Dual-mode unmanned aerial vehicle solar panel cleaning system

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of solar panels, in particular to a heaven-earth dual-mode unmanned aerial vehicle solar panel cleaning system. The system comprises an unmanned aerial vehicle, at least four landing legs, a spraying system, a cleaning system and a spray head. The spraying system is arranged on the unmanned aerial vehicle. The cleaning system comprises an electric sliding table, a linear guide rail and a sliding block unit sliding along the linear guide rail. The linear guide rail is arranged below the unmanned aerial vehicle. The sliding block unit is connected with a water scraping plate below. The water scraping plate is connected with the sliding block unit through an elastic extension mechanism. The movable track of the water scraping plate and the linear guide rail pass through the middle of the four landing legs. Electric vacuum adsorption plates are arranged below the landing legs and adsorbed to the solar panels. The cleaning effect on the solar panels is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of solar panel technology, and in particular to a solar panel cleaning system. Background Technology

[0002] Photovoltaic power generation is a technology that directly converts light energy into electrical energy using the photovoltaic effect at the semiconductor interface. Since solar panels are exposed to the elements for extended periods, dust easily accumulates on their surfaces. This dust not only reduces the amount of light radiation received by the photovoltaic modules, affecting system efficiency and power generation, but also causes hot spot effects, resulting in further power loss and impacting the lifespan of the photovoltaic modules. Therefore, it is necessary to clean the surface of the solar panels.

[0003] Using drones for cleaning can conveniently spray water to clean solar panels, but drones generally operate in the air, and the cleaning relies on the impact force of fluid, which is not very effective against sticky and stubborn dirt (such as bird droppings and sludge). Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this section is to outline some aspects of the embodiments of this utility model and to briefly introduce some preferred embodiments. Some simplifications or omissions may be made in this section, as well as in the abstract and title of this application, to avoid obscuring the purpose of this section, the abstract and the title of this utility model. Such simplifications or omissions shall not be used to limit the scope of this utility model.

[0005] In view of the problems existing in the prior art, the present invention is proposed.

[0006] A dual-mode (ground and air) drone solar panel cleaning system includes a drone equipped with at least four landing feet and a spray system including nozzles.

[0007] It also includes a cleaning system;

[0008] The cleaning system includes an electric slide table, which includes a linear guide rail and a slider unit that slides along the linear guide rail. The linear guide rail is located below the drone.

[0009] A wiper blade is connected below the slider unit, and the wiper blade and the slider unit are connected by an elastic telescopic mechanism.

[0010] The wiper blade's movement trajectory and the linear guide rail pass through the middle of the four landing feet;

[0011] The landing support feet are equipped with electric vacuum suction cups that can be attached to the solar panels.

[0012] The above design allows the drone to land on the solar panels after spraying the cleaning solution. Using a squeegee driven by an electric slide, it can scrape away some sticky, stubborn dirt (such as bird droppings and mud), effectively cleaning and sweeping the solar panels. A vacuum suction cup ensures the drone is firmly fixed and positioned on the solar panels, guaranteeing a stable cleaning process.

[0013] Preferably, two wipers are provided, one on each side of the slider unit along the linear guide rail. The wipers on both sides of the slider unit should ensure that the cleaning area covers the polycarbonate sheet within the stroke of the slider unit, avoiding blind spots.

[0014] Preferably, the stroke of the linear guide rail is at least three times the distance between the two squeegees; the suction force of each electric vacuum suction cup is at least three times the elastic force of the elastic telescopic mechanism. Sufficient sliding table movement margin is provided to ensure that the edge area of ​​the solar panel is still covered even at both ends. The clamping force provided by the electric vacuum suction cup must be significantly higher than the force generated by the rebound of the squeegees to ensure the stability of the contact between the squeegees and the solar panel during cleaning.

[0015] Preferably, the landing support includes a horizontally arranged link connecting the drone fuselage and the electric vacuum suction cup; the link is an electrically telescopic rod. The telescopic end of the electric telescopic rod faces the outer periphery of the drone. By using an electrically telescopic rod, the drone can clean various areas of the solar panel without needing to take off again to adjust its position, thus saving energy.

[0016] Preferably, the landing support also includes a servo motor, which is fixedly mounted on the bottom of the drone fuselage, and the drive shaft of the servo motor is fixedly connected to the electric telescopic mast. The electric telescopic mast can be adjusted in reverse independently, making the drone's position on the solar panel more flexible.

[0017] Preferably, at least three nozzles are arranged on the side of the drone. This ensures more even spraying and a larger coverage area, preventing repeated spraying or insufficient coverage.

[0018] Preferably, the wiper blade is made of polyethylene. Polyethylene generally has good abrasion resistance, making it suitable for wiping needs that come into contact with the surface of glass / coated solar panels; an appropriate hardness level needs to be selected to balance cleaning effectiveness and surface friendliness.

[0019] Preferably, the nozzle is positioned higher than the wiper blade, and the water spray direction of the nozzle is directed downwards towards the motorized slide. This facilitates coordinated water spraying during wiper operation, improving the cleaning effect on stubborn, sticky dirt on the solar panel surface. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort. Wherein:

[0021] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the drone structure for the dual-mode (ground and air) drone solar panel cleaning system provided by this utility model;

[0022] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the drone's bottom structure for the dual-mode drone solar panel cleaning system provided by this utility model.

[0023] In the diagram, 1 is the drone; 2 is the landing support; 21 is the electric vacuum suction cup; 22 is the electric telescopic rod; 23 is the servo motor; 3 is the nozzle; 4 is the electric slide table; 41 is the linear guide rail; 42 is the slider unit; and 5 is the wiper blade. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features and advantages of this utility model more readily understood, the specific embodiments of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention may also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein. Those skilled in the art can make similar extensions without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0026] Secondly, this utility model is described in detail with reference to the schematic diagrams. When describing the embodiments of this utility model, for ease of explanation, the cross-sectional views illustrating the device structure may be partially enlarged, not according to the usual scale. Furthermore, the schematic diagrams are merely examples and should not limit the scope of protection of this utility model. In addition, actual manufacturing should include the three-dimensional spatial dimensions of length, width, and depth.

[0027] Furthermore, the term "an embodiment" or "embodiment" as used herein refers to a specific feature, structure, or characteristic that may be included in at least one implementation of the present invention. The phrase "in an embodiment" appearing in different places in this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a single embodiment or an embodiment selectively excluded from other embodiments.

[0028] Example 1

[0029] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2This embodiment provides a dual-mode UAV solar panel cleaning system, including a UAV 1, which is equipped with at least four landing feet 2 and a spray system, which includes nozzles 3.

[0030] It also includes a cleaning system;

[0031] The cleaning system includes an electric slide table 4, which includes a linear guide rail 41 and a slider unit 42 that slides along the linear guide rail 41. The linear guide rail 41 is located below the drone 1.

[0032] A wiper blade 5 is connected below the slider unit 42, and the wiper blade 5 and the slider unit 42 are connected by an elastic telescopic mechanism.

[0033] The movement trajectory of the wiper blade 5 and the linear guide rail 41 pass through the middle of the four landing feet 2;

[0034] An electric vacuum suction cup 21 is installed under the landing support leg 2 to attach to the solar panel.

[0035] In the above design, after spraying the cleaning solution, the drone 1 can land on the solar panel. Using a squeegee 5 driven by an electric slide 4, it can scrape away some sticky and stubborn dirt (such as bird droppings and mud), cleaning and sweeping the solar panel and improving the cleaning effect. A vacuum suction cup ensures the drone 1 is fixed and positioned on the solar panel, guaranteeing a stable cleaning process.

[0036] Two wiper blades 5 are provided, and the two wiper blades 5 are respectively set on both sides of the slider unit 42 along the linear guide rail 41. The wiper blades 5 on both sides of the slider unit 42 should ensure that the cleaning area covers the polycarbonate sheet within the stroke of the slider unit 42, avoid cleaning blind spots, and improve the cleaning efficiency of the cleaning system.

[0037] The stroke of the linear guide 41 is at least three times the distance between the two wiper blades 5; the suction force of each electric vacuum suction cup 21 is at least three times the elastic force of the elastic telescopic mechanism. Sufficient sliding table movement margin is provided to ensure that the edge area of ​​the solar panel is still covered even at both ends. The clamping force provided by the electric vacuum suction cup 21 must be significantly higher than the force generated by the rebound of the wiper blades 5 to ensure the stability of the contact between the wiper blades 5 and the solar panel during cleaning.

[0038] In use, the drone 1 first sprays liquid to clean the surface of the solar panel through the spray system. After the spraying is finished, the drone 1 lands on the solar panel and activates the four electric vacuum suction cups 21. The drone 1 is fixed on the surface of the solar panel, and the electric slide table 4 is turned on. The slider unit 42 drives the squeegee 5 to slide along the linear guide rail 41 to clean and sweep the solar panel. It can remove some sticky and stubborn dirt (such as bird droppings and mud). The squeegee 5 on both sides of the slider unit 42 should ensure that the cleaning area covers the solar panel within the stroke of the slider unit 42 to avoid cleaning blind spots and improve the cleaning efficiency of the cleaning system.

[0039] Example 2

[0040] Reference Figure 2 This is the second embodiment of the present invention, which is based on the previous embodiment.

[0041] The landing support 2 includes a horizontally arranged connecting rod that connects the drone 1 fuselage to the electric vacuum suction cup 21; the connecting rod is an electric telescopic rod 22. The telescopic end of the electric telescopic rod 22 faces the outer periphery of the drone 1. By setting the electric telescopic rod 22, the drone 1 can clean various areas of the solar panel without having to take off again to adjust its position, thus saving some energy.

[0042] The landing support 2 also includes a servo motor 23, which is fixedly mounted on the bottom of the drone 1. The drive shaft of the servo motor 23 is fixedly connected to the electric telescopic rod 22. The electric telescopic rod 22 can be adjusted in reverse independently, making the position of the drone 1 on the solar panel more flexible.

[0043] The nozzles 3 are arranged in at least three rows on the side of the drone 1. This ensures more even spraying and a larger coverage area, preventing repeated spraying or insufficient coverage.

[0044] The wiper blade 5 is made of polyethylene. Polyethylene material generally has good wear resistance, which is suitable for wiping needs that come into contact with the surface of glass / coated solar panels; an appropriate hardness level needs to be selected to balance cleaning effect and friendliness to the panel surface.

[0045] The nozzle 3 is positioned higher than the wiper blade 5, and the water spray direction of the nozzle 3 is downward towards the electric slide table 4. This facilitates coordinated water spraying during the operation of the wiper blade 5, improving the cleaning effect on stubborn, sticky dirt on the solar panel surface.

[0046] In use, after the drone 1 lands on the solar panel, four electric vacuum suction cups 21 secure it. If the drone 1 needs to adjust its position on the solar panel, one of the electric vacuum suction cups 21 can be deactivated. The corresponding electric telescopic rod 22 of the deactivated suction cup 21 will then rotate or extend via the servo motor 23. The suction cup 21 can then be reactivated to engage, and the other three suction cups 21 can be deactivated. The electric telescopic rod 22 corresponding to the repositioned suction cup 21 can then extend or rotate via the servo motor 23 to move the drone 1. Then, cleaning can begin. During cleaning, the nozzles 3 can spray water to enhance the cleaning effect on stubborn dirt on the solar panel surface. The drone 1 can clean various areas of the solar panel without needing to retake off and reposition, saving energy.

[0047] It is important to note that the constructions and arrangements of this application shown in several different exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative. Although only a few embodiments are described in detail in this disclosure, those who consult this disclosure will readily understand that many modifications are possible without substantially departing from the novelty and advantages of the subject matter described in this application. For example, variations in the size, dimensions, structure, shape, and proportions of various elements, as well as parameter values ​​such as temperature, pressure, etc., installation arrangements, use of materials, color, orientation, etc. For instance, an element shown as integrally formed may be composed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be inverted or otherwise altered, and the nature or number or position of discrete elements may be changed or altered. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this utility model. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be changed or rearranged according to alternative embodiments. In the claims, any "device plus function" clause is intended to cover the structure performing the function described herein, and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Other substitutions, modifications, alterations, and omissions may be made in the design, operation, and arrangement of the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of this utility model. Therefore, this invention is not limited to the specific embodiments, but extends to various modifications that still fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0048] Furthermore, in order to provide a concise description of exemplary embodiments, not all features of actual embodiments may be described, i.e., those features that are not relevant to the best mode of carrying out the present invention as currently considered, or those features that are not relevant to implementing the present invention.

[0049] It should be understood that numerous specific implementation decisions can be made during the development of any practical implementation, such as in any engineering or design project. Such development efforts may be complex and time-consuming, but for those of ordinary skill in the art who benefit from this disclosure, the development effort will be a routine task in design, manufacturing, and production without requiring extensive experimentation.

[0050] It should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solution of this utility model and are not intended to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solution of this utility model without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solution of this utility model, and all such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A dual-mode (terrestrial and aerial) drone solar panel cleaning system, comprising a drone equipped with at least four landing feet, and a spraying system including nozzles, characterized in that: It also includes a cleaning system; The cleaning system includes an electric slide table, which includes a linear guide rail and a slider unit that slides along the linear guide rail. The linear guide rail is located below the drone. A wiper blade is connected below the slider unit, and the wiper blade and the slider unit are connected by an elastic telescopic mechanism. The wiper blade's movement trajectory and the linear guide rail pass through the middle of the four landing feet; The landing support feet are equipped with electric vacuum suction cups that can be attached to the solar panels.

2. The dual-mode UAV solar panel cleaning system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The system has two wiper blades, which are respectively positioned on both sides of the slider unit along the linear guide rail.

3. The dual-mode UAV solar panel cleaning system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The stroke of the linear guide is at least three times the distance between the two wiper blades; Each of the electric vacuum suction cups has a suction force that is at least three times greater than the elastic force of the elastic telescopic mechanism.

4. The dual-mode UAV solar panel cleaning system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The landing support includes a horizontally arranged link that connects the drone fuselage and the electric vacuum suction cup. The connecting rod is an electrically operated telescopic rod.

5. The dual-mode UAV solar panel cleaning system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The landing support also includes a servo motor, which is fixedly mounted on the bottom of the drone, and the drive shaft of the servo motor is fixedly connected to the electric telescopic rod.

6. The dual-mode UAV solar panel cleaning system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The nozzles are arranged in at least three rows on the side of the drone.

7. The dual-mode UAV solar panel cleaning system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The wiper blade is made of polyethylene.

8. The dual-mode UAV solar panel cleaning system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The nozzle is positioned higher than the wiper blade, and the nozzle sprays water in a direction that is downward towards the electric slide.

Images