A photovoltaic array cleaning device and photovoltaic system

Abstract

This utility model discloses a photovoltaic array cleaning device and photovoltaic system. It employs a simplified structure to achieve surface cleaning of photovoltaic modules. The photovoltaic array cleaning device synchronously cleans a row of photovoltaic modules arranged horizontally side-by-side. It includes a wiper assembly corresponding to each photovoltaic module, a pull rod positioned diagonally below the row of photovoltaic modules, and a drive assembly that drives the pull rod to move laterally back and forth. During this lateral reciprocating movement, the pull rod drives the corresponding multiple wiper assemblies to clean the surface of the photovoltaic modules. Cleaning the photovoltaic module surface with the wiper assemblies prevents contaminants from solidifying, preventing dust and other contaminants from solidifying on the photovoltaic modules after light rain and affecting power generation. Furthermore, on sunny days, the wiper assembly can be completely retracted diagonally below the photovoltaic modules, without affecting photovoltaic power generation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of photovoltaic technology. Background Technology

[0002] Photovoltaic (PV) modules are power generation devices that produce direct current (DC) electricity when exposed to sunlight. Over time, dust and other contaminants accumulate on their surface, affecting power generation efficiency. To ensure optimal power output, PV modules need to be cleaned to maintain surface cleanliness, maximizing sunlight absorption and thus increasing power generation.

[0003] Existing photovoltaic (PV) module cleaning methods either involve manual cleaning or use automated cleaning devices to periodically clean the PV modules. Taking one type of automated cleaning device as an example, it includes a spray assembly and a brush roller assembly. The spray assembly first sprays water onto the surface of the PV module through several nozzles to rinse it. The brush roller assembly contains brush rollers that rotate as they pass over the PV module surface, thus cleaning it. However, because the brush rollers need to both rotate and translate across the entire surface of the PV module, the drive structure of the brush rollers is relatively complex, resulting in high costs for large-area PV array applications. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the present invention aims to provide a photovoltaic array cleaning device and photovoltaic system that achieves surface cleaning of photovoltaic modules using a relatively simplified structure.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] First, a photovoltaic array cleaning device is provided, wherein the photovoltaic array includes a row of photovoltaic modules arranged side by side in a horizontal direction. The cleaning device performs synchronous cleaning on the row of photovoltaic modules. The cleaning device includes a wiper assembly corresponding to each photovoltaic module, a pull rod located diagonally below the row of photovoltaic modules, and a drive assembly that drives the pull rod to move laterally back and forth. During the lateral back and forth movement, the pull rod drives the corresponding multiple wiper assemblies to clean the surface of the photovoltaic modules.

[0007] Preferably, the wiper assembly includes a wiper and a first swing arm and a second swing arm arranged side by side. A connector is connected between the upper ends of the first swing arm and the second swing arm. The middle part of the wiper is connected to the connector. The first swing arm and the second swing arm are driven to swing synchronously by a pull rod, which in turn drives the wiper to swing.

[0008] Preferably, the first swing arm is fixed to the fourth pivot, the fourth pivot is fixed to the first end of the second connecting rod, the second end of the second connecting rod is hinged to the pull rod through the third pivot, and the second swing arm is connected to the fifth pivot.

[0009] Preferably, the drive assembly includes a wiper motor, a first connecting rod, and a first rotating shaft. The first end of the first connecting rod is fixed to the first rotating shaft, the first rotating shaft is driven by the wiper motor, and the second end of the first connecting rod is hinged to the pull rod via a second rotating shaft.

[0010] Preferably, a fixing member is provided diagonally below a row of photovoltaic modules, and the first rotating shaft, the fourth rotating shaft and the fifth rotating shaft are rotatably supported by the fixing member.

[0011] Preferably, the drive assembly is located at the midpoint of the length of the pull rod.

[0012] In addition, a photovoltaic system is also provided, including a photovoltaic bracket, a photovoltaic array mounted on the photovoltaic bracket, and the cleaning device.

[0013] Preferably, the photovoltaic support includes a front crossbeam and a rear crossbeam arranged side by side, a support base extending longitudinally and spaced laterally, and an adjustable component disposed between the support base and the front and rear crossbeams, the adjustable component being used to adjust the angle of the photovoltaic module.

[0014] Preferably, the adjustable component includes a sliding shaft that slides with the support base, a support rod, a first hinge located between the front crossbeam and the support base, a second hinge located between the rear crossbeam and the upper end of the support rod, and a third hinge located between the lower end of the support rod and the sliding shaft.

[0015] Preferably, the sliding shaft is a rack, and the adjustable component includes a gear meshing with the rack and an adjusting motor that drives the gear to rotate.

[0016] The present invention adopts the above technical solution and has the following beneficial effects:

[0017] 1. The cleaning device synchronously cleans a row of photovoltaic modules. The cleaning device includes a wiper assembly corresponding to each photovoltaic module, a pull rod located diagonally below the row of photovoltaic modules, and a drive assembly that drives the pull rod to move laterally back and forth. During the lateral back and forth movement of the pull rod, it drives the corresponding multiple wiper assemblies to clean the surface of the photovoltaic modules. Therefore, the cleaning device can be started after rain, or the spray assembly can first spray water on the surface of the photovoltaic modules and then start the cleaning device. The wiper assembly cleans the surface of the photovoltaic modules, which can prevent pollutants from solidifying and prevent dust and other pollutants from solidifying on the photovoltaic modules after light rain, thus affecting the power generation capacity.

[0018] In addition, the wiper assembly can be completely stored under the photovoltaic module at an angle on sunny days, without affecting photovoltaic power generation.

[0019] 2. The wiper motor drives the first rotating shaft to rotate, which in turn drives the second rotating shaft to rotate around the first shaft. The second rotating shaft pulls the tie rod to move laterally, which in turn pulls the third rotating shaft to move laterally. The third rotating shaft pulls the second connecting rod to rotate, causing the fourth and fifth rotating shafts to rotate synchronously. This causes the first and second pendulum arms to swing synchronously on the surface of the photovoltaic module, ultimately driving the wiper to swing and achieve the purpose of cleaning dust from the module surface. The wiper assembly is inexpensive, and the wiper can be made using elastic silicone integral molding technology. Its bristle structure can adaptively fit the surface of the photovoltaic module, so when the wiper sweeps across the surface of the photovoltaic module, it can remove dust and other pollutants.

[0020] 3. A fixing component is provided diagonally below a row of photovoltaic modules. The first, fourth, and fifth rotating shafts are rotatably supported by the fixing component, so that the wiper assembly can be stored as a whole in the corresponding fixing component position on sunny days.

[0021] 4. The drive assembly is located at the midpoint of the pull rod's length. This ensures that the number of wiper assemblies connected to both sides of the pull rod is the same, resulting in a more balanced force distribution on both sides of the pull rod.

[0022] 5. To achieve photovoltaic module angle adjustment, an adjustable component is provided between the support base and the front and rear crossbeams. This adjustable component includes a sliding shaft that slides with the support base, a support rod, a first hinge between the front crossbeam and the support base, a second hinge between the rear crossbeam and the upper end of the support rod, and a third hinge between the lower end of the support rod and the sliding shaft. The sliding shaft can be a rack, and the adjustable component includes a gear meshing with the rack and an adjusting motor that drives the gear to rotate. After the adjusting motor drives the gear to rotate, the gear drives the rack, causing the sliding shaft to slide along the support base, which in turn drives the support rod to rotate. This changes the support height of the support rod on the rear crossbeam, causing the photovoltaic module angle to change accordingly. Due to the precise design of the gear-rack transmission ratio, combined with encoder feedback and an intelligent control system, sub-angle level adjustment (e.g., 0.5° steps) is achieved, maximizing photovoltaic power generation efficiency. Furthermore, the gear-rack meshing transmission has high rigidity and strong resistance to wind loads and vibrations. In addition, the gear is small in size and has high torque, reducing the motor power requirement.

[0023] These features and advantages of the present invention will be disclosed in detail in the following specific embodiments and accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The utility model will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the photovoltaic system of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the cleaning device in this utility model;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the photovoltaic support structure in this utility model;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the photovoltaic support structure in this utility model;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the photovoltaic support structure in this utility model;

[0030] Reference numerals: Cleaning device 1, First rotating shaft 11, First connecting rod 111, Second rotating shaft 112, Pull rod 12, Third rotating shaft 121, Wiper 13, Connector 14, First swing arm 15, Fourth rotating shaft 151, Second swing arm 16, Fifth rotating shaft 161, Second connecting rod 17, Fixing member 18, Photovoltaic bracket 2, Front crossbeam 21, First hinge 211, Rear crossbeam 22, Second hinge 221, Fixing buckle 222, Support rod 23, Third hinge 231, Bracket base 24, Sliding shaft 25, Gear 26, Adjusting motor 27, Photovoltaic module 3. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be explained and described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the following embodiments are only preferred embodiments of the present utility model and not all of them. Other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments in the implementation methods without creative effort are all within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0032] Those skilled in the art will understand that, without conflict, the features in the following embodiments and implementations can be combined with each other.

[0033] The terminology used in this invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. For example, terms such as "upper," "lower," "front," and "rear," which indicate orientation or positional relationship, are based solely on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description. They do not indicate or imply that the device / component referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as limiting the invention.

[0034] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0035] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features.

[0036] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, this utility model provides a photovoltaic array cleaning device, wherein the photovoltaic array includes a row of photovoltaic modules 3 arranged side by side in the horizontal direction. Of course, multiple rows of photovoltaic modules can be arranged in the vertical direction, thus forming a rectangular array arrangement. The size of the photovoltaic array can be varied. Figure 1 The diagram illustrates a 2x3 rectangular array. The cleaning device 1 can simultaneously clean a row of photovoltaic modules, meaning one cleaning device 1 is set up for each row of photovoltaic modules. The cleaning device 1 includes a wiper assembly corresponding to each photovoltaic module, a pull rod 12 positioned diagonally below the row of photovoltaic modules, and a drive assembly that drives the pull rod to move laterally back and forth. During the lateral back and forth movement, the pull rod 12 drives multiple corresponding wiper assemblies to clean the surface of the photovoltaic modules. In other words, one wiper assembly is set up for each photovoltaic module, and one pull rod can simultaneously drive a row of wiper assemblies corresponding to a row of photovoltaic modules. Thus, one drive assembly, through one pull rod, can simultaneously drive multiple wiper assemblies to work synchronously. Therefore, the cleaning device 1 can be activated after rain, or the spray assembly can first spray water onto the surface of the photovoltaic modules, and then the cleaning device 1 can be activated to clean the surface of the photovoltaic modules with the wiper assemblies. This prevents contaminants from solidifying, preventing dust and other contaminants from solidifying on the photovoltaic modules after light rain, thus affecting power generation. Furthermore, the wiper assembly can be completely stored diagonally below the photovoltaic modules on sunny days, without affecting photovoltaic power generation.

[0037] In some embodiments, the wiper assembly includes a wiper 13 and a first swing arm 15 and a second swing arm 16 arranged side by side. A connector 14 is connected between the upper ends of the first swing arm 15 and the second swing arm 16. The middle part of the wiper is connected to the connector 14. The first swing arm 15 and the second swing arm 16 are driven to swing synchronously by a pull rod 12, which in turn drives the wiper 13 to swing.

[0038] The first swing arm 15 is fixed to the fourth rotating shaft 151, the fourth rotating shaft 151 is fixed to the first end of the second connecting rod 17, the second end of the second connecting rod is hinged to the pull rod via the third rotating shaft 121, and the second swing arm 16 is connected to the fifth rotating shaft 161. The drive assembly includes a wiper motor, a first connecting rod 111, and a first rotating shaft 11. The first end of the first connecting rod 111 is fixed to the first rotating shaft, the first rotating shaft 11 is driven by the wiper motor, and the second end of the first connecting rod 111 is hinged to the pull rod 12 via the second rotating shaft 112.

[0039] In areas with abundant rainfall, conventional sprinkler systems can be omitted, and instead, a wiper assembly can clean the surface of the photovoltaic modules using rainwater. On rainy days, the photovoltaic modules can be adjusted to a smaller angle to allow rainwater to wash their surface. At this time, the wiper motor drives the first rotating shaft 11 to rotate, which in turn drives the second rotating shaft 112 to rotate around the first shaft 11. The second rotating shaft 112 pulls the pull rod 12 laterally, thereby pulling the third rotating shaft 121 laterally. The third rotating shaft 121 pulls the second connecting rod 17 to rotate, causing the fourth rotating shaft 151 and the fifth rotating shaft 161 to rotate synchronously. This causes the first swing arm 15 and the second swing arm 16 to swing synchronously on the surface of the photovoltaic modules, ultimately causing the wiper 12 to swing and clean the dust from the module surface. The wiper assembly in this embodiment is inexpensive. The wiper can be made using a one-piece molding technology with elastic silicone, and its bristle structure can adaptively fit the surface of the photovoltaic modules. Therefore, when the wiper sweeps across the photovoltaic module surface, it can remove dust and other contaminants.

[0040] Furthermore, a fixing member 18 is provided diagonally below a row of photovoltaic modules, and the first rotating shaft 11, the fourth rotating shaft 151, and the fifth rotating shaft 161 are rotatably supported by the fixing member 18. Therefore, the wiper assembly can be completely stored in the corresponding fixing member position on sunny days.

[0041] In some embodiments, the drive assembly is located at the midpoint of the pull rod's length; that is, the hinge point where the second end of the first connecting rod 111 is hinged to the pull rod 12 via the second pivot 112 is located at the midpoint of the pull rod's length. This ensures that the number of wiper assemblies connected to both sides of the pull rod is the same, resulting in a more balanced force distribution on both sides of the pull rod. In the figure, if a row of photovoltaic modules includes two photovoltaic modules, the drive assembly is located in the area between the two photovoltaic modules, with one wiper assembly connected to each side.

[0042] Furthermore, this utility model embodiment also provides a photovoltaic system, including a photovoltaic bracket 2, a photovoltaic array mounted on the photovoltaic bracket 2, and the aforementioned cleaning device 1. The photovoltaic bracket 2 includes a front crossbeam 21 and a rear crossbeam 22 arranged side-by-side, a bracket base 24 extending longitudinally and spaced laterally, and an adjustable component disposed between the bracket base and the front and rear crossbeams. The adjustable component is used to adjust the angle of the photovoltaic modules.

[0043] There are many ways to implement adjustable components in the prior art. In some embodiments, the adjustable component includes a sliding shaft 25 that slides with the support base 24, a support rod 23, a first hinge 211 located between the front crossbeam 21 and the support base 24, a second hinge 221 located between the rear crossbeam 22 and the upper end of the support rod, and a third hinge 231 located between the lower end of the support rod and the sliding shaft 25. In this way, the sliding shaft 25 can slide along the support base 24, thereby driving the support rod 23 to rotate. This changes the support height of the support rod 23 on the rear crossbeam 22, causing the angle of the photovoltaic module to change accordingly.

[0044] To ensure stable support of the support rod after angle adjustment, the second hinge 221 is provided with a fixing buckle 222. The fixing buckle is located between the two hinges of the second hinge and has a fastening point between it and the hinge. After angle adjustment, the fastening point of the fixing buckle changes accordingly, so that the two hinges of the second hinge maintain the corresponding angle.

[0045] The support base 24 can be made of C-steel and has a longitudinally extending groove, within which the sliding shaft 25 is located. The photovoltaic module is fixed to the front and rear crossbeams using snap-fit ​​fasteners, which are also made of C-steel. The specific structure of the snap-fit ​​fasteners can be found in existing technologies.

[0046] Preferably, the sliding shaft 25 is a rack, and the adjustable component includes a gear 26 meshing with the rack and an adjusting motor 27 driving the gear to rotate. The sliding shaft may have a toothed profile along a portion of its length to engage with the gear, while the portion outside the angle adjustment range does not need to have a toothed profile. Alternatively, the sliding shaft may be directly driven to slide by a linear actuator. The adjusting motor 27 and the linear actuator may be located on the front side of the support base.

[0047] Gear 26 is driven to rotate by regulating motor 27, which is regulated by an intelligent control system. The intelligent control system pre-sets control parameters and algorithms, i.e., the relationship between the adjustment conditions and the rotation angle of regulating motor 27, such as adjusting according to the local sunlight angle. The gear and rack transmission ratio is precisely designed according to the local photovoltaic conditions. Combined with encoder feedback, the intelligent control system controls the gear to rotate precisely, thereby adjusting the angle of the photovoltaic module. Sliding shaft 25 can slide along the support base 24. When the tilt angle needs to be increased, gear 26 rotates counterclockwise, pulling sliding shaft 25, and support rod 23 rotates synchronously. During the rotation of support rod 23, the fastening point of fixing buckle 222 is changed. As support rod 23 moves forward, the fastening point also becomes closer to the module. During the rotation, the first hinge 211 is driven to rotate synchronously, thereby increasing the tilt angle of the photovoltaic module. Similarly, when the tilt angle of the photovoltaic module needs to be decreased, gear 26 rotates clockwise, pushing sliding shaft 25, and support rod 23 rotates away from gear, thereby decreasing the photovoltaic tilt angle.

[0048] Thanks to the precise design of the gear-rack transmission ratio, combined with encoder feedback and an intelligent control system, sub-angle-level adjustment (such as 0.5° steps) is achieved, maximizing photovoltaic power generation efficiency. Furthermore, the gear-rack meshing transmission has high rigidity and strong resistance to wind loads and vibrations. In addition, the gears are small in size and have high torque, reducing the motor power requirements.

[0049] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the utility model, but the scope of protection of the utility model is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art should understand that the utility model includes, but is not limited to, the content described in the accompanying drawings and the specific embodiments above. Any modifications that do not depart from the functional and structural principles of the utility model will be included within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A photovoltaic array cleaning device, wherein the photovoltaic array comprises a row of photovoltaic modules arranged side by side in a transverse direction, the cleaning device synchronously cleaning the row of photovoltaic modules, characterized in that, The cleaning device includes a wiper assembly corresponding to each photovoltaic module, a pull rod located diagonally below a row of photovoltaic modules, and a drive assembly that drives the pull rod to move laterally back and forth. During the lateral back and forth movement, the pull rod drives the corresponding multiple wiper assemblies to clean the surface of the photovoltaic modules.

2. The photovoltaic array cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The wiper assembly includes a wiper and a first swing arm and a second swing arm arranged side by side. A connector is connected between the upper ends of the first swing arm and the second swing arm. The middle part of the wiper is connected to the connector. The first swing arm and the second swing arm are driven to swing synchronously by a pull rod, which in turn drives the wiper to swing.

3. The photovoltaic array cleaning device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first swing arm is fixed to the fourth pivot, the fourth pivot is fixed to the first end of the second connecting rod, the second end of the second connecting rod is hinged to the pull rod through the third pivot, and the second swing arm is connected to the fifth pivot.

4. A photovoltaic array cleaning device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The drive assembly includes a wiper motor, a first connecting rod, and a first rotating shaft. The first end of the first connecting rod is fixed to the first rotating shaft, the first rotating shaft is driven by the wiper motor, and the second end of the first connecting rod is hinged to the pull rod via a second rotating shaft.

5. A photovoltaic array cleaning device according to claim 4, characterized in that, A fixing member is provided diagonally below a row of photovoltaic modules, and the first, fourth, and fifth rotating shafts are rotatably supported by the fixing member.

6. A photovoltaic array cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive assembly is located at the midpoint of the length of the pull rod.

7. A photovoltaic system, characterized in that, It includes a photovoltaic bracket, a photovoltaic array mounted on the photovoltaic bracket, and a cleaning device as described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A photovoltaic system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The photovoltaic support includes a front crossbeam and a rear crossbeam arranged side by side, a support base extending longitudinally and spaced laterally, and an adjustable component disposed between the support base and the front and rear crossbeams. The adjustable component is used to adjust the angle of the photovoltaic module.

9. A photovoltaic system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The adjustable component includes a sliding shaft that slides with the support base, a support rod, a first hinge located between the front crossbeam and the support base, a second hinge located between the rear crossbeam and the upper end of the support rod, and a third hinge located between the lower end of the support rod and the sliding shaft.

10. A photovoltaic system according to claim 9, characterized in that, The sliding shaft is a rack, and the adjustable component includes a gear meshing with the rack and an adjusting motor that drives the gear to rotate.

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