Solar installation including a cleaning system and cleaning process

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a solar installation (1) comprising an array of juxtaposed photovoltaic (PV) panels arranged along a slope, comprising several juxtaposed photovoltaic panels extending in a first direction (X1) along the slope, and several panels extending juxtaposed at the same height in a second direction (X2), and a cleaning system (2) comprising: - a brushing unit (20), movable on the photovoltaic panels of the inclined slope in the first direction (X1) and in the second direction (X2), comprising a frame (21), a rotating brush (22) - a drive device (23) configured for moving said brushing unit in the first direction (X1) along the slope, and in the second direction (X2), comprising at least one anchoring system (24) arranged at a high point of the inclined slope, and at least one cable (Ca). Figure of The abbreviation: Figure 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Solar installation comprising a cleaning system, and cleaning method

[0001] This disclosure relates to a solar installation comprising an array of juxtaposed photovoltaic panels arranged along a slope, comprising several juxtaposed photovoltaic panels extending in a first direction, along the slope, and several panels extending juxtaposed at the same height, in a second direction, and a cleaning system configured for cleaning the photovoltaic panels.

[0002] The present disclosure is further related to a cleaning process implementing an installation according to the present disclosure. technical field

[0003] The present disclosure falls within the field of cleaning systems, comprising a brush configured to ensure cleaning, by motorized brushing of photovoltaic panels, in particular on roofs, the photovoltaic panels extending along a slope inclined with respect to the horizontal.

[0004] The technical field is more specifically cleaning systems with motorized brush movement, allowing the implementation of a cleaning cycle without operator intervention on the panel surface, or even without operator intervention on site. Prior art

[0005] A prior art relates to a cleaning robot comprising a motorized, rotating brush on a chassis and means of movement typically having motorized tracks designed to roll on the surface of the panels. Such a robot is remotely controlled by an operator to ensure the robot's movement on the surface of the photovoltaic panels.

[0006] Such a remote-controlled cleaning system has the primary drawback of always requiring an operator to position the robot on the surface of the photovoltaic panel, which is usually remotely controlled, and then remove it from the surface after cleaning. Another drawback of this prior art is that it is limited to cleaning photovoltaic panels inclined at a moderate angle, typically around 25° to 30°. Beyond a certain angle, the friction between the tracks and the panel surface is insufficient, and the tracks slip on the panels.

[0007] A second prior art relates to removable cleaning equipment comprising a first chassis and a second chassis equipped with a brush A motorized, rotating mechanism mounted on the first frame, the first frame extending along the entire length of the panels in the direction of the slope, configured to move across the surface of the panels, guided against an upper edge and a lower edge of the panels. Such a prior art is, for example, known from document FR3135315.

[0008] Such a system according to this second state of the art is only suitable when the size of the surface to be cleaned along the direction of the slope is not too large, otherwise a first frame of a particularly large size, costly to manufacture, would be required.

[0009] Such a prior art is costly when the surface area of ​​panels to be cleaned is large. Another drawback of such a prior art is that such equipment must be removed after cleaning, otherwise it will obstruct the sunlight reaching the photovoltaic panels and affect their efficiency.

[0010] Yet a third state of the art is to equip a motorized platform with a long arm fitted with a motorized brush head, which is controlled by the operator on the platform.

[0011] In general, motorized cleaning systems according to the first and second, or third state of the art mentioned above always require the presence of an operator for the implementation of the cleanings, at least for their placement on the surface of the panels, then their removal, or even to guide the cleaning operators when the presence of the operator is required. Summary

[0012] This disclosure improves the situation.

[0013] A solar installation is proposed comprising an array of juxtaposed photovoltaic panels arranged along a slope, comprising several juxtaposed photovoltaic panels extending in a first direction, along the slope, and several panels extending juxtaposed at the same height, in a second direction, and a cleaning system comprising: - a brushing unit, mobile on the photovoltaic panels of the inclined slope along the first direction and along the second direction, comprising a chassis, a rotating brush, and a motor configured for the rotational drive of the brush, said brushing unit configured to scrub a surface of the photovoltaic panels, - a drive device configured for moving said brushing unit, in the first direction along the slope, and in the second direction, comprising at least one anchoring system arranged at a high point of the inclined slope, and at least one flexible link, such as a cable connecting the anchoring system to said brushing unit, and at least one motorized winch configured to the winding of said at least one flexible link, said drive device configured to ensure the movement of the brush unit down the slope during the unwinding of said at least one flexible link by said at least one winch, in particular under the action of gravity on said brush unit and / or under the action of a driving force of the brush, and configured to ensure the ascent of said brush unit during the winding of said at least one flexible link, in particular said at least one cable, by said at least one winch.

[0014] The features described in the following paragraphs may optionally be implemented independently of each other or in combination with each other:

[0015] According to one embodiment, said brushing unit includes rolling elements, such as casters, configured to roll on a surface of the photovoltaic panels while ensuring stability of said brushing unit on the surface of the photovoltaic panels.

[0016] According to one embodiment, said brushing unit is configured to roll on the surface of the panels, during cleaning, the cleaning system being without a guide rail between said brushing unit and the photovoltaic panels, in particular said brushing unit being free to change direction on the surface of the photovoltaic panels, configured to rotate under an action of said at least one flexible link, in particular along an axis of rotation passing through the brushing unit and orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the anchoring system comprises a guide rail anchored at said high point of the inclined slope, and a motorized trolley configured to move on the guide rail while being guided by the guide rail in the second direction, and wherein said at least one flexible link connects said trolley and said brushing unit, said at least one winch mounted on the trolley, or said winch mounted on said brushing unit.

[0018] According to one embodiment, said at least one flexible link is a single cable which connects the carriage to said brushing unit, in particular via a lifting beam system.

[0019] According to one embodiment, said at least one flexible link comprises a first cable and a second cable, parallel to each other, connecting respectively the carriage and the chassis of said brushing unit, at two distant points on the chassis of said brushing unit.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the trolley includes a coupling and lifting mechanism configured for: - to removably couple said brushing unit to the trolley when said unit is positioned in a high position on the inclined slope by at least one flexible link, - lift said coupled brushing unit into a high position in order to detach said brushing unit from the surface of the photovoltaic panels.

[0021] According to a second aspect, the present disclosure relates to a cleaning process implemented by a solar installation according to the present disclosure, having a cleaning cycle comprising: / A / set the brush of said brushing unit to motorized rotation in order to scrub the surface of the photovoltaic panels and simultaneously, / B / move said brushing unit over the surface of the photovoltaic panels, at least in the first direction up or down, at least by winding or unwinding said at least one flexible link by said at least one winch.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the method, moving said brushing unit is provided in / B / and includes a movement comprising a component along the first direction and a component along the second direction, the movement obtained by winding or unwinding said at least one flexible link by said at least one winch and by a movement of the carriage along said at least one guide rail.

[0023] Where appropriate / B / is implemented by alternating the descent and ascent of said brushing unit, while the trolley is moved in a direction following the direction of the guide rail, and in order to clean all or part of the surface of said photovoltaic panel assembly.

[0024] According to one variant, the method may provide, in / B / , that said brushing unit is moved, in the first direction downwards and then upwards, by unwinding and then winding said at least one flexible link, by actuating said at least one winch, while the carriage is in a fixed position on the guide rail and in / B / is followed by: - / C / couple the brushing unit to the coupling and lifting mechanism, and lift the brushing unit in order to detach said brushing unit from the surface of the photovoltaic panels, - / D / move the trolley and said brushing unit coupled to the trolley, said brushing unit detached from the surface of the photovoltaic panels, along the second direction.

[0025] According to one embodiment, steps / B / , / C / , / D / are repeated, by moving the trolley in a direction of the rail in order to clean all or part of the surface of said photovoltaic panel assembly.

[0026] According to another embodiment of said installation, the anchoring system may include a first anchor point, and a second anchor point, in two positions separated at high points of the inclined slope, said at least a flexible link comprising a first cable connecting said brushing unit to the first anchor point, and a second cable connecting said brushing unit to the second anchor point, and in which said at least a winch comprising a first winch for winding and unwinding the first cable, and a second winch for winding and unwinding the second cable.

[0027] This disclosure relates to a cleaning process implemented by said installation, having a cleaning cycle comprising: / Al / rotation of the brush of said brushing unit and simultaneously, / B 1 / move said brushing unit, in the first direction up or down, and / or in the second direction by winding / unwinding the first cable and in particular simultaneously winding / unwinding the second cable.

[0028] Generally, the cleaning system of said installation is permanently installed on said set of photovoltaic panels, said anchoring system always linked to said brushing unit by said at least one flexible link, and in which at the end of the cleaning cycle the process provides for the control of the movement device to move said brushing unit into a determined parking position, the parking position preferably freeing the surface of the photovoltaic panels, for example the parking position being a position for which the brushing unit is coupled to the trolley and lifted by the coupling and lifting mechanism, or the parking position is a position of said brushing unit on a support separate from the photovoltaic panels, for example, at the periphery of the photovoltaic panels.

[0029] According to one embodiment, said installation may have at least one control unit CU comprising a processor, memory and instructions configured to cooperate with the processor and memory to ensure the implementation of the cleaning process according to this disclosure.

[0030] According to one embodiment, said installation may include a rain sensor, and in which said control unit is configured to trigger the implementation of said cleaning cycle according to the cleaning process according to this disclosure, upon detection of a signal from the rain sensor, representative of the detection of rainwater.

[0031] According to one embodiment, said installation may include said brushing unit and / or the drive device comprising one or more batteries, and in particular recharged by electricity from said photovoltaic panels. Alternatively, the cleaning system, particularly the brush unit, or even the trolley, may have one or more separate panels for battery charging. Another possibility is that the batteries can be recharged via a connection to an electrical network.

[0032] According to one embodiment, said installation may include a water spray ramp, in particular at the top of the inclined slope, or at the intersections between photovoltaic panels, said ramp being equipped with at least one solenoid valve, and in which said control unit is configured to trigger the implementation of the cleaning cycle of the cleaning process according to this disclosure, by triggering said solenoid valve in an open position ensuring the spraying of the photovoltaic panels of the inclined slope.

[0033] According to one embodiment, said photovoltaic panel assembly is associated with a fouling detection device or even associated with several photovoltaic panel fouling detection devices associated respectively with sub-assemblies of panels.

[0034] The fouling detection device generates a fouling signal or said fouling detection devices generate several fouling signals associated with the different panel sub-assemblies.

[0035] The instructions are configured to cooperate with the processor and memory to: - compare the fouling signal(s) from the fouling detection device(s) with one or more fouling thresholds, - to control said brushing unit in the first direction and the second direction in order to ensure the cleaning of the photovoltaic panels when the fouling signal exceeds the fouling threshold, or to control said brushing unit in the first direction and the second direction in order to ensure the cleaning of the photovoltaic panels of the sub-assemblies, when the fouling signals of the sub-assemblies exceed the fouling thresholds respectively.

[0036] According to one embodiment, said brushing unit, extending lengthwise along a longitudinal direction intended to be horizontal during cleaning, includes a measuring means such as an inclinometer or a gyroscope configured to measure an inclination of the longitudinal direction of said brushing unit with respect to the horizontal and generate an inclination signal, and wherein said control unit presents the inclination signal as input, and in particular the instructions include instructions configured to command the drive device to restore a horizontal position of said brushing unit when the inclination signal is greater than a threshold value.

[0037] According to one embodiment, said installation includes one or more peripheral sensors configured to detect an overshoot of said brushing unit outside the peripheral limits of the surface of the photovoltaic panels, generating one or more peripheral detection signals and in particular the instructions include instructions configured to stop the movement of the brushing unit.

[0038] According to one embodiment, said brushing unit includes a location beacon, for example GPS. Brief description of the drawings

[0039] Other features, details and advantages will become apparent from reading the detailed description below and from analyzing the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1

[0040] [Fig.1] is a view of a solar installation comprising a set of photovoltaic panels arranged along a slope, inclined with respect to the horizontal, comprising a first direction oriented along the slope, and a second orthogonal direction, sensitive horizontal, as well as a cleaning system according to a first embodiment whose anchoring system comprises a guide rail, oriented lengthwise along the second direction, permanently anchored on a structure supporting the photovoltaic panels, and a trolley movable, along the guide rail, the trolley carrying a motorized winch for a single cable, ensuring the suspension of a brushing unit, movable on the surface of the photovoltaic panels, under the action of the winch and the trolley. Fig. the

[0041] [Fig.la] is a schematic view of the installation according to [Fig.l] Fig. 2

[0042] [Fig.2] is a detail view of the motorized trolley of the installation of [Fig.1] which includes the motorized winch and a rain sensor connected to a control unit (Fig. 3)

[0043] [Fig.3] is a detail view of said brushing unit which comprises a chassis, a rotating, cylindrical brush, and a motor for the rotational actuation of the brush, said brushing unit being self-supporting, with casters provided to ensure a stable path of the brushing unit on the surface of the photovoltaic panels. Fig. 4

[0044] [Fig.4] is a schematic view of the trajectory of said brushing unit, under the action of the trolley and the winch, the movement of said brushing unit comprising, on the ascent or descent, a component along the first direction, and a component following the second direction, a cleaning cycle which may include a sequence comprising, alternately, an ascent and descent of the brushing unit, by winding said at least cable, followed by unwinding said at least one cable, and while the trolley is moved in one direction along the guide rail, and in order to allow all or part of the surface of the photovoltaic panels to be cleaned. Fig. 5

[0045] [Fig.5] is a view of an installation, according to a second embodiment comprising an anchoring system including the guide rail along which the motorized trolley is configured to move in the second direction, the motorized trolley including a coupling and lifting mechanism including two arms, movable from the trolley, allowing a coupling of said brushing unit, in a high position of said brushing unit on the slope, then a lifting of said brushing unit, then mounted on the trolley in order to detach said brushing unit from the surface of the photovoltaic panels. Fig. 6

[0046] [Fig.6] is a schematic view of the trajectory of said brushing unit, under the action of the trolley and the winch, made possible by the coupling and lifting mechanism, the movement of said brushing unit comprising a sequence including a descent of said brushing unit, followed by an ascent of said brushing unit, substantially along the first direction of the slope, and while the trolley is static, then after coupling and lifting of said brushing unit, a movement of the assembly of the trolley and brushing unit coupled to the trolley along the second direction; the sequence being renewed to ensure the cleaning of all the photovoltaic panels of said assembly. Fig. 7

[0047] [Fig.7] is a schematic view of an installation according to a third embodiment in which the anchoring system comprises a guide rail and a trolley, said brushing unit connected to the trolley by two parallel cables, comprising a first cable and a second cable, the trolley carrying a first winch for winding the first cable and a second winch for winding the second cable, the trolley being movable along the second direction of the guide rail, in a first direction by pulling a third cable operated by a third winch of the trolley and in a second direction by pulling a fourth cable operated by a fourth winch of the trolley. Fig. 8

[0048] [Fig.8] is a view of an electrical diagram of the trolley in [Fig.7]. Fig. 9

[0049] [Fig.9] is a schematic view of a fourth embodiment of said solar installation whose anchoring system includes a first anchor point, and a second anchor point, in two positions apart at high points of the inclined slope, said at least one cable comprising a first cable connecting said brushing unit to the first anchor point, and a second cable connecting said brushing unit to the second anchor point, said at least one winch comprising a first winch for winding and unwinding the first cable and a second winch for winding and unwinding the second cable. Description of the implementation methods

[0050] This disclosure relates to said Solar Installation 1 comprising an array of juxtaposed photovoltaic PV panels, arranged, preferably coplanarly, along a slope. Said array of panels comprises several juxtaposed photovoltaic panels, typically coplanar, extending along a first direction XI, along the slope, and several panels extending juxtaposed at the same height, preferably coplanar, along a second direction X2.

[0051] The slope can typically be, but not limited to, an inclination greater than or equal to 5°, or even typically greater than or equal to 10° with respect to the horizontal and typically up to 45°.

[0052] The cleaning system 2 comprises a brushing unit 20, movable on the photovoltaic PV panels of the inclined slope. The brushing unit 20 can be movable in the first direction XI and in the second direction X2 to clean said photovoltaic panels of said assembly. The brushing unit comprises a frame 21, a rotating brush 22, and a motor M20 configured for rotating the brush 22. The motor M20 is typically an electric motor.

[0053] The brushing unit 20 may include a control unit, in particular a first control unit, typically comprising a microprocessor and memory, for controlling the electric motor. The control unit typically includes a communication module, preferably wireless, configured to receive instructions from a remote control device, and enabling the control or deactivation of the brush's rotation. The communication module may also enable the transmission of information to the remote control device, such as, for example, location data for the brushing unit, when the brushing unit is equipped with a location beacon, for example, a GPS beacon.

[0054] A cover 201 attached to the chassis can cover the brush 22, and in order to avoid projections, on the side opposite the surface of the photovoltaic panel to the brush.

[0055] The brushing unit 20 typically includes its own source of electrical power, typically a battery preferably rechargeable for powering the motor M20 and the control unit.

[0056] The brush may be cylindrical, namely comprising a rotating cylindrical shaft supporting preferably radial bristles extending lengthwise and around the circumference of the cylinder. The frame may comprise a structure with longitudinal members and cross members, the longitudinal members extending on either side of the brush parallel to the axis of rotation of the brush. The cylindrical brush 22 may be articulated at its ends to the two cross members of the frame. The brushing unit 20 extends along a longitudinal direction "d", in particular along the axis of the cylindrical brush.

[0057] Said brushing unit 20 is configured to scrub a surface of the photovoltaic panels, in order to clean them, by means of a rotating brush drive. The brushing unit, including the chassis, the brush, the motor, and possibly the battery and the control unit, forms a self-supporting assembly.

[0058] The installation further includes a motorized drive device 23, configured for moving said brushing unit 20, along the first direction XI along the slope, and along the second direction X2, comprising at least one anchoring system 24 arranged at a high point of the inclined slope, and at least one flexible link, such as a cable Ca connecting the anchoring system 24 to said brushing unit 20.

[0059] By cable Ca, we mean a flexible connection ensuring a flexible mechanical connection, between the drive device 23 and the brushing unit, and whatever the nature of the connection, in particular formed of a set of fibers, metallic, synthetic, or vegetable, and whatever the form of the connection, namely in the form of a strand of wires, or in the form of a strip etc....

[0060] Generally speaking, a flexible joint primarily serves as a mechanical connection. Optionally, the flexible joint may also have other functions such as: - a function for conducting electrical power, for example for supplying power to the M20 brush motor, and / or a wired connection function for data transfer, particularly digital data, - a flexible driving function for a cleaning fluid, for example to supply the brushing unit with water sprayed onto the brush and / or the panels.

[0061] The drive device 23 comprises at least one winch TR, powered by at least one winch motor MTR configured for winding said at least one flexible link, in particular said at least one cable Ca, said drive device configured to ensure the movement of the brushing unit 20 downhill and uphill along the slope.

[0062] The unwinding of said at least one flexible link, in particular said at least one cable Ca, by said at least one winch TR, ensures, particularly under the action of gravity on said brushing unit 20, the descent of said brushing unit. The descent and unwinding of said at least one flexible link can be assisted by actuating the brush in a direction of rotation configured such that the friction of the brush on the photovoltaic panels is driving and ensures tensioning of said at least one flexible link. Conversely, the winding of said at least one cable by said at least one winch causes said brushing unit 20 to ascend.

[0063] Said brushing unit 20 may include rolling elements, such as Ro rollers, configured to roll on a surface of the PV photovoltaic panels ensuring stability of said brushing unit on the surface of the photovoltaic panels.

[0064] The brush unit 20 is configured to roll over the surface of the photovoltaic panels, the cleaning system advantageously being free of a guide rail between the brush unit 20 and the PV photovoltaic panels. This unguided design of the brush unit significantly reduces the cost of the cleaning system by avoiding the use of expensive guide rails that follow the slope to provide guidance. In other words, the connection between the anchoring system 24 and at least one brush unit 20 is made by at least one flexible connection; in particular, at least one cable is flexible (not rigid) when the brush unit rubs the surface of the panels.

[0065] In particular, such a design advantageously allows said brushing unit to move freely on the surface of the panels, under the action of said at least one flexible connection, in particular said at least one cable, namely that said brushing unit 20 can be configured to change direction on the surface of the photovoltaic panels, in particular configured to rotate under the action of said at least one cable, in particular about an axis of rotation passing through the frame and orthogonal to the first direction XI and the second direction X2. Such a design of said brushing unit 20 allows a displacement of said brushing unit along a velocity vector comprising a (non-zero) component along the first direction XI, and a (non-zero) component along the second direction.

[0066] According to this disclosure, the anchoring system 24 comprises a guide rail 240 anchored at said high point of the inclined slope, and a motorized trolley 241 configured to move on the guide rail 240, being guided by the guide rail along the second direction X2.

[0067] The guide rail, preferably extending to a high point of a structure supporting the photovoltaic panels. For example, when the structure is a roof or covering, the guide rail can be anchored at a point such as at the ridge. Said at least one cable Ca connects said carriage 241 and said brushing unit 20, said at least one winch Tr mounted on the carriage 241 (illustrated embodiment), or said at least one winch TR mounted on said brushing unit 20 (unillustrated embodiment).

[0068] Such an embodiment is illustrated, but not limited to, by various embodiments in Figures 1 to 8.

[0069] Generally, the anchoring system may include at least one motor MC for moving the carriage 241 along the guide rail 240 in a first direction and in a second direction. The motor MC for moving the carriage 241 may be mounted on the carriage to ensure movement along the guide rail 240, for example by rotating one or more wheels of the carriage, or a pinion engaging with a rack, or by driving traction cables, as illustrated in Figures 7 and 8. Alternatively, the motors may be fixed, for example driving traction cables of the carriage for moving the carriage in the first and second directions.

[0070] Generally, the carriage 241 can carry a control unit CU which typically includes a processor, memory and instructions configured to activate, where appropriate: - said at least one winch Tr for raising or lowering said brushing unit, in particular when mounted on the trolley, and / or -said at least one MC motor ensuring the movement of the carriage 241 along the guide rail 240, to ensure the movement of the carriage 241, in a first direction and in a second direction, on the guide rail 240, when said at least one MC motor is mounted on the carriage.

[0071] A winch encoder can make it possible to know the winding or unwinding level of said at least cable (or more generally of said at least one flexible link) and in order to estimate the position of said brushing unit 20, along the slope, along the first direction XL An encoder of the motor(s) ensuring the movement of the carriage can make it possible to know the position of the carriage along the guide rail.

[0072] Generally, said control unit CU may include a communication module configured to transmit information from the remote control device, such as a server, to said control unit, and / or for example transmit instructions from the remote control device to the communication module for the implementation of a cleaning cycle by activating said at least winch, or the motor(s) ensuring the movement of the trolley along the guide rail.

[0073] The communication module can also transmit information from the communication module to the remote control device, in particular a remote server, such as the position signals of the encoders of at least one winch and / or the position signals of the encoder(s) of the carriage motor(s) in order to determine the position of the carriage on the rail, or even to estimate the position of said brushing unit 20, along the first direction XL

[0074] According to one embodiment, said at least one flexible link, in particular said at least one cable Ca, is a single cable which connects the carriage 241 to said brushing unit 20, in particular via a lifting beam system 200. The single cable connects said brushing unit 20 to the carriage 241 in operation, said cable Ca extending substantially, on average, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction d of said brushing unit 20.

[0075] The lifting beam 200 connects a lower terminal end of said cable Ca to an attachment position Pa, said end typically centered along the length of said brushing unit, such that the attachment point is typically contained in a median plane of said brushing unit, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction d of said brushing unit. The lifting beam may comprise at least two arms connecting the attachment point Pa to the frame of said unit, at two points spaced apart along the length of the frame, and typically symmetrically with respect to the median plane.

[0076] The function of the spreader bar is to distribute the tensile forces of the single cable Ca on the chassis of said brushing unit, and in order to maintain a balanced position of said brushing unit 40, namely by keeping the longitudinal direction "d" of said brushing unit 20 substantially horizontal, as much as possible, or even close to the horizontal typically at plus or minus 30° with respect to the horizontal, due to possible fluctuations in inclination of said brushing unit, not guided on the panels.

[0077] According to another embodiment, said at least one flexible link, in particular said at least one cable Ca comprises a first cable Cal and a second cable Ca2, parallel to each other, connecting respectively the carriage 240 and the chassis 21 of said brushing unit 20, at two distant points on the chassis 21 of said brushing unit 20, along the longitudinal direction of said chassis.

[0078] The two cables Cal, Ca2 ensure a balanced position of said brushing unit 40, namely by maintaining the longitudinal direction d of said brushing unit 20 substantially horizontal, as far as possible, or even close to horizontal, typically at plus or minus 30° to the horizontal. Said at least one MRT motor may comprise a first motor M1 controlling the winding / unwinding of the first cable Cal and a second, independent motor M2 controlling the winding / unwinding of the second cable C2.

[0079] The control unit is configured to control the first motor M1 and the second motor M2 to ensure the ascent and descent of the brush unit 20 along the slope. When the brush unit is equipped with a measuring means such as an inclinometer or a gyroscope configured to measure the inclination of the longitudinal direction d of the brush unit relative to the horizontal and generate a tilt signal, the control unit can control the first motor M1 and the second motor M2 according to the tilt signal. The control may consist of independently controlling the first motor M1 and the second motor M2 in order to restore the horizontal position of the brush unit during ascent and / or descent.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the trolley 241 may include a coupling and lifting mechanism 242 configured for: - to removably couple said brushing unit 20 to the trolley 241 when said at least one flexible link (in particular said at least cable Ca) positions said brushing unit 20 in a high position on the inclined slope, - lift said coupled brushing unit 20 into a high position in order to detach said brushing unit from the surface of the photovoltaic panels.

[0081] The trolley control unit is configured to control at least one actuator of the coupling and lifting mechanism 22.

[0082] Such an embodiment is illustrated in [Fig. 5], with, in particular, two arms of the lifting mechanism 242 configured, in a first arm position, to couple said brushing unit when the latter is mounted at the end of its upper travel on the slope. Lifting the arms to a second position allows said brushing unit to be raised to a higher position on the trolley 241. Such a lifting mechanism can allow said brushing unit to be parked on the trolley, outside of cleaning cycles, and preferably in a position of said brushing unit that does not obstruct the sunlight reaching one of the photovoltaic panels. To this end, the trolley and said brushing unit mounted on the trolley can be moved simultaneously along the guide rail, to an extreme position of the guide rail that minimizes the risk of obstructing the sunlight reaching the photovoltaic panels.

[0083] Another advantage of the coupling and lifting mechanism is to allow movement of said brushing unit, along the second direction X2, avoiding contact between the panels and said brushing unit, during movements along the second direction X2, and in particular according to a cleaning cycle, described below for which said brushing unit 20 is configured to brush the surface of PV photovoltaic panels, along several parallel trajectories extending along the first direction XI.

[0084] This disclosure further relates to a cleaning process implemented by a solar installation 1 according to this disclosure, having a cleaning cycle comprising: / A / motorized rotation of the brush 22 of said brushing unit 20 in order to scrub the surface of the photovoltaic panels and simultaneously, / B / move said brushing unit 20 over the surface of the photovoltaic panels, at least in the first direction XI up or down, at least by winding or unwinding said at least one flexible link, in particular said at least one cable, by said at least one winch TR.

[0085] According to an embodiment of the method implementing the anchoring system 24 comprising said guide rail 240 and said carriage 241 movable along the guide rail, said method may provide, in / B / , moving said brushing unit 20 along a displacement comprising a component along the first direction XI and a component along the second direction X2, the displacement obtained in particular by winding or unwinding said at least one flexible link, in particular said at least one cable, by said at least one winch, and by a movement of the carriage 241 along said at least one guide rail.

[0086] Such an embodiment is schematically illustrated in [Fig.2]. Said at least one MTR motor of said at least one winch and the MC motor for the movement of the carriage can be actuated simultaneously, or sequentially, to ensure the trajectory of said brushing unit 20 along a direction comprising the non-zero component along the first direction XI and the non-zero component along the second direction X2.

[0087] According to one embodiment of the method, illustrated in [Fig. 4], / B / can be implemented by alternating the descent and ascent of said brushing unit 20, while the carriage 241 is moved in a direction along the guide rail 240, in order to clean all or part of the surface of said PV photovoltaic panel assembly. The gap along the second direction X2, between a consecutive descending and ascending trajectory of said brushing unit, is preferably less than the length dimension of said brushing unit, and in order to obtain an overlap of the brushing, between the two consecutive downward and upward trajectories.

[0088] According to one embodiment of the method, implementing the coupling and lifting mechanism, the method may include in / B / , moving said brushing unit, in the first direction XI downwards and then upwards, by unwinding and then winding said at least one cable, by actuating said at least one winch, while the carriage 241 is in a fixed position on the guide rail 240 and in / B / is followed by: - / C / couple the brushing unit to the coupling and lifting mechanism 242, and lift the brushing unit 20 in order to detach said brushing unit 20 from the surface of the photovoltaic panels, - / D / move the trolley and said brushing unit coupled to the trolley, said brushing unit detached from the surface of the photovoltaic panels, along the second direction X2. At the end of / D / , the lifting and lifting mechanism 242 is lowered, in order to place said brushing unit on the surface of the panels.

[0089] According to one embodiment, schematically illustrated in [Fig. 6], steps / B / , / C / , / D / are repeated by moving the carriage along the rail in order to clean all or part of the surface of said PV photovoltaic panel assembly. The movement in / D / is typically a step less than the length of said brushing unit 20. Overlap of the brushing can be ensured between two consecutive brush trajectories spaced apart.

[0090] According to another embodiment, in particular illustrated in [Fig.9], the anchoring system 24 comprises a first anchor point PAC1, and a second anchor point PAC2, in two positions separated at high points of the inclined slope, said at least one flexible link, in particular said at least one cable Ca, comprising a first cable Cal connecting said brushing unit 20 to the first anchor point PAC1, and a second cable Ca2 connecting said brushing unit 20 to the second anchor point PAC2.

[0091] Said at least one winch comprising a first winch TRI for winding and unwinding the first cable Cal, and a second winch TR2 for winding and unwinding the second cable Ca2. The first winch TRI, driven by a first motor, may be arranged at the first anchor point PCA1, and the second winch TR2, driven by a second motor, may be arranged at the second anchor point PAC2. Alternatively, the first winch and the second winch may be mounted on said brushing unit.

[0092] A control unit is configured to control the positioning of said brushing unit 20 on the surface of the PV photovoltaic panels, according to the first direction XI, and following the second direction X2, by controlling the length of the first cable via the first winch TRI and controlling the length of the second cable via the second winch TR2.

[0093] Such an embodiment allows the implementation of a process having a cleaning cycle comprising: / Al / rotation of the brush 22 of said brushing unit 20 and simultaneously, / B 1 / move said brushing unit 20, in the first direction X up or down, and / or in the second direction X2 by winding / unwinding the first cable Cal and simultaneously winding / unwinding the second cable Ca2.

[0094] The first and second motors can be operated simultaneously, or sequentially, to ensure the trajectory of said brushing unit 20 along a direction having a non-zero component along the first direction XI and a non-zero component along the second direction X2. In general, such an embodiment makes it possible to move the brushing unit against gravity by the traction of the first and second winches, the descent of the brushing unit being obtained in particular by gravity, or even aided by the friction of the rotating brush 22, which drives the brushing unit downwards.

[0095] It should be noted that such an embodiment also allows for the cleaning of photovoltaic panels on a shallow slope, or even on a flat slope, and unlike the previous embodiment, by providing at least a third cable connecting the brushing unit to a third anchor point and associated with a third winch, or even a fourth cable connecting the brushing unit to a fourth anchor point and associated with a fourth winch. Only in this embodiment can the third and fourth winches be controlled in opposition to the first and second winches, that is to say, at least some of the winches (first, second, and third, or even fourth) operate in winding mode, while the other part operates in unwinding mode.

[0096] According to one embodiment of the process, the cleaning system of said installation is permanently installed on said set of photovoltaic panels, namely that said anchoring system 23 is always connected to said brushing unit 20 by said at least one cable Ca.

[0097] The term "permanently installed" means that the anchoring system is always fixed to the structure supporting said photovoltaic panel assembly and said brushing unit 20 is always connected to the anchoring structure 23 by said at least cable Ca (or more generally said at least one flexible connection), in particular to the trolley, once a cleaning cycle has been implemented. In other words, the cleaning system is not not disassembled to ensure the implementation of several cleanings during all or part of the lifespan of the entire panel assembly.

[0098] Generally speaking, the structure can be a roof and / or a covering, of a building such as a house, a warehouse...

[0099] According to one embodiment, at the end of the cleaning cycle the process provides for the control of the displacement device 23 to move said brushing unit 22 into a parking position PS, preferably determined.

[0100] The parking position PS can preferably be a position that preferably frees up the surface of the photovoltaic panels, and in particular so as not to obstruct the sunlight on the photovoltaic panels, by a shadow generated by the brushing unit.

[0101] According to one embodiment, the parking position PS can be a position in which said brushing unit is coupled to the trolley 241 and lifted by the coupling and lifting mechanism 242 when said installation includes such a lifting mechanism on the trolley.

[0102] The parking position PS can still be obtained by a support separate from the photovoltaic panels, for example at the periphery of the photovoltaic panels on which said brushing unit can be moved by said at least cable.

[0103] Generally, said installation may have at least one control unit CU comprising a processor, memory and instructions configured to cooperate with the processor and memory to ensure the implementation of the cleaning process, and in particular steps / A / , / B / , and where applicable / C / and / D / , or even to ensure the movement of said brushing unit to the parking position PS.

[0104] Said at least one control unit UC may include a first control unit mounted on the chassis of said brushing unit, and a second control unit mounted on the carriage 241.

[0105] The first control unit is configured to control the M20 motor to drive the rotational drive of the brush 22, or even the actuator of the coupling and lifting mechanism 24.

[0106] The second control unit can be configured to control: - said at least one MTR winch motor, when said at least one TR winch is mounted on the trolley, to ensure the descent and / or ascent of said brushing unit, - said at least one MC trolley motor, when the latter is mounted on the trolley, to ensure said movement of the trolley 241, along the rail, in the second direction X2, and / or, where applicable - at least one actuator of said coupling and lifting mechanism 242, configured, after coupling, to lift said brushing unit then coupled to the trolley 241.

[0107] In an installation according to the embodiment, in particular of [Fig.9] comprising the first anchor point PAC1 and the second anchor point PAC2, said installation may have a control unit comprising a processor, a memory and instructions configured to cooperate with the processor and the memory to ensure the implementation of the cleaning process, and in particular the steps / Al / and / B 1 / , and / or to automatically move said brushing unit to said parking position PS.

[0108] In general, the cleaning cycle is automated. No operator presence is required during the cleaning cycle, in particular to control the trajectory of the brushing unit during a cleaning cycle. On the contrary, the control unit's instructions include guidance instructions to ensure the automatic movement of the unit across the panel surface.

[0109] According to one embodiment, a cleaning cycle can be initiated via a user interface. The user interface can be a remote control, in particular a specific one. Alternatively, the user interface can be a smartphone on which an application has been downloaded. The smartphone can use the Wi-Fi network to communicate with one of the wireless communication modules integrated into the system, for example, the communication module of the first control unit integrated into the brush unit 20, or the communication module of the second control unit integrated into the trolley.

[0110] In general, the first control unit and the second control unit can communicate with each other to exchange information, and in particular to relay control instructions from the WIFI.

[0111] According to another advantageous embodiment, the implementation of a cleaning cycle can be triggered automatically, advantageously without human intervention, at the moment of triggering.

[0112] According to one embodiment, said installation may include a CPL rain sensor, for example mounted on the trolley 241 in [Fig.1], and in which said control unit is configured to trigger the implementation of a cleaning cycle according to steps / A / , / B / , or even / C / and / D / , or even according to / A1 / and / B1 / , upon detection of a signal from the rain sensor, representative of the detection of rainwater.

[0113] Such an embodiment is advantageous in that said installation can ensure cleaning of the surface of photovoltaic panels, even when said installation is devoid of a water spraying system, which typically includes pipes and pumps, for implementation.

[0114] According to an alternative, the triggering of the cleaning process can be obtained by a signal from a weather station, obtained by the communication module of the control unit, informing the control unit of the rain.

[0115] According to one possible embodiment, said installation may have a water spray ramp, in particular at the top of the inclined slope, equipped with at least one solenoid valve, and in which said control unit is configured to trigger the implementation of the cleaning cycle of the cleaning process in particular according to / A / , / B / , or even / C / , / D / , or / Al / and / B 1 / , by triggering said solenoid valve (or several solenoid valves) in an open position ensuring the spraying of the photovoltaic panels of the inclined slope.

[0116] Such an embodiment allows for the cleaning of the panels even when there is no rain. An automatic triggering of a cleaning cycle is then possible, even in the absence of rain.

[0117] According to one embodiment, said photovoltaic panel assembly is associated with a fouling detection device or even associated with several photovoltaic panel fouling detection devices associated respectively with sub-assemblies of panels.

[0118] The fouling detection device generates a fouling signal or said fouling detection devices generate several fouling signals associated with the different panel sub-assemblies.

[0119] The instructions are configured to cooperate with the processor and memory to: / E / Compare the fouling signal(s) from the fouling detection device(s) with one or more fouling thresholds, / F / to control said brushing unit in the first direction XI and the second direction X2 in order to ensure the cleaning of the photovoltaic panels when the fouling signal exceeds the fouling threshold, or to control said brushing unit in the first direction XI and the second direction X2 in order to ensure the cleaning of the photovoltaic panels of the sub-assemblies, when the fouling signals of the sub-assemblies exceed the fouling thresholds respectively.

[0120] The fouling detection device can be an accessory, external to the photovoltaic panels of said assembly to be cleaned, for example, the ARES station from the company Fracsun® which includes two small solar panels allowing fouling detection.

[0121] According to another advantageous embodiment, the fouling detection device can be obtained by two production measurements (for example obtained by ammeters) associated with two photovoltaic panels of the set of photovoltaic panels, namely panels which can be cleaned by the system according to this disclosure, namely a first measurement MES1 of production on at least one first panel which is regularly cleaned periodically by the brushing unit, for example every day or week, and considered clean (not fouled), and by a second measurement MES2 on another panel of said set which is cleaned only when the fouling threshold is exceeded according to / F / .

[0122] The fouling signal can be, for example, a ratio, namely the ratio MES1 / MES2, which is greater than or equal to 1. The threshold value is a constant strictly greater than 1, for example 1.2.

[0123] Such an embodiment of detection devices using the photovoltaic panels of said assembly to be cleaned has the advantage of allowing the panels of said assembly to be divided into several sub-assemblies, with the different soiling detection devices associated respectively with at least two panels of the different sub-assemblies, and thus triggering cleaning of the panels of the sub-assemblies only when soiling is detected for each sub-assembly. In other words, the panels of the sub-assemblies whose soiling is below the soiling threshold are not cleaned.

[0124] Such an embodiment also has the advantage of being able to collect the gains in electrical production from the panels of said assembly which can be attributed to the cleaning of the brushing unit.

[0125] Such an embodiment makes it possible to implement a cleaning cycle when soiling of a panel subset is detected, and thus to clean the panels only when necessary, with the aim of saving energy. Such a trigger can be combined with rainwater detection, particularly when the installation lacks a sprinkler system, or with control of a solenoid valve when equipped with a sprinkler system.

[0126] According to a degraded embodiment, and in particular for small-scale solar installations, a single measurement signal can be associated with the production of all the panels in the assembly and compared to a fouling threshold value.

[0127] Generally, said installation may include one or more peripheral sensors configured to detect an overshoot of said brushing unit outside the peripheral limits of the surface of the photovoltaic panels.

[0128] The sensors may be of the mechanical type, for example comprising a peripheral cable which, when energized by contact with the brushing unit, triggers a contactor. The sensor may also be of the optical type.

[0129] The peripheral sensors generate one or more peripheral detection signals and in particular the instructions may include instructions configured to stop the movement of the brushing unit, or even configured to move said brushing unit backward in a direction and sense towards the center of the panels of the assembly. Industrial application

[0130] Said solar installation, including its cleaning system, has all or some of the following advantages, compared to the prior art presented in the introduction: - a cleaning system that is permanently installed on the photovoltaic system, which does not require, for each cleaning cycle, the installation of the system and its removal at the end of the cycle, - a cleaning system, which allows a cleaning cycle to be triggered, advantageously without the presence of an operator, for example by automatic triggering of the cycle, caused by the control unit, when conditions are met, alone or in combination, such as for example, detection of rain by a rain sensor, periodic deadline determined by a control unit, determination of a drop in the efficiency of the photovoltaic panels, in particular a fouling threshold reached... - a low-cost solar installation requiring minimal structural elements on the photovoltaic panels, in particular, for example, no guide rails following the direction of the slope, - a low-cost installation, in particular at least according to one embodiment, said installation can ensure the cleaning of the panels, using only rainwater as the brushing fluid, and therefore without requiring the addition of a water spray system, - a low energy cost installation, at least according to one embodiment, in that the triggering of a cleaning cycle can be conditional on a determination of a drop in performance of all the panels (at one or more fouling thresholds), or even a determination of a drop in performance of all or part of a subset of the panels, allowing energy expenditure for cleaning only when necessary, or even advantageously only for the subsets of panels affected by the drop in performance, - an installation that can be upgraded, for example by adding a water spraying system, for example if in use, the cleaning cycles using rainwater alone are insufficient. Reference list

[0131] 1. Solar installation, 2. Cleaning system, 20. Brushing unit, 21. Chassis (Brushing Unit), 22. Brush (rotary), 23. Training device, 24. Anchoring system, 240. Guide rail, 241. Chariot, 242. Coupling and lifting mechanism ([Fig. 5]), MTR. Winch motor, MC. Trolley motor, M20. Motor (brush rotation drive), M1, M2, M3, M4. First, second, third and fourth winches, PV. Photovoltaic panels, XI. First direction (slope) X2. Second direction (slope), Ca. At least one cable, Cal. First cable, Ca2. Second cable, PAC1. First attachment point, PAC2. Second attachment point, PS. Parking position, Ro. Casters, TR. At least one winch, TRI, TR2. First and second winches, UC. Control unit, XI, X2. First and second direction.

Claims

Demands

1. A solar installation (1) comprising an array of juxtaposed photovoltaic (PV) panels arranged along a slope, comprising several juxtaposed photovoltaic panels extending along a first direction (XI) along the slope, and several panels extending juxtaposed at the same height along a second direction (X2), and a cleaning system (2) comprising: - a brushing unit (20), movable on the photovoltaic panels of the inclined slope along the first direction (XI) and along the second direction (X2), comprising a frame (21), a rotating brush (22), and a motor (M20) configured for rotating the brush, said brushing unit (20) configured to scrub a surface of the photovoltaic panels, - a drive device (23) configured for moving said brushing unit along the first direction (XI) along the slope, and along the second direction (X2),comprising at least one anchoring system (24) arranged at a high point of the inclined slope, and at least one flexible link, such as a cable (Ca), connecting the anchoring system (24) to said brushing unit (20), and at least one motorized winch (TR) configured for winding said at least one flexible link, said drive device configured to ensure the downward movement of the brushing unit (20) along the slope during the unwinding of said at least one flexible link by said at least one winch (TR), in particular under the action of gravity on said brushing unit (20) and / or in particular under the action of a driving force from the brush, and configured for the upward movement of said brushing unit (20) during the winding of said at least one flexible link by said at least one winch.

2. Solar installation according to claim 1, wherein said brushing unit (20) comprises rolling elements (Ro), in particular rollers, configured to roll on a surface of the photovoltaic (PV) panels ensuring stability of said brushing unit on the surface of the photovoltaic panels.

3. Solar installation according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said brushing unit (20) is configured to roll on the surface of the panels, during cleaning, the cleaning system without a guide rail between said brushing unit (20) and the photovoltaic (PV) panels, in particular said brushing unit being free to change direction on the surface of the photovoltaic panels, configured to rotate under an action of said at least one cable, in particular along an axis of rotation passing through the brushing unit and orthogonal to the first direction (XI) and the second direction (X2).

4. Solar installation according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the anchoring system (24) comprises a guide rail (240) anchored at said high point of the inclined slope, and a trolley (241), motorized configured to move on the guide rail while being guided by the guide rail in the second direction (X2), and wherein said at least one flexible link, in particular said at least one cable (Ca), connects said trolley (241) and said brushing unit (20), said at least one winch mounted on the trolley (241), or said winch mounted on said brushing unit (20).

5. Solar installation according to claim 4, wherein said at least one flexible link, in particular said at least one cable (Ca) is a single cable which connects the trolley (241) to said brushing unit (20), in particular via a lifting beam system (200).

6. Installation according to claim 4, wherein said at least one flexible link, in particular said at least one cable (Ca) comprises a first cable (Cal) and a second cable (Ca2), parallel to each other, connecting respectively the carriage (240) and the chassis (21) of said brushing unit (20), at two distant points on the chassis (21) of said brushing unit (20).

7. An installation according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the trolley (241) comprises a coupling and lifting mechanism (242) configured to: - removably couple said brushing unit (20) to the trolley (241) when said at least cable (Ca) positions said brushing unit (20) in a high position on the inclined slope, - lift said brushing unit (20) coupled in a high position in order to detach said brushing unit from the surface of the photovoltaic panels.

8. A cleaning method implemented by a solar installation (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, having a cleaning cycle comprising: / A / motorized rotation of the brush (22) of said brushing unit (20) in order to scrub the surface of the photovoltaic panels and simultaneously, / B / moving said brushing unit (20) over the surface of the photovoltaic panels, at least in the first direction (XI) up or down, at least by winding or unwinding said at least one flexible link, in particular said at least one cable, by said at least one winch (TR).

9. A cleaning method according to claim 8 implementing an installation according to claim 3 in combination with any one of claims 4 to 7; and wherein in / B / moving said brushing unit (20) comprises a movement having a component along the first direction (X1) and a component along the second direction (X2), the movement being obtained by winding or unwinding said at least one flexible link, in particular said at least one cable, by said at least one winch and by a movement of the trolley (241) along said at least one guide rail.

10. Method according to claim 9, wherein / B / is implemented by alternating the descent and ascent of said brushing unit (20), while the trolley (241) is moved in a direction along the direction of the guide rail (240), and in order to clean all or part of the surface of said photovoltaic (PV) panel assembly.

11. A cleaning method according to claim 8 implementing claim 7, comprising, in / B / , moving said brushing unit, in the first direction (XI) downwards and then upwards, by unwinding and then winding said at least one flexible link, in particular, said at least one cable, by actuating said at least one winch, while the trolley (241) is in a fixed position on the guide rail (240), and in / B / is followed by: - ​​ / C / coupling the brushing unit to the coupling and lifting mechanism, and lifting the brushing unit (20) in order to detach said brushing unit (20) from the surface of the photovoltaic panels, - / D / move the trolley and said brushing unit coupled to the trolley, said brushing unit detached from the surface of the photovoltaic panels, along the second direction (X2).

12. A method according to claim 11, wherein steps / B / , / C / , / D / are repeated, by moving the trolley in a direction of the rail in order to clean all or part of the surface of said photovoltaic (PV) panel assembly.

13. An installation according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the anchoring system (24) comprises a first anchor point (PAC1), and a second anchor point (PAC2), in two positions separated by high points on the inclined slope, said at least one flexible link, in particular said at least one cable (Ca), comprising a first cable (Cal) connecting said brushing unit (20) to the first anchor point (PAC1), and a second cable (Ca2) connecting said brushing unit (20) to the second anchor point (PAC2), and wherein said at least one winch comprising a first winch (TRI) for winding and unwinding the first cable (Cal), and a second winch (TR2) for winding and unwinding the second cable (Ca2).

14. A cleaning method implemented by an installation according to claim 13, having a cleaning cycle comprising: / A1 / rotating the brush (22) of said brushing unit (20) and simultaneously, / B1 / moving said brushing unit (20), in the first direction (X1) up or down, and / or in the second direction (X2) by winding / unwinding the first cable (Cal) and simultaneously winding / unwinding the second cable (Ca2).

15. A method according to any one of claims 8 to 11, or 14, wherein the cleaning system of said installation is permanently installed on said photovoltaic panel array, said anchoring system (23) always connected to said brushing unit (20) by said at least one cable (Ca), and wherein at the end of the cleaning cycle the method provides for controlling the displacement device (23) to move said brushing unit (23) into a predetermined parking position, the parking position (PS) preferably freeing the surface of the photovoltaic panels, for example the parking position being a position in which the brushing unit is coupled to the trolley and lifted by the coupling and lifting mechanism (242) when said installation is according to claim 7, or the parking position is a position of said brushing unit on a support separate from the photovoltaic panels, for example, at the periphery of the photovoltaic panels.

16. An installation according to any one of claims 1 to 7, having at least one control unit CU comprising a processor, memory and instructions configured to cooperate with the processor and memory to ensure the implementation of the process according to any one of claims 8 to 12, or 15, or an installation according to claim 13 having a control unit comprising a processor, memory and instructions configured to cooperate with the processor and memory to ensure the implementation of the process according to claim 14, or 15.

17. Installation according to claim 16 comprising a rain sensor (CPL), and wherein said control unit is configured to trigger the implementation of said cleaning cycle according to the cleaning process according to any one of claims 8 to 12 or 14, upon detection of a signal from the rain sensor, representative of the detection of rainwater.

18. Installation according to any one of claims 1 to 7, 13, 16 or 17 comprising said brushing unit and / or drive device include one or more batteries, and in particular recharged by electricity from said photovoltaic panels.

19. Installation according to claim 16 comprising a water spray ramp, in particular at the top of the inclined slope, equipped with at least one solenoid valve, and wherein said control unit is configured to trigger the implementation of the cleaning cycle of the cleaning process according to any one of claims 8 to 12 or 14, by triggering said solenoid valve in an open position ensuring the spraying of the photovoltaic panels of the inclined slope.

20. An installation according to claim 16, 17, 18, or 19, wherein said photovoltaic panel array is associated with a fouling detection device, or said panel array is associated with several photovoltaic panel fouling detection devices associated respectively with sub-arrays of panels, the device

21. soiling detection generating a soiling signal, or said soiling detection devices generate several soiling signals associated with the different panel sub-assemblies, and wherein the instructions are configured to cooperate with the processor and memory to: - compare the soiling signal(s) of the soiling detection device(s) with one or more soiling thresholds, - drive said brushing unit in the first direction (XI) and the second direction (X2) to ensure the cleaning of the photovoltaic panels of said panel assembly, when the soiling signal exceeds the soiling threshold, or drive said brushing unit in the first direction (XI) and the second direction (X2) to ensure the cleaning of the photovoltaic panels of the sub-assemblies,when the fouling signals of the sub-assemblies exceed the respective fouling thresholds. An installation according to any one of claims 17 to 21, having all or part of the following characteristics: - said brushing unit (20) extending lengthwise along a longitudinal direction (d) intended to be horizontal during cleaning, includes an inclinometer or gyroscope configured to measure an inclination of the longitudinal direction of said brushing unit relative to the horizontal and generate a tilt signal, and wherein said control unit presents the tilt signal as input, and in particular the instructions include instructions configured to command the drive device (23) to restore a horizontal position of said brushing unit when the tilt signal is greater than a threshold value, - said installation includes one or more peripheral sensors configured to detect when said brushing unit moves outside the peripheral limits of the photovoltaic panel surface, generating one or more peripheral detection signals, and in particular the instructions include instructions configured to stop the movement of the brushing unit - said brushing unit includes a location beacon, for example GPS.

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