Automatic cleaning system for solar panel

Abstract

The utility model provides an automatic cleaning system for a solar panel, and relates to the technical field of solar panel cleaning. The system comprises slideways which are arranged on two opposite edges of the solar panel and are used for enabling the cleaning device to slide on the slideways; and the cleaning device comprises bristles, the bristles are tightly attached to the solar panel, and when the cleaning device automatically slides along the slide way, the bristles clean the solar panel. The system is used for improving the cleaning efficiency of the solar panel and reducing the cleaning cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of solar panel cleaning, and in particular to an automatic solar panel cleaning system. Background Art

[0002] With rising environmental awareness and the widespread use of renewable energy, solar panels are being installed in large numbers as a green energy source. However, prolonged exposure to the outdoors can easily lead to accumulation of dust and dirt on solar panels, impacting their photoelectric conversion efficiency. Currently, solar panel cleaning is mostly done manually, but manual cleaning is difficult to guarantee quality, inefficient, and costly. Utility Model Content

[0003] A technical problem to be solved by the present disclosure is: how to improve the cleaning efficiency of solar panels and reduce the cleaning cost.

[0004] To solve the above technical problems, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides an automatic cleaning system for solar panels, the system comprising: a slide, arranged at two opposite edges of the solar panel, for allowing a cleaning device to slide on the slide; and a cleaning device, comprising bristles, which are tightly attached to the solar panel. When the cleaning device automatically slides along the slide, the bristles clean the solar panel.

[0005] In some embodiments, the cleaning device also includes: a motor, which drives the bristles to rotate when the motor rotates, so that the cleaning device slides based on the friction generated by the bristles rotating on the solar panel; a controller for controlling the start, stop and rotation direction of the motor; and a power source for providing power to the cleaning device.

[0006] In some embodiments, the power source is a battery.

[0007] In some embodiments, the cleaning device further includes: a bearing driven by a motor and connected to the bristles for driving the bristles to rotate; and a chain connected between adjacent bearings for causing each bearing to rotate simultaneously, thereby driving each bristle to rotate.

[0008] In some embodiments, the system further includes a bracket for supporting the solar panel and mounting the slide.

[0009] In some embodiments, the system further includes a distance sensor installed on both sides of the bracket for detecting the distance between the cleaning device and both sides of the bracket.

[0010] In some embodiments, when the cleaning device slides on the slide, when the distance between the cleaning device and any side of the bracket is less than a first distance threshold, the cleaning device stops sliding or slides in the reverse direction.

[0011] In some embodiments, the system further includes a timer for setting a start-up interval so that the cleaning device cleans the solar panel once every start-up interval.

[0012] In some embodiments, the system further includes an infrared sensor for sensing the thickness of dust accumulation on the solar panel.

[0013] In some embodiments, the controller is also used to: start the cleaning device when the dust thickness on the solar panel is higher than a second dust accumulation threshold; and stop the cleaning device when the dust thickness on the solar panel is lower than a first dust accumulation threshold, wherein the first dust accumulation threshold is lower than the second dust accumulation threshold.

[0014] Through the above technical solution, the bristles on the cleaning device of the automatic solar panel cleaning system provided by the present disclosure can clean the solar panel. When the cleaning device slides on the slide, it can clean the entire solar panel. Automated cleaning reduces manual intervention, reducing the manpower and time costs required for manual cleaning, improving cleaning efficiency, and avoiding damage to the solar panel that may be caused by manual cleaning. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present disclosure or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present disclosure. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative work.

[0016] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of an automatic cleaning system for solar panels disclosed in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a cleaning device disclosed in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the bottom structure of the cleaning device disclosed in the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Description of reference numerals:

[0020] 1. Solar panel; 2. Bracket; 3. Slide; 4. Cleaning device; 5. Distance sensor; 6. Infrared sensor; 4.1. Motor; 4.2. Power source; 4.3. Controller; 4.4. Slide hole; 4.5. Chain; 4.6. Brush; 4.7. Bearing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The following embodiments of the present disclosure are further described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The detailed description of the following examples and the accompanying drawings are intended to illustrate the principles of the present disclosure, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but rather includes all technical solutions within the scope of the claims.

[0022] The present disclosure provides these embodiments in order to make this disclosure thorough and complete, and to fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. It should be noted that: unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement of parts and steps, the composition of materials, numerical expressions and numerical values ​​set forth in these embodiments should be interpreted as merely exemplary, and not as limiting.

[0023] It should be noted that, in the description of this disclosure, unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means greater than or equal to two; terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "inner," and "outer" indicating directions or positional relationships are intended solely to facilitate and simplify the description of this disclosure, and do not indicate or imply that the devices or elements referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed, or operate in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this disclosure. When the absolute position of the object being described changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0024] In addition, the terms "first," "second," and similar terms used in this disclosure do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different parts. "Perpendicular" does not mean perpendicular in the strict sense, but rather means within the tolerance range. "Parallel" does not mean parallel in the strict sense, but rather means within the tolerance range. "Include" or "comprising" and similar terms mean that the elements preceding the term include the elements listed after the term, and do not exclude the possibility of also including other elements.

[0025] It should also be noted that, in the description of this disclosure, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "installed," "connected," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediary. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this disclosure depending on the specific circumstances. When a specific device is described as being located between a first device and a second device, there may or may not be an intervening device between the specific device and the first or second device.

[0026] All terms used in this disclosure have the same meaning as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs, unless otherwise specifically defined. It should also be understood that terms defined in, for example, common dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or highly formal sense, unless explicitly defined as such herein.

[0027] Technologies, methods, and equipment known to ordinary technicians in the relevant art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, the technologies, methods, and equipment should be considered part of the specification.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a solar panel automatic cleaning system disclosed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the bottom structure of the cleaning device 4 disclosed in the embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the system includes: a slide 3, which is arranged at two opposite edges of the solar panel 1, for allowing the cleaning device 4 to slide on the slide 3; and the cleaning device 4, which includes bristles 4.6, and the bristles 4.6 are close to the solar panel 1. When the cleaning device 4 automatically slides along the slide 3, the bristles 4.6 clean the solar panel 1.

[0029] The automated solar panel cleaning system proposed in this disclosure employs slideways 3 disposed on two opposing edges of a solar panel 1. As a cleaning device 4 automatically slides along the slideways 3, bristles 4 and 6 rub against the solar panel 1, thereby cleaning the solar panel 1. Automated cleaning reduces manual intervention, reducing the manpower and time required for manual cleaning, improving cleaning efficiency, and avoiding potential damage to the solar panel 1 during manual cleaning.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the cleaning device 4 disclosed in the embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 As shown, the cleaning device 4 also includes: a motor 4.1, which, when rotating, drives the bristles 4.6 to rotate, so that the cleaning device 4 slides based on the friction force generated by the rotation of the bristles 4.6 on the solar panel 1; a controller 4.3, which is used to control the start, stop and rotation direction of the motor 4.1; and a power source 4.2, which is used to provide power to the cleaning device 4.

[0031] Please refer to Figure 2 The cleaning device 4 includes a frame that supports and mounts various components. When the motor 4.1, controller 4.3, and power source 4.2 are mounted on the frame, the positions of the components can be adaptively adjusted to ensure that all components can function properly. Slide holes 4.4 are provided at both ends of the frame, each passing through the two slides 3, allowing the cleaning device 4 to slide along the slides 3.

[0032] In some embodiments, power source 4.2 is a battery. It is understood that power source 4.2 provides power for cleaning device 4. For ease of installation, batteries can be used. In actual production, power source 4.2 can also adopt other structures, such as an external power supply, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0033] In some embodiments, the cleaning device 4 further includes: a bearing 4.7, driven by the motor 4.1 and connected to the bristles 4.6, for driving the bristles 4.6 to rotate; and a chain 4.5, connected between adjacent bearings 4.7, for causing each bearing 4.7 to rotate simultaneously, and bristles 4.6 are provided under each bearing 4.7, thereby driving each bristle 4.6 to rotate.

[0034] Please refer to Figure 2 The motor 4.1 drives one of the bearings 4.7 to rotate, which in turn drives the bristles 4.6 below it to rotate. When the bearing 4.7 rotates, it simultaneously drives the adjacent bearings 4.7 to rotate via the chain 4.5, and the adjacent bearings 4.7 also drive the corresponding bristles 4.6 to rotate, so that the bristles 4.6 of each cleaning device 4 rotate simultaneously.

[0035] It is understandable that when the bristles 4.6 rotate, they not only clean the solar panel 1, but also make the cleaning device 4 slide forward through friction with the surface of the solar panel 1. When the rotation direction of the bristles 4.6 changes, it also drives the cleaning device 4 to slide in different directions.

[0036] In some embodiments, the system further includes a bracket 2 for supporting the solar panel 1 and installing a slide 3 .

[0037] When installing the system proposed in the present disclosure, first fix the bracket 2 in the appropriate position, then install the solar panels 1 side by side on the bracket 2, and then install the slides 3 on both sides of the bracket 2. This installation method ensures the flatness and stability of the slides 3, and at the same time prevents the slides 3 from blocking the solar panels 1 and reducing the photoelectric conversion efficiency of the solar panels 1.

[0038] In some embodiments, the system further includes a distance sensor 5 , which is installed on both sides of the bracket 2 to detect the distance between the cleaning device 4 and both sides of the bracket 2 .

[0039] After distance sensors 5 are installed on both sides of bracket 2, when cleaning device 4 slides on slideway 3, the distance between cleaning device 4 and both sides of bracket 2 can be detected in real time, and the detection results are sent to controller 4.3. Controller 4.3 can determine the sliding direction of cleaning device 4 based on the detection results of distance sensors 5. Specifically, when cleaning device 4 slides on slideway 3, if the distance between cleaning device 4 and either side of bracket 2 is less than a first distance threshold, cleaning device 4 stops sliding or slides in the opposite direction.

[0040] The setting value of the first distance threshold can be determined based on the installation location of each structure. For example, when the cleaning device 4 slides to the extreme edge of the solar panel 1, the distance between the cleaning device 4 and the bracket 2 on that side is set to the first distance threshold. Generally, the two sides of the system are symmetrical, so the first distance threshold can be used as the judgment standard for both sides. For an asymmetric installation structure, one side can be set as the first distance threshold and the other side as the second distance threshold. When the distance between the cleaning device 4 and the bracket 2 is less than the corresponding distance threshold, the reverse sliding is initiated.

[0041] In some embodiments, the system further includes a timer for setting a start interval so that the cleaning device 4 cleans the solar panel 1 once every start interval.

[0042] To improve system automation and reduce manual intervention, the system proposed in this disclosure also incorporates a timer. Depending on the environment in which the solar panels are located, the timer can be set to a corresponding activation interval to periodically clean the solar panels. It should be noted that the timer can be part of controller 4.3 or installed elsewhere and connected to controller 4.3, and this disclosure is not limited to this.

[0043] In some embodiments, the system further includes an infrared sensor 6 for sensing the thickness of dust accumulated on the solar panel 1 .

[0044] Two infrared sensors 6 can be provided, one mounted on each side of the bracket 2. Once installed, the infrared sensors 6 can sense the thickness of dust accumulation on the solar panel 1 and transmit the resulting information to the controller 4.3. This configuration allows, on the one hand, the system's cleaning effectiveness or malfunction to be determined based on the infrared sensor 6's sensing results, allowing adjustments or repairs to be made. On the other hand, the thickness of the dust accumulation can be used to determine whether the solar panel 1 needs to be cleaned.

[0045] In some embodiments, the controller 4.3 is also used to: start the cleaning device 4 when the dust thickness on the solar panel 1 is higher than the second dust accumulation threshold; and stop the cleaning device 4 when the dust thickness on the solar panel 1 is lower than the first dust accumulation threshold, wherein the first dust accumulation threshold is lower than the second dust accumulation threshold.

[0046] This cleaning method can clean the solar panels in time. In some bad weather, the solar panels accumulate dust quickly. Cleaning the solar panels in time based on the thickness of the dust can help avoid a decrease in the photovoltaic conversion efficiency of the solar panels.

[0047] Thus far, various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail. To avoid obscuring the concept of the present disclosure, some details known in the art have not been described. Based on the above description, those skilled in the art can fully understand how to implement the technical solutions disclosed herein.

[0048] Although some specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail through examples, those skilled in the art will understand that the above examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the above embodiments may be modified or some technical features may be replaced with equivalents without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. In particular, as long as there are no structural conflicts, the various technical features mentioned in the various embodiments may be combined in any manner.

Claims

1. A solar panel automatic cleaning system, characterized in that: The system comprises: a slideway (3) provided at two opposite edges of the solar panel (1) for allowing the cleaning device (4) to slide on the slideway (3); and The cleaning device (4) comprises bristles (4.6), wherein the bristles (4.6) are in close contact with the solar panel (1), and when the cleaning device (4) automatically slides along the slideway (3), the bristles (4.6) clean the solar panel (1).

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The cleaning device (4) further comprises: A motor (4.1), wherein when the motor (4.1) rotates, the bristles (4.6) are driven to rotate, so that the cleaning device (4) slides based on the friction force generated by the rotation of the bristles (4.6) on the solar panel (1); a controller (4.3) for controlling the start, stop and rotation direction of the motor (4.1); and A power source (4.2) is used to provide power to the cleaning device (4).

3. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that The power source (4.2) is a battery.

4. The system according to claim 2, wherein: The cleaning device (4) further comprises: A bearing (4.7), driven by the motor (4.1), connected to the bristles (4.6), and used to drive the bristles (4.6) to rotate; and The chain (4.5) is connected between adjacent bearings (4.7) and is used to make each bearing (4.7) rotate simultaneously, thereby driving each bristle (4.6) to rotate.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The system further comprises a bracket (2) for supporting the solar panel (1) and installing the slideway (3).

6. The system according to claim 5, characterized in that The system further comprises a distance sensor (5), which is mounted on both sides of the bracket (2) and is used to detect the distance between the cleaning device (4) and both sides of the bracket (2).

7. The system according to claim 6, characterized in that When the cleaning device (4) slides on the slideway (3), when the distance between the cleaning device (4) and any side of the bracket (2) is less than a first distance threshold, the cleaning device (4) stops sliding or slides in the reverse direction.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The system further comprises a timer for setting a start-up interval so that the cleaning device (4) cleans the solar panel (1) once every one of the start-up intervals.

9. The system according to claim 2, wherein: The system further comprises an infrared sensor (6) for sensing the thickness of dust accumulated on the solar panel (1).

10. The system according to claim 9, characterized in that The controller (4.3) is further configured to: When the dust accumulation thickness on the solar panel (1) is higher than a second dust accumulation threshold, the cleaning device (4) is activated; and When the dust accumulation thickness on the solar panel (1) is lower than a first dust accumulation threshold, the cleaning device (4) is stopped, Wherein, the first dust accumulation threshold is smaller than the second dust accumulation threshold.

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