moving wheel; 103. dust detection element; 104. receiver; 105. track; 106. nozzle; 107. water collection tank; 2. steam generator; 201. hose; 3. Storage tank; 4. Filtration device; 5. Photovoltaic panel; 6. Drain pipe. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Generally, the components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the drawings here can be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0023] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the invention claimed for protection, but merely represents selected embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0024] It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters denote similar items in the following drawings, and therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, further definition and explanation thereof is not required in subsequent drawings.

[0025] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that if the terms "upper", "lower", "horizontal", "inner", etc. indicate an orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship in which the product of the invention is usually placed when in use, it is only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and does not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present invention. In addition, the terms "first", "second", etc. are only used to distinguish the description, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0026] In addition, if the term "horizontal" appears, it does not mean that the component must be absolutely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" only means that its direction is more horizontal than "vertical", which does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted.

[0027] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it is also necessary to explain that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "set", "install", "connect", and "connect" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection, or it can be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, or it can be the internal connection of two components. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0028] The core part of a solar power station is composed of individual solar photovoltaic panels connected in series and parallel. The photovoltaic panels are installed on the photovoltaic panel bracket at a certain slope, and the solar energy irradiated on the photovoltaic panel surface is converted into electrical energy. However, during the operation of the solar power station, the photovoltaic panels are always placed outdoors. After long-term operation, the surface of the photovoltaic panels will be covered with sand and other impurities, which will affect its photoelectric conversion efficiency. Therefore, the surface of the photovoltaic panels needs to be cleaned regularly to restore its photoelectric conversion efficiency.

[0029] At present, there are three main cleaning methods: manual cleaning, high-pressure water cleaning, and equipment cleaning. In the process of manual cleaning, a large amount of manpower is required, the cleaning efficiency is low, and a lot of time and manpower are consumed; high-pressure water cleaning consumes a large amount of water and is not suitable for water-scarce areas; finally, when using equipment cleaning, due to geographical restrictions, it can only be applied to areas with relatively flat terrain and good geology, and professional technicians are required to operate on site. The above three cleaning methods cannot achieve water recycling and save water resources on the one hand, and cannot be applied to a wide range of terrain environments on the other hand.

[0030] In order to solve the above technical defects, the inventor provides an in-service photovoltaic panel cleaning device and method.

[0031] The present invention is further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings: like Figure 1-Figure 4As shown, in a first aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, a device for cleaning an in-service photovoltaic panel is provided, the device comprising a cleaning device 1, the cleaning device 1 is installed on the top of the photovoltaic panel 5, and the cleaning device 1 can be displaced along the length direction of the photovoltaic panel 5 to clean the photovoltaic panel 5; a steam generator 2, connected to the cleaning device 1, for conveying water vapor to the cleaning device 1, so that the cleaning device 1 uses water vapor to clean the surface of the photovoltaic panel 5; a storage tank 3, connected to the steam generator 2 and located below the steam generator 2, for conveying water to the steam generator 2; a filtering device 4, connected to the cleaning device 1, located below the photovoltaic panel 5, for filtering the waste liquid generated by the cleaning device 1 when cleaning the photovoltaic panel 5, and conveying the filtered waste liquid to the storage tank 3 for recycling. When the photovoltaic panel 5 is cleaned by the cleaning device, water is first transported to the steam generator 2 through the storage tank 3. Since the steam generator 2 is exposed to sunlight for a long time and absorbs heat, a large amount of water vapor is generated in the steam generator 2. Subsequently, the water vapor is transported to the cleaning device 1, and the cleaning device 1 performs displacement cleaning along the length of the photovoltaic panel 5, which can ensure that each part of the photovoltaic panel 5 can be evenly and fully cleaned, thereby improving the cleaning efficiency and reducing cleaning dead corners. Secondly, since water vapor is used instead of a large amount of flowing water during the cleaning process, the consumption of water resources is significantly reduced. This feature is particularly important in arid areas or where water resources are scarce. Finally, the waste liquid generated by the cleaning device 1 can be filtered by the filter device 4, so that the waste liquid can be recycled to achieve the effect of saving water resources. At the same time, during the use of the cleaning device, it is only necessary to regularly add water to the storage tank 3, without considering the influence of the geological terrain of the construction of the photovoltaic panel 5, and it can be applied in various environments.

[0032] like Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the cleaning device 1 includes a baffle 101, a water collection tank 107 and a cleaning assembly, wherein the water collection tank 107 is arranged on opposite sides and ends of the photovoltaic panel 5, and can effectively collect waste liquid by combining the inertia of water flow from top to bottom, and a track 105 is installed on the water collection tank 107 located on both sides of the photovoltaic panel 5, and the length of the track 105 is consistent with the length of the photovoltaic panel 5. The baffle 101 is a structure with one end open and the other end blocked, and the opposite sides of its open end are located above two of the water collection tanks 107, and the track 105 is installed on the outside of the two water collection tanks 107, and a driving unit is provided on both opposite sides of the baffle 101, and the driving unit can be selected from a motor or a motor, and a moving wheel 102 is installed at the driving end of the driving unit, and the driving unit drives the moving wheel 102 to cooperate with the track 105, so that the cleaning assembly can clean the surface of the photovoltaic panel 5 from top to bottom, realizing the automatic movement of the cleaning device 1, which not only reduces the burden of manual operation, but also improves the uniformity and efficiency of cleaning. At the same time, the automated movement also makes the cleaning process more flexible and can adapt to photovoltaic panels 5 of different lengths and shapes; specifically, the cleaning component is installed on the open end of the baffle 101, one end of the cleaning component is connected to the steam generator 2, and the other end faces the surface of the photovoltaic panel 5, which can effectively remove dust and impurities on the surface of the photovoltaic panel 5.

[0033] like Figure 3 As shown, the cleaning component includes a nozzle 106, and a plurality of nozzles 106 are provided. The plurality of nozzles 106 are sequentially arranged at intervals on the baffle 101, and the plurality of nozzles 106 are all located inside the water collecting tank 107. The sequentially spaced arrangement of the plurality of nozzles 106 ensures that the steam can be uniformly sprayed onto the entire surface of the photovoltaic panel 5, which can prevent certain areas from residual dirt due to insufficient cleaning, and at the same time avoid damage to other areas due to excessive cleaning. Figure 3 As shown, the cleaning device 1 further includes a dust detector 103 and a receiver 104, which are arranged at opposite ends of the baffle 101 and located inside the water collection tank 107. The dust detector 103 can detect whether a large amount of dust is accumulated on the photovoltaic panel 5 to ensure effective cleaning; further, the dust detector 103 is preferably an infrared sensor. In this embodiment, a drain pipe 6 is installed at the bottom of the photovoltaic panel 5, and the drain pipe 6 is connected to the filter device 4. A hose 201 is installed on the steam generator 2, and the steam generator 2 is connected to the cleaning device 1 through the hose 201. A pump body is installed on the steam generator 2.

[0034] In a second aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, a method for using an in-service photovoltaic panel cleaning device is provided, wherein the method is performed using the cleaning device as described above. Figure 5 As shown, including: S101. Install a cleaning device on the photovoltaic panel and move the cleaning device along the length of the photovoltaic panel; illustratively, first install a water collecting trough 107 on the opposite sides and ends of the surface of the photovoltaic panel 5, so that a frame that is stable and can effectively collect waste liquid is formed between the multiple water collecting troughs 107; then, install a driving unit and a moving wheel 102 on the opposite sides of the baffle 101, and install a track 105 on the water collecting trough 107 in contact with the moving wheel 102, so that the baffle 101 can use the cooperation of the moving wheel 102 and the track 105 to perform reciprocating linear motion along the length of the photovoltaic panel 1.

[0035] S102, using a steam generator to transport water vapor to the cleaning device, so that the nozzle on the cleaning device sprays water vapor onto the surface of the photovoltaic panel; illustratively, a water source is added to the storage tank 3, and the water source is transported to the steam generator 2. After the water flow is transported to the interior of the steam generator 2, the water source in the steam generator 2 is quickly converted into water vapor due to long-term exposure to sunlight and absorption of heat. The water vapor is finally transported to the cleaning device 1, and the nozzle 106 sprays the water vapor onto the surface of the photovoltaic panel 5 to remove dust on the surface of the photovoltaic panel 5.

[0036] S103, through the filtering device, the residual waste liquid on the photovoltaic panel is collected and filtered, and the filtered waste liquid is transported to the storage tank. For example, in the process of spraying water vapor to the surface of the photovoltaic panel 5 by the nozzle 106 to remove dust on the surface of the photovoltaic panel 5, a certain amount of waste liquid will be generated. The waste liquid is affected and restricted by the water collection tank 107, flows to the bottom of the photovoltaic panel 5, and finally flows into the filtering device 4 through the drain pipe 6 for filtration, and the filtered water source is then transported to the storage tank 3 by the filtering device 4.

[0037] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention rather than to limit its protection scope. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, ordinary technicians in the field should understand that after reading the present invention, those skilled in the art can still make various changes, modifications or equivalent substitutions to the specific implementation methods of the invention, but these changes, modifications or equivalent substitutions are all within the protection scope of the pending claims of the invention.

Claims

1. A device for cleaning in-service photovoltaic panels, It is characterized in that include: A cleaning device (1) is installed on the photovoltaic panel (5) and moves along the length of the photovoltaic panel (5) to clean the photovoltaic panel; a steam generator (2), connected to the cleaning device (1) and used to transport water vapor to the cleaning device (1); A storage tank (3) connected to the steam generator (2); A filtering device (4) is connected to the cleaning device (1) and is used to filter waste liquid generated by the cleaning device (1).

2. The cleaning device according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The cleaning device (1) comprises a baffle (101), a water collecting tank (107) and a cleaning assembly, wherein the water collecting tank (107) is arranged on two opposite sides and ends of the photovoltaic panel (5), wherein rails (105) are installed on the water collecting tanks (107) located on both sides of the photovoltaic panel (5); The baffle (101) is provided with a driving unit on both opposite sides, and a moving wheel (102) is installed on the driving end of the driving unit, and the moving wheel (102) cooperates with the track (105); The cleaning component is mounted on the baffle (101), one end of the cleaning component is connected to the steam generator (2), and the other end faces the surface of the photovoltaic panel (5).

3. The cleaning device according to claim 2, It is characterized in that The cleaning component comprises a nozzle (106), wherein a plurality of nozzles (106) are provided, and the plurality of nozzles (106) are sequentially arranged at intervals on the baffle (101), and the plurality of nozzles (106) are all located inside the water collecting tank (107).

4. The cleaning device according to claim 2, It is characterized in that The baffle (101) is a structure with one end open and the other end blocked, and the two opposite sides of the open end are located above two of the water collecting tanks (107), and the track (105) is installed on the outside of the two water collecting tanks (107).

5. The cleaning device according to claim 3, It is characterized in that The cleaning device (1) further comprises a dust detector (103) and a receiver (104); the dust detector (103) and the receiver (104) are arranged at two opposite ends of the baffle (101) and are located inside the water collecting tank (107).

6. The cleaning device according to claim 1, It is characterized in that A drainage pipe (6) is installed at the bottom of the photovoltaic panel (5), and the drainage pipe (6) is connected to the filtering device (4).

7. The cleaning device according to claim 1, It is characterized in that A hose (201) is installed on the steam generator (2), and the steam generator (2) and the cleaning device (1) are connected via the hose (201).

8. The cleaning device according to claim 1, 2 or 7, It is characterized in that A pump body is installed on the steam generator (2).

9. The cleaning device according to claim 5, It is characterized in that The dust detection element (103) is an infrared sensor.

10. A method for using an in-service photovoltaic panel cleaning device, It is characterized in that The method is carried out using the cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising: Installing a cleaning device on the photovoltaic panel and moving the cleaning device along the length of the photovoltaic panel; Using a steam generator to deliver water vapor to a cleaning device, so that a nozzle on the cleaning device sprays water vapor toward the surface of the photovoltaic panel; The residual waste liquid on the photovoltaic panel is collected and filtered through the filtering device, and the filtered waste liquid is transported to the storage tank.

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