Photovoltaic panel automatic cleaning device

CN224401470UActive Publication Date: 2026-06-23CHINA GEZHOUBA GRP EQUIP IND CO LTD

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
CHINA GEZHOUBA GRP EQUIP IND CO LTD
Filing Date
2025-06-13
Publication Date
2026-06-23

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Contaminants on the surface of existing photovoltaic panels reduce power generation efficiency. Manual cleaning is inefficient and mechanical cleaning can easily damage the components, requiring a large amount of manpower and incurring high maintenance costs.

Method used

Design an automatic photovoltaic panel cleaning device that uses a transport trolley to carry a cleaning mechanism and a water tank. The device automatically cleans the photovoltaic panel by means of a cleaning roller assembly and a brush, and combines this with a water spray pipe to clean the surface of the photovoltaic panel.

Benefits of technology

It improves cleaning efficiency, reduces damage to the photovoltaic panel surface, lowers maintenance costs, and enables automated cleaning operations.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model discloses a photovoltaic panel automatic cleaning device, including carrying trolley, set up on the cleaning mechanism of carrying trolley, install the water storage tank on carrying trolley, and water storage tank supplies water to cleaning mechanism, the cleaning mechanism includes with the same bottom frame of photovoltaic panel inclination angle, and is provided with walking mechanism at bottom frame both ends, and walking mechanism is connected to the frame of photovoltaic panel, be provided with slide rail in bottom frame, and be connected with cleaning roller axle subassembly in slide rail, and be provided with winch on carrying trolley, and winch is connected to cleaning roller axle subassembly through cable. The utility model discloses through can on the frame of photovoltaic panel walk by oneself, utilize the effective cleaning of the surface of photovoltaic panel to brush, improve the cleaning efficiency, reduce the harm to the surface of photovoltaic panel simultaneously.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of infrastructure construction technology, and specifically relates to an automatic cleaning device for photovoltaic panels. Background Technology

[0002] Photovoltaic power generation (solar power generation) is a technology that uses the photovoltaic effect of semiconductor materials to directly convert sunlight into electrical energy. When sunlight (photons) shines on a semiconductor (such as silicon), the photon energy is absorbed by electrons, causing electrons to jump and form "photogenerated carriers". Under the influence of the built-in electric field of the PN junction, electrons and holes separate, forming a voltage. When the circuit is connected, direct current is generated.

[0003] Dust, dirt, bird droppings, pollen, fallen leaves, snow, and other pollutants covering the surface of photovoltaic panels can block sunlight from reaching the cells, significantly reducing the power generation efficiency of the panels. Studies show that in severely polluted areas, power generation losses can reach 5%-25% or even higher. This problem is more severe in arid and windy areas, while it is relatively less severe in humid and rainy areas. Regular cleaning of the photovoltaic panel surface is necessary. Traditional manual cleaning using soft brushes and water is inefficient; however, general mechanical cleaning can easily scratch the anti-reflective coating, and excessive water pressure from mechanical cleaning guns can damage the module frame seals. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide an automatic photovoltaic panel cleaning device that can move autonomously along the frame of the photovoltaic panel and effectively clean the surface of the photovoltaic panel using a roller brush, thereby improving cleaning efficiency while reducing damage to the surface of the photovoltaic panel.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows:

[0006] An automatic photovoltaic panel cleaning device includes a transport trolley, a cleaning mechanism mounted on the transport trolley, and a water tank mounted on the transport trolley, which supplies water to the cleaning mechanism. The cleaning mechanism includes a base frame with the same tilt angle as the photovoltaic panel, and a traveling mechanism is provided at both ends of the base frame, which is connected to the edge of the photovoltaic panel. A slide rail is provided inside the base frame, and a cleaning roller assembly is connected inside the slide rail. A winch is provided on the transport trolley, and the winch is connected to the cleaning roller assembly via a cable.

[0007] Furthermore, the sweeping roller assembly includes multiple sliders respectively connected in the slide rail, a bracket connected between the multiple sliders, and multiple cable hooks directly provided on it.

[0008] Furthermore, the bracket is equipped with a drive motor, and the output end of the drive motor is connected to a cleaning shaft, and multiple cleaning brushes are provided on the cleaning shaft.

[0009] Furthermore, the bracket is also equipped with a water spray pipe, which is connected to the water storage tank via a delivery hose.

[0010] Furthermore, the water spray pipe is equipped with multiple nozzles, and the nozzles are directed toward the photovoltaic panel.

[0011] Furthermore, the walking mechanism includes multiple support arms mounted on the base frame, and each support arm is provided with a walking wheel at its end.

[0012] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of this utility model are: the utility model has a simple structure and is easy to implement. The trolley travels through the photovoltaic matrix and uses the weight of the cleaning roller assembly to slide down along the tilt direction of the photovoltaic panel. During the sliding process, the cleaning brush cleans the surface of the photovoltaic panel. The overall principle is simple, the required mechanical parts are few, and the later maintenance cost is reduced. Attached Figure Description

[0013] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this utility model and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the automatic photovoltaic panel cleaning device provided by this utility model. Figure 1 .

[0015] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the automatic photovoltaic panel cleaning device provided by this utility model. Figure 2 .

[0016] Figure label:

[0017] 1. Transport trolley; 2. Robotic arm; 3. Winch; 4. Cable; 5. Base frame; 6. Support arm; 7. Traveling wheels; 8. Sweeping roller assembly; 9. Sweeping shaft; 10. Sweeping brush. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0019] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0020] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that if terms such as "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer" appear to indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the utility model product is in use, they are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0021] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used only for distinguishing descriptions and should not be interpreted as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0022] Furthermore, the use of terms such as "horizontal," "vertical," and "suspended" does not imply that the component must be absolutely horizontal or suspended, but rather that it can be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal relative to "vertical," and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted.

[0023] In the description of this utility model, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0024] It should be noted that, where there is no conflict, the features in the embodiments of this utility model can be combined with each other.

[0025] like Figures 1-2 As shown, an automatic photovoltaic panel cleaning device includes a transport trolley 1, a cleaning mechanism mounted on the transport trolley 1, and a water tank mounted on the transport trolley 1, which supplies water to the cleaning mechanism. The cleaning mechanism includes a base frame 5 with the same tilt angle as the photovoltaic panel, and a traveling mechanism is provided at both ends of the base frame 5, which is connected to the frame of the photovoltaic panel. A slide rail is provided inside the base frame 5, and a cleaning roller assembly 8 is connected inside the slide rail. A winch 3 is provided on the transport trolley 1, and the winch 3 is connected to the cleaning roller assembly 8 via a cable 4.

[0026] Compared to existing technologies, which utilize solar energy for power generation, numerous centralized solar power plants have been constructed, occupying vast areas and typically located in deserts or wastelands. These centralized power plants can be directly connected to the high-voltage power grid. Due to strong winds and dust, the photovoltaic panels of these centralized power plants accumulate significant dust. Manual cleaning of such large areas is inefficient and requires a large workforce, increasing management costs. In this invention, a transport vehicle 1 capable of moving among the photovoltaic panels in a centralized power plant is used as the carrier. A water tank is installed on the transport vehicle 1, and pressurized water from the tank is pumped through a booster pump and delivered to a spray pipe to clean the surface of the photovoltaic panels. The transport vehicle 1 is also equipped with a base frame 5. The base frame 5 can be controlled in direction and height by using a multi-axis robotic arm 2. The multi-axis robotic arm 2 is a relatively common mechanical structure, which will not be described in detail here. The robotic arm 2 is used to lift the base frame 5 to the same tilt angle as the photovoltaic panel. Then, the weight of the winch 3 and the cleaning roller shaft assembly 8 is used to control the height position of the cleaning roller shaft assembly 8 in the base frame 5, thereby cleaning the surface of the photovoltaic panel. The overall operation principle is simple, easy to implement, and the cleaning efficiency can be significantly improved.

[0027] In this invention, the cleaning roller assembly includes multiple sliders connected to a slide rail, a bracket connected between the sliders, and multiple cable hooks 4 directly mounted on the roller. A winch 3 pulls the cable hooks 4 to control the cleaning roller assembly to slide back and forth against the base frame 5. During this sliding process, multiple cleaning brushes 10 clean the dust on the photovoltaic panel surface.

[0028] The bracket is equipped with a drive motor, and the output end of the drive motor is connected to a cleaning shaft 9. Multiple cleaning brushes 10 are mounted on the cleaning shaft 9. The bracket also has a water spray pipe, which is connected to a water tank via a delivery hose. The water spray pipe has multiple nozzles, which face the photovoltaic panel.

[0029] The walking mechanism includes multiple support arms 6 mounted on the base frame 5, and each support arm 6 is provided with a walking wheel 7 at its end.

[0030] In practical use, the water tank is filled with water and installed on the transport trolley 1. The transport trolley 1 moves between the photovoltaic panel supports, while the robotic arm 2 moves and fixes the base frame 5, raising it to a suitable height. Manual assistance can be used for fixation. Support arms 6 are installed at appropriate positions on the base frame 5, ensuring that the wheels 7 on both ends of the support arms 6 contact the edges of the photovoltaic panels for guidance. During this process, the trolley gradually moves forward and slows down, releasing the control of the winch 3, causing the cleaning roller assembly 8 to slide down. The drive motor of the cleaning roller assembly 8 then drives the cleaning brush 10 to continuously roll, cleaning the surface of the photovoltaic panels as the cleaning roller assembly 8 slides down. Then, the winch 3 pulls it back to the initial position, and the transport trolley 1 moves to the next area to repeat the operation, thus automating the cleaning of the photovoltaic panel surface.

[0031] The above-described embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. An automatic cleaning device for photovoltaic panels, characterized in that: The system includes a transport trolley (1), a cleaning mechanism mounted on the transport trolley (1), and a water tank mounted on the transport trolley (1), which supplies water to the cleaning mechanism. The cleaning mechanism includes a base frame (5) with the same tilt angle as the photovoltaic panel, and a walking mechanism is provided at both ends of the base frame (5), which is connected to the frame of the photovoltaic panel. A slide rail is provided inside the base frame (5), and a cleaning roller assembly (8) is connected inside the slide rail. A winch (3) is provided on the transport trolley (1), and the winch (3) is connected to the cleaning roller assembly (8) via a cable (4).

2. The automatic photovoltaic panel cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cleaning roller assembly includes multiple sliders connected to the slide rail, a bracket connected between the multiple sliders, and multiple cable (4) hooks directly on it.

3. The automatic photovoltaic panel cleaning device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The bracket is equipped with a drive motor, and the output end of the drive motor is connected to a cleaning shaft (9), and multiple cleaning brushes (10) are provided on the cleaning shaft (9).

4. The automatic photovoltaic panel cleaning device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The support frame is also equipped with a water spray pipe, which is connected to the water storage tank via a delivery hose.

5. The automatic photovoltaic panel cleaning device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The water spray pipe is equipped with multiple nozzles, and the nozzles are directed toward the photovoltaic panel.

6. The automatic photovoltaic panel cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The walking mechanism includes multiple support arms (6) mounted on the base frame (5), and each support arm (6) is provided with a walking wheel (7) at its end.