Wildlife detection, deterrence and self-cleaning systems and methods for environmental instrumentation

Abstract

A self-cleaning system for cleaning an environmental monitoring device having an active area, the self-cleaning system comprising: a reservoir; a cleaning system in fluid communication with the reservoir and configured to clean the active area by directing water supplied from the reservoir toward the active area; a water collection system for collecting water outside the self-cleaning system and inputting it into the self-cleaning system, the water collection system being in fluid communication with the reservoir; and a filtration system for filtering water within the self-cleaning system.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SELF-CLEANING OF ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING DEVICES FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for self-cleaning of environmental monitoring devices. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The embodiments described herein relate to systems and methods for deterring animals from the vicinity of environmental monitoring devices. [Background technology]

[0002] Some environmental monitoring equipment used for a variety of applications, such as weather sensing, solar resource monitoring, and solar forecasting, requires the lens of the equipment to be kept clean in order to produce useful data. Examples of such equipment include sky cameras and pyranometers.

[0003] Over time, the lenses of these outdoor-mounted instruments become soiled by airborne particles (e.g., dust, dirt, pollen, etc.) and wildlife (e.g., birds). To maintain lens cleanliness, the instruments are typically manually cleaned periodically. Manual cleaning has several drawbacks, including the associated labor costs, the reliability of manual cleaning (which can lead to periodic cleaning not being performed), the accessibility of environmental monitoring equipment to remote locations, and the difficulty of accessing the equipment (which often requires highly accessible equipment). Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for cleaning an environmental monitoring device having an active area, the system comprising: a reservoir; a self-cleaning system in fluid communication with the reservoir and configured to clean the active area by directing water supplied from the reservoir to the active area; a water collection system for collecting water outside the self-cleaning system and inputting it into the self-cleaning system, the water collection system being in fluid communication with the reservoir; and a filtration system for filtering water within the self-cleaning system.

[0005] The filtration system optionally includes a first filter unit in fluid communication between the reservoir and the self-cleaning system. The system may include a first pump for pumping water from the reservoir to the first filter unit and then to the self-cleaning system. The first filter unit may include a deionization filter. The first filter unit may include a carbon filter positioned to filter the received water prior to the deionization filter.

[0006] The filtration system optionally includes a second filter unit in fluid communication between the reservoir and the first filter unit. The second filter unit may include a strainer. The second filter unit may be located on the suction side of the first pump.

[0007] In use, the direction of water flow is preferably from the reservoir through the first filter unit and towards the self-cleaning system.

[0008] The water collection system optionally includes at least one first collector arranged to receive water discharged by the self-cleaning system, wherein at least a portion of the water used to clean the active area is captured by the at least one first collector. The at least one first collector may comprise a collection tray arranged to direct the captured water to the reservoir and in fluid communication with the reservoir.

[0009] The water collection system optionally includes at least one second collector positioned to receive environmental water, such as rainwater. The at least one second collector may comprise a collection tray positioned to direct captured water to the reservoir and in fluid communication with the reservoir. The at least one first collection tray may be the same physical collection tray as the at least one second collection tray.

[0010] Water collection systems typically use gravity to transport the captured water to a reservoir.

[0011] The system optionally further includes a deterrent system for deterring animals from a vicinity of the environmental monitoring device. The deterrent system includes a detector system including at least one sensor configured to generate a presence signal indicating the presence of an object within a predetermined vicinity of the environmental monitoring device, a deterrent processing system, and a repelling system, wherein the deterrent processing system is configured to monitor the presence signal, determine from the presence signal whether an object is present within the predetermined vicinity of the environmental monitoring device, and, if the object is determined to be present, communicate a command to the repelling system to perform a sequence of one or more repelling event operations, and the repelling system is configured to perform the one or more repelling events in response to receiving a command from the deterrent processing system. The deterrent system may move a cleaning arm of the self-cleaning system such that at least a portion of the cleaning arm moves within the vicinity of the environmental monitoring device to deter animals from the vicinity of the environmental monitoring device.

[0012] The system may further include a solar generator and a battery for powering the system components. Advantageously, a solar-based power supply allows for "standalone operation" without requiring access to a power grid, thereby providing location flexibility.

[0013] The system may be configured for remote operation.

[0014] The system optionally further comprises a communications system configured to communicate between an external computer and the self-cleaning system, the self-cleaning system being further configured to receive commands from the external computer via the communications system to remotely control the cleaning treatment system, the environmental monitoring device, and / or the self-cleaning system and / or to communicate monitoring information, the communications system utilizing a wireless wide area communications protocol. The system further comprises a reservoir level sensor configured to monitor the amount of water present in the reservoir, the self-cleaning system being configured to identify a low water level event corresponding to the amount of water in the reservoir detected by the reservoir level sensor being below a threshold amount and to communicate an indication of the low water level event to the external computer.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an environmental monitoring device including the system of the previous aspect, the environmental monitoring device comprising an active area for monitoring an environment of the environmental monitoring device, and the self-cleaning system configured to clean said active area. Typically, the environmental monitoring device is configured to optically detect environmental electromagnetic radiation.

[0016] According to the present disclosure, there is provided a deterrent system for deterring animals from the vicinity of an environmental monitoring device, comprising: a detector system including at least one sensor configured to generate a presence signal indicating the presence of an object within a predetermined vicinity of the environmental monitoring device; a deterrent processing system; and a repelling system, wherein the deterrent processing system is configured to monitor the presence signal and determine from the presence signal whether an object is present within the predetermined vicinity of the environmental monitoring device, and if it is determined that an object is present, to communicate a command to the repelling system to perform a sequence of one or more repelling event operations, and the repelling system is configured to perform the one or more repelling events in response to receiving a command from the deterrent processing system.

[0017] The environmental monitoring device may be mounted on a pole and / or may be configured to take sensor measurements of at least a portion of the sky, such as a skycam or pyranometer.

[0018] Optionally, the detector system comprises one or more of an infrared detector, a motion detector, an ultrasonic camera, a microwave movement sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a photoelectric sensor, a laser distance measurement sensor, and a capacitive proximity sensor. The detector system may be mounted at a location remote from the environment monitoring device such that at least one sensor faces the optical device.

[0019] Optionally, the deterrent processing system is further configured to perform a first time check to determine whether the presence signal indicates the presence of an object for at least a first predetermined time, and to communicate the command only if the time check determines that the object has been present for the predetermined time.

[0020] The sequence may include one repelling event. The one repelling event may include one or more of at least one non-physical repelling action and at least one physical repelling action. The at least one non-physical repelling action may be selected from a visual repelling action and an audio repelling action. The at least one physical repelling action may include moving an object near the optical device.

[0021] Alternatively, the sequence may include at least an initial repelling event and a subsequent repelling event. The deterrence processing system may be further configured to: communicate a first command to the repelling system to perform the initial repelling event in response to determining that the object is present; after performing the initial repelling event, perform a second time check to determine whether the presence signal indicates the presence of the object for at least a second predetermined time; and, in response to determining that the object is still present after the second predetermined time, communicate a second command to the repelling system to perform the subsequent repelling event. The initial repelling event may include one or both of a visual repelling action and an audible repelling action. The subsequent repelling event may include a physical repelling action.

[0022] The physical repelling action may include moving a cleaning arm of the self-cleaning system along a path of travel at least a portion of which is within the vicinity of the environmental monitoring device. Optionally, the self-cleaning system is according to aspects described below.

[0023] In one embodiment, the distance identification system is further configured to determine a distance between the environment monitoring device and the detected object, and to communicate a command to the repel system to perform one or more repel events only if the object is determined to be farther than a predetermined minimum distance.

[0024] In one embodiment, the environmental monitor may include an optical device, and the environmental monitor may include a substantially upwardly facing sensing portion.

[0025] The system can be configured to log and / or communicate to an external computer instances of execution of one or more repelling event actions. Optionally, the system further comprises a communications system configured to receive communications from the external computer, the communications including commands from the external computer via the communications system for remotely controlling the deterrent processing system, the environmental monitoring device, and / or the repelling system. Additionally or alternatively, the system can further comprise a communications system configured to send communications to the external computer, the communications including monitoring communications.

[0026] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a deterrence method for deterring animals from a vicinity of an environmental monitoring device, the deterrence method including the steps of generating a presence signal indicating the presence of an object within a predetermined vicinity of the environmental monitoring device, monitoring the presence signal, determining from the presence signal whether an object is present within the predetermined vicinity of the environmental monitoring device, and performing one or more repelling actions in response to receiving a command from a deterrence processing system.

[0027] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a self-cleaning system for cleaning an environmental monitoring device, the self-cleaning system comprising: a cleaning arm having a nozzle; a drive unit configured to move the cleaning arm along a path; a reservoir in fluid communication with the nozzle; a pump; and a cleaning process module configured to control operation of the drive unit and the pump, wherein the cleaning process module controls the drive unit to move the cleaning arm along the path and controls the pump to cause movement of liquid from the reservoir to the nozzle and out of the nozzle, and the path and nozzle are configured to cause the liquid to contact an active area of ​​the environmental monitoring device, thereby cleaning the environmental monitoring device.

[0028] Optionally, the environmental monitoring device is mounted to a structure such as a pole and / or configured to take sensor measurements of at least a portion of the sky, such as a skycam. The cleaning arm and nozzle may be located near the environmental monitoring device, and the reservoir may be located near the base of the pole.

[0029] Optionally, the cleaning process module is configured to control cleaning of the environment monitoring device periodically and / or according to a predetermined schedule.

[0030] The fluid communication can include flexible and / or non-flexible tubing.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the environment monitoring device may comprise an optical device, and the environment monitoring device may comprise a substantially upwardly facing sensing portion.

[0032] In one embodiment, a self-cleaning system is provided, wherein the nozzle is one of a plurality of nozzles, and the system further comprises a valve system including at least one valve for controlling activation of the plurality of nozzles, wherein liquid is discharged from the activated nozzle, and the cleaning processing module is further configured to control a pump and valve to move liquid from a reservoir to one or more selected nozzles, where the liquid is discharged from the selected nozzles and contacts a portion of an active area of ​​the environmental monitoring device, and thereafter move the liquid to another selected one or more nozzles of the plurality of nozzles, where the liquid contacts another portion of the active area.

[0033] The cleaning process module may further be configured to control pumps and valves to move the liquid and direct the liquid to individual nozzles in succession to execute a nozzle firing sequence such that substantially the entire active area is contacted.

[0034] The cleaning arm is one of a plurality of cleaning arms and / or the detector is one of a plurality of detectors.

[0035] In another embodiment, a self-cleaning system is provided, further comprising a communication system configured to communicate between an external computer and the self-cleaning system, wherein the self-cleaning system is further configured to receive commands and / or communicate monitoring information from the external computer via the communication system for remotely controlling the cleaning treatment system, the environmental monitoring device, and / or the self-cleaning system.

[0036] The system may further be configured to log and / or communicate to an external computer instances of the execution of one or more repel event actions.

[0037] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a self-cleaning method for cleaning an environmental monitoring device, the self-cleaning method comprising the steps of: moving a cleaning arm having a nozzle along a path; and pumping liquid from a reservoir to the nozzle and expelling the liquid from the nozzle as the cleaning arm moves along the path, the path and the nozzle configured such that the liquid contacts an active area of ​​the environmental monitoring device, thereby cleaning the environmental monitoring device.

[0038] In one embodiment, a self-cleaning method is provided, comprising the steps of providing at least one cleaning arm with a plurality of nozzles; controlling at least one valve to sequentially direct pumped liquid from a reservoir to one or more selected nozzles; and the valves, nozzles, and / or pathways configured such that liquid sequentially exits each nozzle in a sequence of nozzle discharges to substantially contact the active area, thereby cleaning the optical device with maximum water pressure from each nozzle.

[0039] Optionally, the pump, passages, and / or nozzles may be configured such that liquid is ejected from the nozzles at low pressure substantially onto the active area, thereby soaking the active area prior to cleaning the optical device.

[0040] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a deterrent system for deterring animals from a vicinity of an environmental monitoring device, the deterrent system comprising: at least one sensor configured to detect the presence of an object within a predetermined vicinity of the environmental monitoring device; a deterrent processing system; and the deterrent system configured to perform one or more repelling actions to repel the object, wherein the deterrent processing system is configured to determine the presence of an object within the predetermined vicinity of the environmental monitoring device and, in response to determining that the object is present, control the repelling system to perform a sequence of one or more repelling event actions.

[0041] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a deterrent method for deterring animals from a vicinity of an environmental monitoring device, the deterrent method including the steps of determining whether an object is present within a predetermined vicinity of the environmental monitoring device, and performing one or more repelling actions in response to determining the presence of the object.

[0042] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a solar power plant including one or more suppression systems and / or self-cleaning systems according to the above aspects.

[0043] Operators of deterrence and / or self-cleaning systems may be contractually required to maintain associated environmental monitoring devices at a certain level of cleanliness (e.g., to ensure that environmental monitoring performed by the devices is accurate). The systems and methods described herein advantageously provide both operators of the deterrence and / or self-cleaning systems and operators of the environmental monitoring devices with increased confidence that the environment is being accurately monitored, due to the continuous autonomous deterrence and / or self-cleaning operations performed by the described embodiments. A further benefit is that the autonomously operating long-term deterrence and / or self-cleaning systems reduce the need for users to physically visit, inspect, and / or maintain the environmental monitoring devices, as this increases confidence that the environmental monitoring devices are being maintained. Another benefit is that the ability to collect and filter water from the local environment reduces the need for users to refill the self-cleaning systems.

[0044] As used herein, the words "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" are used to specify the presence of stated features, but do not exclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

[0045] In order that the present invention may be more clearly understood, reference may be made to the accompanying drawings, in which: An example will be described. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0046] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a deterrent system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows an embodiment in which the optical device is mounted on a pole. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 illustrates a method performed by an inhibit processing module according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 illustrates a self-cleaning system according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 shows the relationship between the cleaning process module, the pump, and the drive unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 illustrates another method performed by an inhibit processing module according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a modification of the method of FIG. 3, whereby repulsion does not occur if the object is too close. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment that includes a water collection system integrated with a self-cleaning system. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment that includes a water collection system integrated with a self-cleaning system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0047] 1 illustrates a schematic representation of a deterrence system 10 according to one embodiment. The system 10 may be used to deter animals (such as birds) from being in the vicinity of or landing on an environmental monitoring device 20 for monitoring at least one environmental variable. The system 10 includes a detector system 11 and a repelling system 12, each of which is coupled to a deterrence processing module 13.

[0048] According to this embodiment, the environmental monitoring device 20 is typically an optical device including an optical sensor 21 configured to receive electromagnetic radiation, which may be optical, infrared, ultraviolet, and / or any other desired spectrum. In this case, the electromagnetic radiation corresponds to an environmental variable. Advantageously, the environmental monitoring device 20 may be suitable for continuous use in locations that are not frequently monitored by humans and / or are difficult to access, such as rural or desert areas or urban environments on high masts. The environmental monitoring device 20 is configured to record and / or transmit data corresponding to the sensed environmental variables; for example, the optical device may be configured to record a time series of images (which may be video). The quality of operation of the environmental monitoring device 20 may depend on consistent sensing efficiency. Such an optical device may be configured to capture the sky and may be selected from a sky / cloud camera, a pyranometer, a pyranometer, a UV sensor, a lidar, and a ceilometer.

[0049] In one embodiment, the environmental monitoring device 20 includes a non-optical device (either separately or in addition to the optical sensor 21). An example of a non-optical device is a SODAR device. For purposes of this disclosure, the environmental monitoring device 20 is considered to include an optical device.

[0050] An exemplary environmental monitoring device 20 is used for weather monitoring. Such an environmental monitoring device 20 may be a "sky camera," which is becoming increasingly important for solar power plants. For example, sky cameras are utilized by the applicant's solar forecasting system (Proa Forecasting System (PFS)), as described in the following resources: https: / / proa.energy / solutions / expert-services / “Proa Analytics Solar Forecasts Project - LESSONS LEARNT REPORT 2” https: / / arena.gov.au / assets / 2020 / 07 / proa-analytics-solar-forecasting-lessons-learnt-report-2.pdf.

[0051] A particular problem is the presence of birds or bird droppings, which can severely affect the operation of the environmental monitoring device 20. Birds may roost, nest, or defecate on the environmental monitoring device 20, compromising the accuracy and reducing the value of the collected data.

[0052] FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of system 10 in which environmental monitoring device 20 is mounted on a pole 22. More generally, environmental monitoring device 20 may be mounted on (e.g., on) a structure such as a building. As shown, environmental monitoring device 20 monitors the sky, where optical sensor 21 corresponds to upward-facing camera 21. System 10 includes detector system 11, which may include a motion detector depending on the implementation. According to one embodiment, detector system 11 is configured to generate a presence signal indicating the presence of an object, such as an animal, in the vicinity of environmental monitoring device 20. In one embodiment, a presence signal is also generated when an animal is in physical contact with environmental monitoring device 20. For example, the maximum distance from environmental monitoring device 20 for detection may be between one meter and three meters depending on the implementation.

[0053] The detector system 11 is adapted with a deterrent processing module 13 such that the presence signal is communicated to the deterrent processing module 13. In one embodiment, the presence signal directly indicates the presence of an animal; for example, the presence signal may include an indication of a condition. In another embodiment, the presence signal is processed by the deterrent processing module 13, which determines whether an animal is present based on characteristics of the presence signal. For example, the presence signal may correspond to an analog signal that is analyzed by the deterrent processing module 13. In either case, the deterrent processing module 13 is configured to identify from the presence signal that an animal is present within the vicinity of the environment monitoring device 20.

[0054] According to one embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, detector system 11 is located remotely from environmental monitoring device 20. In this embodiment, arm 23 extends from post 22, with detector system 11 attached to distal end 30 of arm 23. Detector system 11 is oriented to detect the presence of an animal in the vicinity of environmental monitoring device 20.

[0055] The detector system 11 may, for example, comprise at least an infrared detector configured to identify the presence of an animal, other examples include one or more of a microwave motion sensor (using the Doppler effect), an ultrasonic sensor (using time of flight), a photoelectric sensor (e.g., transmitted or reflected beam), a laser ranging sensor, and a capacitance sensor.

[0056] According to one embodiment (not shown), detector system 11 is positioned with one or more detectors adjacent to environmental monitoring device 20. Such detectors may be outward-facing (i.e., away from environmental monitoring device 20) and configured to identify animals as they approach environmental monitoring device 20.

[0057] FIG. 3 illustrates a method performed by deterrence processing module 13 for determining the presence of an animal in the vicinity of optical device 20, according to one embodiment.

[0058] In step S100, the deterrent processing module 13 monitors the presence signal received from the detector system 11.

[0059] In step S101, the deterrent processing module 13 identifies instances of animals detected within the vicinity of the optical device 20 from the presence signal.

[0060] Optionally, in step S102, the deterrent processing module 13 performs a temporal check to determine whether the presence signal has indicated the presence of an animal for at least a predetermined time.

[0061] In this case, in response to the predetermined time having elapsed with the animal still detected as present, in step S103 the deterrence processing module 13 proceeds to perform one or more repelling events via the repelling system 12. If the optional temporal check is not utilized, the method proceeds directly to step S103. In response to the animal not being present after the predetermined time has elapsed, the method returns to step S100.

[0062] The repelling system 12 is controlled by the deterrence processing module 13 to execute one or more repelling events. According to one embodiment, there is a single repelling event. Advantageously, a single repelling event may simplify the operation of the system 10. According to another embodiment, there are multiple repelling events, including an initial repelling event and at least one subsequent repelling event. Advantageously, multiple repelling events provide an escalation capability for the system 10, i.e., a subsequent repelling event may provide a higher chance of scaring off the animal compared to a previous repelling action. The or each repelling event includes one or more repelling actions.

[0063] 2 , non-physical repelling actions can be provided, such as auditory repelling actions that include emitting a sound and / or visual repelling actions that include directing a light at the animal. For example, system 10 can include a speaker 24 and / or a light source 25 (which may provide a bright flash). According to one embodiment, the initial repelling action is a non-physical repelling action. Advantageously, such an initial repelling action may require relatively little energy usage to trigger, may not affect the operation of environmental monitoring system 20, and / or may not require physical interaction with the animal.

[0064] In one embodiment, the deterrence processing module 13 is further configured to determine the distance from the environmental monitoring device 20 to the detected object. The distance is compared to a predetermined minimum distance (which may be set by a user or communicated to the deterrence processing module 13) so that the deterrence processing module 13 determines whether the object is closer or farther from the environmental monitoring device 20 than the predetermined minimum distance. The predetermined minimum distance is expected to be approximately 1 meter in most situations, but the predetermined minimum distance may vary depending on the specific placement of the device, the wildlife being detected, and the environment. For example, the predetermined minimum value may be less than 1 meter for more effective integration with at least one of the sensors, i.e., a microwave motion sensor. Thus, the predetermined minimum distance may range from 0.75 meters to 1.25 meters, or from 0.5 meters to 1.0 meters. If the object is closer than the predetermined minimum distance, the repelling system 12 is not activated.

[0065] For example, animals, particularly flying animals such as birds, are typically expected to be first detected at more than a predetermined minimum distance to the environmental monitoring device 20. This embodiment may therefore advantageously reduce or avoid instances of repelling system 12 moving due to non-animal objects being detected by detector system 11. A specific example of a non-animal object is a detection due to an environmental factor, such as rain. This embodiment may prevent activation of repelling system 12 when an animal is actually present (either because an object corresponding to an animal is detected as too close or because it is present during rain, for example), which may be prioritized in a particular implementation compared to activation occurring when not needed (e.g., due to measurement interference or power considerations).

[0066] In one implementation, the detector system 11 itself is configured to provide distance information, i.e., not just the presence or absence of an object, but also the distance to the object. For example, the detector system 11 may utilize a radar sensor. In a particularly preferred example, the radar sensor is a radar transceiver, which is characterized by low cost, compactness, and stable operation over a range of temperatures. In another implementation, a separate sensor is provided to determine whether an object is within a predetermined minimum range.

[0067] Figure 7 illustrates a modification of the method of Figure 3, with steps S100-S103 remaining equivalent. In an additional step S104, deterrence processing module 13 performs a distance check to determine whether an object is within a predetermined minimum distance. If so, it returns to step S100 without taking any repelling action. If not, deterrence processing module 13 proceeds to perform one or more repelling events via repel system 12 in step S103.

[0068] Although S104 is shown in Figure 3 as being performed after step S102, it will be appreciated that the two steps may be interchangeable within the method or may be effectively performed simultaneously. It will be apparent that the method of Figure 6 may similarly be modified to include a check against a predetermined minimum distance.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 4, according to one embodiment, a self-cleaning system 17 is provided that is configured to perform a cleaning operation to remove interference from the environmental monitoring system 20. For example, such interference may include dirt and dust. The self-cleaning system 17 includes a cleaning arm 40 coupled to a drive unit 41. The drive unit 41 is configured to cause movement of the cleaning arm 40. The cleaning arm 40 includes a nozzle 42 that can supply liquid from a reservoir 43. A pump 44 is provided to move the liquid to the nozzle 42, for example, via a conduit 45. Note that FIG. 4 also illustrates elements of the suppression system 10, previously described.

[0070] In other embodiments, the cleaning arm 40 can have one or more nozzles 42, or the system can have multiple cleaning arms 40, each having one or more nozzles or heads 42. In either case, the system according to this embodiment includes multiple nozzles 42. The self-cleaning system 17 can also include a valve system having one or more valves that can be controllably opened and closed to direct the movement of water from the reservoir 43 to a selected one or more of the nozzles 42, for example, according to a predetermined cleaning routine. For example, the valves can be electrically controllable valves, such as solenoid valves, although other controllable valves can be used. In one embodiment, sufficient controllable valves 46 are provided so that each nozzle 42 can be individually activated (and deactivated) for cleaning. In another embodiment, the nozzles 42 are arranged in two or more groups, each containing one or more nozzles 42, and the valves 46 are arranged so that each group of nozzles 42 is individually controllable, so that all nozzles 42 in a particular group can be simultaneously activated (and deactivated) for cleaning.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 5, according to one embodiment, the drive unit 41 and the pump 44 may be controllable via the cleaning process module 14, or at least may each perform a predetermined operation in response to a signal generated by the cleaning process module 14.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the cleaning process module 14 is configured to periodically operate the drive unit 41 and the pump 44 from time to time, for example, according to a predetermined schedule or at a predetermined time period. Such operation can be referred to as a cleaning operation. During a cleaning operation, the cleaning arm 40 is moved by the drive unit 41, and liquid is pumped from the nozzle 42 via the operation of the pump 44. The nozzle 42 moves along a path and is configured to spray liquid toward the environmental monitoring device 20, typically over an active area of ​​the environmental monitoring device 20, such as a lens or window on which the optical sensor 21 operates. The movement of the cleaning arm 40 directs the nozzle 42 over the entire active area, or at least a significant portion of the active area, to perform useful cleaning of the active area. The sprayed liquid functions to remove dirt, dust, and other contaminants.

[0073] In embodiments where multiple nozzles 42 are present, the cleaning process module 14 may be configured to control the pump 44 and valve system 46 to cause the transfer of liquid from the reservoir 43 to a first nozzle 42 (or a first group of one or more nozzles 42) of the multiple nozzles 42, and to cause the liquid to exit that first nozzle 42 (or first group of one or more nozzles 42) so as to contact at least a portion of the active area. The cleaning process module 14 then controls the pump 44 and valve 46 to cause the liquid to transfer to a second nozzle 42 (or a second group of one or more nozzles 42) of the multiple nozzles 42, configured to contact a different portion of the active area (there may, of course, be overlap in the extent of the active area). This is then repeated, if applicable, for each nozzle 42 a third, fourth, etc., performing a series of nozzle discharges until the entire active area has been contacted with liquid, thereby cleaning the active area.

[0074] By activating only one nozzle 42 (or a group of multiple nozzles 42) at a time, the pressure of the liquid exiting the nozzle 42 is improved compared to activating all nozzles 42 simultaneously. Thus, embodiments may advantageously optimize the cleaning ability of the liquid. By arranging the nozzles 42 to contact the exiting liquid with at least a portion of the active area by a single nozzle at maximum pressure, and activating a series of nozzles 42 in succession to clean substantially the entire area, the cleaning process is more efficient and effective. Grouping nozzles 42 may provide an advantage by allowing a desired trade-off between cleaning time (and therefore energy use) and the desire for higher pressure.

[0075] 2, reservoir 43 may be located at or near the base of column 22, and a conduit, which may include resilient and / or inelastic tubing, extends over column 22 to connect reservoir 43 to nozzle 44. Locating reservoir 43 at the base of column 22 may provide easier access for refilling and reduce weight loading on column 22. Pump 44 may be located near reservoir 43.

[0076] The self-cleaning system 17 advantageously allows for cleaning of the environmental monitoring device 20 in an automated manner, without the need for user presence, thereby extending the amount of time that the environmental monitoring device 20 can be used without user intervention.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the self-cleaning system 17 may also be utilized for repelling operations. For example, the cleaning arm 40 may be movable along a path over the environmental monitoring device 20. This movement may motivate animals moving near the environmental monitoring device 20 to leave. The associated repelling operation therefore corresponds to movement of the cleaning arm 40 along the same overall path used during cleaning, optionally causing the cleaning arm 40 and nozzle 43 to physically interfere with the animals or to deter the animals from landing on the environmental monitoring device 20. This repelling operation may be considered a physical repelling operation because it physically impedes the animals' ability to reach or remain on the environmental monitoring device 20. Generally, using the cleaning arm 40 for repelling operations does not necessarily involve a liquid, i.e., the pump 44 does not necessarily have to be activated.

[0078] Advantageously, this embodiment can utilize the same hardware for both cleaning and animal repelling, providing fewer components compared to two separate systems. This embodiment can also have the advantage of reducing or eliminating the incidence of bird droppings accumulating on the environmental monitoring device 20, which can be more difficult to remove than dirt and dust.

[0079] Therefore, optionally, the self-cleaning system 17 can be further configured to perform a soaking step prior to the cleaning step described above. In this soaking step, the pump, channels, and / or nozzles 42 are configured to allow liquid to issue from one or more nozzles 42, cover the active area, and allow the liquid to penetrate the mud or feces. After a predetermined time (selected so that the liquid sufficiently soaks the mud or feces), the self-cleaning system 17 can be configured to perform the cleaning step. Since high water pressure is likely not required or is lower than that, soaking may be performed using multiple, if not all, nozzles 42. Furthermore, only a small amount of liquid is likely required, and therefore, the nozzles 42 are only used for a short time for soaking.

[0080] The processing modules 13, 14 may be implemented by a programmable logic controller (PLC), a microcontroller, a single-board computer (e.g., Raspberry Pi®), a mini PC, or any other suitable processor hardware. The processing modules 13, 14 may be implemented in separate hardware or as functions of the same hardware. Typically, the hardware will include input / output ports (I / O ports) that can interface with controllable functions of the system 10, thereby enabling the processing modules 13, 14 to implement the functions described herein.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the power source for system 10 comprises a low-voltage grid-tied power source or a solar generator and a battery. The solar generator may be configured to charge the battery and / or directly power system 10. The battery may be configured to power system 10 when the energy output of the solar generator is low or not at all.

[0082] According to one embodiment, system 10 is configured to record data corresponding to the measured environmental variables in memory (typically with a timestamp) and / or communicate the measured environmental variables to an external computer. Communication may be via, for example, mobile broadband options such as 4G or 5G, wired Ethernet or DSL, or other wireless technologies such as LoRa® LPWAN (Low Power Wide Area Network), or SIGFOX® LPWAN or Ingenu® RPMA (Random Phase Multiple Access). This may be by wireless or wired data communication selected from alternative LPWANs such as LPWANs, and WiFi (particularly directional WiFi).

[0083] 6 illustrates a method for deterring animals according to one embodiment, including a first repelling event and a second repelling event, where the first repelling event includes a non-physical repelling action, such as an audio repelling action, a video repelling action, or a combination of the two, and the second repelling event includes a physical interference action.

[0084] In step S200, the deterrent processing module 13 monitors the presence signal received from the detector system 11.

[0085] In step S201, the deterrence processing module 13 identifies instances of animals detected within the vicinity of the environment monitoring device 20 from the presence signal.

[0086] Optionally, in step S202, the deterrent processing module 13 performs a temporal check to determine whether the presence signal indicates the presence of an animal for at least a predetermined time.

[0087] In this case, in response to the predetermined time having elapsed with the animal still detected as being present, the deterrence processing module 13 proceeds to perform a first repelling event in step S203. If the optional time check is not used, proceed directly to step S203. The first repelling event may be performed at predetermined time intervals.

[0088] Next, in step S204, the deterrence processing module 13 checks for the presence of an animal a predetermined time after the start of the first repelling event, which may be the same as or a different time from the period during which the first repelling event is executed, depending on the embodiment.

[0089] If no animal is detected as present, the method returns to step S200.

[0090] On the other hand, if the animal is still present, the method proceeds to step S205, where a second repelling event is performed, for example, a physical repelling action that may result in physical interference with the animal.

[0091] Next, in step S206, the deterrence processing module 13 checks for the presence of an animal a predetermined time after the start of the second repelling event, which may be the same as or a different time from the period during which the second repelling event is performed, depending on the embodiment.

[0092] If no animals are detected as present, the method returns to step S200, otherwise if animals are still present the method returns to step S205 or step S203 depending on the embodiment.

[0093] Other physical repelling actions are contemplated depending on the embodiment. For example, in embodiments that do not include a self-cleaning system 17, a movable arm may be provided that is similar in operation to the cleaning arm 40, except that it does not include the nozzle 42, reservoir 43, pump 44, or conduit 45.

[0094] An advantage of two or more repelling events is that a relatively low-power and / or low-intrusive initial repelling event may, in some cases, be sufficient to deter the animal. However, if the initial repelling event fails, system 10 has the ability to escalate the repelling with subsequent repelling events, which may involve physical movement. An advantage of utilizing a non-physical repelling action as the initial repelling action is that it may reduce instances of wear and tear due to physical movement of components of system 10.

[0095] The deterrent system 10 and / or the self-cleaning system 17 can be utilized within a solar power plant. The solar power plant may be provided with one or more environmental monitoring devices 20 configured to assist in local weather forecasting, for example, by including an upward-facing camera (optical sensor 21) configured to photograph the sky. The deterrent system 10 can be utilized to deter animals, particularly birds, from interfering with the operation of the optical sensor 21 by deterring animals from resting on or otherwise coming into contact with the environmental monitoring device 20. Solar power plants are often located in remote or semi-remote locations where it is not practical for humans to visit regularly enough to provide cleaning of the environmental monitoring device 20, and the deterrent system 10 can thus reduce the rate at which impurities accumulate on the environmental monitoring device 20 due to animals. Similarly, the self-cleaning system 17 can advantageously provide autonomous self-cleaning of the optical sensor 21, thereby maintaining one or more environmental monitoring devices 20 as an effective tool for local weather forecasting.

[0096] The system 10 can be configured to record in memory a log that records the time a repelling event occurred. In embodiments in which the cleaning arm 40 is moved according to at least one repelling action, recording the time this occurs may enable correlation with data obtained from an environmental monitoring device. For example, this may allow subsequent processing to exclude data that is contemporaneous with the movement of the cleaning arm 40. In such embodiments, a log may be created of the time the cleaning action occurred for similar reasons. Additionally or alternatively, the system 10 can communicate the record to an external computer (if applicable).

[0097] Embodiments may include a communications system (not shown) configured to communicate with an external computer (if remotely located) (e.g., to enable communication between self-cleaning system 17 and / or deterrence system 10 and the external computer). Specifically, self-cleaning system 17 or deterrence system 10 may receive commands from the external computer to control one or more of cleaning treatment system 14, deterrence treatment system 13, environmental monitor 20, repel system 12, and / or self-cleaning system 17. In one example, the external computer may issue commands to activate or deactivate one or more systems, put the systems to sleep, or perform additional operations as needed.

[0098] The communication system may also permit communication and monitoring by an external computer of various events, such as those that may be logged by system 10, such as detection of animal presence, water level in reservoir 43 (e.g., as determined by a reservoir level sensor (not shown) configured to monitor the amount of water present in reservoir 43 and interfaced with self-cleaning system 17), battery charge cycles, instances of self-cleaning events, instances of repelling events, etc. In particular, this information may be useful in identifying the particular requirements of a deployed system 10. For example, one system 10 may require a larger battery due to a greater number of required repelling events compared to another system 10, simply due to location, and this can be identified via such monitoring communications.

[0099] FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment integrating the water collection system 15 and the self-cleaning system 17. It is assumed that the self-cleaning system 17 is integrated with the described deterrence system 10, although for clarity, the features of the deterrence system 10 are not explicitly shown in FIG. 8 . In some variations, the deterrence functionality described herein is not incorporated. Generally, the function of the self-cleaning system 17 can be according to the embodiments described herein, and its effect is to clean the active area of ​​the environmental monitoring device 20 by directing water provided from a reservoir toward the active area. The deterrence system 10, in conjunction with the self-cleaning system 17 and the water collection system 15, can further reduce the number of required user visits to the associated environmental monitoring device 20 by reducing the likelihood of visible damage to the active area of ​​the environmental monitoring device 20 due to animal activity, thereby reducing the amount of self-cleaning required. Additionally, the water collection system 15 can maintain a level of fluid usable by the self-cleaning system 17, providing continuous cleaning of the active area over extended periods between visits.

[0100] The embodiment of Figure 8 has the advantage that the reservoir 43 can be refilled with water, thereby reducing the frequency of maintenance required for the self-cleaning system 17 (and, more generally, the environmental monitoring device 20). This means that the user will need to visit the environmental monitoring device 20 less frequently, thereby improving the usefulness of the remote environmental monitoring device 20.

[0101] The water collection system 15 is configured to collect water from the environment surrounding the environmental monitoring device 20 .

[0102] In embodiments, water collection system 15 includes one or more collectors 50 constructed and arranged to collect water for use by self-cleaning system 17 in cleaning the active area of ​​environmental monitoring device 20. In embodiments, water collection system 15 includes one or more collectors 50 constructed and arranged to collect water from localized precipitation. It is expected that one or more collectors 50 can combine such functionality, having a structure and arrangement suitable for collecting both water for use by self-cleaning system 17 in cleaning the active area of ​​environmental monitoring device 20 and water from localized precipitation.

[0103] The collector 50 typically includes an inlet opening positioned to receive water from above (i.e., water falling by gravity). For example, the collector 50 can be configured as a collection tray. The collector 50 is in fluid communication with the reservoir 43, for example, via flexible and / or non-flexible tubing. For example, the collector 50 is directly coupled to the reservoir 43, for example, by having a lower outlet opening directly coupled to the inlet opening of the reservoir 43.

[0104] In embodiments, fluid communication between the one or more collectors 50 and the reservoir 43 is achieved by gravity alone; that is, no active pumping mechanism is provided. Advantageously, this eliminates the need for an additional pump (although it should be noted that the pump 44 is required to operate the self-cleaning system 17). However, in certain embodiments, a pump (not shown) may be provided between the at least one collector 50 and the reservoir 43. This may be advantageous in situations where the at least one collector 50 cannot be suitably positioned above the reservoir 43 due to gravitational forces (e.g., due to physical constraints in the installation location of the associated environmental monitoring device 20).

[0105] 8 also shows a filtration system 60 for filtering the water within the self-cleaning system 17. In the illustrated embodiment, the filtration system 60 is arranged to filter water pumped from the reservoir 43 by the pump 44. Thus, advantageously, the same pump 44 is utilized to both pass water through the filtration system 60 and operate the self-cleaning system 17, ensuring that the water is filtered before being directed toward the active area of ​​the environmental monitoring device 20.

[0106] In another embodiment (not shown), the filtration system 16 is placed in the fluid path between the water collection system 15 and the reservoir 43. This embodiment would likely require an additional pump (not shown) to ensure effective filtration of the environmental water, but has the advantage that the self-cleaning system 17 itself contains only filtered water (because the water is filtered before entering the self-cleaning system 17). Such additional pumps may be controlled by the cleaning process module 14, and may require one or more collectors 50 to be suitable for holding the collected water until the additional pumps are activated, or one or more secondary storage tanks (not shown) to be provided between the one or more collectors 50 and the reservoir 43.

[0107] Filtration system 16 includes a first filter unit 51 in fluid communication between pump 44 and nozzle 42, with first filter unit 51 located on the output side of pump 44. Alternatively, or additionally, filtration system 16 includes a second filter unit 52 in fluid communication between reservoir 43 and pump 44, with second filter unit 52 located on the suction side of pump 44.

[0108] In one embodiment, filtration system 16 includes a deionization filter 53 that includes two deionization resin filters connected in series. In one embodiment, filtration system 16 includes a carbon prefilter 54 positioned to filter the received water before it reaches the deionization filter 53. In one embodiment, filtration system 16 includes a strainer 55 to remove relatively large particles. In the illustrated embodiment, first filter unit 51 includes the deionization filter 53 and the carbon prefilter 54, and second filter unit 52 includes the strainer 55.

[0109] FIG. 9 illustrates a variation of the embodiment of FIG. 8 in which a second strainer 55b is disposed as a component of a third filter unit 56 disposed in fluid communication between one or more collectors 50 and the reservoir 43. In the illustrated embodiment, the second strainer 55b is provided in addition to the first strainer 55a (as described above) of the second filter unit 52. However, in a variation (not shown), the second strainer 55b replaces the first strainer 55a (i.e., there is no strainer 55 in fluid communication between the reservoir 43 and the self-cleaning system 17). The third filter unit 56 can include filters other than the second strainer 55b. However, an advantage of disposing the second strainer 55b in the third filter unit 56 is that the second strainer 55b can effectively filter under gravity-induced fluid pressure without the need for active pumping. The advantage of placing a second strainer 55b before the reservoir 43 as shown is that it prevents large debris from entering the reservoir 43 in the first place.

[0110] According to an embodiment, an environmental monitoring device 20 is provided that advantageously cleans its own equipment, detects and repels wildlife, and collects and filters its own water. In an optional configuration, the environmental monitoring device 20 can generate its own power by including a power source including a solar generator and a battery. Advantageously, such an environmental monitoring device 20 is suitable for installation in remote locations. For example, such an environmental monitoring device 20 can advantageously reduce the need for cleaning and refilling water by a user.

[0111] The incorporation of the filtration system 16 has the advantage that in the event of insufficient rainfall, a user visiting the site of the environmental monitoring device 20 can refill the reservoir 43 with potable water rather than deionized water. This requires user intervention, but does not require the user to carry properly filtered water with them to clean the active area of ​​the environmental monitoring device 20.

[0112] 8, in one embodiment, the output of reservoir 43 is higher than the bottom of reservoir 43. This advantageously provides a volume in reservoir 43 for contaminants to settle, after which the contaminants (at least the majority of the settled contaminants) are not fed to self-cleaning system 17, essentially providing an additional filter.

[0113] In one embodiment, one or more collectors 50 are positioned within an effective deterrence distance of the deterrence system 10. Advantageously, this can reduce the likelihood of local wildlife activity causing debris to enter the impoundment basin 43. For example, effective bird deterrence can reduce the risk of feathers, droppings, and other bird-borne contaminants entering the collector 50.

[0114] In one embodiment, at least one collector 50 comprises, at least in part, a solar panel of a photovoltaic power generation system utilized by environmental monitoring device 20 and / or the functionality of the various systems described herein.

[0115] Further modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this specification.

[0116] For example, system 10 may be configured to consider the relative distance between the animal and environment monitoring device 20 when selecting two or more different repelling events (see the method of FIG. 6 for comparison). Thus, detector system 11 may be configured to determine the relative distance and presence of the animal. System 10 may be configured to apply one repelling event when the animal is present at a first distance and another repelling event when the animal is present at a second distance. Advantageously, such a configuration may result in a non-physical repelling action when the animal is still some distance away from environment monitoring device 20 and a physical repelling action when the animal approaches environment monitoring device 20.

Claims

1. 1. A self-cleaning system for autonomously cleaning an environmental monitoring device having an active area, the system comprising: A reservoir tank; a self-cleaning system in fluid communication with the reservoir and configured to clean the active area by directing water provided by the reservoir to the active area; a water collection system for collecting water external to the self-cleaning system for input to the self-cleaning system, the water collection system being in fluid communication with a reservoir; a filtration system for filtering water within the self-cleaning system; A system comprising:

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the filtration system comprises a first filter unit in fluid communication between the reservoir and the self-cleaning system.

3. The system of claim 2 , comprising a first pump that pumps water from the reservoir to the first filter unit and then to the self-cleaning system.

4. The system of claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the first filter unit includes a deionization filter.

5. 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the first filter unit further comprises a carbon filter positioned to filter the received water prior to the deionization filter.

6. The system of claim 2 , further comprising a second filter unit in fluid communication between the reservoir and the first filter unit.

7. The system of claim 6 , wherein the second filter unit comprises a strainer.

8. 8. The system of claim 7 when dependent on claim 3, wherein the second filter unit is disposed on the suction side of the first pump.

9. 9. A system according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein, in use, the direction of water flow is from the reservoir through the first filter unit towards the self-cleaning system.

10. The system of claim 2 , further comprising a third filter unit in fluid communication between the water collection system and the reservoir.

11. The system of claim 10 , wherein the third filter unit comprises a strainer.

12. 12. The system of claim 1, wherein the water collection system comprises at least one first collector arranged to receive water discharged by the self-cleaning system, and wherein at least a portion of the water used to clean the active area is captured by the at least one first collector.

13. 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the at least one first collector comprises a collection tray in fluid communication with the reservoir positioned to direct captured water into the reservoir.

14. 14. The system of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the water collection system comprises at least one second collector arranged to receive environmental water, such as rainwater.

15. 15. The system of claim 14, wherein at least one of the second collectors comprises a collection tray in fluid communication with the reservoir positioned to direct captured water into the reservoir.

16. 16. The system of claim 15 when dependent on claim 13, wherein at least one of the first collection trays is of the same construction as at least one of the second collection trays.

17. 17. The system of claim 1, wherein the water collection system utilizes gravity to transport captured water to the reservoir.

18. 18. The system of claim 1, wherein the reservoir includes an output port for supplying water to the self-cleaning system, the output port being positioned above a lower volume of the reservoir that defines a volume for particulate matter to settle.

19. 19. The system of any one of claims 1 to 18, further comprising a deterrent system for deterring animals from the vicinity of the environmental monitoring device.

20. The deterrent system comprises: a detector system including at least one sensor configured to generate a presence signal indicative of the presence of an object within a predetermined vicinity of the environment monitoring device; a deterrent processing system; Equipped with a repelling system, The deterrent processing system includes: monitoring the presence signal and determining from the presence signal whether an object is present within a predetermined vicinity of the environment monitoring device; configured to communicate a command to the repulsion system to perform a sequence of one or more repulsion event actions in response to determining that the object is present; The repelling system comprises: configured to execute one or more repel events in response to receiving the command from the deterrence processing system.

20. The system of claim 19.

21. 21. The system of claim 19 or claim 20, wherein the deterrent system is configured to move a cleaning arm of a self-cleaning system through a path along which at least a portion of the cleaning arm travels within the vicinity of the environmental monitoring device to deter animals from the vicinity of the environmental monitoring device.

22. 22. The system of any one of claims 1 to 21, further comprising a solar generator and a battery for powering the components of the system.

23. 23. The system of any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the system is configured for remote operation.

24. a communication system configured to communicate between an external computer and the self-cleaning system; the self-cleaning system is further configured to receive commands and / or communicate the monitoring information from the external computer via the communication system to remotely control the cleaning treatment system, the environmental monitoring device, and / or the self-cleaning system; the communication system utilizes a wireless wide area communication protocol; 24. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 23.

25. 25. The system of claim 24, further comprising a reservoir level sensor configured to monitor the amount of water in the reservoir, wherein the self-cleaning system is configured to identify a low water level event corresponding to the amount of water in the reservoir detected by the reservoir level sensor falling below a threshold amount and to communicate an indication of the low water level event to the external computer.

26. 26. An environmental monitoring device including the system of any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein the environmental monitoring device comprises an active area for monitoring an environment of the environmental monitoring device, and the self-cleaning system is configured to clean the active area, and the environmental monitoring device is adapted for autonomous self-cleaning.

27. 27. The device of claim 26, configured to optically sense ambient electromagnetic radiation.

28. 28. A solar power plant consisting of one or more systems, said systems being a system according to any one of claims 1 to 27.

Images